I laugh. The sound is shaky, but Rome’s free hand is still touching my throat, and he’s obviously feeling it. ‘Okay.’
He pauses, then asks, ‘Do I get a grade today?’
I shake my head, and when he looks outraged, I explain. ‘Today doesn’t count. Not after that.’ I gesture weakly toward the shitty T-shirt vendor. ‘Not fair. Start new date next time. New grade.’
He bows his head and nods before looking back up at me. ‘Okay. We can go to your house after.’
After.After. There is so much promise in that single sign. After what, I want to ask. But I don’t. I want him to surprise me.
‘I know you have to take care of your cat,’ he adds.
It’s as I turn and reach for the door handle that I realize he’s including himself in the after.Wecan go to your house after. Him and me.
This feels like it means something big. Like he’s sayingsomething without saying it. I’m afraid to ask. I’m afraid it’ll shatter this spell. But I’m not sure how much longer I can go without knowing how he really feels about me.
I’ll ask him as soon as I grow the courage. Right now, I just want to get us to his place. I want to help him forget what just happened.
‘Okay, come on. I’ll drive.’
He nods, and this time, I open the door for him, letting him slide into the passenger-side seat before jogging around the front of the car and slipping behind the wheel. I start it up, feeling the rumble beneath my feet, and then hold out my hand. He twines his fingers around mine, lays his head back against the headrest, and sighs.
I can’t believe what that man put him through. It makes me want to run back there and punch him right in the throat. But being part of this community for a little over three years, I’ve seen the discrimination they face. I’ve witnessed it more times than I can count.
I hate it each and every time.
My stomach roils and twists, and I feel my entire body heat with rage the longer I think about it.
Maybe I need Rome just as much as he needs me. We need to help each other forget what just happened.
Yes, this is a good plan.
As soon as I pull into his parking spot, I turn off the car and hop out, opening the passenger-side door before he can even begin to move, and I haul him out. My hands are curled into the front of his shirt, and I shove him lightly against the car, a grunt leaving his lips just as my mouth slams onto his.
He moans loudly, and I swallow it down, tasting him, just a sip before wrenching my lips away and grabbing onto his hand.
‘Hurry,’ I say as I pull him forward. I vaguely remember where he’s staying for the time being but end up going the wrong way. He grunts and pulls me in the opposite direction, his lips curled up as he tries not to laugh.
‘You horny?’ he asks, and I roll my eyes. ‘You can’t see straight?’
I drag him close to me and curl my fingers into his hair, tilting his head back slightly and licking up his neck.
His breath leaves his lungs, and I feel his hard cock against my thigh. I grind against it, just once, not wanting to give any of the neighbors a show.
I pull my head back and meet his gaze. His Adam’s apple bobs, and then he’s rushing, turning around and pulling me toward his place. His fingers fumble with the keys, but he manages to open the door, and as soon as it’s shut behind us, we’re on each other.
Clothes are ripped off, littering the ground as our lips meet, our bodies grinding against each other.
“More,” he moans as I tear his boxers down his thighs. His cock appears, glistening and red.
I want to fall to my knees and suck him down my throat. And I will, just not yet.
I need to get inside of him.
I lift him up and walk us toward the couch, his legs curling around my back, his cock brushing against my abdomen. When we fall, we go down together, my body against his, our hips arching against each other.
I want to fuck him on every surface in this place and then move to mine and do the same thing.
‘Lube,’ Rome signs.
