(BL) Hunting The Field Guide novel Chapter 162

Chapter 162: Bedtime Rituals

His arms still firmly wrapped around the Esper, Kellen nuzzled into his skin, fighting tears. This silly, stupid man. "I don’t understand how you see yourself, and all the things you do, and still call yourself a monster." Kellen whispered. Rhys went rigid. "But it doesn’t matter. If you want to tell me I am the one who holds your leash, I guess I am. But I do not consider you a monster at all. You are such a kind and caring person. You do so much for me, Rhys. Honestly, I’m worried I don’t deserve you, given how I lashed out at you today, and in the past. I ran away from you for seven years, and you still decided you wanted me." Kellen squeezed him tightly. "So, please don’t say I don’t have to do anything in return. It fills me with a sense of guilt if you do." Rhys shook.

"But I-"

"Hush. I am aware we both probably have our own issues when it comes to accepting help, and other things, but at this point, I am tired and I don’t want to argue with you all night. I just want to go to sleep in your arms tonight without having a sour taste in my mouth." Kellen said, serious. Rhys shuddered, nodding, before Kellen felt his shoulders shake.

"I could...leave a different kind of taste in your mouth if you’d like." His voice was soft, and Kellen felt his face heat at his unexpected words. He pulled away from him to stare into his face, only to find his yellow eyes dancing. "I apologise, but I couldn’t help myself." He muttered, trying to sound repentant, but his eyes gave him away.

Kellen shook his head with a sigh, before finally getting out of his lap. Rhys frowned, but let him extract himself from him. Slightly embarrassed, Kellen hadn’t realised that his cock had been out the whole time, and he tucked it back into the waistband of his underwear. Rhys watched his movements, and Kellen noticed how his eyes deepened in colour.

"I’ll have to pass on that for now. As I said, I’m tired now that we’ve seen each other and talked it out. Plus, I’m now going to be busier since I’m taking on the task of gathering more Guides for the Guild. You’re always so busy, so you should just come to bed with me. I don’t mind if you use me like a body pillow." Kellen tried to sound serious, like he wasn’t nervous, and put on a smile. Rhys stared at him, surprised, and Kellen worried for just a second he was going to leave. He watched instead as Rhys’ expression relaxed and he got to his feet.

"I hear you sleep naked. Is it really alright for you to invite me to your bed, Kellen? I have been told I have wandering hands." Flushing at what he implied, Kellen nodded.

"I wouldn’t make an offer and then take it back if that bothered me." Kellen muttered, dropping his gaze. All the confidence he had vanished after he proposed to him spending the night. Rhys made a soft noise and Kellen glanced up at him. Rhys was covering his mouth, his eyes dancing. Kellen felt his gaze wander down his chest, before he blinked, and flushed again. Rhys shook his head.

"So you intended to quietly seduce me. I am now onto your tricks, Kellen." Kellen opened his mouth to protest, before he shut it, shook his head, and headed for the stairs. He could worry about the clothes tomorrow.

"I didn’t consider the fact that I sleep naked as a seduction. The last time we shared a bed I wore underwear." Kellen said it quietly to himself as he stomped up the stairs. "Besides, it’s just sleeping. That is not a seduction." Kellen didn’t know why his tone sounded so bitter, but focusing on where that was coming from was enough distraction that he hadn’t realised that Rhys had followed him up the stairs. He didn’t speak up until they were on the landing.

"Why do you not consider that a seduction? And if it isn’t one, what do you consider a seduction? I’m curious to know how that mind of yours works." Kellen’s foot caught on something near the door of the bedroom, and he caught himself on the doorframe so he didn’t fall. Turning, he spotted that Rhys was smiling at him, and Kellen found himself scanning him. He had grabbed both of their shirts, having draped them over his right arm. His broad chest was a nice distraction, along with his pecks, and abs, and...

Kellen jerked his gaze back up to his face to find his eyes sparkling like golden coins, his smile slightly wicked now. He swore the man did it on purpose. Kellen was never going to be a walking, talking seduction. The Captain already had that trophy.