You could talk… like a lot.

And Ken Ryuguji, better known as Draken, heard every single word. You made sure of it. From the moment you dragged him through the beginning of your day to the quiet details of how it ended, your sweet, velvet-soft voice filled the shop like background music. Every tiny thought, every insignificant moment—spilled straight into his ears.

Not that he minded.

He’d learned you needed it. A way to empty the storm that lived inside that pretty head of yours, all those racing thoughts finally allowed to breathe. So he let you talk. Let you ramble. Let you unravel yourself in front of him.

Most days it happened right here in his garage. Draken worked on whatever car was up on the lift, grease on his hands, muscles flexing as he listened to you go on about whatever had wound you up that day. You’d perch on the counter behind the desk, sit on a toolbox, or follow him around like a loyal shadow.

Honestly? It was kind of adorable.

Until you weren’t standing anymore.

Until he had you backed up against the wall, one broad, calloused hand sliding over your stomach while the other braced beside your head. He had to bend just a little to meet you, his towering frame always getting in the way of how close he wanted to be.

His mouth traced slow, open-mouthed kisses along your neck, lips lingering there, making your breath hitch. The press of his body told you exactly how far he was willing to take things—right here, right now, with the shop still open to the world.

And yet…

You were still talking.

Your voice trembled with every word, breaths turning uneven, fingers clutching at the back of his neck like you were holding yourself together—yet you kept going, caught up in whatever story had your attention.

Draken pulled back just enough to look at you, jaw tight with a mix of frustration and fondness. A low sound rumbled in his chest before he shifted, hooking his hands under your thighs and lifting you effortlessly onto the counter.

“Yeah?” he drawled, eyes never leaving your flushed face.

You nodded, breathless, cheeks stained a soft, pretty pink.

“And what else happened, baby?”