Page 89 of King of Pain

And when he moved behind me and wrapped his arms around me while pressing against me, my heart did the drum solo from“In the Air Tonight.”

When we’d gotten back to the motel, he’d stripped down to thoseobscenelytight boxer briefs that do absolutely nothing to conceal his huge dick. Then, without hesitation, he pulled back the covers, flopped onto the bed, and said, “What are you waiting for?”

I just stood there, blinking at him.

He let out a dramatic sigh. “This is your fault, Sullivan. Last night—and then waking up with your arms wrapped around me? Turned me into an addict.”

I’d reminded him that it washisdrunk ass that pulled my arm over him in the first place.

He just shrugged. “Semantics. The point is, I’m astrung-out snuggle slutnow, and you’re my dealer.”

Even though it was absolutetorture, I climbed into bed and wrapped my arms around him.

Ant was out in two minutes flat. I had to lay there, trying to sleep—an impossible task with his body pressed to mine and the intoxicating mix of his cologne, body wash and justhimtaking over my senses.

My mind wandered and poured over the events of the last six months and no matter where my thoughts ventured, they kept circling back to one thing: I’ve found my someone. My person.

I don’t know how else to describe it, but that’s what this is. It’s him. He’s the reason I wound up in Arizona, the reason I walked into Devil Records that day. Every moment that led me here, every twist of fate, makes sense now. It was always leading me tohim.

And the craziest part? He has no idea just how much he's given me in return.

For a while, I thought Christian and I could be something. That we’d move here together, start fresh, and maybe even build a life. But now? Now I see how foolish that was. Christian was easy, comfortable.

But this? What I have with Ant? It’s something entirely different. It's raw and uncharted and a thousand times more powerful than anything I ever had before.

Christian wasn’t ready for anything outside of the bedroom. I see that now. But Ant? Ant grabbed my hand and held it in public. He pulled me close on the dance floor. He reached for me to wrap myself around him.

But the fact that he’schosenme to be the one he gives his first kiss to? It makes me dizzy. I want that kiss so badly it aches, but I know how much it means to him. I know he needs time, and I’ll give it to him.

Because Anthony Pacini isn't just another guy.

He'stheguy.

And right now? Right now, he's got his hand on my thigh as we start the drive back to reality. I don't know what's gotten into him, but I'm living for it. He's like a beautiful butterfly pushing his way out of his cocoon, showing off his vibrant colors. I can't wait to watch him fly.

“Oh shit. I love this song!” Ant shouts, snapping me out of my thoughts as the opening riff of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers'“Runnin' Down a Dream”starts to play through the car speakers.

I laugh and pull to the side of the road.

Ant looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. “What are you doing?”

I just smile and press a button. The top of the convertible starts to pop off and fold into its storage in the back. TheCalifornia winter air rushes in, cool and salty. “We need the top down for this. Start the song over and sing with me.”

Ant’s grin is instant. He restarts the song, and as soon as the first chords hit, I pull back onto the road, the wind whipping around us.

And then wesing. At the top of our lungs and completely carefree. Ant throws his hands in the air, laughing as the wind tangles through his dark hair. He closes his eyes, letting himself feel it, and in this moment, he looks so untroubled… soalive.

He’s never looked more beautiful.

TRACK THIRTY•FIVE

Your Kiss Is On My List

Anthony

A soothing, professional voice answers my call.“Visconti, how may I assist you?”

“Hi, I'd like to confirm a reservation for tomorrow night, Saturday at eight p.m., under the name Pacini.”