Page 10 of Primal Bonds 1

Stupid!Now, why the hell did he have to go and do that? Washing the boy’s hair and even offering to clean his body? Was he a pervert or what?

Adam hadn’t a clue why he was acting so irrational, or so damn caring. It wasn’t like him.

He went into the kitchen to begin making dinner. Pasta it was tonight—easy, hearty, and filling.

He took out the ingredients and began chopping the garlic, onion, tomato, and some herbs. He was about to start boiling the water for the pasta when he saw a slender figure via his peripheral vision.

He turned, eyeing Shiro—a fluffy white towel wrapped around his waist—just standing there patiently, waiting. He looked nervous as hell.

“Let’s treat those wounds,” he said, and the boy nodded.

With his body cleaned, Adam noted that the bruises and scratches on Shiro’s fair skin were much more marked than he had thought. After applying ointment onthe bruises and then treating the scratches and bandaging those, he said, “That’s all I can do, unfortunately. I’ll take you to see a doctor tomorrow to get a thorough checkup and proper treatment.”

Shiro widened his eyes and shook his head furiously. “No… This is enough. No doctor, please.”

“Relax, he’s a friend,” Adam said. “He won’t report you.”

“But I can’t afford to see a doctor,” Shiro said. “I don’t have any money. This is enough. Your kindness and…”

Adam stood. He ruffled the boy’s hair as he said, “Let’s find you something to wear. My clothes will be a bit large for you, but we’ll have to make do.” He left the room and headed into the master bedroom across the hallway.

“No money, eh?” he said under his breath as he browsed through his clothing in the walk-in closet.

He returned to the living area a few moments later, folded clothing in his arms. He laid them on the coffee table in front of Shiro and said, “Put these on.” Then he turned on his heel and walked into the kitchen.

He continued with the cooking, boiling the water for the pasta. He was just turning to get the frying pan to make the sauce when he caught sight of Shiro, which stopped him in his tracks.

The boy looked like he was drowning in those pajama pants and shirt. But fuck, he was a sight to behold—two small fox ears sticking out, soft white hair framing a beautiful face that any female would be envious of,almond-shaped azure-blue eyes, and sensual lips. He didn’t have any doubt men wanted the boy.

He felt something inside him stir,yetagain, and he swiftly shifted his gaze away. Clearing his throat, he said, “Dinner will be ready soon.”

“It smells really good already,” Shiro said.

He bet anything that was food would smell good to Shiro. The boy was starving, after all.

Twenty minutes later, Adam laid the fare out on the coffee table—two plates of pasta and two mugs of hot coffee. He’d usually eat at the dining table but making Shiro move around too much wasn’t nice for his injured body.

“Dig in,” he said.

Shiro eagerly took the mug of coffee, sipping the hot drink like it was the best thing he had ever had in ages. The boy sighed, looking both sad and happy at the same time. An odd mix of emotions, for sure.

Adam sat down on the armchair opposite the boy and then started his dinner. The pasta tasted good. He shifted his gaze to Shiro and noted the boy was enjoying his meal, too, eating silently and quickly. Was it because he was starving or was it out of habit? He didn’t miss tears brewing in those beautiful eyes either. Was he so grateful for the food that he must cry?

Adam felt something warm tugging at his heartstrings.

“Want some more?” he asked when Shiro’s plate was emptied.

The boy raised his head, his eyes large. “Can I?”

Adam stood, retrieved Shiro’s empty plate, and thenheaded into the kitchen. When he returned, he handed Shiro his plate filled with seconds.

Shiro eagerly took the offer and ate the delicious fare, this time looking as though he was savoring the moment by taking it slow. When he was done, he finished sipping the rest of his coffee.

Foxkin youth did have big appetites, huh? Adam thought in amusement.

“That was… delicious,” the boy said softly, an appreciative smile on his lips. “Thank you.”

“No worries,” Adam said as he picked up his mug of coffee. He took a sip as he eyed the boy, who was busy looking around the room. “There’s a spare bedroom across the hallway.”