Page 19 of His to Keep

And what he'd wanted Colt to do to him...

He tried to focus on his work, on the lives he was saving every day, but the memory of Colt's lips on his neck, the taste of danger and desire, was impossible to ignore.

Liam bit his lip, fighting back the disappointment that bubbled up within him at the memory of being interrupted before Colt could take him fully. He tried to convince himself that it was for the best – that he didn't really want Colt's cock buried deep inside him, that the idea of having a criminal fuck him wasinsane.

But after being alone for so long, the idea of being claimed… It felt like being wanted.

Eventually, his shift was over. "Another rough day, Liam?" Elena asked, pausing beside him as they both left the emergency department.

"Something like that," Liam replied, forcing a smile.

"Boy, I know that feeling. I'm just glad the mafia are finally out of the hospital, though."

Liam paused. "What do you mean?"

Elena leaned in, as if sharing a secret. "The patient in the 'special' ward was discharged earlier today. Come on, we allknew who that was. It's hardly a secret. No normal patient has that many bodyguards! Thank god they're gone."

"Right," Liam said, trying to keep his voice steady.

It wasn't like he wasdatingColt. He'd just wanted something quick and fast, something down and dirty to get him over the first painful moments of his breakup.

If he'd been secretly hoping to bump into Colt again in the hospital's hallways… Well, that didn't matter now. It was for the better that he wouldn't meet again. They were back in their own separate worlds, where they both belonged.

A mix of relief and disappointment washed over him. It was best for everyone if the mafia were gone, but the thought of not seeing Colt again…

Gone.

Well, that was good. The endless underworld wars were what kept the ER filled. The further they were from good, innocent people, the better.

"Exciting times, huh?" Elena said with a nervous laugh. "Anyway, have a good evening, Liam."

"Thanks, you too," Liam replied, watching her walk away before continuing down the hall, his thoughts a tangled mess of desire and confusion.

As he exited the hospital and stepped into the cool evening air, he couldn't help but glance in the direction of the bar where he'd first met Colt.

It was as if an invisible force was tugging at him, urging him to seek out the dangerous man who had ignited a fire within him that refused to be extinguished.

"Bad idea," he murmured to himself, shaking his head. But even as he tried to convince himself to stay away, he knew deep down that resisting the pull of Colt Pagano would be impossible.

Liam walked away from the hospital, the sinking sun casting long shadows on the bustling city streets. He shoved his hands inhis pockets and tried to focus on some, anything — anything that could distract himself from the lingering thoughts of Colt.

It had been so long since someone had touched him like that. Not just sexually — butpassionately.

Like they wanted him.

And from the look in Colt's eyes, it wasn't just because he was simply returning a favor.

At the intersection, Liam hesitated.

To the left was his quiet, empty apartment, where he could nurse his confusion in solitude, and try to get back to a normal life.

And to the right was the bar where he'd first met Colt Pagano.

His palms felt clammy against the fabric of his pockets, his stomach churning with anticipation and anxiety.

He knew which one was the sensible decision.

But he was tired of being sensible.

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