Baldur Morgan suddenly scooped Cohen Phillips into his arms.
"Which one is your room?"
Cohen Phillips nervously dug his fingers into Baldur's shoulders.
"The one at the very end..."
Striding forward, Baldur entered the room and kicked the door shut with his heel, not even giving Cohen a chance to turn on the light.
Using the faint glow from the window, he located the large bed, deposited Cohen Phillips onto it, and leaned over him, covering his body.
Cohen Phillips struggled slightly, saying, "Baldur, wait a moment..."
"What is it?"
"I... I want to take a shower first..."
He'd had Chinese hot pot for lunch and gone to the club in the evening, picking up the smell of smoke and alcohol.
Cohen Phillips felt he probably didn't smell great.
"Then let's shower together."
Baldur Morgan picked him up and carried him towards the bathroom.
"Stand steady, baby."
Worried Cohen Phillips might catch another chill and fever, Baldur Morgan stood him under the showerhead.
They completed a quick rinse, then Baldur found a towel to dry him off, carried him back to the bed, and tucked him under the covers.
Cohen Phillips peered out from under the covers, his eyes shimmering with shyness, watching as Baldur Morgan went over and turned on the light.
As brightness flooded the room, the man's physique was clearly revealed before his eyes.
A lean, powerful chest, well-defined abs, long, straight, and muscular legs...
Cohen Phillips shrank back under the covers.
Baldur Morgan knelt on one knee beside the bed, pulled the duvet back, and uncovered him, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Scared?"
Cohen Phillips reached up to wrap his arms around Baldur's neck, his voice trembling.
"Yes..."
Baldur Morgan's tone was confident.
"Baby, your happiness is yet to come."
The double entendre made Cohen Phillips flush with embarrassment.
Baldur Morgan kissed him gently, coaxing.
"Baby, call me something nice."
"Darling..."
"Baby, call me husband."
Cohen Phillips's breath hitched.
He shook his head, refusing.
"No."
"Be good, say it for me."
"I won't. Baldur, you're bullying me again..."
Baldur Morgan chuckled softly, kissed his lips, and trailed downward...
His eyes flew wide open.
That deep, shadowed corner of his heart, clouded since his youth, was suddenly and completely illuminated...
Baldur Morgan gathered the silently weeping Cohen Phillips into his arms.
"Shh, don't cry, baby."
Tears still streaming, Cohen Phillips lifted his head, seeking Baldur's lips.
Baldur turned his face slightly.
"Wait a moment..."
Cohen Phillips wouldn't have it.
He cupped the back of Baldur's head and kissed him firmly.
He even shifted to straddle him, lying on top of him like a little animal, nibbling and biting.
Baldur laughed, his expression full of doting indulgence.
His baby was so adorable.
After playing around for a while, Cohen Phillips grew tired and lay still on Baldur's chest.
"Baldur, I like you."
Baldur Morgan pinched the nape of his neck and asked the question that had been weighing on him.
"When did you start liking me?"
Cohen refused to answer, changing the subject.
"Are you staying the night?"
"Do you want me to leave?"
"No."
"Then I'll stay with my baby. But baby has to give me a little reward."
His eyelashes fluttered as he closed his eyes.
"Mmm..."
"So good..."
The next morning, a loud phone ringtone shattered the quiet bedroom.
Cohen Phillips turned over, frowning and letting out a disgruntled murmur.
Baldur Morgan tightened his embrace around him and, without even opening his eyes, reached for the phone on the nightstand.
His sleep-heavy voice was low and hoarse.
"Hello..."
"..."
There was a long silence on the other end.
Baldur Morgan grew impatient.
"Speak."
"Fuck..."
Kerry Phillips couldn't hold back, the words gritted out between clenched teeth.
"First thing in the morning... Whose bed are you in?"
"..."