Chapter 58

“I suppose,” he said quietly, when he’d demolished a whole loaf of bread via the toaster, “that I better go home.”

“Fuck that. Stay here. I can make a run and a hutch for you, and bring you treats from the outside world every now and then.”

Eli laughed; Danny jeered and called them kinky fuckers.

“Fuck off, y’twassock,” Rob grumbled, and then heaved himself off the sofa. “Alright, alright. C’mon, I’ll drop you off.”

It had stopped raining—finally—and the roads were gleaming. The moment they were in the car, however, Eli leaned across the gearstick and handbrake to catch Rob’s chin between finger and thumb and kiss him soundly.

“Thanks?”

“Twat,” Eli said affectionately. “Thanks for inviting me. It was great.”

“Yeah?”

“Mm.” Eli kissed him again, soft and slow, mouthing gently at his bottom lip and wondering whether to bite it. “Your family, and seeing you so relaxed, and the presents…”