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“Oh, she doesn’t knock things over.”

“No, I mean, some are poisonous, aren’t they? To cats?”

The fact Adam even had that thought made Ben’s eyebrows pop up. “Well, yeah, but I check before bringing them into the apartment. I took out the lilies, and I had to throw out the hyacinths, too. I don’t think she’d have tried to chew on them, but you never know.”

“I’m so sorry. I won’t send any more.”

Ben walked over to Adam and looked up into his eyes. “The hyacinths were nice. Someone told me they mean you’re sorry for fucking up in a major way.”

“That’s what the florist said.”

“Is the prince really so lonely in his castle?”

Adam looked disappointed as he said, “Can’t I be a regular person to you for even five seconds?”

“You can only be who you are.” Ben glanced around. “Point me to my glass of wine.”

Adam hesitated a moment before leading him down a hall and into a large living room. White couches were arranged in a square in the middle of the room, and a large glass coffee table sat in the middle, a bottle of wine and two full glasses sitting on it. Adam picked up both glasses and handed one to Ben. Gazing around, Ben finally noticed a splash of color in the form of a few large watercolor paintings. The house was beautiful, in a way, but it didn’t seem very lived in.

Adam said, “I’m glad you came, though I’m not sure I can keep up with the banter all night.”

Ben held his gaze as he said, “You said you’d endure anything.”

Adam actually smiled at that. “I did. Guess I should stop complaining.”

“You should. You seem to have very little to complain about.”

Adam gestured for him to sit, and Ben did. Adam sat as well, leaving one couch cushion between them. “On the phone, you were pretty quick to say you didn’t think there was anything terrible about me.”

“Yes. I don’t think you’re a bad person. Not at all. You’re assuming the worst simply because I challenge you.”

“You sound like you hate people with wealth and power outright. Without knowing anything about them.”

“I have issues with people who are simply given things. Who don’t work for them.”

“You see me at work. The fact I’m not tied to a computer doesn’t mean I don’t work. And having a driver saves time. I drive myself everywhere except work.” He set his wine down. “Would you be this hostile if I’d recognized you last Friday?”

Ben sipped his wine, which was very good and probably very expensive. “Honestly? No. It would still come up, though. I wouldn’t be won over with a little wining and dining. Fancy gifts.”

“That’s not how I operate. Yes, I would buy you things, but…” He sighed.

“You’re doing fine. Don’t give up yet.” Ben set his wine down.

“Is this all some kind of test?”

Ben shook his head. “No. We’re getting to know each other.”

“Tell me about you.”

Ben inched a bit closer. “Well, I have corporate job. A cat named Latte. I drive a black car. I wear glasses most of the time.” He pushed them up his nose as Adam frowned. “And based on your reaction Monday, my cum tastes pretty good.”

“And you’re a tease who likes to mock people.” Adam came forward on the couch and picked up his glass, taking a long sip before setting it down.

Ben put his down as well and closed the gap between them. “You aren’t kicking me out, though.”

Adam rested his arm on the back of the couch, almost but not quite touching Ben. “No. I’m not.”

Ben looked down and then ran his hand over Adam’s cock, which strained against his pants and grew harder under Ben’s touch. “You been alone a long time, or is there something special about me?”