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“I knoas a slip,” I say softly, and he eases a little “But as it so easy for you to say that to them?”

He comes closer “Because I’ve said it too many times before, and I believed it then”

“Are you sure you don’t believe it now?”

He chokes on a pained noise “Yes” He gives h that his hand brushes ers “We hooked up I wouldn’t do that if I didn’t have feelings for you, Sul”

“You warned me you’re a dick,” I remind him

“I’m not that kind of dick” Akara clasps his hand aroundabout eret it I never want to hurt you like that, Sulli”

I breathe in, and I curve s ies in my ear

Since we’re not hidden behind the corkboard, the e Akara motions Banks over, and I can tell Akara is frustrated by so else too

“Why was Oscar pressingtheuards in front of

Banks fixes his earpiece “You knohy It’s always been too easy to bust your balls by bringing up Sulli”

Akara pinches his eyes “The fucking Yale boys, man” He drops his hand “They’re too talkative and observant”

Banks bounces his head

I frown “You guys don’t think they’ll figure out what’s going on between us?”

Akara is still fu me about you, maybe”

As the sun rises and tension builds, the cold recedes Body heating up, I tie my jean jacket around my waist

“And the baby,” Akara vents “Every tiuard—like a printed poster across uard for the baby They can protect their kid themselves” He looks toMaxiuard when he was a baby”

“I didn’t really have a 24/7 bodyguard until I was older,” I tell hiet it”

Akara looks to Banks for back-up

“Baby needs a bodyguard,” Banks nods in agreement

“Exactly,” Akara says, their eyes on ainst me

“I’, but weirdly, I don’t hate it Probably because I know I can kick your asses”