Page 20 of Distant Heart

There was something precious about moments like this, Illya could acknowledge that as he gently lowered Rexton’s chilly form into the full tub. His prey had drifted in and out of consciousness the whole walk here, and then some more when Illya had placed him on the sink counter to turn the bath on.

Rexton showed the first signs of alertness when he hissed at the first caress of the water, arms tightening around Illya’s neck for a second before he seemed to process what was happening and relaxed.

He moaned the second he was submerged, resting his head back against the porcelain. His eyes slipped shut once more, and he didn’t protest as Illya moved away to collect the things he’d need to bathe him.

“You must have truly exhausted yourself.” After what’d transpired between them in the woods, he’d been expecting more of a struggle.

Rexton snorted. “Pretty sure you’re the reason I’m like this, actually.”

Illya brought over a bottle of body wash and squirted some onto his hands. When his fingers touched Rex’s chest, theother man jerked, his eyes popping open. “Calm down. I’m only cleaning you off.”

It seemed like he didn’t believe him at first, but Rexton must have realized there wasn’t much he could do given his current circumstances, so he ended up surrendering. The tension left his shoulders, and he rested back, watching Illya through hooded eyes as he was hand-washed.

“That’s a good boy,” Illya teased, knowing it would annoy him. Sure enough, the other man’s scowl returned, and he chuckled. “How does the water feel?”

“It’s already getting cold.”

“Is it?” It wasn’t, but choosing to humor him, Illya reached over and adjusted the temperature before turning the faucet back on. “Give it a minute. It’ll get better. Are you hungry? Thirsty?”

Rexton stared at him quietly before asking, “What time is it?”

Illya sighed. “It’s still Praeda. You didn’t sleep the rest of it away.”

He hummed in understanding and then closed his eyes again.

“Food?” Illya insisted. “Water?”

“Neither,” he said. “You’re being awfully nice to me though. What’s your angle, Black Hart? I wasn’t aware you lot were required to care for your Praeda after forcing them to bed you.”

“We aren’t.” Illya wished they could skip ahead, get to the connection part of the program. But he understood that Rexton needed more time. Since he had him where he wanted him, giving him that much was the least he could do.

Even if it was driving him crazy.

“What’s it like,” Rexton suddenly asked, “being a Black Hart?”

“What do you think it’s like?” He finished washing his chest and arms and moved lower, his entire arm going into the tub so he could pass his hand between the other man’s closed thighs.

Rexton surprised him by spreading his legs to give him better access, his voice even when he spoke. “I bet it’s nice, always knowing your place. Always knowing exactly what to do and how to do it.”

“Is that what you believe?” Illya clicked his tongue. “You’re oversimplifying. We’re still in charge of making our own choices, baby.”

“Are you?” His nose scrunched up. “Oh.”

“You should be pleased. That freedom is what allowed me to choose you, after all.”

He looked at him again, his expression pensive. “Do you think your family would like me?” As soon as the question left his lips, he became embarrassed, glancing away. “Never mind. I’m getting ahead of myself.”

“You aren’t,” Illya said. “And yes, yes they will.”

“You say that like you meant everything you told me in the forest.”

“I did.”

He grunted, clearly not believing him. “Okay.”

“Rexton.”

“Praeda aren’t always permanent,” he replied. “I know that much.”

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