“Yes.”
“Want to come to bed?”
His question almost makes me come undone. I hadn’t realised how much I was craving company until he offered it.
“Yes.”
“I can’t promise not to keep you awake half the night.”
I stand and pull him into my arms. “I don’t care. I just want to be near you tonight.”
He kisses me softly. “Well, that’s a promise I can make. Come on. Let’s go to bed.”
* * *
When I wake, Quinn is sitting in bed beside me, sketching. He immediately puts the sketchpad and pencil on the bedside table and then shuffles down so he’s lying facing me.
“Morning.”
I pull him close for a kiss. “Morning.”
Light is pouring into the room, making me wonder how I managed to stay asleep. I look around for a clock. It’s gone eleven.
I wipe my hand over my face. “I didn’t mean to sleep so late.”
“You must have needed it. Besides, you work nights. I’m sure you can be forgiven for not seeing much daylight.”
“Are you implying I’m a vampire?”
“Would I?”
I prod him gently in the ribs, making him squirm. “Yes.”
Quinn laughs. “Jelly legs don’t matter so much when I’m lying down.”
I almost apologise but bite my tongue to stop the words from escaping. Quinn doesn’t want me to treat him differently.
He runs his fingers over my bare chest. “It was nice waking up to you this morning.” He rolls his eyes. “And about three times during the night.”
I chuckle. “I appreciate the sentiment. It was nice waking up to you too.”
He wrinkles his nose. “Maybe we should make a habit of it.”
“I’d like that.”
I kiss him, sucking his lower lip into my mouth so I can bite it softly. He lets out the sweetest moan.
“Stefan.” Quinn flattens his palm on my chest. “I really need my energy for work today, but I wondered if you might… if…”
I swipe my thumb over his flushed cheek. “If?”
He stares into my eyes. “Would you act like a vampire and mark me?”
I blink. “I’m not sure I got that. You were talking so fast. Say it again. Slower.”
Quinn takes a deep breath. “Mark me, please?”
“That’s not exactly what you said.”
