Page 46 of A Winter Crush

“Well, that’s what I would expect from my apprentice,” Wareth said.

“Apprentice?” Ori’s eyebrows rose.

“I mean, it’s basically what we’ve already been doing, but more official.” It didn’t seem so exciting now that Wareth said it aloud. “So what do you think? Will you be my apprentice?”

“Of course! Does that mean I’ll be a real potter?” Ori asked, excitement in his voice.

“It does. And we’ll work together. As partners.” Wareth took a breath. “And we could run the studio together. If that will make you happy.”

Ori took Wareth’s hand in his. “Nothing would make me happier.” He kissed Wareth.

Wareth didn’t know how he’d gotten so lucky.

“So,” Wareth began when they’d finished drinking their mulled wine, “what do you want to do now? Eat honey-roasted almonds? Drink more mulled wine? Look at the ice sculpture? Go ice skating? I know you love Solstice, and I want to make all your Solstice wishes come true.”

“I want to do all those things,” Ori said slowly, reaching out and tracing a finger along Wareth’s bearded jaw. “But first, I want to go back to your studio, and I want you to fuck me.”

A surprised laugh escaped Wareth. “But what about your aunties?”

Ori batted his eyelashes, pressing his body against Wareth’s. “I’m sure they’ll understand if we disappear for a little while.” He kissed Wareth, placing a hand on his waist.

Wareth took Ori’s hand in his, leading him back to his home, more than happy to fulfil Ori’s Solstice wish.

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