Leyden’s breathing hitched but he stayed still. Perfectly still. Letting Connor explore at his own pace.
Through the bond, Connor felt the arousal building in his mate…a slow burn that made Leyden’s skin heat and his pulse quicken. But Leyden didn’t move. Didn’t rush or push or demand.
Just waited.
Connor’s hand moved to Leyden’s shoulder, kneading the muscle there. Then down his chest again, tracing the ridges of his abs through the fabric. Leyden sucked in a breath when Connor’s fingers dipped lower, skimming just above his waistband.
Connor paused. “Too much?”
“Not even close.” Leyden’s voice had dropped to gravel. “You can touch me however you want, Connor. Wherever you want.”
Connor’s wolf approved.Mate trusts us. Mate lets us explore.
Connor shifted, moving to explore Leyden’s arms. The thick muscles bunched beneath Connor’s fingers as he traced from shoulder to elbow to wrist. Leyden’s hands were huge, much like Connor’s when he compared them palm to palm.
“You’re beautiful,” Connor said softly.
“Pretty sure that’s my line.”
Connor huffed. “Your eyes don’t work then.”
“My eyes work fine.” Leyden’s gaze tracked Connor’s face, dark and heated. “I’m watching the most gorgeous man I’ve ever known touching me.”
Connor flushed but didn’t stop. He moved behind the couch, hands settling on Leyden’s shoulders from above. Broad and powerful, the muscles dense beneath Connor’s exploring fingers.
Leyden leaned forward as Connor’s hands worked their way down his spine - fascinated by each vertebra, each ripple of muscle as Leyden breathed. The fabric of Leyden’s shirt bunched slightly under Connor’s palms, and Connor found himself wondering what Leyden’s skin felt like without barriers.
Not yet. But someday.
The thought didn’t scare him.
Connor returned to the front of the couch, hands settling on Leyden’s thighs. Thick muscle, powerful legs built for running and fighting and carrying his alpha’s strength.
Leyden’s hands fisted in the couch cushions. Through the bond, Connor felt the effort it took for Leyden to stay still - the desperate want warring with his determination to let Connor explore.
Connor had never felt safer.
He moved his hands back up to Leyden’s chest, feeling his heartbeat again. Faster now, matching the arousal and affection pouring through their bond.
“You’re being really patient,” Connor said.
“You’re worth being patient for.”
Connor met Leyden’s eyes. Nothing there but honest affection.
“Thank you,” Connor said. “For this. For letting me figure it out on my terms.”
“Connor.” Leyden reached up slowly, giving Connor time to pull away if he wanted. When Connor didn’t move, Leyden’s hand cupped his jaw. “You don’t need to thank me for basic decency.”
“It’s not basic to everyone.”
“Then everyone else is an idiot.” Leyden’s thumb stroked Connor’s cheekbone. “You’re the person I love most in this world. Of course I’m going to be patient. Of course I’m going to let you set the pace.”
Connor leaned into the touch, eyes falling closed for a moment. “I really do love you.”
“I know. I feel it.” Leyden’s other hand found Connor’s waist, tugging gently. “Come here.”
Connor let himself be pulled forward until he was half-sprawled across Leyden’s chest, their bodies aligned. Leyden’s arms came around him, secure but not confining.
