Chapter 27

Even when Marcus was shirtless and wearing only an apron while cooking a steak, he managed to stir every nerve in Caleb's brain.

Now, Marcus was so close, and his Adam's apple and collarbone were within easy reach.

Caleb struggled to keep himself in check.

"Marcus," Caleb said, his voice hoarse and strained. "Get away from me."

He was at the limit of his restraint, and even his trembling eyelashes were an effort to control. He was afraid that if Marcus came any closer, he might not be able to resist pushing him down and revealing his own unsettling desires.

"Okay."

After what felt like an eternity, Marcus finally moved back to his previous position.

Caleb's throat, which had felt constricted, finally relaxed, and he exhaled a quiet sigh of relief. He picked up the newspaper again, this time making an even more deliberate effort to maintain his distance from Marcus.

He remained silent, his lips pressed into a thin line and a clear expression of irritation on his face. It was ob