Even though he slept in, morning came too soon for Luis. Nevertheless, when he dragged his tired ass out of the empty bed at eleven, he still couldn’t even think, let alone keep both eyes open as he stumbled in the direction of the bathroom. From the sound of it, Gerome was already talking to someone on the phone.
Locked in a tight embrace, they’d fallen asleep rather fast the night before with Luis’ head on Gerome’s shoulder. Sometime during the night, they’d shifted, and Luis woke once to realize his front pressed against Gerome’s back. His lover fit perfectly in his arms, and his cock noticed how nicely the swell of Gerome’s ass fit against it, but he hadn’t stayed awake long enough to wake his mate.
Luis stared at his reflection in the mirror. His hair stood up in strange places, and he needed a shower, but other than that, he looked good—healthy. Because he’d lost so much, gaining a bit more weight wouldn’t hurt, but his skin seemed to glow in the light of the room.
After a quick shower and a stop at the closet to dress, he went to look for his partner. Gerome was listening to someone as he pressed his smartphone to his ear. As soon as he spotted Luis, he smiled and beckoned him closer. Luis stepped forward until he stood right in front of Gerome, who reached up and gripped a handful of the T-shirt Luis wore and gently pulled him down into a kiss.
He released him and answered the person on the phone, but Luis didn’t step away. Instead, he walked around the chair and rested his fingers on Gerome’s tight muscles. Gently, he massaged the knots from shoulder to neck.
Gerome let his head fall forward. His phone call seemed one-sided. He just said “yes” and “no” a couple times along with a couple of short sentences here and there. Was he cramping his mate’s style? Gerome said it was okay if he listened, but this was awkward. Luis ran his hands over the hard muscles. He was ready to go back to the bedroom when a hand covered his.
Gerome looked up and back. “Stay,” he mouthed. He finished the call with, “Think about it. It’s the right thing to do. Thank you. Talk to you soon.”
Luis tried not to listen, but he failed. Ignoring Gerome was impossible.
“Hey. Did you sleep well?” Gerome reached around and pulled Luis into his lap before he even registered what was happening. He hugged him tightly to his chest and pressed a hot kiss to his mouth.
“I did, thank you. You could have woken me sooner, though. It’s nearly lunch time.” Luis rested his head on Gerome’s shoulder and closed his eyes again.
“You needed the sleep. Are you hungry? We can order breakfast or an early lunch.”
“Slow down, I’m not starving. Yet. When did you get up? And why are you working again? Do you ever not work?” Luis breathed deeply to capture more of Gerome’s delicious smelling cologne.
“I got up at five or so. I wasn’t doing work for my father, but checking a few laws, calling my siblings, and such. I also emailed your University about enrolling you in classes again. Because it’s too far for you to drive there and back every day, you’ll have to take online courses, but I figured it’s better than nothing. They’d be happy to accommodate you and await your call about setting you up with an online account. If you want, you can divide your time between helping me and working on your studies. And if not, then I will find a way to delegate work so you can focus on your studies.”
Luis raised his head and stared at Gerome. “You did what? I thought I wasn’t allowed to study or have a job?”
“Right now, you aren’t. But if everything goes as planned, you soon will be. Very soon. Two of my siblings, Gordon and Marian, have my back. My oldest brother is most set in our traditions, but I think even he is starting to realize these laws hurt the people we should cherish the most. It was talking to him a few moments ago, by the way. My sister Eleonora has yet to call back.”
“You did this for me?” Luis swallowed hard.
“I promised you I’d do it. You’ve given me something I never believed I would have. With you, I can be who I am, not a prince, not anyone else. You see me like no one else does. You forgave me for my mistakes and allowed me to love you. You’re one of the bravest, strongest, and most loveable persons I’ve ever met, and I’m honored to stand by your side. Not the other way around. I could’ve made you mine, whether you wanted it or not, but we’ve made it something completely different now. Changing the laws for you is the least I can do.”
Luis closed his eyes and hid his face in Gerome’s chest. He couldn’t bear it. “Thank you,” he stammered out as tears clogged his throat.
“Shhh, everything is good.” He rubbed Luis’ back, the touch placating him. Gerome’s body radiated warmth and strength, something Luis direly needed. Otherwise, he’d be lost.
Breakfast could wait. Luis dragged Gerome back to bed and showed him just how much he appreciated what he’d done for him.
Tomorrow, real life and the coven would be waiting for them again, but until then, they had their little world to themselves.