Page 20 of The Hummingbird’s Gift

He pulled Rohahen’s large hands into his own. “I have a career suggestion for you.”

Rohahen gave him a wary look.

“Guide.” It was a marriage proposal, an affirmation of his identity, and an invitation to take his rightful place in the tribe.

Rohahen drew in a sharp breath then launched into his arms. Tier was unprepared for the movement and the two of them tumbled over. Tier landed on the bottom, but as soon as he was stable, he kicked a leg out to flip them over, cradling Rohahen’s head as they rolled.

“You really want me?” Rohahen asked.

Tier kissed his cheeks, which were dripping tears again. “Of course. You’re my balance. My heart-singer. My Ro.”

Ro nuzzled up into his shoulder, somehow feeling sweet and small despite the fact that his chest had almost twice the breadth of Tier’s. He whispered in Tier’s ear, sounding awed. “That’s the first time you’ve called me that.”

“You mean Ro? Is that OK? I’ve heard other people say it.”

Ro giggled, a sweet sound that he hadn’t heard before and now wanted to hear all the time. How much had he missed out on by keeping their relationship so formal before? He wanted to learn everything about him, as soon as possible and for the rest of their lives.

“Yeah, I like it.”

“Good. My Ro.” He licked and nibbled down Ro’s corded neck, noting how he hummed with the kisses and let out beautiful gasping whimpers with each bite.

Experimentally, he bit him harder along his collar bone. Ro cried out and pressed up into him, his breaths ragged. He soothed the spot with his tongue.

“Tier,” his mate whimpered.

Hearing his name in Ro’s desperate voice was better than anything he could have dreamed. He nuzzled up to his neck, nipping his ear and then licking along the shell. “You like that? When I’m a little rough with you?”

Ro nodded, his rough cheek brushing against his own.

“Good,” he murmured, heart swelling. “I’ll have to thank Declan later for the tip.”

Ro giggled again, even though he was covering his face. “I’ll kill him. He said he didn’t say anything.”

“He heavily, heavily implied what he didn’t say,” Tier chuckled. “I was paying attention.”

Ro rolled his eyes, looking giddy.

“And I always pay attention to anything that involves you,” Tier added. “Which is why I’ll have to thank Declan later for helping me know what you need.” He dragged his beard along Ro’s lightly haired chest, knowing that the scratchy bristles would sting. He couldn’t get enough of these firm muscles with just the perfect layer of softness over them. Just enough to sink his teeth into.

He bit Ro’s pec hard, reveling in the way that it made Ro thrust and scream and shake his head helplessly. Ro dug his fingers tighter into his back, pulling him even closer. It had to hurt, especially when he didn’t ease the pressure, but not once did the larger man try to push him away.

“Is that good?” He licked the spot, wondering if he would be able to see a bruise later on Rohahen’s alluring mahogany skin. He pressed into the spot with his chin.

Ro let out a deep moan. Maybe it wouldn’t be visible, but Tier would know it was there.

“Mine,” he whispered. He loved having Ro’s thick bulk and bulging muscles underneath him, completely pliant and ready for whatever he wanted to do. He wanted, desperately, to fuck him. But of course they didn’t have any lube and he didn’t want their first time doing something so intimate to be on the rough ground.

For now, he just wanted Ro to feel good and know how much he was wanted. After Ro came, he figured he could see how Ro felt about blowjobs. He liked the idea of Ro on his knees for him. But that would have to wait.

He sat up, keeping their cocks nestled together with his knees pressed to the ground. Even with his longer legs he could barely span Ro’s thighs. “You’re gorgeous,” he said, running his hands down that meaty chest and belly that he’d wanted to touch for so long.

Ro’s face showed shy surprise in the thin light of the moon. He would have to tell him more often. Every day.

He circled Ro’s nipples with his fingers, then gave them a sharp tug. Ro arched up, while his fingers scrambled for purchase in the grass beneath him. He looked desperate, his body trembling.

“You’re beautiful,” Tier told him. “So beautiful for me.”

Ro’s bashful smile made his heart ache.