Page 58 of A Thousand Cuts

“Can I see?”

Liam held his gaze before he wiggled his arm free of the blanket and shimmied it from his jacket to hold forward. It was a sign of trust and Fix took it reverently, even as he wanted to explode from the sight of the ring of purple bruises blooming around Liam’s forearm.

Fix cupped the underside gently, jaw tensing as he rubbed a thumb over the shape of the fingerprints. “I’ll kill him.”

“He’s dangerous.” Liam sounded worried.

Fix glanced up to meet Liam’s gaze. “I can be too when someone messes with the people I care about.”

The words visibly affected Liam. Fix could see shuttered hope and longing, and he was desperate to give him everything, if only he would accept it. All he needed to do was say yes and Fix would give him the world.

“Liam, I know we said we wouldn’t talk about it and now is the worst timing, but…you can’t tell me I’m imagining things between us? Tell me I’m making it up and I’ll leave it alone.”

Liam hid his face in his shoulder again, shaking his head.

“You’re not,” he whispered, making Fix’s heart pound. “But I’m not fun to be around. I’m more trouble than I’m worth. Look at tonight.”

“I already told you I disagree. And you don’t know what my idea of fun is. Maybe saving beautiful men from daily curses is the best time I’ve ever had.”

He saw the corner of Liam’s mouth pull up in a soft smile.

“Is it?” he asked.

“I’d prefer you curse-free, but the rest? Yes. I want a chance, Liam. One chance to show you I’d be good to you.”

He let the words hang between them, heavy and final. Whatever Liam decided now would determine the direction their relationship took. Fix wouldn’t push. He wouldn’t insist. If Liam truly didn’t want him then that would be it.

“Can I…can I have some time to think?” Liam asked, and Fix allowed himself to hope. Just a little bit. “I’m not…I’m not saying no. I just need to see if there’s anything I can offer you in return.”

“I don’t need anything, honey.”

Who the fuck broke Liam this bad? Who made him think so little of himself that he couldn’t accept that someone could like him for no other reason than liking him?

“Just…a few days,” Liam said.

Fix knew he was completely drained and not in the right frame of mind. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have even brought it up. Take as long as you need.”

Fix expected him to move away. To close off after letting Fix see so much. Instead, he cuddled closer and shut his eyes, sighing as he relaxed his body.

Fix didn’t dare move. He wouldn’t move until he was sure Liam was asleep and comfortable. He wouldn’t move for the rest of time if Liam needed that. Fix was good at giving people what they needed.

He stroked his hand gently up and down Liam’s arm, eyes on him the entire time. He glanced at King a few times and the dog never let his eyes stray from Fix. Like he was just waiting for him to fuck up enough for him to maul him.

And Fix found he understood. He’d be willing to maul for Liam too. They had that in common.

He didn’t know how long they sat there, but Liam seemed deep asleep when Fix looked at him next. He was curled into Fix, glued to his side. Right where he belonged.

He scooted a bit to rest his head against the back of the sofa, and Liam frowned in his sleep, fingers gripping Fix’s arm.

“Stay,” he mumbled.

Fix smiled, feeling his chest ache with the pleasure Liam’s need for him brought.

“I’m not going anywhere, honey,” he said, and Liam relaxed again, hair falling into his face as he breathed out.

“Thank you, Daddy,” he whispered, and everything inside Fix shattered at the words.

Chapter 11