Chapter 12
GAVIN
Let morning not come, I think. I want to lie in bed with Kyler for as long as possible. But the birds chat outside, waking me from slumber. My memory reminds me of our adventure, and my heart speeds up. With Kyler, I can retrieve the phoenix stone myself.
Kyler is still nestled against me. The little sounds he makes have me thinking of a kitten. From what I can tell, he lives a hard life but doesn’t let it get him down. That’s something to admire. I rub a hand along Kyler’s back, grabbing his beautifully round and firm ass. I squeeze.
Kyler moans and wiggles his bottom. He groans and pushes himself to a sitting position, wiping his mouth.
I notice the cooling drool puddle on his chest but say nothing.
His hair is a mess after last night. He looks adorably sleepy.
“You wake incredibly early,” he says, rubbing his eyes with the heels of his hands.
“Habit.” I can’t help myself. I tip Kyler’s chin so I can taste those sweet bow lips again.
Luckily, he indulges me. We both sigh into the soft press together.
Kyler pulls back first, his cheeks flushed. “What we did last night…” He squeezes his eyes shut. “Maybe we should fake it?”
I nod, but I don’t want to fake anything with him.
Kyler presses a hand to my chest and pushes away. “We’re playing parts. We can’t get attached. You have important tasks to do for your brother, for the people of Lane. I can’t get in the way of that. I’ll do what I can, play my part in public, but… what happened last night can’t happen again.”
I bite my tongue so hard that a burst of coppery blood fills my mouth.
I want to beg Kyler to take the words back, but I can't. I know he’s right.
We should have just play acted the night before, but Kyler is temptation in a perfect package.
“We should get dressed for breakfast. Please use the utensils. And eat with your mouth closed.”
Kyler lets out a sigh. “I’ve upset you.”
I turn to the side and drop my feet to the floor. I shake my head, but that’s all I can do. I’m more angry at myself than anything.
“If you were anything like I’d expected, it’d be different.
If you were this pompous ass that expected me to do everything you asked, it’d be different.
But I can’t toy with your emotions, Gavin.
” The bed creaks as Kyler stands. “You’re too good to be strung along.
I’ve charmed a fair amount of men without qualms about getting what I wanted from them. You don’t deserve that.”
But it sounds exactly like what I want. I want to get lost in someone. “It’s fine. You did excellently yesterday. Ambrose believes us, and probably Damon now. Leander will play along with whatever we do.”
Kyler stands in front of me. “I don’t want you thinking what I do means anything, okay? I take jobs seriously. I have to; otherwise…” He stops, closing his eyes, obviously not wanting to continue.
“Otherwise?” I need to know.
“I get punished.” The words are so soft I wonder if I’ve heard correctly.
“The captain?” I can’t stop my hands from taking his and pulling him closer, circling my arms around his thin waist.
“Don’t worry about it.” Kyler sinks his hands into my hair, rubbing my scalp with his fingertips.
“Your words don’t match your actions, Kyler.”
“I know,” he whispers. “I’m not used to people being gentle with me. I’d like to enjoy it while I can.”
I nod. I press my head to Kyler’s stomach and pull him closer. “I’ll always be gentle with you.”
“You can’t promise that.” Kyler cups my face and drops a kiss on my forehead. He’s right.
I’m eggborn. I could get stuck in my dragon with Kyler around. Then who knows what would happen?
“You’re more reasonable than I am, Kyler. We’ll just be friends then.”
Kyler smiles. “I’d like that. I could use more friends.”
“And friends get to know each other.”
“They do.” Kyler’s smile turns to laughter when I start tickling him.
“I want all your adventure stories. And don’t embellish. I want the truth, even if it’s boring. I always fly everywhere, so ship adventures will be fascinating.”
“You’ll have your own soon enough. But I have quite a few that should sate your need for stories. However, I believe we have breakfast to attend, my love.” Kyler holds out his hand. “And we need to make the court blush… to which I have a few ideas.”