Page 71 of Guiding Desire

Senlas, daring, tightened his hold on Orrey and pulled him closer. “And this, you said you like it?”

Another nod. “Do you know you are warm? Which is funny because you’d think Karmine is warm with how he creates fire.”

“That’s buffering you feel. But it’s good. If you notice it at all, it’ll be easier to control it. Now, I’m reasonably sure Karmine’s skewers are done. Ready to go down?”

“Do I just jump off?”

“Not yet, kitten. Not before you kiss me.”

When he saw Orrey, the yellow leaves surrounding him like a crown, like golden flames, Senlas knew it would be this man or none, this man who seemed to have been smoothed into politeness entirely but came with a stinging bite and claws.

And with lips like sugar flower syrup. Senlas drew Orrey in deeper for that kiss, arousal truly making him uncomfortable now. The kiss alone unspooled the memories of Orrey under him, skin like pink sunset clouds, unforgettably enchanting.

I am obsessed with him,he thought, reluctantly allowing Orrey to pull away.

The world had sunken into coppery darkness, the noises below changing to less noisy, or at least the different noise of children sent to bed and adults enjoying each other’s company.

Senlas’s fearless Conduit pretty much slid off the branch without warning, pushing himself clear. Senlas had him, of course, but he could count on one hand the number of people willing to trust his levitation like that on the first try. It made his heart squeeze ridiculously tight on the way down.

WhateveranyonecouldfaultGuardians and Conduits for, throwing boring parties wasn’t it. With darkness fully settling in, pyromancers created fire weaves in addition to the bonfires. Music drifted over to them from the two-strings, drums, flutes, and other instruments people had brought out. Above the Wandering Gardens, electric lighting flared, and ice turned to snow, marking out those Guardians who wanted to get truly lost in the maze without disturbance. Where there was space and light and music, people danced.

Senlas let himself enjoy all of it while Orrey was now leaning against his chest, carefully munching on a golden-brown inseng bun filled with sweet bean paste. Senlas had just warmed it up over Karmine’s fire for Orrey.

“I think we need to sing!” Col said from behind them, unprompted yet loud as only the drunk ever are.

“Aww Col-Col is drunk already,” Taros said. He was drunk enough to have let his dress ride up in a way he wouldn’t ever have if sober.

“What did you want to sing?” Orrey asked.

Senlas turned and saw Col’s eyes glaze over. “Little brother. You see me.”

“Well, you’re right there. Want half of my bun?”

Col shook his head while somehow managing to empty his glass. “’S not sweet.”

“But—”

Senlas leaned over Orrey. “His sugar tolerance is not normal. He eats too much of it, and that’s not sweet enough for him. You done eating?”

Orrey shook his head. “I just thought he should have something in his stomach before finishing that pitcher.”

“Oh, the pitcher,” Col said, looking at his now empty glass thoughtfully.

Taros seized said pitcher, put it to his lips, and downed what was left in there, which wasn’t all that much. “That pitcher!” he announced once he was done.

Karmine sighed and rummaged around in his backpack to produce two water bottles. “You idiots never learn. Here, drink this.”

Col eyed the bottle. Senlas eyed Orrey, who was watching the entire exchange with some fascination while eating.

Col pouted. “What is that?”

“It’s water, idiot. Drink it,” Karmine said.

“I want the pitcher,” Col said, pouting.

“Ihadthe pitcher. It was good,” Taros said.

Col frowned at him. “You go get a refill.”