31. Chapter 31

"You're a bastard," I hear myself say. At least I think that's what I say. Brain function is low and limbs are boneless.

Part of me can't believe I've missed out on this for years. The other part knows Von is the only one I trust with my body and my stupid heart wants in on the action too. I can't deny the emotional connection intensifies the physical orgasms.

Von hums in agreement, lifting me onto his chest while keeping us connected. He's half hard and I'm relishing it.

The silence that surrounds our breathing is peaceful. My cock and ability to speak are both spent. Air chills my back and Von grabs a throw blanket from the back of the couch to cover us.

Von kisses the side of my sweaty head and asks, "Are you alright? Are you sore?"

"One question at a time." I burrow further into his chest. "And no, I'm not fine."

He cranes his neck to look at my face, and his arms cage me tighter to him.

"Some motherfucker fucked me into heaven but brought me back to earth. I'm not happy returning." I clench my ass cheeks for effect.

Von's chest rumbles under me with his laugh. "Just so you know, I've never fucked my mother." He thrusts his hips and I groan, loving the sensation.

"Is this new sense of humor my fault? I want a refund."

"Let's get in your bed instead?" Von wraps my legs around his waist as he stands. He grabs the condom as his cock slides out and I'm empty. The emptiness morphs into an ache for him.

"You're so bendy," is what comes out of my mouth.

"You can thank fotboll for my flexibility and strength." He lays me on the bed, but I keep my legs wrapped around him. Not willing to break our connection.

"Is there a strength and conditioning coach I should send a thank-you card?" I tease.

"Several." He licks both of my dimples. "I'll make you a list," he says and disappears into the bathroom.

Von returns with a warm washcloth and miles of bare skin. I trace the tattoo near his hip as he cleans me up. The affection on his face and action lessens the ache.

"Tattoo me," he says in a rush, and he's as surprised as I am.

"It's a lifelong commitment." I palm his ass and jerk him on top of me. The thought of inking Von perks up my dick. Suddenly I'm dying to mark him.

"I know."

My hungry eyes roam his skin, mentally claiming areas for my ink. He's nearly a blank canvas. I can count each of his abs. Each arm and shoulder muscle is taut with dips and curves. With the right tattoo, his back would breathe life into an animal or design. Endless possibilities for art in motion.

"Will you?" Von asks.

"Viking, if someone else ever puts ink on you, there's going to be a problem." It's a joke, but someone else's hands on Von would be unacceptable.

A thought slithers into my head and an irrational anger builds. Rolling so I'm on top of Von, I press down with all my weight. I link our hands over his head and press kisses along his jaw.

"I'm also going to need a list of every man you've done that to so I can dispose of them."

Von's expression is confused, moves to incredulous, then settles on smug. "Mitt ?lskling, if we're starting murderous rampages, let's start here with the men you've made see stars with your cock. I fear it's half the gay men on this island. If we're not in jail once that is complete, we can cross the ocean." His hands try to touch every inch of my body.

"You don't have to worry that you'll run into a man from my past who means something to me. You've made me forget their names and faces," I say. Our kiss is soft, almost reverent.

"And mine were hookups. You had actual relationships and did mind-blowing things to them." I suck his bottom lip into my mouth and bite.

"Your jealousy is sexy, but don't tempt mine. I could cause an international incident." Von isn't teasing.

"My hero," I breathe into his ear. A laugh bubbles up, but I don't allow it out. Knowing Von has a jealous streak is thrilling.

A life unfolds in my head with Von in my bed at night, at the table for breakfast, bringing me coffee at work and helping me build a center similar to The Q Solutions in my hometown. We can play hockey and have date nights. And un-fucking-believable sex.

There's no reason to run from it.

For the first time in my life, I don't want to run.

For the first time, I totally trust someone.

Von understands my love of silky underwear and doesn't judge me. In fact, he might like it more than I do. He's on my side and has my back. Most importantly, he gets how hard it is for me to give up control and keeps me safe.

"You're unbelievable. You insult me, and I am so flattered my first reaction is to say ‘thank you.' You're a soul-sucking wizard." Von's voice is soft and his eyes glow in the dim light.

"You love that about me." I untwine one hand to sweep his hair off his face.

"I do," he whispers.

He didn't say he loves me and I didn't say it either, but it's there. Under the words. It's in his eyes and our bodies. Holding his gaze captive, the moment lengthens and binds us together. I can't imagine anything could tear us apart.

In this moment, we're invincible together.

Von cranes his neck up to kiss my nose and the spell breaks.

I'm worried the next moment will be too emotional, so I say, "I don't know about your soul, but I'm a wizard at sucking. I've been called God more than once by you." I rut against him because he was right.

I've never been so starved for another person that I can't imagine an ending. Foregoing eating and sleeping to have my body next to his isn't a sacrifice.

It's probably my dick talking, but no part of me is arguing.