Hook (A Hitman's Bait 2)

“Sully,” Kit said. “Your car’s too confusing. Look at all the extra buttons.”

“You just need to focus on the main ones. Forget all the fancy buttons.”

“Umm, okay.”

He inhaled deeply and started the car.

“Kit, your seat belt,” I reminded him.

“Right. Seat belt first.” He clicked the seat belt in place and checked the rearview mirror. “Everything is clear. Now, how do you reverse this thing again?”

“Sullivan, that’s it!” Liam unbuckled his seat belt. “I’m out.” He flung the door open. “And by the way, Kit, we know. We know the license is fake. Now you two talk it out and switch seats so we don’t have to be buried beside each other because so help me god, I’d never stop bitching about it for eternity.”

The door slammed shut so hard I winced. Next to me, Kit froze. “You knew?”

“Yes,” I said softly.

“But how?”

“You don’t get your license the same day, Kit.” I grasped his hand. “I just don’t get why you had to go to this extent to pretend you had passed. You had to know the truth was bound to come out eventually.”

“Shit. I forgot that’s what the process is like.” He groaned. “I was working up the nerve to tell you I’d let you down.”

“Let me down?”

“You’re this amazing guy who’s accomplished so much, and I can’t even pass a stupid driver’s test. I was afraid you’d see I wasn’t this exceptional person you seem to think I am.” The sadness in his eyes tugged at my heart. “I make average look bad, Sully. It’s a lucky thing I’m pretty. I have nothing else to offer to this relationship.”

I released his hand and cupped his cheek before he could look away. “Is that what you think this is? That I’m only with you because you’re so damn sexy?”

“Isn’t it?”

“You’re wrong. I’ve worked with lots of beautiful people, Kit. And yeah, I may have slept with quite a few of them, but I’ve never moved any into my home. I’ve never shared my life with them—not even come close to it.”

“Why me, then?” he whispered.

“Because despite what you think, you’re smart. Your emotional intelligence allows you to get closer to people than I ever could. Lots of pretty boys are out there, Kit, but why do you think people are drawn to you? You’re empathetic and kind. How many of those prostitutes have you helped since you started working for me? Do you know how many people would have emptied their savings account to help a cat café? You’re good and loyal, funny and sweet. And you being this sexy may be the reason I sleep with you, but that’s not why I love you.”

Kit sucked in a deep breath, and a shudder coursed through him. “You love me?”

“I do.”

“Sully.” He held out his arms, and I pulled his torso forward so I could hug him in the confined space. “I love you too. I was so afraid to tell you.”

“I was waiting for the right moment. It seemed important for you to understand what my intentions are where you’re concerned, Kit. This isn’t temporary for me. I’m in for the long haul.”

He shifted his head and kissed me. I cupped the back of his neck and thrust my tongue inside his mouth. He moaned and tried to move closer.

Someone rapped on the window of the driver’s side.

“Guys, are you finished? Can I come in now?”

I reached across Kit and hit the button to lock all the doors.

“You’re evil,” Kit said. I stopped all other words by pressing my mouth to his again.

“Very funny, guys.” Liam knocked harder. “Come on. Let me back in.”