Page 106 of Diamond in the Rough

“That’s a good idea. You could call it Carl’s Calories.”

Jake smirked. “Is that your attempt at humour again?”

“Or you could buy a sweet shop, call it Carl’s Cavities.”

Jake covered Maddox’s mouth with his palm and straddled him. “Stop it.”

He knew by the crinkles at the edges of Maddox’s eyes that he was smiling beneath his palm. Jake smiled back, then sobered when he looked at the silvery scar on Maddox’s forehead. He leaned forward and peppered kisses along the line, then removed his palm from Maddox’s lips.

“Now who’s being the sappy one?” Maddox asked.

Jake bit his lip, and Maddox frowned, then cupped his chin. “What’s wrong?”

“I did buy something…”

“What is this something?”

“For the bedroom.”

A predatory grin spread Maddox’s lips. “Oh yeah?”

Jake nodded. “Yeah…can I steal you away from the sea, the birds, and the sun?”

“Of course you can,” Maddox murmured.

Jake abandoned the duvet, took Maddox’s hand, and tugged him off the lounger. Maddox wrapped his arms around Jake’s middle, nuzzling into his neck and slowing his march through the flat.

“Stop, stop, stop.” Jake laughed.

“Stop? Why? You’re the one that propositioned me.”

“I want to at least get to the bedroom.”

“Why when I can have you right here?”

Jake struggled out of Maddox’s arms and wagged his finger. “I’ve bought something, remember?”

Maddox stalked into the bedroom, great chest heaving and cock twitching in his boxer shorts. The sight still stole Jake’s breath.

Maddox shuffled out of his dressing gown, placed his hands on his hips, and looked at Jake. “Okay, what have you got for me?”

Jake gestured to the bed. “You might wanna lie down…”

“You asking or telling?” Maddox asked.

“I guess I’m telling.”

Maddox scrunched his eyes and hummed.

Jake rushed to the chest of drawers, removed the top drawer, and placed it on the floor. He could feel Maddox’s curious eyes on him when he reached for the item he’d hidden.

“And I spent all that money on expensive safes when I could’ve just done that.”

Jake rocked back on his heels, hesitated for a bit, then revealed what he was hiding behind his back.

“Handcuffs?” Maddox said. “But I’ve got plenty of those.”

“These ones aren’t for me. They’re for you.”

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