Page 342 of Scarbound

Duri immediately loosened his hold. “Too much?”

Noeul stared at him, breathing hard. “No.” He swallowed. “No. Don’t stop.”

This time, Duri kissed him with less restraint. Still careful, but hungry.

Noeul responded just as eagerly. His hands moved over Duri’s shoulders, his back, rediscovering a body he remembered but had never been allowed to know like this.

Duri’s mouth moved from his lips to his cheek, then his jaw. When his lips brushed Noeul’s neck, Noeul shivered. Duri stopped instantly.

Noeul almost laughed. “Duri.”

“Hmm?”

“If you stop every time I react to you, we’re going to be here until New Year.”

A surprised laugh escaped him. “I can live with that.”

“I can’t.”

Noeul caught the front of his shirt and pulled him back into another kiss. Duri made a quiet sound against his mouth, and something about hearing it, knowing he had caused it, sent warmth spreading through Noeul’s chest.

Duri’s hands settled at his waist. Noeul covered one with his own and guided it beneath the hem of his shirt.

For the briefest moment, his body remembered fear. His muscles tightened. Duri felt it immediately and stopped.

Noeul closed his eyes and breathed. Once. Twice.

Noeul opened his eyes. “I’m okay.”

“You don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for.”

“I know.” Noeul touched his face. “I want this.”

He kissed him again.

Later, they found themselves sitting on the edge of the bed, knees touching, hands still unable to leave each other for long. Duri brushed a lock of damp hair away from Noeul’s forehead.

“Let’s just be here,” he said gently. “No rushing. We have time.”

Noeul studied him, then smiled. “You’ve been waiting for me for years, and you’re telling me not to rush?”

“I’d wait longer.”

“I know.”

He leaned forward and kissed Duri’s forehead. Duri’s eyes closed.

“I love you,” Noeul whispered against his skin.

Duri looked up sharply. Noeul smiled at his expression.

“I already wrote it to you. Don’t look so shocked.”

“Write it again.”

Noeul laughed. “Idiot.”

“Say it again, then.”