Page 36 of Fatal Temptation

He knew. He knew it deep in his bones. Straight into his soul.

He was in love with Lucas.

Deeply. Terribly. In love.

He knew Lucas loved him. He had loved him since they met, and he had told Akio that he was falling for him.

Lucas

He moved back once he felt like he could let go of Akio without the man crumbling, his survivor’s guilt clearly playing a starring role in his disdain for himself. Akio looked up at him with affection clear in his eyes.

He brushed Akio’s hair back, loving the feel of the soft strands between his fingers.

Akio’s brows snapped together, and a contemplative look crossed his face.

“I’m in love with you,” Akio blurted out, red tinting his cheeks though he held Lucas’ gaze.

Laughter tumbled out of him as a burst of relief hit him.

“Thank fuck for that,” he said and reached for Akio, taking his hands in his. “I’m in love with you, too.”

The smile on Akio’s face took his breath away.

“I tried so fucking hard not to be,” he admitted.

“Because of Chris?”

There was hesitation in Akio’s voice as he spoke, and he didn’t like that. Not one bit.

“Because of the whole situation. The age gap. Me having been engaged to your brother-in-law. The fact that your brother might very well shoot me when he finds out.”

Akio pressed his lips together, eyes sparkling mischievously.

“I’ve never really done something I wasn’t supposed to before,” he said, arms wrapping around the back of Lucas’ neck. His lips turned up at one corner. “It’s kind of exhilarating.”

Lucas hummed. “Oh, you like it, do you?”

“I do, because I know us hiding isn’t forever but for right now? Very hot.”

He put his hands on Akio’s hips and backed him against the kitchen counter and lifted him onto it, stepping between his thighs. Akio’s legs wrapped around his hips, tugging him closer.

Akio looked up at him with heat and a twinkle in his eyes.

“So, this is what it’s like to have a boyfriend?”

Lucas grinned at Akio.

“You haven’t seen anything yet.”

“Show me?” Akio asked.

He intended to do just that. For however long Akio would let him.

He leaned forward, nose brushing Akio’s as their breaths mingled, lips barely touching. Akio made a soft sound that sent a ripple of lust through him. He grabbed Akio’s thighs, fingers digging in.

“Kiss me,” Akio whispered against his lips.

He would never tire of hearing Akio say that. Demand it.

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