He’d not meant to rile Milo up like this. Gift giving was how he showed affection, and Milo was right, he had been worried about Milo being cold. Wasn’t it natural to look out for a lover like this? Maybe not in Milo’s world.
Well, it would be from now on. Rowan would see to that. Milo was going to learn how it felt to be properly cared for.
Notes:
AJ: Rowan, you are literally the definition of don’t judge a book by its cover.
Rowan: What? I don’t try to be mean.
AJ: I know, but your RBF seriously throws people off. Except for Milo.
Rowan: I only need one person.
AJ: Aww, how sweet.
5
Milo
Milo woke up gradually. Heat radiating against his back was his first impression, followed by a soft mattress and an arm thrown over his waist. Whazzit?
Oh. Right. The inn.
As awareness filtered back in, his mind chose to remind him of everything that had gone on last night. Rowan had not been kidding when he’d said he’d fuck Milo until he couldn’t walk. And gods, how amazing, having his fat cock just fucking in andout of him. Forhours. The man’s stamina should come with warning signs.
Note that Milo was not complaining. Even if his ass was sore and he felt chafed in places. There were potions for that.
Rowan was a sexy, sexy beast who, again, had proven to be a considerate lover. He’d been gentle and thorough while cleaning them up after and then had tucked Milo into bed. Milo tried to think of the last time he’d been this cared for and came up blank. Since Great-Aunt Anabelle died, maybe?
Honestly, Milo was used to seizing the moment with people because those moments tended to be short lived. His relationships generally lasted days, sometimes weeks, and no longer. His time with Andrew had been the exception.
But Rowan? The idea of having Rowan for such a short time broke his heart. No way did he want that. He’d never dated a man so thoughtful and sweet before. Rowan gave so much to Milo without even asking for anything in return, as if being able to give to Milo was a pleasure all by itself. His actions floored Milo, they really did, because he didn’t know what it was about himself that had charmed Rowan into agreeing to date. Milo dearly wished he could pinpoint it because he would absolutely capitalize on whatever it was.
When Rowan had given him the cloak, hat, and gloves, Milo had almost burst out crying. Andrew hadn’t gotten him a single present except a bouquet of roses here and there when he’d massively screwed up. Never had he looked out for Milo’s welfare without expecting something in return.
But Rowan observed, put the pieces together, and silently moved so Milo was cared for and comfortable. He gave without expecting some kind of reward in return, simply satisfied with Milo’s reaction.
Some cruel part of Milo’s insecurities whispered Rowan was mostly with him for the sex, but Milo tried not to believe that.Rowan did seem to enjoy talking with him. And look, cuddles! He wouldn’t cuddle Milo if he didn’t really like him, right? Right. Milo was going with this theory.
And to think, multiple people had broken up with Rowan. Were they insane? Seriously, Milo asked with all due seriousness: Were those people insane? Because how could you have Rowan and not want to keep him?
Milo sure as hell wouldn’t let him go. You could chop both hands off and he still wouldn’t let go. He liked this man far, far too much.
Rowan stirred behind him, making I’m-waking-up noises, one thigh pushing closer to the backs of Milo’s legs.
“Morning,” Milo greeted softly.
“Mm, morning.” Rowan leaned in to drop a kiss against the side of his neck. “Feeling all right?”
“I’m a little sore in spots but otherwise splendid. In other words, feel free to fuck me just as hard later tonight.”
A jerk of the chest under a silent laugh. “Noted. Let’s wash and get on the road.”
It was, sadly, the responsible thing. Milo would rather stay in bed all day, but needs must, as an important task awaited him in Gravegarde.
He did see why Rowan liked this inn, though. It was quaint, probably a family house at some point in its life, but now it had comfortable rooms for guests and a wonderful cook. Dinner last night had been amazing, the best pot roast he’d ever eaten.
This morning proved to be more of the same treatment—a hearty breakfast of poached eggs, biscuits, and a farmhouse hash with potatoes, onions, and bacon, all accompanied by excellent barley tea. Milo ate everything, made sad eyes to get another serving, then finished off Rowan’s plate to boot.
