Marshmallows and the Snow [Sweet Snacks: 1] by Liza Kay Read Free Book Online Page B

nutty little guy. He was in big trouble. Ruben leaving Norway in two days would hurt so fucking much and Aleks wanted to kick his own ass for giving in to his desire and sleeping with the younger man.
    Sure, they hadn’t indulged in intercourse sex. There was no way Aleks would be Ruben’s first and let the man go afterward. Sharing such an intimate moment like the first time of sex was... something Aleks would never forget. Not with Ruben. And he was certain he’d fall for the man so much harder if he allowed them to take that step.
    The thought of having Ruben once, maybe twice, and then letting him fly back home to London, where his lover would probably find someone else to further that special part of his education, made him seriously ill. But, honestly, what was he thinking? That a young guy like Ruben, who was at the age where he wanted to explore life, would agree to a long-distance relationship with Aleks? And stay faithful all the time? A ridiculous thought. And one that felt like a knife being stabbed and turned in his chest. Aleks winced and rubbed over his heart. This was their fourth day and already Aleks was hurting.
    He started when suddenly two slender hands landed on his shoulders and massaged the stiff muscles of his neck. Aleks wasn’t able to stifle the moan that escaped him. God, the man’s skilled, slender yet strong fingers were a gift from heaven. His head fell back and when he opened his eyes, he saw Ruben looking down at him with a worried expression. His cheeks were still rosy from the walk he’d taken while Aleks sat down to get some work done.
    “Everything okay, engel? ” Aleks rolled his shoulders to convince Ruben to continue. The man didn’t disappoint.
    “Yeah. I brought Olga some salmon and placed it on your chopping block. Maybe she likes it. What about you? You seemed deep in thought when I came in. From the stiffness of your shoulders I’d say they weren’t very pleasant thoughts.”
    Aleks gave Ruben a tender smile and kissed the hand resting on his shoulder. His lover had told him of the owl he’d met in the forest while he thought he’d freeze to death. And how the same owl had led him to Aleks.
    Obviously, the animal was still around and always sitting on one of the trees whenever Ruben looked outside. Aleks didn’t have the heart to tell him lots of owls lived in the woods and it probably wasn’t always the same owl. Ruben liked the animal and was certain it’d bring them luck. So he’d named her Olga and brought her treats. If he didn’t stop leaving those treats soon, they’d have all kinds of trouble with various animals circling their cabin for meat and fish. Wait! Their cabin? Damn.
    “Aleks?”
    “What? Oh, sorry. Yeah, my mind was occupied with work, that’s all,” he lied.
    Ruben frowned. “You’re a terrible liar. Which I like, to be honest. Toby was a good liar. I never knew when he was telling me bullshit. Come on, big guy. What’s wrong?”
    Aleks sighed deeply. Why was Ruben so perceptive?
    “Well.” He dragged out the word, swiveling his chair around and tugging Ruben into his lap. “Tell me more of your life in London.”
    Ruben grimaced. “Why are you doing this?”
    “What? Asking you about your life? Because I’m curious what you do and how you live. I want to learn everything about you.” He hoped his lover wouldn’t see how much it hurt him to imagine Ruben back in London.
    “But it’s hurting you, Aleks.” Shit. Too perceptive. Most definitely.
    He sighed and tried again. “Ruben, please. Humor me. Tell me what it’s like for you.”
    Ruben squirmed from side to side, probably to find a more comfortable position. But his sexy little ass rubbing across Aleks’ lap quickly made him wish he’d never asked his stupid question. He should’ve placed Ruben on his desk instead, with his cute behind in the air and—
    “Ow!” he exclaimed and pressed one hand to his chest. Ruben had tweaked his nipple, the little minx.
    “You