Page 272 of Remy

I chuckle and Tilly screams as Remy hefts her into his arms, smothering her with an attack of kisses.

“I understand we don’t know each other. And this is seriously left field. But if you ever need anything please call me.” Abri grabs my hand and gives a squeeze. “I’m not usually a people person, but I really like you. And us women in tricky situations need to stick together. So I’m giving an open-ended invitation if you ever need a shoulder to cry on, or a drinking buddy to celebrate with.” She cringes. “I’d prefer not to talk about my brother’s sex life if that’s at all possible—because, ya know, psychological trauma and all that—but I’m here for you both if you ever need it.”

I wiggle my hand from hers and wrap my arms around her, shamelessly becoming a hugger for the first time in my life. “I can’t wait to get to know you better.”

She hugs me back. “Again, you may regret that, but until then...” She pulls away with a grin. “Look after my brother and make sure he looks after you.”

She walks away, wrangling her giggling daughter from Remy’s arms before leaving in the elevator.

As soon as they’re gone, the penthouse descends into palpable silence, the sound of Tilly’s giggles still ringing in my ears.

“They were too much, weren’t they?” He meets my gaze from a few feet away, his expression pinched. “I should’ve told them not to come.”

“Not at all.” I go to him. “Your sister is incredible.” I sink against his chest, loving how easily I find comfort in him.

“Incredibly annoying,” he mutters into my hair.

I grin, understanding the insult for what it is—disguised love.

“How are you?” I ask.

He plants a kiss to my temple. “You don’t have to worry about me.”

“Yes, I do.” I lean away to meet his gaze. “That’s how this works. At least it’s how I want it to work. You’re grieving, too, Remy. I want us to be there for each other.”

His lips lean in a sad smile. “I’m holding up okay, Pyro. Having you here makes it easier.”

“I’m glad.” I sink back into him. “I’ve enjoyed being here.”

“Is that because of the sex that makes you sob uncontrollably or the fact you have to scavenge for food?”

“It’s definitely the sobbing sex. I don’t think anything has branded my award-winning level of unhinged quite like that does.”

He snickers into my hair, his palms skimming my hips. “You’re not unhinged.”

“And you’re not responsible for me sobbing after sex. I really hope you understand that.”

He plants another delicate kiss to my temple. “I do. I just wish I could take away your pain.”

“Nothing can take it away, Remy. But being with you distracts me from it like nothing else does.”

“Good. I was hoping to create an unhealthy reliance so you never want to leave.”

I chuckle. “Consider me well and truly ill.”

“Does that mean you plan on staying a while?”

I should ponder my answer. Should think it over extra hard considering the potential for disaster. But I don’t want to.

I love Remy.

I want to be with him.

And while his presence fills the gaping hole in my chest, I want to remain as close to him as possible. “I’ll stay until I wear out my welcome.”

“Forever it is then.” He palms my cheeks, tilting my face up to his. “I’ll always want you here.” He places more pieces of my broken soul back together as his lips brush mine. “But before I get carried away, I want you to eat breakfast.”

He releases me.

---