The Straight Crimes by Matt Juhl Read Free Book Online

way.” She covered her mouth.
    “Look, I told you I'm fine."
    "Knock it off! You don’t gotta pretend with me. We’re goin’ to the pharmacy. Auntie gave me some money that we can use to get you fixed up.”
    "You don't have to do that."
    Harper ignored him and marched towards the corner drug store. "The scratches are kinda red. We’ll need some peroxide so they don’t get infected. Your bruises are already swollen, but they may just need some ice. We’ll grab a bag on the way out.”
    "Please, don’t fuss over me. This is nothing."
    "Stop talkin’. I’m in charge now. Just ‘cause you’re hurt and wanna ignore it doesn’t mean I’m gonna.”
     
    After picking up an arsenal of supplies, they returned to the beach where Harper tended to Nik’s injuries.
    He flinched while she swabbed his cuts and covered them with bandages.
    “I’m sick of people hurtin’ you.”
    “I know. I appreciate you taking care of me.”
    “It just pisses me off. You’d never lay a hand on anyone.” She smoothed his black hair. “Your daddy makes me so mad I can’t even think.”
    Nik watched Harper in a way he’d never looked at someone in his life. He was overwhelmed by her sincerity, realizing she was the only person who cared about him.
    All his budding emotions fluttered back. She was stunning, the way her hair blew in the wind and her skin glistened from the wetness of the rain. In all his life, Nik had never seen someone more beautiful.
    Suddenly, he scooted closer to Harper and ran his soft fingers across her delicate, pink lips. Then he placed his warm hands on her cheeks and longingly looked into her kind stare.
    Nik read the desire in her expression and felt the want on her breath. His heartbeat nervously strummed as he tilted Harper’s head to the side. Then his eyes slowly rolled back as he pressed his mouth against hers in a long, gentle kiss.
    Harper’s body nearly melted from his touch. Every part of her that screamed ‘no’ couldn’t compete with her secret passions.
    Nik stopped for a brief second, pulling away to catch his breath before looking back into Harper’s eyes.
    He’d surprised both of them with his boldness. However, she wasn’t about to fight him.
    Nik kissed Harper again. This time, he moved closer and parted her lips with his soft tongue, sweetly and slowly.
    It was overpowering. Nik’s brazen manner made Harper’s entire body tingle. The fiery, sexy man she’d been craving for months had finally caressed her skin and kissed her the way she’d always dreamt of being kissed.
    Harper relinquished all control as they clung to each other in the chilling rain.
    Nik crawled on top of her and overpowered her with his incredibly hungry desire, digging his hands into her damp hair and pulling her mouth into his. They took turns rolling over each other like the waves coming to shore. He squeezed her between his developed thighs as if he was a human clamp, holding her in his strength. Feeling her perfectly taught form against his hard body was astounding.
    Harper desperately pined for air between the breathless kisses, barely able to pull away. The way he wrapped his massive body around her like a blanket made her body grow helpless as she surrendered to their passion.
    With soaked hair and sand across his scruffy cheek, Nik opened his enticing green eyes and pulled his lips mere inches from Harper’s. Then, he whispered, “I’ve been waiting to do that.”
    Overcome with emotion, she breathlessly exhaled. Harper didn’t know what else to say, except, “What the hell took you so long?”
    Nik flashed a playful grin. Then he pulled Harper back on the edge of the sandy shore. The rain trickled down and cold waves crashed against their bodies as they lost themselves in each other.
    At that moment, both of them knew with absolute certainty they were straight. And even though it was more socially acceptable to be gay, they weren’t thinking about that—because what they had felt undeniably