Chokehold

by Leigh Rivers

So, I might have a secret obsession with my stepbrother, but that doesn’t make me gay…right?

Unknown: My dick begs for more when I think of you on your knees, and your mouth stuffed with my cum. Heart in my throat, I type out a reply. Me: Who’s this? His response is immediate. Unknown: Your worst nightmare.

I struggle to decipher the flash of emotion that darkens his eyes. It’s stormy, toxic, and unlike anything I’ve seen on his face before.

I’ll happily burn down the world and everyone in it to watch Cole squirm like a worm on my hook.

There are no lengths, no stretch of the imagination that I won’t go to own every part of him.

He told Mom I fell off the trampoline, but I didn’t. He lied. He always lies, and then blames everything on me.

We’re both chameleons in our unique ways, hiding behind impenetrable walls and cracked masks.

He stumbles back, and I walk past him. “Don’t worry, Cole. I could never fall for you. You’re safe.” Lies. Fucking lies.

I’m falling for him and the pain he exudes with every breath.

He doesn’t reply, but that’s fine. I don’t need him to. His hand in mine is enough for now. I’d live and die a thousand lifetimes to relive this moment, and if this is his only surrender, I’ll take it. “I’ll protect you.”

Everyone here now knows that I own him, and he owns me. Why does that make me feel so giddy?

I roll back over, pull Cole close, and do something I’ve never done—not even with Mia. I fall asleep cuddling someone.

If he loves me, he’ll come back… That’s what Tiago said. And if he doesn’t… I can’t let my thoughts go there.

My boyfriend. My heart does a little jolt.