The kitchen was booming with too many bodies in too small of a space. If Mateo hadn’t already been leaving for the gym that morning, Sean might’ve called in. He was getting greedy with Mateo’s time. If he didn’t have Slip to distract him, Sean might scare himself a little when it came to his sexy husband. When they’d come home from Vegas, he’d expected their life to change with all the limelight, but nothing had really changed. It was like winning a trophy while playing any sport. Life didn’t take away the accomplishment, but neither did it stop moving.

“Clock out and come to my office,” Boston said, keeping his voice low enough for Sean’s ears as he passed behind him through the kitchen. Since Sean had only been at work for fifteen minutes, the order sent his heart rate through the roof. Boston was always serious, except when it came to his husband, but this was more. Sean didn’t think he’d done anything wrong.

After clocking out, Sean pulled off his black “Slip” chef’s jacket. He found Boston sitting behind his desk. “What’s up?”

Boston turned his laptop for Sean to see. “You might want to read this.”

Sean’s gaze slid to the screen. He spotted a picture of Mateo at his press conference and another of Mateo’s parents. A sick sense of dread rose inside Sean. He moved closer to the screen and sat.

Two weeks ago, the boxing world welcomed a new Super Lightweight champion—Mateo Sousa. During his press conference afterward, Sousa shocked more than a few people when asked about his parents. He claimed he had none. Curiosity piqued, I decided to set out in search of these non-existent parents and found Renato and Izabella Sousa. Renato, a successful acquisitions agent, and Izabella, a well-known antique collector, were surprised to learn they did not exist.

“We tried reaching out to Mateo the day before his match,” Renato tells us. “Our calls were ignored.” Izabella had more to say than her husband. “Mateo hasn’t been the same since his brother, Luis, was killed eight years ago.” Most people might remember eight years ago when eighteen-year-old Luis Sousa was brutally beaten to death outside a Miami nightclub. Luis, an openly gay college student, was lured outside by an unknown assailant where at least two other men were waiting. He was found an hour later in a side alley—unresponsive. According to Mateo’s parents, after Luis’ death, Mateo stopped coming around and their relationship fell apart. Both parents agree, Sousa’s recent marriage to Sean Underwood was only more of the same—another way to pay penance for his guilt over his brother’s death. Mateo had taken Luis to that club the night he was killed. “Sean is very much like Luis,” Izabella says. “They both are quiet, sweet, and accustomed to abuse.”

Sean couldn’t read another word. “What the hell is this bunch of bullshit?” Sean roared, surprising even himself.

“Welcome to fame,” Boston said, sounding resigned. “You probably need to find your husband. I can’t imagine this is sitting well. The first public attack by the media is always the worst.”

Sean didn’t hesitate moving to his feet. “Thank you. I’m sorry about this. Mateo’s parents are horrible, but I didn’t expect…” Sean said, waving toward the laptop at a loss for words. “This,” he finally said, because nothing else he thought to say should be said in polite company.

“Go,” Boston said, waving him away.

With a nod, Sean headed for the parking lot. His heart hurt. He hadn’t known about Luis. Mateo had never said a word, and things had been so crazy, he’d forgotten to ask about Mateo’s mention of a brother. Sean remembered the news story, though. It had reaffirmed his hatred of going to nightclubs alone.

In his car, Sean’s hands shook. He waffled between heartbroken and enraged. Even when Sean had practically run away and cut his parents from his life, they hadn’t given up on him. They damn sure hadn’t tried humiliating him. Mateo must be so upset. He had to find him. A quick pass by the house showed he wasn’t there. Sean headed for the gym. His panic rose by the second. He didn’t see Mateo’s Jeep, but Sean went inside just in case.

Remy met him at the door. “He’s not here,” Remy said before Sean asked. “You missed him by five minutes.”

“Shit,” Sean said, running his hands through his hair. “How did this happen?”

Remy rubbed Sean’s arms, obviously hoping to calm him. “Come sit down in Aden’s office. You can call him and calm down before driving again.”

Call him. Fuck. Why hadn’t he done that first? It was like his brain didn’t want to work. “Okay,” Sean said, letting Remy lead him to Aden’s office.

His gaze landed on Daniel and the man headed his way. Sean thought about screaming he didn’t want to deal with anyone right now, but his throat wouldn’t work.

Daniel followed him in the office. “I’m working on a counter article to fix this,” Daniel said, sounding genuinely concerned.

“Thanks, Daniel.” Even to Sean’s ears, he sounded dead. Nothing would be right again until he spoke to Mateo.

Remy flashed Daniel a sweet smile, making up for Sean’s inability to cope. “Thanks, Daniel,” he said, repeating Sean’s words before closing the door. “I know this feels like the end of the world right now, but there’ll be a new scandal next week and everyone will forget this.”

Sean nodded, letting Remy know he was listening as he snagged the first chair he came to, and dialed Mateo’s number. It went straight to voicemail. Sean left a message. “Teo, call me and let me you’re okay. Love you.”

He immediately tried a second time with the same result. “Goddamn it,” Sean growled, resisting the urge to throw his phone. He stood. “I have to find him.”

“You need to take a breath,” Remy said, pushing him back down. “If you get into a wreck and kill yourself, you won’t do Mateo any good.”

Sean sucked in a deep breath through his nose. “This is a nightmare.” He took another breath. “Mateo says you used to be a title holder. Have you ever been through anything like this?”

Something dark passed over Remy’s features, making Sean’s heart squeeze in his chest. Remy was such an amazing person. He couldn’t imagine anyone saying anything horrible about him. “Yes,” Remy said, shocking Sean. “Winning the title was one of the worst things to ever happen to me. I worked hard for it and wouldn’t trade my life for anything, but it also destroyed my life. Having your life under a microscope isn’t for everyone. Can I tell you a secret?”

Sean nodded. He needed to focus on something else.

Remy’s chest expanded before he spoke. “The night I lost the title, I threw the fight. All I wanted was Aden. I couldn’t have both.”

Sean’s heart wouldn’t slow. The barely suppressed panic inside him was clawing at his brain. “Why?” he asked, trying to hold on to his end of the conversation.

Remy stared at him for so long, Sean didn’t think he’d answer. When he did, Sean’s heart finally slowed, and he felt the first real connection to someone other than Mateo—like Remy could be his friend. “Aden is a recovering addict. He can’t handle the stress of the fame. Also,” Remy said, sounding as if the confession killed him as he added, “The longer I held the media’s attention, the higher the risk of them finding out he cheated on me with Boston.”

Sean’s mouth fell open. He immediately snapped his teeth together. The last thing he wanted was to hurt Remy’s feelings by showing his shock. He tried, but he couldn’t hide it. “Aden and Boston? Seriously? But you’re amazing and Boston loves Kaz.”

Remy waved a dismissive hand. “This was back before Boston met Kaz, and—like I said—Aden is a recovering addict. He was high at the time. It’s water under the bridge, but it killed me, and if it had been aired to the world, maybe I wouldn’t have survived it.”

Sean could see that. “They implied Mateo might be abusive,” Sean said, feeling his rage build, but also a little better for having said it. He couldn’t stop. “He’s the best husband on the planet. Mateo saved me from the black hole where I stayed in my mind. And his brother, oh my god. He must be gutted right now. Why do the best people get all the bullshit while the pieces of shit in the world get all the luck? You should see his parents’ house. It’s obvious they’ve never wanted for a thing. And who attacks their own child like that?” Everything inside Sean poured out. “I went there, you know? Before Mateo’s fight. I begged them to go—to support Mateo.” Sean stood again. “I have to find Mateo.”

“Okay,” Remy said, letting him go this time. “At least promise me you’ll call me and let me know when you find him or when you’re home safely?”

Sean nodded. “Of course. If you see him first, please let me know.”

Remy nodded. Before he could stop himself, Sean hugged him, making Remy coo. “Awww, I knew we would be besties.”

“Thank you,” Sean whispered, hoping he didn’t lose his shit before he found his husband.

* * *

The third floor of his house had always been his favorite. Several times, Mateo had considered moving his bedroom here. It was nothing more than one large room with a small bathroom, but the view was amazing. One wall was all glass, giving him the perfect view of the water. Two things stopped him. It got hot as hell up here at night and he loved the shower in his bedroom. Since he hadn’t moved his bed up here, he’d turned the floor into sort of an entertainment room. He could host a small dinner on the balcony or people could lounge around in one of the many chaises and comfortable chairs spread throughout the room.

When he needed peace, it was where Mateo went. Something about the water soothed him. Maybe because it made him feel insignificant. If he was a small cog in the universe, then so too were any problems he was having. Right now, he needed a blank mind. That damn newspaper article. It had implied so many horrible things, Mateo didn’t know where to start ranting against it. He shouldn’t have been surprised. His parents been enraged since he’d started seriously dating Sean, and then he’d married him in the most public way possible, and then he’d won the title.

The water wasn’t helping today. He still wanted to smash shit. His cellphone had already lost its life. Reporters had been calling all morning. Honestly, he might not have seen the article otherwise. Mateo snorted and shook his head. Aden. Remy. Daniel. They’d all tried warning him about the fame. Aden had a life lessons course for his members where Daniel gave mock interviews, teaching people how to safeguard their lives from the media. Remy gave lessons on dealing with the stress and focusing on the positive side of fame. It wasn’t that he hadn’t taken those lessons seriously. He just hadn’t expected to ever win. Possibly that was his dad talking. All the times he’d been called a gatekeeper stuck with him, but he hadn’t expected Sean. Sean was the real reason Mateo had won that title. He gave Mateo confidence and something to fight for. No way would Sean want him after this. Mateo had promised to love and protect him. Loving him would never be an issue. Protecting him—Mateo had already failed at that.

“There you are.”

Mateo’s head whipped toward the stairs. He hadn’t heard Sean arrive. Since the man wasn’t supposed to get home until ten and it was barely two, he hadn’t been looking for him. His hair stood in every direction and he looked like hell. Mateo’s guilt shot through the roof. Still, he couldn’t convince himself to move from his chair.

“Hey, baby. You’re home early.”

Sean didn’t soften. “I’ve been trying to call you.”

Mateo shrugged. “My phone is dead.” It was true. Only he meant more than the battery.

“Jesus fucking Christ. I’ve made myself sick looking for you,” Sean said, crossing the room and going down on his knees between Mateo’s. He massaged Mateo’s thighs. “Are you okay?”

Sean was so sexy. Mateo’s heart skipped a beat while staring down at him. How could he destroy this amazing man by marrying him? “I’m sorry.” He really was. “Why are you home so early?”

Sean’s brow furrowed. “For you.”

“Oh.” He’d seen the article. Mateo hadn’t even considered that. He hadn’t exactly been thinking clearly since he read it. Mateo swallowed, wondering where to start. He didn’t know how to make things right. Really. There was only one way, and Mateo didn’t think he was strong enough. Still, he swallowed again and tried. “Maybe we should get a divorce.”

Sean sat back on his heels, looking like Mateo had punched him. “You want a divorce?”

Mateo shook his head. Everything hurt. There was a real possibility he might cry at the thought alone. “I don’t want you to feel trapped by me.”

Sean slapped his thigh. Hard. It shocked Mateo speechless. He’d never seen Sean look more furious. “How fucking dare you use that word with me? I thought you loved me.”

“I do,” Mateo said, trying to get his bearings.

“Then fucking show it,” Sean said, confusing Mateo even further. He thought he was showing it, but there could be no doubt Sean was furious.

“I don’t—”

“You don’t what?” Sean asked, not letting him finish. “You don’t deserve to have your name dragged through the mud? You don’t deserve shitty parents? Is that what you were about to say? That had better be what you were about to fucking say.”

In truth, Mateo was afraid to say anything now. He’d never seen Sean angry. It was hot, but he still preferred his sweet Sean. “I don’t know what to do.”

Sean deflated. His shoulders fell, and the outrage drained from his face. “What do you want to do? Don’t think about it. Just tell me the first thing that pops into your head.”

“I want to go back to yesterday when I woke up holding you and we were just newlyweds, enjoying our life together.” Mateo searched Sean’s face, needing that back. “You’re the best thing to ever happen to me. I just want a quiet, normal life with you.”

Sean stood. He pulled his shirt over his head and unbuttoned his pants. Mateo watched in silence—unsure where things were headed. Sean pushed his jeans down his hips. “Come on,” he said, sounding impatient. “It’s yesterday morning. We were both nude.” Sean peeled off his socks before taking off his underwear. Finally, he stood completely nude—hands on hips and waiting for Mateo to do the same. He wasn’t hard. This obviously wasn’t about sex. That didn’t stop Mateo’s hunger from growing.

Rather than stripping, as Sean ordered, Mateo shot forward in his seat and snagged Sean’s hips. He towed the man forward and wrapped his lips around the man’s cock. Sean’s dick hardened in his mouth. Damn, he loved that. He loved the way he could transform Sean’s body—make him respond. His fingers dug into the backs of Sean’s thighs. He couldn’t let up. His head bobbed as he played with Sean’s dick—licking and swirling. Inches worked their way down his throat. His mind emptied of everything except pleasing his husband.

Reaching down, he set his erection free, palming himself as he sucked. Sean held his head. Moans filled the silence with delicious noise. He didn’t tease or take mercy. This wasn’t about play time. He wanted Sean’s cum. If he couldn’t please his husband sexually, then why get up tomorrow. A light switch flipped in his head, changing everything. Mateo had been beyond happy since the day he met Sean. Nothing had changed. He loved this man. Sean obviously loved him. Everything else was background noise. Mateo didn’t care about anything other than giving Sean the perfect life he deserved. Being surly and pissed wasn’t the way to Sean’s heart. Sean hadn’t come home saying a word about the actual article. He’d rushed home, worried about Mateo.

Mateo was letting them win. They wanted to drive a wedge between Sean and him. It wasn’t happening. He pulled away, making Sean cry out in denial.

“Don’t worry, baby. I’ll take care of you.” Mateo meant it in a thousand ways. He stood. “This isn’t yesterday morning. Yesterday, we were in bed.” Sean’s eyes looked unfocused, but he let Mateo lead him toward the stairs. He hoped Sean was thinking about yesterday morning—how Mateo had pressed him into the bed on his stomach and fucked him slow. He was about to do it again.

Mateo knew he’d won when they reached the bedroom and Sean sprawled out on the bed facedown, accepting of his fate. After stripping, Mateo opened the bedside table, found the lube, and coated his cock. He spent a minute enjoying the sensation of his oiled palm stroking his dick while he eyed his sexy, nude husband. Sean had the perfect ass—round and firm. Mateo loved spreading those cheeks and fucking that hole.

Having tortured himself enough, Mateo climbed on top, kneeing Sean’s thighs apart as he went. Sean was so goddamn compliant. He didn’t make a sound as Mateo rubbed his cock between the man’s ass cheeks, enjoying the friction. He spread them wide and fingered Sean’s asshole. Damn, Sean was perfect. Already his greedy ass pulled at Mateo’s fingers like it was his dick. Mateo fisted his cock and positioned himself against Sean’s hole. He pushed past the ring of muscles and retreated before doing it again, teasing Sean. Plus, he loved watching his cock penetrate Sean’s ass. The sight of his crown disappearing inside Sean made him feel connected. He was playing witness to them becoming one person. His body screamed for release, warring with his mind that wanted to play all day. Mateo rolled his hips and went deep as he covered Sean’s body with his. His tongue automatically sought the inside of Sean’s ear. He wanted to lick every place he could reach. His teeth sank into the man’s lobe, drawing a moan.

He changed angles, hitting the spot inside Sean he knew would make the man come without ever touching his dick. “Damn, I love fucking you. Your body molds to mine. Your asshole refuses to let me go, tugging on my meat with every thrust. It’s like you’re a fucking magician.” Sean gasped. Mateo was in his stride. “I want to make you come and then keep going to see how long you’ll beg me to stop before you’re coming all over our sheets again.” Mateo pumped harder. He was so close. Sean cried out. His asshole squeezed tight before the spasms hit, keeping time with his jets of cum. Satisfaction roared through Mateo. He’d done that. “That’s it, baby. Make a mess and suck my dick with your ass. You’re so fucking hot. Goddamn, I’m so proud to be your husband. Fuck,” Mateo gasped as the first spasm hit, the pressure turning to pleasure. “I’m going to fill your ass with cum all day. You’re not leaving this bed. Don’t worry; I’ll lick your ass and keep it from getting sore.”

“Teo,” Sean gasped, stealing Mateo’s breath. He didn’t give a shit about anything. Sean filled every space. As he collapsed and rolled, bringing Sean with him, Mateo wondered why he’d been so upset earlier. Sean had promised to love him forever. This was unbreakable.

* * *

Sean refused to let Mateo leave the bed for anything other than life’s necessities. They needed this time to regroup after his parents’ attack. Sean needed time to show Mateo he was loved. He loved Mateo enough for four people. Mateo would never feel a lack where his parents should be if Sean had anything to say. Most of their time together went uninterrupted. Mateo’s phone was smashed beyond repair and they didn’t have a house phone. Not many people had Sean’s number, but a few people tried knocking on the door. They never looked to see who it was. Remy texted to check on them. Otherwise, they just spent a full twenty-four hours making love, kissing, or simply holding each other. They hadn’t spoken about much. Sometimes there were no words. In this case, Sean could only show Mateo he would never be alone. Remy texted again, disrupting their cocoon.

Remy: Tell Mateo to check out Daniel’s article.

Sean: On it. Thanks.

“Remy says you need to see Daniel’s article.” Sean hated saying those words. He was sick of dealing with the written word.

Mateo didn’t seem to suffer the same fear of the media. He rolled to his side and pulled an e-reader from the bedside table. After scooting up on the bed and leaning his back against the headboard, Mateo scrolled for a minute before he handed the tablet to Sean. “Here. You can read it to me. My eyes hurt.”

Sean accepted the device before crawling between Mateo’s knees. He leaned against the solid wall of his husband’s chest and read aloud. “In my journalism career, I’ve had a few occasions when I’ve come across an article by a peer where I’ve been horrified speechless. Usually, I stay quiet. Yesterday, I read one that finally crossed a line with me. It was a blatant attack on the new Super Lightweight boxing champion, Mateo Sousa. My offended sensibilities had nothing to do my friendship with Sousa, although I do like to think he considers me his friend. No, in this case, I was shocked by the tastelessness of such a respected newspaper as the Boxing Report. The Daily Sports Report doesn’t make a habit of calling out other papers for false articles. This is a special case. In the face of massive evidence against their article and my personal knowledge of everyone involved, the chief editor of this fine paper has given me permission to print the truth.”

Sean glanced over his shoulder. “Other than their underlying nasty implications, did your parents lie?”

“Oh, yeah,” Mateo said with a telling look. “Keep reading.”

Sean picked up where he left off. “While it’s true Luis Sousa died a horrific death eight years ago, his older brother, Mateo, was in Las Vegas at the time of his death. If his parents had ever cared for him, they would’ve known he had his first main event match that weekend. While Luis was considered a sweet soul, this reporter doubts it’s the reason for Mateo’s recent marriage. Having personally met Sean, I’d describe him as more of a spitfire.”

Sean chuckled. “I’ll never live down that Christmas party.”

“You were amazing,” Mateo said, pressing a kiss to his temple.

Sean kept reading. “Additionally, the Sousas hadn’t allowed any contact between the brothers since Mateo came out eleven years ago. Mateo hadn’t seen or spoken to his brother for three years before his death. So, who are these people who stole the final years of sibling bonding from their sons? While I admit to not knowing much about Izabella Sousa, Renato Sousa is someone I know too much about. Mr. Sousa touts himself a collector of fine items on his website. He goes on to say there’s nothing he can’t acquire for the right price. Folks, he does mean anything.

“Last year, I had a mock interview with an up and coming MMA fighter. During his visit to Key Largo, he had a visitor of his own at his hotel room—Renato Sousa. Renato had an outrageous offer. You see, this fighter has several gold medals and is very popular among MMA fans. It seems at least one of those fans would go to any length for one night in his bed. Renato hoped to buy this fighter’s sexual favors for the night for an unnamed bidder.”

“I wonder if Carter took the money,” Mateo said with a chuckle, startling Sean.

“You know who he’s talking about?”

He felt Mateo shrug against his back. “Sure. So do you. Do you remember the asshat who said I’d fuck anything that moved? That’s him,” Mateo finished before Sean could respond.

“Wow. That’s nuts. Do you think your dad will sue him for this?”

“I don’t know,” Mateo said, sounding thoughtful. He leaned over Sean’s shoulder. His gaze moved over the page before he settled back down. “It doesn’t look like Daniel ever named him and reporters don’t have to give up their sources. If anyone gets sued over this, I’ll cover their legal fees.”

“This was nice of Daniel and Carter, though it’ll probably just fan the flames. Your dad will probably be here within the hour to yell at you.”

“Nah,” Mateo said, sounding sad. “After yesterday’s article, I left the gym and went straight to my lawyer’s office. I filed a restraining order against him and had a letter drawn up, stating I’d sue them for slander if they came anywhere near any of us, including your parents. Also, if they accept any more interviews, I’ll go after them for every penny. I paid a lot of money to have them served by the end of the day yesterday. Maybe I wouldn’t win a case against them, but I’m sure enough people have witnessed their weekly tirades against me to lean things in my favor.”

Even as a wave of relief washed over Sean, a hint of hurt crept in. “You have to stop hiding things from me, Teo.”

Mateo shifted positions, taking the tablet from Sean’s hand and setting it aside before repositioning their bodies until they were face to face on their sides. “Why do you think I hide things from you?”

The spark of hurt got a little bigger. “I didn’t know about your brother’s death until I read it in that article and you didn’t say a word about restraining orders until just now. Sometimes, you make me feel like I’m living in the dark. You can talk to me. I love you. I want to help.”

Mateo traced Sean’s jaw with his fingertips. His expression was breaking Sean’s heart. He looked lost. “It’s my job to protect you. Even if that means keeping you safe from my family and my ugly past. You’re a first for me, baby. I’m going to screw up occasionally.”

“How do you mean I’m a first?”

Mateo’s sweet smile hit Sean in the chest. “I’ve never been in love. No one has ever loved me. You’ll have to cut me some slack when I don’t know what I’m doing. After all, I’m doing the same for you.”

Sean’s brow furrowed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Mateo shrugged. “You don’t talk to me either, and you don’t completely trust me. I’m worth millions, but you still work sixteen-hour shifts. You’re afraid you’ll eventually become a prisoner in our home if you quit. I get it. Even though I’m nothing like your ex, that fear still has to be real in your mind, but it still hurts my feelings.”

Sean blinked. He didn’t know what to say. In truth, he hadn’t sat down and thought about it. Now that he was faced with Mateo’s thoughts, he was kind of pissed. Sean shoved at Mateo’s hard chest until he rolled onto his back. Sean straddled his hips and glared down at him. Mateo’s smile didn’t help cool Sean’s temper one iota.

“I haven’t quit my job because I signed a contract with Boston. He paid for my school so I have to continue working for him for the next three years or repay the money for my tuition. I also didn’t want to assume you were cool with me mooching off you for the rest of my life. Not to mention, I don’t give a shit about your money. It’s yours. All I want is you. You’re such an ass, ugh. You should fucking know all I care about is your time. If you were penniless and living in a box, I’d squeeze in there with you. Seriously, I’m so, so mad at you right now.”

Mateo laughed, making things worse. “Are you sure you want me to stop hiding things from you?”

Sean barely stopped himself from punching Mateo in the crotch. “Yes.” Even to his ears, Sean sounded petulant.

Mateo snagged Sean’s wrists, confusing him. “You’re wrong. It’s not my money. It’s our money.” Sean realized how smart Mateo had been to hold his arms. He’d never wanted to punch another person as badly in his life. Sean fought against his hold. Of course, Mateo won.

“I really need to take Remy’s boxing lessons more seriously. One of these days, I’ll kick your ass, and you’ll wonder why. Just look back and remember this moment.”

Mateo rolled, pinning Sean beneath him. His laughter bounced off their bedroom walls. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen Mateo laugh so loudly and openly. Sean fell still and stared. Until that moment, he hadn’t realized how much Mateo had been silently enduring. Sean’s eyes filled with tears. Mateo’s laughter died.

He released Sean’s arms. “Am I hurting you? I’m sorry, baby,” he said, sounding panicked as he rubbed Sean’s forearms where he’d been holding them.

Sean shook his head. “You weren’t hurting me. I haven’t seen you laugh in a long time. All I want is for you to be happy. I didn’t realize how much I was failing until now.”

Mateo relaxed into Sean, their bodies melding. “You’re my only happiness. I’ve been failing myself by clinging to the people who gave me life. Most people get good parents, or at least parents who try. When you’re the one who’s drawn the shit straw and end up with parents like mine, it’s hard to know what’s right. Society teaches us to honor them. What do you do when they don’t love you like normal parents would? It’s hard for other people to understand. They can’t fathom parents hating their children, so there must be something wrong with me.”

Sean stroked Mateo’s hair. Mateo was giving him what he’d asked for by opening up. Now Sean wanted to soothe it away. “There’s nothing wrong with you.”

Mateo nodded. “I know, but only because I met you. Before you, I just clung, trying to do better and be who they needed while never understanding what I did wrong. After all, if my parents couldn’t love me, who could? I thought I was broken somehow. My grandmother tried to make me understand it wasn’t me while lamenting over where she’d gone wrong with her son. She died before she could undo eighteen years of mental abuse.” Mateo pressed his cheek to Sean’s chest and tilted his chin up, meeting Sean’s gaze. “Before we got married, you said I’d tell the story of our crazy wedding to our grandkids one day. When you said that, a shot of fear hit me. I realized then how scared I am of becoming like them. You’re so nice and perfect. I don’t ever want to steal that from you.”

Sean snorted. He couldn’t help it. “You realize we’re just alike, right? Like—seriously—there aren’t two people on the planet more suited for each other, because it’s like we’re the same person.”

Mateo shook his head. “I’m nothing like you, but I’d like to be. You heard what Carter said about me the night we met. He wasn’t just being an ass. I did a lot of stupid shit while searching for you.”

A sigh rose in Sean’s throat. Mateo saw him through such rose-colored glasses. “I was insulted that night, because I would’ve loved to have given you my number and he turned our moment into something ugly. That doesn’t change the fact that I wanted to be seduced by you. How does that make you worse than me or me better than you?”

Mateo shrugged. “I probably wouldn’t have called if you’d taken me home that night.”

Sean’s smile was out of his control. “I did take you home that night.”

“Yeah, but nothing happened,” Mateo shot back.

“How do you know? You passed out.” Sean wanted to crow with laughter at Mateo’s shocked expression. He waved his hand through the air, adding, “But, nonetheless, that’s semantics. You did go home with me. You stayed the night, and you called the next day. I think—no matter what—you would’ve called. We would’ve ended up right here, and it would’ve happened, because we are meant to be.”

“Wait,” Mateo said, shaking his head. “What did happen that night?”

Devilry overtook Sean. He wrapped his arms around Mateo and urged him higher so he could claim the man’s lips. He spoke between kisses. “I got you to wake up long enough to limp to the couch. Mhmm,” Sean hummed as Mateo licked his bottom lip. He tried to keep going. “After getting you settled, I changed into a pair of shorts to sleep in, found you a blanket, and came back.” Sean grabbed Mateo’s hand and slid it down his body to his erection. “When I bent to cover you up, you shoved your hand inside my shorts with the speed of a very sober man.”

Mateo pulled away. His expression called Sean a liar before his mouth had time. “Nu-uh.”

Sean nodded. His breath caught at the back of his throat as Mateo kneaded his cock the same as he had that night. “I was shocked, to say the least, but I also couldn’t bring myself to move away. You said, ‘If I was sober right now, I promise you’d never forget me.’ I almost came right then. You sounded that hot and confident. Instead, you passed out. I disentangled myself from your hold, covered you up, and went to bed to jack off.”

A flush touched Mateo’s cheeks. “You jacked off while I was one room away?”

Sean nodded.

Mateo released a loud breath. “Jesus, that’s so fucking hot. I hate myself for drinking so much that night.”

Sean shrugged. “I got off either way, and now you’re my husband. You can make it up to me every night.”

“Every night? That’s a tall order. Sometimes I’m tired.”

A burble of laughter escaped Sean. It died on a moan as Mateo’s hand dipped between his legs.

“I can try for every night, though. We might have to get inventive. Forever is a lot of nights.”

“We got this,” Sean said, lifting his hips and taking what he wanted from Mateo’s fingers. “Like I said, we’re fucking perfect together. We don’t need anyone or anything else. We can make forever our bitch.” They would too because a love like theirs was too strong to ever let anything break them. Since they’d met, no one had as much as cracked their bond. It would be that way forever. Maybe even beyond.