Page 56 of Tender
Now, however, he was blooming. Coming to life in ways that Cosimo had only seen every now and again during the course of their marriage. He was thrilled…but he was also hurt. And maybe a little terrified, because for all that Emmett said he likedgiving Cosimo what he needed, there was every chance he was just lying to make Cosimo happy.
What if, now that he had Miles, he would realize that was all he needed?
The thought made him feel sick, and he started spending more time at work, then wandering into bookshops and grocery stores after just to avoid going home to see his husband cuddling and fawning over their new addition.
But that wasn’t going to last. He wasn’t subtle, and at the weekend, Emmett was clearly done with Cosimo’s games.
“I’m going out of town.”
Cosimo blinked at him. Miles still wouldn’t sleep with them in the bed, so they had their moments alone in the mornings. He’d been enjoying the quiet peace between them as the sun crept higher over the horizon when his husband dropped that bomb.
“Alright. It’ll be weird to have the house to myself after so long.”
Emmett snorted. “No, my love. You won’t have the house to yourself.”
Cosimo stiffened. “Is Selene coming by? Did you two try and work something out?”
Rolling onto his side, Emmett stared at him. “No. But Miles will be here, and he’s going to need some attention.”
Feeling his throat go tight and thick, he shook his head. “Oh. That’s probably not a good idea right now.”
Emmett sighed and pushed up. “I fucking knew it.”
He was angry.Shit.
Cosimo debated about playing ignorant as he watched his husband get up and snatch his robe from the back of the chair, but he didn’t want the weekend to start off like this. Also, this was partially his fault. Instead of dealing with his insecurity and jealousy, he’d buried his head in the sand like he always did.
If Emmett ever left him, this would be the reason why.
“Wait.”
Emmett, who was reaching for the door handle, froze. He didn’t look back at Cosimo. “What?”
“I fucked up. I know I did. And I’m sorry.”
After what felt like forever, Emmett dropped his hand and turned. His face was a mask of pain and regret. He shuffled a few steps back toward the bed, then let out a long, heavy breath. “I don’t want to do this if it’s not going to make things better.”
Cosimo sat up, resting his elbows on his thighs as he looked at the love of his life. “Things have been better for you, though. You’ve been so fucking happy, amore. Happier than I have seen you in so long.”
Emmett looked like he wanted to cry. He folded his arms over his chest and stared down at his feet. “It’s unfair to compare my happiness now to what we had.”
“But it’s also not a lie, and it’s a big, monstrous horse pill for me to swallow. I love the idea of loving someone else. What we have has always felt…bigger than most people.” And that was not a lie. It wasn’t just the dynamics. It was more than that. It was knowing that their house wasn’t meant to be for two.
Emmett made it to the bed, collapsing down beside Cosimo before hanging his head. His breath came in a shaking rush. “I can’t do this without you. And if it’s too much?—”
Cosimo caught his chin and brought his gaze up. “It isn’t. I swear. I’ll fix it while you’re gone. Just…promise you’re not leaving because of me.”
Emmett laughed, the sound a little heavy, but the smile reached his eyes. “Magnus needs a little help, so I’m going to spend the weekend with him. I’ll be back Monday on a red eye.”
“I love you,” Cosimo said, a little vulnerable, a little helpless.
Emmett pulled him in by the back of his neck and laid a rough kiss on his mouth. “I love you.”
“Does Miles know you’re leaving?”
“No. But I’m going to talk to him now. Plan something nice,” Emmett said, pushing to his feet. He looked down at his husband. “You don’t have to be tender with him, but try to be softer. He needs that.”
Cosimo nodded. Normally, that would have crept up his spine and settled heavy and uncomfortable against the back of his neck, but not right now. Not today. Not with him. He understood Miles had been through enough, and while it wasn’t Cosimo’s first nature to take care of anything or anyone, it was different with the people he loved.
