Page 106 of My Best Friend Is Broken

“Tuesday.”

“Crap, I’m supposed to go to work.” The realization brings a spike of anxiety. Dr. Torrino is expecting me, there are probably patients scheduled. My week off so I can go into hiding is over.

But Nicky just chuckles, the sound rumbling through his chest where I’m pressed against him. “Dr. Torrino understands that being abducted by Russians is a good excuse for not coming to work.”

I can’t help but laugh at the absurdity of that sentence. “I suppose it is.”

“He’ll want you to take all the time you need,” Nicky continues, pressing a kiss to my temple. “No rush. Your job will be there when you’re ready.”

The reassurance settles something in me. I’m not going to lose this opportunity, this purpose I’ve found. It can wait until I’m ready to return.

“What about you? Do you need to go to work today?” I ask, suddenly worried that I’m keeping himfrom important business, that there will be fallout from yesterday’s rescue mission that requires his attention.

“The only place I need to be is with you.”

The simple certainty in his voice makes my throat tight with emotion. No qualifications, no “but I should really” or “I probably need to.” Just absolute clarity about his priorities.

We stand there as the sun climbs higher, painting London in golden light, and I think about how far we’ve come. From that first awkward reunion to this moment of peaceful domesticity, watching the sunrise together like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

“I love you,” I say quietly, the words almost getting lost in the morning sounds of the city going about its day.

“I love you too,” he replies immediately, his arm tightening around my waist. “More than anything.”

And standing there in our apartment, safe and warm and loved, I finally believe it completely.

Chapter thirty-five

Liam

It is early enough to still be dark. I’m not sure why I’m awake, but I don’t mind. I’m warm and cozy. Nicky is curled around my back, making me the little spoon. I’m safe. Cherished. Loved.

And Nicky’s erection is pressing against my ass. Undeniable proof that he desires me. That he doesn’t just love me as a friend.

I’m hard too, and I’m wondering if that’s what woke me up? Nicky snuggling up to me got me all hot and flustered.

He stirs behind me, a slight movement that lets me know he is half-awake like me.

Good.

I take ‌hold of his hand and move it down from my stomach to my covered cock. I bite back my groan as the heat and weight of him seeps through my boxers.

Nicky murmurs and kisses my neck. I move his hand up and down. Rubbing him against me.

He chuckles. “Should have known you’d be bossy in the bedroom.”

His hand slips inside my boxers, and he wraps his fingers around me. I moan and thrust into him. That’s much better. Much, much better.

I wriggle back, even closer to him and sink into his embrace. My eyes roll back as pleasure washes over me in waves. Nicky’s hand is gentle. Confident and unhurried. Heat, weight and exquisite pressure. Delicious friction.

This is heaven. Being in Nicky’s arms is everything. The only place I’ve ever truly wanted to be. I don’t want to waste anymore time. Prison taught me that years can be taken from you. The Russians have shown me that tomorrows can’t be taken for granted.

I don’t want to die before I’ve made love to Nicky. That would be a tragedy.

His hand keeps its slow, steady pace. My thighs are starting to tremble. My hips are moving, dancing, chasing his touch, seeking more.

I moan and thrust.

His hand stops. “Not yet,” he whispers.