Page 28 of The Lonely Hearts Guide

Alexander snuggled closer, making it feel like Elliot’s heart might leap out of his chest. “What would you like to do today? The world is our oyster.”

“I don’t care for oysters,” Elliot joked, hoping Alexander might laugh. After his disastrous attempt at humor the night before, Elliot feared he might not be very talented in the art of comedy. Thankfully, Alexander snorted a laugh, then pulled the blankets back and released the grip he had on Elliot’s hand.

“I don’t either. Do you know what I do enjoy?”

Elliot turned to face him, sucking in a sharp breath as Alexander removed his shirt and tossed it into the hamper.

Alexander Davenport was a walking work of art. His body looked more defined than all of Elliot’s i-Series brothers combined. Mother always said they were sculpted to perfection, and that no human could compare, but she was wrong, because none of their bodies held a candle to Alexander’s. He had a solid six pack—a term Jared often used for himself, though he didn’t actually have visible abdominal muscles beneath his clothing—and there was dark fur peppering his chest and stomach. The hair spiked in the center, creating a thick patch down the middle of his chest, growing thicker and thicker until it reached his . . .

Good heavens.

Elliot could feel himself stiffen; his eyes went wide and he yanked the blanket back over his lap to shield it. Alexander either didn’t notice, or he simply didn’t point it out. Either way, Elliot was thankful.

“I was thinking we could start with breakfast, then we could relax by the pool. Was there anything you’d like to do instead?”

Cuddle, Elliot thought, but they could hardly cuddle all day, so he nodded. “That sounds very fun.”

Alexander flashed a smile at him through the mirror as he selected his clothes for the day. “Do you have anything to wear today?”

Elliot only brought two outfits with him. The clothes he wore the night before, and a set of Mother’s standard uniform for her bountiful beaus; white trousers, white top. The picture of innocence, she always said.

“I have my bountiful beau ensemble.”

Alexander chewed his cheek. “I’d offer to lend you more of mine, but the pajamas are massive on you, so I don’t think my day clothes would be much use, either. We’ll stop by the gift shop on the way and try to find something you like. We’ll need to get you a swimsuit as well.”

Elliot’s eyes widened. “You’ll allow me to swim?”

Alexander sighed, but it wasn’t one of annoyance, Elliot thought. It seemed to be filled with sadness. He turned and approached, taking a seat beside Elliot. “I know it’s hard to remember, so I’m going to remind you every chance I get. I don’t have to allow you to do anything, sweetheart. You’re free now. You don’t belong to me.” The words made Elliot’s heart drop, and Alexander must have noticed, because he reached forward and squeezed Elliot’s thigh, only inches away from his morning erection. “No matter what happens between us—if it works out and we wind up something more than we are right now—I still won’t own you. You’re not a possession to be had, you’re a person.” He lifted his hand to cup Elliot’s cheek. “I think you might end up being my favorite person.”

Elliot whimpered. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” He leaned closer and kissed Elliot on the cheek. “Go on, then. Get dressed, and then we’ll head out. I’m going to make this the best day of your life.”

The gift shop was fantastic. In fact, it was quite possibly Elliot’s new favorite place on Earth. They had everything! Shirts and sandals, a cup that said, “Life’s a beach,” but there were no beaches as far as Elliot’s eyes could see, so he wasn’t sure what that was about. On a rack, there was a tank top made of rainbow-colored fabric that caught Elliot’s eye, and Alexander must have noticed, because he quickly grabbed one and draped it over his arm.

Alexander tagged along as Elliot explored, and by the end, both his arms were full. No matter how many times Elliot objected, insisting he didn’t need so many clothes, Alexander just chuckled and added another item to his pile. By the time they reached the swimsuits, Elliot was feeling lower than low. Alexander worked so hard for his money, and Elliot didn’t want to take advantage.

After paying for the items, they returned to the suite so they could get ready for fun in the sun, as Alexander had explained. Alexander left Elliot’s new clothing on the bed before excusing himself to the bathroom, giving them both privacy as they changed.

Elliot studied the options before him, trying to make the right decision. He wanted to look pretty for Alexander, but all the clothes they picked were pretty, so it made the task all the more daunting. Earlier, Alexander mentioned wanting to lounge by the pool, so Elliot knew swimwear would be in order. He was grateful to narrow the options down, but even then, Alexander purchased him five sets of trunks, as well as a small strip of fabric Alexander referred to as a banana hammock, whatever that meant. Alexander told Elliot he didn’t have to wear it if he didn’t want to, as it was very revealing, but Elliot saw the look of lust in Alexander’s eyes as he took it off the rack. Alexander wanted to see Elliot wearing them, and Elliot realized he wanted to be seen.

The Speedo was hot pink in hue, and the fabric seemed to sparkle as light touched it. Yes, Elliot thought. Yes, the swimsuit would do perfectly. He selected the rainbow tank top to go with it, because going without a shirt felt wrong. He could remove it when they reached the pool, but not in the halls. Slipping into a pair of pink shorts that rested above his knees, he eyed himself in the full-length mirror, turning and focusing on his backside. It was nothing compared to Alexander’s, but Elliot found himself hoping Alexander might still sneak a few peeks at it, anyway.

Though his skin wouldn’t burn under the sun, Alexander’s would, so Elliot grabbed a bottle of sunblock and made his way to the ensuite, knocking twice. When Alexander opened the door, he was wearing a pair of blue shorts and a white shirt, looking utterly handsome.

“All ready?” he asked, following Elliot out of the bathroom and toward the cabin door.

Elliot nodded. “As ready as I’ll ever be.” Alexander stared at Elliot’s hand, biting his bottom lip. “Is something wrong? Have I selected the wrong outfit? I apologize, I was only trying to—”

“It’s not because of the outfit. It’s just . . .” The way Alexander stared at Elliot made him feel like the world revolved around him and him alone. Alexander’s gaze was intense. It was similar to the looks Jared would give Elliot when he wore whatever skimpy ensemble the man purchased Elliot for his viewing pleasure. But instead of pure fire, Alexander had an awestruck look to him. “You look beautiful. I was just wondering if you’d allow me to hold your hand on the way to the pool.”

“You would want to? Master Price never held my hand. He said it was too informal.”

Alexander slid his hand into Elliot’s and squeezed. “Sucks for him, because you’re probably the best hand holder I’ve ever met.”

Elliot’s eyebrows shot up. “I am?”

Alexander brought Elliot’s hand to his mouth for a kiss. “Bar none, Elliot.”

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