The Dark City Chronicles ⁓ Book Three
The apocalypse looms ever closer! Steamy romance, heart-stopping action, seductive vampires, magic that defies nature, sprinkles of dark-humor, and, as always, the everlasting bonds of friendship.
Hannah's strug...
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"No," Kenneth replied, but he didn't sound or look certain of his rejection. His gaze kept darting to Reid's neck, tellingly. He swallowed noticeably. "I have to talk to you."
"After. We can talk about everything."
"No."
"Why not?"
Kenneth stared at him for a long moment and then said softly, "You know why. If we do this, it will escalate again." He swallowed noticeably. "Companions or not. You mean everything to me, idiot. You know that, right?"
Reid's heart warmed. "You're always so romantic."
Kenneth snorted fondly. "Shut up."
Reid laid his palm over his chest as if to quell the intense ache Kenneth's proclamation had left. He truly feared that Kenneth would tell him to get lost, sick of his bullshit after so long. But here Kenneth was, acting like they hadn't nearly died together a few days ago.
Truthfully, Reid didn't feel like he deserved to be forgiven.
"Our bond broke when you died," Reid said tightly.
"Yeah."
"I want it back."
Kenneth stayed quiet momentarily and whispered, "I know."
"Can we? Right now." Reid's fingers skimmed Kenneth's elbow, then his arm. They followed the curve of the man's shoulder. "No vampires can dominate you. You'll live longer, and you'll be stronger. There's no reason—"
Kenneth snatched Reid's fingers and squeezed tight enough to hurt. "No reason? Until I can't stop myself from kissing you."
"We'll deal with that when it comes."
Kenneth shoved Reid's hand away and sat up with a sharp inhale. "No, moron. It's not happening."
"Why not?" Reid was aware he was whining like a child. The idea of going through the rest of his life without Kenneth at his side was a living nightmare.
"It's been less than a week, and look what it has done." Kenneth runs his fingers through his hair in agitation. "Imagine what it will be like in a year, two, or a decade. It will mess with our heads. You don't want that."
"I do."
"I don't."
Reid's cheeks grew hot. "We'll be lovers. Who cares?" The look of shock on Kenneth's face made him furious. "Is the idea of kissing me that disgusting to you?"
Kenneth frowned. "That's not what I meant, and you know it. You didn't want to kiss me in that bedroom. Remember? Don't be fucking stupid. It'll ruin us."
The logic was sound. That didn't mean he would accept it because, logical or not, Kenneth's rejection hurt deeply. "I wouldn't mind kissing you if I weren't dying."
