When Ivan leaned down to kiss him, Axel tilted his head slightly, just enough that Ivan's lips landed on his cheek instead.
"What now?" Ivan asked, his voice rough, strained with need, as his weight pressed Axel deeper into the mattress.
"Let's make rules," Axel said quickly, turning his face back toward him, their eyes locking. But Ivan didn't wait. He leaned forward and kissed him anyway, hard and hungry.
"We can do that later," Ivan muttered against his skin. His hands moved from Axel's waist, snaking up desperately, sliding beneath his shirt.
The touch was searing, desperate, demanding, and Axel struggled to keep himself steady, forcing his body not to surrender. He caught Ivan's wrist, holding him back.
"No." Axel's voice was firmer now, though his heart raced wildly. "We're doing it right now. We need to know if we're ready for this… or if we're going to drop it."