The sunlight spilled into the bedroom like golden syrup. Liam awoke slowly, arms flexed around Alex's trembling body. Alex stirred beneath him—light moans and soft sighs—not from pain, but from memories still humming across his skin. Liam's fingers traced the dark bruises along Alex's neck and shoulders, remnants of last night's intensity.
"Morning…" Alex breathed.
Liam kissed his temple. "Morning, love."
Alex didn't move at first. His eyes blinked open to stare up at Liam. "I can't believe how sore I am," he whispered half-smiling. He shifted, grimacing, feeling the bite marks, bruises—they hurt, but they were beautiful tokens of what they'd shared.
"You okay?" Liam asked, voice heavy with concern.
Alex nodded. "Yeah… just sore."
Liam slid off him gently, taking Alex's hand. "Let me take care of that."
Alex let him—letting fingers trace, soft kisses on bruised spots, each touch gentle as healing. Their intimacy now was tender and restorative, repairing as they reconnected.
