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I lean into Lincoln, whispering in his ear. “This dinner got me thinking, Preppy. I wanted to let you know that I’m thankful for you. And I guess the academy, too. For assigning you as my student advisor. Because honestly, Linc, you’re the best thing that’s happened to me in a really long time.” I punctuate my declaration with a firm squeeze to his upper thigh.
A life without Remi. Going back to what it was before him. The loneliness. I can’t do it. I won’t do it. I need him. Remi’s soothing voice pulls me back to the present. “Focus on me, Linc. Focus on my words. I need you, too. I’ve needed you every moment of every day since the second I spotted you pulling into school on your moped. I could never forget you. Not in a million years. Do you understand what I’m saying?” Oh, God. I said that out loud.
“Y-you need me?” I ask through wet, snotty sniffles, certain that I couldn’t possibly hear him right. “Yes, Lincoln. Probably more than you need me. Like I said at dinner, you’re the best fucking thing that’s happened to me in a long time. Probably ever.” His dark eyes shine with undeniable, irrefutable truth. “Now, please, let me take care of you. I fucking hate seeing you hurt like this, Preppy. Once was too much. Twice is hell. A third time might kill me, so please be careful with yourself. You’re important to me.”
“Don’t be embarrassed, Linc. It's a step above punching a brick wall, and I’ve been there myself. There’s no judgment here. Ever. I just want to make sure you’re okay. You have a boyfriend to lean on now.” I kiss the top of his silky auburn hair, inhaling his fresh citrus scent. “Let me hold some of that weight for you.”
“Let me take care of that for you.” My voice sounds low and husky and so unlike my normal tone that I giggle and clear my throat. “Sorry. Um. Did you want me to help you with that?”
“You can be vulnerable in front of me. You don’t have to be so tough all the time. Let me fight for you sometimes, too. Show me what’s underneath all this beautiful art.”
His fingertips circle the life-like compass on my forearm. “What’s this one mean?” His voice is soft and earnest, like he really wants to know. “To guide me. Show me where to go when I’m lost,” I murmur. Our eyes lock, and an intense energy pulses between us. So strong it’s tangible “And are you lost now?” There’s hope in his tone. “Not when I’m with you,” I confess, blinking away the moisture pooling there.
“Show me everything inside your soul, Remi. Let me carry the burden with you, handle the lows and celebrate the highs. We’re a team. Can’t you see that? We’ve been a team since day one.”
I need this moment to last. To feel close to him. Love him. This deep connection thrumming between us is more than just a physical bond. It’s a thread between two souls that recognize each other. Found each other. Our scars stitched together, entwining us. Forever.
I know we don’t want to involve the police unless we absolutely have to. We like to handle family affairs internally whenever possible.” If “no po-po” is the Keller family motto, I can definitely get down with that.
Lo!
No big announcement for our peers. It just is what it is.
You live for you.” I place my hand over his heart and his over mine. “For us.” His heart beats steadily as he stares at me, chewing on his bottom lip. “This is your life, your happiness, not theirs,” I say, reinforcing what he needs to hear every now and then. He leans down, pressing his lips to mine, breathing into my mouth. “I love you, Remi. You’re my happiness.” “Love you, too,” I respond,
“I love you, Remi. So fuckin’ much,” I curse, just because I know he likes it. He turns his head, his lip pulling up on one side. The eyebrow stud that I love so much glints under the harsh fluorescent bulbs of our dorm room. “Yeah? Well, I fucking love you with all of my motherfucking heart, Preppy.”
