Page 165 of Paradox
“But we got more than ten fish.”
“A promise is a promise, I’m afraid.”
“Is that so?” Eden laughs. “Then you best get used to sleeping out here alone, cause I’m not waiting around for you to find a turkey.”
“I haven’t even tried yet. I might find one first thing.”
“I’d say there’s a better likelihood of me driving into Daintree and buying a frozen one.”
My eyes widen, but I hold in my words.
In the light of the full moon, I watch Eden climb down from the camping chair to sit on the small tarp by the fire. “Come here,” he says, holding out his hand.
My bare fingers are already starting to tingle from the cold, and as I step closer to Eden, warmth flows through my body like a wave until I’m whole again—sitting between his legs with his arms around me. Nothing can get me here. It’s safe. This is the real world. It’sourreal world.
“I don’t need anyone but you.”
Eden kisses the top of my head and squeezes me tighter. “Then I hope you don’t get sick of me.”
“I’ve never fished, or hunted, or baked bread before being with you.”
“When was the last time you took a hapkido class?”
“A few years ago.”
“Why did you stop?”
“I went as far as I could as a junior, but it changes when you turn eighteen. I didn’t want to show up to tournaments and fight men that look like you.”
“I’m sure there’s some irony in there somewhere.”
“Why do you ask?”
“I’d like you to teach me.”
“Not in a million years.”
“Why not?”
I reach up and take hold of Eden’s face so I can hold him still while I talk to him upside down. “Cause I’m not giving you anymore advantages. If you know my secrets, then I’ll never stand a chance.”
“I’ll never hurt you like that again.”
“But I like knowing I can still choke you with my thighs when you let your guard down.”
“Don’t tease me, Jin.”
“You’re the one leading the conversation.”
“Then tell me some more about your thighs around my head.”
My hands fall from his cheeks and I just look at him; the light of the fire flickering on the right side of his face while the left is shaded by the night. “Have I been a good boy?"
"The best."
"Does that mean you'll tell me, now?"
"About what?"
