Page 144 of My Pucking Crush

“You think I’m letting amangive you a massage?”

“Where?”

“East Hampton,” he says. “We can drive there right now. The ten days off will be better spent there. I saw how the ocean invigorated you.”

“God, I love that idea,” I whine, letting him take care of me. “I’m not worthy of you, Daniil.”

“You are. I’mnotperfect.”

“You’re fucking perfect for me.” I smile. “What now? For us?”

His spine straightens. “I’m working for Sebastien Daria. In Manhattan. I’ll live in the shadows, but I won’t love in secret.”

“I don’t want to live that way anymore either.” I fist his cock, loving how the bolts settle between my fingers. “Will loving you put me in danger?”

His breath hitches. “You still love me?”

“Yeah,” I say on a laugh, because it’s true. “And I know it’s true because I never felt anything like this. It has to be love.”

Luca gently presses his lips to mine. “I love you, too.”

“Do I call you Daniil now?”

Hearing his real name raises his eyebrows. “You can call me Luca.”

“Who do you want to be?” I’ll adjust to whatever name makes him feel complete.

We’ve only known each other for a short amount of time. It feels like this is now the start of our story.

“I just want to be yours,” Luca says and deepens the kiss under the hot spray.

SEVENTY-EIGHT

Max

We arrive in East Hampton two hours later. I’m too exhausted to do anything, so we fall into my bed. Sleeping next to Luca is the best medicine.

The next morning, a knock on the back door perks me up while getting coffee. I smile seeing Ashton Ives.

“Still here?” I ask, letting him in.

“Yeah, Bernie has a break for a few weeks. She and Ford are...busy right now.” He blushes.

“Cool,” I say behind my mug. But it’s hard to wrap my head aroundthatrelationship.

“We watched the game last night.” Ash gives me a once-over. “Are you all right?”

I lift my T-shirt. “These bruises aren’t from the fight, it’s the hassle I had the night before.”

“Mother... Come on. Get dressed, I’ll take you for an X-ray.”

Just then Luca struts into the kitchen wearing a pair of my sweats, hanging dangerously low on his lips. His V-cut is prominent and very tempting. Ash almost jumps back at how lethal Luca looks.

“Good morning,” saysmy boyfriend.

“Morning,” Ash returns the greeting.

“I’m in good hands.” I glance at Luca.

---