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“I’m aware. I love you too, which factors heavily into my decision-making process.” Ethan rested his hands on Rook’s chest, feeling their bond hum with shared contentment. “Now let me finish packing so we can address the refrigerator situation before it becomes a genuine biohazard.”
“I can…”
Ethan’s phone rang, the sound was loud in the quiet apartment. Pulling it from his pocket, Ethan glanced at the caller ID.
“It’s Ryan.” Ethan frowned. “My evening manager.”
“Want me to handle it?”
“No, I’m sure I can manage Ryan.” Ethan answered and immediately put it on speaker. “Hello?”
“Ethan, where the hell have you been?” Ryan’s voice carried irritation and confusion in equal measure. “You missed Thursday and Friday shifts without calling, and Fiona said you haven’t responded to any texts from the staff group chat.”
“I’ve been busy, occupied with other matters.”
“Other matters don’t excuse your absences. You know the policy - three no-shows, and you’re terminated.” Papers rustled in the background. “You’re scheduled tonight at six. If you don’t show up, you’re fired.”
Ethan glanced at Rook, who grinned and gave him the thumbs up.
“In that case, I quit. Effective immediately.”
Silence stretched across the line. “You can’t just…”
“I can, and I did. Also, you should know Grant Voss is currently being detained for his involvement in human trafficking. The police will likely want to speak with you about his access to staff lockers and his recruitment activities targeting Garrison employees. As I said, I’ve been busy. Goodbye, Ryan.”
Ethan hung up. The phone immediately started ringing again.
“Ignore it.” Rook stepped into Ethan’s space, his shadows already tugging at his shirt. “I don’t know why, but when you talk like that, it makes me incredibly horny. That was so hot.”
“It was a perfectly functional resignation delivered with relevant information.”
“It was you telling your shitty boss to fuck off while casually mentioning an active criminal investigation.” Rook’s hands settled on Ethan’s hips. “That’s super hot.”
“Your standards for attractive behavior are unusual.”
“My standards for hotness involve you doing literally anything at all.” Rook kissed him, slowly and thoroughly, while Ethan’s phone kept buzzing with ignored calls. “I love watching you organize things. I love listening to you explain the little details other people have missed, and I especially love that you quit your job with no hesitation, implying the guy was a dick without saying the words. I just love it.”
Ethan’s breath caught and he lifted his chin, so Rook could have more access. “We still need to pack.”
“We have at least ninety minutes.” Rook’s shadows worked at the buttons on Ethan’s borrowed shirt. “That’s sufficient time for multiple activities.”
“Your shadows are getting very proficient at removing clothing.”
“They’ll get better with practice.” The shirt fell open, and Rook’s hands traced the shadow marks curling across Ethan’s collarbone. “These are darker than this morning.”
“Bond manifestations intensify during periods of emotional synchronization.” Ethan pulled at Rook’s jacket. “Currently we’re both experiencing elevated arousal responses, which strengthens the visible markers.”
“That’s the sexiest explanation of ‘we’re both horny’ I’ve ever heard.”
“Accuracy is important.”
“So is this.” Rook kissed him again, harder this time, and Ethan’s analytical brain went pleasantly quiet. They climbed onto the mattress, shedding clothes in a mix of hands and shadow helpers.
“Love you,” Rook growled against the pulse point in Ethan’s throat, shadows slithering over every inch of exposed skin like they couldn’t decide which part to worship first. “I love that you’re mine.”
“Mutual possession is the more accurate term given the bond’s…” Ethan’s lecture cut off in a sharp inhale as Rook’s teeth grazed a spot that sent electricity straight to his cock. “…bi-directional nature. Fuck.”
“Yeah?” Rook’s hands mapped Ethan’s body he could reach, making sure to cover every inch. “Use your words, my precious beacon. Tell me exactly what you need.”
