Page 37 of A Forgotten Mistake

“I’m… busy… every day that week. Wow, look at these saltshakers. Looks like they should be refilled.”

“The saltshakers are full,” I say. “Please?”

Liam stares at me, like we’re going to have a stare-off about this. Like there’s any possibility that I would let him sit at home all alone. And then because I’m the one asking, his stubbornness dissipates, and he sighs. “Fine. Why do you torture me like this?”

“Because I love you.”

He sighs again but nods. “I can’t wait for Thanksgiving,” he says. “And all the people. And having to pretend like I care about the ridiculous things humans like to speak about. And then trying to smile without looking too manic.”

Mom laughs. “It’s okay. I hate it as well, but if I have to suffer, I think you should suffer too.”

Liam nods approvingly. “I like your viciousness.”

Mom giggles and I realize that no matter how stubborn Liam is, he’s going to fit in just fine.

EIGHT

Gabriel

“Thank you,” I say as I look over at where Liam is sitting up in bed. When he notices my eyes on him, he sets his phone to the side, giving me his full attention.

“Torturers rarely thank people after the torture.”

“It’s a new tactic I’m trying out,” I say with a grin. “Does it work?”

He gestures at himself in my bed. “I mean… clearly.”

I’d never put my shirt back on after my shower, so I just slide off my underwear before pulling back the sheets and climbing on top of Liam.

“Oh? You’re going to wash away my trauma?”

“That’s my plan,” I murmur as I lean forward to kiss him.

When his lips part, I deepen the kiss, tongue brushing against his. His fingers reach up, pushing through my hair as his lips trail over my cheek to my neck where he nips and kisses the sensitive skin. His free hand finds my ass, squeezing it gently as he pulls me in closer so my cock brushes against his.

“You’re so beautiful and perfect. I can’t help but wonder why you’re with someone like me,” he says.

I pull back and he hesitates as his eyes catch mine, realizing something’s wrong. He cocks his head a bit before leaning in for another kiss, but I move away from it.

“Gabriel?” he asks, almost in a whisper.

“Why do you do that?” I ask. “Why do you put me way up on this pedestal and insist you’re not good enough? I’m a really fucking picky man, Liam. My sister used to tell me I’d be old and decrepit before I found a man because I was so damn picky.”

Liam holds my hand tightly against his face, leaning into it. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean… I just…”

He seems determined to simply ignore the world by hiding his face in my hand and kissing my fingertips, but I pull my hand back so he has no choice but to look at me.

“Liam.”

“I love you,” he says, like that’ll wash everything away.

“Then you should cherish what I love.”

There’s a moment of hesitation. “Lucille? I do! Just yesterday I let her bleed my arm to sate her bloodlust.”

“You,” I say. “I want you to love yourself.”

“I tolerate myself. Is that good enough? I love you. I actually have no room left in my heart to love anything but you. It’s all filled up.” He tries to go in for another kiss. “Forget I said something so stupid. I’m sorry.”