“I was upset with you for the way you spoke to me in the room,” Ody continued. “Then we fought about the radio, and I said some stupid things. I didn’t mean any of it.” He paused. “I was hurt.”
Mano didn’t respond.
“You said what we have is nothing more than a fling,” Ody added.
Mano’s gaze finally lifted for a second, then dropped again.
“For me it’s not like that,” Ody said. “It hurt when you said it. I know how you treat women. And hearing you talk like that made me think you saw me the same way.”
“I don’t.” Mano lifted his head, the words slipping out before he could stop them. A second later his gaze dropped again.
“I realized that from what you said when you were drunk,” Ody continued softly. “You’re afraid I’ll leave you and go back to Anna?”
Mano swallowed but didn’t answer.
“You think I’m just playing with you?”
That made Mano look at him. “I’m not going to ask you for anything,” he said. “But if one day you get bored of me and end this…” He trailed off and exhaled.
Ody watched him in silence. He knew Mano’s past. Losing his parents so young had left scars that never really healed. Even now, at twenty-three, he was still afraid of getting too close to anyone. Afraid of being left alone again.
Ody shifted closer on the couch. “I won’t get bored of you.”
Mano shook his head. “You don’t know that.”
“So you’d rather not go after what you want?” Ody asked. “Keep me at a distance so you don’t risk getting hurt?”
Mano let out a frustrated breath. “That’s what I’ve always done. For years.” His eyes lifted to meet Ody’s. “So why the hell can’t I do it with you?”
“Because you want me.” He slid his hand to the back of Mano’s neck and leaned closer, his thumb brushing slowly over the spot.
Mano tensed beneath his touch.
“Just like I want you.”
His breathing deepened under his touch. “No…”
“Still denying it?” Ody murmured. A faint smile touched his lips. “After everything that happened yesterday? You would’ve devoured me if I hadn’t stopped you.”
Mano leaned back against the couch, heat rushing to his face. “I—I did that because you said I wasn’t a real man…”
“I said stupid things,” Ody replied. “I know exactly the kind of man you are. You’ve proven that to me more than once.” He leaned closer. “But I like it when your defenses fall when you’re with me. I like seeing you let go.” He closed the distance and pressed his lips gently against Mano’s.
The kiss was slow, deep. Mano’s back rested against the couch as Ody leaned over him, kissing him.
When their lips parted, they stayed close, barely an inch between them.
Ody felt Mano’s warm breath against his mouth. “Those lips…” he murmured.
“Ody… about what happened in the room—”
Ody kissed him again, cutting him off.
“Mmm…” Mano breathed, but pulled back, trying to speak. “Let me explain.”
Ody finally leaned back just enough to meet his eyes.
“I’m still thinking about it,” Mano said, his gaze dropping. “I didn’t mean to be… forceful.”
