Claimed Before Christmas

don't hold back

10

“Yes, I’m picking up the keys in the morning, and I’m all set to move in this Saturday.”

“You must be so relieved to finally have your own space,” Lanet says, smiling at me across the table.

“It’ll be a relief not to have to worry about being quiet anymore.” I look over and catch Julian’s eye, letting him know exactly what I mean by that.

Phila laughs and starts cutting his steak. “Oh, come on, you haven’t been that loud. We’re all going to miss having you around, right guys?”

Both Julian and Lanet agree, and I just smile as I finish my dinner. I know one person in this house is definitely going to miss our late-night "sessions," but I’m already planning how to make sure they don’t stop.

“So, Julian, have you thought any more about taking economy and business management course so that you can take over the resort? I know we keep pestering you, but you’ve got all these offers sitting there and you’re done with school by January. You need to decide about our family business.”

I pause, my drink halfway to my mouth, waiting for his answer. I can’t stand the thought of him leaving for some far-off campus after what we’ve found, but if he goes, I’ll find a way to be wherever he is. It’s wild how quickly he became my only priority.

He pushes a lock of dark hair back and looks down at his plate. “I’m still weighing things. I don’t think I’m ready to jump into a huge university yet. Since I’m graduating early, I want to keep my options open and see what feels right.”

Phila reaches over, clapping him on the shoulder. “I get it, son. I spent two years studying something I hated because I felt rushed. We just want you to be happy. Take your time, figure it out, and we’ll support whatever you decide. You’re a brilliant kid; you’ll find your path.”

“When I was his age, I didn't care about a career—I just wanted to settle down and start a family,” Lanet adds with a nostalgic sigh, and I nearly choke on my beer.

“I would’ve loved a house full of kids, linet,” Phila says, and they share a look of pure affection. “Luckily we got this one, and he’s been enough work for five.” We all laugh, and Julian’s face burns a bright, beautiful red.

I remember Phila telling me once that Lanet had a rough time after Julian was born—complications that meant they couldn't have any more children. Phila had almost lost both of them back then. I look at Julian and feel a sudden, fierce protectiveness. I can’t imagine a world without him. When we eventually have our own family, I’m going to make sure he has the best care in the world.

Julian catches my gaze, and I see the reflection of my own thoughts in his eyes. He wants it too. He wants to be mine in every way. My pulse thrums under the table as I think about being alone with him again. It’s been less than an hour, but the hunger is already back.

“Maybe after we clean up, I can show Julian the new place. You guys have seen the progress, but he hasn't had a chance to check it out yet.”

Lanet beams. “That’s a great idea, Elías. You’ve been so good for him this summer. He’s usually cooped up in his room with his books, but you’ve really helped him come out of his shell.”

If only you knew how much.

Moment later

“Damn, I’m right on the edge, but we’re almost there.”

Julian pulls back and looks up at me from the passenger seat with a smirk. “I’m not letting you waste a single drop, LAVA.”

He’d insisted on teasing me the moment we left the driveway, leaning over the console to undo my belt. Luckily, the drive to my new house is mostly empty back roads. As he drives me crazy with his mouth, I reach out to touch him, needing to feel every inch of him. I want him to know that every part of him belongs to me.

I pull into my new driveway and kill the engine inside the garage. I look over at him, my breathing ragged. “There isn't a single part of you I don't crave, Julian.” I lean over and kiss him hard. “Get out. Now.”

It’s pitch black outside, and the garage is private enough. I don’t even wait to get into the house. I don’t have the keys until tomorrow morning anyway, but I don’t need a bed for what I’m about to do. I need him right now, fast and hard.

Julian is wearing those baggy shorts and a tank top with a Stormtrooper on it that says, ‘I love a man in uniform.’ He’s so damn attractive I can barely stand it. I love that he doesn’t care about being a "nerd"—he just loves what he loves. Most people see the quiet kid with the books, but I see a man who is fearless in his own way.

I pin him against the side of the SUV, my face buried in the crook of his neck as I leave another mark—a clear warning for anyone at the resort who thinks they have a chance. Corie can talk all the trash he wants, but he knows the truth. Julian has been claimed.

I spin him around, pressing him against the hood of the car. “Hands on the metal, Julian. I need this. You’ve had me wound up since we left the house.”

“Just don’t hold back, Elías. I want everything you’ve got.”

I shuck his shorts down and lift the hem of his shirt. I quickly free c**k, already it's hard and more than ready. He leans forward over the hood, bracing himself, and I find my way home. He’s already slick and wanting, and I slide in with zero resistance. I grip his hips with both hands and start to take him with a desperate, heavy rhythm.