Page 42 of Into the Light

His grunts got louder and his movements more jerky as he got closer. A smile played on my lips while I watched him chase his orgasm inside of me. Harder, faster, higher… Until he moaned, each muscle tensing, his abs and biceps flexing, as he spent himself.

It was the sexiest thing I’d ever seen.

I reached out for him and pulled him down to me, taking his lips in a fiery kiss. After a moment, he turned and flopped down next to me, pulling me to him, just like last night.

“God damn, El. You’re incredible.”

“I don’t know about that.”

He turned his face toward mine and found my eyes while he traced my bottom lip with his finger.

“I do. I mean it. Even before this,” he pointed between us, “I always knew you were amazing. And I wasn’t good enough for you. But now that I’ve had you for myself, I don’t think I can let you go.”

“I don’t want you to let me go. And what are you talking about? Of course you’re good enough for me. What does that even mean?”

“Come on, El.” He sat up, then. “You’re beautiful and smart, and grew up in Moon Harbor with a good, upstanding family who loves you.”

I didn’t bother bringing up the fact that my parents were dead, because even so, he was right. They were wonderful parents and gave me a good life.

“Sam is not gonna be happy that his friend fucked his sister. I don’t care which way you slice it. He’s never gonna think I’m good enough.”

“Stop worrying about Sam. He’s a non-issue.”

“I’m pretty sure my jaw won’t see it that way when he comes swinging.”

“Raf, please.” I flipped my hand up like it was no big deal. “I love my brother but he has absolutely zero say in my love life. And I’d like to think he’s smart enough to recognize that he’s your friend for a reason. Why would you be good enough as a friend but not my boyfriend?” And shit. I slapped my hand over my mouth because I didnotmean to say that word. But it was out now, and Raf just smirked at me, before his face grew serious again.

“Guys don’t think like that. I made a promise to him when you were young and he was overseas. I told him I’d look out for you. I gave my word.”

“Yeah, and you did look after me. A little too much, I might add,” I said, elbowing him. “But that was years ago. I’m not a kid anymore. And frankly, I wasn’t even a kid then.”

“Still close to it, and still off limits. You’re my best friend’s little sister, El. It’s against all the rules.”

“Ugh, you guys and your stupid rules. I think I deserve to have the only say about my romantic entanglements. My brother can mind his own business. Besides, you’re my friend too.”

“True.” He tilted his head and smiled again. “‘Romantic entanglements?’”

My face felt hot all of a sudden. “I mean, yeah. Whatever this is.”

His smile just grew wider.

“Anyway,” I said, dragging out the last syllable. “I don’t care if you’re Sam’s best friend. You’re mine now. However you want to classify it.”

But then his face turned serious again.

“It’s not just that. I’m literally from the wrong side of the tracks, El.”

“What do you mean?”

“I grew up in Eastie,” he said, referencing the Boston neighborhood I knew was a bit rough. “My dad was in and out of prison my whole life. I got in trouble left and right growing up. Ran around with a bad group. Violence. Drugs. All of it.”

“I didn’t know that.” My heart sank for him. I thought I knew him so well, but he really did have a whole life before moving here that I knew nothing about. Not that it changed my feelings for him.

“When I came to Moon Harbor, my life changed. I changed it.”

I nodded, understanding. “You did.”

“But that doesn’t mean I’m not still the same guy from Eastie. The same asshole who grew up getting into fights more than doing my homework. I never went to college, I never did any of the things that people look up to.”

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