Page 17 of Sins of the Fathers

He settled on the couch and held a hand out to Archie. “How about for tonight, we ignore work. We stop thinking about Daniel and Petra and the sanctuary. We can focus on each other, have dinner, maybe watch a movie.”

Archie plopped down next to Jasper and turned to look at him. “Are you suggesting we Netflix and chill?”

Jasper laughed. “I wasn’t going to suggest it. I was going to say we should definitely do it. Emphasis on the chill because honestly, I’m not sure how long I have before I conk out. I’m tired.”

Archie reached out to gently stroke Jasper’s cheek. “Worked on too many cars today?”

Jasper pushed Archie’s hand away. “You’re not funny.”

“I am, and you love me for it.”

Jasper couldn’t help but smile. “I do love you. I don’t know why, but I really do.”

“It’s because I’m irresistible.”

“Yes, and an irresistible asshole.”

Jasper didn’t actually believe that, but he was enjoying the banter. It had made Archie smile, and Jasper was pretty sure that he’d gotten what he’d wanted. He didn’t think they would talk about Daniel again tonight, and that was okay. In fact, it was perfect.

They fell silent as Archie put on a TV show and they ate their pizza. Jasper was distracted, though. Maybe he was ready for the chill part of the evening. He felt like it had been an eternity since he and Archie had had any kind of time together, unbothered by what was happening around them. It was nice. In fact, it was perfect.

Jasper barely paid attention to whatever was on the screen. His focus kept drifting to Archie beside him and the warmth of his body, the way his fingers tapped against his thigh, the curve of his throat. When Archie glanced over and caught him staring, Jasper didn’t look away.

“Not interested in the show?” Archie asked, his voice dropping lower.

“Not really.” Jasper set his plate aside and shifted closer. “I’m more interested in you.”

Archie put his own plate down. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” Jasper leaned in, closing the distance between them, and kissed him.

It started slow but quickly deepened. Archie’s hand came up to cup the back of Jasper’s neck, pulling him closer, and Jasper went willingly. He straddled Archie’s lap, pressing their bodies together, and groaned when Archie’s hands slid down to grip his hips. It had become familiar to Jasper, but he was still eager for it. He suspected he always would be.

“Bedroom?” Archie murmured against his mouth.

“Too far,” Jasper said, already tugging at Archie’s shirt.

They stripped each other quickly, hands fumbling with fabric and skin, mouths never separating for long. When they were finally naked, Jasper pressed Archie back against the couch cushions and kissed his way down his body—his throat, his chest, his stomach—savoring every sound Archie made.

“Jasper,” Archie whispered breathlessly, his fingers tangling in Jasper’s hair. “Please—”

Jasper took Archie in his mouth. Archie’s hips jerked, and Jasper gripped them, holding him steady as he worked him with lips and tongue. He loved the weight of Archie on his tongue, the way Archie’s breathing grew ragged, the small desperate sounds he made when he was close, and his taste. Jasper loved that more than anything. Archie’s scent was all around him, grounding him and keeping him in the moment, and that was exactly what he needed right now.

“Stop,” Archie gasped after a few minutes, pulling at Jasper’s shoulders. “Come here.”

Jasper released him and let Archie pull him up for another kiss that held a hint of desperation. Archie’s hands roamed over his body, touching everywhere, and when Archie’s fingers wrapped around him, Jasper groaned into his mouth.

They moved together, finding a rhythm that had them both gasping and panting. Archie’s free hand slid around to grip Jasper’s ass, pulling him closer, and Jasper buried his face against Archie’s neck, breathing in his scent again, then lightly biting the skin.

“I love you,” Jasper said against Archie’s neck.

“I love you too,” Archie replied, his voice rough. “No matter who or what you are. That’s never going to change.” His hand tightened, his rhythm quickened, and Jasper felt himself getting close.

It didn’t take long. They knew each other’s bodies too well and knew exactly how to touch, where to lick and bite and suck. When Jasper came, it was with Archie’s name on his lips, and Archie followed moments later, pulling Jasper down into a kiss as they rode out their orgasms together.

They stayed still and panting for a while after, tangled together on the couch, catching their breath. Jasper’s head rested on Archie’s chest, listening to his heartbeat slow, mirroring his own.

“We should probably clean up,” Archie said eventually, but he didn’t move to get up.