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“Good, then let’s go. I’d like to have another roomful of Adam’s guests see you and know you’re mine.”

“Oh fuck. That sounds so sexy when you say it.” Zeno shuddered, and Liam moved in close.

“You like the sound of that, hmm? Being mine. Being my possession?”

“Yes.” Zeno nodded, and Liam pulled him into his arms.

“Good. Then a little later, I’ll show you what that means. Nothing too heavy. Not until you’re sure about everything. But most especially, sure about me.”

For a moment, Liam was certain that Zeno was going to try to argue. Then he took a deep breath instead.

“Yes.” Zeno nodded. “Thank you, Freyr.”

“Good boy. Let’s go. Don’t forget, until I’m ready to dance, two steps behind. Let’s make them green with envy.”

Liam basked in the smile that lit up Zeno’s face.

Just as he had in the gaming room, Liam made sure to walk around, allowing the men in there to realize that the gorgeous young sub behind him was his. The lighting was dim, so it was more difficult for him to see expressions, but he smirked at the one or two “fuck me”s he overheard.

The music began a new song, and Liam turned to hold out his arms. Without a word, Zeno pressed himself as close to Liam as possible, and Liam held him tightly. They moved slowly around the floor, not paying any attention to the beat of the music.

The proximity of the near-naked man in his arms set Liam’s libido alight, and his cock strained painfully in its leather confines. It was impossible for him to tell how aroused Zeno might be, given his cock was already restrained, and that notion raised his arousal up yet another notch.

However, Liam tempered his arousal with the fact that he hadn’t asked the man in his arms if he even wanted to be bedded. Liam only bedded those who wanted to be, and being told no always meant just that.

Pressing his mouth to Zeno’s ear, Liam nibbled at it, pleased to feel the tremors through the lithe body.

“I was thinking about another, more intimate dance. One done in the bedroom.” Liam paused to lick Zeno’s ear, but also to let his words sink in. “If it’s not what you want, tell me now. You’ll be free to resume the party, and, if you wish, we can meet tomorrow.”

“No.” Zeno clutched at him. “I mean, yes.”

Liam eased back a fraction, just enough to gaze into Zeno’s eyes.

“Look at me and tell me what you want. This is too important to me for there to be any misunderstandings. I want to know what you want.”

This time Zeno met Liam’s gaze, and he spoke slowly and clearly.

“You. I want you. I’ve wanted you for a long time, but I never imagined you’d give someone like me a second look. Yes, I heard everything you said in work, and never doubted your sincerity. But this.” Zeno shook his head. “Never this. I want the chance. I like to indulge in this side of me, I don’t live it every day. My last experience was a bad one, but I-I trust you. I want to try this with you. Try us.” Zeno took a deep breath, then fell silent.

“Thank you, that makes it very clear. I live my personal life like my work ethic. Everyone is equal, but I didn’t think you’d want an old man.”

“You aren’t old.” Zeno pressed closer.

“I’m over forty, and you aren’t yet thirty. It’s a gap that some would find too great.”

“Not me.”

For a long moment, Liam stared into Zeno’s eyes. He’s offering me all I could ever ask for. It’s a risk for us both, and if he’s willing, then so am I.

“Okay. How about we retire to my room, I’ll take the edge off us both, and we take it from there.” Someone else, perhaps anybody else, and Liam wouldn’t be so cautious. But he couldn’t help feeling that there was something special between him and Zeno. Something he didn’t want to crush before it had chance to fully bloom.

“Yes.” Zeno nodded firmly.

“Follow me.” Liam released the lithe body, instantly feeling the cold from the loss of Zeno’s intimacy. Without a backward glance, Liam strode from the room, fully expecting obedience.