Page 119 of Red Queen (Red Thorns Crew 3)

He stood up. “We’ve had a long day. Come here.”

He helped me off the bed before promptly helping me out of my clothes. We stripped one another down as he kissed me in random places. Like my ear. And my elbow. And my hip bone. I moaned softly at the feeling of his warm lips. I tangled my hands into his hair as his fingers danced against my legs. He helped me step out of my boots and slid my dress over my head. Within seconds, I was naked. And he quickly pulled one of his shirts over my torso.

“You like me in your clothes, huh?”

He pecked me quickly. “Always.”

I smiled as I watched him shed the rest of his clothes. My eyes danced over his muscles, taking stock of the thick lines that flexed for my viewing pleasure. Watching him get ready for bed seemed so mundane. So domestic. So normal. But in the best possible way alive.

I didn’t want to know life ever again without Max in it.

“Staring at me, huh?” he asked.

I blushed. “Can’t help it that you’re good-looking.”

He peered over his shoulder. “Trust me, I get the feeling.”

“You stare at yourself then, too, huh?”

He tossed his sock at me and I squealed. I jumped onto the bed to dodge it, but he threw his other one and it hit me right in the face. I yelped and grabbed it with my fingertips. I tossed it to the floor as that sweaty foot smell filled my nostrils. I faked a nice gag. One that made Max roar with laughter.

John started banging on our door.

“Can you two keep it down? The whole fucking block can hear you.”

I giggled. “Sorry, John!”

Max chuckled. “I’ll make sure my little noise machine stays quiet tonight.”

I scoffed. “Hey! That’s mean.”

He winked. “And it’s also the truth.”

I put my hands playfully on my hips as he walked toward me in nothing but boxers and that sly grin of his and wrapped his arms around my waist. He slammed me onto my back on the mattress, making my legs flail wildly. And as we wiggled our way beneath the covers, I rolled over so I could look at him.

“Ready for tomorrow?” I asked.

He scooted closer to me. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. Are you ready?”

I nodded. “I packed up the rest of my things from my dorm and just kept them in the truck.”

“So you’re just going to take everything you own on this trip?”

I shrugged. “It’s only four bags.”

He paused. “You can fit everything you need and own into four bags?”

“I mean, yeah. Can’t you?”

“No. And we’re

going to change that.”

“Max, I don’t need a lot of--oh!”

He pulled me on top of him. “I’m going to spoil you senseless on this trip.”

“I don't want your money, Max. I just want--”

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