Page 34 of Mane Full Of Stripes
“Have I told you how lucky I am to have you as my mate?” Apollo smiled when Jost ducked his head, his blond hair falling forward. “I am, because you are my gorgeous, kind, sexy, intelligent mate and I am so lucky to have found you. I hope to make you happy, too.”
“I am happy.” Jost lifted his head, his light green eyes sparkling with unshed tears. “You think I’m sexy?”
“I don’t go around sending photos to just any omega.”
Jost blushed so prettily. “I’ve never done it before.”
“Yeah? I’d like more until I see you naked.” Jost blinked, his lips parting. “Too honest?”
“Nervous.” He shrugged, and Apollo wanted to hold him tight and chase all his fears away.
“I think we’ve already established the ex was a dick.” Apollo held Jost’s hands in his, his fingers stroking Jost’s soft skin. “But if he hadn’t been an abusive bastard, I probably wouldn’t be here with you now,” he added softly. “You’d probably be with him, living a great life with someone who loved you. I hate that you went through that and if I ever got my hands on him…”
“We’re here now because he is the way he is. I wish he could have seen me the way you do.”
Apollo reached across the table and stroked his fingers over Jost’s cheek. “I won’t ever hurt you like that. We’ll argue at some point and maybe upset each other, but I will never ever lay a hand on you that way.” Apollo winked. “Unless you’re naughty. I may put you over my knee and spank you.” He wriggled his eyebrows, then grinned when Jost blushed.
“Don’t say things like that.” Jost tugged his hands free and rubbed his cheeks, then whispered, “People like that, you know.”
“I do know.”
Jost blinked at him, his lips parting. “Really?” he breathed. “How?”
“I had an ex who was into it. He liked to be spanked.” Apollo shrugged but kept a careful eye on Jost, whose wide eyes were focused on Apollo’s. “Have you ever thought about it?”
“Did you, you know, spank him?”
Apollo licked his lips and titled his head, trying to read Jost. So far all he could tell was that Jost was interested in this, but for what reason? Was he curious because he thought it was strange or curious because he might want to try? “I did.”
“And?” Jost stared intently at him and Apollo leaned on the table, watching him. “Apollo?”
“What are you asking me? Did I enjoy it?” Jost nodded. “Why do you want to know?”
“Just because…” Jost mumbled, ducking his head.
“I did enjoy it. Would you want me to do that to you, given your past?”
Shrugging, Jost sighed and lifted his head. “Probably not, but…” he licked his lips and looked away. “I always wondered what it would feel like.”
“Maybe one day in the future when you trust me, we can try.”
“I trust you now.” Jost’s eyes widened, and he blinked rapidly. “Oh, I… well. I guess I do.”
“That surprised you?” The shocked looked on Jost’s face at his own admission made Apollo smile and want to kiss his mate, but they had to go home soon because they both had work in the morning.
“It did. I hadn’t realized. I do trust you. We’ve not known each other long.”
“We’re mates. And I want you to trust me like I trust you. I want you to know I’d never do anything to cause you pain, and I’ll always be there when you need me.”
“I know.” Jost rubbed his chest, then glanced at the clock on the wall. Sighing, he murmured, “I should go.”
“Me too, but I don’t want to.”
“Can we meet again for another coffee?” Jost stood and waited for Apollo, who placed a hand on Jost’s back as they walked outside. Apollo checked the area as they walked toward their cars and smiled at Jost when he repeated the question.
“Sorry. I was making sure the area was safe, and yes, we can meet again for coffee.”
“Safe?” Apollo nodded. “For me. You don’t have to do that, but it does feel nice that you do.” He stood on tiptoe, his face tilted up, and Apollo gave him the kiss he clearly wanted. Sliding his lips over Jost’s, he captured the sigh Jost gave and let his tongue swoop inside to tease Jost’s. Jost’s arms circled his waist, pulling Apollo closer, and when their bodies touched, Apollo could feel Jost’s hardness on his thigh. “Apollo,” Jost gasped.
