Love's Indulgence

by Flynn Eire

  “So you’re a snowflake, a liberal,” someone drawled.

  “No, I’m not,” Jayme admitted after a moment. “I hate the terms though. Snowflake was what people who agreed with slavery were called. It’s a stupid term to call a liberal, especially when we have so much snow all around us and could bury us. And the name calling helps no one. It’s childish to name call while bitching the other side is all whiners.”

  “So what are you then?” I asked, curious more just because I wanted to get to know him.

  “I’m a progressive,” he answered easily. “I’m not left or right, but I go east as they play tug of war. The planet rotates west to east, and I head east. The world keeps moving every day, and so do we. Progress made everything we have, and if people don’t like it, stop using all that was made with progress because you’re hypocrites otherwise. Everyday we get up and keep moving to do better, and that’s all I want.

  “Everyone can do better, should do better, and that’s where I stand. Someone built an airplane? Awesome, that’s progress over the way we traveled. Now tomorrow do it better. Do it without hurting the environment. If you were smart enough to make it, you can make it without doing damage. Do it without bosses sexually harassing employees. People insist to do work without accidents and deaths, so don’t hurt people in that way.

  “And do it with equality. Do it with filters on it to clean the air as it travels. Solar panels to make it cruise at high altitudes. Whatever, just do it better. I want people to stop acting like the job is done. It’s not. I’ll get better at cooking, more efficient and to feed more. So should everything and everyone else progress as well, or if you’re not good enough to keep up with that, get out of the way.”

  “I agree,” I told him, smiling when he blushed from saying so much when he was normally quiet. “I think that’s a great way to look at life and politics and all of it.”

  “Hey, what is this heart thing in the fridge?” Verge asked from the back door. “Can I have it?”

  “Don’t you dare touch that!” Jayme gasped and raced over there. “Stop eating everything, or I’m going to go live with Morggyan, Verge.”

  “I asked,” Verge reminded him, sounding offended. “And I’m sorry, it’s just all really good.”

  “I’ll put a code on an extra fridge for you, but don’t move out,” Nero said as he followed after them.

  “You’re so sunk, my friend,” Jordan muttered, giving me a curious look.

  “I am,” I chuckled, yanking my knit hat down tighter. “I’m so damn sunk, and now that everyone knows the treats are from him and how he can cook, he’s getting even more interest. I had to chase off Nero’s construction guys yesterday who were sniffing around here. I’m gonna flatten anyone who tries to take him from me.”

  “Oh, I don’t think you have to worry about that,” Jeston drawled, staring at the door when I glanced at him.

  I followed his gaze, and my eyes went wide as I saw Jayme walking towards me with a huge dessert in the shape of a heart. It looked like a cake but way fancier.

  “It’s for you,” Jayme whispered as he reached me. “I’m giving it to you.”

  My stomach did flips as the meaning sunk in. He was giving me his heart. I sniffled from the cold, not the tender moment… Or so I told myself. I accepted it, staring in awe at the huge dessert. “Thanks, you already have mine.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Yeah, I’m so yours, Jayme,” I promised. “I was just saying I’m about to beat all the guys checking you out.”

  “I haven’t seen any,” he muttered, his eyes going wide when I growled. “I’m not interested, even if I saw, I swear it. I’m all about you too.” He huffed and nodded to the dessert. “Hi, I gave you my heart I spent forever making perfect for you.” He glanced over his shoulder to Verge. “There are several failed attempts in the other fridge in the garage. You can have any of those.”

  “Score!” he exclaimed and raced off.

  “You are so awesome. What is this?” I asked, about to drool as I looked it over.

  “It’s chocolate and vanilla cake layers with strawberry cream, cream cheese butter cream, chocolate ganache, and a few meringue layers since you like meringues.”

  “Dude, there’s like a dozen cakes in that fridge,” Verge told his friends as he came back with one.

  “I love you,” I told Jayme, much to his shock and those around us.

  “Because he made you an awesome cake?” Alexis asked, trying to not sound worried and amused at the same time.

  “No, because he made a dozen in practice to make sure he got it right when making this gesture,” I answered, my gaze locked with Jayme’s. “Because no matter how terrified you are right now, you thought it more important that I knew exactly how you felt and words wouldn’t be enough, so you made this awesomeness. Because you looked like you were going to take on a warrior if he went near my present.”

  He cleared his throat nervously. “I wouldn’t have done much.”

  “It meant everything to me,” I promised, handing off my cake and yanking Jayme onto my lap. “I love you.”

  “I love you too,” he replied, his voice shaky. “I really do.”

  “I believe you, sweetie,” I whispered, understanding it was his first time saying it to anyone. He looked seconds from either bursting out into tears after what he’d been through or ready to bolt. Instead, I hugged him closely and murmured in his ear how I felt about him and that I believed him while he got himself together.

  “Will you try my fatty sausage?” he asked as he wiped his hands over his face.

  “Um, yeah, I said I wanted to eat you,” I muttered, thinking that was a strange way to phrase wanting a blow job. That and saying it right after such a sweet moment.

  He burst out laughing, like seriously a giggle fit as he almost fell off my lap. I tried to ask why it was funny, but he just shook his head as he stood. He offered me his hand and then pulled me after him as he headed to Nero’s garages. We went inside and headed for the huge chest fridge that was plugged in on the far wall along with a freezer that didn’t seem to be open yet.

  Jayme lifted the lid and nodded for me to take a look… And see it was filled with sausages. I glanced from him to the meat, raising an eyebrow when I was still missing something.

  He smiled brightly at me. “I made cotechino con lenticchie. It’s an Italian sausage served with green lentils. They eat it on New Year’s Eve. It’s a fatty sausage, as that signifies wealth and health and everything extra and good the next year. The coven I stayed at in Italy makes them every year, but this was my first time on my own. It’s been a few years since I have. I was asking if you would try them before midnight because I’m nervous.”

  I blinked at him and then looked back in the huge chest fridge. “You made all of those by yourself? There’s gotta be hundreds in there.”

  He nodded. “It took a while, but one for everyone.”

  “Fine, but I want what you offered first,” I growled, closing the lid and moving him onto the fridge in a flash. I laid him down and slowly opened his fly, waiting until he nodded to give me permission. I leaned over and pulled out his dick, swallowing him down until he pulled on my hair to warn me he was going to finish. I wanted to taste him, so I kept going, both of us moaning when he climaxed.

  “Do I get that every time I make fatty sausage?” he panted, his eyes wide as he stared at me.

  I gave him a smirk as I cleaned him up and tucked him away. “I think I need to taste them first, but yeah, I could be talked into that.”

  “Your cholesterol is going to go through the roof,” he warned. “Seriously, I’m going to ruin your heart because that was so awesome and I’ll want it all the time.”

  “Well, maybe we’ll add some other stuff to the list that gets me to suck your fat cock.”

  His cheeks flushed even deeper. “I have a normal one especially for being a shrimp. Don’t tease those of us who are normal because you’re a giant.”

  “Fair
enough. It was the tastiest I’ve ever had, and that’s not me teasing you.”

  “Oh good, so you’ll really want to eat me then,” he practically squeaked before rolling out from under me. He opened the fridge again and pulled out the first huge bag.

  I took it from him, noting how heavy it was, and carried it back to the grills.

  “Yay, more food!” Zach said with a smile.

  “Wait, they’re supposed to be eaten at midnight,” Jayme argued. “I wanted Seth to taste test for me.”

  Zach pouted. “I thought we were doing things our own way? Everyone won’t last until midnight before crashing, or those of us single get a sausage instead of a kiss like you will?”

  Jayme considered that a moment and nodded. “Fair enough. There’s more in the fridge in the garage. One per person.”

  Zach headed off, and we went to the grill, moving off one of the empty hot pots since people were slowing with the main meal and focused more on dessert and drinks now.

  “Where are the lentils?” I asked as he turned down the heat to do the sausages.

  He winced. “A lot of people don’t like lentils. I don’t actually. I didn’t want to get a bunch and then no one wanted them. I figured the sausages for outdoor grilling and maybe next year we’d add the lentils if it works?”

  “Probably smart,” I chuckled. “Everyone seemed to get a lot of veggies with their hot pots, but vampires and especially warriors are meat eaters.” I smirked when he shivered, leaning in closer and hugging him as he was working. “Do you want to eat some meat later, sweetie?”

  He cleared his throat. “Can we try that another night? I really wanted us to have sex, and I think I’d be too nervous to do both for the first time in one night.”

  “If you’re not ready—”

  “I’m ready,” he blurted. “I’m so ready. I promise. Yes, ready, sex me up. Maybe not a lot the first time, but yeah, sex is what I want.”

  “You better claim him and fast or you will have to beat them off with all you’ve got given he just blurted that out and already has a bunch of admirers,” Nero said as he joined us. “And once you’re done here, there is something I wish to show you, Jayme.”

  “Is this whatever you and Verge were whispering about and shooting me looks about since Christmas?” Jayme asked, giving him a skeptical look.

  “It is.”

  I wasn’t sure how to interpret what Jayme was feeling or thinking. “Am I invited?”

  “That’s up to Jayme, but I believe you know me well enough that I’m not going to do anything bad to him,” Nero grumbled.

  “No, yeah, of course not,” Jayme interjected. “You just brought up sex after we were talking about it, and I’ve heard you and Verge talk about sharing twinks and liking it.”

  Nero gave him a kind look. “You are delicious, but you are in a new relationship with Seth, and we respect that. If you and he are ever in the mood for something wild, we could discuss it, but those men were single and free. We would never encroach.”

  “Okay, good, cool.” He shot me a nervous look. “I think I have to have sex first before I could ever figure out if I was into wild, but I seem to be on board for anything involving Seth, so yeah, maybe way later.” He shrugged as if the conversation was over, but I swallowed my feelings on what he’d said. Normally I was a jealous ass, but some part of me was curious for more when it involved him.

  And that was what I’d heard people say only about their mates. That wanting their mate to experience everything and more pleasure than imaginable was a sign it was real and not just any relationship. It sounded odd to me because I would think most would hold tighter when the relationship was real, but then again, maybe when it was forever the trust and comfort level was deeper.

  Maybe?

  The sausages were ridiculously good. Like seriously good, and he had made a range from mild or blander to super spicy. It really covered everyone, and people were sharing bites and slices from the one they’d taken so no one was greedy.

  Jayme beamed at me as Ryan grilled up the next huge bag. “I think this is better than lentils.” He chuckled when I gave him a questioning look. “Everyone’s sharing. That’s a great significance for the new year. We’re bonding and sharing and giving to each other. I think that’s like the best start to a new year ever.”

  “Well said,” Alastair praised, several echoing the sentiment.

  Yeah, it was a great sentiment, and looking around, I saw I wasn’t the only one with some renewed hope and a lot of relief that we’d come to the right place. Moving was always scary, and a lot of times it didn’t work out.

  This time it would, and we would protect as many as we could.

  8

  We snuck off from the grilling and mochi fun once people were focused more on desserts. Things had mellowed a bit after all the food, booze, and midnight was right around the corner. I held Seth’s hand as Nero and Verge led us into the house. Now that other places were built and finished, most of those of us from Orlando were finding permanent spots.

  Jordan and his people were waiting until the houses he’d ordered were ready, and it would take a few weeks for the first pieces to arrive from what was ordered. Or so I’d heard, as I had no idea about all of that and wasn’t involved. I wouldn’t be useful on a construction site besides feeding people.

  Maybe working a cement mixer because I couldn’t think that was so different than huge commercial food mixers I knew.

  We stopped at a room on the third floor across the huge mansion from Nero and Verge’s. I gave them a questioning look, but they simply smiled and opened the double doors for me.

  “We’d like to invite you to stay with us permanently,” Nero explained as they led me inside. “We weren’t the only ones who wanted you. Alastair was going to steal you, as the personal chef will leave with Jordan. Morggyan and Gaius both planned to offer you suites in their mansions as well.”

  “Wow,” I whispered, completely floored since I was used to no one wanting me. I stared around the room in awe. “I’ve never had my own room before.”

  “We didn’t know that, but we’re glad we thought to give you such a cool room then,” Verge admitted. “It’s more than you’re an awesome baker and cook, Jayme. You’re a great guy. We like you. You’re my short buddy, and you’re like sunshine being in the house. All you’ve been through, but still you smile that people enjoyed the sausages and shared. We want that in our home.”

  “What are you offering him more than the others?” Seth asked when I couldn’t seem to find my voice. “I heard Alastair talking with Zibon about getting what he’d need for his bakery if he stayed with them and agreed to bring home any leftovers from his bakery to share with the house.”

  I gave Seth a shocked look, glancing between the three of them. Then I looked back at Seth. “Wait, I don’t want to be demanding. This is amazing and more than I ever dreamed of.”

  He let out a slow breath and cupped my cheek. “Because you weren’t valued as you should have been, sweetie. It’s skewed the scale you should be putting yourself on as to what you’re worth. You studied at one of the best culinary schools, graduated with honors, and I know when Manny called they couldn’t say enough good things about you. That coven in Italy too.”

  “Who called them?” I whispered when I could find my voice.

  “Alexander did after your half-brother told us which one,” Nero answered. “We wanted to let them know you were safe and the abuse the coven leader obviously knew of was over. She was relieved and hopes you will come visit whenever you want because her coven adores you.”

  “They are very nice people.” I bobbed my head and then shook it. “I have no idea what to do. I’ve been having a great time staying here even if I have to protect food from Verge, but I’ve never even had a room…” I gasped and hurried when I saw there was more to the room, almost falling when I tried to pull Seth with me and there was no way I was doing that if he wasn’t ready to move.

  He chuckled a
nd came with me.

  The suite had a living area with a huge fireplace and wall for a TV and more. It also portioned off the huge bedroom area. There was already a mattress in there and nothing else. I gave Nero a curious look.

  “We ordered several bed frames and matching furniture types to go with the feel of the house,” Nero explained. “You can pick what you want, and we’ll have it brought in.”

  “So furniture is included when he’s starting without capital,” Seth muttered. He gave me a soft smile. “I’m eldest of a wealthy bloodline. I know how to make deals in my sleep. I’m also a hundred years older than you. Will you let me help?”

  I gave a slow nod when I saw Verge was as well. His fiancé was way, way older than him, and it made sense he would want me to have help from my boyfriend.

  “You won’t just move in until I invite you though, right?” I whispered, not sure how that worked.

  “I promise,” Seth said gently. “It’s your first relationship, and there’s no reason to rush at all.”

  I nodded and continued on the tour. Off the living area was a small kitchenette area like in a nice hotel. Nothing more than a small fridge and counter with sink, so there was room for a microwave or whatever.

  “You’re making the suites like apartments so people have more than enough space for themselves instead of feeling cramped once they’re settled,” Seth muttered.

  “Yes, that is the idea,” Nero confirmed. “Most are like this, though this one is bigger and with a larger balcony, as it’s at the end of the wing. We were debating this or the first floor, but I felt it was better for Jayme to be on the third floor instead of first floor terrace access so he has more privacy. I didn’t know the scope of what happened, but I figured people would bug him for treats if he is so easily accessible.”

  “He mostly means me,” Verge chuckled. “It’s just so damn good, and we’ve been working nonstop with all the trainees to help the construction and even when they’re in other classes that all of us are eating so, so much.”