Page 105 of Night Fae

"Let me," Zev said, his voice soft but commanding. "I still have my strength. You need time to recover yours."

There was logic in that argument that Malik couldn't deny, especially when Zev's lips found the sensitive spot below his ear, trailing down the side of his neck. He let out a shuddering breath as he felt the press of teeth against skin, not a bite, but the hint of one.

Zev continued his descent downward, and in a moment, his tongue circled Malik's nipple, drawing it into his mouth. The warm suction sent heat straight to Malik's groin, hardening him. He arched his back, seeking more contact.

He was so distracted by the feel of Zev's mouth that he missed his fingers working the buttons of his pants until cool air brushed bare skin. Then Zev's hand wrapped around his cock, thumb stroking the head in a way that had him biting back a cry.

Zev lifted himself onto one elbow, free hand brushing lightly across Malik's stomach, avoiding the bandaged areas. His gaze swept across Malik, taking in every detail, and he looked almost hungry in his appraisal. As if he were committing Malik to memory, savoring the sight before him.

Again, Malik had the strange notion that the pull between them wasn't purely physical--not even purely emotional either. There was something else too. The magic Zev had mentioned. The bond that connected them, drawing them together.

"What is it?" Zev asked quietly.

Malik blinked, realizing that he'd been staring at Zev without saying anything. "Nothing." He reached up, pulling Zev's face closer for a brief kiss. "Just... thinking."

He didn't say what those thoughts entailed, but somehow, Zev seemed to guess. Or maybe Malik was right—maybe it wasn't only him who felt this connection. Zev's expression softened as he kissed Malik again, deeper, longer. His hand resumed its slow strokes along Malik's length. When his thumb slid over the head again, spreading the precum leaking from the tip and making everything slicker, Malik groaned against his mouth.

He could feel the answering press of Zev's erection against his hip—heated, insistent, begging for attention. He tried to reach for him, to return the pleasure he was experiencing, but Zev pulled away slightly, denying him access. He shook his head when Malik made a sound of protest.

"You can repay me later," he whispered huskily, punctuating his words with another stroke. "Right now, I want only this. I want to watch you come undone."

And there was nothing for Malik to do except close his eyes and submit—surrendering to the sensations as Zev's hand continued its attempt to make Malik unravel. The rhythmic motion of his hand soon became too much, sending him spiraling upward toward climax. But it wasn't just that—there was the scent of Zev filling his nose, the heat of his body, the soft sound of breathing and rustling sheets. The intimacy of sharing something so simple, yet so intimate, was nearly overwhelming after all that had passed between them.

Malik came with a gasp, hips thrusting into Zev's hand. Zev stroked him through his release, prolonging the sensation until Malik collapsed against the mattress, breathless and spent.

He lay there for a long moment as the last waves of pleasure faded, leaving behind a deep-seated contentedness that went beyond the satisfaction of his orgasm.

"We'll have to change your dressing," Zev murmured, his breath warm against Malik's skin.

"Mmm," Malik agreed, not particularly concerned about bandages at the moment. His body felt pleasantly heavy, muscles relaxed in a way they hadn't been in weeks. "Later."

Zev lifted his head slightly to look at him. "You're different."

"How so?"

"More... at peace. Despite everything."

Malik considered this. "I think... I've been carrying this fear for so long. Fear of losing more people. Fear of being alone." He met Zev's gaze. "I'm still afraid of those things. But I'm not letting the fear control me anymore."

"What changed?"

"I did." Malik reached up to touch Zev's face, fingers tracing the proud line of his cheekbone. "When I thought I was going to lose you too… I realized I couldn't save you by being afraid. I had to act, regardless of the cost."

Zev turned his face into Malik's touch. "You've always been brave."

"Not brave. Just stubborn."

"Both," Zev amended. He shifted, propping himself up on one elbow to look down at Malik more fully. "When this is over?—"

"Don't," Malik interrupted gently. "Let's not talk about 'when this is over' yet. I don't want to make plans the universe can sabotage."

A shadow of understanding crossed Zev's face. "Superstitious?"

"Cautious. I know better than to tempt fate."

"Fair enough." Zev settled back down, his arm draped across Malik's waist. "Then for now, we just... are."

"That's enough," Malik agreed, closing his eyes.