Page 43 of In the Monster's Wake
Jasper nodded.What else could he do?
Archie’s hands moved slowly, carefully, tracing the bruises that were blooming on Jasper’s ribs.His touch was feather-light.Jasper sucked in a sharp breath, but it wasn’t from pain.
“Does it hurt?”Archie asked, his eyes flicking up to meet Jasper’s.
Jasper shook his head.“Not exactly.”
Archie’s lips curved into a faint smile, and he leaned in, his breath warm against Jasper’s skin as he pressed a soft kiss to the center of his chest.Jasper gripped the edge of the mattress as Archie’s lips trailed lower, kissing each new bruise slowly.
“Archie,” Jasper whispered, his voice trembling.
“Let me take care of you, Jasper.Let me show you how much you already mean to me.”Archie murmured against Jasper’s skin, his hands sliding up to rest on Jasper’s hips.“I realize it’s a lot, but I care about you, Jasper.”
Jasper’s heart swelled, and he reached out, his fingers tangling in Archie’s silky hair.“I care about you, too,” he breathed out.Who cared if it was too soon?Jasper certainly didn’t.
Archie’s lips moved lower, and Jasper’s breath came faster.Archie’s hands on his hips were firm but gentle, guiding him back against the mattress.Archie never stopped kissing Jasper.
“You’re so strong,” Archie murmured.“So brave, facing Kester on your own twice.You don’t have to be brave with me, though.”
Jasper’s eyes stung, and he blinked back tears as Archie’s words washed over him.No one had ever spoken to him like that—no one had ever looked at him like Archie did, like he was something worth cherishing.Jasper wasn’t fragile, but he’d been trained to be strong all his life.He wasn’t supposed to show feelings.Hunters needed to be emotionless.
Jasper never had been.“Archie,” Jasper whispered.“I—”
Archie looked up, his glowing eyes meeting Jasper’s.“Shh,” he murmured, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to Jasper’s lips.“I’ve got you.”
Jasper pushed his fingers into Archie’s hair, pulling him closer.Archie responded by kissing Jasper with a hunger that made Jasper’s head spin.Archie’s tongue slid against Jasper’s, and Jasper moaned softly, his body arching into Archie’s touch.He felt a slight pain, but it was easy to ignore.
Archie’s hands roamed over Jasper’s body, careful but insistent, and Jasper’s mind went hazy with pleasure.Each touch, each kiss, left him breathless and yearning for more.
“Jasper,” Archie breathed against his lips, his voice thick with desire.“You have no idea what you do to me.”
Jasper slid his hands down to grip Archie’s shoulders.“Show me,” he pleaded, his voice barely a whisper.
Archie’s hands were everywhere, and Jasper’s world narrowed to the feel of Archie’s skin against his, the sound of his own ragged breaths, and the overwhelming sense of safety that came from being in Archie’s arms.It shouldn’t feel like this, but it did, and Jasper didn’t care why.
Jasper’s head fell back against the pillows, his body trembling as Archie’s lips found his neck, and he sucked gently at the sensitive skin.
“Archie,” Jasper gasped.
Archie was everywhere, but Jasper still wanted more.The world dissolved into nothing but the two of them, their bodies moving together in a rhythm that was as natural as breathing.Being human or monster didn’t matter.
Jasper felt taken care of through all of it.He allowed Archie to finish stripping him, glad he’d taken a shower as soon as they’d reached Archie’s apartment.He felt loose and warm as Archie pressed their naked bodies together.There was some pain as they moved, but Archie made Jasper forget all about it.He touched Jasper until Jasper came on a gasp, feeling dizzy as he clung to Archie.
Archie’s hands slid down Jasper’s back, his fingers tracing the lines of his spine as he held him close.“Okay?”he asked.
“Never been better.”
Archie huffed a laugh.“You’re still in pain.I should’ve given you painkillers before doing this.”
“Pleasure is the best painkiller.”Jasper’s voice was slightly slurred, and he knew he wouldn’t be able to stay awake.Everything that had happened tonight was crashing down on him.He’d no doubt freak out tomorrow, but for now, he could forget about Kester.
“I’ll have to make sure we do that a lot, then,” Archie murmured.
Jasper hummed in agreement and nuzzled his nose against Archie’s neck.He wanted to do that a lot, but right now, he wanted to sleep more.
So he did.
