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"Always the worrier, aren't you?" Bear chuckled weakly, allowing Julian to wrap an arm around him. "I'm fine. Just got a few scratches, is all."
"Scratches?" Julian snorted, his eyes filling with concern as they took in the extent of Bear's injuries. "Bear, you're a mess! But I can't thank you enough for what you just did."
"Don't. You're worth it," Bear said.
Julian felt his heart swell with emotion. "Am I?" he asked softly, his mind racing with the implications of Bear's admission.
"Of course," Bear replied, his voice roughened by pain and exhaustion. He looked into Julian's eyes, and for a moment, their gazes locked, and it seemed like everything else melted away: the darkness, the danger, the bloody aftermath of the fight. It was just the two of them, standing there in each other's arms, acknowledging the depth of their feelings for the first time.
"More than a childhood crush?" Julian ventured, his pulse quickening.
"Much more," Bear whispered, his breath hot against Julian's ear. The sensation sent shivers down Julian's spine, igniting a fire in his belly that he'd been trying to suppress for years. It was becoming increasingly harder to deny the truth: this wasn't just some childish infatuation or a fleeting hookup. What they had was real, and it was powerful, and it was worth fighting for.
"Promise me something," Julian murmured, his fingers digging into Bear's muscular shoulders. "Promise me you'll let me help you from now on. I don't want to be a burden anymore."
"Deal," Bear agreed, leaning in to press his lips gently against Julian's forehead. "And I promise I'll always be here for you, too. No matter what."
"I want that too," Julian murmured, feeling tears prick at the corners of his eyes. "I never thought you'd feel the same way, but... God, I want that so badly."
"Really?" Bear asked, his voice sounding almost surprised.
"Really," Julian confirmed, nodding his head for emphasis.
Bear closed his eyes and leaned into Julian's touch, his entire body seeming to sag with relief. "You have no idea how happy that makes me," he whispered, his breath hitching in his throat.
"Show me," Julian suggested, his voice teasing. "Show me just how much you want this."
"Kid, behave yourself."
Julian's heart sang. "Make me," he said.
With a low growl, Bear pulled Julian closer, and he did his best.
Chapter twelve
JulianglancedoveratBear, his eyes lingering on the man's broad shoulders encased in a perfectly tailored suit. The soft light of the chandeliers above reflected off Bear's dark hair and the hint of stubble gracing his strong jawline. Julian's heartbeat quickened as their gazes met across the elaborately decorated table, a knowing smirk playing at the corners of Bear's lips.
Ruby's wedding was the epitome of elegance, from the rich crimson roses adorning every surface to the sumptuous food that filled the air with mouthwatering scents. But nothing could compare to the sight of Bear, the hardened mafia enforcer, looking so effortlessly refined. A thrill shot through Julian at the thought of what lay hidden beneath that polished exterior.
As the ceremony began, the sound of footsteps and murmurs fading away, Julian leaned in towards Bear, breathing in the faint scent of cologne that clung to him. "You know," he whispered, his voice low and teasing, "I always knew you'd clean up well for a fancy occasion like this."
Bear's dark eyes flashed with irritation, but Julian could see the amusement dancing behind them. He knew Bear didn't mind the playful banter; it had become something of a flirtatious game between them since Julian's return to the mafia world.
"Keep it up, kid, and we'll see how much you enjoy the rest of this wedding," Bear growled, but there was no real heat to his words. In fact, Julian found himself reveling in the attention, the warmth of Bear's voice sending shivers down his spine.
Julian settled back into his chair, his heart still racing from their brief exchange. As the vows were exchanged and the room filled with the sound of applause, he couldn't help but steal glances at Bear throughout the ceremony. He marveled at the way the suit hugged every curve of Bear's muscular frame, the crisp white shirt contrasting with his sun-kissed skin. Julian imagined running his fingers over those broad shoulders, feeling the strength that lay hidden beneath the smooth fabric.
It was becoming increasingly difficult for Julian to focus on anything other than Bear and the fantasies spiraling through his mind. He knew he should be attentive during his sister's wedding, but the allure of the man beside him was simply too strong to resist.
The reception was in full swing, the clinking of glasses and the laughter of guests filling the air as Julian and Bear sat together at their table. Julian's heart raced as he thought about their earlier exchange, but he couldn't resist stirring the pot just a little further. As Bear took a bite of his rich chocolate dessert, Julian leaned over and playfully swiped a forkful for himself.
"Hey," Bear growled, glaring at Julian with narrowed eyes. "What do you think you're doing?"
Julian grinned mischievously, licking the chocolate off his fork with an exaggerated flourish. "Just sampling the goods," he replied, meeting Bear's gaze with a hint of challenge.
"Is that so?" Bear asked, his voice low and dangerous. "You aiming to get taught some manners?"
A shiver ran down Julian's spine at those words, and he swallowed hard, feeling a sudden heat rise in his cheeks. "Maybe," he murmured, unable to tear his eyes away from Bear's intense stare.
