Chapter 5

Dante tossed a few kernels of popcorn into his mouth, munching slowly, the half-congealed butter and soggy pieces squeaking against his teeth. Salt burned the back of his lips and Dante reached for his soda.

Izz was reaching for his own drink. Their hands touched and Dante froze. Izz seemed not to notice, picking his soda up from the cup holder and taking a long pull. When he put his cup back, their hands collided again. “If you wanted to hold my hand, all you have to do is ask,” said Izz leaning close.

Dante caught a whiff of Izz’s aftershave, a woody fragrance laced with spicier notes and the coolness of aloe, clean yet sensual. “Well, this is supposedly a horror film,” he whispered, so close to Izz’s ear that Dante’s lips grazed against Izz’s soft golden locks.

Izz chuckled, the sound low in his chest. “I’ll keep you safe,” he said, twining their fingers together.