Page 17

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

ASH

A dull thud broke the stillness, followed by the soft sound of something landing on carpet.

Cracking one eye open, I glanced at my watch—nearly four in the morning. I waited, hearing another faint thump—shoes, clearly—and closed my eyes again, rubbing my face into the pillow. Four a.m. was good news for me—I’d had six solid hours of sleep. Bad news for Ethan, though. He was likely about to crash hard.

The bed dipped, and moments later, his lips brushed my cheek in a soft kiss. Then another, lower this time, quick and light. My lips curved into a smile.

“Did I wake you?” he murmured, his warm breath ghosting over my skin. He didn’t smell like someone who’d been drinking all night.

“Your shoes did,” I rasped, my voice hoarse with sleep. Clearing my throat, I felt another kiss land on my cheekbone.

“Sorry,” he said, his voice apologetic but warm. “I dropped them trying not to make any noise. Do you want to go back to sleep?”

I hummed, stretching out the moment.

“Seriously? You’ve been out for hours,” he said, a teasing edge to his tone.

“You just asked me if I wanted to go back to sleep. Was that Bennett politeness at work?” I teased back.

“Well, yeah. You’re leaving tomorrow,” he said matter-of-factly.

I glanced at him. “You haven’t slept at all. Aren’t you tired?”

He rested his weight lightly over my back, making me chuckle.

“I had a Red Bull and stopped by my apartment before coming here. I’m good,” he replied.

“Why’d you stop at your place?”

“I wanted to grab some stuff to change into tomorrow, and I thought I’d let you sleep a little longer,” he admitted, and his words warmed something deep in my chest.

“That was thoughtful,” I said, a smile tugging at my lips.

“Yeah, you know what’s not thoughtful? You not waking up right now. What kind of person dates someone younger if they don’t have the stamina to keep up?” he quipped, his cheekiness pulling a laugh from me.

I turned to face him, and he shifted to give me room, settling his weight onto my chest. His damp hair brushed my chin.

“Did you shower before coming over?” I asked, noticing the faint, fresh scent clinging to him.

He nodded.

I laughed softly. “Why do you always do that before seeing me?”

“It clears my head. I’m always nervous before I see you,” he confessed.

“Just before?”

“Nah, I’m always wrecked when I’m around you,” he replied easily, the candidness in his voice making me smile. He wasn’t drunk, but I could tell he’d had a drink or two.

“Come up here,” I said, motioning for him.

Ethan pushed himself up slightly, looking down at me. The light from the living room spilled through the partially open door, illuminating his features—his tousled hair, the boyish flush on his cheeks, and that shy, crooked smile.

“What are you thinking?” he asked, his voice soft.

“What I always think when I look at you.”

“What?” he pressed, his smile widening.

“That you’re beautiful.”

His cheeks darkened as he looked away, clearly embarrassed. “You’re supposed to say I’m handsome.”

“Handsome—that’s a word for a lot of people. But you? You’re fucking beautiful, and that’s something else entirely. You look like a dream pulled straight from my imagination, yet even in my wildest thoughts, I don’t think I could’ve conjured someone as perfect as you,” I said, my voice low and sincere.

His smile wavered, slipping away as he looked at me. The silence that followed was heavy, his gaze searching mine. “Do you say that to everybody you sleep with?”

“I don’t lie to get people into bed. When have I ever lied to you?” I replied, stroking my fingers through the cool strands of his hair.

Ethan leaned down and kissed me.

I turned my face slightly. “Give me a minute, darling. Let me brush my teeth,” I murmured, but his hand cupped my chin, gently guiding me to look at him.

“I like how you taste,” he whispered, his voice sending a jolt straight to my core.

I smiled, pulling him down for a deeper kiss. My hands slipped under the hem of his shirt, tugging it over his head.

Running my palms over his back, chest, and abdomen, I marveled at the feel of him. Every inch of him was firm and smooth, like a marble statue brought to life. He didn’t just look like art—he felt like it too.

I knew what he needed this time to truly let go. Ethan didn’t want me calm, or at least not pretending to be. He craved the moments when I unraveled for him, when I lost control. I understood the feeling—it was intoxicating, watching someone fall apart because of you. It gave him the sense of power he sought, even when I was still the one setting the pace.

I tugged at his belt, sliding it free with haste. Ethan didn’t resist, letting me work him out of his clothes as his lips sought mine, over and over, inviting me deeper. I pushed his pants down, and he lifted his hips to kick them off completely. My gaze dipped, catching sight of the briefs I’d sent him, and I smiled, breaking the kiss to take him in. Ethan leaned forward instinctively, chasing my lips, but I pressed back, sitting up and wrapping his legs around my hips.

“I almost don’t want to take them off,” I admitted, my voice filled with awe. He looked fucking perfect—beyond perfect. Just the sight of him was enough to push me to the edge of control.

“Is this another one of your kinks?” he asked, his voice laced with curiosity.

I nodded, unashamed, as I took in the way the fabric clung to him, tenting ever so slightly.

I couldn’t hold back anymore. I pushed him down roughly, landing between his legs and trailing heated kisses along his neck. His body felt so fucking good beneath mine.

“I want you so much,” I growled against his skin. “Are you close, darling? Tell me you’re close to letting me into this fucking incredible body of yours.”

My words drew a shiver from him, his back arching into me as I yanked his briefs off, my movements rough and hurried. I kissed over his chest, savoring every ridge of his abs and the soft skin along his hips.

“Fuck,” he whispered, his voice trembling. I wasn’t sure if it was from pleasure or nerves, but all I wanted was for him to follow me, to surrender to this, to feel how much he enjoyed it.

“Let me make you come. Let me worship you,” I begged, gripping his ass firmly and hearing the sharp gasp he let out. I dragged my tongue along his hip, nibbling at the skin, and he bucked upwards, seeking more. I smiled against him, reveling in his response.

“Ash,” he breathed, his voice barely audible.

I moved back up, trailing kisses from his abdomen to his neck, pressing my body flush against his.

“I need to have you,” I murmured, my voice low and raw. “I’m dying to fuck you. Don’t you want that too?”

Ethan’s half-lidded eyes met mine briefly before I captured his lips in a deep, demanding kiss. His thighs instinctively wrapped around me, his toned legs pulling me closer. He tugged at my hair, rougher this time, feeding the fire between us.

“I’m not going to do it if you’re not ready, but can you say it? Just once?” I asked, my words rushed.

“What?” he rasped, his voice deliciously husky, just like I imagined he’d sound.

“Ask me to fuck you,” I whispered, my plea spilling against his lips. His breath hitched, and I rubbed my body against his, eliciting one of those quiet, intoxicating moans. “Please, darling. Just once.”

“Fuck me, Ash,” he finally breathed, his voice rough and perfect.

I groaned, grinding my hips against him, unable to hold back. “I’m going to take mine off too. Are you ready for that?”

Ethan hesitated for a moment before nodding, his trust evident. I slid my briefs off quickly, kicking them aside before lowering myself back onto him. His eyes widened briefly before fluttering shut.

“Do you believe me now? When I say how much I want you? Do you see what you do to me?” I asked, pressing myself against him. Reaching between us, I aligned our cocks, stroking us both together.

Ethan’s head fell back, his body arching toward mine.

“Please, be loud. No one’s going to hear you,” I murmured, watching his jaw clench. I licked his lips, waiting for him to let go. He leaned toward me, but I didn’t answer his request. I shook my head.

“What?” he whispered, his breath shaky.

“Moan for me, Ethan. I won’t kiss you until you do,” I told him, tightening my grip and setting a slow rhythm.

His lips parted, but he held back, stubborn as ever. I ground my hips harder, dragging a groan from him.

“Yes,” I murmured, watching his face as the sound escaped him. His lips fell open, and another moan followed, louder this time. “That’s it, my darling. Just give in to it.”

I kissed him then, swallowing his moans, each sound vibrating through me. Lust clouded my mind as I lost myself in the rhythm of our bodies, in the noises he finally let slip.

Control was an illusion with Ethan—one I couldn’t hold on to no matter how hard I tried. The more he surrendered, the deeper I fell into him.

I broke away and moved lower, kneeling between his legs. Wrapping my hand around his perfect cock, I stroked him once before taking him into my mouth. Ethan’s reaction was immediate—a sharp, desperate cry that sent a thrill through me.

I wanted him to come undone, to scream my name as he did. I wanted every bit of him, raw and unfiltered.

Roughly, I flipped him onto his front, still positioned between his legs. My teeth grazed his cheek, drawing a surprised sound from him. He shifted, but I pinned his hips down firmly.

“Ash…”

“Trust me, darling,” I murmured. “You’re going to like this. I promise.”

I pressed my fingers between his cheeks, exploring him as he leaned on his elbows, his back arching beautifully. Lowering myself, I licked along the sensitive skin of his ass, feeling him tense beneath me.

This was mine—all of him, every sound, every reaction. I wanted to give him everything, but more than that, I wanted him to take it.

“Fuck,” Ethan breathed, his voice trembling.

“Relax and let me do all the work,” I told him, keeping my tone steady, soothing. “I promise you can take over next time.”

After a moment, he nodded, and I groaned softly against his skin, feeling the anticipation radiate between us.

I placed my palms on his cheeks, spreading him open to my view. He let out a faint, uncomfortable sound, but I pushed through, giving him time to adjust. Leaning forward, I ran my tongue over him, slow and focused. Ethan gasped, and I repeated the motion, focusing on letting him acclimate. The tension in his body ebbed as he gradually relaxed under my hands.

That was my cue—I lingered close, directing my attention to the sensitive skin, delivering firm, precise licks.

His panting grew louder, though the moans had paused. Smiling to myself, I doubled down, determined to draw those sounds from him again. I leaned in as far as I could reach, pressing my lips against him and sucking.

“Oh God,” he moaned, his voice breaking.

I didn’t relent. I worked him harder, each movement calculated, building on his responses. Ethan began unraveling beneath me, every sound spilling out louder than the last—curses, my name, and pure, unrestrained pleasure.

“Why the fuck does that feel so good?” he choked out after a particularly intense suck, only to cut himself off with a tortured groan.

I pulled back briefly, stroking myself as I listened to him fall apart, his voice alone nearly enough to make me come.

Kneeling back, I grabbed his hips, raising him slightly from the bed. Ethan shifted onto all fours, and I groaned at the sight before pressing firmly between his shoulder blades, urging him onto his forearms. Lowering my head, I buried myself between his cheeks again, sucking as I reached for his cock, stroking him in tandem.

“Oh my fucking God,” he whined, his voice high and breathless.

That sound—so raw, so perfect—fueled me, and I closed my eyes for a second, picturing him making that same noise as I drove into him. His moans grew more frequent, more desperate, and I knew he was close. Pressing my tongue harder, I worked him until I felt his body surrender, the tip of my tongue slipping inside. Ethan whined again, the sound shaky but eager, and I pushed deeper.

“Ash,” he moaned, my name tumbling from his lips, no longer a plea or a warning but pure, uninhibited pleasure. He said it again, and again, with every stroke and every lick that hit just right.

“Ash, I’m going to come,” he gasped, his voice muffled by the sheets.

I stayed steady for him, my tongue insistent, my hand unyielding. With one final suck, Ethan let out a long, luxurious moan, and my hand warmed with his cum. I rested my forehead against his cheek, feeling the tremors of the aftershocks rippling through him as he came undone.

Smiling to myself, I pulled away, watching him collapse forward onto the bed, curling into himself. Chuckling softly, I got up and headed to the bathroom.

“Come back,” he called out, his voice still breathy.

“Just a second, darling,” I replied, washing my hand and rinsing my mouth before returning. I climbed back onto the bed, running a hand over his back, soothing him.

“Why do you do that?” he asked, his breathing still uneven.

“Common courtesy,” I said with a small smile.

Ethan turned, resting his face on my chest and wrapping an arm around my waist. “Don’t do that. I don’t mind. I mind that you leave.”

My smile deepened. “You don’t mind kissing me after?”

Before I could say more, Ethan leaned up, pressing his lips to mine. “I don’t mind at all,” he murmured, pulling back just enough to speak against my lips. “I’ve already told you—I like the way you taste.” His fingers tangled in my hair as he pulled me closer, his need palpable.

“Did you like that?” I asked, half teasing, watching the flush creep back into his face.

His gaze met mine, steady despite his exhaustion, and he nodded. “I never would’ve thought in a million years I would, but yeah—I really liked that,” he admitted.

I chuckled, running my thumb along his cheek.

Ethan’s hand drifted down my side, grazing the skin of my waist before creeping lower. His eyes stayed locked on mine, the fire in them unmistakable, as his hand wrapped around my cock. His touch was hesitant, his nerves ever present, but that spark of confidence was undeniable.

And it was perfect.

“What are you doing?” I asked, watching him closely.

He tightened his grip slightly, stroking downward. “Trying to make you feel good too,” Ethan said, his voice husky.

“You already did,” I told him, letting my smile show. “I loved hearing you like that—completely uninhibited.”

“Yeah, but you haven’t finished,” he replied, his hand moving more purposefully now.

I reached down, wrapping my hand over his to stop him. Ethan frowned, a flicker of confusion crossing his face.

“I don’t have to,” I said gently. “I just wanted to make you come. Besides,” I added, a small grin tugging at my lips, “it’ll be harder for me like this.”

“Like what?”

“With just your hand,” I admitted.

Ethan’s expression turned thoughtful for a moment before his gaze settled on mine. “Then teach me,” he said, determination in his voice.

I blinked, caught off guard. “What?”

“Teach me how to make you come. I want to do it too,” he said, his eyes unwavering.

“Are you sure?”

He nodded without hesitation. “I don’t like sitting back and letting you do all the work. This is supposed to be the both of us,” he insisted, his conviction making me smile.

“I told you I wanted to spoil you,” I reminded him, unable to help the amused warmth in my tone.

“Come on, Ash. You also said you’d let me in on it next time,” he countered stubbornly.

I released his hand, letting him resume stroking me. Leaning in, I kissed him slowly and deeply. He halted his movement, melting into the kiss.

“If you want to make me come, darling, there are two ways you can go about it,” I murmured against his lips.

He nodded, eager for me to continue.

“You can climb over me and ride me,” I said, watching his eyes widen as his hand froze mid-stroke. I traced my thumb over his bottom lip, planting another soft kiss there. “Or,” I went on, “you can use that pretty little mouth of yours. I can teach you how, if that’s what you want. Both options—but only when you’re ready.”

Ethan hesitated, parting his lips as if to say something, but the words caught in his throat. I kissed him again, a light, lingering touch.

“Ash…”

“I can wait, sweetheart,” I assured him softly. “I can wait.”

I kissed him once more, deepening it, letting my tongue curve into his mouth. He responded with the same eagerness as always. Ethan was an exceptional kisser—demanding but intuitive, perfectly toeing the line between following my lead and pulling me back for more. Every time I tried to pull away, he would hook his fingers in my hair or grip the back of my neck, keeping me close. His lips were impossibly soft, and the way his tongue moved—warm, insistent—had me longing for more.

I would fucking love feeling him around me, but I knew how to be patient with these things. I loved giving pleasure and earning his moans in return. I was used to it. The more I slept with someone, the more it became about them, and Ethan brought it out of me even more. All I wanted to do was make him come over and over again.

His grip on me tightened as he began moving his hand again, drawing me out of my reverie. I broke the kiss to look at him.

“Okay,” he breathed, his voice barely audible.

It took me a moment to register what he was saying, whether it was an offer or an acknowledgment to wait.

“Show me how to do it,” he said, his tone steady.

“What?” I asked, needing to be sure I’d heard him right.

Ethan licked his lips, nodding with newfound confidence. “Walk me through it—how to suck you off,” he said, his words blunt and direct.

My eyes widened at his sudden boldness, but the smug smile tugging at his lips told me he knew exactly what he was doing.

“Are you—” I began.

Ethan rolled his eyes and pushed me back firmly, cutting me off. He straddled my lap, pressing his hands against my shoulders to keep me down. “I’m not a fucking glass ornament. Stop treating me like I’m going to break. I want to try it—I just don’t want to mess it up. So show me how,” he demanded, his voice resolute.

His bravado, or maybe the lingering effects of a drink or two, was endearing. It reminded me of my first time—the equal parts fear and excitement coursing through me.

I ran my thumb along his flushed cheek and nodded. “Okay then,” I said softly, savoring the way his cheeks darkened even further.

Ethan slid off my lap, settling between my legs as I leaned back against the pillows. I wrapped my hand around myself, stroking slowly, and his gaze dropped. His lips parted slightly, apprehension flickering in his expression, but there was no fear—just determination.

“Come closer, pet,” I said, testing the waters.

Ethan arched an eyebrow in disapproval. “Anything but that,” he shot back, earning a laugh from me. Shaking his head, he moved closer, placing his palms on my thighs, his body language relaxing just a touch.

“But it’s so fitting,” I teased, watching as he mock-glared, tightening his grip in warning.

He glanced down at me, his brow furrowing slightly as he watched my hand.

“Do you like it when I do it?” I asked, breaking the silence.

“What?”

“When I suck you off—do you like it?” I clarified, holding his gaze.

“That’s pretty obvious, Ash,” he said, a faint smile curving his lips.

“We’ve got the same equipment, darling. Try to copy me. Think of what you liked and do the same for me. It’s that simple,” I encouraged.

Ethan shifted closer, determination returning. He took a deep breath, steadying himself, and reached for me, pushing my hand away as he wrapped his fingers around me. I leaned back, folding my arms behind my head, and watched as he leaned down tentatively. His lips parted, and that first hesitant lick against my cock was barely there—but the sight alone had me throbbing.

He did it again, this time with a little more confidence. I could almost see the gears turning in his head as he realized it wasn’t so bad—that it didn’t taste like anything—and that maybe, just maybe, he could get into it. Then his eyes flicked up to mine, holding my gaze steadily as he ran the flat of his tongue along the underside of my cock, from base to head. Ethan was too fucking attractive for his own good.

“Is that good?” he asked, that same little smile tugging at his lips, his pale-blue eyes glinting with something close to mischief. He was starting to realize the effect he had on me—and gaining confidence because of it.

“That’s perfect, pet. Keep going,” I said, a grin pulling at my own lips as his jaw tightened at the nickname.

He shook his head but repeated the motion, slower this time, clearly aiming to tease. I reached for his face, cupping his jaw and running my thumb across his lips. “Just like the first time we kissed,” I told him. He nodded, letting my thumb slide over his tongue. He sucked lightly, and I nodded again. “Just like that.”

Ethan shifted, adjusting his position as he knelt on the bed, balancing his weight on one hand beside my hip. His other hand stroked me a few more times, his nervousness blending with genuine excitement. I thought it would take him longer to get comfortable, but Ethan’s boldness broke through as he leaned down and took me in his mouth. His lips wrapped around the head, and he sucked gently. I hummed in approval. He paused, adjusted his grip, and did it again, this time taking me a little deeper, his tongue swirling with deliberate care.

He looked incredible. His flushed cheeks hollowed as he set a tentative rhythm, moving slowly, trying to find his pace.

“Ethan,” I murmured.

He stopped instantly, looking up at me with wide eyes. “Did I do something wrong?”

“Not at all. Use your hand too. Keep doing exactly what you’re doing, but let your hand work with your mouth,” I explained. He nodded, following my instructions without hesitation. I groaned as he worked over me, his hand and mouth in sync. “That’s it, darling. You’re doing so well,” I encouraged, my voice thick with pleasure. He attempted to take me deeper, drawing another low moan from me. “You don’t have to go faster,” I told him. “Just keep steady. Grab me a little harder if it feels right.”

Ethan’s mouth felt like pure heaven. As he grew more confident, he sucked harder, his hand gripping me firmly. The spit dripping down to his hand made the slide effortless, and I couldn’t take my eyes off him—the flex of his shoulders, the way his lips reddened and glistened, the faint sheen on his skin. Every inch of him was intoxicating.

Finally, he came up for air, his hand continuing to stroke me as he glanced up.

“You’re a natural,” I teased, grinning when he chuckled.

“Tell me what you like.”

“Watching you,” I said honestly.

“I’m serious, Ash. What gets you off?” he pressed.

“Watching you,” I repeated, and his exasperated look made me smile. “I mean it. I love watching you, and I fucking love hearing you too. You get me off,” I admitted, watching his expression soften.

“I asked you to teach me,” he insisted.

“And I am. Get your mouth back on me,” I said patiently. He huffed but complied. I got my hands in his hair, guiding him as he worked over me again. “Go a little faster,” I murmured. He increased his pace slightly, and I groaned, my fingers tightening in his hair. “Hold it there. Don’t stop.”

He maintained the rhythm for a few minutes before pulling back, panting slightly. “I’m sorry,” he said, stroking me with his hand. “My jaw hurts.”

“Practice makes perfect,” I teased, chuckling softly as he ran his tongue over his lips.

I sat up, pulling his hand away and pushing him gently onto his back. I leaned over him, kissing him deeply. “You’re doing perfectly, darling. I didn’t stop you because you were doing anything wrong. I know you want me to come, and I’m serious about how much your voice affects me.”

He blushed, his hand reaching for me again. “But I wanted?—”

“And you are,” I said, leaning in closer, my lips brushing his ear as I whispered, “Tell me what you want. Say it, Ethan. Ask me for it.”

“I don’t?—”

“Yes, you do. You’re smart, Ethan. You know what I want to hear. Tell me,” I urged, stroking myself as I waited for him to catch on. “You have the power to make me come. Trust me.”

He exhaled shakily. “Fuck,” he murmured. His hand was still hovering over mine as I worked it over my cock.

“You don’t know what your voice does to me,” I said. “When you moan, when you call my name—it gets me so fucking hard.”

He took a minute, steeling his resolve before starting softly. “I want you to kiss me.”

“That’s it, darling”

“I want you to suck me off,” he said, his raspy voice rich as velvet.

I closed my eyes, waiting for him to continue.

“I want you to get your fingers into me,” he added.

I groaned, my grip tightening as I picked up the pace. Ethan’s hand moved in sync with mine, following my rhythm.

“I want you to get your tongue into me,” he said, his tone gaining confidence.

I panted against his neck, my breath hitching as his words conjured the memory of how good he sounded moaning my name. Then his other hand crept into my hair, pulling me closer until his lips brushed my ear.

“I want you to fuck me,” he whispered.

The sound of it pulled a deep, guttural moan from me. “I want to fuck you so badly,” I replied.

He nodded, a flush blooming across his skin. “I want that too,” he murmured. “I want you to work me open, get me ready for you. You’re so fucking good with your hands.” His voice came in a rush, trembling with anticipation.

I groaned again, his fingers tightening in my hair as he tilted his hips up, pressing against me, hard and eager. He was giving in, piece by piece.

“Keep going,” I urged, my voice rough with need.

Ethan’s hand moved lower, cupping my balls in his palm.“I want you to fuck me so hard, hold me down on the bed, and make me come,” he said, his words filled with want.

My cock throbbed in response.

He moved his hand upward, pushing mine out of the way, and started stroking me at my same pace, keeping the momentum going.

“Do you like it hard?”

“With you? Yes,” he breathed. “I like it hard with you, Ash,” he whispered, and I swore I could die happy listening to him talk like that.He sounded so sexy, so willing to surrender himself to me.

“I want you to come for me. Can you do that?”

I nodded, unable to form words. He stroked me harder, his pace quickening just enough to drive me closer.

“Where do you want me to?” I rasped, barely able to hold on.

Ethan’s tongue ran over my ear, sending a shiver down my spine, and he let out one of those quiet moans that shattered my restraint.

“Anywhere you want, Ash. You can come inside me if you want or over me. I just want you to finish for me,” he purred, his voice dripping with want.

“Fuck,” I exhaled shakily. The idea of coming on him, of Ethan asking for it—enjoying it—pushed me to the edge faster than I thought possible.

“Fuck me, Ash. Come for me,” he whispered, followed by a moan, low and husky, thick with need.

That was it. My control snapped.

I groaned his name as my release overtook me, spilling over his hand in a rush that left me trembling. “Fuck,” I breathed again, covering his hand with mine to still his movements as the intensity coursed through me.

His fingers relaxed in my hair, his nails grazing my scalp soothingly as I rode the final waves of my orgasm. My breathing slowed, heavy against his neck, and I kissed his cheek, lingering there for a moment before pulling back.

I looked down at his face and found a satisfied smirk waiting for me. “Happy?” I asked, amusement coloring my tone.

Ethan’s eyes were wide, still caught somewhere between shock and wonder. Probably as much from what had just happened as from the things he’d said to make it so. He nodded, then glanced down at himself. I followed his gaze to the mess I’d made.

“I wasn’t expecting that last bit,” he said with a nervous chuckle.

“Maybe next time, I’ll finish in your mouth. Makes less of a mess.” I smirked when he shot me a scandalized look. I laughed, dropping onto the bed beside him. “I’m teasing, pet.”

Ethan was still looking at himself, curiosity softening his features.He touched the tip of his finger to one of the small puddles and lifted it, studying it for a moment.

“It doesn’t have to be a tease. I never would have thought this was attractive, either, but here we are…” he said, his voice still a little dazed.

Ethan’s pale-blue eyes found mine and a grin spread across his face before he brought his finger past his lips and sucked.

My lips parted in surprise and my cock, which was well past spent, throbbed at the sight.

“You’re too fucking hot,” I told him, groaning as I bit my lip.

Ethan chuckled, and I pulled him to me, kissing him deeply.

I sat up, earning a groan of protest as he tried to hold me down. “Let me get something to clean you up,” I said, heading to the bathroom.

“I can use my shirt,” he called after me.

I grabbed a washcloth, ran it under the tap, and returned to the bed. Ethan flinched at the first cool touch but quickly relaxed as I wiped his chest clean. He watched me intently, a small smile tugging at his lips.

“What?” I asked, raising a brow at his expression.

“Are you a neat freak?”

“That one took you a long time to notice.”

“You’re a little weird about your space, but I figured it was because you travel so much,” he confessed.

I stood to take the towel back to the bathroom.

“Sebastian, just stay in bed with me,” he called, a hint of exasperation in his voice.

Chuckling, I pulled on a robe, tying it at my waist, and grabbed another for him. “Come outside with me,” I said, tossing the robe at him.

He arched a brow but sighed, slipping it on.

“What do you mean I’m weird about my space?” I asked, reaching in my nightstand for the cigarette pack and a lighter.

“Your apartment doesn’t look lived in,” he explained.

I nodded, opened the balcony door in my room, and walked outside. I sat on the chair, tugging on his hand to get him to join me and rest his back against my chest.

“That’s usually how they look, even when I’m living in them,” I admitted, lighting a cigarette and offering it to him before sparking another for myself.

“You sure you don’t want me to take off?” Ethan asked, leaning back against my chest, taking an effortless drag.

I wrapped an arm around him, pulling him closer. “No, darling. I’ve already told you—I like having you in my bed,” I said, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

“You don’t mind me making a mess of your space?”

I laughed, exhaling smoke as I whispered, “No. You’re the prettiest thing I have in here.”

He clicked his tongue, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “Are you ever going to treat me like a person and not a possession?” he asked, shifting to settle more comfortably against me.

The sun was just beginning to rise, painting the sky in soft hues of blue, though the world was still cloaked in early morning shadows.

“I’ll treat you like a prince, which is what you are to me,” I replied, holding him closer. “I’ll spoil you, praise you, and lavish you with gifts—both in and out of my bed.” I pressed a kiss to his temple.

“You’re a corny neat freak,” he said, his voice light with humor.

“You forgot creep,” I added, chuckling.

He laughed quietly, taking another drag from his cigarette. “That too,” Ethan agreed. “You know, this is easier than I thought,” he added after a beat.

“What is?” I asked, kissing his hair before exhaling another stream of smoke.

“Doing this with you,” he clarified, glancing up at me. “When I first met you, I was terrified of talking to you. I figured I’d have nothing interesting to say, or anything worthwhile, but you made it easy. This…is just like that. I was so scared I wouldn’t know what to do or that I’d fuck it up, but you’ve made it easy too.”

“I thought you kept refusing me because you weren’t sure if you wanted it.”

“I guess that too,” he admitted, his voice quieter. “But mostly, I just didn’t want you to stop liking me.”

Something tightened in my chest at his words.

“You were right about letting me take the lead,” he continued. “It’s easier. I don’t think I’d be able to do this with anybody but you.”

“Be with a man?” I asked gently.

He shrugged, his smile returning faintly. “A much older man,” he said, making me chuckle. “Don’t you find me incredibly dull?” he asked, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face.

“I find you incredibly entertaining,” I told him firmly, taking one last drag before crushing the butt in the ashtray. I freed my hand and wrapped it around him again, pulling him closer.

“You find me attractive, not entertaining,” he argued.

“No, I meant what I said. I like talking with you, Ethan—not just touching you. That’s why I want us to be friends after this is over, and it’s not just because we have to be cordial for Oli’s sake.”

Ethan took another drag, falling silent for a while. “Maybe that part won’t be so easy.”

I hummed, looking out at the city sprawled before us. I knew this was coming. I wasn’t naive. Ethan could talk big, but he was still young, and young people tended to be unguarded with their feelings.

“No, it won’t,” I admitted, “but I’ll try to make it so.”

It wasn’t the reassurance he wanted, and I could tell by the way he turned away from me, his shoulders stiffening slightly. This would be the hardest part—bringing us down every time we found ourselves this close, reminding him why we couldn’t be more.

I hated the thought of stopping this. Stopping us.

There was a treacherous part of my mind that wanted to keep him hooked. I liked his possessiveness and jealousy more than I should, more than I’d ever cared for those things in anyone else. And I wanted to take care of him, to have him all to myself. Ethan probably thought I was treating him like a pet, that this behavior was habitual. What he didn’t know was just how special he was becoming to me.

I wrapped my arms tighter around him, pressing a kiss to his cheek. I couldn’t blame him for how he felt. Being with him felt right for me too.