Page 28

Luca

The keycard slides into the slot with a soft click, green light flashing as I push open the door to the suite. Evan follows me inside, his broad shoulders momentarily silhouetted against the hallway light before the door swings shut behind us.

“Make yourself comfortable,” I say, shrugging off my overcoat and draping it over a nearby chair.

The Peninsula’s Royal Suite unfolds before us, living room flowing into dining area, floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing Manhattan’s glittering skyline. Everything is tasteful luxury: cream-colored furniture, dark wood accents, subtle gold trim. The kind of room that doesn’t need to announce its exclusivity because it’s evident in every detail.

Evan moves to the windows, his reflection ghosted against the city lights. “Some view,” he says, but his voice lacks the appreciation I’d expected. Something’s off. He’s been quiet since the restaurant, retreating into his thoughts during the ride.

I pour two fingers of scotch from the crystal decanter on the sidebar, then cross the room to join him. “You still thinking about the game?” I ask, offering one of the glasses.

His fingers brush mine as he takes the drink. “A little.”

I study his profile as he sips the scotch, the strong jaw, his perfect nose. He’s hard for me to read tonight. He was in a good mood earlier, now he’s in his head. He looks uneasy, and that bugs me. Not because I spent a lot of time and money coming here to please him. His mood bothers me because, lately, his bad mood becomes mine. His depression sinks into me and then I’m also depressed. I’m in tune to him these days, and it’s new and unsettling for me.

“Then what is it?” I ask, keeping my tone light.

He shakes his head, a small smile appearing then disappearing just as quickly. “Nothing important. Just tired.”

He’s lying. “Come on, Evan, you can tell me what’s bothering you.”

“We don’t tend to talk about stuff.” He takes another sip of his scotch and his hand trembles slightly. “Personal stuff.”

“That’s not true.” I frown and turn to face the windows, standing shoulder to shoulder with him now. Below us, headlights and taillights flow through the city streets. “We had a deep conversation just a few days ago about what we want.”

He turns to me. “True. But let’s be honest, you didn’t bring me to this beautiful hotel room to talk .”

I swallow, my pulse speeding up at the intensity of his look. “I told you I want this to work between us, remember? Isn’t that personal enough for you?”

He hesitates and then says, “Sure it is.” His smile seems a bit forced as he reaches out and begins to undo the buttons of my shirt.

I shiver at his touch, but I’m still distracted by his earlier mood. “Baby, if you want to talk first, we can talk.”

He pulls open my shirt and presses his nose and lips to my skin. He inhales and gives a little contented sigh. “Nah, we don’t need to talk.” He drops down to his knees and slowly unzips my slacks.

I guess we’ll talk later.

“Fuck, Evan,” I hiss as he gently tugs my swollen cock out, and his warm mouth immediately engulfs my aching shaft. I push my fingers through his hair, and he moans when I grip harder. I slowly move my hips, fucking my dick deeper into his throat.

He seems to be enjoying himself if his needy sounds and the way he pulls me closer mean anything. I fuck his mouth for a few moments, groaning and using him for my pleasure. But I really want to fuck his ass, so I slow my thrusts and pull out.

He gives an annoyed grunt and looks up at me. “Hey, I wasn’t done.”

“Too bad.” Fuck, he’s gorgeous with his wet mouth and swollen lips. “Get naked.” I leave him and go to the overnight bag I brought. I dig around and find the bottle of lube. We’ve both had physicals and tonight will be the first time we fuck without condoms. To say I’m excited would be an understatement.

He watches me as he sheds his clothing. Once he’s completely naked, he stands in front of the window. My heart is pounding as I return to him. I slip my unbuttoned shirt off, but keep my pants on. My dick juts out of the zipper, thick and erect. I like fucking him when he’s completely naked, but I have some clothes on. Not sure why, but that turns me the fuck on.

As I approach, his eyes are dark, pupils wide in the dim light of the suite. I reach for him, my hand curving around the back of his neck. His skin is warm beneath my palm. I take his mouth hungrily, and he moans, pressing closer.

His hands are everywhere, tracing the contours of my shoulders, mapping the planes of my chest, following the trail of dark hair down my stomach. There’s a thoroughness to his touch tonight, as if he’s committing me to memory.

“I’m gonna fuck you bare tonight,” I whisper against his throat, feeling his pulse jump beneath my lips. “You want that, Evan?”

“Please,” he whimpers. “I want your cum inside me.”

I smile at his greedy tone and the sharp intake of breath when I scrape my teeth on his collarbone. I love the low groan he gives when my hand slides between his legs, and the way his lips part as lust overtakes him. It’s still hard to believe how much he wants me. Needs me. I feel grateful he’s moved past our rough beginning.

I’m a hard man, but Evan makes me soft. Weak. I just want to please him and make him happy. I feel invested in Evan. It’s not just lust, although there is that too. Evan makes me emotional in a way I’ve never been with a lover. I can’t stop thinking about him. He consumes my thoughts. I worry he’ll tire of me, or get sick of my violent lifestyle. I can’t picture life without Evan in it, which is terrifying for a man like me. There are so many reasons Evan might decide to leave me.

I lean into him, pressing his back to the glass window behind him. He winces as his skin touches the chilled glass, but he doesn’t suggest we move to the bed. He wants me to fuck him up against the window, just like I want that. I kiss him until he’s breathless. His calloused hands feel good on my body, and I suck on his tongue and his full lips.

I put my hands on his narrow hips and turn him to face the skyline. He puts his hands up on the glass like he’s being frisked. I slather two fingers with lube, and slowly stick them inside his tight ass. He groans and presses his cheek to the glass, lips open and body shuddering.

“Oh, God, Luca,” he whispers, clamping his muscles on my moving fingers.

“You’re so fucking tight.” I bite the back of his neck and he cries out. His insides are hot, and the soft but firm tissue of his ass squeezes my fingers like a vise. I feel like a wolf about to devour his prey. My breathing is ragged as my lust grows and grows. My dick aches it’s so hard. But I control myself, working his hole until I’m sure he’s ready.

“Fuck me.” His fingers make squeaking sounds as he drags them over the glass. “Please, fuck me.”

I don’t speak, I simply pull my fingers from his body and push the head of my dick up to his hole. I wind my arms around him and push inside his tight heat in one, rough thrust. He cries out and arches his back, body shaking at my rough invasion. But his sounds are pleasurable, and he pushes back against me, so I know he likes it.

His ass is so tight and hot around my cock, I’m instantly groaning my approval. Thank god we’re done with rubbers. There’s nothing like hot flesh against hot flesh. I can’t help thrusting deep and hard because it feels too good to take him bare. My control slips as I fuck into Evan, sucking the smooth skin of his shoulder. I’ve never felt the raging lust I feel with this man. I feel like I’d die if he left me. How would I function without Evan waiting for me at the end of each day?

I don’t want to even think about that.

He lowers one hand from the glass and begins stroking himself. He’s mewling and groaning, taking the pounding I’m giving him like a champ. His thigh muscles shake slightly as his climax nears. I feel his body tense, and his ass clamps harder on my cock. He’s on the verge of orgasm.

“I’m gonna come inside you,” I say harshly. My eyes blur and my body feels hot and flushed. My dick swells and my balls tighten, and I roll my hips going as deep as possible. “No condom. You’re going to feel my hot seed.”

“Oh, god.” He cries out hoarsely, and a stream of cum paints the glass. His body jerks and shudders, and his knee smears cum across the glass. He reaches back, digging his nails into my thigh. “Oh, fuck, Luca.”

Then I’m gone, losing all control. My dick jerks and releases a warm load deep inside his quaking hole. I press my face against his back, emotions flooding me. The pleasure and the feelings swamp me. My eyes blur with tears as I fill my lover full. I could cry it feels so fucking good to be with Evan. I can’t lose him. I just can’t.

I fuck him until we’re both weak and spent, then I pull out and turn him. Our mouths immediately meet, and at first there’s lust and hunger, but slowly the kisses turn tender. Loving. Loving . Does he want my love? Will he reject me if I tell him how I feel? It doesn’t seem to matter. I can’t hold my feelings in any longer. I’m driven to tell him what he means to me.

I bury my face in his throat and I whisper, “I love you, Evan.”

He goes very still and for one horrible second, I think I’ve fucked everything up. But the he pulls back and his eyes meet mine. He looks on the verge of tears, but I see something else too: relief.

Then he smiles. “You really love me, Luca?”

I can’t speak, but I force myself to nod.

“Thank God, because I love you too,” he says softly, cupping my face. He leans in and kisses me. The kiss is tender and searching, and like no kiss he’s ever given me. There’s a softness and a reverence I’ve never experienced from a kiss.

We hug each other and the joy I feel is insane. I feel lighter. Happier. I just told Evan I love him, and he feels the same way. That means he’s mine. I don’t have to worry about him leaving me. So long as I treat him well, I know he’ll stay. And I want nothing more than to treat him well. I want to spoil him rotten.

“I was so scared,” I say gruffly. “I… I’ve never told a lover that. Never.”

“Me neither.”

I can’t help smiling at his admission. “Good.” I take his hand. “So then, we’re together now. Right? Officially?”

He smiles. “I would hope so.”

I lead him to the bed and I clean his stomach and the knee that smeared cum on the window. Then I lift the covers for him to get in first. I drop my pants and join him, and we move together. His warm body against mine makes my heart ache. I hold him in my arms and he rests his head on my chest. This is all so new for me, but I like it. I like it because it’s Evan who’s by my side.

He strokes his hand over my chest. “That’s what I was thinking about tonight.”

I frown. “What do you mean?”

“When you asked me what was wrong earlier. I was struggling with whether to tell you how I felt or not. I wasn’t sure how you felt about me.”

I wrinkle my brow. “But I said I wanted this to work out.”

He sighs. “Yeah, but people say that about pet adoptions too.”

I smile. “I guess that’s true. Well, I don’t want you as my pet. Although, you probably would look hot in a studded collar.”

“Not happening, Luca.”

I chuckle and place my hand on the small of his back. “I’m glad I don’t have to hide my feelings anymore. It was getting harder and harder.”

“Same.”

I interlace our fingers, noticing how rough and calloused his are and how smooth and manicured mine are. “We’re very different people.”

He snorts a laugh. “I noticed.”

“But even so, we blend well.”

“We do.” He looks up at me. “Now that you’re not threatening me.”

I shrug. “Well, you were very difficult to control in the beginning. I didn’t know how to handle you. Usually threats work great, but you were so damn obstinate.”

“Excuse me for not wanting to betray my brothers on the ice.”

I grimace. “Let’s not rehash all of that stuff. We’re on stable ground now. I’ll admit I shouldn’t have asked that of you. I can see now it would be impossible for you to betray anyone you care about.”

He’s quiet for a moment. “You know I’d never betray you too, right? Sometimes I worry you don’t trust me. Do you trust me, Luca?”

I hesitate, considering his question. “I do.” He’s looking up at me, and I smile and kiss the tip of his nose. “You’re a man of your word. You’re principled and honorable.” I frown. “So much so that I wonder why you love me.”

“You’re honorable and principled in your own way. Your world has a different code, that’s all.” He looks thoughtful. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

He lets out a shaky breath. “Isabella told me something, and I’m not sure how we can be together if it’s true.”

“What did she say?” I frown.

He sighs. “Well, she said that your mother expects you to marry a woman and produce an heir.”

I stiffen, but then growl, “Isabella should keep her mouth shut.”

His body tenses. “So then, it’s true?”

I exhale tiredly. “Mama always expected that of me, yes.”

He sits up on his elbow, a line between his brows. “I’m not going to be your side piece, Luca. I’m not built that way. If you marry some woman, I’m out.”

I like the spark of jealousy I see in his green eyes. “Calm down. I’m not going to marry a woman just so I can produce an heir.”

“Your mother doesn’t strike me as the type who will bend easily on something as important as an heir.” He gnaws his bottom lip. “How exactly can you say no?”

“It’s easy. I just say no.” I turn toward him. “Mama isn’t going to control who I marry. I’ve chosen you, and that’s not up for debate. When it’s time to produce an heir, we can just use a surrogate.”

“Oh.”

I frown. “Do you want kids? That’s not something we’ve ever discussed.”

He shrugs. “I’m not opposed to kids. I’m just in no hurry to have them.”

“Me neither. But when the time is right, and we feel settled, we can explore our options.”

“I guess that works.” He gives a little smile. “So you plan to marry me?”

“Of course. What else would I do with you? We’re in love. People in love get married.”

“Do you think your mother would approve? She probably hates me for ruining her plans.”

I laugh outright. “Are you insane? She adores you. Haven’t you noticed the way she dotes on you? She won’t be a problem, so long as I give her an heir eventually.”

He grimaces. “Weddings and heirs will need to go on the backburner for now. I need to focus on getting into the playoffs.”

“The Stanley Cup would make a wonderful wedding present.”

“It would indeed.” He looks dejected. “If we could stop losing our away games.”

“I could always make sure you get into the playoffs,” I say tongue in cheek, cracking my knuckles for good measure.

“Luca,” he grumbles. “I don’t want the win if I didn’t earn it. I’ve told you that before.”

“But, what if the Ice Hawks lose? Then I can’t get my trophy.” It’s hard not to laugh. He looks so irritable, it’s amusing.

“Don’t you dare try to fix things.” He glares at me.

“But, I want my trophy .”

He starts to speak, but he stops. Narrowing his eyes, he says, “You’re just yanking my chain, aren’t you?”

I grin. “What gave me away?”

He punches my arm, laughing. “You asshole. You had me going.”

I rub my arm where he hit me. “I know. It was great.”

“You’ll pay for that.” He chuckles and straddles me, looking boyish and happy.

“Yes, please.” I grab his hips, grinding against his ass. “Make me pay .”

He shakes his head. “How is it possible that I love you? You’re the same man who came into my life and made it hell, and yet you’re not.”

“I’m a very complex individual,” I deadpan.

He rests his hands on either side of my head, staring into my eyes. “And yet, I truly do love you. I can’t wrap my head around that.”

“And I truly love you.” I try not to laugh as I add, “And if you have trouble wrapping your head around that, I have something else you could wrap your mouth around.”

“God,” he groans. “You’re such an arrogant asshole .” He grins and lowers his head to kiss me.