Roommates with Benefits [18+ only]

15. It's just sex

TARA

I wasn't sure how to do this, how to present my list to him. I jotted something down quick after my shower, trying to be as fair as possible while still protecting myself, but maybe it wound up being a little too much.

1. Protections are a must

2. No coupling and other things a couple would do

3. No kisses, no hugs, no cuddles, nothing romantic

4. No actual sleeping together, one of the two will leave the bed after the deed

5. No hanging out outside the apartment

6. Nobody will know

7. No touching in public

8. No touching unless it's sexual

9. No nicknames of any sort unless it's in bed

10. If either of us meets someone they want to date, the deal is to be considered immediately null

Judging by his grim look, Lukas didn't like those terms one bit. "So?" I wondered, one leg crossed over the other, chair slightly away from the table, mostly just to keep a distance from him. I didn't want him trying anything to cloud my judgment, intoxicating me with his touch.

Lukas placed my tablet on the table. "I think you forgot the part where you get alimony."

I frowned, not understanding what he meant. "Huh?"

"It's more secure than a prenup." He laughed.

"It's only ten points." I mended.

"Yeah," he nodded, "ten rules that leave out the one thing you need: the fun part."

"Oh, come on." I rolled my eyes. "Seems pretty fair to me."

Lukas stood up, going to switch off the oven, where he'd warmed up the dinner he'd prepared. "Do you still think this is all a bet or a game? That I'm only doing it to have a laugh at your expenses?" He wondered, without even turning around, his voice sounding somewhat cold. He came back to the table, two plates of a delicious-looking pasta in his hands. "Do you think so low of me?" He sounded offended.

"No," I tried to mend immediately, half blushing, "no, no, I ..." I pursed my lips, hating that my insecurities were now ready to attack me again, after the boldness from earlier. "I know now that it's not a bet." I admitted, albeit not entirely sure.

"Do you?" Lukas questioned, sitting back down after having placed the pasta in front of me. "This is penne arrabbiata, by the way." He hinted at the plate. "You like spicy things, don't you?"

"How do you know?"

He shrugged, starting to attack his pasta. "Sixth sense."

Why did he sound mad even while joking? He started eating, but I didn't, I was more focused on his different mood. "Lukas, I know it may sound ... bad." I pursed my lips, sitting up straight. "But with your reputation, you can't really blame me for being extra careful."

"Dear old Jason really did a number on you, huh?" He muttered, eyes on the pasta he was eating.

I heaved a deep sigh. "More than you'd think." His blue-sky eyes shot at me, which was uncomfortable per se, because contact with blue eyes is so difficult, it feels like they're staring into your soul, and Lukas has such a penetrating gaze, I either get lost in it or feel scrutinized by it. This time, it was the latter. He was observing me, and I knew what he was wondering. I guess I should be honest with him.