Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 103413 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 517(@200wpm)___ 414(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103413 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 517(@200wpm)___ 414(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
Nico hoped that was true. “So, what now?”
“Now, we show her that we are meant to be with her. That all those stupid statements she made about herself were ridiculous and not true. We show her that she’s ours. And we make sure she never wants to be without us.”
“And how do we do that?”
Liam’s face turned thoughtful. “We might have to get strict with her.”
Nico gave him a doubtful look. “Are you sure that’s wise? I mean you . . . ”
“I what?” Liam raised an eyebrow.
“You can be intimidating. You might scare her.”
Liam snorted. “Lottie is stronger than she appears to be. How does everyone treat her?”
“Like she’s fragile.”
“And how is that working out?”
Nico frowned. “That doesn’t mean that being hard with her will be any better. That could backfire.”
“I’m not going to be harsh. I’m just thinking the sooner we lay down some rules and teach her that there are consequences for breaking them, the better.”
“I don’t know, Liam. I don’t think she’s ever going to be our sub.”
“Then she’s not. But there are rules in any sort of relationship. Even living here with her brothers, there are rules she has to follow. Just might be our rules for her are slightly different. And so are our punishments.”
“I doubt she’s ever been punished before.”
“Oh, I can guarantee she hasn’t,” Liam replied. “She’s been spoiled and coddled all her life.”
“There’s something wrong with that?” Nico asked.
“Not at all. And I intend to continue doing that.”
“You? Spoil and coddle someone? Do you know how?”
“Do I not spoil and coddle you?” Liam asked, leaning in to nip at Nico’s neck.
His heart sped up. “Fuck, no. I’d kick your ass if you did.”
“Doesn’t mean I can’t learn how. With Lottie, I feel different. Not more. Just different.”
Nico got Liam’s confusion. He wasn’t used to caring about people. It had been hard for him to open up with Nico, so letting Lottie in wasn’t easy. In his more bitter moments, he’d wondered if Liam made the early call not to pursue any feelings for her because it was easier for him. Not because of her traumatized state.
“Lottie feels out of control. When those feelings get too much, that’s when she likely hurts herself. Or thinks about it. She worries about going out into the world because there’s so much unknown. We need to help her find some control. We can help her.”
There was a gleam of knowledge in Liam’s face. Nico knew he was talking from experience.
“My world was out of control when I started boxing. Fighting gave me the rush I was looking for.”
“And you nearly killed yourself doing it.”
Liam nodded. “But I learned ways of coping over the years. Of honing my control. You helped with that. Showed me how to feel. And that I could be in control without being a complete jerk.”
“Yeah, I don’t know about that. You’re still kind of a jerk.”
“You know, I’m sure I could send one of Regent’s guys out for an extra-large butt plug and some chili lube.”
Nico’s eyes widened. “That won’t be necessary.”
“Hmm. We’ll see. I’m going to need to get some things if we’re going to be here a while.”
“How long can we possibly stay? Regent is going to get suspicious. And what about work?”
Liam owned several gyms, juice bars and restaurants. Everything was now legitimate and he had managers, but there were still things he had to do.
“I can work from here for a while. And I’ve got a plan for keeping Regent from suspecting anything.”
Nico rolled his eyes. He should have known. Liam always had a plan.
“But it might involve me being away, so you’re going to have to watch Lottie. And work on convincing her that we really do want her. That this could work.”
“What are you going to do?” Nico asked.
“I’m going to find Regent’s rat.”
“How?”
“I’ll try to be seen with Regent. People aren’t really used to seeing us together. I’m thinking it will create some rumors. Especially if someone pushes the idea that I’m looking for a business partner.”
“But you’re completely legit now.”
“Doesn’t mean that I’m going to stay that way. Many of them do know who my grandfather is.”
“Oh, fuck, he’ll kill us.”
“No, he won’t. I’m not going to use his name. But stir the pot and see what floats to the top.”
“This is a bad idea.”
“You don’t trust me,” Liam whispered. “Where’s the faith?”
His voice had gone dark. He wrapped his hand around the base of Nico’s neck.
Oh. Fuck.
He moved his hand to Liam’s cock, which was pressing against his black pants. He loved the feel of the other man over him, pushing him against the bed. That threat of his hand against his neck.
A shiver ran through him.
“It could be dangerous.”
Liam’s gaze narrowed, then he pulled up Nico’s T-shirt, baring his chest. Liam twisted one of his nipples, making him groan.