Even if he could, it was much too soon for that. It had only been two days. Sure, there had been months of longing before that, but that meant little in the face of things. That connection did, though. Deep down, he knew that was what made them both willing to risk a life together in the shadows.
“I won’t live a ‘back and forth, will we or won’t we’ life,” Emerson said.
Dash sighed.
“I’m not asking for a definition,” Emerson added. “But if we’re doing this, I need your assurance that you’re all in.”
Dash turned his head and eyed Emerson, his expression skeptical. “You want me to go all in… after two nights?”
“Either we’re all in and doeverythingwe can to negate the risk—or we don’t do this ever again.”
Dash chuckled mirthlessly, shaking his head—more like rolling it back and forth on Emerson’s shoulder.
“You said it yourself. There’s something powerful between us. We both knew it from the first instant. Hell, even Harrison mentioned feeling electricity charged between us that first afternoon.”
“What are you suggesting?” Dash asked, tensing again.
“Nothing,”Emerson replied. “Other than there’s a connection you’ve already acknowledged.”
“Alphas can’t be mates with one another,” Dash said.
Pain lanced Emerson’s chest, but he suddenly realized that meant they both questioned it. “But what if they can?”
Dash turned his head to gaze at him again. “You’re putting your hopes on a fantasy now.”
“Am I?” Emerson asked.
“Keep your feet planted in reality, Emerson.”
Emerson stared at Dash, missing the use of his nickname already.
Dash sighed. “Whatever this becomes will never be a fairy tale with a happily ever after. We’ll never be allowed to be together in the light of day. All we have is a life in the shadows.” He rolled his head forward, taking his focus off Emerson. “Either you accept that or there’s no reason to try.”
“Grim outlook,” Emerson said.
Dash leaned closer and pressed his lips to Emerson’s. “I’m just being a realist.”
A realist. Emerson had always considered himself one of those, but being with Dash made him want more than what he knew they’d get. It wasn’t enough.
He ran a palm over Dash’s distended belly, filled with his cock. Once again, images of Dash pregnant swept through his mind. He closed his eyes, a hint of shame hitting him. Wasn’t it enough that there might be a chance they’d have some kind of relationship? Asking for the impossible was pure greed.
Emerson nuzzled against Dash’s neck. Dash cuddled closer, kissing Emerson’s cheek.
When his knot shrank, Emerson pulled from Dash slowly.
“About that favor I needed,” Dash said, immediately turning and straddling Emerson’s thighs.
He chuckled, looking up into Dash’s gorgeous face. “Therealreason you came to seduce me.”
Dash fought a smile. “Perhaps.”
“Who are you meeting?”
“Randall.”
“As inmy brotherRandall?” Emerson asked, his brows furrowing.
“Yes.”
