Page 77 of Contested

Marcos nodded. “It’s the same. Right?”

Sebastian stifled a laugh, though a choked sound still came out. “I mean, more or less.”

“Wait, I don’t have to,” Marcos started, his eyebrows furrowing as he watched Sebastian. “You know…”

“Because I’m nice, I’m not going to make you finish that sentence. But no. You just do what you would normally do.”

Marcos bit his lower lip. “What I’d normally do?”

“Oh, my God.” Sebastian laughed, but stopped when he saw Marcos’ face shift. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’m not laughing at you. It’s just… I’ve never seen you like this.”

“Is it a turnoff?” Marcos grimaced, and Sebastian ran his hand down his cheek.

“No, no. It’s cute.”

“Cute? I don’t think I’ve been called cute before.”

“Hmm, how about handsome? Sexy?” Sebastian’s hand traced along Marcos’ jaw and fell onto his chest. “Is this helping?”

“I think I’d rather just kiss you.”

“That works too—”

Marcos cut Sebastian off, firmly bringing their lips together.

The surprise caused Sebastian’s mouth to part, and Marcos’ tongue darted inside, sliding against his. The kiss changed quickly, as if Marcos had found a place to put the embarrassment and decided force was easier than sitting under it. Sebastian’s hand fisted in his shirt, pulling himself closer, and Marcos’ hands ran up the back of his neck, fingers tangling in his hair as he pushed off the chair.

The change in position caused Sebastian to lose balance, having to tilt his head up to compensate for Marcos’ height. He quickly steadied himself, letting go of Marcos’ shirt and wrapping his arms around his body instead, splaying his fingers out across his back.

The kiss deepened, and they shuffled across the floor as Marcos pushed with more pressure.

Sebastian let Marcos take the lead, letting himself be lead through his apartment. Marcos’ hands stayed in his hair for another few seconds before one dropped to his waist, gripping there with more certainty. Sebastian felt the counter brush the side of his hip, then the open space near the hall as Marcos kept walking him back without seeming to know where he was going.

“Where’s your bedroom?” Marcos asked as he pulled away.

Sebastian didn’t answer. Instead, he grabbed Marcos’ wrist and pulled him past the kitchen and down the second hall, and through the door into his bedroom.

He turned as they entered, gazing up at Marcos, licking his lip.

Marcos looked around quickly, not taking in much, or maybe taking in too much and not wanting to show it. The bedroom light caught the edge of his cheekbone, the faint uncertainty in his eyes, the breath that passed through him as Sebastian took a step back toward the bed.

“What now?” Sebastian asked.

Marcos followed, fingers fiddling with the buttons on Sebastian’s shirt. “Can I be cute again?”

Sebastian smiled, watching Marcos’ face and knowing exactly what he meant. “Alright. Here.”

Sebastian tugged on the hem of Marcos’ shirt, pulling it up over his head. Marcos lifted his arms when Sebastian guided him, his shirt catching briefly at his elbows before Sebastian freed it and threw it on the floor. His hands returned at once, running over Marcos’ muscles before he could stop himself.

Marcos’ skin was warm beneath his palms. His chest rose quickly, though he was trying to keep his breathing even, and Sebastian could feel the effort in him.

Sebastian let his hands move slowly. Across Marcos’ shoulders first, then down over his chest, following the lines he had already learned under water.

Marcos swallowed, then followed Sebastian’s lead, slowly unbuttoning his shirt. His fingers fumbled on the first button, and Sebastian didn’t comment. The second came easier. By the third, Marcos’ focus had narrowed, his eyes following each bit of skin as it was revealed. Sebastian rolled his neck back as Marcos worked his way down.

When the last button came free, Marcos pushed the shirt off Sebastian’s shoulders, letting it drop to the floor.

Sebastian stood there in front of him, bare from the waist up, feeling the cool air of the room across his skin and the heat of Marcos’ gaze everywhere else. He took his glasses off, throwing them carelessly onto the shelves before he brought his hand to Marcos’ face again, drawing him back in.