Page 75 of Tangled Hearts

Nic stands. “Sure. Let’s go.”

Oh fuck yes. I stand, and Nic follows me across the yard to the edge of the trees. The second we’re out of view, I take his hand. He squeezes my fingers as we navigate through the dark woods. “I used to come out here all the time when I was younger. It was my favorite place to run to when things got too busy in my head.”

He hums, glancing at me. The moon shining through the trees has his face barely visible, but I can see well enough to know that his eyes are soft and open. It’s how he always looks at me, especially when no one else is around, but also most of the time when they are. Like he can’t keep himself from letting it show. It makes my heart full every time. “Is that why we came out here? You needed some quiet in your head?”

When we get to the swings, I stop and turn to him. I step closer. Close enough that I can feel the warmth of his body. “No. I brought you out here because I wanted a kiss.”

He pulls his hand from mine, wrapping it gently around my throat, and drags me to him. I whimper the second our lips touch. He kisses me slowly. Deep. Like he’s been waiting all night to do it.

His fingers flex against my throat, and then he’s letting go, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me in closer. He makes a breathless noise against my mouth that has my knees going a little weak. With a final soft peck, he steps back and brushes his nose against mine. “God, my little menace. You’ve beentormenting me all day.”

I can’t help but smile. “I regret nothing.”

He kisses me again, grinning against my lips. When he breaks away, he’s still smiling. He turns so he can sit down on the wooden swing and pulls me into his lap. “We can’t stay out here long,” he whispers, pressing his lips to my hair. “But let’s sit and swing for a while.”

I nod, resting my head against his shoulder. He settles a hand on my thigh, his thumb moving back and forth as he holds me close. “Thank you for inviting me to your quiet place,” he murmurs after a few moments.

“Thankyoufor coming.”

He huffs out a small laugh. “I think I’d follow you anywhere, doll.”

Chapter 25

Nic

Eli walks in the door at home in front of me, and as soon as I close it behind me, I rush after him. He lets out a little yelp when I slide my hands under his skirt, my fingers exploring the fucking panties he’s wearing. “There should be a rule against giving me a hard dick around your dad, little doll.”

He giggles, turning a bit so he can look at me. “Oh? What’s my punishment going to be? And we both know you don’t have it in you to not let me come.”

Little shit. “You’d be surprised.”

Eli’s eyes go wide. “Are you serious?” And there’s the pouty bottom lip. I was waiting for that one. “You really wouldn’t let me come?”

Eli seems happiest when I’m controlling sex. I’m not sure if that’s because he feels too inexperienced, or if he just genuinely enjoys giving up control to me. I’m leaning toward the latter. Mostly because of the way he just… melts when I take over.

Either way, I’m not opposed, but we’re quickly approaching the limit of what I’m comfortable with without an actual conversation.It’s one thing to boss him around; it’s another for him to give up complete control to me, and the further we get into our relationship, the more I get the feeling that’s what he wants.

“I’d let you come, but only if you were a really, really good boy for me first.”

His eyes widen, his pupils expanding, and then he nods. “I can do that.”

Of course he can. He literally just has to be fucking breathing to be good for me. “What do you want?” I ask him, letting my fingers dip under the edge of his panties to stroke his hips.

He shivers, leaning into me. “Whatever you want.”

“I asked whatyouwant.” I press my lips to his forehead, making little circles on his skin with my thumbs. The juxtaposition of the innocent kiss and the not-so-innocent touch is not lost on me.

He makes a whiny little noise. “I want you to take over.”

My heart speeds up. “Take over what?”

He glares up at me, and I have to bite back a smile. “Jesus. It’s not sexy when I have to ask for it, Nicolas.”

“Wrong, Elliot,” I tease, letting my hands fall from his sides. His glare intensifies. I’m not sure if it’s because I stopped touching him or because I’m giving him his own shit back, but either way, it’s adorable. “Clear consent is always sexy.”

He groans. “Ugh. You sound like Uncle Holden.”

“Oof. Maybe let’s not talk about my brother when my dick is hard?”