Page 10 of Fated Redemption
“No, but if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. Lauri was addicted to soaps in the seventies, I can’t imagine they’ve changed all that much since then.” Rhys turned on his side to face him.
“You know I won’t let them near you, right?” Moe asked, as he watched a shadow cross Rhys’s features.
“I don’t want anything to happen to you.” Rhys wrapped his arms around his torso.
Moe reached over and pulled him close.
“I only hope that they give me a reason. I haven’t forgotten that Salsiby is partly responsible for petitioning for your death.” Moe growled low and pulled Rhys flush against his body.
Rhys shuddered as their cocks rubbed against each other through their jeans.
Moe breathed through his nose and tried to reign in his growing desire. “Baby, I am holding on by a thread here, you’re going to have to tell me you’re not ready.” Moe ran his hand up and down Rhys’s back.
Rhys looked up and with regret in his eyes scooted back away from Moe. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to tease. I don’t think I’m ready. The moment I find release, my body will want blood, I can’t risk drinking directly from you. I need more time.” Rhys brought his arm up to cover his eyes.
Moe pulled Rhys’s arm down and leaned forward to pepper his face with kisses.
“I meant what I said. We’re going to take this at your pace. I’m not going to lie, I want you more than my next breath, but I’m not willing to send you into a relapse for sex.” Moe pulledRhys back into his arms. He was unwilling to let their bodies be separated, he had waited too long for them to be together.
“I’m sorry,” Rhys whispered.
“Hush, get some rest.” Moe rubbed up and down on Rhys’s arms, mimicking Rhys’s nervous gesture. Slowly Rhys relaxed and fell asleep.
The sound of glass breaking had Rhys turning to see Peyton frantically turning this way and that, staring at the floor. Rhys waved a concerned-looking Moe off and went over to help the smaller man. Evening came quicker than they had both liked and it was time to open the bar.
“Hey Peyton, need some help?” Rhys asked. He crouched down and started picking up shards of glass.
“I swear I didn’t mean to!” Peyton pleaded.
Rhys laid a calming hand on Peyton’s shoulder. “I have an idea. How about I take over at the bar, and you can walk around and take orders?” Rhys suggested.
Peyton paused and looked over at Rhys. “Are you sure? That would be amazing. I really suck at being a bartender. But I don’t want you getting stuck doing it.” Peyton looked dejected.
“Peyton, before I came here, I was a bartender at Purgatory. It’s what I do.” Rhys laughed at Peyton’s hopeful expression. Was he really that bad at bartending? It caught him by surprise at how easy it was to laugh lately, being with Moe made all the difference in the world.
“Seriously? You mean I don’t have to do it anymore? Thank God!” Peyton practically sobbed.
Rhys wrapped an arm around the smaller shifter. “Go put on an apron and see what people want. I’ll finish cleaning up here.” Rhys gave him a one-armed hug and pushed him toward the open room.
Peyton beamed at him, and Rhys was taken aback at how utterly handsome he was.
“Yes, go ahead, Peyton.” Moe’s low voice moved through him. Peyton smiled again at Rhys and took off like an over-caffeinated rabbit. Rhys grabbed the rest of the larger pieces of glass and stood. He threw them away and had just picked up the foxtail and dustpan when he realized Moe was still standing at the end of the bar. When he looked up, Moe’s gray eyes had darkened to an unreadable onyx.
It dawned on him that Moe was jealous. He couldn’t hide his satisfied smile if he tried. Moe’s smoldering eyes and shadowed jaw coupled with the ink peeking out from his black tee shirt made him look dark and dangerous. God help him, his man was so damn sexy right now. He put the foxtail and dustpan down and sauntered over to Moe.
“Hey baby, you do know that you’re it for me, right?” Rhys looped his arms around the large man’s waist.
Moe took a deep breath and crushed him against his muscled frame. “I’m sorry, it’s just we haven’t mated yet, and my monkey is going nuts.” Moe’s eyes widened when he realized what he said.
Rhys couldn’t help the chuckle and slid his hand between their bodies to cup his mate’s bulging package. He saw Moe’s eyes practically cross as he dropped his head back on his shoulders.
“I may not be ready for sex, but I won’t leave my mate in such a state. I’ll take care of your monkey, baby.” Rhys stroked him through his jeans.
“Now? You’re ready now?” Moe looked down at him almost in tears. In the background Peyton fired up the jukebox.
Rhys winked. “Look at it this way, you have something to look forward to.” Rhys gave the impressive bulge one final squeeze and stepped back.
“Heart—heartless.” Moe took deep breaths and reached down to readjust himself.
