Page 37 of Examining the Bond

What we did was risky—downright insane—but I wish she would have let me stay a few more minutes. My skin itches for comfort only Skylar can bring, and I crave her affection.

Being chased away right after she made me come harder than I ever have stings, even though I know this is how it has to be.

I have so many questions I want to ask, but one that sticks out at the forefront of my mind.

What now?

Where do we go from here? She said this wasn’t a one-time thing, and that she wants me the way I want her, but I don’t know how it’s possible. After she figures out what’s wrong with me, is there a chance of something serious between us? Or now that she's gotten it out of her system, will she realize she's not as attracted to me as she thought?

My chest constricts.

Once I get my diagnosis, I’m flying back home to Georgia. There’s no preventing that. I’ll return to my life at the academy and then…

I don’t know.

The realization makes my smile falter, but I try to cling to the remnants of euphoria still making me numb. That’s a problem for later, long after the afterglow fades.

For now, I just want to enjoy this moment without stressing about hypotheticals.

My phone pings again, and I grumble, fumbling through the blankets to find it. It’s another message from Ziel.

Ziel: How’s it going?

Ziel: I need a sign of life please…

Ziel: I’m calling the cops if I don’t hear from you in five minutes.

I laugh out loud and roll my eyes.

Why do you always have to be so dramatic? I’m fine.

More than fine.

My stomach flip-flops again—these butterflies are unreal—and the feeling sinks between my thighs as more images of Skylar come to mind.

I quickly tap out another reply.

Just got back to my room. Might take a nap. I’m exhausted.

Ziel: Thank fuck. I swear you’re giving me gray hair.

Ziel: Exhausted from?

I giggle as I debate video calling him for a second until I remember I probably look like hell. I didn’t even bother looking in a mirror before I left the clinic. My makeup is probably a mess; I know my hair is.

Several long seconds pass.

Mission accomplished.

At least a hundred emojis follow, and I burst into a fit of laughter, laughing until my cheeks ache.

Ziel: I expect details after your nap. Let me live vicariously through you.

I roll my eyes. There’s no way I’m telling him all the juicy details, but there’s no one else I can share my secret with. Giving him the basic rundown won’t be so bad, right?

The weight of sleep is already tugging at my limbs as I settle further into the mountain of blankets.

Deal.