Page 37 of A Winter Awakening

Gael squeaked.

“You seemed too tired to move,” Orteo said and took him to the bed.

He laid Gael down and pulled the blankets and furs over him. Orteo brought him some water, which Gael gulped down. He hadn’t realised how dry his throat had become. Walking to the hearth, Orteo checked the fire.

“I’m sorry about yesterday.” Gael tried to keep his eyes open. “I hadn’t thought about…about us. I didn’t realise I wanted you.” His voice slurred. “You’re not going anywhere, are you? You’re staying here, right?” He touched the spot beside him, imagined Orteo there. He couldn’t bear for Orteo to leave.

Orteo returned to the bed, gaze soft. Lifting the blankets, he lay beside Gael and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “I have nowhere else I’d rather be.” Then he pulled Gael against him.

Gael had so much he wanted to talk to Orteo about. He wanted to talk through his new feelings. He wanted to ask questions. He wanted to know when they could do that again. He wanted to know what other pleasures they could explore. And he wanted to do everything with Orteo.

But right now he could barely keep his eyes from closing. He snuggled into Orteo’s embrace.

That conversation would have to keep.

ChapterTwenty

Body singing with sated pleasure, Orteo stroked Gael’s back. He tucked a brown curl behind Gael’s ear. The man breathed deeply and evenly.

They’d fucked. And it had been the most incredible sexual experience of his life. By far.

He could still feel the tightness of Gael’s body wrapped around his cock. He could hear Gael’s moans and groans and the way Gael had called out Orteo’s name. And then there was the way Gael had looked at him.

Orteo swallowed as a lump rose in his throat. He wanted to be the oread Gael saw. He wanted to deserve those looks of adoration.

And maybe Orteo could deserve them. He just needed to keep looking after Gael. Keep being there for him and ensuring Gael’s needs were met. He just needed to keep Gael happy. His arms tightened around the sleeping man.

Maybe he could be worthy of Gael. Maybe he could keep Gael with him. He could build a life for them where they could both be happy. And then Gael would want to stay with him.

Orteo just needed to make sure he never let Gael down. A wave of fear rolled through him. Not like he’d done with his sister or with Ori and Liney. Orteo clenched his teeth.

I won’t let that happen. Not again.

He just needed to focus on Gael. Be there for him. He needed to anticipate his needs and fulfil them. Keep Gael happy.

I can do that. I will do that.

He forced the memories of his sister and nephews from his mind. He wouldn’t fail like that again.

He didn’t know how long he lay awake, but at some point, Gael started to wriggle and move in his arms. Orteo slid his hand through Gael’s locks.

Gael hummed. His eyes opened, and he gazed up at Orteo. “Hello,” he murmured, smiling.

“Did you rest well?” Orteo asked.

“I did. I like sleeping in your arms.”

“I think you fit perfectly in them,” Orteo said. “And your ankle is all right?”

Gael laughed.

“What?”

Gael placed a hand on Orteo’s stomach. “You just take such good care of me.”

Orteo let out a breath. And he just needed to keep caring for Gael and everything would be well.

“And my ankle is fine,” Gael said. “It’s been improving under your supervision.”