“Are you still getting picked on?” “Are you asking because you’re concerned?” I scoff. “Yes, I’m still getting picked on. It’s every day.” He slides his hand through my hair. “I’ve decided that the only person who can be cruel to you is me.” “Lovely.” How can he be so callous and turn me on at the same time? My body reacts to him like a tightly wound wire. One touch and I come alive.

