Page 24 of The Vampire’s Receptionist (Charmed Away Temp Agency #4)

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

While he felt sure his friend wouldn’t speak a word about what happened last night between himself and Kian, Dorian still felt embarrassed.

He’d been completely enraptured with the little whimpers and gasps coming from his squirming feeder.

He couldn’t think of anything other than getting his hands on the beautiful man.

He’d had to make a beeline for the shower to handle his own reaction afterward.

He’d nearly come in his pants listening to the sounds Kian made during his release.

He’d expected a little embarrassment in the morning from the both of them.

He fully intended to sit down and have a discussion with Kian about it after he’d eaten.

But now that they were sitting beside each other, he was reluctant to return to the topic.

He didn’t want to make things any more awkward than they already were, especially after Kian’s earlier reaction.

He’d hoped to ease the strain between them, not make things harder.

To distract them both from the embarrassment, he moved the tray of food from the nightstand to Kian’s lap.

He looked a little less pale than he had the day prior, the dark circles under his eyes faded slightly.

A few more days of decent rest should put him back on his feet.

The thought relieved Dorian. He’d been stressed about Kian’s health since the incident, and he looked forward to things returning to normal.

Though he was slightly disappointed that they wouldn’t be spending every meal together once Kian was finally allowed to go home.

Dorian had grown to like having someone around to talk with.

He hadn’t realized he was lonely in his home until he was staying with others.

“What’s this?” Kian asked, eyeing the tray curiously.

“Charred white bean breakfast pizza. I found a recipe online. I hope you like it.”

He’d never heard of a breakfast pizza before, but he liked experimenting with meals from time to time, and he wanted to brighten Kian’s day.

Thankfully, Kian seemed game to try it, and Dorian watched him carefully to see his reaction.

Kian groaned as he took his first bite, sending Dorian’s libido into overdrive.

It sounded too much like the noises Kian made the night before.

It made Dorian want to take the pizza away and find other ways to draw those noises from the beautiful man.

Kian must have felt his stare, because his cheeks flushed pink again, and he shifted a little awkwardly beside him.

Realizing he was making him uncomfortable, Dorian cleared his throat and stood, wandering away to check on the plants in the room.

Isaac said his cousin would come by after lunch to check on all the plants and make sure they were healthy.

Dorian didn’t want Kian trying to use his magic to heal them if they weren’t doing well, not until he was cleared by Doctor Chapman.

“I, uh… Do you have any meetings today?” Kian asked, his voice strained from the awkward tension.

“A few, yes,” Dorian nodded. He looked apologetically over his shoulder. “I’m sorry, but I can’t let you assist just yet. You need more rest.”

Kian looked as though he was fighting back a scowl, pushing the food around on his plate. Dorian couldn’t imagine being bedridden. He was almost always working, and in his down time, he kept himself busy. Being stuck in bed sounded abysmal.

Since it was his fault that Kian was stuck there, he offered, “I can move you to the media room, if you wish. Or maybe the library?”

Kian waved the offer away, jerking his thumb at the nightstand. “Avery already brought me some books to read, and I’m not really a tv person. I’m fine.”

He said that, but he didn't look thrilled at the thought of reading, and Dorian still felt guilty. If he had the time, he’d take a short vacation so that he could be around to at least provide Kian with some entertainment. Being alone in this room wouldn’t help matters.

“How about I move you to the office? We can make a space for you to rest there, and with Isaac and Maverick around, there are plenty of people to socialize with. I’d feel guilty leaving you in here all alone.”

A mix of emotions crossed Kian’s face, too quick for Dorian to decipher. He didn’t feel as though they were in a place where he could ask. Kian didn’t trust him yet to be open with him. Instead, he waited for Kian to decide what would work best for him.

Kian shook his head.“I don’t want to be a burden. I’m fine here. Thank you, though.” He flicked his gaze to Dorian and away. “When, uh… When did you want to have your next feeding?”

Dorian’s stomach quickened at the thought, and for a moment he thought about what would occur, should Kian ask for his help again afterward. It made him harden in his slacks, and he had to stick his hands in his pockets to hide his reaction.

“I think it might be best to wait a few more hours. You need to eat, and I believe Doctor Chapman will be here soon to check on you. Perhaps around lunch?”

Kian nodded, avoiding his gaze. Dorian wondered if there would ever be a time that they could face a feeding without the awkwardness between them.

When Kian had finished with his meal, Dorian took the tray back downstairs, placing it on the counter beside the sink to be cleaned. Before he did so, he took a moment to himself, leaning his hands against the counter, his head slumped forward.

It was hard not to feel overwhelmed with the guilt of the position he’d put Kian in.

The man wouldn’t be here, stuck in bed, facing constant embarrassment thanks to needing an audience whenever he fed Dorian, if it weren’t for him.

If he’d just taken care of himself in the first place, he never would have needed to feed from Kian, nor would he have ended up reliant on him.

Kian’s continued discomfort was his fault, and nothing he tried seemed to do much to help.

A heavy hand settled on his shoulder and squeezed lightly in support. “You’re doing what you can. Stop blaming yourself.”

Maverick’s voice held no judgment, and they’d already spoken and apologized to each other for their interaction during the incident.

Maverick knew Dorian had not been in his right mind, and Dorian was well aware that Maverick never would have hurt him had he had any other choice.

He did what was necessary to save Kian’s life. Dorian would never complain about that.

“He’s here because of me,” Dorian argued, glaring at the spotless granite countertops. “He would not be in this position if it weren’t for me.”

“You don’t know that. Fate is not very forthcoming with her plans. I felt the same way when Isaac volunteered to help me with my temper. I was angry with myself for dragging him into my mess.”

Looking over his shoulder, Dorian studied his friend. “What did you do to make it better?”

Maverick shook his head. “Not enough at the time. I was too angry to think clearly. But afterward? When I was in my right mind and thinking clearly? I made a vow to do better. I practice meditation with him every morning as we wake and most nights before we go to sleep. I give my dragon more time. Anything he asks of me.”

“Not without complaint, you don’t,” Isaac argued as he joined them. He shot a teasing grin at his mate. “I have to get creative to get you to meditate with me.”

From the look on his face, Dorian assumed he didn’t want to know what methods he used to get his friend to participate. There were just some things he didn’t need to know. Maverick smirked at his mate, but didn’t engage, shaking his head instead.

“I do my best.”

Isaac’s expression softened. “I know. And that’s all I care about.

” His attention shifted to Dorian. “I’m sure Kian knows you’re doing your best. Don’t forget, he volunteered to help you.

He cares about your recovery just as much as you care about his.

Keep being diligent with feeding on time and taking care of yourself, and he’ll see that you’re trying.

For those of us who offer to help, that’s all that matters. ”

Dorian took those words to heart and nodded. If taking care of himself showed Kian that he was honored by the risk he took and the continued sacrifices he made, then Dorian would do it. On top of that, he would limit the embarrassment Kian faced as much as he could.

Turning around to face his friends, he said, “With Doctor Chapman’s permission, I’d like to stop the supervision during feedings.

I’ve felt fine since the incident, and not once did I feel as though I wasn’t in control of myself.

It embarrasses Kian to have an audience, and I’d like to limit that if I can. ”

Maverick was hesitant, which stung a little, but Isaac seemed on board, nodding.

“That should be fine. I don’t think we’ll need to wait in the hall anymore, anyway.

As long as we’re in the house, we’ll be able to hear if Kian calls for help.

You both deserve a little privacy. I got a message from Tony.

He said Doctor Chapman is sending a nurse to check on Kian, so you’ll have to call to get his opinion. ”

Dorian dipped his chin in thanks, pulling his phone out of his pocket. “I’ll do that now. I’d like to get ahold of him before my next feeding.” He paused before walking away. “Thank you both. I appreciate it, truly.”

The tension in Maverick’s face softened as his mate came to his side.

Dorian never thought he’d see a day where Maverick would be considered soft, but if Isaac was involved, it was easy to see how much he’d changed, thanks to his mate.

He lifted his gaze to Dorian, his words kind when he said, “You’re my friend.

I’m here to support you. I hope this issue passes quickly, and the doctor brings you good news soon. ”

He left the couple alone, Maverick’s words tumbling through his head.

When it first happened, he was almost desperate for Doctor Chapman to bring him any kind of cure to set Kian free.

But the more he got to know the beautiful man, the harder it became to accept the idea of him walking away.

When all was said and done, he liked Kian, and he wasn’t looking forward to the day they parted ways.

He pushed that feeling aside with a sigh.

Kian deserved his freedom. He shouldn’t have to spend the rest of his life caring for Dorian.

He’d done that enough when he saved Dorian’s life.

Dorian needed to do what he could to help find a cure for their current problem.

As soon as he was done with his meeting, he would put his mind to the task.

And maybe, after all was said and done, he might be able to spend time with Kian without him feeling obligated. One could hope, anyway.