Page 48 of Shadow

I gathered myself and stood. He watched as I approached him. When I stopped in front of him, he stared down at me.

“Hey, sweet cupcake,” he murmured, his voice holding a slight shake to it. “How is my girl?”

I answered by wrapping my arms around him and hugging him tightly. His body relaxed, and he let the bag he was holding fall to the floor before he hugged me back.

“God, I’ve missed you,” he said. “It’s been hell, Sirena.”

I gave him a gentle squeeze, breathing in the sweet smell wafting off him. He placed a fierce kiss on the top of my head as we clung to one another.

He finally pulled away and stared down at me. “Have you been OK? I don’t get to see you as much as I want to.” His voice trailed off. I took his hand and led him to his bed, where we both sat.

I caught Asylum’s eye. He winked at me before getting to his feet.

“Would you look at the time? I need to be going,” he said.

I frowned in confusion at him.

“Uh, we’re supposed to be watching your garbage movies. Are you canceling?” Bryce asked.

“For a bit. I need to go grab our takeout I scheduled for delivery, and then I need to frolic through the woods for a few. Maybe not in that order.” He went to the closet, grabbed his jacket, and put it on, followed by his hat and gloves.

“Firefly, my sweet forever girl, Shadow is a virgin. Go easy on him, baby.” And with those words, he left us alone.

I turned to look at Bryce, whose cheeks were red.

“He’s such a dick,” he muttered.

I already knew Bryce had never been with anyone before. He’d told me he’d messed around, but nothing ever went further than that.

I gave his hand a squeeze in the hopes I’d offer him some assurance.

“I made you some cupcakes,” he said, getting to his feet. I watched him rifle around in his bag for a moment before he came back with a container in his hands. He sat beside me again and handed over the box.

I took it and opened it to find chocolate cupcakes with my favorite cherry frosting. I smiled at him before putting the lid back on. Carefully, I stood and placed it on the bedside table before moving to stand in front of him.

He stared up at me, his hazel eyes filled with curiosity.

“What do you want to do tonight?” he asked, his voice wavering. “I’m sure Asylum won’t be gone long. We could just lie with each other while we wait…” He winced at his words. “Unless there’s something else you want to do. I-I can tell you some stories if you want.”

I smiled at that. I liked Bryce’s stories.

He visibly relaxed and slid back on the bed.

I wasn’t quite sure what I was doing. Maybe testing the waters to see what sort of energy we had. I already knew I cared deeply for him, and he for me, but we’d never had a chance to be alone with one another like this since we both realized those feelings. With Church giving me permission to feel things out, it felt like I should get to it.

His eyes locked on me as I moved onto the bed. I crawled right over him and straddled his lap, planting my ass on his thighs.

His breath caught as he stared at me.

“What are you doing?” he murmured, his voice shaking.

I reached out, took his hands, and placed them on my waist. His eyes locked on my midsection, his Adam’s apple bobbing.

“Sirena…I….” his words faltered.

I cradled his face and rested my forehead against his.

We were both shy, it seemed. Maybe him more than me.

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