Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 103413 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 517(@200wpm)___ 414(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103413 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 517(@200wpm)___ 414(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
Nico shook his head frantically. No, he didn’t need that to remember who he was.
Liam ran his thumb over Nico’s lower lip, and he parted them, letting the other man press his thumb inside his mouth.
“You are mine Nicolas Carmichael. Do not forget it.”
He wouldn’t. His breath came in fast pants, his pulse racing. But he couldn’t help looking at Lottie, worried she would feel left out. Instead, she was staring at them hungrily. Liam removed his thumb and leaned down, pulling Nico up to meet him halfway. Then he kissed him. He claimed him. Owned him.
When he drew back, Nico let out a pained groan. “You’re a good boy, but you’re getting punished later for keeping that worry from me.”
Liam gave him a knowing look and Nico knew it was pointless to argue.
“Damn, that was hot,” Lottie muttered.
They both turned to stare at her, and she blushed. “Sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt.”
Liam let out a deep sigh. “I know we’ve got some way to go until we’re more comfortable with this sort of relationship, but you both need to stop being so fucking stupid.”
“Stupid?” Lottie spluttered.
“Stupid,” he repeated. He pointed at Nico. “You are mine. Always. There will be no divorce. You mention it again, and you won’t sit for a week or come for a month. And you,” he turned to Lottie, his face softening slightly, “you are not interrupting, you’re not a bother, and you’re not more trouble than you’re fucking worth, got it?”
Her eyes widened. Nico knew she wasn’t used to being talked to that way. But Liam would always be like this, especially when he thought someone he cared about was being an idiot.
“I understand,” she whispered.
“Good.”
“But how will we do this then?” Nico asked.
“Don’t worry, I’ll figure it all out. And I don’t fucking care if it’s legal or not, it’s about our commitment to each other.”
That knot in his stomach eased and he went to pull away, to sit back on his armchair.
“Stay where you are,” Liam commanded.
Shit.
This was a small punishment for being an idiot, he knew. Kneeling here. But it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, being close to Liam never was. He wasn’t the most demonstrative man in public, but in private he became more so. Liam ran his fingers through Nico’s hair, making him shiver.
“Back to the rules,” Liam said quietly. “No talking badly about yourselves.” He tugged Nico’s hair lightly.
“Yes, Liam,” Nico replied.
“Yes, Liam,” Lottie repeated.
“The two of you please me,” Liam told them. “Nico knows his rules and they won’t necessarily be the same as yours. But safety is a common one. Neither of you is to put yourself in a dangerous situation. And if you do find yourself in one, you’re to call me as soon as you possibly can. Understand?”
“Yes, Liam,” they said together.
“Lottie, if you’re with Nico and I’m not around, then he’s in charge. I trust him to take care of you. Understand me?”
“Yes, Liam.”
“Good girl,” he praised her. “We’re going to spend this time we have together working on trust, on getting to know one another.”
“But how long can you stay? What if you have to go and I can’t . . . I can’t go with you.” Worry filled her face.
“I’ve bought us enough time, I think,” Liam replied. “We need to find you a new therapist.”
“If you’re willing to speak to one,” Nico added hastily.
She licked her lips. “Actually, there’s someone one of my cousins mentioned, she lives in their town, Haven. I was thinking that maybe I could call her and see if she’ll do some sessions over the phone.”
“I’m proud of you for seeking out help,” Liam told her.
Happiness flooded her face. Nico knew how amazing it felt to have Liam’s praise.
“But what did you tell my brother you’d do for him to let you stay?” she asked.
“I told him I was going to help him find the rat in his ranks.”
“There’s a rat?” she asked.
“Regent thinks so. And with everything that’s happened, I agree.”
“Will that be dangerous?” Lottie chewed her lip.
“I’ll be fine, baby. I know how to protect myself. That’s why Victor had to leave, he’s dealing with a supplier in Mexico. Last shipment nearly got intercepted by the cops. Now the supplier is antsy.”
“We could just tell him about us. I don’t like lying to my brother.”
Nico and Liam shared a glance. “How do you think he’ll react?”
She bit her lip. “He’ll throw you out. But this is my house too.”
They just stared at her. “Yeah, you’d be dead meat. Darn it.”
“Baby, he wants to protect you. You’re his baby sister and you were hurt. You’re vulnerable. And he’s right to feel that way, even if he doesn’t need to protect you from us. Telling him would make things a lot harder. It’s not forever.”
“He wants me to be happy.”