Total pages in book: 121
Estimated words: 112416 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 562(@200wpm)___ 450(@250wpm)___ 375(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112416 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 562(@200wpm)___ 450(@250wpm)___ 375(@300wpm)
“No, it’s wrong.” But his words weren’t as strong as the first time he spoke.
“There is no wrong when it comes to my Adrian.” Haru leaned close, rubbing the tip of his nose across Adrian’s cheek. “Let yourself have those dark little thoughts. Be greedy. Let your dragon protect you. Make them all fear you. My Adrian will never feel powerless and lost again.”
“Haru.” Adrian exhaled. That single word sounded as if it had gotten stuck in his throat along with anything else he might have wanted to say. He turned his face, and Haru was there to capture his mouth in a deep, searing kiss.
But Adrian broke off the kiss, pushing Haru away. “No, not like this. Not when you’re still pretending to be Yujian. I want Haru. Not Yujian.”
Haru laughed and held his hands out to his sides. “But these are my clothes.”
“That’s not,” Adrian sneered, pointing at Haru’s hair, which was still decorated with rings and jewels.
“My people often wear ornaments in their hair.”
“Sure, but those times with your clan, it was far more subtle and tasteful. Just a couple of silver rings. The Haru I know doesn’t need diamonds to show off.”
Haru bit the inside of his cheek to keep from grinning like a fool. Adrian had noticed so much about him on the Isle of Stone and remembered. That petulant, almost possessive tone practically made him light-headed.
“Plus, you don’t…” Adrian’s words faded, and he glared at the floor.
“What? Tell me.”
“You don’t smell like you. The cologne. That’s Yujian.”
Haru lunged at Adrian, stopping a hair’s breadth from touching him. Every cell in his body was on fire. He was nearly coming out of his skin at Adrian’s words. “What does your Haru smell like?”
The tip of Adrian’s tongue darted out to wet his lips. When he spoke, his voice was low and smoky. “Jasmine. You smell like the night-blooming jasmine that grows on the grounds of the Omari clan.”
Haru closed his eyes and held his breath for a moment as joy surged through him. Adrian was truly himself and always would be. There was no need to rush now. Adrian was ensnared and didn’t realize it.
“Will you help me become your Haru again?” he asked after he was sure he could speak in a calm, collected tone.
“Yeah. Okay.”
Without another word, Haru sat on the floor between Adrian’s legs with his back pressed to the bed. Gentle fingers worked through his hair, removing silver rings, slender chains dotted with tiny diamonds, and other colorful gems that sparkled in the light. Each item Adrian removed, he dropped into Haru’s waiting hand. The pile grew big enough that a clink sounded as each gem and ring hit. Haru would have happily tossed them to the floor, not caring one bit about the fortune in jewelry he held. But he cradled the collection because he didn’t want Adrian to accidentally tread on one in his bare feet.
At last, Adrian combed his fingers through his hair, free of any and all obstructions. “That’s better.”
Haru climbed to his feet and crossed the room to the low bureau. He placed all the pieces of jewelry he held onto the surface and picked up a rubber band he used occasionally. With a couple of quick twists, his long hair was gathered into a messy bun on top of his head.
“Step one is done.” He turned to Adrian and held out his hand. “Will you help me remove Yujian’s scent?”
To his surprise, Adrian didn’t argue. He rose, took his hand, and walked with him into the bathroom. Soft lighting reflected off cold, white marble and gold fixtures. Adrian reached into the shower and adjusted the water while Haru shed the clothes he’d put on not more than an hour ago. As soon as the water was ready, Adrian joined him in stripping. Clothes landed in haphazard piles on the white marble tiles. There were only the sounds of falling water, the rub of fabric, and their frantic breaths.
The second Adrian was naked, Haru pulled Adrian into the spacious shower stall. Steam filled the enclosed area, but Haru had no problem finding Adrian’s parted lips. Haru turned them so that they were both in the hot spray. His hands slid over wet skin while he devoured Adrian’s perfect mouth. He would never grow tired of kissing this man. The taste of him, the feel of him, the wonderful sounds he made—all of it sang out to his soul.
A chuckle escaped Adrian, and he put his hands on Haru’s chest, pushing to create some space between them. “This isn’t getting you to smell like jasmine. You’re still wearing cologne.”
Haru preferred to continue what they were doing, but he also wanted Adrian to feel more at ease. He twisted and grabbed a bar of soap. He placed it into one of Adrian’s hands.