Page 94 of Rush
Not tense, not on guard, just present.
The morning light coming through the window catches the ink on his chest and arms, makes the lines stand out against his skin.
"You're staring," he says.
"You're shirtless in my kitchen. I'm allowed to stare."
"Fair enough."
"Besides, you stared at me plenty last night."
"I did."
"And this morning."
"Also true."
I set my cup down and reach up to touch the tattoo on his chest, trace the lines with my finger.
"What's this one?" I ask.
"Ruby's birthday in Roman numerals."
"And this?"
"Coordinates to where I grew up."
"Why?"
"To remember where I came from."
I trace another one, a raven on his ribs. "And this is the Vipers’ sigil."
He nods. "I got it after I joined the Vipers."
"You have a lot of ink."
"Started getting it in juvie, kept going after I got out. It was a way to mark time, to have something that was mine."
The honesty in his voice makes my chest tight. He doesn't talk about juvie much and I know it's not easy for him.
"I like them," I say.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. They suit you."
He pulls me closer and kisses me, slow and deep.
When he pulls back I'm breathless.
"So what happens now?" I ask.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean we slept together and you're still here—what happens next?"
"We keep doing this."
