Page 51 of Demon's Mate
Harper shifted closer, and Ash leaned in. The arm he had on the back of the couch slid down, embracing Harper, and Harper angled his face, tilting his mouth up ever so slightly.
Ash closed the distance and brushed his lips gently against Harper’s. Harper caught the spiced, smoky scent of Ash’scologne and sighed into the kiss, his body melting into Ash like it belonged there.
Ash rumbled against Harper’s lips, almost purring, a sound so content that Harper shivered. It was as if Ash had been waiting for this and was relieved to finally kiss Harper again. Could Ash really feel that strongly?
Harper kissed Ash back. He wrapped his arms around Ash’s neck and pressed closer. Damn, it felt good to be back in Ash’s arms. Why couldn’t everything feel this good? It was like nothing could touch him when they were together.
Ash kissed along Harper’s jaw and tugged lightly on his earlobe.
Harper whimpered. “Want to go to my room?”
Ash pulled back, fixing a smoldering stare on Harper. “Sure.”
Harper stood from the couch. He hesitated to take things too far in the living room, even though Ollie wouldn’t return for hours. He wasn’t nervous like when he’d first taken Ash home, but there was something delicate about this time. Whatever it was, Harper wanted it to happen behind closed doors, where he felt safest.
Ash followed him into his room, toed off his shoes, and shut the door. Harper hovered near his bed, but he was saved from having to decide what to do next as Ash pulled him close.
He pressed his lips to Harper’s ear. “What do you want, sweet? Would you like to call the shots? Tell me how you want me, and you can have it.”
Harper’s breath hitched. Ash lingered, kissing his ear. “I’m not sure what I want.” The honest words slipped out before Harper could stop them.
Ash pulled back, cupping Harper’s cheek. “We don’t have to do anything like we did the other night. That’s not why I came over.”
Harper appreciated the lack of pressure. It made it easier to open up. “I want to. I just don’t really know what I like.” His cheeks burned. He wanted Ash to see him, to know him, even if it was kind of embarrassing. “I don’t have a lot of experience. This is my first real date.”
Ash’s thumb stroked Harper’s cheek. “I’m honored to be your first real date, flower.”
Fuck, Ash was intense. Harper loved it. Most guys would never say anything like that, but it wasn’t cheesy or fake when Ash did. It seemed genuine and made Harper feel safe being himself. “Maybe I can find out what I like with you?”
Ash hummed. “I’d love nothing more. We can take our time exploring anything you want.”
Yes, that sounded perfect.
Harper pulled Ash onto the bed. He laid back and Ash settled beside him, propped on his side. He placed a hand on Harper’s stomach.
Ash ran his hand up to Harper’s pecs, brushing his nipples lightly through his T-shirt. “You liked it when I touched you here last time, right?” Harper nodded, and Ash pinched one of his nipples, making him gasp. Ash grinned. “May I explore the rest of you?”
“Okay,” Harper breathed.
Ash’s hand trailed back down his body. “Is there anywhere you don’t like being touched?”
“I don’t think so.” Harper squirmed as Ash’s hand neared his groin. “No one’s ever touched me like this.” His gaze shot to Ash’s face. Was that too much to admit?
Ash seemed thoughtful. “Your past lovers didn’t touch you?”
Harper bit his lip. “I’ve only had one. It wasn’t like this.”
“I love touching you, watching your reactions, and seeingwhat brings you pleasure. Nothing feels as good as your body against mine.” Ash hauled Harper against him in a tight hug.
Harper’s heart swelled almost painfully. “It feels so good when you hold me,” he whispered.
Ash nuzzled Harper’s neck as he stroked his back. “I’ll hold you whenever you like. If you ever need a hug, call me. I’ll be there.” He kissed Harper’s cheek.
“You’d really do that?” Harper gripped Ash’s broad shoulders. “Not even to get off or anything? You’d come to see me just to hug me?”
“Yes,” Ash murmured in his ear.
Harper’s throat constricted. He wanted someone to be there for him whenever he needed. To hug and comfort him and listen to his ramblings. He wanted it more than sex. And Ash wanted that too? With him?
