although this time it had an added bonus note of salaciousness. “Nico.” He practically purred the name.
I froze, and all of my good intentions nearly scattered on the wind as Nico’s woodsmoke cologne filled the room. I wanted to throw myself into his arms and rub myself against him. I wanted to lick him just so Malcolm would know he was mine.
But I didn’t do those things. I let my grin fade naturally and stood. “If you’ll excuse me—” I forced myself not to cringe at my sudden formality. “—I’m just heading out to get some lunch.”
I didn’t want to stick around to watch the two of them flirting up a storm. No one deserved a front row seat to that car wreck. Head down, I walked from the room.
“Oof!”
I looked up to see Saint rubbing his arm.
“Where are you headed in such a hurry?”
“Sorry—I didn’t see you.” My head had been too full of thoughts of Nico to see much of anything.
“I noticed.” Saint laughed. “You want to grab some lunch? My treat.”
I nodded. I didn’t need the enticement of Saint spending his money to leave the office with him, but it was a nice extra. “Sure. That sounds great. I have some time before Nico wants to get started again, I think.”
I considered the scene I’d just left in the breakroom. If Nico and Malcolm started getting cozy, I’d have plenty of time. I swallowed against sudden nausea at images of Nico and Malcolm. I knew I should have licked him first.
Saint walked me across the road to a large, lively deli. A long, silver counter took up space at the back of the room, and expensive refrigerated cases showcased cold cuts and salad. The air was fragranced with smoked meats and yeasty breads, and chatter from the assortment of mismatched tables filled my ears.
“You’re lucky to have this right on the doorstep.”
“Tell me about it,” Saint said as he pulled the heavy glass door open. “It’s called Baked In and that’s exactly what they do—they bake their own bread for their sandwiches and their daily specials are all winners.” He broke off. “Well, what a surprise—look who it is.” He nodded to his right, and I laughed at the two blond heads side by side as my oldest and youngest brothers chatted.
“Kairo! Adrian!” I greeted them with enthusiasm, as if I hadn’t seen them both for weeks, rather than at Mom’s last family dinner. “What a great surprise!”
I slid Saint a glance. He didn’t look as surprised as me. In fact, he looked…pleased.
So many people would probably have hated having such a big family—even after privacy issues in our crazy glass house, there were times when Mom or Dad sacrificed time with one of us to help someone else, but I loved having so many brothers. It was like having seven forever best friends. And there was always someone to have my back, or someone to joke with or whine to. I never had to feel lonely or alone. Just the thought of my brothers made my world a better place.
Kairo stood up and caught me in a hug, and I relaxed at his familiar hold.
My lunch hour flew by. Chatting with my brothers and just generally shooting the shit took my thoughts from the office, and when the time to return to work finally arrived, I was pretty relaxed. I stayed relaxed even as we walked back toward Saint’s office in the firm’s building.
“Thank you for calling them.” I nudged Saint’s shoulder. “I didn’t know how much I needed that.”
Saint pressed a quick kiss to the top of my head. “No worries, little dude.”
I stiffened slightly at the old nickname, and his eyes sparkled with mischief.
“Look, I know how stressful interning can be, especially in the early days when you’re still trying to find your place and get up to speed. Applying school learning to the office can be a really steep curve. And I know how nervous new situations and confrontation can make you, but you’re in good hands with Nico, I promise.” He paused, his hand on his office door. “And I wanted to remind you that you have people in your corner. You have people who believe in you always, and we’re here whenever you need us to be.”
“Yeah. And sometimes when I don’t, too.”
He chuckled. “Always that.”
“Thanks.” The word didn’t really seem enough, but it was all I had.
He nodded and I watched him through the glass door as he walked to