Victor's mouth curved in that lazy way that made Elias reconsider every decision that had led him here. "You're not a candidate," he said, his low voice sending shivers down Elias's spine. "You're already mine."
Elias blinked, towel tightening in his grip. "That's not how logic works."
Victor ignored him, taking a slow step closer. "I've decided something," he said, his tone too calm, too measured, the exact sound of danger when it came from him.
Elias's stomach sank. "Oh, gods. What now?" He opened his mouth to argue, but before he could speak again, Victor moved.
He stepped forward in one smooth motion and gathered Elias into his arms. The movement was effortless and so sudden that Elias barely had time to react. At first, he thought it was just a hug, something grounding, human. He even let himself lean into it for a heartbeat, the damp heat of his skin meeting the cool press of Victor's clothes.
