Chapter One-Zero-One: Everything is Fine

It is easy to step into Marko’s wide embrace; again, he makes me forget myself—forget that underneath my shirt, I am nude.

His hold on me throbs my centre, but he maintains his strong arms on my waist, causing the shirt to lift slightly.

The Ketrian anthem plays in my mind on repeat.

I shouldn’t be this aroused after what I did in his shower, yet…I can’t help it.

It works; the arousal stops when he sinks his face into my stomach; only something more tender that beats my heart ferociously takes over.

I shouldn't feel this way, but it is perhaps because I have never seen him cry this much.

Not even when his mother passed; then, he was just outraged.

As heartbreaking as it is not to have the answers he craves or to account for my mother's existence, I adore that he still leans on me and that I have a part to play as his solace.

I am not a sadist...at least, I don't think so. I am merely greedy.

My mate found comfort in my arms.

Though...can I still call him that?

Marko leans ba