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Lio didn’t want to say it. But Tarick wanted him to,neededhim to, and despite his own fears, he wanted to give Tarick what he wanted, too.

“I want to kiss you and…do other things,” he nearly whispered.

Tarick said nothing, just listened, his eyes still intense.

“But I’m afraid…”

“Afraid of what, love?” Tarick cut in, when it seemed like Lio would not continue. “We don’t have to do those things if you’re afraid.”

Lio shook his head, frustrated. “I’m afraid that once we do…you’ll leave.” His words were blunt and unpoetic, ultimately poor vessels for all his thoughts, feelings, and ultimate fears. How could he possibly explain his experiences, and his profound terrors because of his past?

“I see,” Tarick said softly, still cupping his face. “Then all the more reason to wait.”

Lio swallowed the lump in his throat. Of course Tarick didn’t want him.

“For I need to prove to you that I’m a bit more trustworthy than that.”

Lio’s brows knitted together as he studied the man.

Tarick dropped his hand from Lio’s chin. “Do you trust me, Lio?”

Lio nodded.

“Do you trust me when I say that I would never hurt you like that?”

After a moment, a hesitation where the world seemed to swirl, Lio nodded again.

“Would you truly like to try, then, so I can prove it to you?”

“Yes,” Lio breathed.

The next morning when Lio woke, he realized he hadn’t meant to sleep in Tarick’s bed. He’d meant to stay up the entire night, watching the other man sleep. He’d wanted to make sure Tarick didn’t leave, didn’t carry him out of the room, toss coins at his feet.

His limbs were heavy and sleepy, bed-warm and pillowed by piles of linen.

Ultimately, feeling safe and warm in Tarick’s arms, he’d fallen asleep.

He awoke to Tarick beside him, blinking gently into consciousness, his strange, lovely smile on his face as his eyes found Lio’s.

Happiness is so becoming on you, Tarick had said.

Lio smiled.

He thought so, too.