“Come on, mate.” He grinned and waggled his eyebrows. “Show me that ass.”
“I can’t believe I’m doing this.” Though he looked hesitant, Brian turned and glanced back at him.
“Very nice.” Keith licked his lips. “Delectable.” He snapped his jaws. “Bitable.”
“You are not biting my ass!” Brian flipped back around, looking affronted.
“Spoilsport.”
“Come on.” He took Keith’s elbow and moved them toward the shower. “Before we really do run out of hot water.”
“Oooh, I get to see the wet version. Yes, please.”
“Seriously, how are you like this?” One arm still holding onto him, Brian moved the curtain with the other. “Alright, one foot at a time, I’ve got you.”
“Thank goodness or else I might trip over this”—he raised his foot over the side— “fifteen maybe twenty-inch ledge.” He lifted his other foot and stepped into the tub. “And if I did, how would I ever survive all the damage?”
Brian followed him in. “You can keep making jokes, but nobody heals this quickly. You need my help.” He curled his hand around Keith’s nape. “Iwantto help you.”
Though he was physically capable on his own, he appreciated the care and concern. “You’re really sweet. I like it.”
“Stand here.” Brian situated him near the wall. “Brace yourself and I’ll wash you.” He picked up a bottle of shower gel and poured some into his palm. “Aren’t you going to tell me you’re fine or make another sarcastic comment?” He lightly rubbed his hands together and then pressed them against Keith’s shoulders and dragged them down his chest.
“And prevent you from putting your slick hands on me?” Keith shook his head. “Why would I do that?” He quivered when Brian skated his thumbs over his nipples. “Wash away. Be as thorough as you want.”
“We are not having sex in the shower. It’s wet and slippery and not safe.”
Keith gasped dramatically and pressed his hand to his chest. “Why, sir, I merely wanted to get clean. Why would you suggest something so crass? I am not that type of girl.”
Brian laughed and shook his head. “Cute.” He lathered Keith’s stomach and hips and then dropped down to a squat and focused on his legs.”
“You missed something.” Keith dipped his chin toward his pelvis.
“You said you’re not that type of, uh, girl.”
“Fine.” Keith rolled his eyes. He swiped his hand over his chest and stomach to gather some gel and then washed his groin. “I’ll do it myself.”
Still lowered to the tub floor, Brian’s face was directly across from his hand, and he stared as Keith smoothed it over his testicles and dick. When he snaked his arm over his hip and washed his crease, Brian blinked a few times and stood.
“I’ll get your back,” he rasped. “Turn around.”
Keith did as his mate asked, pressed his palms against the tile, and spread his legs. “Like this?” He tilted his hips and looked at Brian over his shoulder. “Do you like what you see?”
Brian made a strangled sound, squeezed his eyes shut, and took in a deep breath. “You know I do.” He opened his eyes and lowered his gaze.
Keith did the same and moaned at the sight of his mate’s erect shaft. “That’s really nice. Do you want my help with it?”
Shaking his head, Brian reached for the gel and then poured more into his hand. “You’re beautiful.” Warm, slick hands reverently moved over his skin. “I’m so turned on, it’s painful.” They smoothed over his backside. “But I saw how injured you were, how lifeless you looked.” Brian dipped his face forward and pressed his mouth to Keith’s neck as he continued washing him. “My drive to take care of you is through the roof.” He held onto Keith’s hips and moved him under the water. “I can’t do both. You’ve got me so discombobulated, I don’t know which way is up.”
Though he was thrilled that his mate found him attractive, he also understood his protective instincts, and he was giddy they were focused on him. “I’ll stop teasing you.” He turned around, letting the spray wash all the suds away. “For now.” Once he was done, he stepped aside, making room for Brian. “Your turn. I’m going to wash my hair.”
“I’ll do it.” Brian quickly scrambled for the shampoo.
“Okay.” Heart full, he smiled softly. Everything he thought he’d known and wanted had been upended during the course of one day and he had never been happier. “Thank you.”
Chapter 5
“Are you hungry?” Brian asked as he dried Keith off, making sure to keep his touch gentle. Whoever and whatever had hurt his mate in the past wouldn’t get a chance to do it again. He would make sure of that.
