Page 53 of Break

He sits on the edge of the bed and grabs my hand. “You’re not walking away from everything, Nicole. You’re walkingtoeverything.”

“Landon. Stop.” Kerrington sits up. “She doesn’t need this right now.”

Before I can agree or disagree, Landon storms out of the bedroom. I think he’s taken my heart with him because it feels awfully hollow in my chest once he’s out of my sight.

“Give him some time to cool down, baby.” Kerrington kisses the back of my shoulder. “He feels everything deeply. It’ll take him a minute to see straight, but he’ll be back, hyper and happy as ever.”

I had no idea Landon was this extreme.

It makes me wonder what else I never knew about him. And how the hell do they know so much about me? Pivoting the conversation, I switch tactics. “How did you know I like spicy food?”

“I’m usually sitting across from you at dinner. And you always order something that’ll make your eyes water and nose run. Glutton for punishment much?”

I laugh because he’s right. “I like food that tries to kill me. Keeps life interesting.”

“I remember that contest you entered with the hot wings.”

“Oh yeah?” I waggle my brows at him. “Made you boys a pretty penny that day, didn’t I?”

“Fuck yeah, you did.” Kerr kisses my forehead again and settles us both back in the bed. “Mason and I were both scared to death that you were pushing yourself too far in the final round. You looked like you couldn’t breathe up there.”

“Well, that which does not kill you, raises the bar on the Scoville scale.”

“Like I said. Glutton. For. Punishment.”

“Tell me about it. My pride cost me a week in the bathroom afterwards. Worth it though.”

Kerrington’s head tips back and a laugh so bold and lovely flies out of him. “You’re a fucking menace.”

Preening, I relax against him and close my eyes. “Glad you appreciate my humility.”

“I appreciate everything about you, baby.”

“Thank you.” I curl against him a little tighter. “For being here for me.”

“We aren’t going anywhere, Nicole. I promise.”

No. They aren’t. I am. “I don’t want to leave…”youis on the tip of my tongue, but I bite down on it.

“Shh.” He straightens our covers and cuddles up with me. “That’s not a problem for today, Duchess. Just relax and let me hold you.”

I lay there in the arms of one man, while longing for the other to join us.

“I envyhim,” Kerrington says quietly.

Craning my neck to lock gazes with him, I wait for him to continue.

“Landon walks through life knowing exactly what he wants and isn’t ashamed to go for it. If people have something to say, he lets it bounce right off his back. He lives every day as if it could be his last and doesn’t give a shit about anything other than chasing his happiness and owning his truth.”

“You don’t?”

Kerrington shakes his head. “I’m trying. But… it’s hard. I’m not very good at confessing my feelings or living so loudly.”

“I think you live loud enough.”

“Oh yeah?” He smiles at me. “How so?”

“The tension you bring is… very noticeable. The way you look at Landon.” I sigh. “I would sometimes pretend catching you looking at me that way too.”

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