Page 82 of No Rules

“There’s no pressure here, no expectations. You have all the time in the world to figure things out…and I’m not going anywhere.”

As Ryan looked up at him, gratitude shining in his eyes, hope rose inside Alex. He understood the demons that chased Ryan, his fears and insecurities, but Ryan was changing. Bit by bit, he was opening up and showing more of himself, and for now, that was enough. “Thank you, baby boy,” Ryan whispered, grasping Alex’s hand, his touch warm and reassuring. “For loving me and for being here with me.”

“Always,” Alex promised, squeezing Ryan’s hand in return. And as they sat together, basking in the warmth of the fire and the promise of their newfound connection, the hope inside Alex only increased.

A weightless silence settled between them, the crackling of the logs the only sound. Their emotions, so heavy before, now dissipated like bubbles on a breeze, bringing joy and lightness.

“I’m glad you told me,” Ryan said. “I promise I’ll be careful with you.”

Alex nodded, and Ryan did something unexpected. He reached out and cradled Alex’s face with one rough hand, but his touch was gentle. A simple gesture that spoke volumes, conveying care, affection, and maybe even the beginnings of love. As the silence stretched between them, the atmosphere shifted, something electric, charged with their unspoken desires.

Ryan leaned in, giving Alex ample time to pull away if he chose to. As if. Alex closed the distance between them, and their lips met in a tentative, almost shy kiss, which was a far cry from their previous encounters, where passion and lust had driven them forward. This connection spoke to the deepening bond between them. Alex scrambled onto Ryan’s lap, straddling him, his hands on Ryan’s shoulders. Before, Ryan would’ve grabbed Alex’s ass with both hands, but this time, he kept cupping Alex’s face, his fingers soft as a breeze.

The kiss grew bolder, more insistent, as they explored each other’s mouths, tongues dancing together in a sensual rhythm. Warmth spread through Alex, but not the all-consuming fire from before. No, this burned much slower yet deeper, coming from a different place inside him. He didn’t want to show Ryan how much he wanted him. He wanted Ryan to understand how much he loved him. He wanted to worship him.

“God, I want you,” Alex whispered against Ryan’s lips, his voice shaky with desire. When had he ever wanted someone this much? It was intoxicating, overwhelming, and utterly terrifying all at once.

“You already have me, baby boy. I’m right here with you, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

The man was saying all the right things, and Alex’s heart grew soft. “I love you,” he said again. “I love you so much.”

Ryan rested his forehead against Alex’s. “Thank you. Your love is a gift, baby boy. I hope you know that.”

Alex didn’t need more than that. “Kiss me some more.”

Their lips met again, and Alex poured himself into that kiss, not holding back anything. Ryan’s hands slipped under Alex’s shirt, and they broke off the kiss so he could pull it over his head. Fuck, he loved the way Ryan touched him. As if he owned him. He knew Alex’s body, maybe even better than Alex did himself. He played him like an instrument, knowing where to caress him, where to scratch and pinch and flick to bring that touch of pain that intensified the pleasure a thousandfold.

Alex arched into Ryan’s touch, desperate for more contact. They were still wearing way too many clothes for what Alex wanted. Luckily, Ryan seemed to feel the same way, and between heated kisses, they came off. Ryan’s shirt. Alex’s pants and underwear. Socks, jeans, until they were naked, Alex still on Ryan’s lap.

“Did you prep?” Ryan asked.

Alex shook his head. “Not after I showered. I cleaned myself out of habit, but…”

“It’s okay. I’ll take some more time.”

“I can take the pain.”

“Not today, baby boy. Today, you can’t. I want to take care of you. Let me make you feel good,” Ryan said, his voice low and rough. “That’s all I want, baby boy.”

How was that not a declaration of love? Tears filled Alex’s eyes. Ryan loved him. The man didn’t even realize it, but he did.

“Make me yours, Ryan. Please,” Alex said, his eyes locked on Ryan’s. “I need this. I need you.”

“Oh, baby boy, I need you just as much.”

As they kissed again, Alex marveled at the way their bodies seemed to communicate on a level beyond words—instinctive, primal, and undeniably powerful. Their journey together might have moments of pain and heartache, but the truth shone brightly inside Alex: Ryan Mason was worth fighting for. He was worth loving. And Alex would love him till the day he died.

26

Everything felt different. Ryan couldn’t put his finger on what had changed, but every touch and kiss had a new meaning. A deeper one. He wanted so much more, for himself but above all for Alex. He wanted to make Alex feel good, to make him forget about the horrors he’d experienced that day, to wipe his memory of all the bad things and replace them with pleasure.

“Drape yourself over my lap,” he told Alex. “Wanna see that ass of yours.”

Alex’s cheeks grew red as he obeyed. His response to such remarks fascinated Ryan. How could Alex be shy about the very thing he craved? That contrast was so much fun to tease him with, to play with, and to push his buttons with. And Ryan would. But not now. He had other plans.

“Spread your legs a little. Good boy.” Ryan grabbed the lube out of the drawer under the coffee table. Wasn’t it handy that Jesse had stocked lube everywhere in the house? Ryan coated his fingers generously. He never cared much for this part—one of the reasons why he demanded Alex always be prepped and ready. Nothing was more frustrating than to be in the mood for a fast and hard fuck but to have to take the time to prep first.

But now? He couldn’t object when he loved touching Alex so much. He traced his slick fingers down Alex’s crease, smiling when the boy shivered. Jesus, Alex’s ass was so fucking perfect. Lush, round, with that jiggle that was so damn sexy. As he pressed a slick finger against Alex’s opening, the familiar heat of desire coiled in his belly. Would Ryan ever grow tired of it, of him? Somehow, he didn’t think so. He’d fucked him countless times, but every single time, he wanted more of him. He wanted all of him.

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