He flickered out, leaving me and Orion to stare open-mouthed at each other. Ori recovered first and started laughing. “I’m going to kill him.”
I lacked the homicidal tendencies, but I wasn’t above putting a colony of fire ants under Gabriel’s house. “At least we don’t need to worry about how to tell everyone.”
Silence hung heavy for a long beat. Then Orion let out a low breath. “You’re okay with that, right?”
I couldn’t figure out what he asked because all I heard was he agreed we were a couple. He didn’t say it outright, but the implication was clear. And that made me extremely happy. “Not really. I wanted to tell them ourselves.”
“I meant us. Are you okay with us being a couple?”
I moved so I could kneel beside him. “Yes. Unequivocally, without any doubts, yes.”
“Much as I like you on your knees before me, this conversation requires we face each other.” He stood and pulled me to my feet. “I might have been too stupid to let myself acknowledge it, but you woke something in me I thought I’d lost a long time ago. I feel more alive than I have in centuries.” He smiled ruefully. “Maybe Gabe and Michael were onto something when they hoped putting us together would spark something.”
A surprised laugh bubbled up from my chest. “You think they orchestrated this?” I ran my free hand between us.
“I wouldn’t put it past them.” Orion chuckled deep in his throat. “Especially Michael. He’s never been shy aboutmeddling. But it doesn’t matter if he did, my feelings are my own.”
My heart soared at his words, at the naked emotion shining through. Shifting, I slid my arms around his solid frame and rested my head against his shoulder. “Mine too.”
We stayed locked together for several seconds. Orion’s embrace tightened, and he kissed the top of my head. I reluctantly let go.
“Let’s clean up. I’ll wash the pots. No offense, but I’m gonna need to give you lessons. I don’t cook in dirty pans.”
“I think I’m going to need to have you get naked a lot. Otherwise, you’re going to be ordering me around.”
My dick swelled at the thought of being naked and on my knees waiting for him to take control. I groaned and turned on the cold water. Running my hands under the tap, it only helped marginally. “You’re awful. You know we can’t do that tonight.”
“You act like those thoughts don’t affect me, too. If I had my way, I’d strip you naked right now and not let you get dressed until morning.” The lascivious leer on his face was filthy and undid all the good the cold water had done and then some. “But tomorrow is too dangerous for us to not be at our best. The clothes stay on tonight.”
He was right, but I wasn’t giving up all my needs. “Can we sleep in my bed together? I want you to hold me tonight. If that won’t be too much.”
Orion grabbed the dish towel with a flourish. “I was going to ask the same thing. We both need to promise to be good. That way one of us will hopefully remember.”
He talked a good game, but I was positive he wouldn’t let us do anything he thought would put me in danger. That made me even happier than the idea of him taking control during sex. “Sounds like a plan. And speaking of plans, we need to finish this so we can review the data Gabriel sent. I’m not saying I thinkwe’re smarter than them, but I want to be sure we’re both on board before it starts.”
“Agreed.”
I handed him the pot, and he dried it with a stupid grin. It reminded me of my parents and how they always smiled at each other doing the littlest things together. I knew Ori and I didn’t have anything close to their level of connection, but it was a very good beginning.
Orion
The smell of freshly brewed coffee, mingled with the scent of pancakes and crispy bacon, filled the kitchen with an enticing blend of savory aromas. I inhaled deeply, allowing the familiar smells to awaken my senses as I sat at the table, a steaming mug cradled between my palms.
My gaze drifted to Zeke, who stood at the stove, his movements fluid and graceful as he cooked. A small smile tugged at the corners of my mouth as I watched him, my heart filled with feelings I’d thought long extinguished.
The night before had been a revelation. Holding Zeke in my arms, our bodies intertwined beneath the sheets, had felt like coming home after an eternity of wandering. I slept soundly, not plagued by the dark dreams I’d experienced for decades. He filled the hollowed-out spaces within me with hope and kindness. Things I once felt but stopped believing for so long.
For the first time in decades, centuries if I was being truly honest, I felt alive. Not existing from one day to the next or worrying about how to please someone who didn’t love themself. The world seemed brighter, as if a veil had been lifted from my face.
I knew it wasn’t wise to compare Zeke to Lael, but my ex had poisoned my heart to the world, and I needed to be sure I wasn’t repeating the same mistakes. I couldn’t recall a time when Lael made me breakfast or any meal. There were no memories of him doing something sweet just to see me smile.
Being brutally honest, I hadn’t exactly filled his days with pampering after the first few years together. In the early years, I’d often done thoughtful little things for him, but grew tired when I never received any in return. I told myself it wasn’t his way, and I couldn’t get upset or try to change him.
Zeke’s radiant spirit breathed new life into my weary soul. I couldn’t wait until we finished this mission so I could learn what he liked and surprise him in little ways. The anticipation of releasing my romantic side again made me anxious to be given the chance.
Lost in my reverie, I was only vaguely aware he’d been speaking.
“Ori? Did you hear me?”
