Bad Boy (The Loyal Boys, #2)

by Charli Meadows

“How are you feeling?” he asks again, emphasizing the last word. “I feel. . .” I trail off, my gaze veering to the side as I break eye contact, unsure how to voice this to Remi without sounding desperate or pathetic. But he’s already seen me at my worst today, and he still wanted to give me a handy, so I give him a little more. “I’m feelin’ conflictin’ and confusin’ emotions right now. I’m upset, humiliated, happy, hopeful, alive.” I return my gaze to him, the last word a vulnerable whisper that escapes of its own accord. “Any of the good is because of you, Remi.” He leans down and presses his lips to mine again, kissing me passionately. So unfriend-like that my head spins. Pulling back, he cradles my face with both hands, fathomless eyes searing my soul. “You’re alive, baby, trust me. You’re so fucking alive.” His declaration is so impassioned and urgent that my stomach bottoms out. And the fact that he just called me baby does not escape my notice. We continue to stare at each other, trapped in this intimate moment. And for once, the strong emotions flowing between us don’t scare me. They excite me. Even if we are just friends. It’s more than I’ve ever had.