Page 65 of The Mourning Throne
Lex always kissed like it was a secret.
Like he knew something Morgan didn’t. His mouth always tasted like burnt honey. Soft lips, gentle pressure, enough to make Morgan’s blood stir. Lex rolled his hips, subtle but sure, shifting closer like he belonged there.
He always did.
Morgan gripped his own knees until he could feel every single stitch on the side of his pants.
Giving in now would make everything so much worse.
And the manipulation wasn’t appreciated. Rewarding that would’ve just meant that this whole circular behavior would repeat itself.
Lex pulled back just enough to speak.
“Let’s play again,” he whispered. “My rules this time.”
The game started the way it always did.
Ollie huddled on the floor in the corner, knees tucked in tight, shoulders hunched forward like he could fold into himself and vanish.
Lex’s voice rang out—bright, almost sing-song—like a twisted version of a television host gone wrong.
“Are you ready for another round of Simon Says?”
Ollie’s eyes snapped up, wide and anxious, darting between Lex and Morgan, then back again.
“What…” His throat bobbed on a swallow, focusing on Lex. “What’re the rules?”
Morgan came prepared this time. He tossed the travel kit onto the floor near Ollie’s feet.
Indulging Lex’s one whim—
This wasn’t going to go well.
But another ranting breakdown, coupled with Lex running on too much caffeine and not enough sleep, would put Morgan into a more precarious position.
Lex would end up in the hospital. Morgan almost entertained the idea a few nights ago. It wasn’t something he was proud of.
“Follow the instruction,” Morgan said dryly. “That’s all.”
A pause stretched between them.
Longer.
Ollie’s chin trembled. His eyes hollow, drifting back to the beige carpet.
Finally, he nodded.
“Simon says…” Lex grinned, all teeth. “Hurt yourself for me.”
And there it was.
Far worse than what Morgan could have mentally prepared for.
But, he wouldn’t interfere. If Lex wanted to make his “pet” or “cat”—or whatever Lex had decided to call Ollie—truly hate him?
Lex would learn. Even if all he was doing was sitting behind a camera and speaking.
Opening the case, Morgan slid the knife out and crouched in front of Ollie. Held out the blade.
