When the door was finally open, Mikhail stepped aside to allow Ro to enter first.
Rowan walked into a suite that was bigger than the whole downstairs of the house he currently shared with his mother.
The modern-looking fireplace that had low flames burning behind the glass was the first thing to draw Ro’s attention as he took in the space. To the left of this was a dining-room table situated near the wall of windows, and against the right corner wall was an L-shaped sofa lined with plump pillows. The glass coffee table situated in front of it had several unlit candles sitting on top of it and a couple magazines. Two large suitcases leaned against the wall next to a door that Rowan assumed led to the bedroom.
“How long are you planning on staying?” Rowan asked.
“As long as I’m welcome.” Mik’s eyes held his, the look in them made butterflies take up residence in his belly.
Rowan swallowed and managed to get out, “I think we should start with, you know, a conversation and then go from there.” He walked over to the sofa and slowly lowered himself down onto it. Mikhail stood where he was like he was unsure of what he should do next. Rowan would bet the man was completely out of his element. He might not know much about Mikhail, but he had a feeling that the man was rarely unsure. It meant the world to Rowan that Mikhail was willing to let him set the pace, so he patted the spot next to him, and Mikhail nodded and took his coat off before walking over and sitting beside him.
The moment Mikhail sat next to him, Rowan could feel the heat of his body, and the man’s scent filled his nose. It was a clean smell with a hint of a forest, which must have come from the soap he used. The spicy musk of Mikhail’s aftershave mixed well with it all, and Ro couldn’t help but subtly inhale more deeply to fill his lungs with it.
“So,” Rowan said, unsure of where to even begin.
“So,” Mikhail repeated, and he shifted beside Rowan, drawing his eyes to him instead of looking straight ahead.
“I’m not even sure how to start,” Rowan admitted and felt his cheeks heat.Crap,Mikhail made him feel discombobulated.
“First off… how have you been?” Mik asked.
Ro chuckled. “Well, I should point out that we only saw each other a few days ago. But still, I have been pretty good.” Ro laughed nervously. “I’d be lying, though, if I didn’t add that seeing you here is still a shock.”
“Why wouldn’t I come?” Mikhail asked. “You’re my mate, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to make us work.”
Ro heaved a sigh and cast a look around Mik’s hotel room.
“I’m not trying to rush you,” Mikhail was quick to add.
“Thank you.” Rowan bit his lips, then continued, “I wish I could tell you that I was ready... ready to be your mate… for us... but I just don’t know.” He paused and looked down at his feet. “I just don’t know how to…”
“There are no rules here,” Mikhail interrupted him. “I know maybe you think there are, but this is our pace to set.”
Rowan took a deep breath. “If mating is the only way you’re willing… that we can go forward…” Ro bit his lip. “Then maybe, I think… I think we should probably stop this now before either of us gets hurt.”
“Why would we get hurt?” Mikhail’s face scrunched up, his voice filled with confusion.
“I’ve been there, done that, and I don’t know if I can… I justcan’tdo it.” Rowan closed his eyes and sighed. He so wanted to jump in feet first but couldn’t stop thinking about Zac and how everything shifted in a second with him. He couldn’t go through that again. Rowan opened his eyes and shook his head trying to clear the image from his mind.
“I’m not going to rush you.” Mik reached out and took his hand, and Ro couldn’t help looking down at their intertwined fingers. “We can take things slow. I will go whatever speed you’re willing to give me. Rowan, I swear that I will give you time.” Mikhail squeezed his hand a bit tighter.
Ro nodded. His eyes locked with Mikhail’s, and even though he wasn’t ready to say “I do”—or the equivalent of it, in any case—it didn’t stop his body from reacting to Mikhail.
“Promise?” Ro’s voice was hopeful, and finally he gave in to his body’s desire, leaning in and brushing a kiss against the corner of Mikhail’s lips.
Mik stared into his eyes, holding his gaze, and Rowan saw his sincerity as he spoke. “I promise, Rowan, your heart, whenever you trust me with it, will always be safe.”
Rowan didn’t know how to reply or what to say, so he cupped Mikhail’s neck and sealed their lips together.
He wasn’t ready to mate, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t spend the night together. It was part of the whole getting-to-know-you process.
Mikhail lifted him so he was on his lap and deepened the kiss while Ro’s tongue slid slowly across his. Mikhail got to his feet, and Rowan wrapped his legs around his waist.
Rowan’s arms went around Mikhail’s neck holding onto him as he walked them into the bedroom.
When they stopped, Mikhail broke their kiss and leaned back. “Are you sure?”
Rowan nodded and sealed his lips to Mikhail’s again.
