Chapter 37

Sunlight cut through the blinds, streaking across Zay's bare skin as he blinked awake. The room was quiet, the only sound the low hum of Trey's breathing beside him. His body still ached from the night before, a dull soreness in his muscles, but it wasn't uncomfortable. It was a reminder-of everything they'd done, everything they'd said. Or didn't say.

Trey was still knocked out, his arm draped heavy over Zay's waist like he was making sure he ain't go nowhere. That possessive shit would've annoyed him if it was anybody else, but with Trey... Zay didn't mind. Not after last night.

He exhaled slow, stretching his legs out before carefully slipping from under Trey's arm. Trey barely stirred, just grunted low before rolling onto his stomach, half-buried in the pillows. Zay smirked to himself, shaking his head as he pushed the covers off and stood up, heading toward the bathroom.

His reflection caught his eye as he passed the mirror, and he paused. His skin was marked up-Trey's hands, his teeth, his mouth, all of it was still on him. Even without seeing it, he could feel it. A shiver ran down his spine, and he quickly looked away, shaking it off as he turned on the sink.

He was brushing his teeth when he heard Trey shift in the bed, followed by a slow, lazy voice.

"Why you up so early?"

Zay spit the toothpaste out before glancing over. Trey was watching him now, his head propped up on his arm, eyes low but sharp.

"It's almost noon," Zay said, rinsing his mouth. "Ain't early."

Trey hummed like he ain't believe him, sitting up and rubbing his face. "Come here."

Zay leaned against the counter, arching a brow. "For what?"

Trey just patted the empty space on the bed, and after a second, Zay rolled his eyes and walked over. As soon as he got close enough, Trey grabbed his wrist and pulled him into his lap.

"Trey," Zay sighed, but he ain't resist when Trey wrapped his arms around his waist, pressing his face into Zay's chest like he was tryna wake up slow.

"You feel good," Trey murmured against his skin, his lips brushing over the marks he left last night. "We should stay in bed all day."

Zay snorted. "You say that like you ain't the one that told me to get dressed."

Trey pulled back just enough to look at him, his fingers still tracing lazy circles against Zay's hip. "That was before I woke up and remembered how good you feel."

Zay bit back a smile, not tryna let Trey know how much that shit got to him. Instead, he slid off Trey's lap and stretched. "You takin' me out, right? You said you was gon' make up for yesterday."

Trey smirked, rubbing his jaw. "You really holdin' me to that?"

"You think I'm playin'?" Zay shot back, grabbing his phone off the nightstand. "I want food, I want a fit, and I want you to shut up and swipe your card."

Trey laughed under his breath, standing up and stretching. "Aight, greedy. Get dressed."

Zay rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the way his chest warmed at the thought. He wasn't used to shit like this. Ain't nobody ever spoiled him just 'cause. But Trey... Trey did. Not just with money, but with time, with presence. And Zay wasn't gon' act like he didn't like it.

He pulled on a fresh hoodie, some fitted jeans, and a pair of clean kicks while Trey did the same. The energy between them was different-lighter. The weight of last night was still there, lingering in the quiet moments between them, but it wasn't heavy no more. They was good.

When they finally stepped out, Trey did exactly what he said he would. First stop was food, and Zay ain't even have to ask before Trey ordered damn near half the menu for him. Then they hit the mall, where Trey leaned back against a display, arms crossed as Zay picked out whatever he wanted.

"You gon' be mad when I hit your card for this, huh?" Zay teased, holding up a jacket.

Trey just shook his head. "Get what you want, lil' daddy. You look good in everything anyway."

Zay scoffed but couldn't fight the warmth creeping up his neck. Trey was a menace, throwing out compliments like they ain't mean nothin' when he knew damn well Zay ate that shit up.

By the time they left the mall, Trey's trunk was full of bags, and Zay was lowkey fighting a grin. He glanced over as Trey slid into the driver's seat, watching him for a moment. Trey caught him staring and raised a brow.

"What?"

Zay shook his head. "Nothin'. Just... you really a sucker for me, huh?"

Trey's lips twitched, but he ain't argue. "I been told you that."

Zay licked his lips, watching the city pass by through the window. He wasn't used to this kind of love-quiet, steady, giving without expecting nothin' back. But Trey gave it to him anyway. And for once, Zay let himself take it.