“Excuse me?” I pulled back. “You haven't said it to me yet.”
A slow blink. “Oh.”
“Oh?” I grimaced at him. “Not the response I was looking for.”
He grinned. “You know I love you. I have for a very long time.”
I melted, but wasn't about to let him see it. “I still want to hear you say it. Properly.” I crossed my arms.
Vex chuckled, then dashed forward so fast that I couldn't track him. One second, I was standing. The next, I was over his shoulder, being carried up the stairs like a war prize. I couldn't protest, not with every step knocking his shoulder into my belly and sending the breath out of me. And those steps came quickly since he was taking the stairs at a run.
When Vex finally stopped, I was gasping and possibly bruised. He set me down, and I fully intended to chide him for the rough treatment. But he didn't give me the chance. He started to strip, and I once more lost the ability to speak.
I didn't even move as Vexen's body was rapidly revealed. He wasn't trying to tease me, just get naked as quickly as possible. Still, the way he yanked off his clothes and tossed them aside made my mouth go dry. All right, it was that and his gorgeous body—the physique somewhere between Rath's leanness and Xae's bulk. And his fascinating tattoos emphasized the breadth of his shoulders and the masculine curve of his pectorals. I loved the way the symbols were joined by designs that trailed across his chest, coiling and unfurling as they dipped down between his pecs. I was left rubbing my tongue against the roof of my mouth, trying to inspire salivation.
And then Vex stepped out of his undershorts.
Salivation problem solved.
I swallowed and realized that I had watched him the entire time without doing anything. Just standing there when I could have been stripping too. But this seemed to please Vex. He prowled forward, his long, semi-hard cock bouncing against his thigh, and grinned as he reached for my belt. I let my stare wander over his golden-brown, art-covered chest with its dusky pink nipples, but I couldn't reach for them. Because Vex already had my belt off and was pulling up my tunic. I had to lift my arms to accommodate him.
That gorgeous man was hidden from me for an excruciating moment while the tunic passed over my face, and then it was tossed aside, and Vex was there again. Glorious. Lean. Muscular. Mine. He was mine at last. I was going to have him. And I wasn't going to think about anyone else while I did. Not even—nope! This was our time. As much as I loved the others, this belonged to Vex and me alone.
Vex had the rest of my clothing off as quickly as he had removed his, but before I could reach for him, he lifted me into his arms and carried me to the huge bed. Simple, sturdy, and all Vex, the bed was covered in a cotton quilt that felt like home. No, wait. His big body lowering over mine—that felt like home. I sighed and wound my calves around his thighs.
“I love you,” Vex said.
I burst out laughing.
He frowned. “Why is that funny?”
“Because I was so insistent on hearing it, and then I forgot about it completely. You're right, I know you love me. But it sounds good on your lips.”
Vex growled and bent his head to nibble at my neck. “Now, you.”
I didn't pretend to misunderstand him. “I love you.”
I was rewarded with a happy rumble.
My hands roamed the curves and dips of Vexen's magnificent back, smoothing and gripping my way blissfully over the new terrain. Between us, my cock was pulsing, it was so hard, and his burrowed down beneath my balls, seeking entrance. I adjusted my hips to help him find his way.
“Suck me first,” Vex whispered in my ear. “Get me wet enough to fuck you.”
The words had me shuddering. They were naughty but simple, different from Xae's dirty talk or Taroc's daddy-demands. The words were technically a command, but Vexen's tone made them into a request.
I unwrapped my legs, braced my feet on the mattress, and pushed Vex over. He went with a surprised yip, landing hard on his back with me atop him. Grinning at him, I kissed my way across his sternum, then down to one pert nipple. As I sucked on him, I ground our cocks together. He was wriggling and moaning in a few seconds.
Then I lifted my head to ask, “Is that wet enough?”
Vex snorted a laugh. “You tease.”
“Not at all. I'll get there.” I blew over his wet nipple, making him shudder.
“Take your time,” he whispered, his stare gone soft.
I kissed Vex along the underside of his pectoral, over to the other nipple, then took my time, just as he advised. I rolled it in my mouth, flicked it with my tongue, then sucked hard. Vex was growling by the time I moved down his belly. Every bite I took, massaging his muscles between my teeth, intensified those growls. His big hands went into my hair, spreading over my scalp. Then he pushed me down, just a little to let me know he was getting impatient.
Chuckling, I sat up. “You said to take my time.”
