Page 83 of Beautifully Complicated

“That’s my fear, yes.”

“Is there any way to stop it? He’s too brilliant to get caught up in that crap.”

“I’m not sure we can stop it, but I’m going to do everything I can to minimize it. And since he is brilliant, I know people will eventually see that.”

“How long will that take?” Bennet presses his lips into a firm line.

“I don’t know. But while I may have the experience, he’s my intellectual equal. Once people see us work together, the way we can bounce things off one another, the talk will shift toward what an asset he is. As soon as we have clients, we’ll start to make the case that he earned the role in the lab.”

“I worry about him, you know.” Bennet turns toward the living room we can just barely see from where we’re standing in the hall. “He just feels everything so deeply.”

Bennet’s not wrong, though I do find it ironic he’s aware of that particular trait while being completely oblivious to Aiden’s prior feelings for him. I know he means well though, so I don’t say anything.

“That’s one of the reasons I love him. But he’s stronger than he looks, and he’s not going to let anyone else’s opinions stop him from leading the life he wants.”

Bennet nods and sticks out his hand. “That’s what I wanted to hear. Thanks.”

I shake it, feeling oddly relieved. I was never concerned about getting Bennet’s approval, but I’m glad to have it all the same.

Chapter twenty-four

Aiden

APRIL

Kier’s breathing is slow and steady in the dim morning light, his face tranquil. Despite seeing this view every weekend for the last several months, I’m still in awe of it. Still in awe that I get to call this beautiful man mine.

Forever.

Is this really my life? Am I really about to graduate and go into business with a giant in the field who also happens to be my boyfriend? Disney never led me to believe things like this could happen to a man, yet it sure feels like I’m living out one of their films.

I’m struck with the sudden urge to do something to show Kier how much I appreciate him. How grateful I am for everything he’s given me, including him.

Breakfast.

As stealthily as possible, I extricate myself from his hold, grab my boxers off the floor and slip into the bathroom. Just as I’m finishing brushing my teeth, two arms snake around my waist from behind as his sleep-rumpled form appears behind me in the mirror.

“Why are you not in my bed?” He nuzzles my neck, his minty breath drifting over my skin.It’s adorable how he pops one of the mints on his nightstand every morning before kissing me.

“I wanted to make you breakfast.”

His fingertips skirt over my hipbones and the muscles on my lower abdomen, a barely there touch that’s both innocent and sensual. “You’re what I want for breakfast.”

“You had me for dessert last night.”

“No, you had me.” Kier’s lips tease the spot where my neck meets my ear. “Now it’s my turn.”

Those mischievous fingers drift up to my nipples, giving each of them a slight pinch that has me groaning softly, among other things.

“I saw that.” Kier kisses the back of my neck, sending a shiver along my spine.

“Saw what?” My voice is embarrassingly breathy.

“Your cock twitch.” He squeezes a nipple again, and the fabric covering my dick moves as it reacts to his touch. “Let’s lose these.” His hands slide down my side, slip under the waistband of my boxers, and push them off my hips.

My fully awake cock springs up to slap my stomach as he frees it, and I shiver again as I watch his hungry eyes track the movement.

“That’s better.” He plucks my nipples, and my dick bobs obediently, as if answering his call.

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