Page 33 of A Siren Song for Christmas

A flush darkened Trent’s cheeks. “You’re just saying that.”

“I’m not.” Malachi’s gaze travelled over Trent’s slender body, still perched on the edge of the seat. He really was lovely to look at. “I promise you I’m not. And I really am sorry for the misunderstanding.”

“It’s not your fault. I don’t have a lot of experience with—” Trent shrugged. “—anything really. So I see why I misunderstood.”

“I think that was more because I’m only familiar with siren ways.” And before Malachi could stop himself, he asked, “What don’t you have a lot of experience with?”

That delightful flush spread to Trent’s throat. Malachi could almost imagine reaching forward and touching the pinkish skin.

Malachi had had lovers before Forathia. Never human though.

He’d noticed that humans had a tendency to blush. But Trent did so more than most. He blushed when nervous. And when embarrassed. Did he blush when aroused? Did he flush all over?

For a split second, Malachi imagined tugging the buttons of Trent’s collar open, slipping a tentacle between the fabric and rosy skin. He thought of a startled moan escaping the young man before Malachi kissed him.

Properly this time.

Malachi looked away, surprised at himself. He’d not considered any sort of physical interaction with another in a long, long time.

Why was he now?

He stared at the bed. Suddenly he thought of stripping the young man bare and laying him down. He imagined kissing him, stroking him, caressing him. Malachi wanted to pin him down with hands and tentacles and make Trent moan.

Malachi pressed a hand to his throat, feeling the heartbeat flutter beneath.

This was madness. He’d had no libido for years. Suddenly it had reawakened with force. It was as if it had been held back behind a dam, and out of nowhere the dam had split apart, flooding him with desires that had been absent for so long.

Apparently knowing someone, knowing that pretty Trent, wanted him was enough to bring his sexual desires back to life.

“Nothing. I’ve had practically no experience with anything,” Trent said.

Did that mean sex? Because the thought of introducing Trent to the world of pleasure sounded…delicious. Every moan, every cry, every orgasm, every inch of pleasure he wrung from the young man would be his first.

“But honestly, I didn’t really expect you to be interested in me,” Trent continued. “I’ve never even been properly kissed.”

And why did that make Malachi want to moan? Malachi had never sought out innocence in his lovers before. For some reason, in Trent it appealed greatly.

“I’ve never even been on a date before,” Trent said, unaware of the effect his words were having on Malachi.

“Wait.” A cold horror flooded Malachi’s body. “This is your first date?”

Trent gave a wry laugh. “I don’t think it’s really a date if only one person thinks it is.”

“I’m so sorry, Trent. You are very attractive.” He kept his eyes on those warm brown eyes. “And very desirable, both your personality and your appearance. I am sure you will find many who want you.”

Trent gave him a half-smile. “Just not you?”

“Well, like I said, I lost my mate and cannot love again.” Malachi hesitated. “But honestly, I find you very appealing. I just cannot date.”

Trent went very still. After a second, he sat up straight. He licked his lips.

Malachi wanted to kiss them. Bite them. He wanted to shove his cock between them. He wiggled his tentacles, wanting to reach out and touch. But he held himself in check.

Trent cleared his throat. “What if we didn’t date… What if we just…” Trent gestured between them.

Malachi raised a brow. Could the young man be suggesting a purely physical relationship? His cock filled. “I do not think that would be fair to you.”

“Why?” Trent asked.