The timid creature I had met in the club over a year ago was not the same boy who’d crossed over realms to set up a life in the Otherworld with me. His confidence had grown considerably, his true nature shining through like the most dazzling sunrise, though there were still moments when self-doubt creeped in and he retreated back into his shell. After a lifetime of being sheltered, and being left to deal with his self-conscious thoughts alone, it was never going to be something that disappeared overnight, or even left him entirely. However, it could be eased with love and encouragement—both of which I was more than honored to provide.

There would always be days when he’d be too overwhelmed or distressed to fight against the dark spiral of negative voices in his head—the reapers could no doubt be blamed this time around—but as long as I was beside him, I’d be there to shower him with as much patience and reassurance as it was in my power to give.

“I love you more than I can put into words,” I said simply, my thumb brushing the spot under his eye. “You are my everything, and you will always be my everything. I’ll gladly tell you every minute of every day if it’ll soothe you, my heart.”

With a soft smile, he shook his head. “You say it plenty, and I believe you.” He leaned up to plant a quick kiss on my cheek before propping his head on one hand and drawing patterns on my pec with the other.

There was a pause before he spoke again.

“I’m sorry you always have to reassure me. It must get annoying.”

“Absolutely not.” I combed my fingers through his hair, brushing the unruly strands behind his ears. “I am happy to give you whatever you need… just as you do the same for me.”

“I love you so much.”

I leaned in to nuzzle my nose against his. “And I you.”

Calmed, he plastered himself to my chest once again, snuggling impossibly closer, almost as if he wanted to merge our bodies into one.

“Okay, I can settle now knowing you’re just a kinky bastard,” he said before pinning me with a cynical side-eyed look. “Even though you said you weren’t.”

“Actually, if you recall, I said nothing of the sort,” I corrected him. He just snorted, neither confirming nor denying. I saw it as a challenge. “Well, since you’re so adamant, there is one thing I may wish to try sometime, if you are willing?”

Luca appeared nonchalant, though I knew better. “Hm?”

“Sounding.”

The cock twitching against my stomach and scent of intrigue were my answer.

And my victory.

* * *