Page 68 of Little Broken Pieces

His eyes are a deep green with gold in the middle that flows out to blend with the green like an artist took a paintbrush and strategically placed golden streaks of gold there that make a sunflower. The outer ring of his eye is such a thick band of black, it’s like nothing I have ever seen, and almost looks fake. My hands move to touch his face on their own accord, and I couldn’t stop them if I wanted to. It's as if my mind and body need him, for my senses to be filled with the sight, scent, and touch of him.

These feelings are overwhelming, mostly because I've never wanted this. It feels inevitable, written in the stars, or like fate.

Star-crossed.

I pepper kisses along his chiseled jaw. Before I know it, the words leave my mouth. “I like your face.”

He laughs and so do I. I love laughing with him. “I like your face too, Angel. You are absolutely beautiful.” I feel myself blushing and I look away. “Look at me,” he tells me.

“No, I have to get dressed, remember?”

“Look at me now, Angel.” My eyes dart to him responding without my permission to his command.

“You are so fucking beautiful, inside and out.”

“Are you sure?” I ask, desperate for his praise. I've never been talked to like that before him and now I crave it. Don't get me wrong, I’ve been told my pussy feels good, it's tight and I’m hot. But Kohen’s words pierce through me, infecting me with his toxic poison that possesses me and I welcome it. Giving myself over to it, to him.

“Yes, Angel, in every way that counts.” Our lips meet and he grabs my waist, squeezing gently. “Now get that sexy little ass dressed,” he says, slapping my ass to get me going. “Chop, chop, baby. We are wasting daylight.”

29

KOHEN

We pull into the theme park and I head into the VIP parking area and pick a spot. I look at Alex. Wonder fills her eyes as she stares at all the rides out of the window.

“Is this where we are going on our date?” Excitement laces her voice and joy fills me up in return.

“I never got to go to a theme park before. We couldn’t afford it growing up and when the school went on field trips, my mom never signed my permission slip.”

“So I did good? You’re excited.” She kisses me hard, her tiny hand landing on my shoulder and squeezing it.

“You did so good, babe! One time I forged her signature and halfway there, the bus pulled over and the principal picked me up to drive me back. I got in so much trouble. I just wanted to have fun like every other kid.”

She called mebabebut didn't even notice. I’m chipping away at the walls she’s built up. She’s guarded but I won’t let that phase me. Despite what people think, I’m a patient man. It helps that she’s worth it. I’m playing the long game here. So far so good.

Alex

I feel giddy, like a little girl. Butterflies flutter around inside me with excitement. I have always wanted to come here. I look over at Kohen's handsome face and he unbuckles his seatbelt and leans over, twirling the ends of my hair around his fingers for a second before he gently tugs on them to bring me closer to him. I shift my body to face him, biting my lip and trying to contain my excitement.

No words are spoken as I look into his hazel irises. I see what he wants from me. I cup his face in my hands. Placing both palms on either side of his cheeks, shock rushes across his features at the gentle gesture. I pretend not to notice and lean in for a kiss. Our lips touch gently at first and then he pulls me into him with desperation. Like I’m the air he needs to breathe in and fill his lungs with to survive. I get it since he is my air, too. I hate that he is, but I can’t help it anymore. I want this. Want him.

I pull back. “Okay, Kohen. If we keep this up, you’re going to be the only ride I get on today.” I place a quick peck on his lips and a sigh escapes me. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

His smile spreads from ear to ear and the dimple I love is on display. I poke it.

“I love this dimple.”

“You love it, huh?” he teases.

“Yes, I do.”

“Good, I’m glad. And you are welcome. I love this place, it grounds me. Brings me back to my childhood, a time where I could just have fun and be free. You know?”

“I don’t, my childhood wasn’t the best. My mom was… Well, she was something special and not in a good way.”

His hand grazes my cheek as he pushes the hair away from my face, causing me to look up at him. “I'm sorry, Angel.”

“Anyway,” I say, pulling away. “Enough of that, let's have some fun. Show me the childhood I never had!”

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