“And I’m supposed to believe you? Just like that?”
“Yes, because it’s the truth!” He snapped with irritation.
“You’ve been distant forweeks. I’ve barely heard from you. You’re finding your course hard—you—a genius. I sent you that text when I went to bed, and it took youhoursto respond. It doesn’t add up, Theodore.”
“I’ve been studying, Hannah.”
“Withher?” I hissed, closing my eyes.
“Look at me.” Theo ordered, as my eyes opened with surprise.
Look at me? What––
Theo.
Stood at the back door, Mom wringing her hands behind him.
The phone fell silent in my hands as I stood up, my legs shaking as Theo strode towards me. His stupidly handsome face looked worn and tired, yet his eyes gazed at me like I was his world.
“Did someone order a hot chocolate?” Theo whispered, brushing my cheek with his finger.
I gasped at his touch as I took the cup from him. He hadn’t shaved in a while either; I noticed as I stared at him as though he was going to disappear.
“You’re here,” I said as he gazed at me.
“Of course I am.”
“Did you fuck her?” I asked, my eyes fixing on his as he moved in front of me, his hands circling mine.
“No.Look at me. No.”
Theo’s eyes were wide as he kissed my hands, and I knew that he was telling the truth.
He’d believed me about Kyle, despite the odds stacked against me.
“Then I’m coming to your college, and I’m kicking her in the fucking cunt.” I seethed as he held my face in his hands.
“Youcan’tdoubt me, Hannah. Trust is too fucking important.Youare it for me.”
“I’m still going to your college—”
“Well, I’m not.” Theo smirked.
I lifted my eyes to him.
“What?” I said, under my breath.
He chuckled as he kissed my lips lightly; my loins immediately springing into action.
“I tried it. I did. But I couldn’t concentrate. I needyou. You motivate me.”
I couldn’t speak. The breath left my body when our lips met, the kiss urgent yet filled with love and desire.
“I’ll cut your balls off if I find out you’re lying about Sherry.” I warned him.
“Standard.” Theo shrugged, and a smile played on my lips.
The relief that surged through me was immense. My entire body relaxed into his arms.
