Page 83 of Studious
“You’re incredible,” he whispers. “You’re an honor. You’re a pleasure.”
And I think I hear him whisper, very low, “You’re mine.”
CHAPTER22
Danny
It’s the middle of the night, and I’m shook. More than shook. I’m dismantled. Like my foundation has been knocked loose.
I’ve had a lot of sex. I’m good at it. I like getting a guy shuddering and swearing and thinking I’m his world.
I have never, ever had a guy look at me the way Alden did tonight. Like he trusted me with everything. Like I was worth being his first.
Alden offering himself to me felt likemore. It felt like he was giving me a part of his fucking soul. And a part of me wants to pull away. Because this is getting a little too scary. A little too much like an emotion I swore off ten years ago.
But I could never do that to Alden. And besides, just because we’re doing some kind of friends-with-benefits thing, that doesn’t mean we’re falling in love.
I don’t want to trap him into being only with me when he hasn’t had a chance to experience being with other guys. For all I know, Alden could feel like he has no other prospects. But anyone who’s paying attention could see he’s the best.
So here I am, cuddling a sleeping Alden, not wanting to move even though my arm is going numb. And I’m wondering what the hell is happening. The me of just a few months ago wouldn’t have gotten anywhere near a situation like this.
I don’t want Alden to leave, though. And I’m kinda talkingever.
Alden doesn’t snore, but he has this soft, rhythmic breathing that I can’t help listening to. It reminds me that this interesting person is alive. That he’s flesh and blood. That a life force pumps through his veins.
I like how his body feels against mine. He’s smaller than I am, but I don’t feel like I’m going to break him. More like he’s someone I can protect and take care of.
I like the idea of taking care of him.
My dick is thickening as I remember Alden’s cries when we were moving together, the slickness of his skin and the way he trembled under me. How good it felt. How I felt connected in ways I don’t normally feel.
I sigh, contentedly and deeply, and let Alden’s steady breaths soothe me to sleep.
* * *
I wake up a little too warm, nestled against a body that smells of sex and sweat, combined with Alden’s soap and his own unique scent. And that I now know more intimately than I did before last night.
“Alden,” I say, my voice creaky. “Hey.”
He’s facing me, our knees touching, and he’s studying me, looking concerned. My stomach drops. Does he regret what we did?
“Morning,” he says carefully. “How are you?”
I blink. “I’m great. You okay with a hug?”
He looks surprised. “Of course.” He cuddles into me.
I speak into his neck. “I can’t get enough of you.” Then I slide a hand down his back and squeeze his ass. “Are you sore this morning?”
“It feels funny, yeah.”
“Is there something I could do to make you feel better?”
My sweet Alden grins. “Kiss me?”
“That,” I say, “I can do. With pleasure.”
He’s like a purring cat under me, because of course I push him onto his back and settle in between his legs. He’s all warm and sleepy.
