Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 84544 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 423(@200wpm)___ 338(@250wpm)___ 282(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84544 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 423(@200wpm)___ 338(@250wpm)___ 282(@300wpm)
“Since you’ve been in the house with us, this is the first time I’ve seen you allow more than a foot of space between you. When you are together, you’re constantly looking at him, touching him in little ways, and smiling at him. Your tone of voice even softens when you speak directly to him. The one time West dared to tease Izzie, we all thought you were going to jump to your feet and knife the poor guy. And you know West teases everyone.”
“You had no problem with West teasing Athena,” Charlie added. He shook his head. “I swear I have never seen you so wrapped up in another person.”
“I’m so screwed,” Kairo moaned. He wasn’t willing to call it love. That was just silly. But yes, he was interested in Isidore. He was infatuated. He was smitten. In fucking deep smit, as Ed would put it. And he was terrified that it was only going to get worse. It was probably better to stop it all now. Walk away.
Just thinking of not talking to Isidore, not seeing him all the time, felt as though someone had shoved a knife into his chest. His heart screamed and his lungs locked up, refusing to drag in even a gasp of air. If he didn’t see Isidore, how would he know that he was safe? And happy? What if someone was trying to take advantage of his sweet nature?
What if someone else was trying to steal his kisses?
Screwed. Screwed. I’m so screwed.
“You’re not screwed,” Will grumbled. “Why don’t you take this time to get to know Izzie better without worrying about someone trying to extort or kill you both? You’ve got the entire team to watch your backs. Find out if this really is love. If it is, then worry about the next step.”
Kairo’s head snapped up and he could breathe again. “You think maybe it was just the danger that was bringing us together? Without the danger, there’s nothing there between us?” His gaze darted between Charlie and Will to find both of them looking very skeptical, but they didn’t argue.
Sure, maybe now that they weren’t in danger, he wouldn’t find Isidore to be completely sweet, protective, self-sacrificing, and adorably insecure. Not to mention brain-meltingly sexy.
Yeah, and maybe Greek pigs grew wings.
10
ISIDORE PANOPOULOS
“What the fuck are you thinking?” Athena screeched in a harsh whisper the second Kairo disappeared down the stairs.
Isidore waved both of his hands at his younger sister to lower her voice as he hurried past her to silently shut the door. That was not something he wanted Kairo to overhear. The poor man would get the wrong idea. At least, he very much hoped that it was the wrong idea.
Isidore dragged in a deep breath to try to settle his racing heart and the bounty of butterflies in his stomach. After clearing his throat, he turned to face Athena, who had her fists resting on her hips and her best glare on her face. It was her patented “I might be your younger sister but I’m going to act like an older sister” glare.
“What are you talking about?” Isidore inquired, inwardly wincing when his voice came out a full octave higher than normal. That was just fantastic. So innocent.
“You were kissing him,” Athena hissed.
“So what? You knew I was gay. Kissing boys is part of that. You said you didn’t have a problem with it.”
“Isidore Aegis Panopoulos! You know that’s not the issue.” She marched over and smacked him on the shoulder. “May the old gods rise from the dead and strike you down for even uttering those words. I’m talking about you kissing Kairo. What were you thinking?”
“I was thinking that he’s hot and sexy and funny and sweet. I was also thinking that it was quite cruel of my sister to barge in when she did, because I wasn’t at all finished kissing him.”
Athena curled her fingers into fists and shook them at Isidore as if she wanted to really shake him. “Isidore!”
“What?” Isidore crossed to the bed and gingerly sat down on the edge. This time the springs didn’t let out as loud of a squeal. Apparently as long as they didn’t toss and turn in their sleep, the bed wouldn’t be that loud.
Naturally, his wicked brain immediately imagined having sex on the noisy bed with Kairo. Not only would the entire house know what was happening, but there was a good chance that all of Itea would be aware of it too. He could live without that happening.
But the idea of sex with Kairo was still enticing. Maybe he could lure him somewhere quiet. Or he could just corner him in the bathroom and drop to his knees—
“Isidore! Are you even listening to me?” Athena shouted, snatching back his attention.
He blinked at his sister and smiled. “Sorry. My mind drifted. What were you saying?” he asked, not feeling the least bit embarrassed.