Audrey walks up and stands next to me, just opposite Matteo.She thanks him and gives me the half-hug that’s kept me grounded for the past eight years.
Pride flows through me at her nonchalance despite Matteo’s presence as she gives me a squeeze.When we first met, she broke out in a cold sweat and couldn’t speak every time a man walked into the room, but she’s worked hard and conquered her fears.Mostly.
We’ve bonded through our trauma, and even though we rarely see each other outside the gym, I consider her my closest friend.
Audrey slips out as quietly as she arrived, leaving me alone with a hulking beast.The hunger in his gaze as he studies me from head to toe lights a fire in my blood, but the pain in my body dampens my enjoyment.
I should send Matteo away so I can nurse my wounds in peace, but I long for the safety of his arms.
My heart lurches in my chest as I realize the depths of my addiction after only one day of intimacy with him.
Concern creases his brow.I fill my lungs and hold my breath as I disinfect the padding, avoiding the harsh chemicals and willing my emotions under control.
Without a word, he helps me reset the room for the late-night gym bros as they begin filtering in.When I weave my fingers into his and tug him after me, he kisses my knuckles and follows me with a smile.
I grab the shopping bag on my way to the hall.The high-quality material seems out of place under the harsh fluorescent lighting.
“Why’d you have that delivered to a gym?”Matteo asks.
I chew the inside of my lip before ducking my head into the office.
“Thanks, Mr.Carter.I’m heading up for the night.This is Matteo.He’s with me, so don’t cripple him if you see him sneaking out in the morning,” I say.
Wizened old eyes lift and scrutinize my partner.He grunts and tucks his head back into his logbook.
I lead Matteo to the stairs.He quirks a brow at the out of order sign on the elevator, but I tug him after me, afraid I’ll lose my nerve if I slow my pace.With a lump of emotions in my throat, I lunge up the stairs, stride down the narrow exposed-brick hall, take my key out of my pocket, and unlock my door.
He follows me into my apartment without an ounce of hesitation despite his surprise.I shut and lock the door before tossing my keys into my purse and grabbing my phone off the single countertop.His presence makes my studio apartment seem matchbox tiny.
I never thought I’d invite anyone into my sanctuary, yet Matteo Ricco, my first crush and biggest heartbreak, stands a few feet inside the door.On the verge of overwhelm, I ignore him and focus on my phone.
“I’m sorry I missed your calls.I never take—”
My throat closes as he wraps his arms around me from behind.Emotions quake through me.Relief, pain, and misery threaten to shake me apart.I close my eyes and focus on regulating my breathing.
“How long have you lived here?”he asks.
I clear my throat, but my brain refuses to form words.The ache in my muscles from exerting myself in class loses its glow and joins the cacophony of humiliation and pain in my body.
“Brook?”
His voice sounds from far away despite his chest vibrating against my back.With heart-wrenching gentleness, he turns me around to face him.A sob wells up from my soul.I halfway swallow it down.
“What’s wrong, little rabbit?”
I shake my head even as a tear drips off my lashes and clings to my chin.
“I’m fine.”
The lie slips from my lips with pathetic ease.
With a guttural sound of dismay, he pulls me against his massive, hard body and encircles me with his powerful arms.
My shaking worsens.It hurts, but I press my forehead to his chest and cling to him.
“Let it out, love.I’m here.I got you,” he vows.
My silent tears soak his shirt, but I can’t release the sobs.I’ll shake into millions of tiny, jagged pieces and no one, not even my overbearing, ruthless lover, will be able to fit me back together again.
