Love at First Clutch : A Gay Tentacle Romance Read online

  Gideon shrugged. “Maybe, but I didn’t see anyone I would’ve liked to use them on.” Gideon lifted Kiernan’s hand to his lips and kissed it. “Hey, I don’t smell the flowers on you anymore.”

  “It’s pretty much disappeared because I had the babies. I’ll have to start wearing human colognes I suppose.”

  “Or not. It’s there, but it’s faint. I kind of like it this way. When we first met the scent was overpowering.” Gideon nuzzled Kiernan’s neck and leaned on his shoulder.

  “Only because of the pheromones. Anyway, since both of us must be somewhere tomorrow, it’s probably best we don’t sleep together.”

  “Yeah.” Although it hurt Gideon to say that, he agreed. If they were truly going to make this work, they couldn’t fall into their natural desires. “You’re working?”

  “The fashion show is tomorrow night.” Kiernan said matter-of-factly.

  “I wish I could be there. I’m working until eleven.”

  “It’s fine. I’m putting Kiernan on hiatus after this show to spend more time together and act like a couple. We’ll go out on off days...”

  “Or stay home and have takeout.” Gideon added quickly. Despite having someone to be with, he still wasn’t enamored with bars or dance clubs.

  “Going out is more than that, Gideon. You’ve got to stop being so anti-social. Now that we’re dating, you’ve got to meet me halfway on this. Kiernan wasn’t a homebody, so his man shouldn’t be either.”

  “Kiernan also didn’t have a regular boyfriend from what I recall.”

  Kiernan glared at Gideon, not saying a word in response.

  Gideon held his free hand up. “Okay, okay, I’ll try. Just don’t make it an all the time thing.”

  “I couldn’t even if I wanted to. I’m sure you’ll be pretty busy with patients.”

  Thank goodness.

  Gideon was even more thankful to be a doctor. With his schedule being tight, he’d have the excuse for wanting to stay in. Perhaps Kiernan would see the benefits of being a homebody eventually. Gideon could hardly wait to show those to him.

  * * * *

  For what seemed like an eternity, Kiernan lay his head on Gideon’s chest, only listening to his heartbeat. He took pleasure in the way Gideon’s heart sped up when he gently caressed his pectoral or his thigh. The changes of his breaths, his pulse matched the thumps in rhythm. Never had Kiernan experienced such emotions in his entire existence.

  Could he really be falling for Gideon?

  All Kiernan’s answers pointed to yes. If Elijah knew he wouldn’t stop teasing him about it.

  Despite their agreement, Kiernan wasn’t keen on sleeping alone. The one evening at Elijah’s house was torturous at best because he missed his human’s warm body. More than that, Kiernan enjoyed the attention and togetherness with Gideon as much as the sexual aspects. With everything including a relationship out on the table, Kiernan figured they could sleep in the same bed without breaking their promise.

  “It’s late.” Gideon massaged Kiernan’s shoulder. He’d been doing that for the last hour.

  “Yes, but…” Kiernan sat up straight and met Gideon’s gaze. “Do we…”

  “No.” Gideon grasped Kiernan’s hands into his own and brought them to his lips. “I don’t want to separate either. I like having you near me.”

  “So do I.” Kiernan agreed, sounding pleased with Gideon’s answer. He moved one hand from Gideon’s grasp and softly dragged it across his jawline.

  Gideon groaned low and moved into Kiernan’s touch. “Kiern…nan. How will we keep ourselves in check if you do things like that?”

  “Can’t help myself. We’ve been holding each other for hours and I like it. Plus, Necetune are continually aroused after having babies.”

  “There’s no slow down period?”

  “Not at all. This could carry on for days.”

  Gideon cocked an eyebrow. “Days?”

  “Yes, and it could be fun for both of us, Doctor. With the human love element, it adds fuel to the already uncontrollable fire.”

  “Which makes it harder to keep our agreement in place.” Gideon added. He got up from the sofa and pulled Kiernan to his feet.

  “I promise I’ll be good.” Kiernan threw that out there as he followed Gideon to his bedroom. When they arrived, Kiernan stripped his clothes off without a second thought.

  “When you’re almost naked?” Gideon said with a slight grin. He’d only removed his shirt so far.

  Kiernan desperately wished he’d take off more. “I swear to you, I’ll keep my hands to myself.”

  Gideon snickered while he slipped his jeans from his waist. After tossing them in a nearby chair, he walked to his dresser and grabbed something from the drawers.

  “What’s that?” Kiernan had already made himself comfortable in bed. He leaned against the headboard, watching Gideon bend down and put on shorts. “You don’t trust me?”

  “I do, but… I figure since we’re trying to be good, I wouldn’t sleep naked.” Gideon hopped in next to Kiernan and wrapped his arms around him. “At least there is some skin to skin contact, right?”

  “Indeed.” Kiernan nestled his head in Gideon’s chest, taking pleasure in the woodsy scent of his fragrance. Along with his natural musk, the smell was intoxicating and torturing all the same.

  Kiernan got hard being so close to Gideon. It would take everything in him not to bind the man with his tentacles.

  Hopefully, he wouldn’t have to wait that long considering how much Gideon desired him too. At least Kiernan could enjoy the feel of his human’s body intertwined with his for the duration of the evening.

  Kiernan hated watching the doctor leave, but work called. Very soon he’d have to get used to letting him go. Worse, Kiernan didn’t have a normal occupation to divert his attention from Gideon either. Perhaps he should think of keeping a few of the eggs with him to bide his time.

  Once Kiernan finished breakfast, he headed over to Elijah’s house. With the weather being practically perfect, the walk along the beach was pleasurable.

  “Hey. How did everything go last night?” Elijah asked after they greeted each other in Necetune. Kiernan followed Elijah to the guest bathroom where all the eggs appeared unbothered.

  “Wonderful. He was shocked by the number of eggs, but he’s excited to meet them.”

  “And?”

  “And what? Oh. He agreed to continue our relationship. Only one problem.”

  Elijah spun around to meet Kiernan’s gaze. “What’s that?”

  “I don’t want to start over. He thought it was best so we could make things work between us.”

  “It sounds plausible. Why do you take issue with it?” Elijah grabbed a hose and began spraying the eggs.

  Kiernan took the hose. “I should be doing that. You’ve kept watch on them long enough.”

  “It’s no trouble. Anyway, I asked you a question.” Elijah crossed his arms.

  Kiernan shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “You’re going to laugh at me.”

  Elijah cocked an eyebrow. “Why?”

  “Because… I…” Kiernan huffed and dropped his head. “I…”

  “You like him.” Elijah’s voice tone changed. He nudged him with his shoulder.

  “Ugh.” Kiernan bumped him back, almost knocking his fellow Necetune off his feet. “Don’t tease me.”

  “I won’t but, I knew it. If you didn’t really have feelings for this human, you wouldn’t have stayed.”

  “Yes, and…” Kiernan stared at the ceiling then moved to the other side of the bathroom to take care of the rest. “I didn’t think it would be like this. I enjoyed sleeping with him and when he left, my body felt as if a part of me died inside. My hearts, all four of them sped up. I’m already aroused, but when I’m with Gideon, weird things happen.”

  Elijah smiled wryly. “It’s called love, Kiernan.”

  Kiernan put the hose down. “But how? We haven’t done much or spent a lot of time together.”<
br />
  “Well, even in that short span there’s been more than an attraction. It happened with Jaxon and me. I didn’t want to admit how much I cared, but I couldn’t help myself.”

  Kiernan cursed under his breath feeling his human skin overheat and his suctions pulse. Just remembering last night made his heart skip a beat.

  “Aww, that’s so cute.”

  “Shut it.” Kiernan strolled to the other side of the bathroom and sat.

  Elijah chuckled and took a seat on the floor in front of Kiernan. “Don’t be mad. I’m really happy for you. When are you going to bring him over?”

  “So you can tease the both of us? Not anytime soon.”

  “Well, actually if you want him to see the babies, it will be.”

  “Dammit, I forgot about that.” Kiernan clasped his hands together and propped his elbows on his knees. Although he loved the prospect of having Gideon as a partner, he didn’t like what he was feeling. That sense of helplessness missed with bliss wasn’t befitting a Necetune ruler.

  But Kiernan would be relinquishing his position very soon. He’d get flack from others for sure, but in the end, it would be all worth it.

  “Ah, Kiernan, it’s so good to see you happy with someone. A stupid human no less.” Elijah teased.

  “He’s not stupid.”

  “I know but remember that’s how you felt about these mortals.” Elijah grinned.

  “Ugh, cut us some slack, will you? We’re new to this relationship thing and to be parents.”

  “I know.” Elijah patted Kiernan’s knee. “Everything will be fine, okay? Just let Gideon know how you feel. If you don’t want to start over, let him know. Assure him that you won’t leave and he’ll be fine.”

  “You think? I don’t want to mess things up between us.”

  “I don’t think you will. If you’re not into starting over, being honest about it is better than doing something you don’t want to do to make him happy. Don’t keep secrets from each other. That’s what destroys relationships.”

  Kiernan nodded. Perhaps this was why his host never got involved with anyone long term. All the feelings and concerns about hurting someone and compromises. Who wanted all of this just to fall in love?

  Kiernan already knew the answer. He only hoped Gideon would agree.

  Chapter Ten

  For the first time in forever, Gideon hadn’t wanted to get out of bed. He would’ve preferred to snuggle with Kiernan, but duty called. He was covering for another doctor that was going to an out of town conference. Gideon’s turn to go would be next month. He’d already decided to take time off once he returned.

  As Gideon walked the hallways, he greeted everyone with a smile. Many of his fellow medics asked why he was so cheerful.

  If only they knew, but Gideon wasn’t one to blab his personal business.

  Coffee cup in hand, he entered the doctor’s lounge and took a seat near the window. With Kiernan tucked under the covers, Gideon had the hardest time focusing. Leaving him every day would be a tough task, but if he succumbed to the man, he’d never get anything accomplished.

  “Dr. Watts?”

  Gideon finished his cup and looked over his shoulder. “Yes, Doctor Seagul. You need me?”

  “No, just wanting to ask how you were doing, and about Mrs. Arrington.” He walked over and sat across from Gideon. The elder doctor was one of Gideon’s heroes who’d traveled the world to assist medical efforts in third world countries. Despite his long, illustrious tenure Gideon wondered why he hadn’t become chief of staff.

  “I’m fine. Mrs. Arrington is okay for now. We ran tests and should have the results by end of the week.”

  “That’s good. Although I’m glad that you care so much about your patients, I’m worried about you.”

  Gideon cocked an eyebrow. “Why?”

  “You’re working too hard. Staying at the hospital all hours with hardly any breaks. You don’t leave on time. Believe me, none of that helps you become a better doctor, it only tires you out.”

  “I know. I just…” Gideon swallowed hard and dropped his gaze. He’d heard this from several others, but it was something about the person he’d looked up to saying it. “I care so much for my patients.”

  “And that’s fine, but don’t miss out on the prime of your life because of it. You’re young, handsome, talented. Take advantage of that Gideon. Don’t you have a girlfriend or boyfriend?”

  “I’ve started seeing someone, yes.”

  “And when did this start?”

  “Recently. In the past week or so.”

  “That’s good.” Dr. Seagul patted Gideon’s shoulder. “And will you be spending the rest of the evening with this person?”

  “Well, um… he’s a model so...” Gideon looked down at his lap. Did he really want to give away that much information about Kiernan? He was sort of a celebrity after all.

  “And he’s away?”

  “No. He’s in town, but… he’s in a show tonight.” Gideon grimaced. He truly didn’t know any details about Kiernan’s fashion appearance. Kiernan hadn’t offered and Gideon hadn’t even bothered to ask. What kind of boyfriend was he?

  “Aren’t you going to meet him after work?”

  “Well, I figured we’d get together at my place later. I can’t stay out too late since I’ve got to be at work at eleven.”

  “Gideon.” Dr. Seagul shook his head and clicked his teeth. “Wherever he is, you should be meeting him. That’s if he’s important to you.”

  “He is. I like him a lot. He’s teaching me to relax and enjoy myself.” Gideon chuckled.

  “Good. I’m glad there’s someone to do that for you. Please take my advice, Gideon. Don’t make the same mistake I did chasing something and missing out on your life. It’s very important that you take time out for you, okay?”

  “Yes, sir.” Gideon nodded and watched Dr. Seagul rise and pat his shoulder. He appreciated the advice and figured his mentor had a reason for saying that. Clearly, he didn’t want to go into detail, but honestly that didn’t matter.

  Dr. Seagul had gotten his point across.

  “All right, Gideon, I’ll be watching you. Leave at 10:59, okay? I’m leaving at 8, but I’ll make sure someone gets you out of here.”

  Gideon snorted. “Alright.”

  Dr. Seagul walked out of the lounge, closing the door behind him.

  Gideon sighed aloud and leaned back in the chair. He looked out the window, peering at the sun setting in the mountains as well as the car lights off in a distance.

  Somewhere out there Kiernan was putting on a show for a world class designer and he had no idea where. It would take a little digging, but in the end, Gideon thought it would be worth it just to see Kiernan smile.

  * * * *

  Kiernan made a life out of this?

  As yet another person brushed makeup on his face while someone else tugged at his clothing Kiernan hated that he’d taken this person as host. Not that he didn’t like hard work but having loads of people prodding at you for hours just to wear certain clothing and take pictures was mentally draining. Yes, he was financially set for life, but the occupation itself was empty. Just how much brainpower did someone need for this job?

  Kiernan was not impressed to say the least.

  Finally, the two people left Kiernan alone in his thoughts. Instead of looking at the screen, he read over the program detailing different parts of the event. Hard to believe with so much going on the humans could focus on performing properly. Perhaps there was more to mortals than what met the eye.

  The fashion show was a literal circus. Loud music, people running from room to room, changing outfits, getting their makeup done, while meeting with so-called celebrities. Then there were the attitudes. The fights between models and staff, but when the designer made an appearance, everyone was on their best behavior. The atmosphere was toxic at best and Kiernan had to wonder how his host did this for a living.

  In his mind it was time for Kiernan to move on to som
ething bigger. The question was what.

  Despite all the craziness happening around him, Kiernan continued to smile. After getting away from this place, he’d take a hired car to Gideon’s house and spend the rest of the night in his arms. Yes, they’d have to separate when his doctor went to work, but Kiernan would count down to the hour he’d be leaving once again.

  “Kiernan? You’re up!” Someone called into the dressing room.

  “Okay.” Kiernan rose quickly and ran out to take his place next to the staff members directing the show. Since Kiernan was a world class model, he had two parts. He’d walk the runway wearing the designer’s two best outfits. The one he wore now was a colorful suit that included a huge tie and a cummerbund. The other was more understated but included a skirt that would need four people to carry it. Couture was the word Kiernan heard mentioned, considering no everyday person would wear either of the outfits. Thank goodness people knew that because both were hideous.

  “You’re walking in like five minutes.” The guy called over his shoulder.

  “Thanks.” Kiernan rolled his neck around, ready to strut his stuff. He’d already practiced his mannerisms as well as the looks he’d give people in the audience. Much of what Kiernan had picked up from his host was the attitude, while his transmitter gave him a tutorial on how to walk in heeled shoes without falling. It wouldn’t be easy, but Kiernan resolved he would make this appearance memorable in case it was his last.

  “Um, you’re welcome?” The man turned around, acting as if he was shocked that Kiernan was polite.

  Were you that much of a jerk?

  “Yes, thanks for being a help to me. I really appreciate it.” Kiernan flashed him a smile and winked.

  “Well, um… wow. You’re even more welcome.” The guy chuckled, mumbling under his breath about Kiernan never being thankful for anything. Apparently, he was still dumbfounded but smiled back and went to the other models.

  Kiernan laughed, rolled his shoulders, and tugged on his tie. If anything made this evening more entertaining it was everyone who swore something was wrong with Kiernan.