Page 29 of Bad Boy
One hundred and ten percent.
If he wants friends with benefits, I’ll give it to him.
My cock pulses, tenting my sweats with a full-on erection.
“Again?” Remi asks in mock disbelief. “You said you’ve never done anything before, right?”
“That’s why I’m so horny, Remi. Simple cause and effect,” I state matter-of-factly.
Remi chuckles lightly before turning serious. He brushes the hair from my forehead, running his fingers through the length on top. “We should probably slow down before we go any further, Preppy.” He scratches my scalp, and I close my eyes, a shiver running down the length of my body.
“There’s plenty of time for more later. You had a really stressful day.”
He leans down and gives me a quick peck on the lips. “You feeling okay?” he whispers, even though we’re the only two people in my room.
No one ever asks me if I’m okay. Even when I’m sick. For Remi to care so soon. . . A lump of emotion clogs my throat, and I swallow thickly.
When he gazes at me with those impossibly dark eyes, so earnest and compelling, I want so badly to open up to him. I want to tell him everything. That I’m not okay. I’m really, really not okay. But I don’t. It's too soon, even though we’ve seen each other’s dicks and watched each other come. This afternoon was full of enough pain and humiliation; he doesn’t need to know anything more. I can’t handle it.
But these past two days, I’ve never felt so free in my entire life. So happy and, dare I say, hopeful. Hopeful for the future. For more opportunities to make my own decisions and do what I want with my life. Not whattheywant. And it’s all thanks to Remi.
My new friend.
With benefits.
So instead of the full truth, I just smile and reassure him. “I’ll be fine. Probably by the weekend, even. The scrapes are superficial. The chin will take a little longer, though.” I reach up and run my fingers along the small bandage Remi applied, but he gently pulls my hand away.
“That didn’t answer my question, Lincoln.” His brows draw together, and I absent-mindedly reach up to trace the crease with my fingers.
“How are youfeeling?” he asks again, emphasizing the last word.
“I feel. . .” I trail off, my gaze veering to the side as I break eye contact, unsure how to voice this to Remi without sounding desperate or pathetic. But he’s already seen me at my worst today, and he still wanted to give me a handy, so I give him a little more. “I’m feelin’ conflictin’ and confusin’ emotions right now. I’m upset, humiliated, happy, hopeful,alive.” I return my gaze to him, the last word a vulnerable whisper that escapes of its own accord. “Any of the good is because of you, Remi.”
He leans down and presses his lips to mine again, kissing me passionately. So unfriend-like that my head spins. Pulling back, he cradles my face with both hands, fathomless eyes searing my soul. “You’re alive, baby, trust me.You’re so fucking alive.” His declaration is so impassioned and urgent that my stomach bottoms out. And the fact that he just called mebabydoes not escape my notice.
We continue to stare at each other, trapped in this intimate moment. And for once, the strong emotions flowing between us don’t scare me. They excite me. Even if we arejust friends. It’s more than I’ve ever had.
“Thank you, Remi,” I murmur, and my eyes dart to his mouth. He gets the hint, lowering his lips for yet another tender kiss—so soft and completely opposite to his rough exterior.
The fact that people at school think he killed someone. . . An awkward laugh bubbles out of me and into Remi’s face. I quickly slip my hand between us and cover my mouth. I feel an embarrassing giggle-fit coming on.
Remi sits up, giving me space. “What are you laughing at?” he asks, chuckling. It’s contagious.
I remove my hand and take a deep breath. “I-I was just thinkin’ about—” I’m cut off by my own laughter, and I can feel my face heating up, but I try again. “Did you know kids at school think you killed someone, and that’s why y’all moved back here?”
Remi’s deep laugh joins mine, and I like how we sound together.
“I did hear that. I didn’t bother to correct anyone. I kinda like it. Lets them know to fuck off. And I didn’t, by the way—kill anyone.” He grins savagely. “Might have come close a few times, though.”
My mouth drops open. “W-what?”
“Only joking, Preppy.” He smirks, shaking his head, but I’m not really sure if heisjoking.
A phone buzzes, and Remi goes to check his bag. “That’s my mom. Guess she’s trying to check in or some shit. I better get going.”
He gets up to gather his things. “I called a tow truck while you were sleeping, and they took your moped to my place. We’ll get it fixed up, and your parents will never know. I’ll pick you up in the morning, so just tell them we’re carpooling. They fucking love me now, right?” He wiggles his eyebrows, and it makes me smile.
How is he so amazing?
