Page 108 of Dark Little Game

I have more than a few texts waiting for me.

All from Rayne.

Are you even coming to the lantern fair?

Or are you too good for normal things like that?

You just always have to be special, don’t you?

It’s clear that Oliver wasn’t the only one getting courage in the form of strong liquor tonight.

The first three texts all came ten minutes ago, in rapid succession. But there’s one more, from only a minute ago.

I miss you.

A slow satisfaction spreads through me when I read that last text.

Can’t believe you’d admit that.

I watch from my place at the tree as Rayne pulls out his phone, messaging me back.

Where are you?

You need to know my whereabouts all the time now?

You clearly fucking know mine.

You’re welcome for the protection, king. If anyone comes at you, they’re dead.

You actually *are* here, aren’t you? Goddamnit, Hunter.

He slides his phone back into his pocket and suddenly his head is craning around as he looks all over for me. He doesn’t find me in the crowd, and then he takes off, heading behind the stalls.

I pull out my phone, looking down at the screen to tap out another message.

You’re not going to find me.

But right as I hit send, I see movement beside me and for the second time tonight, I feel like a cat with a raised back.

“Boo,” Rayne says softly, coming up to my side.

He’s smiling. His dimples are showing, and at somepoint he’d gotten a little sticker of a rose placed on the side of his cheek.

Before I can say anything he’s leaning in.

Sliding his arm around my waist.

He tugs me into a kiss, pushing my back up against the tree as he kisses me.

“Needy when you’re drunk,” I murmur against his lips.

But it feels like I’m needy, too.

The moment he touches me, I want more.

His hands are grasping all around my waist, pulling up the bottom of my sweatshirt to try to get to my skin.

“I said I missed you,” he says. “Meant it.”