**************
His grip lingered, his thumb stroking idly against my hip. He bent close, lips brushing the shell of my ear.
"Still trembling, Sunshine?" he whispered, voice silk over steel. "Careful, or you'll make me think you want me to carry you back."
The image—me in his arms, his mouth still wet from me, his voice daring me to fall apart all over again—made a whimper escape before I could stop it.
"Let's just go back."
******
After dinner, everyone from the senior class decided to gather around the bonfire for a game.
The air was cooler now, the night breeze carrying the faint scent of pine and smoke, mixing with the laughter and chatter of students settling around the flames.
I sat on a flat rock a little away from the growing circle, hugging my knees to my chest. I thought keeping my distance might help me breathe easier and keep my thoughts sane, but apparently, I was wrong.
