If he keeps on saying my name like that, he say any damn thing he likes. "Go for it." There's a long pause as I throw a quilt over the sofa bed, and I glance over my shoulder at him.
"Thank you for standing up for me. For protecting me. For…being here with me."
I catch my breath, about to say something unwise, when I'm interrupted by a soft knock on the suite door. I instinctively grab my gun, positioning myself next to the main door along the wall, motioning Darian back into the bedroom. "Who is it?" I call.
"It's Jack," comes the response. "Got Leo here with me."
I holster my weapon before opening the door. Jack is holding a huge pizza box, and my belly growls hard as the delicious smell hits me.
"Sounds like we're just in time, DeLuca. Hey, Darian," Jack says with a nod as Darian comes out into the living room again. "How are you holding up?" His voice is gentle, the same timbre I've heard him use when he's on the phone to his boyfriend.
Jack and Leo know Darian is as innocent as I do.
Before Darian has a chance to answer, Leo adds, "We took care of dinner tonight, by the way. Called for a bunch of pizzas to feed everyone in the Manor. Sandro okayed them being delivered down at the gate. So you don't have to worry about any of that bullshit tonight, okay, Darian?"
Darian looks touched. "Th-thank you, both of you. I really appreciate it."
"Of course," Jack replies, setting down the pizza at the sitting area in one corner of the living room. "And we wanted to check in with you both, make sure all's well." He glances at me. "No trouble?"
"No trouble."
"You do what you need to do if there is," Leo rumbles, and I give a nod.
Jack is looking between Darian and me, a curious smile on his face. "We should leave them to it, Leo. You guys take it easy, alright? Get some rest tonight."
"Thanks again," I say. The door closes behind them, leaving Darian and me alone once more.
And I'm so glad we're alone.
We eat, and then we're both exhausted despite the fact that it's still pretty early, so we decide to hit the sack. I call in to check on the perimeter and everywhere is quiet, so I'm looking forward to getting some sleep, at least until the usual insomnia hits me. Butwhen Darian emerges from the bathroom in silk pajamas and a robe, I can only stare.
He's…
God. I've never wanted anyone as much as I want him right now.
He catches me looking and blushes, dropping his gaze.
"Sorry," I say, with a tongue that feels like it's turned to cotton balls. "You're just…"
"Just what?" he squeaks, playing with the tie at his waist. His robe slides open a little, revealing smooth golden skin and a tantalizing glimpse of collarbone.
And I'm standing there in my damn underwear, my dick making an announcement that I'm pretty sure Darian can't miss.
"We should…uh, we should get to bed," I finally get out. "Get some rest."
A frown tugs at his mouth and he shrugs off the robe, hanging it up neatly on a hook on the back of his bedroom door. I turn away, giving my dick time to die down. But when I turn back, I can see he's left the bedroom door wide open, and he's settled into bed on one side, leaving a very obvious space beside him.
"Raffi," he says, then clears his throat. "Would you…"
I will him to go on, but he doesn't. "Darian," I say at last, "I told you before, and I meant it: I'll do any damn thing you ask me to. But…" I take a step closer, watch him take me in, watch his lips part. "But you have to ask me."
"Sleep in the bed with me," he says at once.
Heart pounding, I go right on in and slide under the covers. Darian immediately curls into my side, head resting on my chest, and I wrap my arm around him.
Tonight, Darian is mine.
And I don't plan on letting go.
