Page 98 of Beyond the Darkness

“I do know that.” Kit’s voice held a hint of weariness, but beneath it lay a thread of resilience. “And I appreciate you both more than I can say.”

Hudson rested his hands lightly on Kit’s bare shoulders, kneading the tense muscles with a gentle massage. The only article of clothing Kit wore was a white towel, wrapped snugly around his waist. Connie traced patterns along Kit’s back.

There in their bedroom, the outside world faded away. Hudson kept his touch gentle yet firm as he pressed Kit against the side of the bed, his lips finding Kit’s in a deep, passionate kiss. The warmth and love in his embrace conveyed not just desire, but also his profound relief that Kit was there and okay.

Meanwhile, Connie’s arms encircled both Hudson and Kit, completing their bond and forming a seamless connection that felt as natural as breathing. Hudson was lost in the moment, their bodies entwined and their hearts beating as one.

Kit moaned into Hudson’s mouth.

Clothes were lazily shed and scattered across the bedroom floor. Hudson eagerly took advantage of the opportunity, trailing his fingers over every inch of exposed skin, reveling in the warmth and softness that he found beneath his touch. Time slowed down as they explored each other’s bodies, lost in a haze of desire and pleasure.

Kit turned toward Connie, locking lips with him, his hands roaming over Connie’s shoulders. The bed was right there—their haven—and they tumbled back onto it together. The world shrunk down to this room, to the soft sheets and softer touches.

Kisses were exchanged with whispered affirmations of love and commitment. Hudson explored Kit’s body with reverence while Connie’s lips left a trail of soft kisses along Hudson’s neck. They moved together effortlessly—a dance they had performed many times.

Hudson’s heart swelled with emotion as he looked into Kit’s eyes. The love and trust reflected there made him want to beat his chest and roar with pride. They needed this—needed to feel alive. Needed to feel connected and loved after the events of the day.

Cries of pleasure, a baring of a throat, and need echoed around them as he and Connie made love to Kit.

AFTERWARD, THEY lay together under the sheet. For the first time in a very long time, Hudson truly relaxed. Kit’s quiet snores filled their bedroom. They were together and safe.It was over. Lennox was dead, and the threat was finally, finally over.

It wasfinallyover.

As he drifted off and the night gave way to a new day, he sent up a quick prayer of thanks to Gaura.

HUDSON AWOKE the following morning with a feeling of lightness that had been missing for months. He lay still for a moment, watching Connie and Kit breathe slowly, chests rising and falling in sync. The events of yesterday seemed like a distant nightmare. Still, Hudson knew things were not over. There was the cleanup to deal with, after all.

But not yet. Right now, this moment of peace was all that mattered.

Kit stirred beside him, his eyes fluttering open to meet Hudson’s gaze. “Ha, it appears I fell asleep in the middle again,” Kit murmured, snuggling closer to Hudson. His hair was tousled, and his voice was thick with sleep.

“Of which no one complained about,” Hudson replied, tightening his arm around Kit. “Sleep well?”

“The best I’ve slept in ages,” Kit admitted, his smile growing wider as he turned to look at Connie, still sound asleep on his other side. He turned back to Hudson. “How about you? I know you guys don’t need as much sleep as I do.”

“We don’t, no, but I truly was exhausted last night.” Hudson paused for a moment before adding softly, “I love you both so much.”

“We love you too,” Kit responded quietly, reaching out to stroke Connie’s arm gently until he began to stir.

Connie blinked open his eyes and yawned widely. “What time is it?” he mumbled as he adjusted himself in the bed.

“Doesn’t matter,” Hudson said with a grin. “We can stay here all day if we want.”

“Mmm,” Connie murmured in agreement as he scooted closer to both Hudson and Kit. “I vote for staying right here. Well, at least until duty calls.”

Hudson sighed. “Yes, there is that. Guess we can’t stay here all day.”

The three lay there in silence for a while, simply enjoying each other’s company as the morning light grew brighter around them. It was rare for them to have such moments of tranquility without urgency or danger pressing down on them.

Eventually, though, Kit’s stomach started to rumble, loudly, breaking the quiet with its demands.

“Time to feed the beast.” Hudson patted Kit on the ass. “Up you go.”

“Why does this never happen to you two?” Kit complained as he got out of bed.

Connie chuckled as they got dressed.

“Well, we’ve missed breakfast according to my watch,” Hudson said. “You two feeling brave enough to let me cook for you?”

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