Page 21 of Marked
“Screw getting rescued, I could totally live by myself on an island,” I say as I go for a bite of pizza, this slice just as deliciousas the previous three I inhaled. I swear, the sauce, crust, and cheese ratios balance each other perfectly.
“You say that now, but I think anyone would go crazy after that much isolation,” Iver replies, leaning back and tossing an arm up over the backs of the cushions.
I shake my head as I chew and swallow. “Nah, not me. I like being alone.”
“I’m trying really hard not to take offense to that,” he mutters, shooting me a side-eyed glance.
I snort a laugh. “Well hey, that just shows what good company you are since I’m choosing you over solitude, right?”
He arches a dubious brow.
I roll my eyes, swatting his arm with the back of a hand. “Fine, I guess you’re welcome on my island. Probably wouldn’t hurt to have a big strong man around to build a shelter and hunt for food.” I waggle my brows teasingly as I sink my teeth into my pizza slice.
“Oh yeah, that’s all I’m good for?” he scoffs.
I shrug as I chew, winking at him as I swallow the bite. “Eye candy, too. I’ll bet you’d rock that loin cloth.”
“Well, that’s a given,” he remarks, the corner of his mouth lifting in a smirk.
Did it suddenly just get warmer in here, or is it just because I’m now picturing him in various stages of undress?
A blush heats my cheeks as I turn my gaze back to the TV screen, stuffing my face with pizza and willing the butterflies swarming in my belly to settle.
“There’s just one problem with your plan,” Iver muses.
“Oh yeah?” I ask, turning back to him after polishing off the rest of my slice. “What’s that?”
“No pizza on the island,” he deadpans.
“You’re right,” I gasp, wincing. “Guess it isn’t meant to be.”
We smile at one another, then both turn back to the TV, sipping our drinks as we watch the movie play out on screen. The liquor warms my insides, a pleasant buzz settling over me as the two of us drift closer together.
“So, uh, I’d like you to meet my parents,” Iver says after finishing off his vodka cranberry, leaning forward to set the glass down on the coffee table.
My heart skips a beat, head snapping sideways. “Your parents?” I repeat, my voice coming out shrill with trepidation.
“Yeah,” he breathes, meeting my eyes with a bashful grin. “They’ve been asking about you a lot. Fair warning, they’re kind of intense, but it’s only because they’re really excited to get to know you.”
I stare back at him like a deer in the headlights.
“I can put them off a little longer,” he adds, plucking the empty glass out of my hand. “Do you want a refill?”
“I’m good for now,” I murmur as my mind races.
It’s one thing for Iver to accept me, flaws and all, but what if his parents don’t? Will that change his mind?
“Hey, you alright?” he asks, scooching in closer and sliding a finger beneath my chin. He tips it up, compelling me to meet his eyes. “I’m not trying to pressure you or anything with the whole meeting the parents thing. My family’s just a big part of my life, and I want to share that with you.”
“I get it,” I say, even though I definitelydon’t. I barely remember my own parents. I’m not exactly well-versed in the concept of family.
“You have nothing to be nervous about,” Iver reassures, sweeping his thumb along my jawline as he holds my gaze. “They’re gonna love you.”
“Who said I was nervous?” I scoff sarcastically.
His lips curve into a smile, and when my gaze drops to them, I suddenly realize how close they are to my own. We’re sharing the same space, breathing the same air, and if I just lean in…
Sparks bloom between our skin when our lips touch, softly at first, then firm and eager. I tilt my head as our mouths fuse, a rush of heat surging through me as the intensity ramps up, our bodies pressing in closer to one another’s.
