Page 41

The simple phrase made me freeze. Because never in a million years could I have dreamed Neko, perfect for me in every way, into my life. Half the time, I considered my time with him as finite, because similar to other relationships, time and my closed off nature would rear its ugly head and Neko would eventually throw me away like everyone else.

But then he reached for my hand, weaving our fingers together, squeezing once. He lifted his head and the stunning smile he saved for me alone graced his features and I relaxed. I promised myself I’d do whatever it took to make this man happy and make him mine. Our relationship eternal, and it was my literal wish. Neko and I forever.

With a smile toward the man I loved above even my own life, I closed my eyes and blew out the candles, emphatic with my wish. When I opened them, Neko soft look and wide smile made me believe.

There was a rush for the cake; Yu yanking out the candles and sucking off the frosting left on the wax, Echo shoved a knife into Neko’s hand, which looked comparable to what a serial killer would use, and I moved to clear the dinner plates, raising my eyebrow when Hensley stood and stacked the dinnerware on her side of the table.

We deposited them next to the sink where I would rinse them off before loading and starting the dishwasher, before I wrapped an arm around Hensley’s shoulder and gave her a quick embrace. “Thanks for checking on me.”

“Graham?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m thrilled you found Neko and this family. Although you never thought so, you deserve to be happy and in love. I’m glad I got to see it.”

I glanced back to see Neko let out a frustrated growl before a smirk lifted his lips as the twins pointed where they would like him to cut, complaining the slices he wanted were microscopic. Reo and George sat back and watched as Neko slapped at their hands, never connecting, while Echo sighed, and waved her hand for Neko to hurry.

“I am, too. Thanks for seeing we weren’t right for each other. And for being the one to break it off.”

“That’s what friends are for.”

“I’m getting that.”

Grabbing the cake plates from the cupboard, I turned in time to see both the twins steal a piece of the chocolate cake and in no uncertain terms, shove the entire slice into their mouths. They both chewed while making sounds of approval.

Neko turned to me and smiled, “So, lemon-poppyseed, strawberry, or what’s left of the chocolate?”

I laughed and beamed at the twins, who smirked back with chocolate-covered teeth.

“I’ll take a slice of the lemon and the strawberry, because I’m feeling selfish.”

“Perfect.” With a dexterity that still amazed me whenever Neko moved, he cut several slices of each, plating huge portions for me and sliding it over, before he distributed the rest. Fresh strawberries along with the tart lemon and the sweetness of the buttercream harmonized with the fluffy cake. Unable to stop myself, I demolished both slices and sat back as the once elegant cake disappeared, leaving two tempting slices among the ruins.

“That’s it, I’m moving in and having Neko feed me. You won’t even notice me until you cook something.”

He laughed. “Well, I’m pretty sure the neighbors noticed you the moment you parked on the street. Not to mention, oh, yeah, you’re a stunning woman. But…”

“What?”

Neko glanced at me and smiled. I had a notion of where his thoughts led him, but I sat back and shrugged, letting him know I was fine with whatever he decided.

“You can move in next door, take over the lease from Graham. When you’re around, Echo and I will help you with your setup and introduce you to other streamers. You’re close enough to the City for your job, but it’s up to you and Graham.”

“Um…” Hensley stuttered and looked back and forth between me and Neko, confused by the offer. I watched her face and noticed she was more than intrigued, but she didn’t want to cause trouble in my new relationship.

“I’m fine with it, if you are. And Chaos is right, I moved in here the day after we met.”

“How did that happen?”

My face hardened, and Neko cupped my cheek, giving me a quirk of his lips. In such a short time, we’ve learned each other’s expressions and moods based on an idiosyncrasy. A brush of his hand against my arm, making my heart beat faster in my chest, a sign he stood by me no matter the situation. His sweet smile calming my heart. Or him settling against me whenever he was restless, craving my touch. Besides, our relationship wasn’t based on Neko’s past, but the knowledge of his situation happened to be a catalyst that shook me out of my mundane life.

“It… I watched the video. Protective instincts I didn’t even realize I possessed flooded me and I ran out of the house, needing to know Neko was safe. Since then, I haven’t been able to pull myself away from him. I’m protective of him and the instinct to keep him safe is always present, but I also love spending time together and crave to know everything about him.”

“You know I feel the same way, love.”

“Wait,” I froze as Ri and Yu glanced at each other and then turned their attention back to me.

“We never cleared up the fact you were, well, fucked over by your employers this morning,” Yu said, and Ri nodded.