Elias studied Victor, the slight tremor still lingering in his breath, the softness in his crimson eyes. For a man who commanded boardrooms and governments with a single raised brow, the vulnerability in that admission was staggering.
He lowered his forehead to Victor's, their breaths mingling in the quiet that followed. "I didn't mean to…"
"You did," Victor said softly, almost cutting him off. One of his hands came up to cradle Elias's jaw, guiding his gaze back up. "You meant it. And I liked it. Don't take that away from me."
Elias exhaled, a slow release of tension. His eyes softened. "Victor…"
Victor kissed him once, then pulled back just enough to look at him properly.
"I want more nights like this," Victor murmured. "Not because of instinct or roles. But because you wanted something and took it." He brushed a lock of damp hair from Elias's temple. "I've never seen you like that."
A quiet beat passed.
"Then I'll show you again," Elias said softly.
