Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 106003 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 530(@200wpm)___ 424(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 106003 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 530(@200wpm)___ 424(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
Angel saw my rotting and ugly insides last night, and still invited me into his bed with a wink and a smile. My creepy kink, my messed-up past, the scars all over my back, he didn’t even flinch, showing me only understanding and affection. And just like when I licked his fingers the first time, I tasted his kind soul, and now know I’ve been starving for him all along.
I even remember not to slouch when I’m at his side, desperate to be the man he sees in me. Last year, being openly gay in Vulture Hollow seemed impossible, even if there was someone willing to give me the time of day. But after Road’s explosive coming out, walking hand in hand with a man is no longer something to worry about. Instead, I’m wrapped up in the need to make Angel want to stay.
And if that requires grooming sessions and washing my hair in a shower, then so be it. Why would I refuse when he touches me so tenderly, his gaze telling me he can’t wait for the lights to go out, so I can crawl from under the bed and put my hands on him?
Nobody has wanted me to touch them before, so no wonder everyone’s staring at us. I’m borderline sorry for Angel, who’ll surely need to answer awkward questions. But while I wish I could hiss and growl at each person settling their gaze on us for a bit too long, Angel likes to be friendly, so I keep my awkward rage in check.
His hand is soft and smooth, and it feels so good in mine I wish I could bathe it with my tongue. I usually use small paths, to stay out of people’s way, skirting behind bushes, or leaping between rooftops, but today I’m in full view as I walk a pretty boy along the path cutting through the village. The lake shimmers from behind the trees as we make our way between the various cabins. Some have been repurposed from the original camp housing, others are new, built to fit the needs of particular families. I wonder if Angel’s current home is enough for him, but I don’t know how to ask him such a question without it feeling like I’m jumping the gun.
My actions have already uprooted him enough, and I don’t want to upset the fragile balance between us. I’m glad to see that his second rainbow shoelace is back in its rightful place. Now that I have the necklace, there is no need for me to keep it, and he seems to appreciate my gesture. Even smiled when he found it back on his sneaker.
“Do you want to eat at the canteen?” I ask, trying to ignore the fact that the two people we just walked past are now whispering.
Angel blinks, and his thumb rubs the inside of my palm, triggering a flame deep inside me. “Do you… not want to?”
His face is the definition of sweetness, with smooth skin that’s almost as golden as his hair, eyes like two oceans, and so many freckles I’m unable to count them even though I’ve tried. Whatever he desires, I’ll give it to him.
“I don’t have very strong feelings about it, I just usually don’t.” But today the need to show him off is much stronger than any of my inhibitions. This beautiful, precious creature is holding my hand, and I want everyone to know.
“Why not?” he asks, and as we pass the playground, he steps onto the low brick wall surrounding it. He uses his hold on me for balance and grins, ignoring the two moms watching us from a bench on the other side, where they’re minding their kids.
I’m pretty sure everyone will know about this development between me and Angel before we even get to the canteen. News travels fast in Vulture Hollow.
I like Angel’s straightforward questions, even if they’re difficult sometimes and force me to face a topic I don’t like. So I take a deep breath and admit the truth.
“I’m awkward. ‘Socially awkward’ in fact. You said it yourself. I kill the vibe. I don’t want that for my friends when they’re just trying to eat their breakfast.”
“Whoa!” He stops and frowns. I need to stall too, so he doesn’t fall off the fence. He’s a bit taller than me now. “I didn’t mean it in a bad way! Did they… tell you they don’t want you around?”
I frown right back at him but hold his hand ever firmer. He’s not falling on my watch. “There’s no good way to be socially awkward. They didn’t say it, but… they probably think that.”
He shrugs. “It’s just a description, I’m sorry it hurt your feelings. And your friends must like you, surely.”
I wonder about it for a little while as we walk on. “I know I’m useful to the club. I deal with shit no one else wants to, and I’ve got their respect. When we ride out as one, no words are needed.”