Page 102 of Vicious Little Snakes

Ah. So that’s what Liam was doing with his new friends—self-destructing. Although, he didn’t seem destructy. I’m well versed in that emotion, and it doesn’t fit the Liam I saw tonight.

Me:I’m sorry?

Liam:Why the question mark?

Me:Because I almost want to say—good. I mean, when is exploring your options a bad thing? It could lead you to something you never expected.

Silence. No bubbles, no anything, so I type.

Me:Night, Liam. xx

I set my phone back on the nightstand, rolling over. Closing my eyes, Liam’s face pops into my mind, looking at me the way he did tonight. Everything about him is always so alluring and vivid. It’s like the rest of the world is in black and white, but Liam lives in color. His smile is brighter than other people’s, his eyes are greener, and his lips—fuck, his mouth is heaven.

When he kissed me, it was as if nobody had ever done it right before him. I pull my lip between my teeth, sliding my hand down over my stomach. I can’t help it. I haven’t been able to shake him off since earlier tonight.

The craving I feel seems insatiable. My back arches off the bed as I dip my fingers under my panties, feeling wetness. I drag my middle finger down and up between my folds, letting out a quiet moan.

Slow circles become faster, and my hips push into the pressure. I squeeze my thighs together, drifting in and out of every single Liam fantasy I have until my body quakes, and I’m gripping the sheet, calling out his name into my pillow.

I’m huffing stuttered breaths as I hear my phone buzz and shoot my hand out to grab it. The screen is bright, punctuating his words as I lick my lips.

Liam:No exploring needed.I know exactly what I want. Night, Carebear. Oo

O’s to my X’s.

Liam

Matias:You coming tonight?

Me:Can’t. I have a race next week. Practice times run late.

Matias:So, rich dude shit. Lame.

My laugh is cut short, and Kai walks inside the boathouse. I tuck my phone inside my duffle and stand, looking at him.

“We need to end this shit between you and me. I’m sorry I was a dick to you. My head was fucked, not an excuse, just an explanation, and honestly—”

“Your balls hadn’t dropped yet?”

The grin on my face spreads. “Fair. Yeah.”

Kai hangs his bag on the hook next to his locker and sits on the bench, stretching out his legs. He offers me a tight smile before he speaks.

“The last few weeks were weird. First, you disappeared after being a version of you I didn’t even know existed. Then Care and I became something different to each other. It was like all my best friends told me to fuck off. I don’t know. I wanted to be there for you because you’re like a brother to me, but when you acted like that, I got mad too.”

My shoulder leans against the wall as my arms cross.

“I’m sorry for all my bullshit in the car, man. And for almost getting us arrested. But especially for not talking to you. I just didn’t know how. I know that sounds crazy, but I’d spent so much time being angry or jealous that it was all I could feel—until I stepped away.”

He’s nodding, matching the somber look on my face.

“But my head’s clear now, and I’m sorry.”

He shrugs, smirking. “I was kind of a dick too. I could’ve tried understanding more. It’s cool you had Grey, though—anger’s his love language.”

I laugh, and so does Kai as he stands and walks over to me.

“Are we good?” I offer, meeting his outstretched hand.