Page 38 of Hallowed & Haunted

Niillas rumbles a contented sound deep in his chest that makes Sander think of the bear hiding under the surface of this human body, of the claws that tore thick floorboards to shreds. And maybe Sander is a bit of an adrenaline junkie because the thought does funny things to his libido, and hemoans.

Niillas’ touch is addictive, and Sander is torn between the urge to press back into the hands cupping his ass or forward to soak in more of his body heat. As if he senses Sander’s indecisiveness, Niillas pulls him even closer.

An undignifiedhmmpfslips from Sander’s lips as his hard cock gets trapped against Niillas’ thigh.

Water runs between them, making everything slick and heated, and Sander melts against Niillas with a soft sound of surrender.

“Are you okay?” Niillas murmurs against his neck.

“I’m good. Don’t you dare stop now!”

“Tell me what you want, then.”

Sander swallows hard. He’s so used to being the one who takes charge, the one who initiates, the one who keeps things light andeasy. But with Niillas, he wants to let go, wants to see where it leads him if he leaves the reins to Niillas.

“I—” he manages. “I want to let you—”

“Let me what?”

He can’t say it; he doesn’t dare, so Sander kisses him. And Niillas answers with a pleased sound low in his throat, almost a growl, and kisses him back. Claiming. Possessive. Demanding everything Sander has to give. Sander opens eagerly, letting Niillas deepen the kiss until he’s dizzy with it. And when they finally break apart, Sander feels like he’s ready to combust and collapse.

“You have no idea how long I’ve wanted you,” Niillas says. “Watching you on the ice, in the locker room, at uni, trying not to stare—”

Sander grins, delighted.

“I’ve been staring, too,” he admits. “Constantly. Hoping I was doing it subtly.”

“You weren’t exactly subtle, Captain. But I thought you were just sizing up the competition.”

Sander shakes his head, giddy with excitement.

“I’ve been looking for a clever way to get you to notice me.”

Niillas sinks to his knees, a wicked grin on his face, and Sander’s breath catches.

“I notice you. From the first day. I’ve always noticed you.”

He presses a gentle kiss right next to Sander’s cock.

“Oh god—”

“How could I not? So gorgeous, so clever, so brave. Challenging a stállu, outwitting a creature from the old days.”

“I wasn’t brave,” Sander murmurs, leaning back against the tile. “I was terrified.”

Niillas’ hands land on his hips, positioning Sander just where he wants him.

“Bravery isn’t the absence of fear.” Niillas rests his head against Sander’s hipbone, his breath ghosting against Sander’s straining cock. “It’s doing what needs to be done despite it.”

Sander threads his fingers through Niillas’ wet hair, black like ebony, using the touch to steady himself.

“I-I had a good reason to be brave. I was afraid for you.”

Niillas’ grin widens, and Sander has the feeling that his canines look sharper than they should.

“I’m very hard to hurt.”

“Still couldn’t take the risk.”