Harper caught sight of the edge of a tattoo on each of Ash’s shoulders, like he had something inked on his back.
 
 Ash placed his hands on Harper’s inner thighs and spread his legs wide. Harper’s cock bobbed between them. Ash seemedto be drinking the sight in, making circles with his thumbs on Harper’s sensitive flesh.
 
 Ash bent and kissed Harper’s inner thigh. “Has anyone ever done this for you?”
 
 Harper’s legs trembled. “No.”
 
 Ash kissed him again, swiping his tongue along Harper’s skin. His fingers flexed, holding Harper tight. “I’ll take care of you, sweet. Make you feel so good.”
 
 Harper bit back a strangled sound.
 
 Ash moved his mouth to Harper’s other thigh, kissing and licking, his hands kneading Harper’s muscles. Harper placed a tentative hand on Ash’s head, letting Ash’s hair run between his fingers. He could see Ash’s tattoo better now that he was bent farther forward. It was a design of intricate feathers, like folded wings.
 
 Harper trembled as Ash kissed up his inner thigh, getting closer to his cock. He took his time, and Harper would have been impatient, except it was so clear Ash was enjoying this, almost worshipful in the way he caressed Harper, that Harper couldn’t possibly rush him.
 
 Ash hummed as his face came to the crease between Harper’s thigh and groin. He licked and buried his nose in Harper’s skin, smelling him.
 
 Harper’s breathing shallowed, his cheeks impossibly hot. His hips twitched. Ash groaned and turned his attention to Harper’s balls, licking and sucking them as a hand finally wrapped around Harper’s cock.
 
 Ash gave him a few strokes before running his tongue up and down his shaft. Harper whimpered, trembling all over, his hand tightening in Ash’s hair.
 
 “You taste so good,” Ash murmured against his cock. “I can smell myself on you.”
 
 “Fuck,” Harper hissed and almost went over the edge. “Ash…”
 
 “I’ve got you, sweet.” Ash’s gaze found Harper’s as he wrapped his lips around Harper’s cock.
 
 “Oh…fuck.” Harper’s head dropped back as Ash’s hot, wet mouth encased him.
 
 Ash took him down, sucking and teasing Harper with his tongue, and Harper’s whole world narrowed to Ash’s mouth.
 
 So good.
 
 He watched Ash take him, lips stretched, gazing up at Harper like he was unable to tear his eyes away. Harper panted, letting out little whimpers as his pleasure built. Ash groaned around him, making that almost purring sound.
 
 “Ash,” Harper gasped. He was close. He wanted it to last longer but couldn’t hold back.
 
 Ash took him deep, humming again, and Harper came, his eyes falling shut as he clung to Ash’s hair. Harper’s hips twitched and his muscles clenched. He shook and cried out as his release filled Ash’s mouth. Ash swallowed, working him through each aftershock before pulling off his spent cock, a satisfied smile tugging on his full, spit-slick lips.
 
 In one fluid motion, Ash stood and picked Harper up, lying him back on the bed. Ash wrapped his arms around Harper and held him close.
 
 It felt even better than the blowjob.
 
 19
 
 ASH
 
 Ash ranhis fingers through Harper’s hair as he slept, head resting on Ash’s chest. Ash’s fire simmered low and content. At least he’d given his mate one of the things he needed.
 
 After watching Harper’s apartment over the past several days, Ash was almost certain Harper hadn’t left the building since the attack. He’d hoped coffee would help him feel comfortable getting out. Perhaps they could work up to it if Harper accepted his help.
 
 Would Harper ever open up?
 
 It was hard to be patient with Harper in his arms. The mate connection tugged at Ash’s heart, growing stronger, urging him to soothe and protect.
 
 Harper stirred, shifting and nuzzling into Ash. “Oh no,” he groaned. “I fell asleep.”
 
 Ash stroked Harper’s hair. He was adorable. “Don’t worry, sweet. Nap all day if you want.”