“I have no doubt,” Jack said.
Arden looked lost for a moment before he very visibly drew himself together. “I’m glad we have decided, then.”
“Arden,” Jack said in a whisper. “We haven’t decided anything.”
Arden stiffened.
“You’ve laid out what seems like a very lonely future for yourself, which I have no intention of allowing. You will live here, by my side where you belong. When I am in Sevennis on wretched, unavoidable Council business, you will either accompany me there if you’d like, or else remain here with Beckett.”
“No, but?—”
“Indeed. No buts. The only thing we decided was that I would tell you what I think—which I have done—and then I will kiss you. Which I am about to do.” He leaned in. “Yes?”
“Oh.” Arden’s wide-eyed gaze dropped to Jack’s sharp smile and back up to his eyes. Jack was aware that he was staring quite intently, but he couldn’t seem to stop himself. “That…was what we agreed, wasn’t it? Um. In that case, y-yes.”
“Would you like me to kiss you, my sweet?” Jack tapped a thumb to Arden’s lips. He’d pressed them together as if he was trying to hide them.
Arden blushed hot, making Jack growl low in his throat. “I don’t know,” he whispered.
“Did you like it when Beckett kissed you?”
Arden was silent for a moment, then he gave a tiny nod. “I did,” he said. “I think? I don’t…it was all happening at once, Jack.”
“This will happen slowly. If you want it. You may tell me no at any time, and I will always—Arden.” He pinched Arden’s chin, making sure he was looking right at him when he said it. “When it comes to your body, I will always, always listen to your no. I will respect it, as I respect you.”
Arden took a deep, shuddering breath.
“So. Will you let me kiss you?”
Arden hesitated.
Jack should have been disappointed. Instead, he was proud.
“I would very much like to wash first,” Arden said shyly. “And gather my composure.”
Jack decided to push, just a little further. “May I watch?”
Arden, to Jack’s delight, pushed back. He smiled and shook his head. “No.”
“Excellent. I have work to attend to—not that I’ll be able to concentrate on it until I get my kiss. However, I shall apply myself and do my best. Have a lovely bathe, and when you’re ready, please come down to my study.”
CHAPTER 11
BECKETT
Beckett slouched against the wall opposite the duch’s chamber, arms crossed over his chest. He stared at the door in front of him, as if he could see right through it if only he tried hard enough, to where his little omega—Jack’slittle omega—was no doubt splashing happily in his bath, pink and warm and satisfied.
He’d better be satisfied. Beckett had never worked so hard to pleasure a man in his life.
And if he wasn’t satisfied? If he needed more?
Beckett would give him more.
Jack had gone in earlier to check on the duch while Beckett waited, and when he’d come back out, he’d done his best to kiss Beckett witless.
As wound up as Beckett was right now, that wasn’t difficult to do.
They’d parted, panting into each other’s mouths and holding each other tightly. Beckett thought he’d be able to come again, if Jack was up for it, and said as such.
