Page 98 of Kings & Queen

After his tender affection, I lay breathless in his arms. I went to move, and he grumbled. “You’ve worn me out. I need a few more minutes.”

“Take all the time you need.” I kissed his forehead and then tiptoed into the bathroom. An hour later, I was ready to start my day, and he was just waking back up. A soft light cast over his fast as he scrolled through his phone while sitting on the edge of the bed. He glanced up, looking so young and boyish in that moment that it took my breath away. I ran over and hugged him.

Putting his phone down, he wrapped his arms around me, sighing as he snuggled into my body. “I suppose I should shower and go in. We have a slew of interviews to get through today.”

“Remember, for the next bit of time, monogamy is your new lifestyle, and you belong to me. Look, but don’t let your eyes linger. If you even think about touching, know I’ll chop off whatever it is you touched with,” I teased him.

“Is that so? But if you do, then you won’t feel my fingers, tongue, or cock ever again,” he teased.

“That’s a price I’m willing to pay. However, two weeks is but a blink of an eye in this thing we call life. You can manage. I believe in you, Crow. Stay strong.”

Ignoring my teasing dramatics, he asked, “What’s your plan for the day?”

“I’ve got to eat a big breakfast because Pasha is coming over to make me burn every calorie I eat.”

“Okay, since you’re going to eat, I guess I’ll let you go. Have fun. I’ll text you later.”

“Will you do me a huge favor, Nik?”

“Anything,” he said, rising and kissing the top of my head.

“Hug Ivan for me. Just grab him around the middle and squeeze him so tight he can’t breathe. And when he tries to pull away, don’t let him.” I hugged him as tightly as I could to show him.

“You want me to hold my brother for you?” He laughed hard. The rich and hearty sound made me sigh.

“Yes, and never let him go.”

“I’ll have to let him go at some point. It might get a little awkward among all the interviewees.”

“Who cares? It’s for a good cause.”

He pulled back and tilted my face up to his. “And if he asks why I’m being such a freak, what shall I tell him?”

“Just say, ‘hold me, Blade, like you love me.’” I buried my head against Nik’s chest once more and squeezed.

“You’re silly. He’ll think it’s a little weird, the PDA. It’s not really our style.”

“Then wait till you get home and tackle him. Throw your arms around him there. Maybe even a little kiss on the cheek, for me.” I lifted up, using my upper body strength, and wrapped my arms around him and kissed his cheek.

He cupped my ass lovingly. “I draw the line at kissing him, but I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thanks. I love you.”

“Go on, now.” He let me down and peeled me off him. With one final kiss, I left.

I wolfed down breakfast and then spent the morning and most of the early afternoon dancing with Pasha. He had rearranged his touring schedule for a second time so he could stay until I left. I had about two hours before Marcel was due for a counseling session and was famished, so I headed down to the kitchen.

When I rounded the corner, the soft clatter of utensils and the low hum of conversation paused. The chef glanced up first, then his assistant. Chef was in rare form and was flustered, judging by the tone of his voice. It cut through the clinking of pans.

“Non, non, non! You do not murder the œufs like this! Whatare you doing?”

I stepped into the room just as he threw his towel over his shoulder with dramatic flair, gesturing wildly toward a tray the assistant was holding. The poor woman looked like she was on the verge of tears.

When the chef noticed me, he froze mid-scold, then straightened, smoothing the front of his apron as if nothing had happened.

“I’ll be quick. Nik is adamant I eat more,” I said as I ripped open the refrigerator to find something to eat.

“Yes, you are on thescrawnyside. Let me do it. You’ll make a mess. Sit over there and don’t say a word,” he said, taking over.