Page 38 of Purple Protector

SOMETHING WAS UP WITH Aaron. Birch could tell because of how jumpy he was. He wasn’t sure what had happened or when, but Aaron kept glancing at him, then quickly looking away when he saw that Birch was watching him.

They were on their couch, watching a movie—or at least, they were supposed to be. Aaron was watching Birch more than the screen, and while it wasn’t a problem because Birch was fine being watched by Aaron, he wanted to know what was going on.

Birch didn’t think it was anything serious. He and Aaron hadn’t left each other’s company since yesterday, so he would know if something serious was going on. The easiest way to get this settled would be to ask, but Birch wanted Aaron to feel like he could come to him if he ever had any kind of problem. Aaron would tell him eventually, right?

Birch tightened his arm around Aaron’s shoulders and tried to think about when this something might have happened. Aaron had been fine yesterday. They’d spent the afternoon together then had gone through their usual evening routine and had gone to bed. Aaron had been pensive, but that was nothing new. He was often lost in his head, giving Birch the opportunity to watch him, which Birch always enjoyed.

Aaron had been a bit more nervous this morning. He’d seemed on the verge of asking something several times, but he hadn’t. He hadn’t argued when Birch had said he wanted to see Killian. Aaron understood that Birch wanted to check on his friend, and he’d been fine with it. He’d come along and sat in Killian’s office while Birch made sure that everything was as it should.

Aaron had sat with Marlin.

“Did Marlin say something to you?” Birch asked before he could think better of it. If his best friend had said something that had made Aaron freak out, Birch was going to beat his ass.

Aaron turned wide eyes to Birch. “What are you talking about?”

“Earlier, when we were in Killian’s office. Did Marlin say something to you?”

For some reason, Aaron’s cheeks were turning pink. It was cute but didn’t help Birch understand what was going on.

“We just talked,” Aaron said.

“About what?” Birch swallowed. It was none of his business. He wanted to know, but if Aaron didn’t want to tell him, that was that. “I’m sorry. You don’t have to tell me.”

Aaron shook his head and shifted his body so that they could face each other. He tucked his leg under himself and turned, and for a moment, he just stared at Birch. His cheeks were still flushed, and Birch couldn’t help but wonder why he seemed so embarrassed. Seriously, if Marlin had said anything he shouldn’t have, Birch would make him pay.

“I was just thinking about what Palmer said yesterday about your heightened libido and how it’s probably making you uncomfortable.”

That wasn’t what Birch had expected. “It’s not. I’m used to dealing with this. It’s not the first time, and it won’t be the last.”

“It doesn’t make sense for you to have to deal with it on your own, though. We’re together, right?”

Birch caught one of Aaron’s hands and kissed his palm. “We are.”

“Then I should help you.”

“Not if you’re not comfortable with it.” They hadn’t done anything in bed yet, and Birch didn’t want to push Aaron or make him uncomfortable.

Everything in Aaron’s life was changing. Birch would wait to have sex with him, even though he was impatient. He thought Aaron was the most beautiful man he’d ever seen, so of course he wanted him in his bed. He wanted to be in Aaron’s heart more, though. Their feelings mattered more than their bodies.

“I am comfortable with it. I want to help you. I want to have sex with you because we’re together and because you’re hot. I just wasn’t sure how to make it good for you because, well, you’re a dragon. You’re different from me and anyone I’ve ever been with.”

Birch finally understood. “You asked Marlin how to go about it.”

“I did. I wanted to be sure you would enjoy it and that it wouldn’t end up in a pregnancy. I know Palmer gave you birth control, but still. It freaks me out a bit to think that we could become parents.” Aaron’s eyes widened. “Not that I don’t want kids with you eventually, but it’s way too soon.”

“I agree,” Birch said as he squeezed Aaron’s hand. “Maybe in a few years, not now.”

Aaron looked relieved. “Exactly. So yeah. I talked to Marlin, and he told me to stop freaking out and overthinking it.”

That sounded like something Marlin would say. “Is that what you’ve decided to do?”

“I guess. I’m still not sure where to start, but I want this. I want you.”

Birch had never thought he would end up with someone like Aaron. He’d expected he’d eventually date a guard or someone like that who would understand how demanding his job was. Aaron did understand, even though he wasn’t a guard. He was sweet and gentle, and somehow, he’d gotten Birch to fall in love with him. Birch wanted nothing more than to drag him to their nest and spend the rest of the day there.

He could do it. Aaron had just told him that he wanted that, too.

“Are you sure?” Birch asked. They both needed to be, and Birch knew how he felt about all of this. He just needed Aaron to confirm that he felt the same way.

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