Page 213 of Blood & Betrayals

I smile and send him a selfie of myself in the bath. The bubbles mostly cover me, but he’ll definitely get the idea.

Connor

I’m already on my way.

Summer

Oh?

Connor

You think that photo will keep me home?

I send another photo, this one of my neck, a drop of water trailing down my throat. I worry when he doesn’t reply. Was that too much? Is he uncomfortable or disgusted with me sending the photo? I curse my stupid and irrational insecurities. Less than fifteen minutes later, there is a loud knock at the door, followed by Alice’s voice.

“Surprise, surprise,” she says.

I laugh softly, relief and anticipation filling me with warmth. Connor comes through the bathroom door, already stripping.

“Hello, gorgeous,” he croons, his lips pulled into the smile of a man who is about to be naked with his girlfriend.

“There’s my big guy.” I shift to make room for him, but I know it will be a tight squeeze in this tub. Connor climbs in behind me, and I lay back against his chest.

“You know, the tub at my house is much bigger,” he says, nuzzling kisses against my neck.

I turn in his arms and straddle him, wrapping my arms around his neck. “Well, this was supposed to be my soak.”

“Oh?” Connor moves his hands to my ass and squeezes, kneading the flesh.

“Yes. A solo soak. Besides, don’t you enjoy how close we are in this one?” I hover my lips over his.

Connor squeezes my ass again and tilts his head more, his lips searching for mine. “That is a definite benefit.”

Connor slides his hand into my gloved one as we walk across campus. “So, how was your last final?”

“Fucking awful,” Alice grumbles from my other side.

“It was pretty tough,” I agree, smiling up at him. My gaze catches on the bruise I left on his neck, and I reach up to brush my finger over the mark.

“Hickey?” he asks.

I nod with a satisfied smile. “I want everyone to know you’re mine.”

“You guys are so gross,” Alice groans.

Connor smiles, his eyes darkening. “Pretty sure there isn’t a person on campus who doesn’t know that.”

“Maybe you should change your name to Connor Tuatha De Daanan on Nexus,” I say teasingly.

Connor laughs, leaning down to kiss me.

“Will you two hurry up? It’s cold as balls out here,” Alice grumbles, storming ahead.

“You’re a big mush,” I say, my smile feeling permanent.

“Just for you, babe.” We keep walking, and I can tell Connor is deep in thought. “Maybe we should do a mashup. Morning De Daanan,” he says after a few moments.

I laugh. “Absolutely not.”

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