Chapter 40
Kinsley
Hug Him For Me
I slept so peacefully that when Nik’s cock pressed against me in the morning, I thought I was dreaming. Keeping my eyes closed, I gasped as he pushed in and made love to me again.
I reached back and tugged his hair. “Good morning, Daddy,” I moaned.
“I wanted to experience that soul-binding thing you were speaking about last night once more before I have to leave you,” he whispered into my ear, making me shudder.
After his tender affection, I lay breathless in his arms. I went to move, and he grumbled. “You’ve worn me out. I need a few more minutes.”
“Take all the time you need.” I kissed his forehead and then tiptoed into the bathroom.
An hour later, I was ready to start my day, and he was just waking back up.
A soft light cast over his fast as he scrolled through his phone while sitting on the edge of the bed.
He glanced up, looking so young and boyish in that moment that it took my breath away. I ran over and hugged him.
Putting his phone down, he wrapped his arms around me, sighing as he snuggled into my body. “I suppose I should shower and go in. We have a slew of interviews to get through today.”
“Remember, for the next bit of time, monogamy is your new lifestyle, and you belong to me. Look, but don’t let your eyes linger. If you even think about touching, know I’ll chop off whatever it is you touched with,” I teased him.
“Is that so? But if you do, then you won’t feel my fingers, tongue, or cock ever again,” he teased.
“That’s a price I’m willing to pay. However, two weeks is but a blink of an eye in this thing we call life. You can manage. I believe in you, Crow. Stay strong.”
Ignoring my teasing dramatics, he asked, “What’s your plan for the day?”
“I’ve got to eat a big breakfast because Pasha is coming over to make me burn every calorie I eat.”
“Okay, since you’re going to eat, I guess I’ll let you go. Have fun. I’ll text you later.”
“Will you do me a huge favor, Nik?”
“Anything,” he said, rising and kissing the top of my head.
“Hug Ivan for me. Just grab him around the middle and squeeze him so tight he can’t breathe. And when he tries to pull away, don’t let him.” I hugged him as tightly as I could to show him.
“You want me to hold my brother for you?” He laughed hard. The rich and hearty sound made me sigh.
“Yes, and never let him go.”
“I’ll have to let him go at some point. It might get a little awkward among all the interviewees.”
“Who cares? It’s for a good cause.”
He pulled back and tilted my face up to his. “And if he asks why I’m being such a freak, what shall I tell him?”
“Just say, ‘hold me, Blade, like you love me.’” I buried my head against Nik’s chest once more and squeezed.
“You’re silly. He’ll think it’s a little weird, the PDA. It’s not really our style.”
“Then wait till you get home and tackle him. Throw your arms around him there. Maybe even a little kiss on the cheek, for me.” I lifted up, using my upper body strength, and wrapped my arms around him and kissed his cheek.
He cupped my ass lovingly. “I draw the line at kissing him, but I’ll see what I can do.”
“Thanks. I love you.”
“Go on, now.” He let me down and peeled me off him. With one final kiss, I left.
I wolfed down breakfast and then spent the morning and most of the early afternoon dancing with Pasha.
He had rearranged his touring schedule for a second time so he could stay until I left.
I had about two hours before Marcel was due for a counseling session and was famished, so I headed down to the kitchen.
When I rounded the corner, the soft clatter of utensils and the low hum of conversation paused. The chef glanced up first, then his assistant. Chef was in rare form and was flustered, judging by the tone of his voice. It cut through the clinking of pans.
“Non, non, non! You do not murder the ?ufs like this! What are you doing?”
I stepped into the room just as he threw his towel over his shoulder with dramatic flair, gesturing wildly toward a tray the assistant was holding. The poor woman looked like she was on the verge of tears.
When the chef noticed me, he froze mid-scold, then straightened, smoothing the front of his apron as if nothing had happened.
“I’ll be quick. Nik is adamant I eat more,” I said as I ripped open the refrigerator to find something to eat.
“Yes, you are on the scrawny side. Let me do it. You’ll make a mess. Sit over there and don’t say a word,” he said, taking over.
I sat at the small table, and he brought me a delicious-looking chicken, avocado sandwich. It was mouthwatering. He also set a smoothie next to the plate. “I expect you to eat every bite,” he chided.
“Yes, of course. I’ll take it to the other room. I need to make a phone call.”
“You will not. Sit and eat. I will tell Master Nik if you don’t eat it all. I know how tricky girls can be. You can make your phone call as long as you are not overly loud.”
Tension radiated from his frame as he stood there watching me. After a minute, he motioned to eat. I moved, feeling the intensity of his stare. It was beyond delicious. Avocados were my favorite, and they were perfectly sliced.
The call could wait. For now, I focused on savoring the way the chicken practically melted in my mouth. I scrolled while I ate and then thanked him once I was done.
Chef Bonfils gave a distracted wave, already deep in a debate over garnish placement. I slipped out quietly and headed back to my room, the weight of that postponed conversation trailing close behind.
I FaceTimed Sebastian, who had an update from his guy. A final date had been set. It seemed surreal, and my heart hurt.
“You doing okay, tiny tot?”
“Not really, but I’ll manage, right?”
Over his shoulder, Ivan came into view; my breath caught in my throat. He made brief eye contact with me and then stormed off.
“How is he doing?” I asked, tears filling my eyes.
“Sometimes he seems like his normal self, and then at other times he’s not okay,” he said with a soft sigh.
“You should hug him for me, like real tight. Right now. He looks like he could use a hug.” I thought about how strong Ivan’s arms felt whenever he held me. He gave the best hugs.
“You want me to go hug Ivan? Have you lost your mind? He’d shove me through the wall.”
“You don’t have to tell him it’s from me. Actually, it would be better if you didn’t. Everyone needs a hug once in a while, though, even the big, bad Blade. Do everyone a solid and hug him for me.”
“You just going to fucking play all day, or what?” Ivan’s gruff voice shot out, startling me.
A scowl darkened his handsome face; I caught the look, and the pain sliced deep into my heart. Now that I knew the full story, it made me feel more wretched about what I’d done.
“I wish he would talk to Marcel,” I said, looking at my watch, “and speaking of him, I need to get ready to do that myself.”
“Have a good session, tiny tot,” Sebastian said, his eyes filling with compassion.
I nodded and ended the call. After several cleansing breaths, I showered and moved to the library to wait for Marcel.