Page 92 of Blackmail
Brennan licks his thumb after dropping a tomato slice on his bread. “I’m gonna go ahead and refer you back to me not being a good guy. Your boy was grateful. I took what he offered. There was no coercion, no quid pro quo aside from his needing to pay back the money. It was years ago, and he sure as fuck hadn’t met you yet. And I don’t suggest riding in on your high horse after I kept the cops off your ass when you?—”
“Brennan, stop.”
Simon’s voice has me spinning toward the hallway. “Baby.”
The word pops out unexpectedly, but I like it.
He smiles slightly before sliding his attention to where Brennan and Jacob stand, eating sandwiches only a few feet from the door I fucked him against. His reddened face tells me he’s remembering the same thing.
“Hey, Brennan? You think maybe you guys could give us a minute?”
“No problem.” Brennan pops the last bite of the sandwich into his mouth and nudges Jacob. “You like cars, kid? Just got a new i7 if you wanna check it out.”
“Oh hell yeah.” Jacob grins, hero-worshipping the criminal all the way out the door. I should say something, but it’s not likely Jacob’s stepfather is much better. He just screws people over in a slightly more legal way, from what I understand.
The second they’re out the door, Simon is in my arms. I’m not sure who moved first, only that I’m wrapped around him, breathing in his scent, and never letting him go.
“You decided to stay?”
“I feel like you sort of decided for me when you moved my brother and my cat in without asking me.”
“You were sleeping. By the way, you said you had a cat, but I saw a three-legged, red-eyed demon who drew blood and then went to hide on top of the cabinet in the guest bathroom.” I slide my sleeve up to show him the evidence.
“She’ll warm up to you just like I did.”
“I probably deserved it anyway, for all the marks I put on you.”
Simon’s only answer is to bring his lips to mine.
His soft lips part for me, and before I know what’s happening, I’ve got him against the counter. I hoist him up and revel in the hard length of him against me. God, I want him. It’s been days.
I can’t imagine ever not wanting him.
But I force myself to pull away. “There are some things we need to talk about.”
He nods. “I know.” He takes a slow, deep breath before letting it out. Whatever he’s gearing up to say has me determined to wait him out.
“I’m going to be honest. I realize bringing your brother and cat here was emotional blackmail, and Lehman already called me out for my ‘red flag behavior.’ I want you to know I won’t force you to do anything you don’t want to do. You can leave if you want. I figured if all your stuff was already here, though, it would be harder to find excuses to say no.”
He’s quiet for way longer than my patience appreciates.
“Look,” he finally says, “I think you know I’ve got some trust issues. And I think you know why. I was nervous about staying because I didn’t think I could handle it if you changed your mind and kicked me out.”
“Like your ex did. Like your family did.”
He nods. “Exactly.”
“Simon, I would never. I love you. I never loved Tony, and I don’t blame you for what happened. I just want to be with you.”
Please believe me. Please stay.
“I’m starting to see it now.”
As Simon would say, thank fuck.
He leans back on the counter, a wicked grin on his face. “You know, it’s funny. I got a call from the administrator at work. Which I was sure was going to be her letting me know I was fired. Instead, she told me someone had bought the place recently and there was a new opening for a full-time RN as soon as I got my certification.”
My expression stays neutral, or at least, I try. “Hmm. Interesting.”
