Elian could feel Rylan's eyes on him, shameless and unrelenting. Even as Rylan sipped his tea, the weight of his gaze was like a slow, deliberate caress, tracing every inch of Elian's barely covered form.
Elian shifted uncomfortably, tugging his robe tighter around his body. The silk clung to his damp skin, still warm from the shower, but it did little to hide the subtle dip of his collarbone, the curve of his neck.
Rylan's stare darkened.
He wasn't even trying to be subtle. His gaze dragged down Elian's throat, lingering at the exposed skin of his chest where the robe had slightly parted. It was as if he was memorizing every inch of him, imagining how it would feel beneath his hands, his mouth.
The room felt too warm, suffocating under the tension crackling between them.
"Are you done staring?" Elian snapped, irritated by the way his body was reacting to it.
Rylan's lips curled into a smirk. "Can't help it. You're a sight to see in the morning."
Elian rolled his eyes, turning away—but that only gave Rylan a better view of the curve of his waist beneath the thin robe. A deep, satisfied hum escaped Rylan's lips.
"You should walk around like this more often," Rylan mused, voice thick with amusement. "It suits you."
Elian scoffed, crossing his arms. "And you should leave before I—"
Pinch.
Elian flinched as Rylan's fingers caught the soft flesh of his cheek, tugging lightly.
"—Ow! What the hell?!"
Rylan chuckled, clearly entertained by his reaction. "You were lost in thought. I had to bring you back."
Elian swatted his hand away, cheeks burning. "Tch. You're so annoying."
Rylan leaned in slightly, voice dropping an octave. "And yet, you let me stay."
Elian's breath hitched. The air between them shifted. His body was betraying him, reacting to the heat in Rylan's voice, the way his scent wrapped around him.
No. He refused to give Rylan the satisfaction.
"Go home," Elian muttered, stepping back.
Rylan chuckled, amused by his weak attempt at pushing him away. "Already? You'll miss me."
"Doubt it."
Elian walked toward the door, gesturing for Rylan to leave. "Don't you have a company to run or something, Uncle?"
Rylan paused, then let out a deep laugh. "Uncle, huh?"
Something in his expression shifted—a dangerous gleam flickering in his gaze.
Before Elian could react, Rylan moved.
In a swift motion, Rylan grabbed his wrist, yanking him forward. Elian barely had time to gasp before he found himself pressed against Rylan's chest, his body engulfed in warmth, in strength.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Rylan murmured, his lips dangerously close to Elian's ear.
Elian froze, his heart hammering against his ribs. "What?"
Rylan's fingers trailed down Elian's spine, slow and deliberate. Then, his grip tightened around Elian's waist, pulling him flush against him.
"A hug and a kiss for your dear Uncle," Rylan purred.
Elian's eyes widened. "You—"
Before he could protest, Rylan hugged him—no, caged him, arms strong and unyielding. His hand slid lower, teasingly grazing the small of Elian's back, then—
Smack.
A firm, sudden spank landed on Elian's ass.
Elian jumped, mortified. "Wha—Rylan!?"
Rylan's deep chuckle vibrated against his skin. "Just saying goodbye properly." His fingers kneaded slightly, teasing, before finally pulling away.
Elian shoved him, face burning. "Get out."
Rylan only grinned, as if completely satisfied with himself.
"You're adorable when you're flustered," he mused. Then, as he stepped out, he threw one last look over his shoulder. "Next time, I'll be expecting the kiss too."
Before Elian could grab something to throw at him, Rylan was gone, leaving behind the lingering heat of his touch, the ghost of his fingers still imprinted on Elian's skin.
Elian slammed the door shut, pressing his back against it as he let out a shaky breath.
His body still tingled.
That bastard.