“Look, I’m fucking beautiful, extremely smart, and filthy fucking rich.” I shoot him my best flirty-with-a-side-of-devilish smile. “But I’m also insane, overdramatic, and entitled. Seems no one can handle the combo. It’s not a new revelation or anything.”
“You left out the part where you don’t listen very well. None of this was about you. Otherwise, I would’ve steered clear after you smashed that guy’s face into the mirror at the gala.”
“Nooo. I was your knight in shining armor, defending your honor. He touched you.”
Beckett chuckles. “I remember.”
When he pulls me back against him, I go willingly, melting into his chest as he adjusts the blanket. “I was wrong. I thought I needed casual, and it would make sense until I’m settled. But I haven’t slept since that night. I’m fucking miserable.”
I nuzzle into him, my heart beating erratically, yet I feel calm at the same time. “Me too.”
Of all the partners I’ve had, none have ever cuddled with me. Sure, some did the aftercare bullshit, but it just came across too technical. And this just feels too fucking good, like I can barely keep my eyes open.
Except it all finally hits me.
Holy shit.
I push off him and look into his eyes. “Are you saying you want to be my boyfriend?”
Beckett laughs so hard, the boom of the sound reverberates through me, filling the room. “Wow, for someone so smart, took you long enough to figure it out.”
“How do you know how smart I am?”
“Read your transcript. On track to graduate Summa cum laude.”
“Damn right. Now back to the boyfriend thing. How’s it going to work, you know with your job?”
He leans in and places a soft kiss on the tip of my nose. “Let’s just get through the season, keep it to ourselves, and then we can figure it out over the summer. You only have one more year before you graduate.”
“So . . . secret relationship?”
He eyes me, brows furrowing. “It’s not ideal, but for now, yes.”
I let out a loud groan. “This would’ve been so awesome if Jackson didn’t have a better secret relationship story.”
Beckett burrows his head into my neck, nipping and kissing me. “You’re jealous your friend has a better story about hiding who he was dating? You’re ridiculous.”
“No one’s ever called me that before. But if you kiss me every time you say it, I might end up liking it.”
He chuckles, then grabs my chin, pinning me with a serious stare. “One more thing. We do this, then no more flirting with other people, whether it’s in front of me or not. I catch you so much as batting those pretty blue eyes at someone else, I'll make damn sure you regret it.”
I quirk a brow. “Wow, Becks. Didn’t know you were so possessive.”
“You have no idea.” He pats my ass. “Now, get up. Time for a shower.”
“What? Why? I took one before we left Pennsylvania.”
“Because you don’t smell like me anymore.”
Oh.
That’s what he meant about not all markings having to be physical. Sneaky fuck. He’s been scent marking me.
Chapter 17
Beckett
Viktor stands at the edge of my bed, staring down at the toys on the mattress. I try to gauge his reactions, making sure to watch each and every movement no matter how slight.
