Page 64 of Serpent & Saviors

I smacked her ass lightly. “Go on then, get that pretty journal and read to me.”

She scampered off the bed, grabbed the T-shirt I’d discarded earlier, and threw it on. She came back into the room and sat cross-legged at the end of the bed. I sat up and leaned against the headboard. She looked nervous, but oh so cute.

“Okay, so I feel like I should preface this with…with…I mean, it’s how I feel, but I don’t necessarily expect anything from you, other than maybe your friendship.”

My eyebrows drew together as I mulled over her words. “Friendship?”

“Well, I mean, Kinsley…I don’t know your status—open relationship, closed, if she knows about me…”

“She doesn’t know, for obvious reasons.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t then,” she said, chewing on her bottom lip.

“How about you don’t worry about my little pixie and instead you read to me. One friend to another.”

“If you’re sure?”

Her hazel eyes met mine, and I wanted to lean over and kiss her senseless. Instead, I waited patiently.

She cleared her throat and said, “I’ll need to change a few words.”

“No, you read it how it’s written, word for word. Understand?”

“Yes, Sir,” she said obediently.

“It’s titled ‘A Love Like Yours’ I was going to change love to—”

“Friendship?” I offered.

Her face lit up, and she giggled. Unable to resist, I leaned in, kissed her, and didn’t stop.

“Andrew,” she breathed, pulling back finally. “Did you want to hear this or not?”

“Sorry,” I mumbled and sat back against the headboard.

Once more she cleared her throat, and her voice rang out pure and filled with emotion.

Rip me open, straight to the bone.

Promise never to leave me alone.

Taste my tears, drench yourself in me.

For all that I am, only you can see.

Unmake me, and break me apart.

Then recreate me piece by piece,

starting with my heart.

No matter the blood, sweat,

and tears it may take.

I’m in it for the long haul.

There’s too much at stake.