Seconds passed. Darius didn’t say anything, though Marc heard him trying to slow his breathing.
After a while the silence began to feel awkward. So much for the hope that Darius hadn’t heard what Marc said.
I’m going to have to face it eventually.
Marc propped himself on his elbows. Darius was watching him with a curious expression; at least he wasn’t running or yelling.
“Look, I didn’t—”
Darius laid a finger against his lips. “Don’t apologize. I… I’m not upset.”
Not upset. He’d expected Darius to freak, so he should be happy about that reaction, but…it made him feel like shit. So much for the hope Darius returned the sentiment.
He sat up. “We should get some dinner.”
“Marc?”
He turned back to Darius.
“That was amazing. You inside me.”
Marc’s embarrassment had made him forget just how monumental it was that Darius let him top.
“Yeah?”
Darius nodded. “It hurt and felt so strange and yet, oh my God, when your cock slid over my prostate, I thought I’d come right then.”
“The prostate has converted many a man to ass sex.”
“Only when the other person wants to make it good.”
Marc smiled. “I’m glad I could do that for you. Does that mean you’d like to do it again?”
“Yes, but the next time you wear those fucking pants, I’m bending you over and going at you hard.”
“You want me to play the Regency submissive. Hands tied with my cravat?”
Darius groaned. “I’m too tired for suggestions like that.”
“Oh, poor thing. I guess you just don’t have much stamina anymore.”
“Wanker.”
“Let’s get dinner, and then we’ll see what else we can do to defile this suite.”
Things seemed to be back to normal, and really, that was the best he could hope for.
“You’re on.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Thorne and Riley’s wedding was as beautiful and romantic as Marc had known it would be. The sun was out, and Marc barely noticed the chilly temperature. Central Park was even more charming than usual, and he felt so damn good in the suit Darius made for him, nothing could bother him. When Marc handed Riley the ring he’d gotten for Thorne, their hands touched. Riley looked up, and Marc mouthed, He’s perfect for you. Marc knew he’d never forget that moment. He was so deeply happy for Riley. His chest tightened, and he could hardly breathe as tears wet his cheeks.
Marc was more hopeful than he’d been in a long time. Maybe, just maybe, he and Darius were on track for their own happy ending, or at least a long stretch of happiness, despite him foolishly spilling words he wasn’t ready to say.
Thorne and Riley had arranged a wedding lunch at a nearby restaurant. He and Darius were already settled at the table with everyone else, sipping wine, when Thorne and Riley arrived. Thorne had said they wanted a little time alone. Surely they hadn’t fucked in Central Park.
Marc stood and pulled Riley into a hug. “Very discreet. You don’t even look like you’ve been up to something.”
“Ha! We actually haven’t.” Riley pulled back and looked Marc up and down. “What about you, Mr. My-man-put-his-shirt-on-inside-out-because-I’m-so-hot?”
“We’ve been very well behaved.” They’d only broken one lamp in the suite so far, and they’d yet to have sex in the kitchenette. The living room and bathroom on the other hand…
Riley glanced at Darius, who was talking with Kathryn and Susan. “He seems to be charming everyone, as usual.”
Marc thought through the list of guests. Kathryn’s husband was probably one hundred percent straight. Then again, why wouldn’t a man make an exception for Darius? “I don’t think there’s anyone here, with the possible exception of Derek, who doesn’t want to fuck him.”
Riley laughed. “Darius’s watching you.”
Marc winked at Darius. “He’s watching us. We’re pretty together.”
“We are.”
Thorne signaled a server, and they all took their seats so the toasts could begin.
Kathryn gave her brother and Riley a beautiful tribute. Marc was glad he’d thought through what he wanted to say ahead of time, because he was more nervous than he’d expected to be in front of such a small gathering. Was it Darius being there? Was it his hope that he might be as happy as Riley one day? Whatever it was, his voice shook and he fought back tears as he spoke.
When Thorne stood up and apologized for ever suspecting he and Riley were more than friends, his tears began falling in earnest. Darius pressed a tissue into his hand. Marc looked up at Darius after wiping his eyes, and his expression was so raw, it made Marc’s tears fall faster. Maybe Darius actually did love him back.
Darius took his hand under the table and leaned over to whisper. “Don’t you dare get any sappier, or I’ll be in danger.”
“Of leaving?”
“Of joining you.”
Marc’s heart sped up. Darius would never have said something so revealing even a few weeks ago. Their movie nights really had done a lot to open things up between them.