Page 32 of Heart of the High King
“And since? Is that why you text me all day? Because that’s what your family wants?”
After crossing his arms, Rafferty did the same with his legs in pure defensiveness. His gruff voice was even deeper and rougher with emotion when he finally broke a silence that stretched for several minutes. “No, that’s not why we’re such good friends. I just get along with you. I was supposed to make a political alliance, not find someone who understands me like you do. I still can’t figure out how you always seem to know what I’m feeling or how quickly we’ve grown so close. I haven’t been around people outside my family, really. I don’t know if this is normal, but I like it. It’s important to me.”
“Hey, it’s important to me too, but I can’t be the High King your family wants. I’m not going to take them to parties or any other events. That’s not me. I can’t do it, and I don’t want to. I’m sorry if that disappoints you, but that’s not who I am.”
“I’m glad you’re not into it,” Rafferty replied, the tension in his shoulders disappearing. The other dragon grabbed his drink. “I like that you’re humble about your title and that what’s most important to you is your family. I respect that.”
“I respect you as well, and I know your family is everything to you too. We’ve got a lot in common, you know?”
“You think that’s why Fate put us together, Sander?”
Their eyes met, and Aleksander wondered how to respond. It was the first time Rafferty had initiated any conversation about their matebond, and he wasn’t sure if he should be excited or not. What he did know was that there was a warmth inside him that grew with each conversation with Rafferty, whether in person or on their phones.
A relationship built on camaraderie and shared goals, one that grew into a tight bond was something Aleksander had fondly thought of, though he’d never dared to strive for since he was afraid of failing at the most important task of his life—loving someone with everything that he was and could be in the future. “I have a feeling that’s exactly why she put us together. Nothing is as sacred as two people who can connect based on a solid foundation of trust that grows into a fantastic friendship.”
Rafferty’s brilliant smile did even more for him than the sexy scowl. “I’m glad I met you. You’re a really incredible person.”
“I feel the same way about you.” Terrified of breaking whatever spell had befallen them to have Rafferty looking at him with such fondness, Aleksander grinned. “Want to go raid the kitchen for some ice cream?”
“You think Dra’Kaedan left any of that cake Noirin made?”
Aleksander laughed as he stood. “I’m not sure this house can handle another cake fiend. Let’s go find out.”
∞∞∞
“When am I going to see you again?” Aleksander asked, standing on the driveway next to Rafferty.
“I don’t know.”
“Tell your family it costs nothing to have you stay at the house, okay? And I mean it about the teleporting. Dra’Kaedan would be happy to help out.”
“I will.”
“Why don’t you go ahead and ask your father or your brother what they would like from me. How do they envision me helping them?”
Rafferty’s brows furrowed. “I don’t want anyone using you.”
“It’s not using me if we’re friends. I won’t do parties, but if there’s something specific they want an invitation to, I might be able to get them one. They’d have to do the hobnobbing alone.”
“I can ask.”
“Do you want to hug me good-bye?”
Affection for Aleksander swelled within Rafferty, and he gave a half smile as he accepted the embrace from him. It was delightful being against him; he was solid and comforting. There hadn’t been much physical touch in Rafferty’s life—he didn’t really invite it, and his family wasn’t outwardly demonstrative, but being in Aleksander’s arms was wonderful. When he had to pull away so it didn’t get awkward or allow Aleksander to notice how fat he was, Rafferty looked up into his striking face and stared at his lips.
They stood there with only inches separating them but no longer touching. It was as if they were both frozen in place, unable to break whatever magnetic power the moment held. For the first time Rafferty wondered what it would be like to kiss someone—and not anyone—only Aleksander. The past few weeks of creating the friendship that, in Rafferty’s mind, grew more intense with each passing hour had shifted something subtly inside him, and his thoughts leapt into pursuing the unknown.
Aleksander lifted a hand, slowly giving Rafferty plenty of opportunity to back away, but he didn’t move a muscle. The side of his index finger came to rest under Rafferty’s chin, and he rubbed his thumb over the scruff he’d opted not to shave because it would’ve kept him away from the D’Vaire mansion for a precious few minutes. In Aleksander’s eyes was all the caring that had grown between them. When Aleksander leaned toward him, Rafferty raised onto the balls of his feet to meet him halfway.
Their mouths touched ever so lightly, and Rafferty simply melted at the tender touch of his mate. Aleksander got closer while Rafferty’s world turned upside down. It should’ve panicked him, but there was no room for it when he was with Aleksander. Before Rafferty was ready, Aleksander pulled away and smiled. Instinctively Rafferty grinned and wondered what the hell to do now.
“It’s okay,” Aleksander said softly. “Just a kiss between friends.”
“I’m fine.”
“You promise?”
The spell was broken as Rafferty dropped back to the gravel heavily. There was no way to know what Aleksander was thinking or what it meant. “I don’t want to give you the wrong idea.”
