“If I allow my gaze to travel higher-which I won't-I'll see the solid gold basketball charm on a chain that my mother gave him for his eighteenth birthday nestled in his coarse, whorled chest hair. My front teeth throb as the memory of the charm bangs against them.”

“I closed my eyes. His fingers found mine. I buried my face on his chest, my vision hazy. "I won't remember you.""You will," he whispered into my hair. "Someday. I'll find you.”

“I was shaking when our lips parted and he leaned his forehead against mine, his fingers carding through my hair, my hands on his face. "I won't let them," Rafael said. "I won't let anyone take you away. I'll protect you. I'll always protect you. I don't care how. I just will.”

“He cupped my face and closed the gap between us nestling his nose next to mine. I felt my heart in my throat, beating at full speed. “No.” I restrained him, raising my right arm against his chest. David moved slightly back, staring deep into my eyes. “You’ll be the death of me. I swear it.”

“Icarus.""Hmm?""I don't have a hidden agenda. Nor do I intend to use you or mislead you with my charm."Despite herself, she smiled, glancing at him. His face was studiously neutral."The day you act charming, I'll know something is wrong.”

“Seeing him on his knees in front of me, feeling his mouth on me, it's so unexpected and hot. My hands stay in his hair, pulling gently as I try to quiet my too loud breathing. He gazes up at me through impossibly long lashes, his eyes scorching smoky gray.”