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He slams the glass down on the table. “Do you?”

It’s really him.

“Where did you go?” The question leaves before I can take it back.

This entire encounter has thrown me into a tornado that I have no hope of escaping.

Chaos.

His lips quirk. “You remember me?”

“Of course I do…” My emotions are sticky. I can’t determine if I am angry at Orzo or grateful…or…

Bang!

I jolt at the loud noise, my attention following it to the door of the club. Durian has just made his way out here.

He looks pissed.

I offer Orzo a regretful look.

Durian would ruin our reunion.

“Can you promise not to disappear again?” I attempt to keep the begging out of my tone.

And then I’m on my feet, except one catches in the chair, and I somehow manage to fall forward across the table.

My lips collide against Orzo’s before I can comprehend what has happened.

Pillowed rocks that offer no reprieve.

His hand grabs the back of my head, his fingers tangling into my unruly hair. He groans as he deepens the kiss, and I can do nothing but accept it…

And enjoy it.

Crave more.

The universe has quite literally thrown me at him.

Neediness pulsates, begging for more.

He finally releases me, offering a knowing look.

Before I can say a single word, a hand on my shirt drags me up and away from him.

21

Sip and Spit

Orzo

My nostrils flare as Cinnamon is dragged away from the table by a man.

The same one she took home before. That doesn’t understand boundaries.

“What the fuck, Cinnamon?” he snipes, twisting her forcefully to face him.

She winces at the contact, and I contain the monster that threatens to take hold. The one that lives in my chest, that kept me protected more often than not.