Chapter 47: Chapter 47

“No, I’m good. The antiques, I can use for my salon. I want it to be classy. But, if you don’t mind, I’ll go to Macy’s to get more modern furniture for the apartment. I should be all moved in when you come back, and then you can visit.”

Donal started to yawn as soon as Julio left at nine.

“Let’s go up to bed, mouse. It’s been a long day.” Alexei put his arm around Donal. “I think Julio is finally beginning to trust me.”

Donal snuggled against Alexei’s strong body. “It’s not easy to get Julio to trust you. He’s been badly burned before, but that’s his story to tell.”

They didn’t wait for the elevator and climbed the stairs to the third floor suite.

* * * *

Alexei’s townhouse, master suite

Thursday night

“If you permit, mouse, tonight we are going to touch each other,” Alexei said, forcing his voice to be calm as he stroked Donal’s thigh.