Chapter 74 Stop Making Us Feel Jealous!!

Chapter 74 Stop Making Us Feel Jealous!!
Alberto stirred first, the warmth of Fernando's body pressed against his back pulling him gently from sleep. The small room in the slave quarters was bathed in soft morning light filtering through the narrow window. Fernando's arm lay heavy across his waist, fingers splayed possessively over his stomach. Their legs tangled under the thin blanket, Fernando's breath steady and warm against the nape of Alberto's neck.

Alberto smiled to himself and shifted slightly, careful not to disturb the Alpha. The movement tugged at his healing lashes, a dull ache reminding him of the previous day's punishment, but the pain was manageable now.

Fernando tightened his hold instinctively, murmuring in his sleep. "Mine."

Alberto turned in his arms, facing him. Fernando's face was relaxed in sleep, the usual hard lines softened, dark hair falling across his forehead. He looked younger, almost vulnerable.

Alberto brushed the hair back gently. "Fernando."

Fernando's eyes opened slowly, gold flecks catching the light. He smiled, sleepy and content. "Good morning."

Alberto returned the smile. "Good morning. You should go on with your duties. I will freshen up and pack for the trip."

Fernando's arm tightened. "No. We do that together."

Alberto laughed softly. "You have the pack to lead."

Fernando nuzzled his neck. "The pack can wait a little longer."

He kissed Alberto's shoulder, then his collarbone, lips lingering. "I want to stay with you."

Alberto shivered at the touch. "We have to prepare."

Fernando pulled him closer. "Then we prepare together."

He rolled them so Alberto lay on top, hands sliding down his back carefully over the bandages. "Bath first."

Alberto nodded. "Bath."

They rose from the cot, Fernando helping Alberto stand when his back protested. The small attached bathroom was simple, a stone tub filled from a pump, steam rising from the hot water Fernando had ordered prepared the night before.

Fernando undressed Alberto slowly, peeling away the tunic and bandages with gentle fingers. "How is the pain?"

Alberto stepped into the tub. "Better. Your fault, remember?"

Fernando grinned and stripped his own clothes. "Worth it."

He joined Alberto in the tub, the water rising around them. The space was tight, forcing them close.

Fernando pulled Alberto against his chest. "Let me wash you."

Alberto leaned back. "You just want to touch me."

Fernando's hands soaped a cloth. "Guilty."

He washed Alberto's chest, slow circles over skin. "You are beautiful."

Alberto closed his eyes. "Keep going."

Fernando's hands moved lower, soaping thighs, then between legs. "Like this?"

Alberto moaned softly. "Yes."

Fernando turned him, washing his back carefully around the wounds. "I hate seeing these marks."

Alberto reached back. "They will fade."

Fernando kissed his shoulder. "I will make sure."

His hands slid forward, wrapping around Alberto's length. "Now this."

Alberto gasped. "Fernando..."

Fernando stroked slowly. "Relax."

Alberto braced against the tub edge. "More."

Fernando obliged, pace increasing. "Come for me."

Alberto did, spilling into the water with a cry.

Fernando kissed his neck. "My turn."

Alberto turned and took Fernando in hand, stroking firmly.

Fernando groaned. "Your hands..."

Alberto leaned in for a kiss. "I love making you feel good."

Fernando came with a low growl, pulling Alberto close.

They washed properly after, laughing and splashing.

"Ready to pack?" Fernando asked.

Alberto nodded. "Together."

Alberto and Fernando stood in the small room of the slave quarters, the morning light filtering through the narrow window and casting a warm glow over the simple space. The cot was neatly made, the tray from last night's snacks cleared away. A small leather bag lay open on the floor, half-packed with clothes and essentials for the three-day trip to the countryside estate. Fernando knelt beside it, folding a tunic with careful hands, while Alberto sorted through a pile of bandages and salves Mira had left for the journey.

"You do not need all these," Fernando said, holding up a bundle of herbs. "The medics there will have better."

Alberto smiled and took them back. "I like Mira's. They smell like home."

Fernando chuckled and added them to the bag. "Fine. Whatever makes you happy."

They worked in comfortable rhythm, teasing each other as they packed. Fernando held up a pair of Alberto's breeches. "These are too small. You have grown since I bought them."

Alberto snatched them playfully. "They fit fine. Stop complaining."

Fernando pulled him close by the waist. "I like you in tight clothes."

Alberto laughed, pushing at his chest. "Behave. We need to finish packing."

Fernando kissed his forehead. "One more thing."

He added a small wrapped package to the bag. "Your favorite honey cakes. For the road."

Alberto's eyes softened. "You thought of everything."

Fernando zipped the bag. "I want you comfortable."

They stood, facing each other. The room felt smaller with their closeness, the bond humming warmly between them.

Fernando reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind Alberto's ear. "You look better today."

Alberto leaned into the touch. "Because of you."

Fernando's hand slid to his cheek. "I am sorry again. For everything."

Alberto covered his hand. "We are past it."

Fernando pulled him closer, their lips meeting in a slow, tender kiss. Alberto melted into it, hands resting on Fernando's chest. The kiss deepened, Fernando's arms wrapping around his waist, pulling him flush against his body.

Alberto sighed into the kiss. "We should stop. Darius will come soon."

Fernando murmured against his lips. "Let him wait."

The door flew open.

Darius entered, hand raised in greeting. He gasped at the scene, eyes widening. "Sorry!"

He laughed, covering his mouth but not hiding the amusement.

Fernando broke the kiss and glared at him. "If your purpose is meaningless, I will not hesitate to snap your head off."

Alberto tapped Fernando gently on the chest, hiding his flushed face inside Fernando's shirt.

Darius still chuckled. "I came to fetch Alberto for the trip. Did not know someone was playing lovey dovey in here."

Fernando glared harder. "Out."

Darius raised his hands. "Just doing my job."

Alberto stood awkwardly, face down, shy smile playing on his lips. "I am ready."

Darius nodded. "The carriage waits."

Fernando pulled Alberto close one last time. "Be safe."

Alberto kissed his cheek. "I will."

They left together, the morning bright with promise.