Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 43080 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 215(@200wpm)___ 172(@250wpm)___ 144(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 43080 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 215(@200wpm)___ 172(@250wpm)___ 144(@300wpm)
Bain could hardly pay attention to the movie. He was too aware of this human who so intrigued him. Clive was to be his mate. If Clive wanted that—and Bain so hoped he did. He’d never, ever considered having a mate, but now it was all he could think about.
And the heat during that kiss…
It was beyond anything Bain had ever felt. But it was more than that. He wanted to be on the other side of the couch with Clive tucked up against him. Wanted to hold him close. Sleep with him. Wake to him.
He wanted to just be with him.
But how did he make that happen? He knew how to seduce. Sex was easy. It was all the other stuff he had no experience with. Could Bain even be everything Clive would need? Worrying wasn’t a feeling he was used to. Neither was insecurity, and he was feeling that in spades.
“You said you’re not dating anyone,” Clive suddenly asked, “but is there someone you’re interested in?”
“No, I wouldn’t have kissed you if I were.”
“Good. I should have asked before. Should have asked more about you before. And I’m sorry if it’s seemed like I’m selfish and not interested in your life.” Clive sipped his tea and curled one leg beneath himself. “You’ve lived so long. I can’t even imagine what’s that like. What kinds of things have you done? Seen?”
Bain thought about where to start for a moment, then shrugged. “I grew up in California, watched San Francisco grow to become the economic hub of the Pacific Coast. I traveled a lot, fought in several wars, including the Civil War. I’ve always found slavery abhorrent, so you can guess which side. I watched the political parties here change.” He met Clive’s gaze, deciding to be perfectly honest with the man. “I met Xavier in the 1970s. It wasn’t a good time for me because I’d had a run in with some rather nasty preternaturals, and they’d left me for dead. I truly thought I would die and was lying in a dirty alley when he found me. He took care of me, and then we traveled together for many years before we settled here.”
“Why here?”
“I’d thought it was because it’s a powerful area, full of ley lines that Xavier can draw power from. There are more power-filled areas, like the UK, but we both like it on this side of the pond.”
“What do you mean you’d thought that’s why you moved here?”
“Just that my best friend, my boss, Xavier, tends to have reasons why he does things and rarely shares those reasons. He’s said some things lately that have me understanding things are different than they seemed.”
“That’s a rather convoluted… and vague answer.”
Bain grinned. “I know.”
“Have you traveled in other countries?”
Bain nodded. “Many, but I always come home. Xavier and I spent about three years in France. We also lived briefly in Australia.” He grinned. “I loved traveling with him, but when we came here, we were both ready to settle down. Starting the business was the best thing. I love working there.”
“What about relationships? You must have had some in all that time.” Sadness pulled down his lips and darkened his eyes. “Oh,” he whispered. “You must outlive everyone.”
“I’ve had brief trysts, but no, nothing long term for that very reason. It’s too…hard.”
“I can’t imagine how awful that would be.” Clive went quiet. Bain wondered what he was thinking.
“It’s not so bad. I don’t want for sex, and I love it. All varieties. But maybe it’s time to give something more a try.” Bain grinned at him. “Don’t worry, I like that you don’t share.”
Clive’s mouth opened and closed a couple of times before he scooted a little closer. “Are you saying what I think you are? What about the company rule?”
“After kissing you, I find that I’m more of a rule breaker than I thought. Clive, I couldn’t keep my hands off you if I tried now.”
Clive sucked in a deep breath then seemed to stop breathing as he slid closer.
Bain had expected the man to be afraid of him after seeing his other form, not seek more from him. He held his breath, too, as a wild mix of desire and hope tore through him.
“I need to see something,” Clive murmured as he moved all the way into Bain’s space.
Bain heard Clive barely whisper something about fireworks right before he shocked Bain by climbing into his lap. He spread his legs on either side of Bain. Feeling his weight and that beautiful ass over his thighs made Bain’s desire ramp up to fiery levels. He gripped Clive’s waist and took in the way lust changed Clive’s features—eyes glazed, lips parted and the most beautiful flush on his neck and freckled cheeks. Their gazes locked and stayed that way as Clive drew closer, finally breaking when he kissed Bain. This time, his lips were firm.