During the next two weeks, Luis found himself sweating over bills, papers, and a lot of other financial stuff. Running a coven was hard work—something he’d begun to discover more and more. Gerome took the time to show him what he needed to do, patiently explaining everything.
He paid bills and filled out many forms for various things. A sales account here, an invoice he had to clarify there, and his days flew by faster than expected. Working with Gerome wasn’t bad, and the help seemed to take a good deal of stress off Gerome. It also gave Luis something useful to do.
He closed his eyes, allowing his mind to wander and recapping the last weeks.
Despite his work, he’d still managed to drag D to the market a couple of times and even did some computer shopping. Unlike the days before he began helping Gerome, his mate actually found time to cook and eat with him now.
Relaxing with each other, they shared a few quiet dinners. Despite being together all day, first working and then cooking, Luis enjoyed Gerome’s closeness, sometimes more than he wanted to admit.
However, nothing else happened between them. They each went to bed alone. While a part of Luis ached to be held, another part of him needed space and freedom—something his own room gave him.
Gerome made no hints that he wanted to take their relationship to the next level, so they worked side by side all day and shared a hot kiss now and then. A week and then another flew by faster than when he’d been studying for tests. Before Luis knew it, spring arrived in full force, the forsythias highlighting the shrubbery with their bright yellow flowers, and the daffodils raising their heads toward the sun. Whenever he wasn’t working, Luis took walks outside soaking up the warmth and light. For the most part, D walked beside him. By now, he’d gotten used to having protection, and most of the time, D didn’t interfere with his desire to be alone. The tracker could be silent and discreet, even though he stayed close. When Luis went out for a walk, he’d quite often start chatting with D after a while, and they’d end up getting a cup of coffee and eating cake in one of the cafes they encountered. His need for solitude didn’t last long. That was when he was happy to have D by his side. By now, he considered the tracker a friend.
His relationship with Albert and Kevin slowly grew again, although it wasn’t the same as it used to be. He’d changed too much, which became more and more obvious each time he talked with them. Working instead of studying changed his view on some things, as did being mated.
At least, Albert and Kevin had each other, and they seemed to be madly in love. Luis couldn’t be happier for them, and he hoped they’d stay together. One day, Albert would have to mate, but his parents already agreed to let him pick his companion, so they shouldn’t run into any trouble on that front.
A phone beeped somewhere, ripping Luis out of his daydream. Damn. At this rate, he wouldn’t finish his work anytime soon. With a sigh, Luis opened his eyes and picked up the envelope he needed to open. A quick glance at his cell told him Albert had texted, but that could wait. Work came first.
Luis opened the letter and read the content. He never expected there to be so much correspondence or time-consuming issues. The majority of it wasn’t vitally important, but it had to be dealt with.
Strong, warm hands appeared on his shoulders and kneaded them for a second. “Can I interrupt you?” Gerome asked quietly.
Luis let his head fall back so that he met Gerome’s eyes. “You already did,” he said, smiling to soften his words.
“True.” Gerome leaned down to kiss him but pulled away before Luis could get into it.
“I’ve been able to catch up on a lot of work with your help, and I think we need some time alone. How would you feel about a vacation?” he asked.
Luis turned around in his chair and moved away from Gerome’s hands. He wanted them back on his shoulders, but he needed to see Gerome.
“A vacation? Where? And why?”
Gerome sat down in the chair next to Luis and looked at him. “I thought we could use some time for us without work.”
“I don’t know what to say. Of course, I’m up for a vacation. Who wouldn’t be?” He grinned at Gerome. “I’ve only been working a few weeks, and now my boss wants to whisk me away on a holiday. How can I resist?”
“Well, I think we both deserve it. And heaven knows I need some time without my father breathing down my neck or his constant demands.”
“He never gives you a break, does he?” Luis asked, even though he knew the answer. King Harold always found something wrong with Gerome’s work, no matter what he did or how he did it. Luis hadn’t met him again, but he still hated the man for the pressure he put on Gerome.
While he’d managed to catch more sleep and breaks, his mate still looked gaunt with a pale face and dark circles under the eyes. Gerome needed a break, before he dropped, which would happen soon. While they were on vacation, they needed to talk about reducing the workload or changing something. The king couldn’t continue adding more and more to Gerome’s duties. At some point, he had to stop and consider what he was doing.
“He doesn’t. I need to come up with a plan to change what he’s doing, and I seriously need time alone with you to recharge my batteries again.”
“Then it’s settled. Where do you want to go? Should I pick a hotel and arrange it or do you want to do it?”
“I already did, hoping you’d agree.” Gerome took Luis’ hands in his. “So it’s settled. We’ll leave in a week if that’s okay.”
“Yes, it is.” Luis stared into Gerome’s eyes and met him in a kiss.
They went back to work a few minutes later, but for some reason, a small voice inside Luis didn’t quiet down. Yes, they were getting along, and they were finally on solid ground with their relationship, but spending a few days with Gerome alone? Wasn’t that too much, too soon? Should he take this step? They didn’t have to do anything, and he’d have his room to retreat to if necessary, but his insides still didn’t rest. He’d simply have to wait and see what happened. For now, the pleasant anticipation outweighed the uneasiness, and he’d just have to take it as it came.
****
A week later, Luis began packing his bags. Everything fit nicely into the suitcase, and he didn’t even have to sit on it to close it. Now, he’d have to wait for Gerome so they could leave. He hadn’t seen his mate today, but he’d let him know that he needed to attend a meeting and would be back in time for them to leave. The poor guy had to double his workload so that he could take the week off. Luis doubted he’d slept, and he knew Gerome hadn’t taken any breaks—at least, not when he was present. They had to leave all that alone for a week, or Gerome would simply drop.
With his suitcase waiting beside the door, he tried to think of something else to do to pass the time. Perhaps he should look for a snack in the meantime. He’d had breakfast a while ago, but his stomach already rumbled again. Some coffee also wouldn’t hurt.
Luis opened his bedroom door and saw Gerome, his face resting on his upturned hand while he sat at his PC. When did he get home? Luis hadn’t heard him, and it was unusual for him not to say hello. Well, he might have his reasons.
Quietly, Luis walked to the kitchen and made himself a cup of coffee. Gerome didn’t even react to the hissing of the machine. What was up with him? Dread settled in his stomach, but Luis ignored it. Maybe his mate was just concentrating on whatever he was reading. Luis took a second mug from the cabinet and filled it with coffee. Then he slowly carried it over to Gerome.
“Hey, may I interrupt you?” he asked quietly.
“Yes, of course. What do you need?” Gerome turned around and rubbed a hand over his face. With the dark circles under his eyes and his wary expression, he looked like shit.
“I brought you some coffee. When did you get home? I didn’t hear you.” Luis held up the mug.
“Thank you. About an hour ago. I just need to finish this letter.” Gerome smiled tiredly and reached over to take the mug. Their fingers touched for a second.
“You shouldn’t work so much. You look tired. Let me do that.”
“I know. You’ve already helped me a lot, but this is something I need to do myself.” He sipped his coffee. “I’m sorry I couldn’t spend more time with you these last few days.”
“It’s okay. I understand. I just wish I could be more help.” Luis covered Gerome’s free hand with his.
“I know. You’ll get more and more responsibilities over time, but for now, there’s nothing you can do. I really need to get back to work now. We’ll leave in a couple of hours after I finish here. Thank you for the coffee.”
“You’re welcome.” Luis got up and left Gerome alone. His mate clearly needed to get away from the coven. Now.
****
When they left, Gerome didn’t do the driving. A man in a dark suit sat in the driver’s seat and steered the Jaguar with practiced ease. He and Gerome had climbed into the back of the two-door car. It wasn’t very comfortable, but it was much safer than having a tired Gerome drive, and while Luis had managed to survive his first few driving lessons, he didn’t have his license yet.
D wasn’t with them for this vacation because Gerome claimed that he would be enough protection for his mate. Luis also suspected that he didn’t want to arouse curious glances from others.
Luis watched his sleeping mate. Gerome had opened his laptop the second he sat down, but after a couple of minutes, he’d leaned his head back and closed his eyes. His hand went slack a few seconds later, and he hadn’t moved since.
After their departure, the scenery changed from the outskirts of Munich to rolling hills. Gerome had been all hush-hush about their destination, but he had instructed him to pack warm clothes.
When the Alps loomed in the distance, Luis realized the mountains must be their destination. He knew they wouldn’t be staying in a cheap hotel, but wondered if his mate had chosen one of the “in” places. However, the last thing they needed was to be in a village celebrities frequented. He wanted peaceful silence and quiet time with his mate, not trouble.
Gerome still slept, so he decided to wait and see where the driver took them.
As they neared the Alps, the scenery changed once more. He’d never been here, so he took in the hills and the rising mountains through the window. When the weather in Munich was good, he’d been able to spot them, but the closer they got, their sheer size stunned him. After rolling through the hills, the streets began winding upward until the driver finally pulled into the parking lot of a small but inviting-looking hotel. Located in a tiny village nestled on the hillside, it bore no signs of any celebrities. Perfect.
The driver got out while Luis leaned over to Gerome. Gently, he put a hand on his shoulder. “Hey, wake up. We’re here.” Gerome didn’t react, so Luis shook him carefully.
Gerome raised his head and opened his eyes. “What?”
“We’re here. You need to wake up.”
His mate ran a hand over his face as the driver folded the front seat forward. “Sorry. I can’t believe I fell asleep. I wanted to work during the ride, so I arranged for a driver. But I was so tired I fell asleep. Dammit.”
“I think you needed the nap. Come on, you can lie down in your room.” His hand remained on Gerome’s shoulder, and Luis leaned forward to catch a kiss before his mate climbed out of the car and he followed.
Standing next to the car, Luis took deep breaths, the much cleaner air filling his lungs. He looked over the valley, and from the parking lot, the sight stunned him. Small villages clung to the hillsides and bigger ones spread out in the valley. The snowy mountaintops loomed over them. He couldn’t stop looking around and taking in the scenery.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Gerome said much closer than Luis had anticipated. He stood just a step behind him, looking over Luis’ shoulder. Slowly, he wrapped his arms around him, and Luis leaned back into the embrace, welcoming Gerome’s strength and closeness. Spring had arrived here as well—at least, in the lower regions. Intense green colors, sprinkled with dots of yellow, competed everywhere.
“Yeah, it is.” Luis couldn’t force himself to look away.
He should be carrying his luggage inside, but it could wait a minute more. For now, he wanted to savor the moment.
Gerome didn’t say anything else either. He simply stood there, holding him close.
“Let’s go inside,” Luis finally said. Gerome needed to lie down a bit more.
“You’re right. We need to check in.”
Slowly, Gerome released Luis, and hand in hand, they made their way over to the entrance.
Inside and outside, the entire hotel seemed to be made of wooden beams and planks with huge windows that gave it a friendly, inviting look. Everything here screamed money. Old money. The atmosphere inside was as nice as the one on the outside. Soft carpet lined the floor, and the walls were covered in wood and soft colors.
The driver was already talking to the woman at the reception desk, and Luis stopped to look at some pictures of the mountains and the hotel in winter, under lots of snow. Apparently, the ski season was still going strong, but only the glaciers and higher areas had snow right now. Luis didn’t ski, so he wasn’t too sad about that.
“Luis, are you coming?”
“I’m coming, yes. Sorry.”
Gerome smiled. “Nothing to be sorry for.”
“Are you done already?”
“Yes, I have the key to the room, and the bags are on the way up.”
Luis followed him up the carpet-covered stairs and then to the left. Wood planks and fresh flowers decorated the walls, giving the hallway a luxurious yet rustic flair. A door on the left stood open, and Gerome strode right in. Would his room be the next one or the one on the other side of the hall?
Luis followed his mate and realized this was a suite, not just a room. A couch and a couple of chairs sat in front of a TV, while a fireplace dominated the room along with some—again—rather expensive looking vases and pictures.
“Here we are. One of the best views over the valley.” Gerome nodded toward the window. “Thank you, André. Steffen should be here any minute. You can wait for him downstairs. I’ll see you in a week.”
“Thank you. Have a good vacation.” The driver nodded and left the room.
“Who’s Steffen?”
Gerome turned around. “He’s the driver coming to pick up André so that he doesn’t have to stay here.”
“Oh, I forgot just how many people you employ.” He still hadn’t gotten used to having such a large staff around. “Um, where is my room?”
Gerome had turned back to the window. “This is it. Because it’s too dangerous for you to stay alone, we have one room. It was either share a room or ask D to come with us. I didn’t think you’d like that, so I simply picked the room for us. The bedroom is through that door.”
“You just decided I’d rather sleep in the same room and the same bed with you?” He didn’t know if he was ready for that yet. He’d believed he would have space of his own to retreat to if needed.
“There are two beds in there, and yes, I just decided it. I didn’t think you’d mind.”
Carefully looking for the right words, Luis swallowed his reply. “To be honest, I didn’t think we’d share a room. I simply didn’t expect it. Please forgive me. You caught me off guard. I think it’ll be okay.”
“Then it’s good. I don’t think I could’ve reserved another suite for you to share with D, and I also don’t believe he would’ve wanted to come on holiday with us.” He sounded apologetic. “I’m going to lie down. Please lock the door and don’t go out of the room. If you’re hungry, order room service.” He smiled at Luis and then entered the bedroom, although he didn’t close the door.
At first, he could hear the sound of rustling clothing and sheets, and then nothing but silence came from the bedroom. Gerome must be very tired. He didn’t even take the time to unpack.
Luis stopped on his way to the TV. What was Gerome wearing then? He’d heard his mate strip. Was he lying naked in bed? Fuck. Images of the man’s hard body popped up in his head. He shouldn’t be thinking like this.
He knew how that body fit against his, and they’d recently spent a lot of time kissing, so his mind came up with a lot of treacherous ideas about Gerome’s state of undress that made him harden in his jeans. Damn, he needed to get a grip on his raging hormones. And his hard-on.
Slowly, he pushed a hand into his trousers and gripped himself. Should he do this with Gerome in the next room? He’d done it before, of course. But now? On the other hand, why not?
He gripped his cock, stroking it up and down while imagining Gerome leaning over him, claiming his lips, and fucking him into oblivion. Opening his jeans, he freed himself, then leaned his head back and closed his eyes. Gerome’s face appeared in his mind along with his smile. He held Luis in his arms, lending him his strength and giving him security. His movements increased, and a second later, he came all over his hand with a quiet groan.
Damn, that had been necessary. And it brought much-needed relief.
He found some tissues on a small table, sat down again, and turned on the TV. Later, they could go down to the restaurant and eat something. He looked forward to spending this week with Gerome.