Page 16 of Bought by His Brother's Best Friend

“Fucking incredible,” I agreed, understanding perfectly what he couldn’t articulate.

We lay in comfortable silence for a while, our breathing gradually returning to normal. I traced lazy patterns on his skin, not wanting to break the peaceful moment with words that might seem inadequate.

Eventually, he shifted to look at me, his expression soft and open in a way I’d never seen before. “Thank you,” he whispered.

I raised an eyebrow. “For what?”

“For bidding on me. For bringing me to Paris.” His lips curved in a gentle smile. “For making me feel things I didn’t know I could feel. Which, now that I say it out loud, sounds very dramatic. But it’s the truth, honestly, Damien.”

Something tightened in my chest—it was too new and fragile to name. Instead of responding with words, I leaned in to kiss him, hoping he could feel what I wasn’t ready to say.

When we broke apart, he settled against my chest, his head tucked under my chin. Outside, the Eiffel Tower glittered against the night sky, its hourly light show sparkling in celebration. It seemed fitting somehow—the city of light and love bearing witness to something that felt like the beginning of something significant.

“We should order that room service,” I murmured against his hair.

He chuckled, the sound vibrating against my chest. “Eventually, but not yet.”

I tightened my arms around him, content to stay where we were for as long as possible. Paris would still be there when we were ready to face it. For now, this room, this bed, this man in my arms—this was all the world I needed.

FIVE

SHANE

Morning light filtered through a gap in the heavy curtains, painting a golden stripe across the plush carpet. I blinked awake. Then the memories flooded back—the impromptu invitation, the private jet, and the night with Damien.

Especially the night with Damien.

I turned my head to find him still asleep beside me, his dark hair tousled against the white pillowcase, his face relaxed in a way I’d never seen before. Without his usual intensity and focus, he looked younger, almost vulnerable.

This was crazy. Just a couple of days ago, Damien Roth had been my brother’s successful friend who occasionally appeared at Tyler’s events—someone I’d admired from a distance but never truly known. Now I was waking up beside him in a luxury suite in Paris after the most passionate night of my life.

As if sensing my gaze, Damien’s eyes fluttered open. A slow smile spread across his face when he saw me, and he reached out to brush a strand of hair from my forehead.

“Morning,” he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.

“Good morning.”

He shifted closer, pressing a gentle kiss to my lips. “Sleep well?”

“Better than I have in ages.”

It was true. I’d fallen into a deep, dreamless sleep after our second round of lovemaking, my body relaxed with satisfaction and my mind quieter than it had been in years.

“Me too.” His hand trailed lazily down my arm. “How about breakfast and then exploring the city? We have until this evening before we need to head back.”

“That sounds perfect.” I stretched, feeling pleasant soreness in muscles that reminded me of last night’s activities. “Though I should shower first.”

A mischievous gleam appeared in his eyes. “Need company?”

Forty minutes and one very thorough shared shower later, we were dressed and ready to face the day. Damien wore dark jeans and a sweater that looked effortlessly stylish and worth more than my entire wardrobe. I’d packed light, as suggested, and opted for my best jeans and a simple navy henley.

“You look good,” Damien said, his eyes appreciative as they traveled over me.

“I’m underdressed for Paris.”

He shook his head. “You look perfect. Besides, the best parts of Paris aren’t the fancy restaurants and museums. They’re the little sidewalk café’s and hidden gardens where no one cares what you’re wearing.”

We had breakfast at a café near our hotel, sitting at a tiny table on the sidewalk. The morning air was crisp but pleasant, the sky a clear, vibrant blue that seemed impossibly perfect.

---