Page 3 of The Vanishing
Swooning, Nino’s eyes shut as he falls against the mattress—dead weight. He rolls onto his back and presses his ringed palm to his face. Haruka leans over him. “Nino, why?”
Pulling Nino’s wrist, Haruka drags his hand from his hairline. Nino’s wavy hair is a mess and his honeyed skin flush. Tears are silently gathered and running from the corners of his almond-shaped eyes.
Haruka bends down, using his fingertips to wipe and dab the tears. “My love, why are you upset?”
Nino’s chest rises and falls in a gasp. “I’m just… a little overwhelmed.”
He nods, understanding. “This is my transgression. If I expressed these things to you more often, your reaction would not be so extreme.”
“Haru, I—I love you more than I can even say. You always encourage me to be confident and you’re so patient. Thank you for trusting me with your heart… for giving yourself to me.”
Haruka leans down, soft in kissing Nino’s lips as he holds his tear-stained face. “Will you put my ring on?” he asks. Nino nods against the mattress. Haruka grabs the box, opens it and gives the band to his mate. While Nino lies there, he holds Haruka’s palm above his face, then slides the ring onto the appropriate finger of his left hand.
He reaches up and grips Haruka’s collar, pulling him into his body. He removes the tie from Haruka’s bun once more and the weight of his hair falls forward like a black wave. Nino runs his fingers into it, sweeping it away from Haruka’s face while bringing him down to meet his parted lips.
Kissing Nino. His mate’s movement is so slow and intentional that Haruka’s chest tightens. When they break the kiss, their irises are alighted as they stare at each other in the warm darkness. Nino’s sunset gaze is soft but unwavering. “Will you please stretch me and come inside me?”
Haruka bites his lip. He isn’t sure if he’ll ever bethisstraightforward, but if this is what will make his mate happy, then so be it.
Two
Morning. Nino enters the kitchen and Haruka is already there, sitting at the table with Junichi. The doors to the courtyard are propped open, allowing the cool, sweet air and sunlight of spring to saturate the space.
Moving toward the counter, Nino’s objective is clear. Coffee pot. He smiles in their direction. “Hey, Jun.”
Tall and handsome with warm, almond butter–brown skin, the first-generation vampire lifts his marble-black irises, grinning. As Okayama’s local tailor and clothing designer, Junichi Takayama is suave. In Nino’s mind, he’s like a male peacock, except his feathers are allblack. When the light hits him, the darkness of his plumage flashes like liquid iridescence.
“Good morning, Nino.” Junichi nods, his English smooth and unimpeded by his native tongue, like Haruka’s. “Your husband and I are at an impasse. Maybe you can help us?”
“What’s going on?” Nino pours his coffee. He once told Junichi that he can speak Japanese when visiting their home (not needing to adhere to their household habit of speaking in English), but the male had coolly refused, claiming it’s “more fun” this way.
“This is for the Hamamoto-Iseki wedding in six months,” Junichi explains “We’re having difficulty deciding whether Haruka should wear a suit or traditional attire. Do you have a preference in his clothing?”
Junichi raises his eyebrow, waiting while Haruka sits with his arms folded at the head of the table, his gaze focused on a letter in front of him.
Nino leans against the counter with his elbows, cradling the warm coffee cup in his palms. “Well, he looks regal in a kimono… but modern and sexy in a suit. I like both. Maybe I prefer the kimono? Oh—you know what’s even better? A yukata. He’s always naked under those things. Justonelayer.”
Junichi laughs. Haruka shakes his head. Nino grins as he brings his coffee cup to his lips. Whenever Haruka wears traditional robes, Nino feels as if he’s bonded with one of those elegant lounging figures in an ukiyo-e wood-block painting—especially with his hair so long and dramatic like this.
“That was a lot of information.” Junichi smirks. “A yukata is too casual for a wedding, but your preference is noted. Maybe I’ll make a couple new robes for him this month before I fly to Europe?”
Feeling accomplished, Nino beams. “You’ll be traveling for three months, right?”
“Yes sir. My clients abroad demand personalized deliveries.”
“You’re amazing, Jun. Everything you make for Haruka always suits him perfectly. My favorite was that kimono you designed for his welcome celebration last year… Maybe I should try wearing one to the wedding?”
“You could do that.” Junichi blinks, considering. “I’ll have to think about a design that complements you.”
“Haru has so many, should I just try one of his?”
“Absolutely not. You two are the same height but your shoulders are broader and rounder. Your physique is more defined from your exercise routine. There’s no way I’d let you walk around in a tight, ill-fitting kimono.”
Haruka laughs. The deep, throaty sound of it surprises both Junichi and Nino as they shift their attention toward him. “My apologies.” He smiles. “The mental image of that scenario caught me off guard.”
“Welcome to the conversation, tesoro.” Nino stands straight and walks to the end of the counter. He leans there with his hip. “What are you reading?”
“A formal visitation request.” Haruka’s dark brows are drawn together as he takes a deep breath, his previous mirth evaporated.
