Page 32 of Six Types of Apology

“This whole night has been magical.” Orion leaned close and Vincent tightened his hold, enjoying the feel of Orion’s body against his. “We’ve slayed the party dragons…”

“Invoked the gremlins of the border mountains.”

“Martha won the waistcoat challenge, as I knew she would.”

“Yes. Well. We’ll have conversations about changing tailors in the morning,” Vincent grumbled but he was only teasing. Honestly, it had been the best night of his life. Nothing could spoil it.

“We’ve come so far, and done so much together,” Orion’s voice sounded wistful. “There’s only one more thing I can think of that would make this night even more special.”

“If it’s in my power, it’s yours,” Vincent promised looking down to see Orion looking up at him.

“When we go to bed tonight, I’d dearly love a kiss before sleep.” Two red slashes appeared on Orion’s cheeks. “And not on my hair like you do when you think I’m already asleep. A proper kiss while I’m awake.”

“I can do that. I’d happily do that. We can go and do that now.”

“Keep dancing.” Orion patted his chest. “This is lovely, just being held and moving like this. Let’s enjoy it a while longer.”

Enjoy it?Vincent was floating on clouds.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

It was close to an hour later when Vincent escorted Orion to their rooms. John and Morgan had already retired for the night, and the few crystal lamps that had been activated bathed the room in a warm glow.

“Did you fancy a nightcap?” Vincent asked, much like he did most nights. It had become part of their routine – Orion getting changed in the bathroom while Vincent prepared drinks, and then Vincent would use the same bathroom to get changed into his sleep pants before they went to bed together.

But on this night, Orion was determined to change things up. Vincent had been patient, more than Orion believed possible and with the residual feelings of the sensation of Vincent’s body against his as they’d danced together still pinging around his body in the most delicious fashion, Orion wanted to take the last step in their marriage.

“Can you give me a hand with getting undressed, please?” he said, hoping the dim light would hide the heat that flooded his cheeks.

“You sure?” Vincent, who’d been loitering by the small bar cabinet, left that immediately, coming over and stroking up Orion’s arms. “Are you asking what I think you’re asking?”

“I’m not sure how far my body can go tonight, but…” Orion let out a long breath. “I’d like to be close to you. Physically closer.”

“We could start with that kiss.” Vincent’s hands were now framing Orion’s face, gentle yet firm all in one go. “I’ve waited a long time for this. I hope I don’t muck it up.”

The statement was so typical Vincent, that Orion grinned, standing on tip toe, and brushing his lips over Vincent’s. “I’ve been waiting too, but I do believe you’ll be worth the wait.”

“Goddess of magic and steam, pressure.” Vincent chuckled as he bent his head, kissing Orion in a way Orion could only consider as thorough.

And delightful.

And definitely sexy. Orion felt parts of his body stir under the cloth of his pants and leaned closer, relying on Vincent’s body to hold him upright.

“I feel at times I could devour you whole, and still come back for more,” Vincent groaned, letting go of Orion’s face and running his palms down Orion’s back.

“Keep rubbing my back like that, and I’d let you.” Orion wanted to arch into those hands. Vincent had offered to massage him before, but Orion always felt that was taking advantage of his husband when there was little he could do for Vincent in return. But with his lips buzzing from the kisses and his muscles relaxing under Vincent’s hands, Orion privately called himself a fool for not taking Vincent up on his offer earlier.

“Let me get you out of these clothes.” Vincent’s voice had dropped into a sexy octave Orion hadn’t heard before. He moved his hands around to the front of Orion’s waistcoat, his hand hovering over the top button.

Orion nodded, watching as if in a dream as Vincent undid his buttons, carefully easing the waistcoat off Orion’s shoulders and tossing it onto a nearby chair. The electricity between them increased as Vincent’s fingers grazed the top button of Orion’s shirt, waiting for another nod, which Orion gave him.

Overwhelmed by the moment, because for Orion it was life changing, he focused on the little things. The quick work Vincent made of his buttons, the hitch of Vincent’s breath as the shirt came off, too. Orion knew he wasn’t much to look at, but Vincent seemed to think differently. “You have such beautiful skin,” he said softly, stroking over Orion’s collarbone and making him shiver.

Knowing that anything he said would just ruin the moment, Orion smiled his thanks and then went and sat on the edge of the bed, holding out one of his feet. As if summoned, Vincent was on his knees in front of him, removing his boots and tossing them aside, before stroking up Orion’s legs. Orion couldn’t tell what Vincent was thinking, but he didn’t think he was unhappy about anything.

Jumping up, Vincent said, “Let me get caught up,” chucking off his not-robe in a single movement, and shucking his pants down his legs, leaving them both discarded on the floor. Orion had seen Vincent’s bare chest before. The man wasn’t a fan of sleeping in a shirt, but this was the first time he’d seen his husband fully naked. It was a sight worth looking at.

Orion swallowed as his mouth filled with saliva. Vincent’s cock was standing proud from his body, a reflection of Vincent’s bubbly personality in the way it bobbed about looking for attention.

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