Page 193 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

“Nothing,” Mano said. “We didn’t do anything. She cleaned up the mess and made me something to eat.”

“What mess?” Ody asked, searching his face.

Mano hesitated, then let out a breath. “After I told you we should end it… I went home and… a bottle fell. It shattered.”

Ody’s expression shifted. “Don’t tell me you tried to hurt yourself.”

“No,” Mano said, steady. “I didn’t.”

“Are you telling me the truth?” Ody’s gaze fixed on him. “You didn’t try to hurt yourself… right?”

“I told you,” Mano added, quieter now. “Ever since I met you, I haven’t thought about anything like that.” His features softened. “You’re my savior.”

Ody cupped his cheek gently and leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. When they parted, he rested his forehead against Mano’s. “Can we go to your place?” he murmured. “I don’t want us to be apart.”

Mano smiled. “Let’s go.”

Ody pulled back, his hand lingering on him before turning the key. On the drive back, he stayed quiet, but he couldn’t stop thinking about Ranya.

By the time they reached the building, neither of them had said a word. In the elevator, their fingers laced together. Ody lifted their joined hands and pressed a kiss to Mano’s fingers. He leaned, resting his head against his shoulder. “I just want to stay like this all day,” he said, wrapping his arms around him.

A small smile touched Mano’s lips.

“Will you hold me?” Ody asked, straightening.

Mano pushed the elevator door open. “I’ll hold you, mikre.” He stepped out, and stopped short.

“What is it?” Ody asked, trying to move past him, then went still when he saw Nick.

“I told you to stay the hell away,” Mano snapped. “You couldn’t even respect that?”

Nick lowered his gaze, then looked up. “Do you have a minute to talk?” he asked. “I won’t take long.”

Chapter 39

Mano unlocked the door with sharp movements and stepped inside, Nick and Ody following.

“How are you, Ody?” Nick asked.

“Good. You?” Ody replied, still tense.

“Is that why you came all the way here?” Mano cut in. “To ask how we’re doing?”

Nick hesitated. “No. I-I spoke to a doctor in London. About PTSD. There’s a treatment that could help you—”

“What the fuck are you doing right now?” Mano snapped, cutting him off.

“Just listen to me. I’m trying to help you. You don’t have to keep living like this.”

“Ody, get him out of my face right now or I swear—”

“Mano, wait,” Ody said. “Just hear him out.”

“I’m not sitting here listening about your doctors in England.” He looked at Nick. “Is there any other reason you dragged yourself here?”

Nick lowered his gaze. “Yeah… actually. I wanted to ask what you’re planning to do after you graduate.”

Mano stared at him. “Are you serious?”