It all felt so good. So natural.
As I stroked Poppy’s chest, I closed my eyes and rested my face against his silky hair. Every inhale gifted me a whiff of his sweetness.
I couldn’t believe this was happening. That my long, aching dream was finally coming true...
“Viol, I missed you,” Poppy whispered.
I swallowed a growl of frustration directed at myself. It was all because of my damn foolishness. By creating barriers between us, I’d hurt Poppy again. If I’d paid closer attention...
My eyes opened as a hand suddenly grasped my face. Poppy looked sternly at me.
“You’re overthinking,” he accused. “Stop it.”
I couldn’t help but snort a laugh. He knew me too well.
“Sure, but—”
“No,” Poppy interrupted. “I already said I don’t want to hear anyone talk poorly about you. Even if it’s you.”
I blinked at him. The desire in his gaze burned alongside adoration, and a speck of irritation. That made me laugh again.
“Wh-what?” he asked, flustered.
“Nothing. I just love when you get annoyed at me,” I said through a grin. “It’s really cute.”
The speck of irritation melted away, leaving only his regular sweetness. He stroked my face and examined me closely, as if committing my updated appearance to memory.
“I only get annoyed when you think too hard,” Poppy said, sounding embarrassed about it now. “Because I... I don’t want you tothinkright now.” His cheeks flushed deeper. “I want you to feel.”
A ribbon of pleasure flowed between my ribs. I smiled and stroked him in a mirror motion. “I’m sorry. You’re right. I’ll cut that out.”
He beamed. If he had been in wolf form, I knew his tail would be wagging.
Poppy’s index finger traced my jawline, dragging across the close stubble. I kept clean-shaved but that didn’t stop the sharp hairs from poking out overnight. Judging by how long he spent staring at my face, Poppy seemed charmed by them.
“You didn’t have these back then,” he pointed out.
“Nope. With age comes wisdom... and hairs.”
Poppy chuckled. Then, to my surprise, he leaned down to kiss my jawline. The sensation made my skin tingle, spreading warmth across my already flushed face.
Then, to my further surprise, Poppy rolled his body on top of mine. My heart pounded so violently hard it seemed like it was trying to break free of my rib cage and jump into Poppy’s instead.
“You’re so comfy,” he said, smiling. “And warm...”
He kissed the corner of my mouth, tender and gentle. I relaxed, letting his affection flow over me like water in a warm bath. It was a good distraction until I finally felt it—the bulge pressing into my thigh.
My head spun.
He was hard.
An involuntary groan slipped past my lips. I couldn’t hold back anymore. And judging by the way Poppy’s cock rubbed against my leg, I doubted he wanted me to.
“Fuck,” I growled, running my hands through his hair and down his neck. “You’re driving me crazy, you know that?”
He flashed an innocent smile. Rocked his hips ever so slightly. “What do you mean?”
Another hungry growl rumbled in my throat. He was toying with me, that flirt.
