Boy Issues - Morticia Knight Page 0,33

asking for trouble, setting himself up for a wrenching heartbreak, but he had to know.

Could Silver ever belong to him? Or even better—could he belong to Silver?

Chapter Ten

Silver started gathering up the used dishes and empty food packages, batting away Donovan’s continued offers of help. However, he loved that Donovan seemed to be sincere in his attempts, as opposed to putting on a show for Silver’s benefit.

“I’ll be right back.”

“Are you sure I can’t…?”

Donovan must be getting better at reading Silver’s expressions, because he chuckled and held up his hands, palms out.

“I know, I know. You told me to relax, and that you’d take care of everything.”

“Good boy.” Silver loved how Donovan’s eyes had widened the first two times he’d praised him. This third time, Donovan hadn’t shown any less of a surprised response, yet Silver thought he could detect a brightness to Donovan’s features. If nothing else, the man certainly hadn’t objected to being praised in such a manner. “When I return, I’ll get you set up in the shower.”

Before Donovan had the chance to react to that remark, Silver continued down the stairs, cradling the remains of their feast. He grinned to himself. His head kept warning him to calm the fuck down, but his heart was screaming for him to keep going. Sure, they’d spent only a few hours of quality time together—their first two experiences together didn’t count as quality anything—but he now believed he’d seen enough glimpses of the real Donovan that he’d be willing give things a try.

Silver took the dishes and cutlery to the small sink he’d installed at the end of his counter area. Running up and down the stairs with his food and drink because the plumbing didn’t extend to the upstairs might seem like a huge hassle to some—but it didn’t bother him. He wasn’t about to eat around all the fumes, unless the garage door was open and friends were hanging out, and the exercise was appreciated.

As he cleaned up, Silver ran their evening together through his mind, all they’d shared and the different emotional cues he’d picked up from Donovan. What stood out to Silver the most, what had taken him from being merely curious about Donovan to wanting to grab hold of the man and keep him safe from all the evils of the world, had been the need. The unfiltered, agonizing need that Donovan exuded with every tentative smile, averted gaze and self-deprecating remark.

No one had ever truly cared about the man, at least not for many years, and that broke Silver’s heart.

I could show him. I could teach him that he’s worth someone’s time and effort.

And where it had seemed unreasonable to expect someone of Donovan’s standing and position of power to allow Silver complete control, it no longer seemed that impossible.

But first, he needed to get his injured boy comfortable and make sure he had a good night’s sleep.

Silver went around and verified everything was locked up tight, then shut off the downstairs lights. He left only the bulb above the landing, and the wall light next to the bathroom, glowing. When Silver entered the apartment, he noted how weary Donovan seemed, his brow furrowed while he leaned on his fist, propped up by his elbow resting against the back of the futon cushion.

“Do you need some more painkiller?”

Donovan seemed to snap out of his reverie. “Oh, uh, no. Sorry. The food was incredible, but I’m a bit sleepy. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I don’t usually get this tired so early.”

“You had a shock today.” Silver held out his hand. “Come on. Let me show you where the shower is. I’ll get you a clean towel and a robe.” Silver considered Donovan’s lithe frame, not to mention the half foot the guy had on him. “I could let you borrow a pair of sweats, as long as you don’t mind cinching them up tight and wearing them as capris.”

Donovan coughed out a snort. “I guess I didn’t pack very well for my sleepover.”

Silver wiggled his fingers to convey he wanted Donovan’s hand. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure you’re covered.”

Donovan clasped Silver’s hand and allowed himself to be yanked to his feet, a grin splitting his face.

“I won’t lie, your strength is such a turn-on.”

Silver made a tsking noise. “Now, now. You’re too tired for that tonight.”

Donovan licked his lips. “Does that mean there’ll be other nights when I’ll have your permission?”

Silver peered over his shoulder as he led the way downstairs.