“Gabriela—”
I shake my head, rushing to get the words out while I still can. “I know I can’t change it. I’ve accepted that. It will always be part of my story, but it’s time for a different chapter. What you and I have is temporary, but it means something to me. I may not know who you are, but in a weird way, it’s like I’ve known you forever. I’m comfortable enough to be myself with you, and that’s rare for me.”
Eros stays quiet, anchoring me with his presence. I can’t see his face, but I feel the intensity of his gaze.
“So basically what I’m trying to say with a whole lot of words is that…I like you. That’s my third and final reason.”
“I like you too, Gabi.” His voice comes out rough. “And that guy who broke your heart sounds like an asshole.”
“That’s all you got out of that?” A quiet laugh escapes me.
“No. But I do have one more question for you.”
“What is it?”
“If he were a shark, what kind would he be?”
“That’s an odd thing to ask.”
“Humor me.” He glides his fingers through my hair, sending a cascade of goosebumps down my spine.
I answer without thinking it through, because I already know. “A megalodon.”
He releases a ragged breath and what sounds like a muttered curse. I’m not sure why, but when he rolls over me and presses his forehead against mine, I forget all about it.
“Tell me I won’t be an asshole if I do this with you.”
“You won’t.” I smile against his mask. “I’m quite literally asking you to do it. At this point, you’ll be an asshole if you don’t.”
His chest vibrates with quiet laughter, but it dies off slowly.
“I hope you remember that.”
“I will.” I slide my hands over his back and pull him closer. “Now will you please be a gentleman and take off my clothes?”
10
ROMEO
[ENTRY 003] — BUG DETECTED
> System status: hard AF.
> CPU load: 100%.
> Error source: safe operating range compromised
> Attempted morality install…failed.
> Containment protocol: overridden by primal urges.
> Warning: rule enforcement sequence malfunctioned.
> Proceeding anyway.
“You can takeoff your clothes too,” Gabi adds hopefully.
I nod and lean over to open her nightstand drawer, grabbing her sleep mask.
