Laken gave Isley a wary, side-eyed look and released a relieved breath when he saw that he was dressed in black sweatpants and a white T-shirt. The shirt clung to Isley’s damp skin and his wet hair was brushed back off his face, leaving it exposed to Laken’sattention. His skin was a dewy pink, glowing with vitality. Inky eyelashes framed the palest blue eyes that reminded Laken of the icy blue pools in New Zealand. They were so clear it was as if Laken could drown in their depth and never lose sight of Isley.
“The shower is all yours,” Isley said tartly, breaking the spell after several seconds had passed and neither of them blinked.
Striding to the bed, coming to where Laken’s knees were still touching it, Isley glanced from the knees up.
“Excuse me, I need to get my face cream from the nightstand.”
Don’t take the bait.
Laken rose slowly, his back twinging and his knees creaking at the movement. A groan caught in his throat as he attempted to swallow it, desperate not to show any sign of discomfort. He side stepped Isley, working to keep from touching him. That was impossible with such a small gap between them. He felt Isley’s body tremble at the mere touch of chest against arm, but the other man’s head was down so he couldn’t see his expression.
Moving normally was a stretch with how his cock was pressed uncomfortably against his zipper, so he opted for slow, measured steps, keeping his hips at an angle to hide his body’s reaction.
“Old age catching up with you?” Isley’s cheerful tone set his teeth on edge.
“I’m fine.” If only he fucking knew! The hell he was fine. Sleeping on the streets was better than this torture.
You’re being a little dramatic.
Am I really? I stink worse than I did when I hadn’t washed in a month!he argued back with his animal, doing everything he could to miss the point completely, because right then he was in no mood for sarcasm or the truth.
One more day.
Chapter Two
Isley
Isley trudged up the steps of the private jet feeling eyes boring into him. He didn’t so much as glance back to see who it was. He could single out Laken’s aftershave and his own animal’s scent wafting from Laken’s skin after it had marked the alpha while he was asleep.
So not thinking about that!
Why not? It was fun.
For you! And no, we are not talking about how naughty you were.
We were.
Isley had to refrain himself from arguing back because he had taken to doing it aloud, which wasn’t ideal when he’d been sharing a tiny cabin for a week with Laken. Things had headed south the very first night.
“The beds are too close together. How am I supposed to move in here!”
Isley eyed the beds and the small gap between them. Laken had a point but Isley was doing his best to make the most of the situation. The day had been long, and his body ached in ways that yoga never prepared him for. All he wanted was a hot shower and to lie down on a flat surface to get some sleep.
“Carefully?” he supplied, grabbing his shower bag and heading to the bathroom, which thankfully had a lockable door.
As he shut the door, Laken muttered, “Exactly that!”
More than a little miffed at the attitude when he was in the same situation, Isley took his time showering. It wasn’t like he wanted to share. What if Laken snored? Isley liked quiet when he slept.
Do you think he’ll sleep in the nude?
Isley grunted at his animal.Stop it. He’s not interested in us.
Yes, he is. I notice way more than you. That man needs an introduction to me.
Not on your life.Isley was adamant that was not happening.
We’ll see.