Playing (Inked Hearts 2)

He laughs. "Okay. You're a little defensive, and it's awfully rude that you assumed I never hurt." He drags his fingertips over my chin. "I like you. But you're never going to be my confidant. You're never going to be the shoulder I cry on."

"Do you cry?"

His lips curl into a smile. He presses his palm into my lower back. "Honesty, right?"

"From both of us."

"Haven't cried in a while. You?"

"Can't say the same."

His voice softens. He pulls me closer. "I'm not a monster. I don't want to hurt you."

"You won't. Not if you're honest."

Doubt creeps onto his face. He takes a step backwards, pulling his hand to his side. "See, these conditions, they worry me. Make me think you're after more than just a good time."

I press my fingers into my glass. "Now you're the one being presumptuous."

"Fair point." His eyes meet mine. "Okay, I'll agree to total honesty. But I have my own condition. The second you develop feelings for me, this is over."

"What if you develop feelings for me? What if you fall in love with me?" I tug at my skirt. "Isn't that possible?"

His voice is even and calm. "No."

"Whatever." My temper flares. Where does he get the nerve? How can he be so sure he'll never feel anything? "I'll tell you if I develop feelings for you."

"You're cute when you're flustered."

"Fuck off. You're not cute when you're acting like nothing has ever mattered to you."

"It's a compliment."

"Not to me."

He nods. "This, us being on the same page, matters to me."

"Me too."

"We're fuck buddies and we don't lie to each other." He takes my glass from my hands and sets it on the counter. "And you'll tell me if you develop feelings for me."

He offers his hand to shake.

Despite my sweaty palm, I take his hand with a firm grip.

We shake.

And it's done.

Miles is my friend with benefits.

Miles, rock star sex god, is my friend with benefits.

Chapter Six

I'm on fire.

We're in agreement. We're friends with benefits. We're about to have sex.