Page 66 of Temptation On Ice

“I know. That was super shitty timing, and I wish I could have done it differently. I’ve been going crazy knowing you saw my post and haven't said anything. Don't be mad at me, il mio lupacchiotto,” he says, running his fingers through my hair and down to cup my jaw. “It seemed like the best thing to do in the moment, with a lot going on all at once. I meant every word of it. You’ve been my sunshine and warmth since I met you. You’ve made me feel more like myself than I have in years. Safe and good enough all at once. I love you,” he says, tilting my chin up to meet his eyes, where I see conviction burning in the dark depths.

My heart stutters, hopping around in my chest like a pack of excited puppies. A tingle of warmth spreads through my body, from my scalp downward on a wave of goosebumps, shivers of awareness, and longing. Sebastian’s eyes roam over my face, taking me in, full of a look that aches with a devotion I’ve never experienced.

So that’s what love feels like.

It feels even more life-altering to hear the words from his mouth, staring into my eyes, as he brands my soul with the sentiment I’d only dreamed of hearing from someone like him someday. My hands come up to circle his wrists as he holds my face, while I stare in quiet shock and awe at him.

“You don't have to say it back, or even feel it. This is about my feelings, and making sure you know I’m serious about you and what we have together. I’m not fucking around here, Tucker.” His thumbs trace my cheekbones as he makes this proclamation.

“Has anyone ever told you that you're intense?” I ask, fighting back the smile that curves my cheeks under his hands.

He lets out a relieved laugh when he hears the humor in my tone. “Yeah, I’ve gotten that a few times. I’m not apologizing for it, especially not about this.”

“I don't want that. I love you, too. Fuck, that’s crazy to say out loud.” I laugh nervously. “I didn’t expect you to ever look at me as more than a friend, let alone love me like this. I’m kind of lost here,” I admit quietly.

He slowly lowers his hands, my fingers falling away from his wrists as he traces down my chest, along my waist, and settles on my hips, pulling me into his body. “Let’s get lost together.”

Twenty-seven

Sebastian

Tucker loving me back is the best possible outcome I could have hoped for. But it's only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what we have to face together.

“The media won't just go away now, you know,” I say, squeezing Tucker’s hips. “Choosing to be with me comes with a certain level of publicity, as much as I hate it. Fans are intrusive. They say shit to my face, online, you name it. About how I play, what I do, who I’m with, everything. You saw how crazy it was after one night. It’ll probably get worse. I’ll do everything in my power to keep you protected from that, but it’s a fact of life with me that I want you to know upfront that you’ll have to deal with.”

Tucker tilts his head and levels me with a look that says he’s quite aware. “I’m not blind or ignorant. I’m a private man and I’d rather avoid all that, but you’re worth it, City Boy,” he says, running his hands up my chest and cupping my cheeks. “I’ll take creepy people trying to get onto my property any day if it means I get to be with you. I’ve been meaning to install a gate anyway.”

A surprised laugh bursts from me as I realize how simple it is to please this man. The relief is sweet and light as it bubbles up within me. “I’ll have a company out tomorrow with the best gate I can get you if that’s what you need. I’ll do anything to make sure you're happy and taken care of.”

He scowls at me. “Remember when I told you your money’s no good out here?”

I deflate quickly, my mirth swirling away as I take in the serious expression and rigid set of his shoulders. “Yeah, I know. I can’t solve all our problems with money,” I mumble, looking down, chastised.

“Well, in this case, it’s welcome, because the good shit’s expensive. If you want to put up a gate for me, I’ll take it.” He laughs when my head whips up, and I catch the teasing grin.

“You fucking with me, Country Boy?” I lean into his body and nip at his lips, lifting my mouth away as he tries to steal a kiss. “You shouldn't tease me like that.”

“How about you fuck the tease right out of me?” he says, breathless as I kiss along his neck, tongue rasping along his stubble, teeth biting when I get to the meat of his trap. “Oh, fuck. Yes, baby, more,” he groans, pulling on my ass as his hips rock forward, rubbing our cocks together, feeling incredible and so sensitive even through two layers of denim.

“I just want to make sure I have it right. You’ll let me do some things for you that cost a lot of money, but not others. Is that right?” I lick along his collarbones as his head tips back.

“Yes,” he says, voice rumbling against my face while I explore the divot at the base of his throat with my tongue. “I’ll let you spoil me when it makes sense. I just don't want you to waste your money on stupid things like idiot security.” He grips my hair and pulls me away so he can look me in the eye. “You gotta fire that company. I’ll set you up with another that’s legit. After meeting two of their employees, I don't trust them anywhere near you, Enzo, or your property.”

I kiss the protest off his lips, licking into his mouth and meeting his tongue with mine in a battle of wills. I love his protectiveness, his desire to ensure my safety, and his ability to do just that. I trust Tucker with our lives.

“Yes, my lupacchiotto, I’ll do whatever you want me to.” I kiss the promise back to him, slower this time, but he’s hungry. His hands bracket my face, turning my head to deepen the kiss and letting our tongues tangle. When he pulls away, it’s with a gasp for air like he’s forgotten how to breathe, his blue eyes startled as he looks at me in wonder. His chest presses into mine with each deep inhale.

“What does that mean?” he asks in a murmur, thumb brushing over my lips reverently.

“Little wolf,” I tell him, eyes tracing the contours of his ruggedly handsome face as my hands roam his broad back, intent on mapping every part of his body.

“You said something else with it the first time you used it,” he continues, smiling shyly, probably hating that he’s been so curious. I bet he kept himself from looking it up out of pride.

But yes, I can see he likes his pet name. I smile and lick the salt off his neck as I slowly make my way to his ear. “Il mio lupacchiotto affamato,” I repeat in a slow, rumbling whisper. He shivers in my arms and presses closer against me. “My hungry. Little. Wolf.” I bite the words into his neck with quick nips, attacking him.

He laughs, but it turns into a moan when I take his earlobe in my mouth and suck, my hips rolling into his. His hands dive into my hair and slide down my back, holding me tight as his leg hooks around my hip, grinding his hard dick against mine. Fuck, he feels so good, every movement meant to entice and pleasure me.

“Tell me, little wolf, are you hungry for my cock in your ass?” I growl, rolling against him, finding a rhythm that has friction building in our jeans, forcing breaths out in hot puffs expelled against heated skin.