Page 90 of Wild Like Us
Akara shakes his head into a smile. His eyes descend my build, much like Banks’ did. “What about if I tune intoFifty Shades.”
I snort. “Right, like you’ve watched that.”
“I haven’t,” he admits, “but I could probably show you how to knot this.” His fingers brush mine as he takes an end of the rope out of my hand.
My heart skips and a strong pulse throbs between my legs. After Moffy’s bachelor party this summer, I walked in on Banks and Akara’s conversation aboutropeandsex.Mainly, Akara was showing Banks knots using a shoelace.
He’s more experienced than me.
Fuckingduh.
They both are.
I reclaim my rope, our fingers brushing again. “Maybe later.”
He nods, and our eyes do a back-and-forth dance that speeds my pulse. Anticipation intensifies before he places a light kiss on my cheek. Then he touches my chin, lifting my mouth up, his lips meet mine in a softer, more sensual kiss that dizzies me.
Fuck.Breathe.
I grip his neck while his tongue slides against mine. I feel like I’m falling and I haven’t even started the climb.
As we pull apart, I can barely lock eyes with Akara without blushing. I touch my burning face.
He inhales strongly. “See you, string bean.”
“Yeah. Bye.” I wave behind me and shake my head at myself, facing the rock and cringing. “What the fuck, Sulli?” I blow out a controlled breath.
Focus.
Concentrate.
I kick more dirt off my shoes. Shake out my limbs.
Concentrate.
I glance back one more time.
Akara and Banks stay next to each other. Spectating several feet behind me, they’re two men, older than me, and I’d be more intimidated if they didn’t make me feel powerful.
I liked dating Will Rochester—that first experience was a pretty good one—but I realize how small I felt around him. Like there were parts of me that I should hide a bit better.
Try not to saycumso often. Shave a little bit more. Strapless shirts need to go because if I show my muscular shoulders, he won’t be into me as much.
Stupid.
So fucking stupid, and most of those were just my insecurities rising up like a swelling tide.
I face forward with a stronger, deeper breath.
With Akara and Banks, I feel as mighty as the mountain I’m about to climb.
Concentrate.
While they watch me prepare, I realize I’m used to their protective gazes on me while I climb. Having them here begins to calm me. My pulse eases, and the rush of the river, the chirp of birds, and rustle of leaves all fall silent.
It’s just me and the rock…and my dad.
I smile up at the crag. Imagining him in his teens, using his raw strength to free-solo to the fucking top, and here I am, years later.
