Beneath the Surface

Part 33

Phupha's car pulled away with a quiet hum, the tail lights glowing red as it disappeared down the street. Longtai stood with his fingers laced through Yok's, the night air warm, the silence between them tingling with everything unspoken.

"That... went better than I thought," Yok said, scratching the back of his neck, still stunned. "I didn't even die once."

Longtai laughed softly, then tugged his hand. "Come on."

He pulled him toward the house, fingers never letting go. The moment the door closed behind them with a quiet click, Longtai turned. Without a word, he grabbed Yok's collar and kissed him-firm, hungry, heart-first.

Yok stumbled slightly from the force of it, a surprised noise catching in his throat before he melted into it, one arm looping around Longtai's waist, the other cupping his cheek as he kissed him back with just as much fire.

When they finally parted, both breathing hard, Yok chuckled, his eyes burning with affection and heat.

"Damn, baby," he whispered, brushing his thumb across Longtai's lips. "If that's your way of saying goodnight, I might not survive 'good morning'."

Longtai giggled, breathless and flushed. "I love you," he murmured. "I don't know what you said to Phi, but... I love you even more for whatever it was."

Yok leaned in, grinning. "I just told him the truth. That I'd burn down the world for you. Might've helped that I looked like I was on a job interview."

Longtai laughed again, tipping his head back just as Yok swooped in and kissed him-deep, slow, savoring it like a promise. As they kissed, Longtai wrapped his arms around Yok's neck, his body curling against him.

Yok's hands slid to Longtai's waist as he effortlessly lifted him, walking them through the hallway without breaking the kiss. Longtai let out a soft gasp, arms clinging tighter, legs instinctively parting to cradle Yok closer. He was warmth and surrender and spark all in one.

Yok bent low and gently lowered him onto the couch, hands never leaving his body. He hovered above him, their eyes meeting as his lips ghosted over Longtai's jaw, trailing down to his throat.

Longtai's breath caught again when Yok's mouth pressed to the base of his neck-hot, open kisses that melted into slow, teasing sucks, leaving behind the mark of his affection.

A soft, involuntary moan escaped Longtai's lips as his fingers curled into Yok's hair, pulling him closer.

"Yok..." he whispered, breath trembling.

Yok lifted his head, his eyes dark but gentle. "Tell me if it's too much."

"It's never too much," Longtai whispered, cupping his face again. "I want you to mark me. I want to feel you like I'm yours."

Yok smiled, something fierce and tender burning behind his eyes. "And I'm liking this bold Longtai," he whispered, kissing him again-slow this time, reverent.

Longtai's fingers traced the curve of Yok's jaw, his touch exploratory yet intimate. He could feel the faint stubble beneath his fingertips, the slight hitch in Yok's breath as their lips moved together. It was intoxicating, the way Yok responded to him-as if every touch, every breath, was a conversation they were having without words.

Yok's hands moved to the hem of Longtai's shirt, his fingers brushing against the bare skin of his waist. Longtai's breath faltered, a shiver running through him at the contact. Yok hesitated, his eyes meeting Longtai's in a silent question.

In response, Longtai nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. Yok lifted the fabric slowly, his hands warm against Longtai's skin as he slid the shirt off and let it fall to the floor. The cool air brushed against his exposed chest, but the chill was quickly replaced by the heat of Yok's gaze.