The conversation switched to how they could get prisoners from France to Kian's castle in England, and Apollo snuggled further into Lachlan's side, settling in and letting his strength and warmth wash over him while he could.
30
Something was up with Apollo. He had been giving Lachlan strange, thoughtful looks all night, and he didn't know if he should be worried about it.
Lachlan made sure nothing would explode in the bathroom before he had a shower and tried to calm his brain down. He was thinking of battle plans and different contingencies if shit went south.
He had to have all his bases covered because Apollo would never be safe until the Sanguis Vitae were gone. He was never one to approve of wiping out a whole group of people, but they had declared war the second they touched Apollo.
When Lachlan came out of the bathroom in a robe, Apollo was lounging on the bed in his robe too. His hair was wet and untamed, and everything smelled of the sweet shampoo he had used.
"I used Val's shower," he said as if he knew that would be his first question. "And before you pout, you're too distracting, and I needed to think."
"I see. Anything you want to share?" Lachlan asked, sitting down on the bed. He steeled himself, waiting for Apollo to saythat hooking up was a mistake, that he had just been emotional and confused.
"Why do you look like you're getting ready to be knifed, Lachie? I've been thinking about anything else I can make that will be useful for tomorrow night. I don't like you being unprotected," Apollo said and poked him in the bicep.
"Oh." Lachlan relaxed just a little and lay down beside him."We are going to be as safe as we can be. You have to trust us to do our jobs. I've been in plenty of big fights before, Apollo."
"And that's supposed to make me feel better? My dragon..."Apollo shut his eyes and took a deep breath. "It's very protective of you. I don't like the idea of us being separated. It wants to wrap itself around you and snarl at anyone who gets too close."
"Staying away from me has never been an issue for it before," Lachlan replied and then bit his tongue. The last thing he wanted tonight was to start an argument.
"Yes, it was," Apollo admitted in a tired voice. "It's always been a struggle. I'm just too exhausted to want to fight it anymore."
"Yeah?" Lachlan asked, leaning in close enough to kiss. "I'm glad I wasn't the only one that found it hard to stay away. When we get home, I still want to see where this goes. Take you on proper dates, romance the hell out of you."
Apollo grinned. "You still want to? So what you're saying is I'm not just your sexy Parisian fling?"
Lachlan rolled on top of him, putting his hands on either side of his head so he didn't crush him under his weight. "You're definitely my sexy Parisian fling. I just want you all the time."
Apollo's eyes shimmered with gold, but the smile was all him. "How bad?"
Lachlan's mouth hovered above his, their lips lightly brushing. "Bad enough to let you top me tonight if you want to."
Apollo's eyes flared hot, and suddenly Lachlan was on his back, the breath knocked out of him with the speed and strength of Apollo flipping him.
"Say that again?" Apollo purred.
"If you want...I would like you to top me," Lachlan whispered, heat burning his cheeks. "I'm not like a back door virgin as you like to tease me. I've done it myself..."
"How? I want details," Apollo asked. He rested his elbow on Lachlan's chest and propped his chin on his hand. "This is my listening face."
Lachlan's whole body felt like it was blushing. "I used a toy."
"Thrilling. Was it a plastic dinosaur?"
Lachlan put a hand over his face. "No, it wasn't a dinosaur, you maniac. What's wrong with you?"
"Lack of information is what's wrong with me. You need to give me more details about what kind of toy, or my mind defaults to a dinosaur."
"You're really going to make me say it?"
"I really am because I need to assess if getting topped is something you're ready for," Apollo said, brushing aside the hand over Lachlan's red face and twisting his finger around one of his dark curls. "If it's something we need to work up to, I'm happy to do it. I want it to be good for you, Lachie, and not just you giving in because I would like it."
"It's not that. I want it. I've just never wanted anyone to do it that wasn't you," Lachlan admitted. "I've never trusted anyone to want to be that vulnerable to them."
Apollo continued to twist his hair, but his expression softened. "Believe me, I'm honored that you would want me to be your first. But I am a gentleman, and as I said, if you're not prepared for it, it won't be happening. I never want to hurt you, Lachie, especially not in bed. So tell me why you think you're ready?"
