Page 187 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

“You chased me all the way out of the café just to tell me that?” Rain pressed, voice low, urging him to be honest.

Jay’s cheeks flushed pink.

He folded his arms across his chest defensively; retreating, shutting down, preparing to let Rain walk away again.

Rain groaned softly.

No.

Not this time.

He closed the distance between them in two long strides.

Jay tensed, stepping back until his spine hit the brick pillar between the shop windows. A tiny squeak escaped him; startled, breathy, vulnerable.

Rain was close enough to feel Jay’s breath brush his chin.

Close enough to smell the faint sweetness of coffee lingering on Jay’s lips.

Close enough to imagine; for one reckless heartbeat, what it would feel like to lean in and taste him.

He braced one hand against the wall beside Jay’s head, leaning in until his lips hovered near Jay’s ear.

“Speak your mind,” Rain whispered, voice dropping to a low, intimate rumble. “Tell me what you want me to hear.”

A shiver ran visibly through Jay’s body.

Rain felt it second-hand; a jolt of heat that shot straight through him, forcing him to clench his jaw and silently threaten the very obvious reaction forming beneath his waistband.

Jay’s breath stuttered.

“I–I…”

“You,” Rain murmured, eyes drinking him in, intoxicated by the connection he’d missed more than he’d ever admit. “What?”

Jay swallowed hard.

“I know you,” he whispered. “I wanted to…”

His emotions rioted—desire, fear, longing, restraint—all battling for dominance.

Rain’s voice softened, coaxing.

“You know I can feel when you’re withholding what you really want to say. So, save us both the insult and just speak your mind. What’s the worst that can happen?”

Jay’s energy spiked—sadness, fear, heartbreak—confusing Rain even further.

“Okay,” Jay breathed.

He cleared his throat, eyes flicking up to meet Rain’s.

“I don’t want to hurt you. I never meant to hurt you.”

Rain’s gaze softened despite himself.

“I followed you because I needed you to know that I know you. I know you have a good heart. You always put everyone before yourself. I know you expect people to think the worst of you, so it’s easy for you to pretend to be the bad guy.”

Rain’s chest tightened painfully.