Soren grins, mouth full. “What? What’s yours is mine and vice versa.”
Then hewinksand adds, “If you like, we can share Ray too.”
Right on cue, Ray walks in and freezes. “Uh… excuse me?”
I look down at the counter, hands resting on the edge.
Ray glances between us. “What am I missing?”
Soren, already moving to grab a drink, says casually, “He’s jealous.”
Ray laughs. “Of what?”
“You.”
Ray laughs louder and moves to where Soren was just standing. “Seriously, kid? I ain’t gay. What’s there to be jealous of?”
I roll my eyes and shrug. “I dunno…”
Ray pulls me into a quick, brotherly hug, laughing the whole time. It actually eases something tight in my chest.
I whisper, “Thanks.”
“Anytime,” he replies.
Then he’s suddenly yanked backward by his collar, nearly taking me with him. Soren’s large hand catches me before I can fall off the island.
Ray chokes dramatically. “Fucking hell, Soren!”
Soren growls, “Why were you hugging him? I was getting a drink for two seconds.”
I grab Soren’s arm. “Leave him alone, you great ape.”
Soren’s eyes widen as he looks back at me, not sure he heard that right.
Ray just laughs, taking a stool and saying, “Hey Lorraine, are these sandwiches on offer for everyone?”
Lorraine smiles warmly. “I’ll make some more, don’t you worry, Ray. But you owe me a rematch at chess.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Soren settles against me again, arms wrapping around my waist.
I sigh into his chest. “I’d really like to eat what remains of my sandwich, you know.”
Soren picks up the half-eaten sandwich and holds it in front of my mouth like I’m a child. I shake my head but take a bite anyway. Now this idiot is the jealous one… feeding me like he owns me.
Chapter Thirty-Two
~ Mr and Mrs. Sinclair ~
Soren
I lean back in the large leather armchair in the break room, legs stretched out, watching everything from a distance.
I gave Kit some space on purpose. After I finished feeding him the rest of that sandwich, I could feel him getting overwhelmed again, that familiar mix of shyness and irritation flickering across his face. So I backed off. Sat over here instead of crowding him. I’ve never had to fight the urge to constantly have my hands on someone before. But with Kit… it’s different. I want him close all the time. Want him on my lap, under my arm, wearing my scent. It’s fucking unsettling how strong the pull is.
The break room is lively tonight. The TV’s on low in the corner with some football match playing. A few of the lads are throwing darts in the far corner, laughing and shit-talking. Ray and Lorraine are deep into their chess rematch at the side table, Lorraine already winding him up him with a smug little smile. Ralph is on his break,leaning against the wall talking with Armen about something… probably guns or cars, knowing those two.
