Chapter 20
Chapter
Twenty
Malachi stared into the flames. He didn’t really need to tend to the fire. What he needed was a moment to think.
Truthfully, he probably needed some time alone. But he wasn’t about to kick Trent out this late at night. Just the thought of suggesting the young man leave his bed and make his way home through the snowy, cold streets after Malachi had his way with him made Malachi nauseous.
So that meant Malachi stared into the fire while he took a few minutes to process.
The red-and-gold flames had dimmed. The dying embers glowed. The log had cracked and started to crumble to ash. Soon ash and soot would be all that was left of the fire.
He did not need to build it up for Trent’s comfort. Especially if he crawled into bed beside Trent. They’d keep each other warm through the night.
Malachi stared at the dying flames. He touched the seashell that hung from his neck.
For the first time in over ten years, he’d had sex. The last person he’d made love to was Forathia. He took a deep breath as that knowledge settled inside him.
He didn’t feel like he had betrayed Forathia’s memory. Truthfully, over the past years, Malachi had avoided contemplating what Forathia would think of how Malachi lived. His mate would probably weep to know how isolated, mirthless, and withdrawn from life Malachi had become.
Forathia had always been so cheerful. He’d constantly tried to make Malachi laugh or smile by telling jokes or stories. He’d probably be celebrating to know that Malachi had fucked someone after years of abstinence.
Still, it felt strange to have bedded someone. He’d not planned it. But when he realised Trent wanted him, his desire had reawakened with force. He still didn’t quite know what to make of that.
He glanced at the bed. Trent sprawled, eyes closed, breathing heavily as he slept. Not surprising considering he’d orgasmed twice.
Malachi smiled, and something inside his chest softened at the sight of the man so vulnerable in his bed. Malachi didn’t regret the evening. It had been more than pleasurable. He’d taken real enjoyment from touching Trent, from seeing the wonder and lust in his eyes.
But he wasn’t quite sure where they should go from here. He was still certain he did not wish to date or anything like that. Did he want to have sex with Trent again? Was that a good idea? Malachi didn’t know.
Sighing, he turned to the fire once again. After a few minutes of contemplation, he still didn’t have any answers. He rose and approached the bed. He took off his glasses, placed them on the bedside. Then he lifted the blanket and slipped beneath.
Tomorrow they could talk, and they could decide what they both wanted. Perhaps Trent did not want anything more from Malachi. After all, he had wanted to date. So now maybe he’d move on after they’d spent a night together.
Trent blinked his eyes open. “Everything okay?”
Malachi wrapped his arms and tentacles around Trent. “Everything’s fine. Sleep.”
And the young man closed his eyes, as if it were an order. But Malachi lay awake as the glow from the fire continued to die away. Because even though he had decided to sleep on it, the worries and uncertainty still came. His thoughts wouldn’t settle.
Still, it was nice to feel a presence beside him. For the first time in years, Malachi wasn’t alone.
He woke to movement above him. He opened his eyes, looking up at Trent.
“What are you doing?” Malachi asked, voice sleep-roughened.
“Sorry. I was trying to get up and not wake you. I need to leave soon so I can get to the bakery,” he whispered.
Malachi then realised Trent had been trying to crawl over him to get out of bed.
“Well, I’m awake now.” Malachi smiled. “So you don’t need to whisper.”
Trent let out a laugh and climbed from the bed. Malachi lit a candle. The fire had died, and the world remained dark outside the window. But of course, it was not long to midwinter, so it might not be that early.
Trent searched for his clothes and dressed. Malachi did the same. He could feel Trent stealing glances at him.
Malachi still had no idea where they stood. They should work that out before Trent left. And it was probably Malachi’s responsibility to initiate that conversation, since he was older and last night had been Trent’s first time.
“Thank you for last night. I enjoyed myself a great deal,” Malachi said.
“Really?” Trent exhaled heavily, as if he had been holding his breath. “Me too. And was I okay?”
Malachi paused buttoning up his tunic. He walked towards the young man and placed his hands on Trent’s shoulders. “You were wonderful.”
Trent beamed.
And suddenly Malachi very much had the urge to kiss him. Actually he had a strong urge to undress him and fuck him.
But Trent had to go to work. So none of that now.
So instead Malachi asked, “How are you feeling this morning?”
“Good.” A flush stained Trent’s cheeks. “Very good.”
“No regrets?”
Trent gave a sharp shake of his head. “Definitely not.”
“I’m glad.” Malachi squeezed Trent’s shoulder. “And is that all you wanted?”
“What do you mean?” Trent frowned.
“As I mentioned yesterday, I am not in a position to date or fall in love.” Malachi needed to ensure he did not mislead Trent. “And last night, you and I both wanted sex. Are you satisfied now?”
Trent let out a laugh. “I was very satisfied. Couldn’t you tell? I spent twice!”
Malachi chuckled. “What I mean is, and I say this without any intention of putting pressure on you, but did you just want a single sexual encounter with me? Or more?”
Because as Malachi spoke, he realised he wanted more of Trent. He wanted to show Trent more of the pleasures that could be shared between two people. He wanted more nights with Trent in his bed.
“Would you want that too?” Trent’s brown gaze flickered over Malachi’s face, as if he was trying to read him.
“Yes.” Malachi decided he should be honest and up front. They’d had enough miscommunications. “But only if you wish.”
Trent grinned. “I do! Tonight?”
Malachi blinked. That was sooner than he’d expected. Although, he hadn’t really thought further ahead than this conversation. He supposed it showed Trent was eager and did want this. “Are you free?”
“I’ll have work into the evening. Then I’ll go to Ordelia’s, my sister’s, for a bit to help with her kids,” Trent spoke rapidly. “I wasn’t there last night, but I told her I wasn’t coming beforehand. But after going there, I can come back here. If that’s not too late for you.”
“That should be fine.”
Trent practically vibrated with excitement. “I’ll bring more food from the bakery.”
“You don’t have to do that.” Malachi smoothed his hands down Trent’s arms. “But I would definitely not turn down more of your family’s baking.”
Trent opened his mouth. Outside a clock began to chime.
“I should get going,” Trent said. “Lachlan and Kit will have already opened the bakery. Leo and Jasper are always the second ones in. But with Jasper being sick, I try to get in around the same time as them so I can assist him.”
Malachi nodded. But he struggled to keep track of Trent’s many siblings, especially since he had yet to meet any of them. “Well, I’ll see you tonight, then.” Then he leaned down and pressed a kiss to Trent’s mouth.
Malachi had meant it to be a chaste and quick kiss. But as soon as their lips touched, Trent opened to him, gripping his shoulders as he eagerly deepened the kiss. Malachi moaned as their mouths moved together and Trent slipped his tongue into Malachi’s mouth.
Finally, after several minutes, they broke apart, both out of breath.
“Tonight, then.” Malachi took a step back and away from the temptation of the young man.
“Tonight.” Trent finished dressing. He walked over to the terrarium and leaned close. “Bye, Kelby. I’ll see you later.”
Kelby croaked. Trent glanced at Malachi. “See you tonight.” He grinned. Then he dashed down the stairs. Halfway down, his footsteps stopped. Trent came running back up the stairs. “Actually, can I get the elothea seeds for Jasper now?”