Page 22 of Gargoyle Defender

“Almost a full day.” Ronen fixed his gaze on him. “I was terrified I’d lose you, but Ezekiel, the healer I told you about, he brought you back.” Ronen’s features clouded. “He did the same for me.”

Tanner drew in a sharp breath. “Oh no, the demons tried to possess you too?”

“No, I haven’t surrendered to the rogues or become a shadow gargoyle. But they captured me, tortured me for information. Up until now, they’ve been searching for holy relics. If they’d been able to procure three of the unattainables, they could’ve turned the world to darkness and enslaved all of humanity.”

Tanner’s jaw went slack. “No way.”

Ronen nodded. “But something’s changed. I have a theory about what’s going on. Once I’ve had a chance to sit down with Cass and the others—my teammates who’ve been assigned to this operation—I’ll discuss it with them.”

Tanner squirmed, scooting a bit closer to Ronen. He was very interested in what Ronen was saying, very interested. It was his ragingly hard cock that didn’t care.

“Oh yeah?” Tanner licked his lips again, then fanned himself. “Is it hot in here to you?”

Ronen gazed down at him with hooded eyes. “Perhaps we should get you something to eat and have Ezekiel check you over.” He wiped the back of his hand across his mouth. “After that, I think we’ll need some alone time.”

Tanner nodded shakily. “Alone time is good.”

“I’ll assemble a plate of food, maybe some cheese, meats, and fruit? I’m not much of a cook, I’m afraid.”

“No worries.” Tanner grabbed Ronen’s wrist as he rose. “Wait. I just need one thing before you go.”

Ronen eased back onto the mattress. “Of course. What is it?”

Tanner leaned in, reaching up to wrap his hand around Ronen’s nape.

“A kiss.”

Chapter Seven

Tanner wiped his mouth with a napkin, then pushed his dish with the half-eaten contents aside. He’d save it for later. Right now, he needed a different type of hunger sated.

Ronen’s eyes darted to the plate. “That’s all you’re going to have?”

Tanner grabbed his cup of juice and took a swallow. “No. I had this too.”

Ronen sighed. “I’m worried about you. You need to build your strength back up.”

Ronen had insisted on Tanner staying propped up against the pillows while they ate, with Ronen perched on the edge of the bed next to him. Tanner poked a leg out from under the blankets and teased Ronen’s butt with his toes.

“What are you doing?” Ronen’s brow creased.

“Trying to get your attention.” Tanner chuckled. “You’re finished with your food, right?”

Ronen’s jaw went slack. “I wasn’t all that hungry, but I didn’t want you to eat alone.”

“That was really nice of you.” Tanner sat all the way up and leaned toward Ronen. “Especially since there are other things I don’t want to do alone, either.” He ran a finger up Ronen’s arm. “Do you think you could help me with those?”

Tanner had no idea what was driving him to be so blatant, but he didn’t care. Needs had to be met. Action needed to be taken. Results achieved.

Ronen cupped Tanner’s cheek with a large, calloused hand. The rough sensation of Ronen’s skin against his own sent a jolt of desire to his core. He was already about to burst as it was. As much as he wished that their first time could be slow and sensuous, he was more in the mood for quick and raw.

“I’ll take care of you, sweetheart.” Ronen brushed his thumb over the stubble on Tanner’s chin.

Tanner pressed his chest against Ronen’s muscular arm. Fuck, but the man was built. He’d never been with a guy like him before, someone so solid and strong. Someone who towered over him. He was looking forward to being railed by a man who could control him, take him hard, and use his body however he wished.

Sweat formed at Tanner’s hairline, his body flushing with a heat he’d never experienced before. “I’m not sure why, but I’ve never wanted to be fucked so bad. Sorry if I’m being pushy.” He wiggled the rest of the way out from under the covers onto Ronen’s lap. “Actually, not sorry.” Tanner groaned. “Touch me. Kiss me.” He ground his ass on Ronen’s straining cock. “Fill me.”

A growl from deep within Ronen sounded. He wrapped his palm around Tanner’s nape, then flipped him onto his back. Without another word, he ravaged Tanner’s mouth, his tongue delving deeper as he smashed their lips together. The sting of the brutal kiss was almost too much. Somehow, the pain made it better, spiked his need even higher.