Page 41 of Last Resort

Erik rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t help smiling. “I didn’t intend to.”

“Sure you didn’t.”

They kept the conversation light for the rest of the meal, enjoying the decadent beef and the excellent wine pairing.

“You spoil me.” Ben poured them both more wine. “I was a shot and a beer kind of guy before I met you.”

“I like the sound of that—spoiling you.” Erik met Ben’s gaze with intent. “Not that there’s anything wrong with Boilermakers.”

“Umm. You’ve opened my eyes to the finer things in life,” Ben said, only half-joking. “I’m glad you were willing to overlook my rough edges. I’m kind of a ‘scratch and dent special.’”

Erik took his hand and twined their fingers together. “I love you just the way you are for being exactly who you are. Don’t ever doubt that.”

They both made a point to stop before they were stuffed so they didn’t fall asleep from the rich food and wine. “Why don’t you run the bathwater, and I’ll put food in the fridge and join you?” He pulled Ben in for another kiss before he turned to the counter.

“Don’t keep me waiting.” Ben gave Erik’s ass a squeeze for good measure.

Moments later, Erik heard water running, and hurried to package the last of the leftovers. He made sure the security system was on, then went to join Ben, shedding his clothing outside the bathroom door.

The smell of sandalwood and orange in the humid bathroom air told Erik that Ben had used one of their bath bombs. The old house didn’t have a modern shower, just a shower head over a huge cast iron tub with a curtain. While Erik sometimes missed a modern enclosure, the made-for-two tub that fit both men had its benefits.

Ben moved his legs apart for Erik to nestle between them. As he pressed back against Ben’s chest and groin, he felt Ben’s hard length.

“Did you start the party without me?”

“I just wanted to be ready to rumble when you got here,” Ben told him, reaching forward to run soapy hands down Erik’s arms and over his chest, making sure to tweak his nipples on the way.

Erik let his head fall back against Ben’s shoulders. “Do that again. Feels good.”

Ben chuckled in a throaty voice that went right to Erik’s cock. “Oh, I plan on doing it over and over.”

Erik turned so he could kiss Ben on the side of his face, mouthing down his stubble-lined jaw. Ben’s hands slid down Erik’s belly, skirting his cock, and then along both thighs with a light touch.

“Like this?” Ben murmured.

“Uh-huh.” Erik slid his hands along Ben’s legs, then back to cup his ass and hitch them a little closer.

Ben wriggled, pressing his hard cock against the crack of Erik’s ass. “Impatient, much?”

“Still hungry, I guess.”

“Mmm. I’ve got just the thing to fill you up.” Ben’s hand dropped to Erik’s cock and began to stroke him slowly, swiping his thumb over the head and pressing just below the flare to make Erik gasp.

“Want you.” Erik had no qualms about taking the lead, but he also enjoyed letting Ben set the pace. Being able to trade off who initiated as well as switching top and bottom just seemed to come naturally, and it was something he valued in their relationship.

“I’ve got you. Just leave it to me,” Ben murmured.

Alarms shrilled, jolting both of them and ruining the mood.

“Shit. That’s the store.” Erik got to his feet and looked back to Ben. “Sorry.”

“Go. Put on pants and get your gun. I’ll be right behind you.”

Erik hurried to pull on sweatpants and a shirt, foregoing socks. He grabbed his Sig Saur from the kitchen drawer as he headed for the door.

The store’s alarm summoned the police, but a thief might be long gone by the time they arrived. Between good locks, the security system, and magical wardings, Erik wasn’t worried about someone actually gaining access. What did concern him was why someone tried to break in—and what they were after.

As he feared, there was no one in sight by the time he got to the street. Erik heard Ben thump down the stairs behind him and knew Ben had his Glock in hand.

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