INTENSE
—————
The Congress gathering was tedious—hours of political maneuvering that made Adrian want to scream.
But watching Kieran negotiate, seeing him command the room with centuries of authority, was making Adrian increasingly distracted.
Kieran wore his formal suit, all sharp lines and devastating elegance. Every time he spoke, Adrian's body responded. Every gesture reminded Adrian of those hands on his skin. Every confident smile made Adrian think about that mouth doing far more interesting things.
"You're staring," Wei whispered beside him.
"I'm allowed to stare at my mate."
"You're not staring. You're eye-fucking him across the conference room. Get a room."
"I will. As soon as this meeting ends."
But the meeting dragged on for three more hours. By the time it finally adjourned, Adrian was nearly vibrating with need.
"Office. Now," he commanded Kieran.
"Adrian—"
"Now."
They barely made it to the private office before Adrian was on him, kissing him desperately, hands already working his belt.
"Someone's eager," Kieran observed, but he was responding with equal intensity.
"You made me watch you be all commanding and authoritative for three hours. This is your fault."
"My fault I'm good at my job?"
"Your fault you're so fucking attractive doing it."
Adrian dropped to his knees, pulling Kieran free. He took him in his mouth without preamble, no teasing, just sudden pleasure that made Kieran gasp.
"Adrian—fuck—someone could walk in—"
Adrian pulled back just enough to say, "Let them," then resumed.
Kieran's hands fisted in Adrian's hair, not controlling but anchoring. His head fell back against the door as Adrian worked him expertly.
"Close," Kieran warned. "I'm close—"
Adrian doubled his efforts, taking him deeper, and Kieran came with a bitten-off curse, his release flooding Adrian's throat.
Adrian swallowed everything, then stood and kissed Kieran deeply, making him taste himself.
"Satisfied now?" Kieran asked breathlessly.
"Not even close. When we get home, you're going to bend me over every surface in the penthouse until I forget how to walk."
"That's a tall order."
"You've done it before."
They composed themselves quickly—vampires had the advantage of instant recovery—and returned to the gathering as if nothing happened.
But Wei took one look at them and rolled her eyes. "Seriously? In the office? You two are exhibitionists."
"We're in love," Adrian corrected.
"Gross. Save it for home."
That night, Kieran made good on Adrian's demand. They christened every surface—kitchen counter, dining table, couch, balcony railing, shower wall, and finally, their bed.
By the time they finished, Adrian was boneless and thoroughly satisfied.
"Happy now?" Kieran asked, collapsed beside him.
"Extremely. Though I might not walk for a week."
"You'll heal in an hour."
"Let me be dramatic."
They lay together in comfortable silence, both sexually satisfied and emotionally content.
"Do you ever worry we're too intense?" Adrian asked. "Like, is it normal to want each other this much after five years?"
"I wanted you after a thousand years apart. Five years is nothing. And no, I don't think we're too intense. I think we're exactly intense enough for each other."
"Good answer."