Page 14 of Once Upon A Valentine
Julian raised a brow but didn’t dare say a word. He had a feeling he knew what Bran was getting at but he didn’t like assumptions. He remained quiet and waited.
“He likes… control.” Bran clarified and Julian let his lips curl into the smile that wanted to come. He was oddly proud of Bran for actually saying the word. Julian had met Roman Frost, Bran’s uncle, barely a handful of times in the years he’d worked at Frost Financial but it didn’t matter. He’d only had to be in the man’s presence once to know that he was dominant in everything that he did. “I hope you don’t mind that I talked to him about this, about us I mean. I just needed some insight into things and I knew he wouldn’t judge me or make it uncomfortable.”
“Not at all. If you needed support to make a decision about us, I’m glad you reached out to someone you felt comfortable taking with about it.” Julian narrowed his gaze, “He was, supportive I mean?”
“Yeah. He was. He explained a lot that I didn’t quite understand… even about myself.”
“And?” Julian found himself wishing for that glass of wine or whiskey, anything to hold onto as he awaited Bran’s answer and something to dull the pain in case he was wrong and had gotten his hopes up once again over nothing.
He’d never seen Bran like this. The Branson Frost he knew was always full of so much bravado. He was loud and boisterous and the center of attention. He didn’t shrink into himself and he certainly didn’t second-guess himself. He charged forward recklessly no matter what the consequences but apparently, when it came to Julian and what he’d asked for, Bran had finally decided to be cautious in his decision making.
He was glad. Really, he was. He’d wanted Bran to take his time and think about what it would mean for them to be together. He thought it was a good sign that Bran really was ready for what he was offering if he’d taken the time to talk to his uncle about it. But damn if it didn’t also leave Julian’s nerves frayed as he waited for the words that would make or break them.
“And… I realized something while I was talking to Roman, or rather, he made me realize something.”
“What’s that?” Julian tipped his head curiously.
“He explained that you asking for control isn’t something you want in this relationship. It’s something you need. Youneedmy trust, probably more than you need anything else from me.” Bran met his gaze again and held him there with a small smile, “And you have it. You’ve always had it. You’re a good man, Jules, far better than me, and if you want me, if you want to be with me and love me and take care of me, you’d do it a hell of a lot better than I’ve done it for myself. So yes. My answer is yes.”
Julian’s chest felt tight, “Yes?”
“Yes.” Bran nodded, reaffirming his words. “You need trust and you have it. I need someone that will stand by me as I try to get my life in order and become a better man. You want to be that man. Right?”
“I do.”
“So we need each other. It’s not just about want. It’s not just about sex. I need you and you need me so how could I possibly walk away from this without seeing if we can make each other happy?”
Julian’s heart gave a near painful wallop. Bran needed him. He’d thought that he did but hearing him admit it did something to Julian’s insides. Everything he felt for this man came rushing to the surface. Bran had taken the time and thought this through. He had sought guidance and counseling to come to this decision. He was going into this with his eyes open and, it sounded, like his heart too.
“I will do everything in my power to make you happy, Branson.”
“And I’ll try my best not to be a fuckup. I swear.”
Julian had to smile at that. Bran wasn’t nearly the fuckup he pretended to be. He would show him that too. But not tonight. Tonight was just for them. Finally. Just like he’d always dreamed. He had Branson Frost here, in his living room, telling him that he had his trust and wanted to try a relationship with him, and now all Julian could think was just how long he had waited to finally have this man as his own, to hold and kiss and love with everything he had to offer.
“So…” Bran’s voice drew him back to the moment, “What now?”
Julian relaxed back against the couch and glanced at him from beneath his lashes, “Now you prove to me that you have some semblance of control and can follow orders.”
Bran’s eyes widened slightly, “How do I do that?”
“Come here.” Julian crooked a finger at him. “Come sit on my lap.”
Bran was up in a heartbeat. In one long stride he sidestepped the coffee table separating them and was in front of Julian. In the next, he slid forward, straddling Julian’s lap. Julian hadn’t told him to straddle him but damn if he wasn’t glad Bran had taken the initiative when he felt the man’s weight settle over him, the warmth of him like a blanket, only better.
“Now what?” Bran licked his lips and Julian swallowed a groan as arousal sparked through his every nerve ending.
“Now…” He said slowly, drawing the word out almost painfully, “I’m going to kiss you and you are going to let me.”
Bran’s brows quirked, “That’s it?”
“Yes. It’s very simple really. I’m going to kiss you and you’re not going to touch me while I enjoy the taste of you. You will put your hands on the couch and keep them to yourself. You won’t grind yourself against me. You won’t try to take control in any way. Is that understood?”
The way Bran’s quicksilver eyes hooded gave Julian more hope than he’d let himself feel since the man appeared on his doorway. Bran wanted this. He did. He wasn’t just playing along to let Julian have his way. He wanted this as much and as badly as Julian did.
Bran nodded.
“Say it.” Julian demanded; his voice low.
