Without another word, he strode across the room, took my hand, and pulled me into a hug. The feel of his muscled body pressing into mine, the smell of him, and the way his hand moved up and down my back tore all the tension out of me. I sank into the hug, feeling all my anger give way. I was both deflated and relieved.
“I’m sorry I didn’t believe you. I’m a stupid asshole. I can’t do anything right and… I don’t know. What else? I have a small dick? I need to lose a few pounds? Give me your worst.”
I laughed, despite myself, and looked up at him. “Well, you for sure don’t have a small dick. The other things?” I nudged his rippling abs. “Pretty accurate.”
He hissed through his teeth and shook his head. “I guess no more late-night ice cream binges. Oh well.”
We chuckled, but I wanted to get back to business. I put a hand on his chest and said, “I guess I know how it sounded. It did seem a little crazy, so I can understand your hesitation. Maybe I shouldn’t have blown up like I did.”
“And I should have given you the benefit of the doubt.”
“Still, we’ve all been on edge. A lot of stuff has happened in a really short time. Basically, what I’m saying is, you’re forgiven.”
Nico let out a massive sigh and collapsed backward onto the bed, pulling me with him. We crashed into the mattress, and I laughed as he acted like he’d just finished running a marathon.
“Was it that bad?” I asked.
“I was terrified. Not really… well… maybe a little.”
Changing the subject, I said, “How did everyone take the news about the witch?”
“Pretty well. Dad and Felipe came over, but my brothers, Sebastian, and Luis, were on a group call with us. Everyone is a little freaked out about the whole teleporting thing, but other than that, I think we’re good. I didn’t get to ask before. What do you think of Sinthy?”
“I feel for her. We sort of have that connection. Her parents were killed by the royals, and that’s what they did to my birth father and Kenneth. They hurt my family too. She wants revenge, and I can relate.”
Nico nodded. “Yeah, that look on her face when I mentioned it. Jeez, I wouldnotwant to be on her bad side.”
“Her life is totally different than it should have been. That’s a heavy burden to bear. Always wondering what could have been. I love my parents, but I can’t help but think what my life could have been like had my birth father not died and if he and Gabriella had raised me. It’s sort of sad and exciting to think about at the same time. She and I are connected in that.”
“Does that mean you trust her?” Nico asked, sliding a finger along my chin.
“I do,” I said. “I can’t give you any real reasons other than that my gut tells me so.”
“Good, because I also trust her. If she’s acting, she deserves an Oscar, and we deserve whatever comes for falling for it, but I don’t see any cracks in her story or her intentions. I think we’re good to follow her lead.”
Nico pulled me closer, and I rested my head on his chest. “Are you ready for all this?” I asked.
“I think so. Are you still worried about getting the vial?”
I gave a little shake of my head. “No. I know what I need to do now. I have to do what’s necessary to protect the pack. All the packs. I can’t hesitate anymore.”
He lifted my chin and leaned forward for a deep kiss. Our lips brushed together for a moment before they crashed into each other. There was a tiny flick of tongue across mine, then he pulled away. “Whatever you decide,” Nico said, “I’m on your side. Destroy it or drink it—you’ll never hear me second-guess you. I’ve got your back. Always. Once this is all over, we can finally have our happily ever after.” I lay my head back on his chest and thought about how wonderful that was going to be. If it ever came to pass.
My eyes had only been closed a moment when Nico’s fingers began to trace up and down my spine, feather soft and delicate. A sigh escaped my lips as his hand drifted into my hair, slowly massaging my scalp. After all the arguing and all the tension, I wanted exactly what he wanted. There was nothing else to say that his hands weren’t already saying.
His free hand wrapped around me, grabbing and sliding me up so that my face was even with his. Those eyes locked onto mine, and I could see the hunger there, desperate and demanding. It made me wet. Knowing how badly he wanted me was almost more than I could stand.
“I’m sorry,” he said, his voice so soft it was barely audible.
“You already said that.”
“Doesn’t mean I can’t say it again.”
Grinning, I slid a hand across his chest, moving down his stomach. “Don’t say it. Show it.” I took his rapidly hardening cock in my hand.
“God.” He lay back against the pillow as I stroked him. I enjoyed seeing him like that. All mine, and putty in my hands.
With my fingers sliding up and down the length of his shaft, it only took seconds before he was rock hard. I kissed his chest, then flicked my tongue across his nipple.
