Page 63 of Bad Boy
He sighs, sounding resigned.
“I won’t be able to focus on the fight if you’re there, and I have to worry about you.”
“And I won’t be able to sleep knowing you’re out there alone, with no one who truly cares about you.” I roll my lips inward, worried I just revealed too much too soon.
“Lincoln.” This time his tone is soft, careful.
He threads his fingers with mine under the table so no one can see.
I know the look in his eyes. It’s the same one shining from mine.
If only he could kiss me.
Right here. Right now.
But there are so many reasons why we can’t. Why it’s just not the right time to come out. The main one that we aren’t even boyfriends, no matter what my heart craves. And I’m still not ready for my parents to find out, either. They have expectations of me that I’m pretty sure don’t involve me being gay. And if Connor or Brandon found out. . .
“I care about you too, Lincoln. A lot. And that’s why you can’t come.” Remi’s words cut my spiraling thoughts off.
All brainwaves cease.
He cares about me.A lot.
If he keeps looking at me with that smoldering stare, I might spontaneously combust. And I know the heat in his eyes is reflected in my own.
I tear my gaze away before I get a boner at the breakfast table.
I clear my throat awkwardly. “Then at least tell me why you’re doin’ this.” If he won’t budge on letting me go with him, maybe I can get some answers.
He squeezes my hand where it rests on his lap under the table, gaining my attention once more.
The fire burns out, but he never takes his eyes off of mine.
“He called you ‘the gay boy’ and made some lame ass joke about us staying together and morning wood.”
I feel the blush settle into my cheeks, ashamed.
“He’s said worse,” I mumble, accidentally letting it slip out.
“I’m going to kick his fucking teeth in tonight,” Remi rumbles in a low, deep voice.
“Don’t!” I shout a little too loudly, gathering the attention of a few students nearby.
I lower my voice and duck my head. But I can’t cut the frantic tone. “I know you left some bad stuff behind, and I know you’re not ready to share. That’s okay. But please,please, do not get into any trouble or, God forbid, get hurt because of me.”
“Chill, Linc. I’d be fighting him even if he wasn’t talking shit. I like it.I crave it.And I need the money, too.”
He needs the money?
I scrunch my nose. Mr. Keller has millions. How could Remi possibly need money now?
At my confused expression, I get another vague answer. What I expect is a half-truth.
“I owe someone important to me, and I handle my debts.”
I open my mouth to respond, but he cuts me off.
“If you’re done with breakfast, I’m ready to go.”
