Page 14 of Tides of Fate

“Come with me.”

In seconds, Nix is coming hot on Leo’s belly, and Leo can only follow his command, falling over the cliff with a shout. He locks up, and still, Nix doesn’t let go of his wrists—only holds him harder—so Leo can thrash through his orgasm as hard as he likes.

His only fleeting thought is that he hopes the bruises stay for a while.

Moments later, Nix lets Leo slip free so he can drag his tongue over Leo’s stomach, slow and unhurried, licking up the mess they made. His teeth graze over his navel, nipping like he wants to mark Leo all over again.

Leo groans, his body still trembling, too sensitive but loving it.

Nix smirks, pressing a final kiss to the space just below Leo’s ribs. “Tastes likemine. Mmmmm.Nom nom. I love this tummy, Leo. I could sleep here.”

Apparently, it’s a good idea because Nix lays his head down and lets Leo run his hands through his soft hair.

“Thank you,” Leo whispers.

For what, exactly, he doesn’t know.

For everything, probably.

“It’s me who should be thanking you. I am yours, and you are mine. It’s good, right?” Nix’s voice is suddenly deep and hypnotic. “So green and fresh and cool. So pretty,” he mutters to himself. “So very good.”

Leo doesn’t know what’s green and fresh and cool, but he’s glad Nix is happy, his vanilla scent mixing with Leo’s cinnamon in the way the best of bakery treats do.

They lie there on the floor of Leo’s childhood room, watching the sunbeams move across the ceiling.

Eventually, Leo’s stomach reminds him that it’s almost dinner. “Come on, let’s shower. I’m going to have to steal my dad’s pants. Fuck.”

They stand on wobbly legs, and Nix’s blush goes to his cute little navel.

“I think you’ll need a fresh shirt, too.”

Somehow, there is come on his clothes, but none on Nix’s.

“Such a waste. I’ll do better next time. But also, how is that fair? Come on, let’s see what Dad’s got that fits me.”

They collect Nix’s clothes, heading toward where his parents’ rooms are.

They use his dad’s shower, and when they are done, Nix hands him a deep green polo shirt and a pair of black khakis.

The shirt is tight, and Leo is sure that’s why he’s wearing green and not the bigger pink one when Nix licks his lips and bites Leo’s biceps.

“Come on, it’s almost time for dinner, and we still have to see the kittens. If we aren’t home, Gideon is going to make us wash dishes.” Leo grins as they head toward the main foyer.

“Hey, wanna see something cool? Ever slide down a banister?”

The railings start wide to each side, and they can’t see the bottom from where they begin, but Leo has done this a hundred times—even once in the last month.

“What? No! Is that for real? I only thought they did that in movies.”

“I used to do it all the time when my parents weren’t home.Leo Costas, balustrades are not for sliding.” Leo mimics his mom’s stern tone just to hear Nix’s giggle.

“Like this. I’ll go on that side. You go on this side. Leg over, and just like that—now hang on.”

Leo crosses the hall so he can mount his side of the bannister. “Try to stick to the landing. Ready?”

Nix’s grin is huge when he meets Leo’s eyes.

“Go!”

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