Page 21 of Protecting Paul

“My bad.” I kiss him lightly and shrug. “I didn’t mean to be charming by just telling the truth. I wasn’t doing all of this out of the goodness of my heart. It was an excuse to spend time with you. It was selfish when you think about it.”

“Oh, right, it’ssoselfish to help out a guy in need,” Paul rolls his eyes, but he lets out a small laugh. It’s nice to see him smile. “You’re right. We did have fun doing it. The orgasms didn’t hurt either.”

“I was trying to be sweet, but you had to make it dirty.” It’s my turn to grumble playfully. It’s mostly a futile attempt to disguise the flush on my cheeks. “I have just as much fun eating pizza and laughing with you as fooling around with you.”

Instead of another snarky comment, Paul replies by kissing me. He wraps one arm around my waist and tugs me closer. I sigh happily into the kiss. It alleviates the tense, upset mood instantly. We pull apart only when we both are gasping for breath.

Paul rests his head on my shoulder, and I feel his heart beating at the same tempo as mine. I run a hand through his hair before stroking his back soothingly.

“I think I have a plan,” I say quietly after thinking about the situation for a bit. “We need proof, right? What if I help you set up some sort of surveillance to get evidence of Jerry’s actions?”

“That could work.” He lifts his head to look at me, and I see hope in his eyes. “He’s stupid enough that I know he’ll be back.”

“Exactly. I’m worried he will get bolder if he keeps getting away with it, though. I don’t like the idea of you staying here alone.”

“Yeah…” Paul murmurs and looks down. “He already got away with kicking my ass once.”

“Why don’t you stay with me again?” I press a kiss to the top of Paul’s head. “Just until we can ensure your safety and get him locked up.”

“Sammy…” Paul sighs, lifting his head. “I don’t want to be more of a burden. Are you sure? I feel bad.”

“Don’t feel bad. I’m the one offering, dummy.” I poke him in the side and keep my voice lighthearted, hoping it’ll convince him. “If anything, it’s a burden to have me worrying about you instead of knowing you’re safe at my place.”

“Good point.” Paul smiles, nodding. “Fine. I’ll stay with you again. I suspect this is just an excuse to get me in bed, though.”

“Nah, that’s just a bonus.” I smirk. He’s not wrong, though. He’s a good cuddler and waking up next to him in the morning is pretty fucking great. “I’ll go grab some cameras from the station while you pack, okay?”

Paul nods and kisses me before I leave. I give the house one last glance before I go. Rage courses through me. We put so much damn work into this, and in one night, Jerry ruined it. I can’t wait to lock him up for it.

Paul and I set up the security cameras and head to my place immediately after we finish. Paul thinks I’m being extra about his safety, but I don’t care. It broke me when I saw him all battered and bruised like that. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect him while he’s still around.

We head back to my place and spend the evening doing things to diffuse the somber tone of the day. It’s not under the best circumstances, but I’m glad he’s back at my apartment. It feels so damn lonely without him. It’s like he’s meant to be here. I’m sure he wouldn’t agree, but it’s how I feel.

We order Chinese food and chat about other things. When we’re both full, Paul leans over and hugs me. It’s a gentle hug, a thankful hug.

“Thank you for going out of your way for the millionth fucking time,” he murmurs against my chest as I stroke his hair lightly. “You’re such a sweet guy. It should be illegal.”

“Then sue me,” I say and kiss the top of his head. “I don’t know how many times I have to say it, but you don’t have to keep thanking me for doing things I want to do.”

“Maybe I can thank you in other ways,” Paul says and looks up at me with a cheeky grin. He pulls out of the hug and tugs me towards the bedroom. “Will you complain if I thank you physically?”

“Hell no,” I laugh and follow behind him. He pushes me down on the bed, and I let him. He settles between my legs and tugs my pants down. I’m putty in his hands. “Paul…”

I fall asleep that night with him cuddled up in my arms again. I missed this even for a short time we weren’t doing it every night. He fits perfectly against me, like he’s meant to be here.

I close my eyes and sigh. I wish he was meant to be here. I wish he could be happy here and happy with me. It’s unfair, but life is unfair. I can’t do anything about that.

12

Paul

Iknowit’swiseto stay with Sam while we work on putting Jerry away, but that doesn’t change the fact that it makes things harder for me. My feelings for Sam are growing every day. That would typically be a good thing, but not when things are temporary.

Any sane person would talk with Sam, but I can’t bring myself to do it. If we say it aloud, it’ll make it feel too real. I’m not ready to face the reality of leaving Sam again. I’m sure nothing I say could convince him to leave his hometown, no matter how much I want him to.

“You okay?” Sam asks, wrapping his arms around me from behind. His strong arms pull me out of my thoughts.

“Yeah, I’m okay,” I lie. “Just thinking about everything. How was work?”

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