Page 98 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

“Who picks you up like you weigh nothing?” Mano said. “Who puts you on the bike, takes your helmet off? Who got you out of that mess with Kash?”

Ody shifted toward him. “Who took care of you when you got beaten up? Who held you after that nightmare? Who—”

“Yeah, whatever,” Mano cut in. “That doesn’t mean anything.”

Ody leaned in. “Who made you scream ‘fuck me faster’ yesterday?”

Mano’s eyes widened. His lashes fluttered as he swallowed, turning his gaze away. He pushed himself up from the couch, but Ody caught his hand.

“Hmm? Who?” he asked with a sly smirk, looking up at him. He tugged him back down, pulling him onto his lap. “I did, baby. You were the one begging for more,” Ody continued, his voice low, heat threading through it.

“T-that…” Mano stammered, trying to recover. “That has nothing to do with what you asked. No one on the street would ever believe I’m the one who…” He turned his head, avoiding Ody’s gaze.

“That’s what I like about it,” Ody said. “That I’m the only one who gets to see this side of you. You only show it to me.” He slid a hand to the back of Mano’s neck, drawing him closer.

“Don’t get cocky. You know what I’m capable of,” Mano warned, pushing him back.

Ody let out a soft chuckle. “What are you capable of?”

“You forgot Serifos? That last night when I’d been drinking?” Mano said, some of his edge returning. “I grabbed your hands, pinned you down… wrapped my hand around your neck…” A faint smirk touched his lips. “I gave you orders…”

Ody’s gaze dropped. “So what?” he said, trying to sound unaffected.

“You said you liked that side of me,” Mano replied, pushing him back onto the couch. He lifted his tattooed forearm, resting it near Ody’s neck.

Ody leaned back, swallowing.

Mano’s ringed fingers slid around his throat, applying slight pressure.

Ody was half lying down, Mano hovering over him.

“You said you couldn’t resist me. I turned you on.”

Ody scoffed. “With just your hand around my throat?”

“You love it.” Mano’s smile tilted. “I can tell.” He pressed his fingers a little firmer, forcing Ody to breathe through his mouth, eyes slipping shut.

“You love it when I pin you down. When I choke you and tell you what to do.” His grip tightened, firm now.

“T-that’s just because you—”

“Shhh…” Mano placed his other hand over Ody’s mouth.

Ody’s eyes locked onto his, breath uneven as he tried to steady it through his nose. His brows pulled together.

Mano smirked. “Am I turning you on, mikre?”

Ody’s hand slid to the back of Mano’s neck, pulling him down, while his other grabbed Mano’s forearm, forcing his hand away from his mouth.

Mano pulled back just before their lips met. “No.” His gaze held his. “I’m in charge now. You’re gonna do as I say.”

“Yeah? Like what exactly?” Ody asked, panting.

“Get dressed. We’re going out.”

Ody stilled.

Mano gave his cheek two light slaps, then stood.