Page 146 of The Hyena’s Guardian

Matt's hand came up, cupping his cheek. “I've never been more sure of anything.”

Theron kissed him, deep, desperate, full of everything he didn't have words for. Then he reached toward the nightstand, where the safehouse staff had left basic supplies, and found a small bottle of lubricant. He didn't rush. He took his time, slicking his fingers, warming the gel between his palms.

“Tell me if it's too much,” Theron said, his voice low. “Tell me if you need me to stop.”

Matt nodded, his breath coming in shallow gasps.

Theron's hand found its way between them, his fingers sliding down Matt's stomach, then lower. He found the place where Matt's body opened for him, and he touched him gently, a single finger circling, pressing, asking permission.

Matt's hips lifted into the touch. “Yes…”

Theron pressed inside. Slowly. Carefully. One finger, then two, stretching him with a patience that bordered on reverence. Matt's hands gripped his shoulders, his breath hitching with each movement, and Theron watched his face, the way his eyes fluttered closed, the way his lips parted, the way his body surrendered to the intrusion.

“I’ve got you,” Theron murmured, watching every change in Matt’s expression.

Matt's laugh was breathless, broken. “You're going to make me cry.”

“Good.” Theron pressed a kiss to his forehead. “Let me see all of you.”

Theron took his time preparing him, never looking away from Matt’s face for long. Every breath, every tightening hand, every small movement guided him. When Matt finally relaxed beneath him and drew him closer, Theron positioned himself between his thighs.

“Ready?”

Matt answered with a kiss. Deep and desperate and full of everything they hadn't said. Theron sank into him, slow and steady, the heat of Matt's body engulfing him, pulling him deeper.

Matt's head fell back, a sound escaping his lips, half gasp, half moan, and Theron stilled, letting him adjust, letting him breathe.

“Okay?” Theron asked, his voice rough.

Matt's answer was a nod, his hands sliding down Theron's back, pulling him closer. “Move.”

Theron did. Cautiously at first, each thrust measured and deliberate, learning the rhythm of Matt's body, the way he arched into each movement, the sounds he made when Theron hit the right angle.

Matt's legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him deeper, and Theron buried his face in the curve of his neck, breathing him in, letting the sensation consume him.

“I've got you,” Theron whispered against his skin. “I've got you.”

Matt's answer was a sob, soft and broken and full of everything he'd been holding back. His hand found Theron's, fingers lacing together, and he held on like Theron was the only thing keeping him tethered.

Theron's rhythm quickened, his breath coming in short, sharp gasps. He could feel the tension building in Matt's body, the way his muscles tightened, the way his breath caught.

“Come for me,” Theron murmured against his ear. “Let go.”

Matt's body arched, a cry escaping his lips as he came, spilling between them, his body shuddering with the force of his release. Theron followed a moment later, his own release surging through him, his body pressing into Matt's as he rode out the waves of pleasure.

For a long moment, neither of them moved. They just lay there, tangled together, breath mingling, hearts pounding.

Theron pulled out slowly, carefully, and settled beside Matt, pulling him close. Matt's head found the curve of his shoulder, his hand resting over Theron's heart.

“That was…” Matt started, then stopped. Laughed softly. “I don't have words.”

Theron pressed a kiss to the top of his head. “Neither do I.”

Matt tilted his head up, meeting his eyes. His smile was soft, genuine, full of everything they'd found together.

“Stay,” Matt said. It wasn't a question.

Theron's throat tightened. He pulled Matt closer, pressing a kiss to his forehead, letting the word settle into his bones.