Elio's hand came to rest in my hair. Not pushing. Just touching. Grounding.
"That's it. Just like that. You're doing so well."
I worked slowly. Learning. Adjusting. Following his verbal cues and the sounds he made.
"Julian—fuck—you need to stop or I'm going to—"
I didn't stop. Just took him deeper.
He came with a groan. I did my best. Pulled back when it became too much.
Elio pulled me up. Kissed me thoroughly. "You're amazing."
"I've never done that before."
"I know. But you're a fast learner."
We lay tangled together. Both breathing hard. Both satisfied. The room quiet except for our breathing.
After a while, Elio said: "Stay tonight. Sleep here."
"In your bed?"
"In my bed. In my space. Wake up with me." His hand traced patterns on my back. "I want that. Want you here."
"I want that too."
We got under the covers. Elio pulled me against his chest. I fit perfectly there. Like we were designed to fit together.
"Thank you," I said quietly.
"For what?"
"For this. For seeing me. For making me feel like I matter."
"You do matter. More than you know." He kissed my forehead. "Get some sleep. Tomorrow's going to be intense. The Winston information goes out. Things are going to change."
"I'm ready."
"I know. That's what makes you dangerous." He held me tighter. "Sleep, Julian. I've got you."
I closed my eyes. Felt safe and wanted and chosen.
Tomorrow we'd destroy my father. Start a war that would change everything.
But tonight I was in Elio's bed. In his arms. Exactly where I wanted to be.
***
I woke up at three AM to Elio's phone buzzing on the nightstand.
He reached for it. Checked the screen. His whole body tensed.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Sandro. Emergency meeting. Now." He was already getting out of bed. Getting dressed. "Your father's people made a move. They found one of our informants. We need to accelerate the timeline."
Fear spiked through me. "What does that mean?"
