Page 138 of The Illicit Play

I just wish it wasn’t so damn scary!

Grady’s smile turns soft and tender, his thumb brushing over my cheek, and I swear I’ve never loved a boy until now. I mean, I guess I started falling for him in the forest, but that look on his face, his willingness to fight for me, to help set me free…

I love him.

And maybe after this shitstorm is over, I’ll have the chance to tell him.

But for now…

Lurching forward, I plant my mouth on his, needing this connection, needing to draw from his strength.

With my courage flailing, I sweep my tongue into his mouth, clinging to him as his arms circle around me. It’slike he knows what I’m trying to do and is delivering like the champ he is.

Fueling me with his fortitude and bravery, he pours everything into this kiss, claiming yet another piece of my soul. I sign it over without hesitation. He can have it. He can haveallof it.

And once it’s his, I’ll find the strength to pull away. To walk back downstairs and take on my first fight. I’ll start with Wily, then?—

“What the fuck!” A roar comes from Grady’s doorway, and I rip my mouth from his, turning with wide, horrified eyes to find my brother towering in the space, his face mottled with rage.

Oh shit.

The battle’s been brought to me.

And I’m so not ready.

CHAPTER 47

GRADY

Oh shitballs.

Wily looks about ready to end me as he glares over the top of Blake’s head and yells, “Get your hands off my sister!”

“Wily.” She steps forward, her voice all out of breath and wispy. “What are you doing upstairs? Is your knee okay?”

He ignores her, still eyeballing me with a venomous frown. “What the fuck are you doing in here with her?”

“Wily, calm down.” Blake steps into his space, resting her hand on his chest.

“She’s a virgin!” he bellows, and the room goes still.

Blake swallows, closing her eyes and cringing. Wily glances down, noticing her expression, and the color drains from his face.

There’s a thick, awkward beat, and then he smacks his crutch down and thunders, “You stole my sister’s V-card?”

Stepping around his sister, he limps forward with his other crutch and gives me a forceful shove.

I let him do it, stumbling back and catching myself before I topple onto my bed.

“No!” Blake darts forward, snatching his arm. “Stop it! He didn’t steal anything!”

“Well, what am I supposed to think?” Wily turns on her. “You’re making out in here, and you’ve just spent five days in the forest together. Something has definitely been off with you. Is this it?” He turns back to me, his eyes flashing with a look that makes me feel like the shittiest friend on the planet. “You’ve been screwing around together behind my back?”

“Wily, we were gonna tell—” Blake starts, but he ignores her once again, his dark glare focused solely on me.

Clenching his jaw, he grits out, “Look me in the eye and tell me you haven’t slept with her.”

Straightening with a resigned sigh, I keep my gaze level and my voice even, confessing the truth without hesitation. “I can’t do that, man.”