Blessing in Disguise (MM)

Chapter Thirty Seven

ARIS' POV

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On Friday Nick has a childfree home. It's strange to be here without hearing Elodie's voice or having kids programs playing on the TV. I like the idea of spending time with Nick alone. We're not together because of his daughter, we're together right now because we want to be in each other's company.

We make dinner together and Nick pours himself a glass of whiskey. He doesn't offer me any since he remembers that I don't drink for the sake of my heart–but he doesn't know that. It's refreshing to have his house to ourselves, not worrying about having to check on Elodie, or fear that we're laughing too loud.

It feels authentic. It feels like this has always meant to be and it settles in my heart at the same time it strains. I have to tell him about my condition. This can't keep going on without him knowing, he deserves to know.

We haven't exactly specified that we're boyfriends yet but still we're more than friends. The other day he called me his and I remember screaming into my pillow with joy like a fanboy. I've never been so relieved to be alone in that moment because I would have died with embarrassment if he ever saw me react that way.

Nick lounges on the sofa as I clean up after our delicious dinner. "Aris," he calls my name. "Sit down, please. We'll do that later."

I glance at him over my shoulder with a smile. "It's all dirty."

"And it can wait," he huffs. "Come here."

Those two words could summon me from the dead. I place down the plates in the sink and walk towards the living space where the lights are dimmed and there is soft music playing on the TV. He's lounging back like he owns this place–in which he has every right. In one hand he holds his crystal glass with honey liquid, large thighs spread apart and his shirt undone a button too many.

I can see a sliver of skin that flashes off his broad chest and collarbones. I pause in front of him as he watches me under those heated green eyes. He's handsome all day, everyday. But there is something about him right now that seems darker, mischievous and playful. I see it in his gaze, the way the corner of his lip twitches.

Slowly he leans forward to set his glass down on the coffee table behind me. "Come here," he states again but much deeper.

My entire spine shudders. "Where?" I ask pathetically.

Nick slaps his thigh and I follow the action with wide eyes. "Here."

Why am I nervous all of a sudden? The first time we got together in his bed, I took control and I was the one who was all over him. But now there is a change in his demeanour, suddenly I feel out of my depth. This confident and demanding side to him has me questioning my entire existence. Our roles have flipped completely.

Nick's eyes glow in the low light and hesitate for a moment before I step forward. I raise my knee and he holds out his hands to take my waist before I settle on his lap, straddling his thighs. The second I sit down he releases a sigh of relief, and drags his hands up my back.

I close my eyes at the way he presses a kiss to the centre of my chest and allows his palms to explore over my clothes. "Mmm," I whimper unexpectedly when his fingers slide into the back of my hair and tugs gently. "That feels good."

He continues to pull at my strands which exposes my neck and his mouth lands over my pulse in one swift action. "You feel good," he rasps against my skin. "I've needed you this close all week."

"Sending Elodie off to your brothers was a good call then, huh?" I say a little breathlessly.

A chuckle vibrates my neck. "I love her but we need this. I need alone time with you to make me feel like I'm a human without intimacy issues."