Nevio looks towards me with pain in his eyes.

I can tell that his brother’s taunts are something he has had to endure his entire life. The cold cruelty of his brother’s words stabbing into him.

I reach out and touch his cheek.

Nevio’s eyes soften as they gaze into mine.

He stands up, leaving his brother laying on the floor, coughing.

“You can let yourself out, asshole.” Nevio says, without turning to look at him.

All the commotion has drawn the attention of the guards from outside.

Two of them are standing at the doorway.

“You can make sure he leaves — as soon as he can stand.” Nevio says.

The guards nod and walk towards Damion.

Nevio pulls me into his arms and I grab his hand, looking at his knuckles, already turning a bright shade of blue.

“Let’s get some ice.” I say, pulling him towards the kitchen.

We both step past Damion without glancing in his direction.

What an asshole his brother is.

I shudder to think what would have happened if Nevio hadn’t arrived home when he did.

I push Nevio against the kitchen counter, taking control of the situation, wanting to take care of him the way he has taken care of me more than once.

Gently holding his hand in mine, I press a bag of frozen vegetables against his knuckles. He doesn’t even wince, and when I look up at him to see if he’s ok he has a slight grin on his face.

“What’s so funny?” I ask curiously.

“Nothing.”

“Then what are you smiling at?”

“You.” His smile grows wider and drops the frozen veggies as he pulls me into his arms to kiss me.

Chapter Eighteen

NEVIO

Iam standing in the kitchen with Dalila in my arms, our lips locked, her heart beating against my body.

“Nevio.” My brother’s voice calls out to me.

I lift my head towards the sound. Not letting go of Dalila.

“What?” I snap.

He is standing in the kitchen doorway. The two guards are right behind him, ready to grab him if he tries anything again.

“I’m sorry, man.” He mutters, sounding sorry for himself.

“You’re sorry you got your ass handed to you.” I snark.