Keld’s grin widened. “So. Do you sleep naked?”
“You wish.” Grayson paused halfway to his usual sweatpants and tank top and redirected. Instead, he took out a pair of slim-fitting underwear and a massively oversized t-shirt. He peeked over his shoulder to find Keld watching the show intently, still standing at the other side of the bed.
Grayson took his time removing his clothes. Some part of him felt utterly ridiculous while the other—a new part carefully cultivated by Keld’s attention—felt sensual and desirable. A low sound of appreciation spurned him on. He hooked his thumbs in his waistband and let his underwear fall to his feet.
He leaned down to step into the new, more appealing pair, but was interrupted by a large pair of bronzed hands.
“Don’t you dare,” Keld said with a nip to his earlobe.
“We just had sex like forty-five minutes ago!” Grayson yelled as Keld tossed his naked body onto the bed.
“And?” Keld settled his heavy frame between Grayson’s thighs. “Can I interest you in round two?”
Grayson laughed and shoved him off. “It’s late. You’re going to wreck my sleep schedule.”
“And that’s… bad.”
“Yes, Keld. That is bad.” Grayson dressed, the soft cotton t-shirt falling to mid-thigh. “I’m a midwife, I have to be up early five days a week.”
Keld groaned and flung himself backward on the bed. “Time is a human construct.”
Grayson curled up against the Alpha’s side. “Did the Mer not have time on Usoi?”
“If I told you no, would you believe me and let me take that shirt off?”
“Nope.”
Keld wrapped an arm around Grayson and rolled toward him, resting his chin on Grayson’s head. Grayson breathed in the forest scent radiating from the microscopic scent glands at the sides of Keld’s neck.
“Are you happy?” the Alpha murmured.
“Yes.” Grayson kissed Keld’s chest. “Are you?”
“Very.”
Grayson drifted off first. His last memory was Keld’s voice, whispering something soft in Loaish.
Streaming sunlight punctured Grayson’s eyelids. He sat bolt upright, panic running cold fingers down his spine.
Fuck, I’m late for work!
“What’re you doing?” mumbled a low, raspy voice. “Come back here.”
Grayson’s heart jolted again. Keld was here. Which meant—
“Oh my god, it’s Sunday.” Grayson collapsed back onto the pillows. “I’m an idiot.”
“A cute idiot,” Keld said, eyes still closed.
“Gee, thanks.” Grayson noticed the Mer’s long tail draped across the width of the bed, falling across his legs. The tattered fin at the end flicked, like an irritated cat. He stretched out a hand and ran his fingertips along the bronze expanse.
“Mm.” The fin flared wider. “Keep doing that.”
“This isn’t sexual, is it?” Grayson teased, petting the fin again.
“Very.”
Grayson’s hand flew backward. “What?!”
