The raw, fragile intimacy of the night before still hung in the air like spun glass.
For the first time since the contract had been signed, the quiet inside the house didn't feel like a pressure cooker—it felt like a sanctuary. Down in the study, rain tapped a steady, rhythmic cadence against the high windows. Dean sat on the edge of the broad mahogany desk, a warm mug of tea held between his palms, watching Kellan review a file.
The day-collar around Dean's neck was covered by the high neck of a dark wool sweater, but the skin beneath it still hummed with the phantom warmth of Kellan’s mouth. They hadn't talked about the brutal, beautiful confessions exchanged on the basement daybed. They didn't need to. The shift was in every breath: the way Kellan’s hand lingered on Dean’s hip as he p
