Page 70 of By Rude Strength

LA shook his head, punching the buttons to get back to the last episode they’d watched. “Not hungry.”

“But all you’ve had today is peach crumble.”

“Then I’ll eat more of that.” LA smirked. “It’s a healthy lunch. It has fruit in it.”

“I’m not sure that’s true.” Cass sat back beside LA, chuckling. “Well, thoughts on dinner then?”

“Uh.” LA focused on the canvas, squirting out a blob of black paint right in the middle. “I picked last time, so… How about you pick and I pay?”

“Oh! How lovely!” Cass gushed. “We’re taking turns!”

“That’s how it should be, right?” LA smiled up at Cass.

“Yes.” Cass returned LA’s warm smile and leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips.

LA melted, forgetting all about the paint. He slid his fingers into Cass’s fur, dragging them up to pet the base of Cass’s horns. Cass’s strong arms wrapped around him, and he hugged him close, all but ready to jump into his lap.

Okay, so it wouldn’t be a jump per se, more of a limping hop, but whatever.

He knew every new relationship had a blissful honeymoon period, but the powerful passion he felt for Cass was different. He was obviously attracted to Cass and Cass to him, but he also knew Cassrespectedhim.

That was new.

Cass genuinely wanted LA to succeed, to be happy, and he was willing to listen and even compromise. It had only been a few days and yet Cass had already shown LA more love and understanding than Gavin had in years, or even his own family, who’d had a literal lifetime.

His mother had given fucking birth to him and couldn’t be bothered to produce a single ounce of empathy.

But this…

Being with Cass meant something.

LA moaned when Cass’s tongue teased between his lips, and he tried catching it with his own, trying to urge it deeper. He clung to Cass’s neck and struggled to press closer, needing more of Cass’s firm touch. He sighed pleasurably as Cass’s tail wound around his waist, but then he yelped when it sat him back on the couch. “Hey!”

“You have a painting to do!” Cass scolded, though he sounded a bit out of breath. “And we’re supposed to be taking things slow, remember?”

“Making out is pretty slow.”

Cass smiled shyly. “Mmm, not when you make out with me likethat.”

“Gettin’ you all hot and bothered, Cassie?”

“Very.” Cass cleared his throat and reached down to adjust himself.

LA craned to get a peek, but he couldn’t see much through Cass’s thick fur. He assumed whatever was happening was inside Cass’s slit, and he longed to reach over and touch him. His own body was stirring with arousal, and knowing that Cass was so turned on only made LA want him even more.

Cass caught LA looking and playfully swatted at him. “Painting. You. Art!”

LA laughed. “So, after I’m done painting…?”

“No.”

“What about after dinner?”

“Well, I did say that something might touch other somethings.” Cass ducked his head bashfully. “If you’re lucky.”

“Hey, haven’t I made a lot more awesome progress? Worked through more of my issues? I think I deserve a reward.”

“Painting is your reward.” Cass tried to hide a smile. “And yes, I am very proud of you for being so open to discussing your issues, but you should be doing that for yourself. Not for the promise ofpleasure.”