On the Shores of Grand Cayman Part 4
Disclaimer: This is a total figment of my imagination and anything resembling reality is a mistake.
Murilo did his best to ignore Tyler leaving the table and the pointed looks Jonathan was giving him. If Tyler wanted to flirt with other guys then he was not going to be understanding. Thor had been a member of the team for a whole two seconds and already Tyler was getting on well with him. They’d spent all afternoon talking and goofing around and he’d had enough. Tyler was a friendly guy, Murilo knew this, but it had driven him crazy. If they were going to have a falling out then he wasn’t going to feel bad about it. “Don’t you think you should go see what’s up with him?” Jonathan asked.
That was not his job, Tyler seemed to be managing just fine without him. Thor wasn’t helping his cause either, there was a certain etiquette to vampire-human interactions and Thor was completely ignoring all that by going after Tyler. Their teams had just merged, now was not the time to be rocking the boat and trying to muscle in on someone else’s territory. Tyler probably didn’t even know what secret it was Thor was hiding. If he did Murilo was sure the reaction wouldn’t be quite so friendly. “You could just talk to him,” Jonathan suggested. “He’s confused and you’re not helping matters.”
Murilo glared at his boss and just about resisted the urge to growl. Now was not the time to be pointing out the obvious! He wanted to be angry and that was all there was to it. “If you two can’t play nice then someone’s going to have to leave and it won’t be him, Murilo.”
“Maybe it would be best all around if I just left.”
Jonathan looked at him thoughtfully and didn’t like what it was he saw if the face he pulled was any indication. He’d stayed in one place long enough and Murilo was starting to get uncomfortable. Retirement was starting to seem like a good idea, an injury he wouldn’t recover from would provide him with the perfect reason to just disappear. He got up from the table and headed down to the beach. Maybe there would be enough miles of coastline that he could walk off the odd feeling that had come over him.
The sand was cool underneath his feet as he walked just above where the water was lapping at the shore. The further he walked the stronger the feeling inside of him grew. He felt uneasy and something just warned him he should be careful.
The feeling persisted and he glanced around to see what he could pick up. Seeing nothing that should be of any concern he kept walking. How he felt made no sense at all but maybe he was just hungry. The feeling twisted up inside him and if on cue he caught the scent of vampires. He saw them ahead, a group of them, circling around what was presumably their entertainment for this evening.
He wasn’t much closer when the scent of blood reached him and he stopped. Of course Tyler would meet up with the locals, how would it go any other way? One or both of them was going to need a change in luck soon if the remaining three days weren’t going to go disastrously. “Can we help you?” one of the group asked him when he suddenly appeared besides them.
“You have something that belongs to me,” Murilo stated.
“I think not friend,” said one with shaggy black hair.
He growled warningly when another dared to lick at Tyler and he grabbed the one who had spoken to him. “I said you have something that belongs to me.”
“You’re not on the mainland any more buddy,” The vampire retorted. “You’re way out of your league.”
“That would depend on whether in this backwater neck of the woods you’ve ever heard of the Fischers.”
“Hey, aren’t they the ones who lost all their money?” One piped up.
“Oooh, that is so scary!” The one Murilo was holding said. “Totally worth bringing up.”
Tired of being held captive the lanky one he had hold of grabbed at Murilo and yanked attempting to unbalance them both. There was a precarious moment when Murilo thought he might fall before he righted himself but not before the charm around his neck was exposed. “Holy crap, those Fischers!” the shaggy haired one continued and pointed.
The one he was holding looked down and then somehow paled further. “He belongs to you? Why didn’t you say! He was wandering around unattended and we thought.... Please, take him back. We insist.”
Murilo released him and one of them attempted to brush Tyler off as though it would make a difference. His eyes caught sight of the blood dripping down Tyler’s arms and he growled. “We’re sorry!” the shaggy haired one said.
“I’m outta here!” another said.
Soon enough they were alone again and Murilo stepped closer. “Are you okay?”
Tyler hadn’t moved and there was no immediate response to his question. He moved closer still hoping that he would get some sort of response out of Tyler. “Tyler?” he asked quietly. “Are you okay?”
He caught movement out of the corner of his eye and he yanked Tyler close intent on keeping the sprinter from further harm. The blood would make him a magnet for any hungry vampire and he was not going to let anything happen. He saw Jonathan make a gesture and he felt himself relax slightly even if he was unwilling to move away. He felt a hand grasp at his t-shirt and hold tightly. “We’re fine.”
Jonathan nodded but didn’t move until Murilo did and the three of them walked towards Murilo’s room. “I’m surprised you were allowed to just walk away.”
“Yeah well being a Fischer has perks.”
“Ahh. Is it wrong to say I’m glad?”
“I might let you get away with it just this once.”
He felt Tyler tremble and cling tightly as his face pressed up against Murilo’s neck. It made walking more difficult and the pace slowed but Jonathan merely altered his pace to suit Tyler’s. Murilo supposed to anyone looking at them the situation would seem ridiculous given that Tyler was taller than he was. It hadn’t felt awkward earlier when Tyler had been kissing him, it had seemed just right.
He shifted his arm to get a better grip and wished he hadn’t when his fingers became slippery. His eyes searched frantically for his room and he was relieved when he saw it was close. Not long until he could remove temptation and things could go back to normal. At least then the urge to protect Tyler would lessen and he could prowl around in peace.
They were almost to his room when he spotted Thor coming in their direction. This was all Thor’s fault, if he hadn’t said whatever it was that had made Tyler leave the table then they wouldn’t be in this mess. It was Thor’s fault Tyler was hurt and there was definitely going to be repercussions to that. “I’ll take care of it,” Jonathan said and disappeared.
Probably safer for Thor that way, he mused as he entered the room and locked the patio door behind them. He flicked the switch on the lamp as he deposited Tyler on the bed. The hand on his t-shirt refused to let go and he was forced to sit down on the bed. “Don’t go,” Tyler whispered.
“You need to get cleaned up.”
Despite himself Murilo nuzzled close briefly wanting to just breathe in Tyler’s scent and assure himself that all was well. Or as well as it could be in the circumstances and the urge to inflict major pain on Thor was mollified somewhat when Tyler leant into the caress. “You need to-”
“I know,” Tyler interrupted.
He wanted more, wanted to run his hands over Tyler’s body to check for any other injuries but he doesn’t want to get distracted. He was surprised when he felt lips press against his cheek and he isn’t sure if it’s because of what happened or because right now he was full-on vampire. Now he looked so different from the man Tyler thought he was and the fangs made him look anything but friendly. “Tyler,” he pleaded though he wasn’t sure for what.
“At least it wasn’t my favourite t-shirts they ruined,” Tyler quipped before moving back.
Murilo waited until Tyler had disappeared into the bathroom and he was alone before he began to lick the blood off his fingers. There was a dark tinge to it he didn’t particularly care for and he pulled a face. If he ever saw those locals again he was going to teach them a lesson, Tyler should never be that afraid of turning into someone’s snack.
Tyler reappeared in the doorway holding a damp cloth and looking somewhat awkward. “Can you... ummm...? I don’t know that I got it all,” Tyler mumbled.
He closed the distance between them and Tyler stepped back into the bathroom. It was cramped with the two of them in here but he tried to ignore it as he rinsed his hand under the tap watching the water turn pink briefly. It was best for both of them if he did it but it didn’t stop the twinge of remorse.
Shutting off the water, he turned back to Tyler and tried to pretend like this was nothing out of the ordinary. The bare chest in front of him wasn’t exactly unusual even if the circumstances were but it was harder to ignore the way Tyler’s heart beat almost imperceptibly faster when his hands took hold.
His eyes caught sight of where fangs had torn the pale skin. He growled angrily and vowed if he ever saw those locals again they would be dead vampires. It looked like they’d tried to use Tyler as a chew toy, more for entertainment than sustenance, and he regretted that they’d got away unscathed now. “Murilo!”
He blinked and then focused on the man before him. “I’m all right,” Tyler attempted to reassure once getting his attention.
He glanced down to the abused skin and knew that at the very least there’d be a large bruise there tomorrow. It was definitely not all right but he didn’t think he’d get a straight answer if he asked if it still hurt. He lowered his head and heard Tyler suck in a breath when he licked at the puncture marks. He wished he could make them go away but since he couldn’t do that he could make sure they healed better. “I’m all right.”
He didn’t want to be placated and he moved back to say as much. The words died on his lips when he saw the way Tyler was trying to convince himself that it was true. The rage that had been building calmed to a more manageable level and he moved closer again. “Would you stay?” Tyler asked in a small voice.
He could’ve made a comment about how this was his room they were in but he wasn’t sure that would go down well. “Sure,” he answered.
There’d be more room here and there was no Jullian to be asking questions about what had been going on. If he didn’t bring attention to the fact then hopefully things wouldn’t get awkward. Tyler nodded distractedly and then smoothed his t-shirt as a distraction. “What’s the time?”
Tyler’s question surprised him but he made no move to go and check. “Why?”
“We have cocktails.”
He’d completely forgotten that they had things on this morning, mingling with sponsors and other people who had made this trip possible. Schmoozing wasn’t exactly his favourite past time because his survival depended on not being memorable. It would limit the places he could move to if he became to conspicuous. “I think we’re excused.”
His absence probably wouldn’t cause too many problems but Tyler was a recognisable face and his absence would raise questions. Jonathan would no doubt be able to come up with something, he’d had enough practise at it. He brushed a finger against Tyler’s pale cheek. Maybe he should see if he could find something that would bring a bit of the colour back, he didn’t like it. “Thank you,” Tyler said.
He didn’t like that Tyler was still looking dazed and he wondered if a distraction would remove it. He was sure he could find something in his dvd collection that he could use. He pushed Tyler in the direction of the bedroom thankful that he’d at least put a couple in his bag. Otherwise he’d be have to search youtube to find something and that could be a bit dubious at the best of times.
He ushered Tyler in the direction of the bed whilst he grabbed his computer and his phone. It didn’t take long to text their boss and whilst the computer booted up he glanced back at Tyler. “Where did you find that?” he asked gesturing to the argyle t-shirt the American was now wearing.
“On the floor,” Tyler gestured. “Why?”
“Jonathan was looking for it earlier.”
Tyler looked down at the t-shirt and frowned. Murilo wasn’t quite sure what had happened to prompt that reaction. Sure it wasn’t exactly the height of fashion but then again nothing Jonathan owned was, and if it was argyle then that put it at the top of his ‘must buy’ list. “Why do you have JV’s t-shirt?”
“He gave it to me ages ago,” Murilo explained. “It’s for if the airline is stupid enough to lose his luggage and he has some sort of argyle emergency.”
He smiled as he remembered the conversation they’d had about it. Occasionally the item of clothing changed but mostly it never left his suitcase. Thinking of it like that then it was the item of clothing that had racked up the most air miles even if technically it wasn’t his. He let his gaze run over Tyler and allowed himself to appreciate the view. “Looks good on you,” he said.
Tyler still looked uncomfortable so he gestured towards his wardrobe. “You’re welcome to put something else on if you’d rather.”
He sat down on the bed and flicked through his movie collection as Tyler rummaged through his wardrobe. His phone beeped indicating he had a message and he looked at the screen. “Is that JV telling us to get our asses in gear?” Tyler’s question was muffled by the t-shirt he was pulling on.
“He said he’ll take care of it,” Murilo replied.
He conveniently forgot to mention how Jonathan had expressly told him to stay in tonight but that wasn’t really relevant. Nor was the remark about how he hoped they had fun, it wasn’t going to be that kind of evening no matter what Jonathan thought. He put his phone down and glanced across when he felt the bed dip. Now dressed in a white t-shirt with black panels down the side Tyler looked a lot less like he belonged on a Christmas tree. “This belong to someone else too?”
“No,” he said.
He wasn’t sure how he felt about Tyler wearing his clothes. It was loose fitting on him so it didn’t cling the way some of his others would but it prompted a feeling Murilo couldn’t identify. He turned away, confused, and focused on the first thing he could think of and his eyes caught sight of his movies. That was just what he needed, a distraction. “Murilo?” Tyler asked.
He didn’t want to have to answer questions; he wanted to pretend that none of this was happening! A warm hand touched his shoulder and he tensed. This was ridiculous, it was just a t-shirt! It wasn’t like it was unusual either, he had friends that had borrowed clothes before. It was fine, nothing was wrong with it, it was just a surprise. “Movie?” he asked instead.
Tyler touched a box and he put the disk into the drive. Five minutes he was laying on the bed with Tyler besides him like everything was normal. Except his eyes kept on flicking down to the t-shirt he could see out of his peripheral vision. Tyler in his t-shirt. “I can take it off if it’s bothering you that much,” Tyler finally said.
“No, it’s fine.”
He just needed to focus on the computer screen instead and everything would be fine. Ignore it and whatever he was feeling would go away. Everything was fine, it was perfectly normal and... His thoughts scattered when Tyler shifted closer so they were almost touching. All that heat and jumbled emotion waiting to reach out and touch something that was no longer human. “Tyler-”
“I trust you,” the words were murmured so close to him.
“You shouldn’t.”
It was the truth no matter how much he wished otherwise, he was a Fischer after all. The gap between their bodies closed and he fought the urge to move away immediately. The heat scorched him and he wanted to move away almost as much as he wanted to move closer. Tyler seemed to settle like that, oblivious to the torture he was experiencing. “Stop thinking about it and just watch the movie.”
It seemed impossible at first but Tyler showed no interest in moving and giving him more space. His eyes flicked down to look at the t-shirt again and he shifted so he could run fingers lightly over it. It was just a t-shirt that was all, he reassured himself as he breathed in Tyler’s scent. It was purely practical since Tyler’s top was in no state to be worn again. He inhaled again and felt the man in his arms shift. Everything was fine, it didn’t mean anything...
Murilo woke the next morning to a rhythmic thumping by his ear and fingers caressing his scalp. He made a contented sound and contemplated going back to sleep again. He was too comfortable to even think about getting up. The fingers applied the perfect amount of pressure and he tried to burrow closer to the warmth. He should wake up this way every morning he decided as he made another contented sound. “I definitely like you in the mornings,” Tyler said, amused.
“Really?”
He felt the vibrations of Tyler’s laugh and finally opened his eyes. He shifted so he could look up at Tyler without moving too much and saw the amusement there. Tyler had more colour this morning he noted as his attention was drawn to the smile curing Tyler’s lips.
Fingertips brushed against his skin as they moved away from the back of his head and he wished they’d go back there. “Uh-huh.”
The feather-light caress continued across his lips and his gaze locked with Tyler’s when the caress was repeated. The last time they’d been alone in his room Tyler had kissed him and like this it was harder to be oblivious to the fact that Tyler wanted a repeat performance. Last night was explainable; all that adrenaline and fear made it easy to get swept away by the moment with no thought for the consequences. Now there was no safety net to fall back on and he felt unsettled by it. “Thank you for letting me stay last night.”
“You make a good pillow,” he teased and saw the smile he was hoping for.
This was probably the point at which he was supposed to get up but he didn’t move and Tyler didn’t push him away. Like this things were simple and the minute he moved they would cease to be so. Fingertips began to roam his face again as though unwilling to lose contact. He felt pressure against his mouth and he gently nipped at a finger with his teeth.
The action was repeated again but this time the hand moved back before his teeth could make contact. He saw the smile and couldn’t help but mirror it. He liked morning Tyler too, all pliant and playful. A hand cupped the side of his face and without thinking he turned his head and when the fingers parted nipped gently at the tips.
Tyler shifted underneath him and that brought his attention back from the fingers to the man underneath him. The next time he nipped at a finger he was watching Tyler and he saw the way the other man swallowed hard. He began to wonder if he might be able to use something other than his regular teeth. “Can I ask you a question?” Tyler asked.
“Sure.”
He stopped what he was doing and forced his attention solely on Tyler when he saw how the other man refused to look at him. He experienced a sinking feeling when he realised that this question was unlikely to be related to what they were doing now. After last night he should have expected questions but that didn’t mean he had to like it. “Is it always like that?”
“You’ll have to be more specific.”
He was starting to get the impression he really wasn’t going to like where this particular conversation was going. He’d like it even less if Tyler was about to put him in the same category as those thugs last night. “Last night they... but you didn’t and...”
That wasn’t really much more help than before but given how uncomfortable Tyler looked he wasn’t sure he would get a better answer. “They weren’t hungry, they were bored,” he took his best guess.
“They just-”
A knock on the door interrupted whatever Tyler was going to say. Murilo wondered whether Jonathan would pay any attention if they ignored him but a second knock answered that. Obviously wanting to check that there’s nothing wrong with one of the team’s assets.
The interruption was even less welcome when Murilo opened the door and found Thor standing on the other side of it. He briefly debated whether to just shut the door again before he heard Tyler moving about. “Who’s at the door?”
He reluctantly stepped back and let Thor enter. He felt satisfaction when Thor glanced at him briefly after seeing Tyler wearing his t-shirt and hoped that would mean a quick exit. “Morning,” Tyler greeted far too cheerfully.
“We missed you last night,” Thor said. “Thought I’d come see how you were.”
“I’m feeling okay, thanks.”
Thor was standing way too close to Tyler for his liking and he stepped closer to the pair before deciding better of it. Tyler looked slightly worried as he glanced about the room and then went over to open the curtains as if them being there was totally normal. Murilo wasn’t sure whether Tyler was trying to protect his secret or push it away like something shameful.
He watched as the patio door was unlocked and then pushed back. “Feel like a walk?” Tyler asked Thor.
“Sure.”
Thor stepped outside onto the sand and Tyler followed him, pausing briefly to wave at Murilo before close the door behind him. He was more than a little surprised by the abrupt exit and he found that he didn’t like it. Tyler had stayed with him all night and now he’d served his purpose he was being discarded. Obviously being resident vampire meant he was suitable for keeping away other monsters but that was about it.
He wasn’t sure why that bothered him so much but it did. He should be thrilled that Tyler seemed to have got the message that nothing was going to happen to them. Instead he’d watched Tyler talking to Thor and sharing a joke. He’d watch Thor remove his t-shirt and then lean closer to Tyler and say something that made Tyler smile.
He’d gone to sit under the large canopy that had been erected to protect those with more delicate skin and had constantly reminded himself that it was not suitable to make the fact he was a vampire common knowledge. Of course Jonathan intercepting him every time he had gotten up out of his chair had helped. He’d been banned from playing volleyball after he’d smacked Thor with the ball for the third time.
This was what he wanted and no amount of Tyler acting like it was only a matter of time before he decided it was a good idea wasn’t helping. Nothing was going to happen between them and that’s all there was to it. It didn’t matter how many kisses there were he was not going to change his mind. Except maybe if there were more moments like this morning his resolve wouldn’t be as strong.
This trip wasn’t going as planned and the faster he got off this damn island the better for everyone. He wanted to go home where he wouldn’t be forced to deal with Tyler and he could attempt to cure himself of his affliction. “I take it the walking isn’t helping,” Jonathan said when he approached the hotel again.
“What do you think?” he snapped.
He slowed and eventually came to a stop before Jonathan. At least he hadn’t gotten on his bike because that would’ve resulted in a lecture about public safety. Jonathan watched him for a few moments as though trying to assess what the best course of action was. “Did you try eating? Normally you only get this cranky when you’re hungry.”
Murilo wished that was the reason he felt so out of sorts but he wasn’t sure confession would help either. This was a problem he would just have to solve on his own or learn to ignore with greater effectiveness. Things would eventually settle, he was certain of that, and then things would go back to normal. “Tyler’s going to be fine, he’s a bit shaken and there are a few bruises but he’ll be fine,” Jonathan said.
“It’s not-”
The sound of someone knocking on his door made him pause in what he was saying. Without moving he knew exactly who was standing on the other side and he knew going to open the door would be a really bad idea. Them talking would be a bad idea, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to stop himself from saying something he’d regret later.
Jonathan was watching him closely and he wondered if this was going to be one of those times when he’d be on the receiving end of advice he didn’t want. Not that Jonathan could be certain who was on the other side of the door but it wouldn’t be hard to guess given his reaction.
Tyler knocked on his door again but he didn’t move. If he didn’t open the door then eventually Tyler would give up and go back to his room. He refused to think about the possibility that it might be Thor that the American sought out. “If this is your attempt to play nice then I think you need to rethink your definition,” Jonathan said before he crossed to the door and opened it. “I don’t recommend getting too close, he’s grouchy.”
Murilo turned and watched Jonathan leave before turning his attention to Tyler who seemed to be watching him curiously. Despite Jonathan’s words Tyler didn’t look overly concerned when he closed the door behind him. Murilo wasn’t sure how to take that even though he shouldn’t be surprised. Apart from this morning Tyler hadn’t changed his behaviour since he’d found out exactly what Murilo was.
The warmth that washed over him when Tyler moved closer came as a complete surprise. It probably shouldn’t have but he’d been trying to ignore all that. It washed over him in a gentle wave and began to soothe his irritation. He noted the blue checked shirt that was new on this evening and wondered what had happened to his t-shirt. “Brought this back,” Tyler said as if on cue.
“I could’ve survived without it for a few days.”
He closed the gap between them to take the proffered item and was surprised when Tyler didn’t immediately release it. “Thanks for the loan.”
“No problem,” he responded.
Tyler still didn’t release his hold on the garment and he wondered what there was left to say. They’d had the requisite conversation, Tyler had thanked him politely. As far as he was concerned the social niceties were over. “Didn’t seem that way last night,” Tyler commented.
“It was fine.”
There was no other answer for him to give without opening the door to a conversation he never wanted to have. Tyler stepped closer and he knew he should step back. Instead he just stood there and tried to ignore it. “Is this going to be one of those things that we don’t talk about?”Tyler asked.
“There’s nothing to say.”
“If that’s what you want,” Tyler said and released his t-shirt before stepping back.
This was how it had to be and it was just better for everyone that way. There was no other way for this to end and that’s all there was to it. He turned away and headed towards the open door again. He couldn’t be here, he needed to just get away from it so he didn’t have to watch.
He heard Tyler come towards him long before hands touched him. “Murilo-”
“Don’t!”
“Are we ever going to talk about this?” Tyler asked.
His efforts to get himself space only seemed to bring Tyler closer and he couldn’t resist the urge to press his face against the American’s neck. He breathed in the musky scent and wondered if it was possible for him to just keep hold of this forever. Fingers caressed his scalp just like they had this morning and he breathed in deeply.
It would be so easy to just give in and let this thing between them get out of control but that would lead nowhere good. If they spent more time together than he’d be tempted to feed and he knew that would take him to some very dark places. A few more days and then the pull wouldn’t be as strong. “Is it because you think I’ll object if you wanted to... feed?” Tyler asked quietly. “I’m fine with it if that’s what you need. I mean I’m not quite sure what I’m meant to do but I’m sure you could help me out with that.”
His fangs appeared automatically at the offer and it was an effort not to just sink his teeth into the nearest available flesh. He lapped at the nearest exposed skin instead and almost forgot about everything else. “Murilo,” Tyler murmured and shifted his head to expose his neck further.
He could feel the darkness deep within him desperate to get out. He’d been there before, got so lost he never thought he’d get out of it again, and he wasn’t going to go back. It wasn’t so easy to resist now he knew exactly what he was missing out on, after all what harm could a little nibble do?
He felt pressure applied to the back of his head when he didn’t immediately do as asked. “Please... just get on with it.”
The whispered plea made him hesitate and the pressure applied was uncomfortable. Last time there had been none of this though admittedly Tyler hadn’t known what he was then. It was then he noted the tension in the body before him and he remembered the bitter tinge of fear he’d tasted last night. He pulled back and set Tyler at a safe distance from him. “You don’t offer your neck to a vampire you don’t know,” he lectured, “it’s dangerous and you never offer that side of your neck. It has a tendency to end badly for those in your position.”
“Murilo?” Tyler asked and his brow furrowed.
“Just be careful,” he stated.
Tyler could get himself into a lot of trouble he wouldn’t be able to get out of if he wasn’t careful. Murilo might not always be there but he could make sure that his friend had enough information not to put himself at further risk. He couldn’t believe it had never occurred to him before and how that it had it was all he could think of. Last night could have ended so differently, would have if he hadn’t come along when he did.
He didn’t like the thought of other vampires touching Tyler the way those locals had. He should have done a better job of trying to keep Tyler safe, although if he’d kept his distance then it might never have been an issue. They wouldn’t have smelt him on the American and assumed that he was vamp friendly.
Murilo turned away and tried to ignore the thought. They’d been looking for trouble and they’d found Tyler. If he hadn’t come along when he did.... He felt a hand touch his arm cautiously and just about resisted the urge to put distance between them again. “I’ll be more careful in future when I go out at night.”
The words were slow and deliberate as though assessing whether they were the right ones to be said. He hated that he was placated by the words when he knew it wasn’t that simple. Tyler stepped closer and it was so hard to resist the urge to close the final gap between them. “Don’t invite something you don’t want,” he murmured.
He hadn’t meant to say the words, they’d just slipped out. He much preferred when he could deny ever feeling anything other than friendship. Things would drift and he could enjoy the flirting until one day Tyler lost interest and found someone who would reciprocate those feelings.
Murilo did his best to ignore Tyler leaving the table and the pointed looks Jonathan was giving him. If Tyler wanted to flirt with other guys then he was not going to be understanding. Thor had been a member of the team for a whole two seconds and already Tyler was getting on well with him. They’d spent all afternoon talking and goofing around and he’d had enough. Tyler was a friendly guy, Murilo knew this, but it had driven him crazy. If they were going to have a falling out then he wasn’t going to feel bad about it. “Don’t you think you should go see what’s up with him?” Jonathan asked.
That was not his job, Tyler seemed to be managing just fine without him. Thor wasn’t helping his cause either, there was a certain etiquette to vampire-human interactions and Thor was completely ignoring all that by going after Tyler. Their teams had just merged, now was not the time to be rocking the boat and trying to muscle in on someone else’s territory. Tyler probably didn’t even know what secret it was Thor was hiding. If he did Murilo was sure the reaction wouldn’t be quite so friendly. “You could just talk to him,” Jonathan suggested. “He’s confused and you’re not helping matters.”
Murilo glared at his boss and just about resisted the urge to growl. Now was not the time to be pointing out the obvious! He wanted to be angry and that was all there was to it. “If you two can’t play nice then someone’s going to have to leave and it won’t be him, Murilo.”
“Maybe it would be best all around if I just left.”
Jonathan looked at him thoughtfully and didn’t like what it was he saw if the face he pulled was any indication. He’d stayed in one place long enough and Murilo was starting to get uncomfortable. Retirement was starting to seem like a good idea, an injury he wouldn’t recover from would provide him with the perfect reason to just disappear. He got up from the table and headed down to the beach. Maybe there would be enough miles of coastline that he could walk off the odd feeling that had come over him.
The sand was cool underneath his feet as he walked just above where the water was lapping at the shore. The further he walked the stronger the feeling inside of him grew. He felt uneasy and something just warned him he should be careful.
The feeling persisted and he glanced around to see what he could pick up. Seeing nothing that should be of any concern he kept walking. How he felt made no sense at all but maybe he was just hungry. The feeling twisted up inside him and if on cue he caught the scent of vampires. He saw them ahead, a group of them, circling around what was presumably their entertainment for this evening.
He wasn’t much closer when the scent of blood reached him and he stopped. Of course Tyler would meet up with the locals, how would it go any other way? One or both of them was going to need a change in luck soon if the remaining three days weren’t going to go disastrously. “Can we help you?” one of the group asked him when he suddenly appeared besides them.
“You have something that belongs to me,” Murilo stated.
“I think not friend,” said one with shaggy black hair.
He growled warningly when another dared to lick at Tyler and he grabbed the one who had spoken to him. “I said you have something that belongs to me.”
“You’re not on the mainland any more buddy,” The vampire retorted. “You’re way out of your league.”
“That would depend on whether in this backwater neck of the woods you’ve ever heard of the Fischers.”
“Hey, aren’t they the ones who lost all their money?” One piped up.
“Oooh, that is so scary!” The one Murilo was holding said. “Totally worth bringing up.”
Tired of being held captive the lanky one he had hold of grabbed at Murilo and yanked attempting to unbalance them both. There was a precarious moment when Murilo thought he might fall before he righted himself but not before the charm around his neck was exposed. “Holy crap, those Fischers!” the shaggy haired one continued and pointed.
The one he was holding looked down and then somehow paled further. “He belongs to you? Why didn’t you say! He was wandering around unattended and we thought.... Please, take him back. We insist.”
Murilo released him and one of them attempted to brush Tyler off as though it would make a difference. His eyes caught sight of the blood dripping down Tyler’s arms and he growled. “We’re sorry!” the shaggy haired one said.
“I’m outta here!” another said.
Soon enough they were alone again and Murilo stepped closer. “Are you okay?”
Tyler hadn’t moved and there was no immediate response to his question. He moved closer still hoping that he would get some sort of response out of Tyler. “Tyler?” he asked quietly. “Are you okay?”
He caught movement out of the corner of his eye and he yanked Tyler close intent on keeping the sprinter from further harm. The blood would make him a magnet for any hungry vampire and he was not going to let anything happen. He saw Jonathan make a gesture and he felt himself relax slightly even if he was unwilling to move away. He felt a hand grasp at his t-shirt and hold tightly. “We’re fine.”
Jonathan nodded but didn’t move until Murilo did and the three of them walked towards Murilo’s room. “I’m surprised you were allowed to just walk away.”
“Yeah well being a Fischer has perks.”
“Ahh. Is it wrong to say I’m glad?”
“I might let you get away with it just this once.”
He felt Tyler tremble and cling tightly as his face pressed up against Murilo’s neck. It made walking more difficult and the pace slowed but Jonathan merely altered his pace to suit Tyler’s. Murilo supposed to anyone looking at them the situation would seem ridiculous given that Tyler was taller than he was. It hadn’t felt awkward earlier when Tyler had been kissing him, it had seemed just right.
He shifted his arm to get a better grip and wished he hadn’t when his fingers became slippery. His eyes searched frantically for his room and he was relieved when he saw it was close. Not long until he could remove temptation and things could go back to normal. At least then the urge to protect Tyler would lessen and he could prowl around in peace.
They were almost to his room when he spotted Thor coming in their direction. This was all Thor’s fault, if he hadn’t said whatever it was that had made Tyler leave the table then they wouldn’t be in this mess. It was Thor’s fault Tyler was hurt and there was definitely going to be repercussions to that. “I’ll take care of it,” Jonathan said and disappeared.
Probably safer for Thor that way, he mused as he entered the room and locked the patio door behind them. He flicked the switch on the lamp as he deposited Tyler on the bed. The hand on his t-shirt refused to let go and he was forced to sit down on the bed. “Don’t go,” Tyler whispered.
“You need to get cleaned up.”
Despite himself Murilo nuzzled close briefly wanting to just breathe in Tyler’s scent and assure himself that all was well. Or as well as it could be in the circumstances and the urge to inflict major pain on Thor was mollified somewhat when Tyler leant into the caress. “You need to-”
“I know,” Tyler interrupted.
He wanted more, wanted to run his hands over Tyler’s body to check for any other injuries but he doesn’t want to get distracted. He was surprised when he felt lips press against his cheek and he isn’t sure if it’s because of what happened or because right now he was full-on vampire. Now he looked so different from the man Tyler thought he was and the fangs made him look anything but friendly. “Tyler,” he pleaded though he wasn’t sure for what.
“At least it wasn’t my favourite t-shirts they ruined,” Tyler quipped before moving back.
Murilo waited until Tyler had disappeared into the bathroom and he was alone before he began to lick the blood off his fingers. There was a dark tinge to it he didn’t particularly care for and he pulled a face. If he ever saw those locals again he was going to teach them a lesson, Tyler should never be that afraid of turning into someone’s snack.
Tyler reappeared in the doorway holding a damp cloth and looking somewhat awkward. “Can you... ummm...? I don’t know that I got it all,” Tyler mumbled.
He closed the distance between them and Tyler stepped back into the bathroom. It was cramped with the two of them in here but he tried to ignore it as he rinsed his hand under the tap watching the water turn pink briefly. It was best for both of them if he did it but it didn’t stop the twinge of remorse.
Shutting off the water, he turned back to Tyler and tried to pretend like this was nothing out of the ordinary. The bare chest in front of him wasn’t exactly unusual even if the circumstances were but it was harder to ignore the way Tyler’s heart beat almost imperceptibly faster when his hands took hold.
His eyes caught sight of where fangs had torn the pale skin. He growled angrily and vowed if he ever saw those locals again they would be dead vampires. It looked like they’d tried to use Tyler as a chew toy, more for entertainment than sustenance, and he regretted that they’d got away unscathed now. “Murilo!”
He blinked and then focused on the man before him. “I’m all right,” Tyler attempted to reassure once getting his attention.
He glanced down to the abused skin and knew that at the very least there’d be a large bruise there tomorrow. It was definitely not all right but he didn’t think he’d get a straight answer if he asked if it still hurt. He lowered his head and heard Tyler suck in a breath when he licked at the puncture marks. He wished he could make them go away but since he couldn’t do that he could make sure they healed better. “I’m all right.”
He didn’t want to be placated and he moved back to say as much. The words died on his lips when he saw the way Tyler was trying to convince himself that it was true. The rage that had been building calmed to a more manageable level and he moved closer again. “Would you stay?” Tyler asked in a small voice.
He could’ve made a comment about how this was his room they were in but he wasn’t sure that would go down well. “Sure,” he answered.
There’d be more room here and there was no Jullian to be asking questions about what had been going on. If he didn’t bring attention to the fact then hopefully things wouldn’t get awkward. Tyler nodded distractedly and then smoothed his t-shirt as a distraction. “What’s the time?”
Tyler’s question surprised him but he made no move to go and check. “Why?”
“We have cocktails.”
He’d completely forgotten that they had things on this morning, mingling with sponsors and other people who had made this trip possible. Schmoozing wasn’t exactly his favourite past time because his survival depended on not being memorable. It would limit the places he could move to if he became to conspicuous. “I think we’re excused.”
His absence probably wouldn’t cause too many problems but Tyler was a recognisable face and his absence would raise questions. Jonathan would no doubt be able to come up with something, he’d had enough practise at it. He brushed a finger against Tyler’s pale cheek. Maybe he should see if he could find something that would bring a bit of the colour back, he didn’t like it. “Thank you,” Tyler said.
He didn’t like that Tyler was still looking dazed and he wondered if a distraction would remove it. He was sure he could find something in his dvd collection that he could use. He pushed Tyler in the direction of the bedroom thankful that he’d at least put a couple in his bag. Otherwise he’d be have to search youtube to find something and that could be a bit dubious at the best of times.
He ushered Tyler in the direction of the bed whilst he grabbed his computer and his phone. It didn’t take long to text their boss and whilst the computer booted up he glanced back at Tyler. “Where did you find that?” he asked gesturing to the argyle t-shirt the American was now wearing.
“On the floor,” Tyler gestured. “Why?”
“Jonathan was looking for it earlier.”
Tyler looked down at the t-shirt and frowned. Murilo wasn’t quite sure what had happened to prompt that reaction. Sure it wasn’t exactly the height of fashion but then again nothing Jonathan owned was, and if it was argyle then that put it at the top of his ‘must buy’ list. “Why do you have JV’s t-shirt?”
“He gave it to me ages ago,” Murilo explained. “It’s for if the airline is stupid enough to lose his luggage and he has some sort of argyle emergency.”
He smiled as he remembered the conversation they’d had about it. Occasionally the item of clothing changed but mostly it never left his suitcase. Thinking of it like that then it was the item of clothing that had racked up the most air miles even if technically it wasn’t his. He let his gaze run over Tyler and allowed himself to appreciate the view. “Looks good on you,” he said.
Tyler still looked uncomfortable so he gestured towards his wardrobe. “You’re welcome to put something else on if you’d rather.”
He sat down on the bed and flicked through his movie collection as Tyler rummaged through his wardrobe. His phone beeped indicating he had a message and he looked at the screen. “Is that JV telling us to get our asses in gear?” Tyler’s question was muffled by the t-shirt he was pulling on.
“He said he’ll take care of it,” Murilo replied.
He conveniently forgot to mention how Jonathan had expressly told him to stay in tonight but that wasn’t really relevant. Nor was the remark about how he hoped they had fun, it wasn’t going to be that kind of evening no matter what Jonathan thought. He put his phone down and glanced across when he felt the bed dip. Now dressed in a white t-shirt with black panels down the side Tyler looked a lot less like he belonged on a Christmas tree. “This belong to someone else too?”
“No,” he said.
He wasn’t sure how he felt about Tyler wearing his clothes. It was loose fitting on him so it didn’t cling the way some of his others would but it prompted a feeling Murilo couldn’t identify. He turned away, confused, and focused on the first thing he could think of and his eyes caught sight of his movies. That was just what he needed, a distraction. “Murilo?” Tyler asked.
He didn’t want to have to answer questions; he wanted to pretend that none of this was happening! A warm hand touched his shoulder and he tensed. This was ridiculous, it was just a t-shirt! It wasn’t like it was unusual either, he had friends that had borrowed clothes before. It was fine, nothing was wrong with it, it was just a surprise. “Movie?” he asked instead.
Tyler touched a box and he put the disk into the drive. Five minutes he was laying on the bed with Tyler besides him like everything was normal. Except his eyes kept on flicking down to the t-shirt he could see out of his peripheral vision. Tyler in his t-shirt. “I can take it off if it’s bothering you that much,” Tyler finally said.
“No, it’s fine.”
He just needed to focus on the computer screen instead and everything would be fine. Ignore it and whatever he was feeling would go away. Everything was fine, it was perfectly normal and... His thoughts scattered when Tyler shifted closer so they were almost touching. All that heat and jumbled emotion waiting to reach out and touch something that was no longer human. “Tyler-”
“I trust you,” the words were murmured so close to him.
“You shouldn’t.”
It was the truth no matter how much he wished otherwise, he was a Fischer after all. The gap between their bodies closed and he fought the urge to move away immediately. The heat scorched him and he wanted to move away almost as much as he wanted to move closer. Tyler seemed to settle like that, oblivious to the torture he was experiencing. “Stop thinking about it and just watch the movie.”
It seemed impossible at first but Tyler showed no interest in moving and giving him more space. His eyes flicked down to look at the t-shirt again and he shifted so he could run fingers lightly over it. It was just a t-shirt that was all, he reassured himself as he breathed in Tyler’s scent. It was purely practical since Tyler’s top was in no state to be worn again. He inhaled again and felt the man in his arms shift. Everything was fine, it didn’t mean anything...
Murilo woke the next morning to a rhythmic thumping by his ear and fingers caressing his scalp. He made a contented sound and contemplated going back to sleep again. He was too comfortable to even think about getting up. The fingers applied the perfect amount of pressure and he tried to burrow closer to the warmth. He should wake up this way every morning he decided as he made another contented sound. “I definitely like you in the mornings,” Tyler said, amused.
“Really?”
He felt the vibrations of Tyler’s laugh and finally opened his eyes. He shifted so he could look up at Tyler without moving too much and saw the amusement there. Tyler had more colour this morning he noted as his attention was drawn to the smile curing Tyler’s lips.
Fingertips brushed against his skin as they moved away from the back of his head and he wished they’d go back there. “Uh-huh.”
The feather-light caress continued across his lips and his gaze locked with Tyler’s when the caress was repeated. The last time they’d been alone in his room Tyler had kissed him and like this it was harder to be oblivious to the fact that Tyler wanted a repeat performance. Last night was explainable; all that adrenaline and fear made it easy to get swept away by the moment with no thought for the consequences. Now there was no safety net to fall back on and he felt unsettled by it. “Thank you for letting me stay last night.”
“You make a good pillow,” he teased and saw the smile he was hoping for.
This was probably the point at which he was supposed to get up but he didn’t move and Tyler didn’t push him away. Like this things were simple and the minute he moved they would cease to be so. Fingertips began to roam his face again as though unwilling to lose contact. He felt pressure against his mouth and he gently nipped at a finger with his teeth.
The action was repeated again but this time the hand moved back before his teeth could make contact. He saw the smile and couldn’t help but mirror it. He liked morning Tyler too, all pliant and playful. A hand cupped the side of his face and without thinking he turned his head and when the fingers parted nipped gently at the tips.
Tyler shifted underneath him and that brought his attention back from the fingers to the man underneath him. The next time he nipped at a finger he was watching Tyler and he saw the way the other man swallowed hard. He began to wonder if he might be able to use something other than his regular teeth. “Can I ask you a question?” Tyler asked.
“Sure.”
He stopped what he was doing and forced his attention solely on Tyler when he saw how the other man refused to look at him. He experienced a sinking feeling when he realised that this question was unlikely to be related to what they were doing now. After last night he should have expected questions but that didn’t mean he had to like it. “Is it always like that?”
“You’ll have to be more specific.”
He was starting to get the impression he really wasn’t going to like where this particular conversation was going. He’d like it even less if Tyler was about to put him in the same category as those thugs last night. “Last night they... but you didn’t and...”
That wasn’t really much more help than before but given how uncomfortable Tyler looked he wasn’t sure he would get a better answer. “They weren’t hungry, they were bored,” he took his best guess.
“They just-”
A knock on the door interrupted whatever Tyler was going to say. Murilo wondered whether Jonathan would pay any attention if they ignored him but a second knock answered that. Obviously wanting to check that there’s nothing wrong with one of the team’s assets.
The interruption was even less welcome when Murilo opened the door and found Thor standing on the other side of it. He briefly debated whether to just shut the door again before he heard Tyler moving about. “Who’s at the door?”
He reluctantly stepped back and let Thor enter. He felt satisfaction when Thor glanced at him briefly after seeing Tyler wearing his t-shirt and hoped that would mean a quick exit. “Morning,” Tyler greeted far too cheerfully.
“We missed you last night,” Thor said. “Thought I’d come see how you were.”
“I’m feeling okay, thanks.”
Thor was standing way too close to Tyler for his liking and he stepped closer to the pair before deciding better of it. Tyler looked slightly worried as he glanced about the room and then went over to open the curtains as if them being there was totally normal. Murilo wasn’t sure whether Tyler was trying to protect his secret or push it away like something shameful.
He watched as the patio door was unlocked and then pushed back. “Feel like a walk?” Tyler asked Thor.
“Sure.”
Thor stepped outside onto the sand and Tyler followed him, pausing briefly to wave at Murilo before close the door behind him. He was more than a little surprised by the abrupt exit and he found that he didn’t like it. Tyler had stayed with him all night and now he’d served his purpose he was being discarded. Obviously being resident vampire meant he was suitable for keeping away other monsters but that was about it.
He wasn’t sure why that bothered him so much but it did. He should be thrilled that Tyler seemed to have got the message that nothing was going to happen to them. Instead he’d watched Tyler talking to Thor and sharing a joke. He’d watch Thor remove his t-shirt and then lean closer to Tyler and say something that made Tyler smile.
He’d gone to sit under the large canopy that had been erected to protect those with more delicate skin and had constantly reminded himself that it was not suitable to make the fact he was a vampire common knowledge. Of course Jonathan intercepting him every time he had gotten up out of his chair had helped. He’d been banned from playing volleyball after he’d smacked Thor with the ball for the third time.
This was what he wanted and no amount of Tyler acting like it was only a matter of time before he decided it was a good idea wasn’t helping. Nothing was going to happen between them and that’s all there was to it. It didn’t matter how many kisses there were he was not going to change his mind. Except maybe if there were more moments like this morning his resolve wouldn’t be as strong.
This trip wasn’t going as planned and the faster he got off this damn island the better for everyone. He wanted to go home where he wouldn’t be forced to deal with Tyler and he could attempt to cure himself of his affliction. “I take it the walking isn’t helping,” Jonathan said when he approached the hotel again.
“What do you think?” he snapped.
He slowed and eventually came to a stop before Jonathan. At least he hadn’t gotten on his bike because that would’ve resulted in a lecture about public safety. Jonathan watched him for a few moments as though trying to assess what the best course of action was. “Did you try eating? Normally you only get this cranky when you’re hungry.”
Murilo wished that was the reason he felt so out of sorts but he wasn’t sure confession would help either. This was a problem he would just have to solve on his own or learn to ignore with greater effectiveness. Things would eventually settle, he was certain of that, and then things would go back to normal. “Tyler’s going to be fine, he’s a bit shaken and there are a few bruises but he’ll be fine,” Jonathan said.
“It’s not-”
The sound of someone knocking on his door made him pause in what he was saying. Without moving he knew exactly who was standing on the other side and he knew going to open the door would be a really bad idea. Them talking would be a bad idea, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to stop himself from saying something he’d regret later.
Jonathan was watching him closely and he wondered if this was going to be one of those times when he’d be on the receiving end of advice he didn’t want. Not that Jonathan could be certain who was on the other side of the door but it wouldn’t be hard to guess given his reaction.
Tyler knocked on his door again but he didn’t move. If he didn’t open the door then eventually Tyler would give up and go back to his room. He refused to think about the possibility that it might be Thor that the American sought out. “If this is your attempt to play nice then I think you need to rethink your definition,” Jonathan said before he crossed to the door and opened it. “I don’t recommend getting too close, he’s grouchy.”
Murilo turned and watched Jonathan leave before turning his attention to Tyler who seemed to be watching him curiously. Despite Jonathan’s words Tyler didn’t look overly concerned when he closed the door behind him. Murilo wasn’t sure how to take that even though he shouldn’t be surprised. Apart from this morning Tyler hadn’t changed his behaviour since he’d found out exactly what Murilo was.
The warmth that washed over him when Tyler moved closer came as a complete surprise. It probably shouldn’t have but he’d been trying to ignore all that. It washed over him in a gentle wave and began to soothe his irritation. He noted the blue checked shirt that was new on this evening and wondered what had happened to his t-shirt. “Brought this back,” Tyler said as if on cue.
“I could’ve survived without it for a few days.”
He closed the gap between them to take the proffered item and was surprised when Tyler didn’t immediately release it. “Thanks for the loan.”
“No problem,” he responded.
Tyler still didn’t release his hold on the garment and he wondered what there was left to say. They’d had the requisite conversation, Tyler had thanked him politely. As far as he was concerned the social niceties were over. “Didn’t seem that way last night,” Tyler commented.
“It was fine.”
There was no other answer for him to give without opening the door to a conversation he never wanted to have. Tyler stepped closer and he knew he should step back. Instead he just stood there and tried to ignore it. “Is this going to be one of those things that we don’t talk about?”Tyler asked.
“There’s nothing to say.”
“If that’s what you want,” Tyler said and released his t-shirt before stepping back.
This was how it had to be and it was just better for everyone that way. There was no other way for this to end and that’s all there was to it. He turned away and headed towards the open door again. He couldn’t be here, he needed to just get away from it so he didn’t have to watch.
He heard Tyler come towards him long before hands touched him. “Murilo-”
“Don’t!”
“Are we ever going to talk about this?” Tyler asked.
His efforts to get himself space only seemed to bring Tyler closer and he couldn’t resist the urge to press his face against the American’s neck. He breathed in the musky scent and wondered if it was possible for him to just keep hold of this forever. Fingers caressed his scalp just like they had this morning and he breathed in deeply.
It would be so easy to just give in and let this thing between them get out of control but that would lead nowhere good. If they spent more time together than he’d be tempted to feed and he knew that would take him to some very dark places. A few more days and then the pull wouldn’t be as strong. “Is it because you think I’ll object if you wanted to... feed?” Tyler asked quietly. “I’m fine with it if that’s what you need. I mean I’m not quite sure what I’m meant to do but I’m sure you could help me out with that.”
His fangs appeared automatically at the offer and it was an effort not to just sink his teeth into the nearest available flesh. He lapped at the nearest exposed skin instead and almost forgot about everything else. “Murilo,” Tyler murmured and shifted his head to expose his neck further.
He could feel the darkness deep within him desperate to get out. He’d been there before, got so lost he never thought he’d get out of it again, and he wasn’t going to go back. It wasn’t so easy to resist now he knew exactly what he was missing out on, after all what harm could a little nibble do?
He felt pressure applied to the back of his head when he didn’t immediately do as asked. “Please... just get on with it.”
The whispered plea made him hesitate and the pressure applied was uncomfortable. Last time there had been none of this though admittedly Tyler hadn’t known what he was then. It was then he noted the tension in the body before him and he remembered the bitter tinge of fear he’d tasted last night. He pulled back and set Tyler at a safe distance from him. “You don’t offer your neck to a vampire you don’t know,” he lectured, “it’s dangerous and you never offer that side of your neck. It has a tendency to end badly for those in your position.”
“Murilo?” Tyler asked and his brow furrowed.
“Just be careful,” he stated.
Tyler could get himself into a lot of trouble he wouldn’t be able to get out of if he wasn’t careful. Murilo might not always be there but he could make sure that his friend had enough information not to put himself at further risk. He couldn’t believe it had never occurred to him before and how that it had it was all he could think of. Last night could have ended so differently, would have if he hadn’t come along when he did.
He didn’t like the thought of other vampires touching Tyler the way those locals had. He should have done a better job of trying to keep Tyler safe, although if he’d kept his distance then it might never have been an issue. They wouldn’t have smelt him on the American and assumed that he was vamp friendly.
Murilo turned away and tried to ignore the thought. They’d been looking for trouble and they’d found Tyler. If he hadn’t come along when he did.... He felt a hand touch his arm cautiously and just about resisted the urge to put distance between them again. “I’ll be more careful in future when I go out at night.”
The words were slow and deliberate as though assessing whether they were the right ones to be said. He hated that he was placated by the words when he knew it wasn’t that simple. Tyler stepped closer and it was so hard to resist the urge to close the final gap between them. “Don’t invite something you don’t want,” he murmured.
He hadn’t meant to say the words, they’d just slipped out. He much preferred when he could deny ever feeling anything other than friendship. Things would drift and he could enjoy the flirting until one day Tyler lost interest and found someone who would reciprocate those feelings.