It’s no secret Tav and Luca are going out. After the accident, it’s also no secret that new kid Jack Collins has a raging case of homophobia, and is not best pleased about having given the kiss of life to a gay guy. Either Luca quits swimming, or Jack is going to make him.<br><br>Tav favours the tried-and-true method of knocking Jack’s teeth down his neck, only he can’t really afford another school suspension. Luca favours just ignoring him, only ignoring a penknife being held to your throat at New Year’s Eve is downright stupid.<br><br>Thing is, Luca suspects Jack is a victim of something himself. And time is running out for Luca to get through to Jack, before Jack gets rid of him.

The Italian Word for Kisses

Luca’s hand contracted around his elbow again.


“I love you so much, and you scared the shit out of me, and I’m going to kill you when you get out of here—but I’m never breaking up with you, Luca. Okay? I dunno how you got to that thought, but it’s the wrong thought. Alright?”


“You are mine,” Tav insisted fiercely. “Even being stupid and getting mashed up by a taxi doesn’t change that. Even arguing doesn’t change it. You’re mine and I am never, ever getting rid of you. I’m not dumping you, I promise.”


Luca’s breathing was loud and shaky, but the tears seemed to have stopped. His eyes stayed closed, and Tav leaned sideways until he could rest his head on the pillow and slide the hand in Luca’s hair gently under his neck. When Luca didn’t wince or protest, Tav relaxed. It was as close to a hug as they were going to get, even if the angle he was leaning at was going to give him pins and needles in his left arm.


Chapter 81