Page 55 of Finn's Solace

Finn's brows shot up as he glanced at me. "Really? Could've fooled me."

I laughed, then reached over to take his hand in mine. "On a serious note, though, I really am. On your side, no matter what."

Finn smiled, then leaned his head on my shoulder. "I know. And it's only because of that that I felt brave enough to go back to therapy, because you said you'd support me."

"And I will. Whatever you need."

Finn sighed happily, and we spent the rest of the short drive in companionable silence while Greta snoozed on his duffle bag.

When we reached my place, I put the Tupperware in the fridge, made sure Greta had food and water, then locked her out of the bedroom so Finn and I could have some time to ourselves. I had no plans beyond cuddling and making out, but if Finn wanted to take things further, I wasn't going to say no.

"Oops, looks like I forgot to pack sleep clothes," Finn said, his lower lip trapped between his teeth when his eyes met mine. I glanced from him to his still zipped-up duffel bag, and grinned.

"Well, luckily for you, I like seeing you in my clothes," I said, making him smile.

"Yeah, lucky me," he murmured softly, making my heart skip a beat.

Shaking my head, I went over to my closet to find him some clothes, but when I heard him suck in a sharp breath, I remembered what I'd done earlier that week when I'd been thinking about him.

"You...you did that for me?" Finn asked as he stepped closer, his eyes moving from me to the bottom of my closet. Mynook didn't look as cozy as his—I didn't have Noel's super-soft blankets, but I was definitely going to buy or commission some—but I'd spread out a few blankets, added some pillows, and moved the rest of the extra linens to a hall cupboard.

"I want you to feel safe when you're here," I said by way of explanation. What I really wanted was for him to think of my home as his home, but I didn't think we were there yet.

"I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything."

Finn's eyes met mine, and he smiled. "Okay." We gazed at each other for a long moment before I shook myself out of it.

"Clothes, let me get you some clothes," I murmured as I turned back to the closet.

When Finn took off his glasses to change and didn't put them back on, he said everything I needed to hear without ever saying a word.

We got into bed, and with the lights turned down, we made out, soft, slow, and leisurely, because we had all the time in the world, and because someone as sweet and precious as Finn deserved to be worshipped.

Twenty-One

Finn

I woke up with a start, but relaxed as soon as I registered Levi's strong arms wrapped around me. I was delighted to find us still in bed, and nuzzled into Levi's neck, breathing in the scent of warm skin and mate. I could get used to waking up like this, but I probably shouldn't. I knew the nightmares weren't gone just because I didn't have any last night, but that didn't mean I couldn't enjoy waking up without one.

Levi grumbled sleepily, his arms tightening around me, and I smiled into his skin. I had a feeling his hug would be too tight for a human, but I could handle it. Actually, I kinda loved it. It made me feel secure, like I knew he would hold onto me no matter what tried to pull me away from him.

The pitter-patter drew my attention to the window across from the bed, and I sighed happily at the sight of the downpour. A cozy, rainy day with my hot, utterly cuddly mate wasexactly what I needed after yesterday's session. I'd forgotten how emotionally draining therapy could be.

Levi groaned, and I pulled back so I could look at his face as he rubbed his eyes, then blinked at me.

I loved seeing the moment his brain came back online because his lips curved up in a smile, his eyes twinkling as he gazed at me. "Hey, Finn. Fancy seeing you here."

I chuckled, then reached up to place a kiss on his chin. He still had a tight grip around my middle keeping me from reaching his lips, but he seemed to realize that. As soon as he loosened his hold, I slid up until we were face to face, then pressed a kiss on his lips.

He smiled as he kissed back, and I hummed, running my palm under and up the back of his t-shirt. His skin was warm and smooth, and I could feel his muscles under my palm, so firm and strong. I wanted to get him naked and caress every part of him, but my body seemed to have other plans, because my stomach growled at that moment, making Levi pull back with a chuckle.

"How about we freshen up and have some food first?" he suggested, and I sighed.

"I want to kiss," I muttered, and Levi laughed.

"And we will. But let's get some food in you first, hmm?"

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