Chapter Text
to listen while reading: я боюсь - хаски
“Shane, please,” Ilya said, rushing down the stairs after Shane.
Shane turned around to face him when they were both already in the entryway. “No, fuck you!” he hollered, frowning.
“I’m sorry,” Ilya said, holding his hands up in surrender.
“How could you even think of that?” Shane ground out.
Yeah. How could Ilya possibly think about such things? What made him think Shane was capable of cheating on him. Why did Ilya want to cheat? Did he really?..
Ilya had started that conversation quite abruptly and it quickly turned into an argument. He felt like they just misunderstood each other. But it didn’t really matter to Ilya anymore. He had already regretted starting this. It was not worth it. He only wished Shane would stay after all.
“I am sorry. Please, don’t leave,” Ilya begged. Despite his actual size, at that moment he seemed small to Shane. Small and vulnerable. Usually, in moments like this, Shane would hold him, kiss him and make sure Ilya is okay. But that evening the only thing he truly wanted was to disappear. But he couldn't actually do that, so he just wanted to get out of there as fast as he could.
“I don’t think I can stay,” Shane frowned even more, as he was putting his shoes on.
“Why?”
“I’m not sure if I want to see you right now,” Shane confessed. He glanced at Ilya one more time. And then, he was gone.
There was a snowstorm outside. Only when Shane left the house, he realized he forgot to take his jacket. But it didn’t really bother him. He quickly got into the car and turned on the engine. His heart was hammering against his ribs, and he couldn't get his breath back. He couldn't really focus on anything — his vision blurred from how hurt and furious he was. But it didn’t stop him. He couldn’t stay there any longer.
Shane stopped halfway, parked at a random gas station. He pressed his head against the steering wheel and breathed heavily, completely lost on what to do. He couldn't go on driving — not only because of the storm outside, but because of the madness that had taken over his mind. On one side, he wanted to drive back to Ilya’s house. On the other side, he had no idea what to do after he would see Ilya again. Ilya might have cheated on him. Shane wasn’t sure he could look him in the eyes at that moment. He wanted to vanish. But it would probably make Ilya sad. Shane thought about him and it suddenly made him smile unreasonably. He wished there was a chance to disappear for a while, so no one would get hurt.
Shane turned his head toward the window. Snow was falling thickly outside. He wondered what was Ilya doing right now. He looked so confused when Shane was leaving. Shane probably shouldn’t have left, but the mere thought of staying there still made him feel sick. Like snowflakes from the sky, the questions kept pouring down on him, and he kept catching himself holding his breath.
For a second, Shane was sure nothing could pull him out of it. And then, Rose called.
Shane froze for a moment, not sure what to say after he picked it up. But he couldn’t just ignore it.
“Hey!” A cheerful voice came from the other end.
“Hi, Rose,” Shane nodded. His arms were wrapped around his own waist. He felt like he was about to choke.
“What’s up? How’re you doing?”
Shane pressed his eyes shut. “Sorry, do you need anything from me right now? Or we can talk later?”
“I just wanted to chat,” Rose sounded less joyfully. “We haven’t spoken in a while.”
“I’m afraid it’s not the best time,” Shane frowned, trying to smile God knows what for.
“Oh,” Rose paused. “Do you want to get it off your chest? I can listen.”
“I’m not sure if I’m ready to share.”
“It’s fine. Just call me when you’ll want to talk, okay?” There was no answer. “Shane?”
“Maybe I do need to share this with someone,” he was thinking out loud.
“Well, it’s up to you. You know I’m always here for you,” Rose said simply.
“It’s actually a secret,” Shane bit his lower lip.
“Okay. I can keep one.”
Shane sighed. “I’ve been seeing someone.”
“Like… Dating?”
“Yes,” he paused. He couldn’t believe he was actually saying it. “I have a boyfriend.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah,” a weight off his chest. Finally.
“How long?”
“Long enough, honestly,” Shane smiled. It was natural this time. “Sorry I haven’t told you earlier.”
“That’s totally fine, Shane.”
“The thing is, I can’t really tell anyone. And neither can he.”
“Is it because you’re a public figure?”
“We both are.”
“Shit,” Rose exhaled. “Must be tough.”
“It is, sometimes,” Shane nodded a few times. Alone in his car. “But he’s great. I mean,” he closed his eyes. “I love him. He’s my favorite person. Sorry about that,” he said, squinting one eye open and peered at the screen.
“Am I in the second place?” Rose clarified.
“Sure,” Shane said softly. “So, um. Yeah. I love him,” he closed his eyes again. “I love everything about him. He’s funny and intelligent and tender,” Shane frowned. “And he’s so fucking handsome. And every moment I spend with him feels so special, even if we’re in public,” Shane sighed. He looked at the window. “And he loves me. I can feel it. And he cares, you know? He really does. I’ve never been happier. He’s the love of my life.” Shane confessed. It felt much more lighter now. And he could feel the warmth spreading through his body. As if Ilya was sitting next to him.
“But?” Rose broke the silence after a moment.
Shane swallowed. “But sometimes it can be hard. We argue from time to time, like every couple. And it’s really tough. Not only because I hate arguing with him and I’m afraid of losing him forever, but also because English is not his first language.”
“Is he Latino?” Rose sounded excited. “Él habla español?” She asked playfully.
“No, he’s not.” Shane huffed, looking down. “But I gotta tell you, Rose, he’s the hottest man alive.”
“Wow!” Rose laughed, “Is he good?”
“He’s perfect.”
“I am so happy for you, Shane.”
“Thank you. Yeah, he’s perfect. Overall. The best,” Shane shook his head.
“So, what happened?”
“We’ve had an argument.”
“When was this?”
Shane glanced at the clock. “Like, forty minutes ago?”
“Okay.”
“He said…” Shane rubbed his nose bridge. “He started a conversation about cheating.”
“He didn’t cheat on you, did he?” Rose interrupted.
“No,” Shane said immediately. Then, he paused. “I mean, I don’t know,” his voice trembled. Suddenly, everything turned blurry.
“Oh, Shane.”
“Fuck. Sorry,” Shane wiped his eyes.
“No-no. It’s okay to cry.”
Shane frowned. “We’ve had arguments before, but this time it hurt more than usual. I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to lose him. I can’t fucking lose him.” He squeezed his eyes shut. He could feel his heart ache.
“What did he say?”
“He… And, I should mention that our schedules are fucked. And we live in different cities.”
“Damn,” Rose drawled.
“Yeah. But it has been worse than that, so I am really grateful. Still, we don’t see each other very often. Not as often as we would like to. And today we were going to spend the evening together. I was supposed to stay overnight at his place. But he started that…” Shane exhaled. “He said that I can cheat on him.”
“What? Would he like to watch you or…?” Rose asked hesitantly.
“No, nothing like that,” Shane assured. “He said that as long as he’s not around I can… I can sleep with someone else,” he shrugged, swallowing. “And that he would be okay with that.”
“Well, Shane. Don’t take it too personal, but some friends of mine would be happy to hear this from their boyfriends.”
“Well, I’m not happy at all,” Shane groaned. “I thought we were on the same page about this, but apparently we’re not. He’s not just thinking I am capable of cheating on him, but that I would like to. He thinks I need it. What… What if he actually wants to cheat on me? What if he already did?”
“Let me stop you here. Did he say so?” Rose began to doubt.
“He said that he doesn’t believe in cheating as a concept and it’s not a real thing to him,” Shane explained.
“And what does it mean?”
“I have no idea.” Shane confessed.
“You didn’t ask him about it?” Rose sounded surprised.
“I was fucking fighting for my life back there, Rose. I was so confused I didn’t know what to ask first. I didn’t think I ever gave him a reason to doubt me. But I assume I was wrong,” Shane blurted out.
“You know, Shane,” Rose started after a short pause, “what I just heard was that he’s worried about your satisfaction and comfort and you think he’s gonna cheat on you.”
“What?” Shane huffed.
“You said it yourself. If he doesn’t have any fetishes, then why on Earth would he suggest something like that?” Rose made a point. Shane was about to dispute that, but as soon as he opened his mouth, he realized he had nothing to say. “I bet he’s just worried you’re not fully satisfied because of your schedules.”
“Or maybe he’s just trying to make an excuse for cheating.”
“Sorry, did he say any of that?”
“He meant it.” Shane shrugged.
“But did these words come out of his mouth?”
“Well…”
“Shane,” Rose’s tone became more alert. “Is there any chance that you’ve tried to finish his thoughts?”
“I…” Shane hesitated. “I tried to help him.”
On the other end, Rose sighed loudly. “Shane. I know you were trying to help, but maybe he didn’t need that. Maybe all he needed was you listening to him. I am sorry for how it may sound but it feels to me like you are so loved, Shane. And I think that maybe you’re worried about the wrong thing.”
Shane was silent for a moment. He was speechless. He kept replaying that one fight over and over in his head. Shane remembered the way Ilya had looked during their argument, how lost and sad he had seemed. “Oh my god,” he said, finally, “you’re right. I’m the problem.”
“No…”
“And I left him alone with all that. Fuck,” he buried his face in his hands. “I was such an asshole to him.”
“I was trying to say…” Rose started again. “Next time just let him talk don’t interrupt and listen. It’s gonna be okay. He loves you, right?”
“He does. And I was a total dick to him. Shit, what should I do?” Shane shut his eyes tight.
“Breathe,” Rose commanded. Then, she thought for a few seconds. “I think you should come back.”
“Do you think he still wants to talk to me?”
“I don’t know,” Rose exhaled. “I don’t know him, Shane. But you do, so you tell me. Does he want you to come back?”
“God, I hope so,” Shane sighed. Then, he pulled himself together. “I will come back, I’ll say that I’m sorry, which is true, I’ll let him talk and I won’t interrupt. And I will listen.”
“That’s the spirit!” Rose cheered.
Shane huffed a laugh. “Thank you. And sorry we didn’t got to talk about something… nice.”
“Are you joking? You finally told me you have a boyfriend. And I’m always happy to help. I really hope you will understand each other.”
“Me too.”
“And I hope to meet him one day.”
“Do you want to?”
“Of course. He makes you so happy, I need to know what a man he is. Next time I’m in Montreal you introduce me to him, deal?”
“Next time you’re in Ottawa,” Shane smiled.
“Okay,” Rose drew out playfully. “Good luck, Shane!”
“Thanks,” Shane said, before Rose ended the call.
Shane breathed out. He was alone with his thoughts again. He was so lost in the conversation that he didn't realize the snowstorm outside had died down.
For a second, he thought that maybe he shouldn’t come back. What if Ilya didn’t want to see him? What if he would only make it worse? What if they would break up eventually?
Shane closed his eyes, trying to steady his breathing. He needed to be strong. He had to do it. For Ilya. And for Rose.
Ilya would do that for him. Ilya would do anything for him.
“Fuck,” Shane whispered. Then, he started driving off the lot.
The ride back felt shorter. Shane could think only about Ilya that whole time. He was so excited to see him again, to touch him, to talk to him. Although, as soon as he parked near Ilya’s house, he froze, not sure what to do. He knew he should get off the car and get to the door to ring the doorbell, but what’s next? What would happen after Ilya opened the door?
Shane exhaled really slowly. The more he overthought it, the worse it became. He killed the engine.
It was freezing outside. Shane rushed to the door and rang. Ilya opened very quickly.
“Shane,” he looked nervous.
“Ilya,” Shane smiled.
“Something happened?”
“No. Well, yeah.”
“Something with your car?” Ilya frowned.
“Oh. No, nothing like that.”
“Shane, come in,” Ilya nodded.
“I’m sorry,” Shane blurted out.
Ilya didn’t say anything back. He just stood in the doorway, looking really lost.
“I… Um…” Shane mumbled.
“Get in.”
“Yeah, right,” Shane slipped inside. Then, he looked at Ilya, while he was locking the door. “I don’t know what to say” Shane confessed. Ilya turned around. “I was thinking about it all the way back, but I still don’t know how can I explain how sorry I am. I was a complete idiot. I should’ve let you speak and listen to you and not interrupt. And I shouldn’t have left. I probably just misunderstood you. I can’t lose you and I don’t want to lose you, that’s why I was so scared I couldn’t stand it.”
“Scared?” Ilya seemed confused.
“Yes. Ilya, I’m so sorry,” Shane’s voice had a guilty edge to it. “Can we please maybe do this again? You’ll start over and I will listen and I won’t interrupt and I’ll try really really hard not to be a jerk.”
Ilya didn’t answer anything. Instead, he smiled really softly and came up to Shane. The very next moment, Shane was wrapped in his arms. “I’m so happy you came back.” Ilya whispered.
Shane felt his eyes grow moist again. He hugged Ilya back. “I’m sorry,” he said quietly, squeezing his eyes tight. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” Ilya said, as he was stroking Shane’s back. “Aren’t you cold?”
“No,” Shane murmured, his face buried between Ilya’s neck and shoulder. He could tell Ilya smoked a cigarette, while he was away.
Ilya pulled his head back. “I’m glad you came back.”
Shane sighed. Ilya seemed so happy he was literally glowing. It was impossible not to kiss him. Ilya deepened the kiss, slipping his hands under Shane’s hoodie. Shane didn’t want to stop him at all, but he had to.
“Not now,” he drew back, breathing heavily. “We do need to talk.”
“Yes. Okay,” Ilya smiled.
“You hungry?” Ilya asked from kitchen.
“No,” Shane answered from the couch.
“Thirsty?
“Not really. No.”
“Wanna drink?”
“Yeah,” Shane admitted.
Ilya came from the kitchen with a bottle of wine in one hand and two glasses in the other. He looked so sexy in this dim light, Shane wanted to devour him. But he also wanted Ilya to know how loved and how desired he was.
“I’m so sorry I ran away,” Shane said as soon as Ilya sat next to him.
“It’s okay, Shane,” Ilya smiled, while pouring wine into the first glass.
“I freaked out.”
“I know. It’s fine.”
“It’s not.” Shane argued. When both of glasses were filled, he took one of them and drowned it in one go, wincing.
“Shane,” Ilya smiled softly, covering Shane’s palm with his hands. “It’s okay. I swear.”
“And just for the record,” Shane continued, “I’m apologizing for everything I’ve said. I shouldn’t have said any of that.”
“Relax, Hollander. They were just words,” Ilya shrugged.
“I said ‘fuck you’,” Shane grimaced.
Ilya huffed a laugh. “Is okay.”
“You did’t deserve that.”
“Shane. It’s okay,” Ilya assured, squeezing Shane’s hand.
“You don’t feel hurt?”
“No,” Ilya shook his head. “Words don’t mean that much to me, I guess.”
“How about words like ‘I love you’?” Shane frowned.
“I know you love me, Shane.”
“How?”
“I can feel it. I don’t need you to say it, but it’s always nice to hear it. I love you too,” Ilya kissed Shane’s hand.
“But those weren’t just words. I was a jerk to you.”
“But you came back, yes?” Ilya smiled softly.
“I probably wouldn’t came back if Rose hadn’t called me,” Shane looked down.
“Rose?” Ilya’s smile faded.
“Yeah. Rose called me when I was driving home. She wanted to chat, but we ended up talking about my relationship. About us. I didn’t use your name, obviously.”
“You could. She’s a close friend, right?” Ilya shrugged. “What did you tell her?”
“The truth,” Shane glanced at Ilya. “That I’ve got a boyfriend that I love endlessly. And that he loves me too. I told her that we are happy together. And that no one makes me feel like he does.”
Ilya smiled again. “But she didn’t force you to come back, yes?
“Why do you keep defending me?” Shane asked straight out.
“Because you are sorry. And you did nothing horrible.”
“Yes, I did. I treated you horribly.”
“Shane,” Ilya exhaled. “You got scared, that’s okay. It happens. I guess I should’ve been more clear.”
“No, you did everything right. It’s mostly my fault,” Shane looked at Ilya. It seemed like he had more to say. “Okay. That’s it. Now I’ll shut up and let you speak,” Shane concluded.
“I don’t even know how to start this,” Ilya sounded a bit lost.
“Are you… Sorry,” Shane stopped himself.
“No, ask me.”
“No, no. I’m acting like a jerk again. Sorry.”
“Come on, Shane,” Ilya grinned.
“Why are you smiling?”
“Because you came back,” Ilya said simply. “What did you want to ask?”
“Are you really okay with me fucking someone else?” Shane asked the question he wanted to know most.
Ilya didn’t answer right away. He tried to imagine something like that and he felt sick by the very thought of it. He hid it almost immediately.
“You’re not!” Shane exclaimed, as he saw it on Ilya’s face.
“I mean. It’s not that important.”
“What is, then?” Shane asked, bewildered.
“You,” Ilya shrugged. “Your feelings. Your needs.”
“My only need is you, Ilya.” Shane insisted.
“Yes, for now.”
“What?” He asked, completely stunned. He quickly pulled himself together, though. “Sorry, I’m interrupting again. Just please explain this to me.”
Ilya swallowed. He hated this kind of conversation all his life. He hated talking about his feelings, he never could explain what exactly he felt. But somehow, it always was a little easier with Shane. And it was necessary.
Ilya looked down. He realized that he missed when Shane took Ilya’s palm in his hands. With his free hand, he picked up his glass of wine, took a couple of sips, and set it back down on the coffee table. Then, he looked at Shane.
“I know what you want to say,” Ilya began. “You want to say that you love me. And that I’m already good enough for you. And I know you love me. And I know I’m good. But I can’t be sure I will always be able to satisfy all your needs. I don’t know if I’ll always be enough for you,” he shrugged. “And I don’t want to be a… How do I call that?” Ilya frowned, looking away,
Shane bit his tongue. He thought he knew what Ilya wanted to say. But in reality he didn’t.
“…A burden?”
“Ilya.” Shane couldn’t hold back.
“I know it sounds pathetic. But we need to be honest with each other, right?”
Shane pressed his lips. Yes. Right.
“I want you to feel free to explore your body and your sexuality,” Ilya continued, “and I’m afraid I can’t give you everything. I wish I could, but that’s not possible.”
Shane was glaring at him, not saying a word. His eyes began to burn.
“I’m not saying you are disloyal or anything,” Ilya shook his head. “I know you love me. But I’ve seen a lot of couples breaking up because of cheating. Some people just can’t be satisfied with one person their whole life. I can’t lose you because of that.”
Shane swallowed. “So you allow me to cheat just not to break up with me?” He asked in a low voice.
Ilya blinked in surprise. “Well, basically. Yes.”
Shane squeezed his eyes shut, and tears streamed down his cheeks. He covered his eyes with one hand, while the other gripped Ilya’s palm harder.
“Shane…” Ilya whispered. Shane shook his head.
The next moment, he straddled Ilya’s lap. He looked him in the eyes. His beautiful, concerned blue eyes. Shane was now holding Ilya’s face in his hands, his thumbs gently stroking Ilya’s cheeks. Without a word, Shane turned, grabbed the half-empty glass, drained it in a few gulps, and then looked at his boyfriend again.
When Ilya leaned in for a kiss, Shane couldn’t resist it. After a couple of slow, tender kisses, Shane pressed Ilya’s head against his chest. He tried to find the right words as he was stroking Ilya’s head. “I don’t deserve you,” Shane wanted to say, but he knew Ilya wouldn’t agree. Whatever came to his mind wasn’t nearly enough.
Ilya was breathing loudly against his chest, while Shane’s head was racing. It was hard to think. It was hard to breathe either.
“Sometimes,” Shane broke the silence with his raspy voice. “Sometimes I feel like sex is not enough. And like three languages are not enough to express how much I feel for you,” he paused for a long moment. “I was so pissed earlier, because you basically said that I force myself to stay loyal to you. But I shouldn’t ran away I should’ve explained it to you. I’m so sorry,” Shane said quietly. Ilya didn’t answer. “Sometimes I feel like no one will ever understand how much I love you,” Shane pulled his head back and looked Ilya in the eyes again. “Not even you.”
Ilya didn’t say anything. He just stared at Shane in confusion.
“You are everything I love in people, but in one person. Trust me,” Shane said in a low voice, nodding a few times. Then, he kissed Ilya’s forehead. And then, he continued. “Thank you for your suggestion, but I don’t need it. And I won’t ever need it. You suggested all of this because you wish me only the best, but I already have it. I’ve already got my ‘best’,” Shane smiled really softly. “And you only proved it today.”
“I’m so happy you came back,” Ilya whispered to Shane, their noses touching.
“I’m so happy I have you,” Shane murmured back.
“I’m all yours.”
“Yes,” Shane beamed. He started covering Ilya’s face with brief kisses. “Mine. My boy. My man. My love. My destiny,” he murmured between kisses
“Your destiny?” Ilya smiled.
“Yes. And my choice,” Shane’s smile faded. He frowned. “I love you so fucking much Ilya you don’t understand,” he whispered.
“I shouldn’t have started all of that,” Ilya whispered back.
“No, it’s great you did.”
“Is it?”
“Yes. You‘ve shown me I made a right choice.” Shane was smiling softly, even though his eyes were growing moist again. “Today I was so afraid of losing you I eventually hurt you. It won’t happen again. Ever,” Shane sounded dead serious.
“Okay,” Ilya said quietly.
“Is there anything I can do for you?”
“Yes.”
“And what is it?” Shane asked, leaning in toward Ilya.
“Relax. And stay.”
“Okay,” Shane smiled.
“Okay?”
Instead of answering, Shane kissed Ilya. He was biting Ilya’s lips, showing him all of his hunger. When Ilya took his shirt, and Shane was faced with a choice. He wanted to ride Ilya, to kiss him the rest of the night and to devour him at the same time. But what he knew for sure was that he didn’t want to stop kissing Ilya at all.
A few moments later, Ilya was lying on top of Shane, kissing the hell out of him. Minutes after, Ilya was stroking both of them with one hand. Their foreheads were pressed against each other and they were breathing the same air. It was hard to keep eyes open, but Shane couldn’t stop looking at Ilya — his hair was messy, his cheeks turned slightly pink and he was breathing heavily, exhaling with a soft groan each time. Shane couldn’t imagine someone being at least half as gorgeous.
After a while, the bottle of wine was empty. Shane was gently stroking Ilya’s back, while Ilya was snuffling softly against his shoulder. Shane was glad that they had been able to take away one of the things Ilya was secretly worried about. Suddenly, he realized he should text Rose. As he was pulling out his phone, he got a message.
Rose:
How’d it go???????
Shane smiled. Then, he wrote her back.
Shane:
Everything’s great. We’ve talked and we’re okay now
Rose:
Did you act normal?
Shane:
Yeah. Just like you told me. Super-normal
Rose:
I’m so happy for you two!!!!!
Shane:
Thank you, Rose
Rose:
Am I invited to the wedding now???
Shane huffed a laugh. Ilya raised his head with half-lidded eyes.
“Roses texted,” Shane explained. Ilya didn’t answer. Instead, he kissed Shane’s cheek and tightened his grip on Shane’s waist.
“You aren’t jealous, right?” Shane asked.
“No,” Ilya murmured into his neck.
Shane smiled. Ilya was doing great, but it seemed like he needed some more time to move on from that.
Shane put his phone away. He kissed Ilya’s temple and started scratching his head. He was thinking about how weird love was. How can a feeling this beautiful cause so much pain? Did Ilya feel it too? He probably did.
Shane kissed his temple one more time.
If Ilya was jealous over Rose, how could he suggest something like that? How could he tell Shane he could fuck whoever he wanted?
Shane frowned.
Did it count as sacrifice? Was there anything else Ilya was secretly sacrificing for him?
“Ilya?” Shane called before he even knew what to ask next. Ilya mumbled something incoherent in reply, raising his head once more.
“Are you okay with everything?” Shane asked after a couple of seconds.
“Yes,” Ilya started kissing Shane’s face again, but Shane stopped him.
“If something bothers you,” Shane said, holding Ilya’s face in his hand, not quite gently, “talk to me. I promise I won’t freak out. Okay, I can’t really promise that. But I promise I will always listen to you. I may freak out at first, but eventually I will listen and we will talk about whatever.”
“Okay,” Ilya nodded. Shane sounded serious.
“Okay?”
“I’m fine, Shane,” Ilya smiled softly. “I love you.”
“I know you love me, but is it healthy for you? Are you happy?”
“Of course I am,” Ilya kissed Shane’s shoulder. “Of course I am.”
Shane smiled, stroking Ilya’s head. “Let’s go to the bed, sleepyhead.”
By the time Shane came out of the bathroom, Ilya was already drifting off. Shane switched off the light as silently as possible, slipped under the blanket next to Ilya, and carefully wrapped his arm around him from behind. He started nodding off almost immediately, but then he heard Ilya’s quiet voice.
“Do you think she’s gonna like me?”
“Who?” Shane sounded sleepy.
“Rose Landry.” Ilya turned slightly toward Shane.
“Of course,” Shane said without a second hesitation. “She will love you. As much as I do. There’s no way she won’t,” he shook his head. “She’s really excited to meet you.”
“I bet she wouldn’t be so excited if she knew my name,” Ilya mumbled.
“That’s not true,” Shane sounded serious, as if he were the captain of some sports team. “She would be excited anyway. She knows you’re the man of my dream.”
“I’m the man of your dream?” Ilya chuckled. He got no response. Instead, he got several kisses all over his face.
“Goodnight, Ilya,” Shane murmured, holding him tighter.
“Goodnight, sweetheart,” Ilya whispered back. Shane smiled, knowing damn well Ilya had meant it.