“It’s almost like we’re in a simulation or something. Like it’sThe Matrix. And we’re at the whim of our sadistic creator.” Kip looks thoughtful. “That’d be kinda fucked up. Like if we were really in a simulation, and they purposefully took away my ability to eat burgers as a vamp.”
“Is this the point where I find out you’re a conspiracy theorist? What next? You’re gonna say that birds aren’t real?” My lips tip up in a playful smile.
“I mean, can you prove that they are though?” Kip looks dead serious when he says this, and I honestly can’t tell if he’s fucking with me.
“Sweetheart…princess…baby boy…please tell me you don’t believe that birds aren’t real?” I plead with my eyes, reaching my hand out to cup his.
He guffaws, a deep chuckle vibrating between us. “Nah, I’m fucking with you. I’m dumb, but not that dumb. And also…princess?”
“Am I wrong? You are a princess. A pretty, pretty princess.” I’m teasing,but by the look on Kip’s face, I think helikesme calling him princess.
Kip smiles shyly, ducking his head to peek at me through his thick, blond lashes. “You think so?”
I dab my mouth on a napkin, and then push back from the table. A surge of confidence like I’ve never felt before overtakes me as I saunter over to Kip’s chair. Slinging my leg over his thighs, I slip into his lap, wrapping my arms around the back of his neck to play with the curls of hair at his nape.
I lean down, brushing my nose softly against his. “I know so. You’reverypretty, Kip. And I think you like it when I call you princess.”
Kip gulps, his eyes widening and black pupils overtaking the silver of his eyes. “C-Charlie? Can I uhh…can I tell you something?”
I pull back, confused about Kip’s shaking voice and insecure demeanor. Sure, he’s been a bit bashful at time, but always with an air of confidence. It’s like he’s taken off a mask, revealing the timid guy underneath. But I…likeit…is this the real Kip? Underneath all of the bravado?
“Sure, Kip. You know I’ll listen.”
He blows out a wobbly breath, looking over my shoulder. “You make me feel vulnerable. Everyone’s always just thought I was dumb old Kip. But with you I feel like that’s not all I am.”
“Kip, you’re not?—”
He stops me. “It’s okay, Charlie. I know. People have always told me I’m all brawn and no brains. It’s fine, I’ve accepted that I’m not super smart. But you’ve shown me that’s not all I am inside. Just because I’m not bright, doesn’t mean I don’t have other things that I’m good at. But anyway, the point is, I feel safe with you. And I uh…well, I wanted to ask you something. Or tell you something? I don’t know…”
“Princess…” He melts at the word. I lean in to kiss his clean shaven cheek. “I feel safe with you too. You’re right, I do keep up walls to keep everyone out. It keeps me from getting hurt. But that also means it keeps everyone away too. And I’ve decided that I don’t want to have those walls around you, or keep you away. I’m pretty sure you’re my person, Kip. So yeah, you can ask me anything. Tell me anything.”
Seeing Kip vulnerable and soft like this makes my heart ache, but not necessarily in a bad way. Just like me, he’s put on a persona. His isthat of a himbo, a playboy, a dumb jock. Mine is of something who is cold, prickly, and doesn’t care. But neither of those personas are who we actually are on the inside. Maybe everyone wears a mask, afraid of being judged for who they really are. Afraid of being hurt. Scared to be seen as they are.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Kip
Seriously Sexy, That Is
Geez. I’ve never said this out loud before. I’ve fantasized for sure, and definitely imagined Charlie in this scenario.
Deep breath. Here goes nothing. “I want you to fuck me.”
Charlie smiles. “Well, that was the plan…or at least, where I was hoping tonight would go after our dream rendezvous.”
“No…I mean, uh. I wantyouto fuckme.I want to…I want to bottom for you. I mean, if you’re not into that, that’s fine. I can top you. But I just…I…listen…everyone always assumes because of my size that I’m a top. Every hook-up I have, they want me to top. The few times I asked to bottom, they either laughed me off or got mad, so I stopped asking. But I thought that with you, it might be different. It’s fine if it’s not. I’ll take anything I can get with you, Charlie. I just…want to be owned…by you.”
Charlie freezes, and my heart sinks. Great. I guess it’s just not in my cards to get what I want. I’ve always loved my body, and worked hard on it, but this is the first time I’m thinking my size is a disadvantage.
The tightness in Charlie’s body fades away and he giggles. “You really are a princess,aren’t you?” He leans in, rubbing his nose against my ear. “You want to be my pillow princess, Kip?”
A full body shudder works through me. “Y-yes.”
“I’ll be honest, princess. I’ve never topped. But for you, I’ll try. Just please don’t judge me or laugh if I mess it up, okay?”
I sink into my chair, my body going loose as the tension fades away. Charlie wants to try, for me.
“I’d never tease you about that. And you can’t mess it up. Unless you go in dry, or don’t stretch me.” Now anticipation buzzes through me.
