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I should’ve been thinking about how I could pleasure her, but all I could think about was that I shouldn’t have liked it that much.

She went to the bathroom, and I got dressed. I stared at the ceiling, pulse still hammering and skin still feeling too tight.

The whole thing had happened so fast. Too fast.

Maria sat by my side, and her hand settled lightly against my chest. The simple touch made my jaw tighten.

“Hey. You okay?”

I stared at the ceiling. “Fine.”

Maria snorted softly. “You’re a terrible liar.” She shifted onto one elbow beside me, concern replacing amusement on her beautiful face.

“Riot.”

“What?” The word came out sharper than intended.

She frowned. “Hey.”

I finally looked at her.

“There you are.”

I hated that she could tell something was wrong.

“You’ve been in your head since I came back from the bathroom.”

“I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not.” Maria watched me for a second before something seemed to occur to her. “Oh.”

I already didn’t like that look. “Oh what?”

A faint flush crept across her cheeks. “Is this because of me?”

I barked out a humorless laugh. “What?”

“Because if it is, you don’t need to feel bad.”

I frowned. “What are you talking about?”

Her hand settled against my stomach. “I had fun.”

Confusion flickered through me.

Maria smiled slightly. “I’m serious.”

“Maria—”

“No, let me finish.”

I wanted her to do the exact opposite.

“You don’t need to look like somebody just shot your dog.”

Despite myself, I almost smiled.

Maria squeezed my side gently. “I liked it. I liked making you feel good.”