“No, no this is perfect. Thank you, Valen. It’s very thoughtful of you.” I smile and tear into a pack of peanut M&M’s. Valen nods and heads to the bathroom to set up his toiletries.
It’s almost like teaching a toddler, showing him the ins and outs of daily life. Coming from an angelic warrior background, I’m sure our mundane human tasks aren’t anywhere near what he’s used to. The first time he brushed his teeth, he swallowed the toothpaste, and I almost called poison control before remembering he’s immortal.
He walks back into the room and plugs his phone in to charge on the nightstand. He’s changed into a set of flannel pajama pants and a plain black T-shirt.
“Bathroom is open for you.” He settles on the bed with his long legs stretched out and crossed at the ankle. His bare feet stick out, and I hold in drool at the sight of the muscled arm he places behind his head for support.
God, everything about this man is enticing.
“Okay.” I mentally slap myself. “After I finish this five-course meal, I’ll shower. I don’t want to stink for tomorrow.”
Valen pulls a book out of his bag and starts reading while Imunch. He had a bag of blood before we left and has a spare, should he need it.
After I down the last of my chip crumbs, I brush off my hands. “All right, I’m going to shower.”
“Do not drown,” Valen replies in a monotone voice.
“Hilarious,” I call out before shutting the door.
My shower is uneventful, with no risk of drowning, but I’m left with my thoughts, which isn’t always the best thing.
The tile is cool against my forehead as I rest it against it. Water travels down my body in steady trails, reminding me of the constant rain plaguing Chicago.
Deciding I’ve wasted enough time, I turn off the shower and dry myself. The hotel towel is on the scratchy side, but beggars can’t be choosers. I’m a bit of a bougee bitch when it comes to my things. It’s why I brought my own blanket to use.
I rub condensation off the mirror and stare at my reflection. Limp pink hair, tired eyes, and a heart full of hope and worry. I look like a swamp monster. Grabbing my skincare, I go about my routine and attempt to bring some life back into myself.
A knock on the door startles me, and I pull it open to find Valen.
“Are you okay? You’ve been in there a while.” He tilts his head at me. Whenever he does that, he reminds me of an inquisitive puppy.
“Yeah, sorry. Just lost in my thoughts.” I feign a smile, but it falls flat.
Valen catalogs my face with his eyes before grabbing my hand. “Let’s meditate and get your mind off everything. Maybe it’ll help with your powers too.”
I follow him to the bed where we sit facing each other and place my hands in his. We both close our eyes like we’ve done in the past, and I try to focus on our breaths. His thumb rubs my hand in slow circles, and I find it hard to think aboutanything but that. Mission accomplished in getting my mind off things, but now my thoughts stray elsewhere into dangerous territory.
Inching closer until our knees touch, I feign innocence. I don’t open my eyes, but I feel his gaze on me. For a second I think he’s going to question me, but he doesn’t. Ever so slowly, I slide my hands up to his wrists, then his forearms, then his biceps, and finally around his shoulders. In the time it takes for this to happen, I end up on Valen’s lap when he eases me into it.
“What are you doing?” Valen finally breathes. “This doesn’t feel like meditation.”
“Neither does your little friend down there pushing against my leg,” I counter and wiggle against his hardening cock. Valen groans in my ear, and I wish I could keep the sound on hand to repeat whenever I please.
“Naughty witch.” I hear the smile in his voice and grin against his ear. Nipping at his earlobe, I take a chance and ease him down to the bed with me sitting astride him.
Giving Valen the chance to say no, I ease his T-shirt up his body and pull it over his head. He helps me when I clumsily get it stuck on his arm, and then he’s laid out before me bare chested.
His body trembles beneath my fingers as I slide them ever so gently down his bare, scar-flecked chest.
What must he have endured to have that many scars as a vampire?
“Is this okay?” I ask softly. It’s against my nature to be so quiet, so gentle, but I know with Valen, I have to be. His trauma is unimaginable, and even the fact that we’re mates doesn’t change that.
He gives a shaky nod. “Y-Yes.” The word stutters out of him.
“Are you sure?”
He nods. “Don’t stop. It feels good.”
