Page 118

“I know,” Cold whispered, rubbing Jimmy’s back and peppering his face with sweet kisses. He held Jimmy as if he was afraid he might disappear, keeping him close long after his cock slid out and they were both a cold, sticky mess.

Cold didn’t need to say it back.

Jimmy could feel it in his tender kisses, the stroke of his hand across his spine.

He knew Cold loved him too.

Releasing Jimmy long enough for him to grab a damp washcloth to clean them up, Cold protested, “This is supposed to be my job.”

“I can take care of you sometimes,” Jimmy said with a loving smile, sliding back into bed beside him and snuggling against his uninjured side.

Cold grunted at that, winding his arm around Jimmy. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Hmph. We’ll see about that.”

“Well, seeing as how I just did it…” Jimmy chuckled, his hand wandering up Cold’s chest. He trailed off when he found a particularly intricate scar that looked like a jagged bolt of lightning, tracing it with the tip of his finger.

“Beer bottle,” Cold said quietly. “Twelve.”

“You were twelve?”

“Mm.”

Jimmy’s fingers traveled up to the large scar that rippled across Cold’s breast.

“Ah, decided I was going to be daring and get my nipple pierced when I was seventeen.” Cold snorted. “Boris tore it out. Got infected. Never healed right.”

Jimmy grimaced, moving his hand to touch the other large scar that stretched across Cold’s side.

“First time Marco Luchesi told me to use my mouth on him and I refused,” Cold said, his eyes closing.

Jimmy froze, and his insides clenched in sympathy.

“Ironic thing about the Luchesis,” Cold drawled. “They’re quick to bash someone for being gay, but they’re not real picky about where they put their dicks if they don’t think anyone will find out.”

“I’m so sorry, Rod,” Jimmy said quietly and winced, wishing he could take it back. Sorry didn’t seem right. It didn’t seem like a strong enough word to convey how much his heart hurt to know how Cold had suffered.

“I’m only sorry I didn’t refuse sooner.”

“How old…?”

“Sixteen was the last time. Ten was the first.”

“Christ,” Jimmy muttered, cuddling closer as if he could leach out those bad memories with his embrace. Realization crept over him, and he felt even worse than he did before. “Holy crap. I’ve been such an asshole to you.”

“Hmm?”

“After everything you’ve been through, and I’ve been pushing you so hard,” Jimmy clarified, peering owlishly up at Cold. “You know. To be more… physical. I should have known. I mean, at the least, I should have been more respectful. And the kissing. I had no right—”

“While I do appreciate that and hope this new knowledge allows you to make more respectful decisions in the future,” Cold said quickly, “I don’t need your pity. It was all a very long time ago.” His eyes flickered open as he appraised Jimmy with a smug smile. “You hadn’t even been born yet.”

“Still, I’m sorry.” Jimmy rolled his eyes, scoffing, “And come on. You’re not that old.”

“How old do you think I am, Jimmy?” Cold asked, amused.

“Uh. Thirtyish something?”

“Flatterer. I’m going to be forty-five on Friday.”

“Forty… Wow.” Jimmy gasped, honestly quite surprised. He did some quick math and grinned. “You’re nineteen years older than me.”