Romeo’s eyes iced over and he shrugged and looked away—there was only silent refusal from his stiff body.
A cold breeze suddenly snapped in the night air and goose pimples swept up my bare arms and legs. Romeo noticed. “We should go.”
I held him tighter. “I don’t want to leave yet. I want to know about you.”
He tilted his head in bewilderment. “I don’t wanna split either. But it’s gettin’ late and you’re gettin’ cold. Come on, baby. Time to call it a night.”
Rome helped me to my feet and took my hand as we strolled back to the truck, no further comment on his past.
Once we were in and coasting down the freeway, I noticed Romeo was deep in thought. I reached over and took his free hand. “You okay? You seem miles away.”
He swallowed as though nervous. I’d never seen him look so out of sorts before.
“Yeah.”
I wasn’t convinced. “You sure? You don’t look it.”
His fingers gripped mine as his eyes regarded me with uncertainty.
“Rome, what is it?” I pressed.
On a cough, he confessed, “I never knew before tonight what it felt like to be wanted… just me for me.”
His words hit me harder than a granite boulder to the chest, and I almost cried for him.
“What do you want me for, Mol? I’m tryin’ to work it out.”
I scooted closer and kissed his hand wrapped in mine. “I just want you.”
“That’s what I don’t get. Why would you want me for just me? No one ever has before. I’m pissed twenty-four-seven. I’m possessive and not good with attachments—where’s the attraction?”
“Then I’m the first, because I want you without anything in return. Why does any human want anyone? My body recognises you as something that’s good for me. My mind recognises you as someone who’s right for me, and my soul recognises you as someone who is meant for me.”
A bashful smile ghosted his lips and his tense shoulders relaxed. “We’re in f**kin’ deep, aren’t we, Shakespeare?” he said in hushed tone, his body radiating a peaceful happiness.
A feeling of contentment settled over us both.
“I think that’s an understatement.”
“C’mere.” He wrapped his arm around my shoulder, kissing me softly as the city lights dashed by.
* * *
Rome dropped me off at the front door of the sorority house and I darted up the stairs, glad it was quiet and the door to the TV room was firmly shut.
I took a long, hot shower and tipped my head back, letting the hard water pound at my hair and skin. I felt different. I couldn’t describe how. Just… changed on a molecular level. My hand drifted to my stomach as I remembered the feel of his hand within me, and I stifled a groan. He’d been so stern and strong, conducting the music of our movements, creating a symphony with our cries and moans. I’d never felt anything like it before.
I stepped out of the cubicle before my legs gave way at the memory. I dried, changing into a purple nightdress, and settled into bed.
Within minutes, the tapping began.
I threw my covers back and ran to the balcony, looking down. Romeo gave me a wide smile and scaled the trellis, almost jumping into my arms, appreciatively smirking at my choice of nightwear.
“I got back to the frat house and I immediately wondered what you were doin’. I decided to stop wonderin’ and just come find out.”
“You just want to stay again, don’t you? You planning on making this a regular thing?”
“Oh, you can count on that, baby. After today, I’m now entitled to certain privileges.”
“Really and what are they?”
“You’ll find out in due course, Shakespeare. Now move that fine ass, get into bed and into my arms.”
I moved into the room and coyly glanced over my shoulder. “I don’t remember Romeo being this pushy with Juliet!”
He arched his eyebrows meaningfully. “And look at how that worked out for them. My way is better—less death, more orgasms.”
I tried to feign shock, but I couldn’t help but laugh.
“You. Bed. Now.” He pointed as he rid himself of his clothes, leaving only his black boxer briefs hanging low on his toned body.
I was still chuckling following his instruction as he jumped behind me. I immediately swapped the giggle for low moans as his fingers ran straight underneath my nightdress and stroked against my core.
“Now about those privileges…”
11