In the Gray

by B.B. Reid

I’d ever seen swagger in like they owned the place.

swagger ???

Roc had rich brown skin, long lashes, chestnut eyes, a thick patch of hair adorning his chin, a thin mustache and beauty mark above his thick lips, and enough waves in his close-cut hair to make you seasick.

I finally allowed myself to meet his gaze, letting him see my sincerity as I said, “I’m sorry.”

“If you don’t want me to follow you into fire, then don’t run into fire.”

Above all else, guard your heart,” I recited to Rowdy’s bent head. I could have sworn he stiffened as if he knew what I’d say next. “For everything you do flows from it.”

“You demand things from me I’m not ready to give, but you’re so good at making me want them too—so much sometimes that nothing else matters. But then…then you make me feel like a fool for feeling that way, and I’m lost all over again. I know what I said before, but I lied, Owen. I don’t think I can give you my body without giving you my heart too.” Rowdy was still as if bracing himself for what I would say next. “But you said it yourself. You’re not interested in that part of me, and I couldn’t trust you with it even if you were.”

“Let me know if you have any more trouble,” I told her quietly. And then, not so subtly, I squeezed her ass, earning a glare from her. “It doesn’t matter how small; I want you to come and get me. It doesn’t even need to be work-related. Anything you need, and Daddy will make it happen. And Atlas?” I gripped her chin when her stubborn ass looked away. “Only me.”

“Fuck, I know, I know, but I need you to look at me,” he pleaded gently. “Can you do that?” I nodded, but I still didn’t lift my head. I stayed put where I knew I was safe from the world. “Come on, baby. Let me see those pretty brown eyes.”

“I’d miss you,” he told me. “And if you left, I’d follow you. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be than on your bumper, Dream.”

From the moment she’d tried to kill me in a jealous rage three nights ago, I decided I was ready for a girlfriend, and I wanted that girl to be Dream.

taking notes lol.

“I want to give you shelter and be your peace. I want to take care of you, Dream. I want to be yours. I won’t ask if you like me too because I don’t waste time with stupid questions. Instead, I’ll only ask one.” I held my breath and waited even though I already knew what his question—and what my answer—would be. “Can I be your boyfriend, Atlas Ilana Beck?”