Page 182 of Scarbound

Noeul opened his eyes. “Why did you stop?”

“You went tense.”

For a moment, Noeul only looked at him. Then he curled his fingers around the back of Duri’s neck and pulled him closer. “I’m okay.”

“You sure?”

“Yes.”

Duri still waited. The ridiculous man actually waited.

Noeul tilted his head slightly. “Do I need to submit a written request?”

Duri laughed against his skin. “Maybe. Signed and dated.”

“I hate you.”

“No, you don’t.”

Duri kissed his neck again, softer this time. Noeul closed his eyes. “No,” he murmured. “I really don’t.”

Somehow they made it to the sofa. Duri dropped onto it first, and Noeul sat beside him, still trying to catch his breath. Then his gaze fell to Duri’s arms.

The tattoos. He had been wondering about them all day.

Noeul reached out and ran his fingers over the ink disappearing beneath Duri’s sleeve. Duri looked down at his hand.

“I’ve been wondering about something,” Noeul said.

“That sounds dangerous.”

“Are these the only ones?”

Duri’s eyebrows rose. Noeul immediately regretted asking.

A slow grin spread across Duri’s face. “Hyung. You’ve been thinking about my tattoos?”

“No.”

“You have.”

“I was curious.”

“About my tattoos.” He paused. “Under my clothes.”

Noeul narrowed his eyes. “You’re making this very difficult.”

“I’m enjoying myself.”

“I can tell.”

Duri laughed. Noeul looked at the sleeve again, then at him. “Take it off.”

Duri went completely still.

Noeul felt heat creep into his face but refused to look away. “Your shirt,” he clarified.

“I know what you meant.”