As Chi washed his hands, he glanced up to look at himself in the mirror. He almost didn’t recognise the grinning man staring back at him.
I’m mated. I’m actually mated!
He grabbed his toothbrush and toothpaste and was about to squeeze when he felt Alfie’s presence. He turned and found his mate wearing his t-shirt, his hair all rumpled from sleep.
“Hi.” Alfie gave him a shy smile, but walked over and slid in between Malachi and the sink.
“Hey, love.” Malachi grinned down at his mate. “Sleep well?”
Alfie nodded and snuggled into his chest, his arms going around his mate. Malachi smiled at how tactile Alfie was. He realised he was just noticing it now because his mate was comfortable.
“I missed you in bed,” Alfie said, his words followed by a yawn.
“I was coming right back.” Malachi leaned back to look Alfie in the eyes. “I wanted to freshen up for you.”
“You never have to freshen up for me,” Alfie said, and puckered his lips for a kiss.
The kiss started off sweet, but then Malachi deepened the kiss and claimed Alfie, reminding him who he belonged to.
Alfie whimpered against his lips, opening his mouth wider to allow him full access. He swiped his tongue against Alfie’s and loved how his mate’s body completely surrendered to him. Alfie followed his lead, taking everything Chi gave him.
Chi trailed his hand up and down his mate’s back, and he lifted Alfie to the marble top of the sink and just savoured his mate in his arms and Alfie’s taste on his tongue.
When he finally broke the kiss, they were both panting. Alfie’s pupils were blown wide, his arousal enveloping his senses.
“So I figure we spend a few hours in bed, and then we can walk down to the pier later tonight and maybe get on the Ferris wheel.”
“Sounds perfect, love,” Alfie replied.
Malachi leaned back when he heard those words from Alfie’s mouth.
“Love?” He searched Alfie’s gaze, and what he saw there—felt through their growing bond—nearly brought him to his knees. “Love? You don’t have to say it if you don’t mean it yet.”
Alfie cheeks pinked, but he nodded. “I love you.” Alfie’s voice was low. “I know it feels like it’s too soon, but you’re everything good I’ve ever hoped for, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life learning everything about you, and I know I will love you even more.”
Malachi couldn’t remember the last time he’d cried, but he felt tears seep from his eyes. “Oh, beautiful, you don’t know…” His voice came out choked, “I love you too… so much.”
“Okay, let me down. I need to pee,” Alfie said.
Malachi threw his head back and laughed. “And just like that, we’re a boring old married couple.” He stepped back and lifted Alfie and put him on his feet.
“You still have to put a ring on it,” Alfie snarked.
“Was that a hint, love?” Malachi held his toothpaste over his toothbrush.
“Do you need one?” Alfie looked up and met Malachi’s eyes in the mirror.
“Not even a little,” Chi reassured Alfie, and he didn’t. He’d found the perfect band for his mate while he was browsing the day after he brought Alfie home.
More like hoping and planning,his brain reminded/mocked him.
Alfie finished and came up beside him to wash his hands. He looked around for his toothbrush, but he must have taken it back to the room.
Malachi handed Alfie his toothbrush and he smiled and thanked him.
“I’ll jump into the shower after. Do they have Sky here or are we doing the pay per view?”
“We can,” Malachi nodded, “but I have my laptop so we can Netflix and chill.”
