Page 39 of The Fortunate Son

Ivan’s hand settled on Rory’s leg, just above his knee. Ivan gently squeezed, and Rory wasn’t sure what kind of reaction he was having to the moan. Was he trying to quiet Rory or turn him on? He glanced over at Ivan and relaxed when he saw the smug grin on his face.

“Best you ever had, right?” Ivan asked.

“Without question.”

“Are they still talking about the honey?” Owen mock whispered.

Tyler sighed. “I’m concerned that you have to ask.”

Rory forced his gaze away from Ivan before he did something truly indecent and concentrated on eating. Ivan didn’t remove his hand until they finished their food. Everyone carried their dishes to the kitchen to rinse and stack in the dishwashers, but the crew was on a rotating schedule to do a deeper clean after each meal. They had to wash big items by hand, stow all the condiments in their proper places, and wipe down the surfaces. It took two of them twenty minutes or less to do the whole thing. It was Ivan and Dylan’s turn to clean, but Rory nudged Dylan out of the way and shooed him away with his hands.

Ivan smiled at him when they were all alone in the kitchen. “The best you’ve ever had, huh?”

Rory understood it was a loaded question, and he replied with an unequivocal and emphatic, “Yes.”

Ivan closed the small distance between them and searched Rory’s gaze. He released a shaky breath and said, “I think you mean it.”

Reminded of Harry’s phrase, Rory realized what a comfort it was to believe every word that came out of someone’s mouth. He didn’t want to bullshit Ivan or sell him anything; he wanted Ivan to believe the words that rolled off his tongue, no matter where they were or what they were doing. “I damn well do.” Ivan was not only the best lover he’d ever had, but that honey was in a class of its own.

“Would you like to come to my office and meet my new queen bee? You said you wanted to learn about my operation. We can do some more interview prep before Roberto arrives this afternoon.”

Rory tilted his head slightly. “You realize what you’re actually inviting me there for, right?”

Ivan smiled wickedly. “Absolutely.”

“In that case, I will gladly come over and check out the inner workings of your honey pot.”

Ivan snorted and turned to the sink, shoving his hands into the soapy water. “It was this or pull you in for a kiss. I’m desperate to taste my honey on your tongue.” Ivan stared at Rory’s lips so intently it felt like a caress.

Rory sighed. Nothing had ever sounded sexier to him. He dipped his hand into the same soapy water and caressed Ivan’s forearm while pretending to search for other items to wash. “I’ll be over as soon as I finish my tasks.” With incentive like that, he figured it would cut his work time in half.

The morning seemed to stretch on forever, and Ivan found himself watching the clock. He tried his best not to act like a petulant child denied his favorite treat, but that’s exactly how he felt. Ivan was too mature to act in such a way, and Rory deserved more consideration from him. Rory didn’t exist solely to bring him pleasure, though the look in his eyes earlier said otherwise. Ivan propped his feet on his desk and leaned his chair back, lacing his hands behind his head.

“I’m desperate to taste my honey on your tongue.”Had he really said that? Yes, and he’d meant it—and not just the golden liquid his bees made. Ever since he’d uttered the words, Ivan couldn’t stop picturing Rory on his knees with his seed smeared across his lips. His office door locked, and they could make the fantasy a reality. Rory had been jealous of Ivan’s first, but this would be one they could experience together. Hell, there were several firsts Ivan wanted to share with Rory. He closed his eyes and let the rest of his office blow job fantasy play out.

“Well,” Rory said from the doorway. Ivan had been so engrossed he hadn’t heard him arrive. “Someone is working hard.”

Ivan lowered his feet and spun his chair around to face the door. He lowered his legs, parted them, and cupped the semi erection through his jeans. “I’m getting there.” He crooked his finger for Rory to enter his office. “And shut the door.”

Rory did as he was told, but he didn’t head straight for Ivan. He detoured over to where Ivan’s research data, honey production charts, and weather reports hung.

“Welcome to my office,” he said, gesturing around.

Rory stepped farther into the room but didn’t shut the door. “More like a mad scientist’s laboratory.”

The remark made Ivan smile, but it also reminded him of what was at stake. Everything on the wall represented the dream he’d been building for five years. Today was an opportunity to take the business to the next level as long as he didn’t fuck it up.

“Ivan,” Rory said softly as he came to stand in front of him. “Is everything okay? I meant the mad scientist remark as a compliment. Maybe I should’ve used a better quantifier. Sexy scientist?” Rory was worried he’d said something that had offended Ivan or hurt his feelings.

“Mad scientist is probably more fitting,” Ivan replied. He patted his lap and Rory sauntered across the small room and straddled his thighs.

Ivan cupped the back of his neck and pulled him down for a hot, hungry kiss. When they broke apart, Ivan reached into his top desk drawer and pulled out a small tin of lip balm. He removed the lid and ran the pad of his forefinger over the smooth, gold surface. “I would love nothing more than to drizzle the actual honey over your lips and tongue and suck it off, but it would make a horrible mess. I’m already a nervous wreck. Perhaps lip balm made from my beeswax will be a good substitute until we can disappear behind locked doors.” Ivan rubbed the balm over Rory’s lips, and he pursed his mouth into a cute pout.

“And here I thought you were going to drizzleyourhoney on my lips.”

Ivan released a hungry growl before capturing his mouth in another kiss. “We’ll do that too, but first I need to get through my interview.” He checked the clock. “Roberto will be here in two hours.”

Rory stood up, and Ivan clenched his fists to keep from reaching for him. “Assume he’ll arrive earlier than that. Is that what you want to wear?”

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