Page 80 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

“Ooft, see? Perfection.” Rain hummed, biting his lip as he sat back. Jay’s cheeks burned red, matching his hoodie. “Come spend time with me today.”

“Is that a request or an order?” Jay teased, holding Rain’s hand where it rested on the table.

“I am prepared to get down on my knees and beg.” Rain kissed the back of Jay’s hand, then took a playful bite.

Jay jolted, wincing as pain shot through his ribs. Rain’s brow furrowed as he absorbed the flare of discomfort.

“Stop doing that.”

“It’s the least I can do for you while I’m with you. Let me make you feel better.” Rain practically pouted. “I can get us a room. I want to be alone with you.”

Jay’s heart raced again; nerves and excitement tangling together at the mere suggestion. He looked away, watching the rest of the team train their core under Jasmine’s lead.

Rain scooted closer, gently twisting Jay’s hips with his power, guiding Jay’s leg over the bench so he straddled it too, his back pressed to Rain’s chest. Jay laughed as he was manhandled by an invisible force.

Rain slid in behind him, wrapping his arms around Jay’s waist, resting his chin on his shoulder. His voice dropped to a whisper.

“I know we can’t do anything until you’re healed. I won’t risk hurting you. I just want your company. I want to hold you. I want to be with you.”

“I want that too,” Jay breathed, struggling to think with Rain so close.

Rain smiled at the effect he had on him.

“Then say yes.”

He traced kisses along Jay’s neck. Jay instinctively tilted, granting him more access.

“Please, baby.” Rain nibbled his earlobe, the pet name sent a delicious shiver along his spine.

“Yes,” Jay panted, blushing as his voice betrayed him.

“Mmm. Gods, you are intoxicating. I can’t get enough of your energy.” Rain nuzzled closer; if that was even possible.

Jay’s heart expanded, flooding Rain with such unconditional love he almost forgot where they were. Jay cleared his throat, shifting in his seat, trying to hide his modesty. Rain chuckled and loosened his hold.

“Apologies,” he smirked.

Jay pulled away, swinging his leg back under the table and hiding his face in his hands. After a moment, he resurfaced, peeking at Rain.

“Oi! Stop looking so smug!” He flapped a hand at him.

Rain caught it easily, keeping hold. “Come on, let’s go. You don’t need to watch everyone do a million sit-up variations.”

Without waiting for a response, he walked over to the team, who were struggling through their reps.

“We’re heading out. Wren, I’ll make sure he gets home safely, and I’ll organise the T-shirts for Velday. We all agreed on black, right?”

They groaned a unanimous yes, still moving.

“Sorry, I can’t hear you,” Rain teased with a wide grin.

“Fuck off,” Thomas huffed half-heartedly, making Rain laugh.

“See you all in the morning.” He laced his fingers with Jay’s as they left.

They walked in silence, hand in hand. A few people shot second glances at the prince, but otherwise it was peaceful. Rain basked in the normalcy; just two lovers walking the high street. Mundane to most, but to him, it was something he’d never believed he’d experience.

Jay hesitated as they passed a bookstore, peering through the window.