Page 12 of Honey Heat (Sin & Steel #9)

Ethan turned over, his eyes slowly opening. The room was dark and unfamiliar. Then his gaze landed on Lucio, asleep next to him. Ethan studied his handsome features, unable to resist touching his beard.

Lucio did say he could explore any part of his mate’s body. The thick hair was surprisingly soft beneath his fingertips, not coarse like he’d expected.

His mate stirred, dark eyes opening to meet Ethan’s. “ Buenos días, osito .”

Heat pooled in Ethan’s belly at the sleepy roughness in Lucio’s voice. His bear rumbled with satisfaction, urging him closer.

“Hi,” Ethan whispered, suddenly aware of how close they were, legs tangled together beneath the sheets. His borrowed T-shirt had ridden up during the night, exposing a strip of skin where Lucio’s hand now rested.

Lucio’s thumb traced lazy circles against Ethan’s hip. “Sleep well?”

“Better than I have in days.” The truth was Ethan couldn’t remember the last time he’d slept so deeply, so completely at peace despite everything.

Lucio leaned forward, pressing his lips to Ethan’s forehead in a gesture so tender it made something inside him ache. “Hungry?”

“Not for food.” The words slipped out before Ethan could stop them. His cheeks burned instantly, but he didn’t look away. Holy crap. Had he really said that? Stewart would be so proud of him.

Focus.

Lucio went still, his eyes darkening as they searched Ethan’s face. “What are you hungry for, hermoso ?”

Too shy to answer, Ethan closed the distance between them, pressing his lips to Lucio’s. The kiss started gentle, a question, before Lucio responded with a low sound in his throat. His hand slid up Ethan’s back, pulling him closer.

Yes!

The kiss deepened, Lucio’s tongue sliding against his, tasting of warmth and promise. Ethan’s bandaged hands clutched at Lucio’s shirt, frustrated by the barrier between them.

As soon as he could, Ethan was getting rid of his bandages. His fingers felt fine, and he was sick of his hands being useless.

“Can you take your shirt off, please?” he murmured against Lucio’s mouth. “I-I want to feel you.”

Lucio pulled back just enough to tug his shirt over his head, revealing smooth copper skin stretched over defined muscle. Ethan’s breath caught at the sight of him, all lean strength and masculine beauty.

Sweet mercy.

“Yours too,” Lucio whispered, fingers finding the hem of Ethan’s borrowed shirt.

Ethan lifted his arms, wincing slightly as the movement pulled at his healing ribs. Lucio immediately slowed his movements, easing the fabric up with careful hands.

“You okay?” his mate asked, tossing the shirt aside.

Even if he wasn’t, Ethan wasn’t stopping. He wanted to be claimed so badly his body ached for Lucio.

“I’m fine.” His voice came out steadier than he felt. “Just a little sore.”

Lucio’s gaze traveled over him, taking in the fading bruises across his torso. Rather than pity, his eyes held heat, appreciation. “ Hermoso ,” he murmured, leaning down to press his lips to a bruise on Ethan’s collarbone.

The gentle touch sent electricity through him. Ethan arched, seeking more contact, more pressure, more of everything Lucio was offering.

He wanted it all.

“Wait,” Lucio said, pulling back. “Your hands. Your ribs. We should—”

“Don’t you dare stop.” Ethan reached for him with bandaged hands. “ Please .”

If his mate stopped, Ethan just might become homicidal. He’d never wanted anything as much as he wanted to have sex with this gorgeous creature.

Lucio studied him for a long moment then nodded. “Lie back.”

Oh god. This was it! Ethan was about to finally lose his V card.

He complied, sinking into the pillows as Lucio moved over him, careful to keep his weight off Ethan’s injured body. He lowered his head, trailing kisses along Ethan’s jaw, down his throat, and across his chest. Each touch sent sparks racing across Ethan’s skin.

“So beautiful,” Lucio murmured against his stomach, fingers hooking into the waistband of Ethan’s borrowed pants. “Can I?”

Ethan nodded, lifting his hips to help as Lucio slid the pants down his legs. Cool air kissed his heated skin, making him shiver. He should have felt exposed, vulnerable, but under Lucio’s appreciative gaze, he only felt wanted.

His mate stood to remove his own pants, and Ethan’s mouth went dry at the sight of him fully naked. His body was a work of art, all lean muscle and smooth skin, his arousal evident and impressive.

“Like what you see?” Lucio asked, a hint of teasing in his voice.

“Very much.” Ethan couldn’t tear his eyes away.

Lucio rejoined him on the bed. His hands were gentle as they explored, mapping every inch of Ethan’s body with reverent touches. When his fingers trailed down Ethan’s stomach, lingering just above where he needed them most, Ethan bit his lip to hold back a sound of frustration.

“Patience, carino ,” Lucio whispered, his breath warm against Ethan’s ear.

“Can’t help it,” Ethan replied, voice strained. “I want you too badly.”

Something flashed in Lucio’s eyes, primal and possessive. He captured Ethan’s mouth in a searing kiss that left no doubt about his intentions. His hand finally wrapped around Ethan’s cock, stroking with firm, steady pressure.

Pleasure coursed through Ethan, making him gasp against Lucio’s mouth. He tried to reach for him, to return the touch, but his bandaged hands made it difficult.

“Let me take care of you,” Lucio said, guiding Ethan’s hands back to the pillows. “Just feel.”

Ethan surrendered to the sensations as Lucio worked his way down his body, leaving a trail of heat wherever his lips touched. When Lucio’s mouth replaced his hand, taking him deep in one smooth motion, Ethan’s back arched off the bed.

“Lucio,” he gasped, the pleasure almost too intense to bear. How had he missed out on this for so long? Ethan was going to embarrass himself by coming too soon, but he wouldn’t be able to help it. He’d never in his life felt anything this… fantastic. Amazing. Incredible.

Lucio hummed around Ethan’s cock, the vibration sending another jolt of pleasure up Ethan’s spine. His tongue worked magic, teasing and tasting, bringing Ethan to the edge before backing off just enough to keep him from falling over.

No!

Just when Ethan thought he couldn’t take anymore, Lucio pulled away. His lips were slick, eyes dark with desire as he moved back up Ethan’s body.

“Why did you stop?” Ethan sounded seconds away from a meltdown. He’d never experienced a blowjob before, and he hadn’t wanted his mate to pull away.

“Got something even better for you, carino . Turn over for me,” he whispered, helping Ethan roll onto his stomach. “This way will be easier on your ribs.”

Unsure why Lucio wanted him on his stomach, Ethan complied, anticipation making his heart race. He felt Lucio’s weight shift on the bed, then his mate was back, pressing against him, the heat of his body a brand against Ethan’s body.

Ethan started to tremble, cursing under his breath when he couldn’t stop himself from shaking.

“Relax for me,” Lucio murmured, lips brushing the nape of Ethan’s neck. “There’s no need to be nervous, Ethan. What we’re doing is natural, osito .”

“I—” Ethan swallowed, refusing to confess his inexperience.

“I know,” Lucio said. “And I’m honored to be your first.”

Something warm and wet pressed against him, and Ethan realized it was the head of Lucio’s cock. He braced for the pain, but instead of pushing in, Lucio held still. A warm, slick sensation followed then another, Lucio’s precum easing the way.

“ Te sientes increíble ,” Lucio murmured, his accent thickening with desire. “ Como si estuvieras hecho para mí .”

The Spanish flowed over Ethan like warm honey, making his skin prickle with goosebumps. He had no idea what Lucio was saying, but the reverence in his voice was unmistakable.

Ethan felt his entrance relaxing, opening up for his mate. When Lucio finally began to press forward, the stretch was intense. His mate moved with agonizing slowness, giving Ethan time to adjust to each inch.

Ethan gritted his teeth, trying his best to relax. He’d never felt so damn full in his life. Stewart had warned him about this part, and his best friend hadn’t exaggerated. The burn almost made him call a time-out.

“ Voy a hacerte mío ,” Lucio breathed against his ear. “ Te voy a llenar tan bien, mi amor .”

Ethan had no idea what the words meant, but the way Lucio said them, voice rough with desire, made heat pool low in his belly. When Lucio was fully seated inside him, he paused, pressing kisses to Ethan’s shoulders.

“Just… give me a minute.” Ethan blew out a series of breaths. “Please.”

“Not gonna move until you tell me,” Lucio promised, his hand skimming down Ethan’s side. “You’re too tense, mi amor . You have to relax.”

“I’ll get right on that.”

Lucio softly chuckled, kissing the top of Ethan’s spine, making Ethan’s brain short-circuit as he remembered how good those lips felt on his prick.