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“I bought this team for you.”
Nico didn’t elaborate, but this sentence didn’t help Bennett understand. “Why?”
“Isn’t it obvious?”
“Not to me.”
“In case you ever want to come out. To live publicly as a gay man. With me. Or anyone else. But I am hoping it is with me.”
The room seemed to tilt and Bennett had to lock his knees to keep from falling. “Wait. What?”
Nico forced a harsh breath through his nostrils. “I bought the team to protect your career, not ruin it.”
Holy. Shit.
Bennett could see the truth on Nico’s face, hear it in the thickened accent and hesitation. This was not the confident, brash mafia don; this was a man offering up a personal confession, revealing the soft parts underneath the bravado. The knot in Bennett’s chest slowly unfurled and he stared at Nico in stunned disbelief. “You spent four-point-eight billion dollars to ensure that I can still play in Toronto if my sexuality is ever leaked.”
“Sì. Yes.” Nico confirmed it in two languages, as if one weren’t enough.
“What the fuck?” Bennett whispered, his heart nearly exploding with a sudden rush of tenderness. “Nico. That’s insane.”
Nico shifted his weight, hands fidgeting in an uncharacteristic manner. “Allora, I also needed another legitimate business and it turns out my cousin likes hockey.” He shrugged.
He doesn’t know. He thinks I don’t love him anymore.
As if pulled by an invisible string, Bennett started across the room, walking a direct line that led him to the love of his life. A man crazy enough to spend a fuck ton of money on a hockey club and arena. A dangerous, sweet man who Bennett couldn’t live without, apparently.
When he stopped in front of Nico, it was a struggle, but he somehow resisted the urge to kiss the other man’s mouth. Bennett was dying for it, yet he waited, knowing how important this was. “Say it, Marzano.”
Nico’s strong throat worked as he swallowed. “Say what?”
“You know.”
They stared at each other challengingly, a familiar standoff that never failed to heat Bennett’s blood. This close, he could see the circles beneath Nico’s eyes and the slightly dull skin, as if sleep had eluded him for some time. No doubt Nico saw the same reflected back at him. They really were a pair.
But Bennett was perfectly happy to stand here all night. He’d already confessed his feelings the last time they saw one another, so there was no reason for him to speak. Now it was Nico’s turn. Because Bennett needed to hear it before they could move on. And if Nico couldn’t say it, then what were they even doing?
Distant sounds filled the silence. A plane flew overhead. The air conditioning kicked on. The elevator gears whirred as the residents traveled up and down the floors. Bennett didn’t move, just stood there admiring Nico’s eyelashes, the dark eyebrows. His beautiful irises that were the color of chocolate.
Finally, Nico opened his mouth. “I have never said it to another person, not in the way that it matters.”
Bennett lifted one eyebrow, as if to say, And?
Amusement washed over Nico’s face, brightening his eyes and softening his features. “Ti amo, bello. I am so in love with you.”
“Thank fuck.”
Bennett grabbed Nico’s shoulders, ready to lunge in for a kiss, but Nico stopped him, holding his arms so they were still facing each other. “You doubted this? I named the company after you.”
“I still need to hear it. I may need to hear it many more times tonight.”
Nico ran his hand along Bennett’s jaw, then up to push Bennett’s hair back. “And what if I need to hear it?”
“I told you the last time you were here.”
“And I am to assume you still feel the same? You might have met someone else in that time, one of your dry couch fucks who you love more.”
“I’m fucking going to punch you if you ever use that phrase again.” Using both hands, he cupped Nico’s face in his palms, fingers holding him steady. “I love you, Nico Marzano. Even if you are my new boss.”
