Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 81358 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 407(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81358 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 407(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Between Kai’s nakedness, the obvious hints to sex, and the blatant cuddling between two nearly naked men, both cops were looking as if they wanted to be anywhere but at Dev’s house. Right now, they had zero proof that anything had happened here, and they couldn’t enter without some kind of justifiable cause.
“All right then,” the first officer muttered. He touched his hat to them and took a step back. “We appreciate your time. Just try to keep the noise down, if you don’t mind.”
“No worries, officer,” Kai reassured them. He lifted his hand to wave and nearly dropped his jacket. He made a show of catching it just in time and holding it in place while grinning sheepishly.
“Don’t worry. After the pizza arrives, I’m tucking him into bed,” Dev promised.
That was enough to get the cops practically running to their squad car.
The moment Dev had the door shut and locked, his knees gave out. Kai caught him. He paused long enough to toss the jacket aside before helping Dev into the living room. He dropped heavily on the sofa. Kai sat next to him, cuddling him in his arms.
“You went to the door naked,” Dev stated flatly after a couple of moments of silence.
Grinning, Kai leaned close and brushed a gentle kiss to Dev’s hair. “You were amazing.”
“Naked, Kai. They saw your dick.”
It was a struggle to not laugh. “After everything that has happened tonight, this is what’s bothering you?”
“No, I’m just working my way in reverse to the really horrible stuff.”
All the laughter and amusement washed out of Kai’s body, and he wrapped his arms tighter around Dev. “I’m sorry. You shouldn’t have had to shoot him. I was supposed to keep you safe.”
Dev shifted against him, lifting his head so he could look Kai in the eyes. “But he was going to kill you. I was afraid that when the time came, I wouldn’t be able to pull the trigger.” He paused and shook his head. “He was so close. Even if you got your shot off, I thought he’d still kill you. I…I couldn’t let that happen. I didn’t think.”
Placing his hand on Dev’s cheek, Kai swept his thumb across Dev’s lower lip and smiled. “You saved me.”
It had been a very long time since anyone had done that for him. Scott had saved him from a horrible life with his father. Gabriel and Justin had saved him from making a horrible mistake. And Dev had saved his life in more ways than he could begin to count.
“What happens now?”
Kai wished he could smile reassuringly at Dev, but his mouth failed him, automatically pulling into a frown. “Well, I need to pack up my things, grab the rental car, and take care of Elijah. Tomorrow morning, you will get a visit from a friend who will complete a more thorough cleaning of your bedroom. If you could just sleep in Jake’s room tonight, he might be in and out before you even get up for your first cup of coffee.”
“That’s not what I meant.” Dev frowned and made a little angry noise. “I mean, I do appreciate all of that. I wouldn’t know where to begin.”
“I don’t expect the cops to be back, but if they do come back, they won’t be able to find anything after my friend is done. I promise. I’ll dispose of your gun. You just need to take a shower tonight to remove any possible gunshot residue from your hands.”
Dev nodded, his eyes straying to Kai’s bare chest. “Okay. Yes. I can do that.”
“Dev?”
“What about us?” His head snapped up and those beautiful eyes held Kai captive. “It’s all over. The entire reason you’ve been stuck here has been resolved. Where do we go from here? You said…”
“I love you,” Kai filled in when Dev’s voice faded. He leaned in and gently kissed the man who had stolen his heart away. “I do love you. I love you with everything that I am.”
“Is there a but in that statement?”
“I love you completely and without reservation. There are no buts when it comes to my love for you. However—”
Dev placed his fingers over Kai’s mouth and narrowed his gaze. “But and however mean the same damn thing.”
Kai pressed a kiss to Dev’s fingertips and pulled his hand away. “The ‘however’ is linked to our potential future. Specifically, how we can have anything while making sure that my life does not endanger your life or Jake’s.”
“Oh. How would you go about…”
“I’d quit being an assassin,” he said simply.
“What? Are you sure? I couldn’t ask you to change your entire life around for me and Jake. That’s insane!”
“But it’s what I want. I can’t be happy with you if I’m always worried about putting you and Jake in danger. Elijah proved to me that I have to leave that life behind.” Kai caressed Dev’s jaw. He’d never get tired of touching this man. He wanted to have the right to touch him every day for the rest of his life. It was a damn good trade-off if it meant giving up the assassin’s life.