He was used to heading straight to the bathroom after sex, having no interest in talking to the girls he slept with. He had assumed Ody would do the same.
But instead, Ody was holding him, gently stroking his hair.
“I liked it a lot, actually,” Ody said, pulling Mano from his spiraling thoughts. “I’d love to do more, but... I’m not sure I know how yet.”
Mano scoffed, regaining some of his attitude. “What, Kash didn’t show you already?”
“He just gave me a blowjob,” Ody said quickly. “I didn’t touch him.”
Mano’s jaw tightened. The image hit him instantly, Kash’s mouth on Ody, his hands touching him, making him feel good. Something hot and ugly twisted in his chest.
“So I guess you’ll have to teach me.” Ody smirked. “Tell me exactly how you like it... and I’ll learn.”
Mano’s heart pounded harder, and he hated that he didn’t know why.
Ody shifted and leaned over him, their eyes meeting. “Okay, big guy?” he whispered.
Mano swore his heart was about to explode.
Ody kept running his fingers through Mano’s hair as he waited. After a moment, Mano gave a small nod.
A surprised smile spread across Ody’s face. He stayed there for a moment, taking him in.
Mano didn’t pull away this time.
Then Ody leaned down and pressed a slow, tender kiss to his lips.
Chapter 46
The kiss was soft. Gentle in a way Mano didn’t know how to handle. Nothing like the desperate one on the beach or the frantic one in the bathroom stall.
His chest felt tight under Ody’s weight, his heartbeat loud enough that he was sure Ody could feel it through his shirt.
Ody’s lips moved slowly against his, unhurried, like he had all the time in the world. Mano had never been kissed like that before. And somehow, that scared him more than anything else.
When their lips finally parted, Mano couldn’t look away from him, breathing unevenly. “You need... to go.”
“That eager to get rid of me?” Ody smiled. “I make you come and you kick me out just like you do with your girls?” he teased.
Mano’s cheeks flushed, his gaze darting away. “S-stop talking like that,” he mumbled.
Ody bit his lip, eyes playful. “I love it when I make you blush like this.”
“I-I’m not blushing. I don’t even know what that word means,” Mano muttered, keeping his eyes on the wall.
“I love how you’re all tough and intimidating with everyone... but with me you’re sweet and shy.”
Mano snapped his head toward him. “Cut it out, mikre. And I’m not sweet or shy. If I wanted to, I could pin you down and prove it.”
“Then why don’t you?” Ody smirked, leaning over him, trapping him under his hands.
“B-because... I’m not... yet…” He stopped mid-sentence. The rest of the words stayed trapped in his throat. Admitting he still wasn’t ready to touch or kiss Ody on his own felt impossible. But Ody got it. He had felt the same way not long ago.
A soft kiss landed on Mano’s forehead, catching him off guard. Just like back then. Thirteen years ago, when his mother used to kiss his forehead goodnight.
“It’s okay. I’ll wait. Until you’re ready,” Ody said. “Although, if I’m being honest... I don’t really mind having you underneath me.”
Mano’s fist landed instantly on Ody’s shoulder. He laughed, rubbing the spot. Then his gaze settled back on Mano. “Can I ask you something?”
