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"Tiny was just drunk He forgets his own strength when he’s had too much to drink"

"Tiny?"

I shrugged “I don't knohat his real name is Real names aren't exactly popular in a place like that," I admitted

"What name do you use?"

His question was unexpected Really unexpected So was the gruffness in his voice I opened my mouth to lie to him, but the truth came out instead "Jude," I said

His fingers were still on my throat, but I wasn't sure if he are of it I ht on my pulse point If he couldn’t feel oing to thuht out of my chest

"Why?" he asked

I wasn't sure what he was asking"People pick names that they think reflect who they are Or who they want to be, I guess," I el wants to be every guy’s dreauess I just…"

Nikolai tipped my head back up

"You just what?" he asked

"I guess I just want to be me," I said softly

Even as the words left my mouth, I wanted to call the I wanted to do was explain But thankfully, he didn't question me further In fact, he see h that there wereour bodies

I felt bereft when Nikolai dropped his hand and stepped back He tossed the washcloth he'd been using aside and then unwrapped his injured hand and began cleaning the wounds on his knuckles It felt strange to just stand there and watch him deal with the consequences of ot it wet and then closed ers around Nikolai's wrist and pulled his hand to me I dabbed at his injuries with as much care as I could

"Who was that guy?” Nikolai asked after a moment

"Tiny?" I asked