Bell kisses him back with new fervor, and Rakos’s heart flips in his chest. As the autumn air cools his racing pulse, a realization creeps up on him. Pushes through his bruises and settles around his heart. Fuck casual. Rakos won’t leave Bell behind. He has to make this work. Somehow, he’ll persuade Bell to come with him. To live anywhere that isn’t Silaise. Sarka will love Bell too, and they can all live happily together on a tropical island or wherever. Bell’s hands tangle in his hair, the way he’s already tangled in Rakos’s heart.
