“You were out of your element,” Emerson said. “Vulnerable because you were allowing yourself to be the real you—which I sense isn’t something you often do.”
“Neverdo,” Dash corrected.
“Which means turning back into the façade you’ve created for yourself might’ve taken a few seconds,” Emerson added. “Don’t beat yourself up about that. I froze during my first raid, too.”
“I’m embarrassed. I’ve gotten out of stickier situations, but I wouldn’t have gotten out of there without you tonight.”
“I got lucky,” Emerson whispered before lowering his hand and pressing a gentle kiss to Dash’s forehead. “That’s all.”
“Don’t go back to the Dragon,” Dash said. “It’s too risky. That luck of yours will eventually run out.”
“If I have someone to regularly keep me company, I suppose I could stay away,” Emerson replied.
Dash lowered his gaze, thoughtful for a moment. “One night doesn’t make this a relationship.”
“No, but you already said one night wasn’t going to be enough. I happen to agree,” Emerson said. “What’re you doing tomorrow night?”
Dash rolled his eyes, but a hint of a smile refused to leave his lips. “You’re impossible.”
“Yep.” Emerson collected Dash’s chin and stole a kiss. “Impossible to let go of, I hope.”
Dash watched him for a brief moment. “We’ll see about that.”
They stared deep into one another’s eyes. Dash’s heart quickened. Seconds before they kissed again, Emerson’s knot deflated. He carefully withdrew from Dash’s body and stood. Dash rose on his elbows as Emerson walked towards the attached bathroom, hating how much he already missed the thick claim of the alpha’s cock. Dropping back onto the bed, he stared up at the ceiling, wondering if they’d manage a round two before he had to sneak off the boat.
Emerson returned with a washcloth and opened Dash’s thighs to wipe up the mess left behind, using the towels, too. After he finished, he crossed the narrow space and pulled a pair of pajama pants from a drawer, which he tossed over to Dash.
“Those might fit. They’ve got a drawstring to help,” Emerson said before tossing a t-shirt, too.
Emerson began dressing in his own pajama pants and tee before Dash crawled wearily to the edge of the bed.
“Hungry? I’m famished.”
“Thirsty more than anything,” Dash replied before fighting a yawn. He eyed the clock on the nightstand. It was only twelve, yet it felt like the wee hours as exhausted as he suddenly felt.
“Crashing from the adrenaline spike?” Emerson asked.
“Maybe,” Dash said, tugging the pants higher. A shiver rushed through him. “I thought I had nerves of steel but tonight proved Icanfeel absolute terror.”
“Same,” Emerson said.
“Yeah,” Dash said as he pulled the t-shirt over his head. “But you’ve been through a raid or two before, so you’ve gotten a chance to acclimate to that stress.”
“I’ve never been through one with you.”
Dash’s gaze lifted to Emerson’s.
“I was more worried for you than me.”
“Why?” Dash asked.
Emerson shrugged. “Dunno. I just got super protective for some reason.” He sighed, shaking his head. “I had to get my…” Emerson’s eyes widened for a split second. He cleared his throat. “My… friend… away from danger.”
My friend?
Why had it felt like Emerson had been about to say something else?
Dash sought Emerson’s gaze, but he stared at the floor.
