If there was something better than this, better than Declan coming apart in his arms, against him, inside him, better than that low, shuddering keen, Antonio didn’t want to know it.Wouldn’t be able to handle it.He held on and on and on, dragged higher by Declan’s rise, shattered again by his shattering.
Perfect.This was perfect.Theywere perfect.
Slow, to ease his grip.Didn’t want to let go, but needed to get his hands on Declan’s trembling skin.Quiet murmurs as he relaxed his legs, “fucking incredible” and “Christ” and who knew what else he said.A hand heavy on Declan’s back, tracing the line of his spine, the other lingering around a wing, because yeah, he liked them.
Liked Declan.Loved him.To the marrow.
He could hear their breath, rough pants in the quiet room.Feel Declan’s heartbeat against his chest, under his hand.For a long time, that’s all there was.Breath.Heartbeat.Love.
Joy radiated through the bond, made everything that much brighter, painted the world gold and left Antonio grinning like an idiot as he kissed Declan’s hair.
“Don’t got much basis for comparison,” he said at last.“But you put Danny Cruz from 10th-grade Civics to shame.”
Declan answered with a laugh, like Antonio knew he would, rough and gorgeous, same as the man himself.
“I’ll not be one to deny a favorable review, regardless of the size of the control group.”
“You’re fucking perfect,” said as he stroked Declan’s hair, cupped the back of his head to hold him close.
“Aye.”Declan was still smiling.Antonio could feel it.He wanted to be that for him.The one who kept him smiling.“We sure fucking are.”
Chapter Eighteen
Declan
Whendidonethingbecome another?Where was the border between friendship and love?Between a sound sleep and unhurried kisses?
Easy, to fall into it.(Into a kiss.Into love.Whichever.)
Declan tumbled into the ebb and flow of Antonio as the sun crept into the sky, both of them a drowsy that burnt off in the heat of desire and teeth and hands that wandered.
Declan’s mornings had never involved rasping keens or growls of“Murderpunk”before.Nor claws at a muscular back, other hand wrapped around a hard cock, ankle hooked around a thick thigh, being kissed for all he was worth.Antonio brought that, just as he did the strong, capable pull at Declan’s wing, eager touch mirroring Declan’s between them, working him high, then higher.
He would make time for more such mornings if Antonio were amenable.
Morning showers hadn’t been a regular occurrence, either.If they continued to involve Antonio’s blown-black eyes and hot, wet mouth held still and open by Declan’s pale hands and aching cock, his schedule for that would change, too.
He was used to the smell of coffee, though.It carried down the stairs while Declan stayed right where he wanted to be: perched on the edge of the little basement kitchen table, soft dark curls in his fingers, sure hands on his stomach, under his shirt, black lips to faded red and smiling.
Voids, but he could get used to this.
Unfortunately, he was not the sort of fae who could live on giggles and glitter.Declan’s stomach saw fit to remind them both it had been some hours since they ate, left Antonio snickering, his hands sliding back.
“It smells like Talia made waffles,” Declan said, sighing, leaning away.“Bo got her an iron for them recently.I’m loath to miss those.”
“I see where I rank.”Sowarm, those words.The same phrase another might use to cut, Antonio turned to a caress.
Declan only laughed and made himself presentable.Made them both, tugged Antonio’s shirt back into place as well, and earned an arm around his shoulders for the trouble, loose and casual when they headed up to the main floor.
Everil, Bo, and Talia stood around a dining table piled high with fresh fruit, syrups in sparkling glassware, plates of savories, various drinks in carafes, pitchers, and pots.That was to be expected.Less so, Aultyr and his rangy, equally brooding companion, Harke.
Declan had never seen the pair of them in their human guises.Like most skin shifters, they required minimal glamour.Teeth gone flat, shadows quiescent, and Harke without the ruff of green fur.Still, they made a threatening pair.Aultyr, large and imposing, with long dark hair pulled neatly back and an aura of impenetrable, stony detachment.Harke, lean and hard, hair shorn to the skull, was equally unexpressive but radiated a tense readiness.
“Good morning Declan, Antonio,” Everil said, with his usual careful politeness.“You’ve visitors.”
“News already?”Declan asked, slowing to a halt.Antonio’s arm tightened at his shoulders.Languid contentment turned sharp.Metallic.
“Fuck no,” said Bo, sweet and gentle as ever.“Food first.Talia cooked, and I’m hungry.You did fucking great, kid.”
