Page 86 of A King’s Obsession

When I come back out wrapped in the towel, Ezra looks at me without making one smart comment. He simply pulls the sheet back and tells me to come over.

His hands settle on my shoulders once I’m facedown, and I tense.

“Relax.” His voice comes from somewhere behind me as his palms rest against my shoulders.

“I am relaxed.” I try to loosen my muscles, but apparently my body isn't cooperating.

“You stiff as fuck.” His thumbs press gently against the tight muscles near my neck.

“Maybe because you keep telling me to relax.” I turn my head slightly, giving him a look over my shoulder.

His laugh rumbles behind me before his thumbs press into a tight spot between my shoulders.

“Oh.” The sound slips out before I can stop it, and I immediately close my eyes.

He laughs again, and I immediately warn him not to start.

“I ain’t say shit.” His hands keep moving, and I can practically hear him smiling.

He doesn’t have to. I can hear the grin in his voice.

I hate to admit it, but he knows what he’s doing. After a few minutes, my eyes close and the tension I’ve been carrying starts leaving with every pass of his hands.

When I ask if he’s done this before, he turns it around on me.

“Why? You jealous?” His voice carries that teasing edge that tells me he's enjoying getting under my skin.

“Boy, please.” I keep my face turned toward the pillow, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing my expression.

“There she go.” He chuckles and continues working the tension from my shoulders.

I leave that alone.

A few minutes later, he tells me to turn over. My nerves return so fast that he notices before I move.

“You ain’t gotta.” His voice softens, and his hands stop moving while he waits for me to decide.

That softens something in me.

I turn over beneath the sheet, and for a second we just look at each other. When he reaches to move a strand of hair away from my face, I catch his wrist and pull him closer.

His mouth touches mine softly.

I kiss him again, and this time I don’t let him pull away as quickly. When he finally does, I keep my hand around his neck.

“You remember what I told you? Why I waited?” I ask quietly, searching his face.

His expression changes. “Yeah. I remember.”

“We ain’t gotta do shit tonight, Jru.” His voice is steady, and he looks directly at me, making sure I understand he isn't expecting anything.

Ezra eases back enough for me to see his face. His hand stays against my cheek, but he isn’t leaning toward me anymore. He’s waiting.

“I know.” I keep my eyes on his, letting the words settle between us.

And I do. He could finish the massage, kiss me good night and let me walk right back down the hall. Somehow, knowing that makes it easier to admit what I want.

“I want to.” My voice is quiet, but I don't look away.