Page 78 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

Ody went tense. “What if he pushes back? What if he comes after us now?”

“I had to do something, Ody!” Mano snapped, panic rising. “I wouldn’t be here right now. He would’ve taken me with him.”

Ody’s jaw clenched. “Did he touch you?”

Mano shook his head.

Ody’s hands shot to his shoulders, forcing him to look at him. “Did he touch you?” His grip tightened. “Answer me.”

“No.” Mano swallowed. “He said he would… only if I begged him to.”

Ody froze. He pulled him closer, his jaw locking. “What the fuck…? What the actual fuck?”

Mano’s hands came up again, cupping his face, searching his eyes. “Do you believe me?”

“Of course I do,” Ody said without hesitation.

“You said we were done.” Mano’s voice broke. “I don’t want that. I don’t—I don’t want us to end.” He shook his head, breath catching. “I’m not with Ranya, or anyone. Please… please, forgive me.” His face crumpled. “Please… take me back. Don’t—don’t leave me, Ody. I can’t—” He broke, collapsing into him, his face pressed to his chest as he started to sob.

Ody froze at the words. Then he pulled him in. His arms wrapped around him, holding him close, one hand sliding up into his hair as Mano broke against him. “I’m here,” he murmured. “I’ve got you. It’s not your fault.”

Mano lifted his head, tear-streaked, searching his face.

Ody’s thumb brushed gently over his cheek.

“So we’re not done?” Mano asked, his voice small, fragile.

Ody closed his eyes for a moment, then shook his head, his thumb still moving against his skin. “No. We’re not done.”

Mano stilled as they looked at each other.

“I feel like no matter what happens from now on…” Ody said, his eyes glassy. “I’ll never be able to stop loving you.”

Mano froze. “What did you say?” he whispered.

Ody’s hand stayed on his face, his thumb brushing over his cheek. A tear slipped free, tracing slowly down his skin. “I love you, Mano…” His voice softened, barely holding. “I’m so in love with you.”

Mano stared at him. Then his hands came up, pulling him in, crashing his lips against his like he needed him, like he couldn’t breathe without him.

They both shuddered, eyes still wet, before their lips met again, deeper this time, tongues tangling. They could feel it, hear it, their breaths mixing, their tears blurring together.

When they finally pulled apart, they stayed close, foreheads resting together, their faces barely an inch apart. They stayed there, just holding onto each other, taking in the warmth of one another. They brushed away the tears before their eyes met again.

“I’m so sorry you went through that,” Ody said. “I should’ve been there… I’m sorry. For everything. For what I said to you…”

Mano shook his head. “I don’t care about any of that. I’m just… happy you’re safe.” His hand moved gently over Ody’s face. “All I wanted was to see you. Your face… your eyes… your smile. Nothing else matters now that you’re here.”

Something in Ody gave in. At the way Mano was looking at him. At the way he was touching him. At the words he never thought he’d hear from him. He leaned in, kissing him again, slower this time. “So what do we do now?” he whispered.

Mano’s phone rang. He pulled it out of his pocket, glancing at the screen. Anonymous caller.

They both froze.

“Is that him?” Ody asked, tension creeping back in.

“Or my connections,” Mano said, already answering, bringing the phone to his ear.

“The men watching your boy are gone. You’re clear. For now.”