Page 99 of D'Vaire or Nothing
“I’ve bitched to you too,” Seltivare defended. Then he shrugged. “He’s my twin. We’ve always told each other everything.”
“He’s not just your twin. He’s also your best friend. But if you’re going to confide in him, you may want to remind Mavi not to spill your secrets,” Ashby teased.
“I don’t care if he tells Momma or not; he deserves a kick for ratting me out,” Seltivare groused.
“Use your words, Selti, not your leg muscles. Do you want me to restart the show? We can cuddle on the sofa and make grand garden plans like your brother suggested. What do you think of adding a little greenhouse for us in the backyard? We could work on hybrids easier that way.”
Seltivare’s gaze lit up, and Ashby ignored the way his cock jerked in response.
“I’d love a greenhouse,” Seltivare exclaimed. “There is some room close to our tree. I’d thought to add azaleas there, but I could make some flowers of my own if we had a place where we can control the environment.”
“I agree. We’ll talk to Aleksander and Rafe to get it started. Now, what about the show? Start it from the beginning?”
A warm hand landed on Ashby’s thigh, and his muscles clenched beneath his faded jeans. It took barely a touch from the elf and Ashby’s entire body ached. A heartbeat later, Ashby was ready to smoosh Seltivare into the cushions so he could peel his clothes off as he tasted every inch of him.
“I was thinking I should thank you for your thoughtfulness,” Seltivare said coyly as he peered at Ashby through his long lashes. “A greenhouse is a fabulous idea, and we deserve a little celebration for our upcoming plant projects.”
“More like you’re looking for any excuse to get your tongue in my mouth,” Ashby teased, trying to keep the mood light so he wasn’t tempted to coax Seltivare into the bed they’d yet to sleep together in. Ashby couldn’t trust himself to behave with Seltivare in such close proximity.
“Ashby, I know you want to take things slow and ensure we’re not rushed. But I’m already fond of you. I’m not sure how we’ve been so lucky. Yes, I understand Fate pairs up two people who are destined to share a soul. We have that. Our essences are already sealed. But I don’t think that’s why I care so much about you. We’re building a tight friendship, and I can imagine no one else fitting me as you do. It’s those things that drive me to seek a stronger intimacy with you.”
Needing some distance so Ashby didn’t give in to his baser instincts, he stood and dragged his hands through his hair. “Plus, our hormones are raging out of control.”
“My dick wants your touch. My hole begs for you cock inside me. But Ashby, it’s not just physical shit. You feel it, don’t you? This matebond is already strong. But I want to cuddle with you at night. To wake up with kisses. To share every aspect of the relationship we deserve.”
Ashby blew out an unsteady breath as a war waged inside him. Seltivare’s words were true, but Ashby had to remain calm and not drag the elf into his arms. Ashby was the experienced one—albeit those fast couplings were a long time ago and the passion inferior to even a soft kiss from Seltivare—but he didn’t want to do anything to scare or harm his mate.
“I need this to be right for us both, sweet Selti. The choices we make now will be ones we’re stuck with for eternity.There is no going back. No do overs, and the last thing I want is for you to have regrets.”
Seltivare stood and wrapped his arms around Ashby. The druid immediately held Seltivare close. His elf was one to be cherished, and Ashby refused to fail at that mission.
“I could never regret being loved by you.”
Desperate for a few minutes longer to ensure Seltivare wasn’t rushed, Ashby blurted, “Saturday. I’ll give up the couch on Saturday night.”
“And I’ll get my second hoop.”
Ashby stared into Seltivare’s eyes. Lust and caring were the only emotions in his gorgeous gaze. “Yes, Selti. You’ll get your second hoop.”
“Kisses now?”
“After our garden show. Otherwise, I’m going to forget every reason I shouldn’t take you on the sofa right now.”
Seltivare’s delightful laugh sent a pleasant shiver through Ashby, and he sighed happily as the elf brushed their lips together. “Okay. Gardening fun, then making out.”
“But no finding out what color my underwear is. You keep your hands on top of my clothes. Oh, and no enticing wiggles. My dick loves that.”
“I’m not wearing underwear,” Seltivare informed him with a sly glance.
Ashby pressed his mouth to his mate’s. “Selti?”
“Yes?”
“Shut up.”
Chapter 7
It was Saturday, and Seltivare was running out of patience. For some reason, the entire day, the clock had refused to budge. Each hour had dragged by, and Seltivare had slapped a smile on his face as he ate meals, gardened, and struggled to endure each long hour of daylight. It reminded him of being a child and lying in bed at night on the solstice. He’d stared at the ceiling with his toes wiggling against the sheets as he’d waited for morning so he could open his presents.
