Page 52 of The Death God
“You always get angry when I check your death. Most clients get angry.”
“I’m not angry, and I’m not a fucking client.” Gregory hadn’t meant to snarl, but as Thanatos pulled back, he realized he had, and yeah, now he sounded angry. “I’m not angry.” Gritting his teeth most likely didn’t sell the claim, so he made an effort to unclench his jaws. “I’m not angry with you.”
“Maybe I should go. It’s late, and we should get some rest.” Thanatos drained the last of the gin in his glass and got up. He placed the glass in the sink and took a step toward the corridor.
“Where are you going?”
Thanatos jumped at his voice. “My room.”
“You’re not sleeping in your room.”
A frown was the only reply he got. Seconds went by while Thanatos stared at him. “I’m going to bed.”
“I have a bed. You’ve slept in it.”
“We don’t have to pretend anymore. There is no party, and Alaric and Amell have already seen us.”
Gregory grinned, emptied his glass, and got up. “We haven’t been pretending for a long time, my sweet.” He moved closer to Thanatos. “Come on, bed’s this way.”
“Gregory, I’m not sure—”
“I am. You slept well during the nap, right?” Unless they counted the nightmare. Gregory didn’t. And he wanted to be there if Thanatos dreamed.
“You’re getting up again soon, and—”
“And you never sleep for long anyway. Come on. Let me hold you.”
Thanatos glanced between him and the doorway.
“I won’t hurt you, babe.”
“No, I know.”
He did? Good. “Come then.” He held out his hand to Thanatos and waited. There appeared to be a war going on inside his head, but Gregory only waited. After several long seconds, Thanatos put his hand in Gregory’s, and he almost smirked in victory.
Thanatos was his.
Chapter 18
Thanatos allowed Gregory to lead him toward his door. This might be a dumb idea. He should go to his room where he could toss and turn and stare at the walls and ceiling without disturbing anyone. Where his screams from before the nightmares woke him wouldn’t interfere with someone else’s sleep.
“Gregory, maybe—”
“Here we are.” Gregory hurried the last few steps and more or less shoved him into the small room. “You’re mine now.”
“Yours?” A small laugh escaped him, but nerves awoke inside. “Yours what?”
Gregory shrugged. “Mine is enough for me.” He pulled his shirt off, and Thanatos stared.
“What are you doing?”
“Getting ready for bed. There are extra toothbrushes in the bathroom cupboard.”
“I have a toothbrush in my room.”
“Too far away. Come on now.” Gregory grinned at him. “I’m not letting you leave.”
“Gregory—”
