Page 19 of Strip Bare

I didn’t even try to stop him. How could I tell him that I wanted to come clean not because I didn’t like it when he touched me… but because I liked it too much?

* * *

I felt kind of bad going to class while my parents were visiting, but it was one of the ones I absolutely couldn't miss. Mostly because it was one of the only classes I had any exams left to complete.

So I'd gotten up that morning as quietly as possible so I didn't wake up Kit and had left for class early to study in the library beforehand.

Bryn met me on my way into the lecture hall and smiled tiredly.

"Long night on the couch?"

"Sort of. But I don't mind, it was nice of them to let me stay after my place flooded."

"Well, if you get bored of their couch you can always try out ours."

Bryn laughed. "I appreciate it." We found seats near the back of the room and the chatter around us echoed slightly thanks to the high ceilings. "So, should I even ask about what's going on with you and my brother?"

"Um, he's just doing me a favor while my parents are here."

"Doing you a favor, huh. Is that what they're calling it these days?" Bryn teased, her eyes sparkling in the same shade of blue that Kit's did when he was amused.

Thankfully, she dropped the subject, not saying anything more about it as class began, and I found myself relieved. I didn't want to spend every waking moment thinking about Kit, about how he’d touched me and kissed me like it meant something. Exam prep was actually a welcome distraction.

My notes were detailed and I was actually feeling good about the essay plan I'd drafted and turned in before, so I was surprised when the professor asked me to stay behind. Honestly, I hadn't even realized she'd known my name. Some of our classes were large, it would have been difficult for her to keep up with every one of her students.

"Ah, Leo. Excellent. I was hoping you might be able to help me with something?"

"Of course,” I said, surprised, and she gestured behind me, beckoning someone over. I blinked, recognizing the gold-tanned skin and crooked grin heading my way. "Harley. I didn't realize—"

"That we were on the same course? Yeah I figured." He dimpled at me, as if to reduce any bite the words might have held.

"Oh! You two already know each other. Well, that will make this easier."

I raised an eyebrow. "He works with my… friend. What exactly do you need us for?"

"Based on the work you've submitted thus far, I think you'll be very comfortable in the upcoming examination for this unit."

I smiled. "Thank you, ma'am."

"Harley, could use a little guidance, however. I felt that you may be a good fit as a study buddy of sorts."

"Oh," I said brilliantly and then cleared my throat. "I mean, of course. No problem." I looked at Harley and tried my best approximation of a friendly expression. "I'd be happy to help."

"I appreciate it," he said, warmth cradling every word and I flushed a little. "Walk you out?"

I nodded and said a goodbye to Professor Frey as we made our way outside. Bryn had gone on without me, and I didn't mind. She was still settling in at Jamie's and had looked a little dead on her feet. Not that I'd slept brilliantly last night either. I’d met with Kat again at The Box and let her ply me with drinks at the bar while she worked. Kit had either been asleep or pretending by the time I'd stumbled in, drunk as fuck but surprisingly buoyant after seeing Kat. I'd never been good at making friends, but Kat made it feel easy.

"Earth to Leo," Harley said, a light chuckle following the words. "Listen, if you only said yes because Frey asked—"

"I didn't," I said quickly, smiling through the lie. "I'm happy to help you. Plus it gives me a chance to test my own knowledge."

"Well, that does make me feel better."

A laugh slipped out of me and faded quickly as I spotted Kit up ahead with Saylor, sitting on a bench under the shade of a leafy-green tree. Clearly they'd come to meet me after class and, judging by the muscle ticking in Kit's jaw, weren't thrilled about having to wait so long.

"Sorry guys, I didn't know you would be here waiting for me or I'd have hurried. The professor kept us back."

"Bryn went past about ten minutes ago," Kit said, his tone weirdly even and I peered at him in confusion. Why did he seem... mad?

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