Hidden Flames Chapter XXlV.

The Shipwrecked

The dawn’s cool, salty breath woke him. Nathan didn’t open his eyes right away. He felt in every joint of his body the fatigue of yesterday’s journey, the deep, muscle-relaxing afterglow of last night’s lovemaking, and something else: a peace as rare as pure spring water. His head rested on Lucas’s chest, the heartbeat a steady, strong throb near his ear. Lucas’s arm was around him, the warmth of his palm penetrating through the t-shirt, slowly, sleepily stroking his back.

Finally, he opened his eyes. Above the beams of the ruined veranda, the sky was paling. Faint pink and orange streaks painted the horizon. The sea breathed quietly, a few meters from them. From behind the jungle came the first bird song – a high, clear note, then others answered. In the air, the scent of wet sand, rotting wood, and something sweet, tropical, floral mingled.

He lifted his head. Lucas was asleep. The lines of tension had completely vanished from his face. His lips were slightly parted, his eyelashes long against his lids. He looked so innocent and fragile that Nathan’s heart tightened. This man, who was capable of buying an entire island for him, who had treated him last night as if he were the world’s most precious treasure, now lay beside him, completely given over, vulnerable.

Lucas slowly opened his eyes. His gray eyes were foggy with sleep, but as they landed on Nathan, they cleared. A light, drowsy smile crossed his face.

“Good morning,” he whispered, his voice rough.

“Good morning,” Nathan replied, leaning forward to kiss him. The kiss was slow, soft, tasteless with morning dryness, and yet not. It contained everything: gratitude, fear, hope.