It took every ounce of Matt’s willpower not to surge up and deepen the kiss, to capture Andy’s plush bottom lip between his teeth and drink in those sweet, breathy whimpers. Instead, he remained motionless, allowing Andy to set the pace, to explore and savor to his heart’s content.
Because this—Andy’s bold move, his unrestrained desire laid bare—was everything Matt had been hoping for. With that single, searing kiss, Andy had sealed both of their fates, binding them together in a way that could never be undone.
Then, just as Matt prepared to open his eyes fully, Andy jerked back with lightning quickness, rolling over and feigningsleep once more. The sudden absence of warmth left Matt cold, a pang of loss echoing in the space where Andy had been.
Matt’s brows hiked in surprise—the kid was fast, he’d give him that. A low chuckle rumbled in his chest. So Andy wanted to play coy, did he? As if Matt couldn’t see right through that paper-thin charade.
Amusement danced in Matt’s eyes as he studied Andy’s features, taking in the delicate fan of those long lashes, the gentle rise and fall of his chest. He looked so goddamn innocent like this, peaceful and untroubled in the warm cocoon of the sheets.
With a deliberate slowness meant to unnerve, Matt shifted closer until the hard lines of his body bracketed Andy’s slighter frame. He could feel the younger man’s sharp intake of breath, the subtle tensing of his muscles as he fought to maintain the illusion of sleep.
A deep, rumbling chuckle spilled from Matt’s lips. “Nice try, pup,” he murmured, his voice a low, gravelly rasp.
Reaching out, Matt brushed a stray lock of silken hair from Andy’s forehead, letting his fingertips linger against the younger man’s warm skin. Unable to resist, Matt leaned in and pressed a lingering kiss to Andy’s brow, smirking against the smooth skin as he felt the younger man’s sharp inhalation.
“Maybe next time,” he purred, his words a heated caress against Andy’s hairline.
With a regretful sigh, Matt forced himself to pull away, already mourning the loss of Andy’s warmth against him. As much as he would have loved to spend the entire day lavishing attention on that lithe, delectable body, he had business to attend to—deals to broker, empires to conquer.
Planting one last kiss to the corner of Andy’s mouth, Matt rolled out of bed and padded toward the bathroom, muscles rippling beneath tanned skin with each powerful stride.Moments later, he stepped out of the steaming shower, a plush towel slung low around his hips. Crossing the bedroom, Matt couldn’t resist shooting a heated look in Andy’s direction, who was still feigning sleep. Leaning down, Matt braced one hand on the mattress beside Andy’s head, his breath fanning over the younger man’s face.
“You can quit the act,” he murmured. “I know you’re awake.”
Andy didn’t so much as twitch, keeping up the pretense of slumber. Matt’s lips quirked in a lopsided grin. Stubborn little minx.
Unable to resist, Matt leaned in until their faces were a hair’s breadth apart. He could taste the warmth of Andy’s breath, could smell that intoxicating blend of shower gel and warm skin. Slowly, deliberately, he brushed his lips across the apple of Andy’s cheek in a featherlight caress.
“We’ll pick this up later,” he promised in a heated whisper. “And I expect an answer about my proposal.” A wolfish grin curved his mouth. “Although, I think I already know what it’ll be.”
With that, Matt straightened and strode toward the closet, every movement exuding a predatory grace. He could feel the weight of Andy’s gaze on him as he dressed, pulling on a crisp white shirt and expertly knotting his tie. Next came the charcoal suit pants, tailored to hug the powerful lines of his thighs and calves.
Finally, Matt shrugged into the matching jacket, the fine wool stretching taut across the broad expanse of his shoulders. A quick glance in the mirror, and he was satisfied—the image of a man in complete control, powerful and commanding.
Turning on his heel, Matt shot Andy one last smoldering look, his eyes roving over the younger man’s prone form. “I’ll be back for you later, pup,” he rumbled, a wicked glint in his eye.
With that, he turned and strode from the bedroom, the door clicking shut behind him with a sense of finality. Matt could have sworn he felt the heat of Andy’s gaze on him until the very last second, burning through the door like a brand.
Nine
ANDY
Iglared at the door Matt had just closed behind him. My cheeks suddenly flushed hot, and I groaned. What the hell was I thinking, kissing Matt like that?
When I’d woken up earlier, I thought he was fast asleep. With his proposal weighing on my mind, and despite my decision made, I couldn’t help but wonder if I could actually go through with it. Could I really become his… boy toy? The thought of having sex with another man made my stomach twist, memories of Herbert’s unwanted touches flashing through my mind.
But as I’d studied Matt’s sleeping face, I felt a pull I couldn’t explain. Groaning, I buried my face in the pillow, the scent of his cologne surrounding me. I could still feel the ghost of his lips on mine, the warmth of his skin beneath my fingertips as I’d caressed his face. It had been an impulsive move, born of restless contemplation and the need to test the waters.
And I hadn’t disliked it.
In fact, the thought of Matt kissing me, touching me, sent a strange thrill through my body. I flushed hotly, despair washing over me as I realized the truth—I didn’t find the idea entirely revolting.
With a sigh, I ran a hand through my hair, the promise of continuing that kiss making me flush all over again. I shook my head, forcing the thought from my mind as I climbed out of the bed and made my way to the bathroom for a much-needed shower.
After ordering a lavish breakfast from room service, I spent the morning immersed in coding, losing myself in the familiar rhythm of typing away at my laptop. It was a welcome distraction from the tangled mess of thoughts and emotions swirling through my mind.
The sudden ding of my phone pulled me from my focused state. Assuming it was Matt, I was surprised tosee Finley’s name pop up instead.
I read the message.Yo, what’s going on? Saw you and Sean causing trouble at the casino. Then some dudes were fixing your door when I tried to visit. You okay?
