Page 98 of Touched By Destiny

With a yawn, Eric stretched his arms above his head. Despite the many hours he’d already slept, he was still tired. And he was desperate to be alone with Gabriel too.

“Yeah, I could use more sleep,” Eric said with a coy look at Gabriel, who grinned at him.

Gabriel stood up and stuck his hand in his pocket.

“I just had one thing I wanted to ask before we go back to our room,” Gabriel commented.

Eric’s gaze widened as Gabriel went down on one knee in front of him and held out a small velvet box.

“Since the first moment we discovered we were soulmates, I’ve waited too long to do things. I kept waiting for some sign or, I don’t know…the perfect moment to present itself.But life doesn’t work that way. In an instant, everything can change. I love you. I love you more than anything else in this world. You’re my soulmate, and I hope you’ll also grant me the privilege of being your husband. Will you marry me?”

Putting his fists to his mouth, Eric closed his eyes as the tears spilled out. Then he dropped his arms and smiled at Gabriel. Cupping his beloved face, Eric leaned their foreheads together.

“Yes. Yes, I’d love to marry you.”

Gabriel tugged Eric into his arms, and they both stood to embrace fully. Clinging to Gabriel, Eric wept happily, and his mind filled with gorgeous pictures of a lovely future together. It was everything he wanted, and he swore he fell a little harder, somehow, for Gabriel in that moment. His proposal was so unexpected and beautiful.

“We have no champagne,” his mother exclaimed. “Imagine a moment like this without champagne.”

Eric kissed Gabriel’s chin and turned to grin at his mother. “We’ll have it tomorrow. I’d like to celebrate with Mari if she’s up to it.”

“I think that’s a perfect idea,” his father replied. “Now, do you mind letting go of Gabriel for a few minutes so we can all hug you both?”

“Give him back quickly,” Eric ordered as he forced himself to take a step away from his soulmate. Their gazes locked, and Eric’s lips curved again. Then he accepted enthusiastic congratulations from their family and allowed their embraces to start his long process of healing.

“The ring,” Richard shouted.

Eric laughed, and Gabriel flipped open the box to reveal a twisted band of silver and white. It was perfect, and Eric trembled as Gabriel slid the band onto his finger.

“Thank you, I love it,” Eric said.

“Good, it took me weeks to find the right fucking one,” Gabriel replied, relief written on his face.

“I would’ve loved whatever you picked out,” Eric told him. “But I honestly think this one is perfect.”

Swaying toward Gabriel, Eric would’ve stepped into his arms if his mother hadn’t grabbed his soulmate first. They needed to get the hugs over with so Eric could have Gabriel alone. They had much to celebrate.

???

Gabriel sat resting against the headboard with his legs splayed. His mouth was fused with Eric’s, and their kisses had long ago ignited his desire. Balls heavy, his cock was hard and desperate for friction. But Gabriel ignored the stupid voice in his head demanding he hurry.

Instead, he kept up a steady rhythm as he pumped his fingers in and out of Eric’s slick hole. The destiny-touched necromancer was straddling his lap, and Gabriel used his free hand to caress the slightly furred skin of his thigh. Eric was damp with sweat, and his muscles bunched as he tried to force Gabriel to speed up.

That wasn’t happening, no matter how badly they both wanted to come. After everything Eric had endured, Gabriel wanted to treasure him. To stay united as long as possible. For just this night, to help Eric forget the horror he’d endured at the hands of his uncle. Gabriel wanted nothing more than to ease his pain, though it was beyond his ability.

It was Eric who would have to fight through the nightmare of his snarled emotions. But Gabriel would be at his side every step of the way. He’d offer Eric his sturdy shoulder to lean on and hold him through whatever tears he still had to shed.

Although it hadn’t seemed possible a few days ago, Gabriel’s awe of Eric and the love in his heart had grown. Gabriel’s soulmate had no match, and he was a lucky inspirit to have an eternity to share with him.

“I love you,” Gabriel murmured between kisses.

“Hmm, love you too,” Eric whispered, then tilted his head and reunited their tongues. Gabriel luxuriated in his unique taste and sank a hand into his tousled curls. “I need you inside me.”

Pulling away enough to meet his gaze, Gabriel smiled at the need in those beautiful blue eyes. He’d known Eric was close and had left his prostate alone since he didn’t want to punish him by pushing him to the brink before they were united, but the time for playing was clearly over.

“Your wish is my command.”

Eric snickered. “If only that were true all the time.”

---