Page 81 of Break

“He let loose on you last night and is still scared he hurt you. He didn’t sleep much because he kept his attention on you all night while you slept.”

She slowly lowers her cup. “Even after I said I was okay?”

I shrug. “Usually I wouldn’t speak for him, or about him like this, but it’s important to understand what’s going on with us. In this dynamic, we have to look out for each other and take care of each other.”

She scoops a dripping, hot sauce drenched spoonful of eggs into her mouth and chews. I’m pretty sure it’s just to buy a little time so she can brainstorm a response.

“I have a safe word. And I’m a grown woman.”

“Trust me. We’re well aware of both those facts.”

“He needs to trust me to tell him if it’s too much.” Her cheeks and neck turn red and I’m already pouring her a glass of water, afraid it’s from the hot sauce. “If anything…” she says, stalling out.

Christ, she’s turning redder. Should I get the fire extinguisher or something?

“Landon, I um…”

Holy shit, is she going into shock from all the hot sauce? Why does everything have to be so spicy for her, damnit? She’s probably losing the lining in her stomach as we speak.

Nicole tucks her hair behind her ears, making them poke out in the cutest way. “Never mind.”

“No.” I lean forward, concern making heart slam. “What were you going to say?”

“Nothing.”

“Nicole.” Anger stirs in me because I was so fucking close to having a genuine moment with this woman, and just like always, she’s putting walls back up. “Say it. Please.”

“Well, it’s just that…” She taps her fork on the edge of her plate. “He thinks he’s too rough but…” She clears her throat, and her face reddens like a goddamn tomato. “I would argue he wasn’t rough enough. For me. At least.”

Pretty sure my soul just left my body.

Her gaze flickers to the bedroom door, and her entire demeanor changes in an instant. “Good morning.”

I don’t have to turn around to see that Kerrington’s awake. Nor do I have to pretend that she didn’t just have an open moment with me and now wants to sweep it under the rug because she’s embarrassed to admit she’s a masochist.

Awww.Bless.

“Good morning, baby.” Kerrington strolls over with his sweatpants hung low on his hips and kisses her forehead first, then mine. It’s this precise act that makes me fall for him a little more every day.

He’s brutal and gentle. Strong and fragile. Just like the rest of us.

Sitting between us, he fills his plate while Nicole pours him a cup of coffee. “What a spread.”

“I woke up starving,” she says. “Charged the room for all of it, too.”

“Good girl.” He snags several slices of bacon and then tops off my coffee for me.

Am I living in La-la-land over here? Are we all just going to pretend that there isn’t a herd of elephants gathering in the room with us?

There’s a mystery caller on a broken phone, along with a masochist, sadist, and switch having breakfast together. I feel like there should be a joke in here somewhere.

“What do you want to do today?” Kerrington swipes his mouth with a napkin and leans back. “Whatever it is, you’re getting it.”

Great. This is Kerr’s way of saying he’s sorry for last night.

“Well, I guess we need to start with getting you a new cell phone,” I say, butting in before Nicole can respond. “Right?” My eyes dart to her and she mirrors Kerrington’s body language. Fantastic. Now I have two hardheads to live with.

“I don’t need a new phone yet. It’s nice to be unplugged.”

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