Selene couldn't seem to settle on a state of being. She was excited, and she was furious.

Zay was taking steps to free himself from Eudora, and she was proud and excited for him.

Young Kestryl was good for him. In fact, he could end up being rather good for all of them.

He was the reason she was furious.

Selene was aware enough to know that her anger was not all due to his blunt comments or his incessant teasing.

Vael Kestryl was bloody gorgeous with those deep-dark eyes glowing amber and all that curly hair. Before Zay, she never met any male that caught her interest. Usually, as soon as a man spoke to her, she was done with him.

No one ever approached her because they wanted to simply know her. No, it was her dubious position as a Windemere that made her attractive.

That, and her youth.

She shuddered, recalling the numerous lecherous advances she avoided and fought off daily. Her mother continuously dangled her like fresh bait, and she was disgusted and appalled to be used so.

And, as Zay gently pointed out, she allowed it. As Vael so ungently pointed out, she was used to it.

A great bit of her disgust was directed at herself. Complicit and complacent, that's what she was, and she had to shake herself out of it or she'd never escape.

"Lenie."

She stood up from the marble bench she was sitting on -brooding, really- and forced a smile for Del.

"How was Zay?"

Selene exchanged cheek kisses with her sister, and they sat back down together.

One of the few places they could speak uninterrupted was the garden. They still shaded their words and used their secret hand signals, even here.

Eudora had eyes and ears everywhere.

"He's well," she sighed. "Very happy, more than I've ever seen him. The contractor is delightful, and I'm sure she'll bring Zay's vision to life."

Del's violet-blue eyes grew thoughtful. "And the Roamer giant?"

Selene shook her head. She really should think before she sent messages off like that.

"Insightful, actually," she admitted. "He speaks hard truths and doesn't make any bones about it. He said things I always knew but never thought about, and he was infuriating."

"Because he was right," Del surmised.

"So right," Selene bit her lips. "And so attractive, Del. He's a Lords-blessed vision."

Del laughed, patting her knee. "Well, Zay saw him first," she winked, "but with you, I don't doubt he'd be happy to share the giant."

Selene blushed to the roots of her hair. The very idea of being shared between her sweet Zay and the maddening Vael Kestryl made her mouth dry and her legs weak.

Lords help her, she wanted that. How could she lust after the Roamer after just meeting him?

"Yes, quite," Selene cleared her throat. "Shall we?"

They stood and linked arms together, wandering the paved paths through the garden. They separated after crossing various paths. Presently, they veered off and strolled across the lush grass until they found an unused hunter's cottage hidden within a small copse of trees.

This was their meeting place and Letty was already there, pouring wine for them.

"Finally lost them?"

"Finally," Del sighed. She accepted her wine and took a long, deep drink before taking the bottle and refilling it.

"Right, so Zayn is not coming back," Del said, her eyes sharp, "and if he's ever struck with the desire to do so, we must do everything in our power to dissuade him."

"Even after his majority?" Selene asked. Her heart seized at the thought of Zay never returning to the Manor.

"Even then," Letty said. "As long as Eudora is in power, and for a time after. Eudora cannot be trusted to do right by Zay. We all know she never has and she has minions who would continue to carry out her orders in her absence. You need to join him as soon as possible, Lenie."

She nodded, sipping her wine, hardly tasting it. Her belly was twisted in knots. "I have to say, I didn't want to leave him last night."

"Then why did you?" Del asked, frowning. "Eudora can rant all she wants, but she doesn't dare truly move against any of us. The Enclave would not turn a blind eye to that, I'll say."

"What...what would people say?" Selene wondered in a small voice. "I mean, I ...have always felt... that way... for Zay. I love him so much...and all wrong," she whispered.

"Lenie," Letty came and folded her in a hug. "Love as sweet as this cannot be wrong," she soothed. "And who gives a damn what people say? It doesn't change who you are, and it's not as if you'd be the first or the last to follow your heart."

"Let us be practical, yes?" Del said. "We all know that you and Zay adore one another. There have been questions, of course, but Eudora has gone to great lengths to make it known that you are 'intact'," she shook her head in disgust. "If you took that leap with Zay, she'd have to let that go."

"I won't use him!" Selene cried, pulling away from Letty.

"Of course not, dear, but we must look at this outside our emotions," Letty insisted, cupping her shoulders. "With the proper precautions, and if Zay is willing, he can spare you being sold off to some perv so Eudora can get a grasp of his balls. Zay would never harm you, and wouldn't you be happy with him, anyway?"

Selene turned away from her sisters. It felt so mercenary to discuss Zay this way. She knew her sisters were pragmatic and understood Eudora's plans better than she did. 

"I can't use Zay that way," she declared. "I just can't. If he truly loves me, I will gladly go and stay with him, but I won't use him to escape Eudora."

Del stepped in front of her and raised her face up with a finger under her chin. "My dear girl," she murmured, piercing eyes warm and loving, "I'm so happy to hear that. Let us plan, then, what we must do to get you out of our mother's clutches."

Relieved, Selene through herself into Del's arms. "I'll never get used to that," she whispered.

"Good," Del kissed the top of her head and stroked her hair. "Come, let's sit."

They settled on the deep sofa with refreshed wine and sliced peaches.

"Now, Zay has his independence, and is well on his way to being completely free of Eudora," Letty began.

"And," Del added, "we can run interference for both of you to keep Eudora occupied. Your majority will be here before we know it, and then she'll have no say over either of you."

"Zay had me move my funds to another account," Selene reported, "under my father's name."

"Excellent!" Del smiled. "Now, most of your stipend should remain in the account she uses for you, but your majority ought to go to the new account."

"And if Zay wants to cater to you, don't turn down the money!" Letty lectured. "It will show Eudora neither of you needs her support."

"And that will piss her so far off," Del sighed with satisfaction. "She's completely out of sorts since Zay left. Our boy has no idea how masterfully he outsmarted her."

"So," Selene steeled herself to broach this subject, "you don't think it's wrong for me to...want to be with Zay?"

Del shook her head and Letty snorted.

"Darling, he's adorable," Letty said. "Those lovely green eyes and that hair! Lords, who wouldn't want him? No, Lenie, he's not our full brother, so long as there are no children between you, enjoy."

"I should check with the Chronicler," Del murmured thoughtfully. "We cannot be too careful."

Selene blinked. "You know who it is?"

"Of course," Del shrugged. "I am the presumed Windemere heir. As soon as I claimed my majority, they presented to me."

Selene worried her lip. "I'd like to know my lineage," she said. "Vael seems very aware of various Roamer bloodlines as if the Chroniclers make these things public. Why is ours so secret?"

"It isn't, Lords," Del laughed. "Anyone can ask and receive their own lineage. It's when you start looking into others that things can get dicey, especially if you don't plan to marry into the family. But no worries, dear, I'll take you with me. We will learn all we can about Sir Atticus Talbot."

"We should make sure Zay knows his lineage as well," Letty remarked. "We really don't know much about Carmyne. From what I can recall, he was a sweet man."

"Well, Eudora would do anything to keep anyone honestly kind away from us," Del sighed. "But yes, he was kind and funny. He played with us all the time. He even made toys for us. But, moving on," she cleared her throat, "you said Vael spoke some hard truths, Lenie."

"Yes," she took a deep breath. "He said we should find out what Eudora has over the Enclave aristos and free as many as we can to restore the balance of power."

"And did he have a way for us to figure out what Eudora has over whom?" Letty asked.

"He said we should just ask them," Selene shook her head and sighed.

Del sat back and rested her hands on her knee. "Well then, why not?"

Selene blinked. "Really?"

"What have they to lose?" Del pointed out. "Yes, Lenie, we will ask them."

"Trust an outsider to see through all the bullshit to the heart of the matter," Letty chuckled. "How brilliantly simple."

"Then, once we know," Selene went on, "Vael said we should help them."

"Remove the threat, of course," Del agreed. "We must move quickly. Once Eudora realizes her grip is failing, she'll be frothing. Doing this will win us support, so we can challenge her.

"Letty and I can assert ourselves in Enclave and begin to make needed changes for Windemere. Ah, dear Zay," she sighed, eyes sparkling, "what a gift you are."

***

Vael didn't need much in the way of sleep, but it seemed that Zayn did.

They talked for a few hours until Zayn eventually dozed off in his bed beside him.

Vael watched the Steader sleep for a while before nodding off himself. He woke within a few hours and simply watched the redhead snore softly beside him.

Zayn Windemere was just delicious, he decided. Vael itched to explore the texture of his dark auburn hair and his lightly tanned skin. He wanted to see passion and need in those pale green eyes.

Vael swallowed a groan, pressing the heel of his hand on his crotch.

This was not a matter of simple release. It was not a quick fuck to calm his dog. He wouldn't just drag Zayn into his bed within a few days of meeting him.

Vael wanted to court him.

He wanted to court Selene, too.

They were his own Sugar and Spice.

Lords.

If a man could die from a hard dick, he was well on his way to an early grave.

With a shudder, he eased out of the bed and found his clothes. He dressed quietly and left the flat before his resolve broke.

The cool night air cleared his head just a bit. He wandered down through the market and stopped to look over at the walkers that called out to him from across the street.

There was a rather pretty boy over there with long legs and a tight ass. The woman next to him wasn't nearly as curvaceous as Selene, but she would do.

While he thought it over, the pair was snatched up by three other Roamers.

Oh, well.

He moved along, ending up at the depot. A dim light burned from a window in Quyn's bunk. He smiled, hoping his father and Holis were enjoying each other. A moment later, the light went out and the rig jostled as whoever was there moved around. Soon Quyn stepped out of the rig and noticed him.

"Restless?"

"You too, yeah?" Vael responded, falling into step beside Quyn when he reached him.

"You need to get laid," Quyn advised.

Vael laughed softly. "I do," he agreed, "fierce."

"Not your first time feelin' antsy. That boy Zayn got ya twisted up?"

"Not just him," Vael sighed. "And never like this."

Quyn nodded, and they walked silently for a bit. "He ain't ready, then?"

Vael shook his head slowly. "I'm thinkin' not. And not her, either. I mean, they're innocent-like, y'know? I want...I wanna take care with 'em."

"So, you'll be courtin', then."

Vael shrugged. "Seems as though. How did you know when it was right?"

Quyn smiled, growing pensive. "I adored Mona and Nic even when we was all young'uns. Me and Nic knew she was for us before we even understood such things.

"She smellt like cherries, chocolate, and fresh mint. Nic smells like spices -anise and cinnamon- and hickory smoke.

"And Hols," he shook his head, "he smells like fresh grass, clean linen, and pine. And I couldn't get enough of it, any of it. Just a hint of either of 'em had me needin' fierce.

"Bein' near 'em made me yearn but brought me peace. Bein' without 'em made me restless, and testy. It was Nic that worked out that bein' with at least one of 'em helped me ease the dog. He tested it with others and found it was true across the board. You might find yours ridin' ya if things get serious with those two."

"Hell of a time for that," Vael muttered. "What do I do while I'm courtin' 'em if I end up needin' 'em to calm the dog?"

"Might be time to start dosin'. See Betsy at the cafe, meanwhile," Quyn said.

"She's been makin' eyes," Vael confirmed, "but it ain't her got me twisted."

"Yeah sure, but she can ease ya. It's what she does."

Vael was not surprised, but somewhat bemused. "Is it?"

"Yeah, sure," Quyn nodded again. "She runs that cafe, but she takes us on, got a few what works for her above stairs. She knows what Roamers need, and ain't scared to let us have it.

"Her ma and auntie, and their ma and her sisters did the same. It's one of the places we can go when we're feelin' out'a sorts. She minds her business and makes no demands."

Vael nodded. "I've been considerin'."

"Get summa that," Quyn urged. "It'll do ya good."

"You too," Vael replied.

"I got mine," Quyn smiled and gestured.

A few yards ahead of them, Holis leaned against a lamppost. The dim lantern cast a golden glow around him and Vael could see the faint gleam of his goggles.

"Vael," Quyn stopped and faced him, "go back to your boy when you're done. Don't let him wake with ya gone. And don't hide from him. Tell him everything. Got me?"

"I got you."

***

It didn't take long for Betsy to saunter over to his table with a seductive sway in those generous hips.

This time, Vael didn't resist and let her see the heat he was feeling.

It didn't matter to Betsy that she wasn't the one Vael wanted. She would give him what he needed.

She offered him a hand and without a word he took it, following her through the cafe to the stairs at the very back.

She released his hand to go through a ring of keys and he stepped close behind her.

Lords, she was small, the top of her head just brushing his chin. He slipped his hands around her waist and palmed those tits.

"Mmm... eager?" Betsy murmured, twisting just enough to press her pillowy ass against him.

"Needin'," Vael whispered, leaning down to breathe her in. She smelled of woodsmoke and fresh bread. "I hear tell you can help with that."

"I can indeed," she giggled, unlocking the door, and stepping inside.

He followed her, keeping his hands on her. He moved her far enough into the room to let the door close behind him, then gave those warm tits a squeeze.

"You've been teasin' me with these for days," he accused.

"I never tease, milord," she chortled, arching her back to press her nipples into his palms.

"Good to know. I presume you got things handled?"

"I know my business, milord, never you mind. Come through here, now."

Somehow the minx slipped his grasp and flitted across the room. He stalked her, slipping his coat off, watching her light softly scented candles. The soft glow suffused the room with warmth, giving her pale skin a gentle radiance.

She led him through a beaded curtain into another dimly lit room where he stripped out of his shirt. He was glad to see a bed draped with brightly colored linens. Vael leaned to his right and then shifted to catch her when she dodged to the left, wrapping an arm around her waist. He pulled Betsy close and lifted her up.

With a smile, she snugged her legs around him, locking her ankles at the small of his back. With single-minded intent, Vael carried her to the bed and knelt, laying her down. He pushed her skirts up, squeezing and kneading her thighs until he reached her hips.

"I got no chill, right now," he warned her.

"I get you," she breathed. "Bring it."

He tore his gloves off with his teeth, pausing when he saw short, sharp claws instead of nails. A shimmer of fear sliced through him until Betsy reached up and took his hand.

"Never you mind," she murmured. "It's just the need on ya, is all. Lemme ease ya, now." She pulled his hand toward her and took his index finger into her mouth, sucking and licking it.

"Shit," he whispered, watching her tongue work over and around his finger before her lips clamped on it and sucked. "I need that mouth on my dick."

She reached for his belt and had it open in short order. Moments later, her small, hand was gliding down his length and he shuddered.

"Now," he rasped. "Suck me now."

She leaned forward, tracing that talented tongue around the throbbing head then popped him into her mouth. He groaned when her tongue ran around the rim and his breath caught when she bobbed down, taking him halfway before backing off and starting again.

Vael blindly reached for her breasts, finding them unbound. He squeezed and molded them in his hands. "Put me there," he whispered. "Let me ride these tits."

After a slight adjustment, Vael clasped Betsy's soft flesh around his aching rod while she licked and sucked on the leaking head. He watched her, eyes narrowed, thrusting steadily, pleasure rolling through him.

"Comin'," he groaned, thrusting faster. "Comin' now!"

Betsy moaned and pulled back, letting him coat her tits and face with his seed. He shuddered, eyes closed as relief and calm settled upon him.

"Lords," he whispered. "Thank you."

Betsy giggled when he let go of her tits and sank beside her on the bed.

"Better?"

"Yeah sure," he smiled at her.

"Looks like you're not quite done, milord." She reached over and traced a finger down his still-hard shaft.

His smile turned lazy. "That could be."

Betsy laughed, rising from the bed to shed her gown. Vael propped himself up reclining on a few pillows and took a long look.

Betsy had curves on curves, and Vael felt the pulse of need building. Her nipples were large and dark, pebbled into miniature peaks. Her skin glistened with his seed, and he could see bruises where he gripped her, but she didn't seem bothered by any of it.

Her thick thighs and round hips cradled her soft belly. At her center a neatly trimmed patch of light brown curls guarded her mound, making his mouth water.

"Bring me that snatch, lass."

"Gonna fuck me with them boots on?" she pouted playfully.

"I don't fuck with my feet, lass," he said drily, fisting the base of his fully erect cock. "Bag me and mount up."

***

For the first time in his life, Vael was completely naked in the shower.

It was an oddly relaxing, yet invigorating experience. The skinsuit was so thin, that it was literally another layer of skin, but the beat of hot water against his bare flesh was unlike anything he ever experienced before.

After hours of Betsy's enthusiastic attentions, he was no longer simmering with desire. Zayn was still asleep in his bed when Vael entered his room and stripped, tossing his skinsuit into the basket the Steader placed in his room for laundry.

"Dammit, I slept in my clothes again. Vael?"

"I'm here," he called out from the bathroom.

Yawning, Zayn stumbled in and went to the toilet. Vael smiled, hearing him relieving himself.

"You're up early," Zayn grumbled drowsily. "The sun's not even out."

"I don't need much sleep," Vael told him, peeking out of the shower to see Zayn tucking himself into his pants and flushing the toilet. "Did you rest well?"

"Mmhm." He moved to the sink and started washing his hands. "You want breakfast right now?"

"Nah, not yet. Thought we could laze a bit since you're starting your renovations later today, and I gotta go to Quorum with Quyn and Holis."

"Oh? Is that normal?"

"It is now," Vael stepped away from the cooling shower and turned it off. "Pop wants to train me up for Boss."

Cold water on bare skin was not nearly as nice as hot, Vael noted. Wouldn't be doing that again.

"Is that good?"

"Yeah sure," he pushed the curtain back and stepped out. "Kestryl's been Bossed by our bloodline since the start, and I am the last of my line, at least for the moment."

Vael looked up from wrapping a towel around his hips and found Zayn's riveted stare fixed on his water-slick body. A slow smile lifted his lips and all the calm he felt after his romp with Betsy disappeared.

Dammit, he was getting hard again, and from the look of things, so was Zayn.

"Lords," Zayn croaked, frozen except for those wide eyes, "you're beautiful."

"Zayn," he breathed, "you can't say things like that to me."

He blinked, finally looking him in the eyes. "Why...why not?"

"I already want you, fierce," Vael admitted. "I can't resist when you call to me like that."

"Stars," Zayn sounded like he was having trouble breathing. He lifted a hand and placed it on Vael's bare chest, pressing into the rock-hard muscle. "You're fuckin' gorgeous."

Vael swallowed, rapidly losing every ozim of his considerable willpower to Zayn's simple touch.

"If you keep touchin' me," he said, "I'm gonna touch ya back, and I don't think you're ready for that."

Zayn blinked again and removed his hand with reluctance. "I'm sorry," he whispered.

"Don't be, please," Vael whispered back. "I want you to touch me, just...I want you to be sure you're ready for what happens when you do."

Zayn nodded and turned away, taking a deep breath. "Why are you naked, anyway?'

"I took your advice," Vael watched him move very stiffly into the bedroom. "And my skinsuit needs cleanin'."

"Oh, I'll take care of that," he offered, stepping over to the basket.

"I'd rather do it," Vael stopped him. "I mean, it...I was wearing it when I was out, gettin' some relief."

Zayn frowned at him. "Relief from what? Are you ill?"

Vael laughed, stepping over to the chair to grab a spare skinsuit from his pack. He dropped the towel and Zayn turned away so fast he might have sprung something.

"Relief from wantin' you, my pretty." Vael quickly put on the suit, unable to help teasing.

That bright red blush was so sweet. He wondered if Zayn's cheeks were as hot as they looked.

"Between you and Sweet Lady Tidbit, I was in dire straits. I had to take the edge off elsewhere."

"Oh," the quiet response was tinged with wonder. "You...you want Selene, too?"

"Roamers are needy as goats," Vael admitted, stepping into his pants. "And pleasure is one of the things that helps ease the dog. I was gettin' antsy, so I went out to deal with it."

"I...would that be allowed?" Zayn asked, peeking over his shoulder as Vael pulled his shirt down. "You and me...and Selene?"

"There's very little that ain't allowed when it comes to Roamers findin' ways to ease the dog, I'll say." Vael sat down to put on his soft shoes. "And remember, I already got one on my crew that's 'locked sisters. I'm sure he's not the only one."

"Huh," Zayn seemed at a loss. He picked up the laundry basket. "So, you...want me...and Selene...together?"

Vael swallowed as need surged in him, momentarily blurring his vision. "Lords," he whispered. "That would be sublime. But," he shook his head, "I doubt either of you is quite ready for that with me." He focused on his gloves, fastening his gun holster, his knife... His hands only shook slightly.

"What about me and Selene?"

"That's you and her," Vael stood to face him. "I reckon it'll come to a head, and you'll have her the way you want her sooner than late. And I," he smiled, letting his gaze rove Zayn's sleep-rumpled form, "I'll have you and her, or you then her, or her then you," Vael licked his lips. "Whatever you prefer. If you want me."

Zayn took a deep breath, those bright green eyes shining at him. "Oh." He blinked, then frowned. "But if you wanted me, why did you leave?"

Vael sat down on the bed. "My pretty," he murmured, "look at me. Look at my eyes," he tugged the gloves off. "Look." He held up his hands.

Zayn looked and saw what Vael already knew.

His nails weren't quite reverted back from claws. His dark eyes were shining golden, not as bright, or as bold as Quyn's but enough to know Vael's dog was not as dormant as it was a week ago.

"What's happening to you?"

There was more than a hint of fear there, Vael was disheartened to see. He couldn't hide from him, though. Even without Quyn's advice, his heart wouldn't let him.

"Strong feelings, emotional or physical, bring out the dog," Vael explained softly. "I'm eased, yeah sure, but I still want you, yeah, and Selene, too. I'm nowhere near ready to reap the Blight, but I wouldn't be gentle with either of you at this point.

"I need to work on this," he held his claws up, "and you need to learn to not fear me. Both of you," he finished with a sigh.

"Okay," Zayn nodded once, then again. "Okay," he smiled. "I'll get these in the laundry, and if you want to lie back down, for a little while, I'd like that, too."

Vael smiled back at him and stretched across the bed. "Yeah sure."

***

Vael was still smiling when Zayn crawled onto the bed on his belly and propped himself up on his elbows. He changed out of his wrinkled clothes into light linen pants and a loose long-sleeved shirt.

He wore a shy smile, and those soft lips were glistening after he licked them.

"You think I'm pretty?" Zayn asked softly.

"I do," Vael confirmed. "Pretty as a posey in the Blight."

Zayn ducked his head, the curtain of his hair swinging down to shield his face. Vael used the tip of one claw to gently pull it back, marveling at how thick and silky it felt.

"Don't hide from me, please," he whispered. "I need to see you."

Oh, the shine in those bright eyes. It made Vael's heart sing.

"I've never heard of a male being pretty," Zayn said quietly, that blush creeping down his neck.

"I've known more'n a few," Vael said, "and no less a man than me or you."

"Are you...courting me?"

Vael's smile was as gentle as his touch. "Yeah, sure if you want me to. Do you want me to?"

Zayn clasped his hands, teeth worrying his bottom lip.

Lords, Vael silently groaned. He was going to die with a full-mast boner any minute now.

"I do, yes," Zayn finally replied, sounding breathless.

"You sure?"

He nodded and laughed. "I am, yes. I just...I don't know about Selene."

Vael rolled onto his back, keeping his head turned toward the Steader. "I can present my suit to Madam Smallness myself, never you mind. I only tease her 'cuz she so damn cute, same as you, just with blonde hair, blue eyes, and curves."

"You like her curves?"

"Don't you?" Vael challenged.

"I do," Zayn sighed, eyes growing distant.

"She is so lovely," Vael murmured. "Little women with endless curves," he sighed. "I'm a sucker for 'em, and Selene had me the minute she snapped at me for callin' her small, all fiery and righteous. Those lips," Vael shook his head.

"And those eyes," they sighed together.

Vael smiled when Zayn laughed. "Well, we agree there."

"Yeah sure, and I reckon she's feelin' the same for you."

"How could you know that?"

He shrugged. "Call it a notion. Out on the trails sometimes we get what we call the itch. It's like we know we're comin' up on dogs, long before we get to 'em. Sometimes we can even smell 'em five, ten clicks out.

"It's like that," he finished, "but Selene smells so much better than mad dogs."

"What does she smell like?"

"Sweet things," Vael answered. "Ripe peaches and raw honey, with vanilla."

Zayn looked at him in wonder. "Can you smell me?"

"Yeah sure. You smell spicy and woody. Cinnamon and fresh ginger, with cedar. Right now, and in the bathroom earlier, you smelt sharp, like all your scents were burnin'."

Zayn swallowed, and Vael watched his Adam's apple bob with sudden fascination. "Do you know what that means?"

Vael lifted his eyes to Zayn's with a slow smile. "It means you want me," he whispered.

"Oh."

Vael laughed. "It's very satisfying," he murmured, "to know you burn for me as much as I do for you."

Zayn cleared his throat. "I haven't...done anything serious. With anyone. Except...Selene."

Vael nodded. "You've done more than kiss her."

He nodded, rolling his lips over his teeth. "And it was...so good. So wicked."

"Good," Vael chuckled. "If it ain't wicked, what's the point? You might as well rub yourself off."

Zayn frowned. "Is that...bad? To rub yourself?"

"Never," Vael laughed hard. "I mean if you're not lettin' go and enjoyin' sex, then doin' that is your only option."

"Oh, good," Zayn laughed. "Cuz, I've done that a few times since I met you," he confessed, face flaming red.

"Have you?" Vael purred, tracing a finger down his cheek. Yes, his face was warm from the blush.

How sweet.