The rest of the day passed in a blur, but Annette welcomed the distraction of sightseeing. Her throat tightened every time Connor had to slow down, getting agitated when either she or Balthazar asked if he wanted to go back to the villa. He was pushing himself too hard after all he’d been through, but in a restaurant, when Connor had turned green and excused himself, Balthazar pulled her aside, explaining to her Connor needed to do this. To prove to himself he could still enjoy his life.

She followed Balthazar’s lead, because she was terrified to make things harder for Connor. And it was fucked up because she knew people would think she stuck around to prove his mental challenges hadn’t changed how she felt about him.

But they had.

They made her wonder if she was half as strong as Balthazar, because he didn’t miss a step. He noticed things Connor did that neither of them had before. When Connor forgot his wallet, then made an excuse that he had to go to the bathroom so he could go find it. When Connor saw a huge blown glass sculpture he wanted to buy for Danica, which cost over a thousand dollars, that Balthazar talked him out of.

Not knowing what she did, Annette might have laughed and called him crazy, but just thinking the word made her wince. How many careless things had she said or done, unaware of how they impacted him? Hell, that night with Joanna…had he participated on impulse? Did he regret it now?

All right, she kinda regretted it now, after what Joanna had done, but still.

They visited the St. Mark’s Clock Tower, then the Basilica. Took a gondola along the Grand Canal, covered with a blanket, her sitting between Connor and Balthazar’s thighs, staring up at the stars. They wandered around, stopping at a random shop where Balthazar whipped a scarf off a mannequin and wrapped it around Connor’s neck, while grinning at her.

It had to be the ugliest thing in the world. Red and grey, with a weird pattern.

“Is this what you had in mind?” The lines around Balthazar’s eyes creased as she wrinkled her nose at him. “This is me, compromising.”

“I like it when you compromise.” She picked up a dark blue cashmere scarf and motioned for him to bend down so she could drape it over his shoulders. “This would be perfect for you.”

His brow furrowed, but he stroked the scarf, smiling a little. “Damn, this feels nice. But I thought you wanted one for him?”

“I’m spoiling you both.” She turned to Connor, who had a smug grin on his lips. “What?”

“Nothing.” He held still as she removed the monstrosity from around his neck and returned it to the rack, bowing his head as she tried a silver and white scarf on him that went well with his jacket. “I didn’t expect today to go so well after…everything. I’m sorry it has to end.”

“But it won’t. We’re heading to Rome after the concert tomorrow. Then we’ll be in France for almost a week. We’re just getting started.” She adjusted the scarf like she’d seen in magazines. Damn, both men looked fucking good. They already had, but Balthazar’s azure eyes practically glowed in contrast to the blue in his scarf.

And the silver in Connor’s scarf deepened the shade of his big, blue-green eyes. They were warm and open and lit up something inside her, like a campfire on a cold night, making her want to curl up in the warmth and never leave. She smiled as she reached up to touch his cheek.

“I love it when you look at me like that.” He put his hand over hers. “Come back with us tonight. To the villa.”

“Connor, I—”

“Please do.” Balthazar laid a scarf around her neck, a dark red with a beautiful black pattern. Thick silk, slick against her throat, so beautiful she didn’t even want to know how much it cost. She couldn’t have it.

But he spread it over her shoulders, his lips curving softly when he was done.

“I can’t.” She fingered the scarf, afraid to admit how much she liked it. What was he doing?

“I’ll accept your gift if you’ll accept mine.” Balthazar tipped her chin up with a finger. “As for staying tonight, I’m simply being practical.”

“You’re probably tired.”

“I am.”

“And making the extra trip doesn’t make much sense.”

“I agree.”

She considered her last visit to the rental where Winter’s Wrath was staying and sighed. “I want to, but if the others see me there—”

“They won’t say a word.” Balthazar’s tone took on that hard edge she found sexy as hell. She shivered as he gave her a hooded look. “They wouldn’t dare.”

* * *

Balthazar wasn’t sure what had come over him. The scarf cost more than anything he’d ever bought that wasn’t an appliance. But he didn’t regret the purchase. Even if Annette and her band went their own way after the tour, he’d never forget that moment when she’d stood close, gazing up at him with those big green eyes, wearing the fiery length of silk that made him think of her the second he’d spotted it.

The woman wasn’t his type. She was too wild, too unpredictable, rejecting any kind of conformity. She dug in her heels when she should compromise and wanted to compromise when there was no room to negotiate. She couldn’t follow orders and he wasn’t looking forward to being in charge of her schedule and restricting her freedom. The new bodyguard, Josh, would have suited her. He was as easygoing as his cousin.

‘Easygoing’ and Balthazar didn’t belong in the same sentence and he knew it. He and Annette made as much sense as a torch in a snowstorm.

But she made Connor happy. The guitarist was falling for her hard and fast and Balthazar was past wondering why. As different as they were, Balthazar wasn’t blind to all there was about her to love. She was fiercely protective. Had a sharp mind and an amazing sense of humor. She didn’t hesitate to admit when she was wrong. And the passion she showed in everything she did was downright addictive.

He’d drawn a line in the sand with Connor and she’d managed to sweep it away. Which Balthazar had hated at first, but her reaction to Connor’s breakdown made him reevaluate the choices he’d decided should be made.

Connor could have all that dedication, all that passion in his life when he needed it most.

Who knew how long a relationship between the two would last? The rest of the tour? A few months after they tried managing long distance and the lifestyle drew them apart? They might be lucky and beat the odds, but that wasn’t likely.

Was he willing to wait?

Even though Balthazar had seen plenty of perfectly functional poly relationships, he’d never imagined himself in one. The idea of sharing didn’t fit with what he wanted. Then again, he’d never seen himself with a man like Connor.

He’d said he’d be willing to let Connor go, but he’d been lying to himself. Pulling up in front of the villa, he parked the SUV, then looked into the rearview mirror, smiling at the sight of both Annette and Connor, fast asleep. He wished he could keep them here with him, away from all the bullshit they’d have to deal with tomorrow, and the day after that, and forever.

Fuck, you’re getting sentimental in your old age, Bornstein.

A tap at the window jolted him from his thoughts. He schooled his features when he saw it was Josh. The man who would have been watching Connor today if Skull hadn’t intervened.

Fuck, Balthazar loved his brother. Jesse hadn’t stood a chance when Skull had told him, under no circumstances, would his juggling the security assignments take precedent over Connor’s wellbeing. Apparently, the security team would ‘discuss’ Jesse’s proposal tomorrow.

Opening the door quietly, Balthazar got out and inclined his head to Josh. “How’s everyone doing?”

“Things are quiet. I think Quinton is spending the night.” Josh glanced back at the house and grinned. “Tate’s been picking apart his performance all night, going over YouTube clips of the last two concerts like a video coach picking apart a defenseman’s shifts on the ice.”

“With your brother’s performance this season, I’m sure you’ve heard a lot about that.” Balthazar chuckled when Josh punched his arm. Hockey was one of Balthazar’s favorite sports, and he caught a game whenever possible. He’d seen Dominik Mason play a lot over the years, and he was a solid defenseman, but like the rest of his team, his performance this season was lackluster.

“He’s got a family and he’s close to retirement. But I think he’s gonna bring the team to the cup at least once before he hangs up his skates.” Josh’s eyes shone with brotherly pride. Then he shook his head and laughed. “Back to our jobs, we’re good to settle in for the night. Once the alarm is set Jesse said to turn in. You’ve got the code?” He continued at Balthazar’s nod. “He wants us all fresh for tomorrow. XVI Hours will be here early and we’ll be escorting both bands to the venue.”

Balthazar’s lips thinned. “That should be entertaining.”

“You don’t know the half of it.” Josh looked at Annette, curled up on the backseat. “You got the sweet one. Quinton threw his beer in Brave’s face about an hour ago. They came to blows. The boy has no patience for our diva’s mouth.”

Calling Brave their ‘diva’ wasn’t exactly professional, but Josh had quickly picked up the habit from Balthazar and Skull. So long as he didn’t do it to the singer’s face, the security team’s inside joke would remain a way to keep themselves sane when Brave threw a fit. He’d been doing so less and less, but old habits died hard.

Still, Brave rarely went off without a trigger. Lately, he’d been on edge, but with Tate’s attack, that was somewhat understandable.

They had to figure out how to establish peace between the bands though, or this little project of Reese’s would end badly. He jutted his chin at Josh. “What did Quinton do?”

“Nothing, really. He was telling Tate a tour story. Their van had broken down while they were in Winnipeg, middle of winter. One of those things I guess happens sometimes when bands start out?” Josh glanced at Balthazar, who nodded. “Anyway, so Quinton couldn’t stand North—huge shocker—but he felt bad because North was pretty skinny. All five of them were snuggling together to keep warm while they waited for a tow. North was focused on Annette, but his fingertips were turning blue. So Quinton grabbed North’s hands and put them between his thighs.”

At what point did this story get funny? Balthazar’s brow furrowed. “That sounds practical.”

“Yes. But North has difficulties not making everything about sex.” Josh grinned. “So he’s hitting on Quinton, rubbing him, and Quinton is enjoying himself. Things start getting hot and heavy between all of them. Quinton decided to return the favor. He pulls North’s dick out…”

How much had the guys been drinking tonight? Balthazar found it hard to focus on the story. He was more concerned with dealing with a bunch of moody artists, hungover and hostile. Damn it.

“And the doors open.” Josh snorted, then covered his mouth, looking over to make sure he hadn’t woken Annette or Connor. He lowered his voice. “A bunch of nuns had stopped to make sure they were all right. Everyone else was covered by the blankets. But not North. He was moaning and didn’t notice them at first. He came just as one of them screamed.”

“Jesus.” All right, now Balthazar was interested. And uncomfortable. How messed up was it that he was both turned on and jealous? Annette seemed to have a platonic relationship with her bandmates now, but that clearly hadn’t always been the case.

He noticed Josh watching him curiously and cleared his throat. “Abject humiliation aside, what happened? Did the nuns ‘save them’?”

“They did. North spent the night talking to a priest. They were all gently coerced into confession the next day. But apparently the nuns make an amazing beef stew, so it wasn’t all bad.”

Balthazar laughed, imagining all of XVI Hours at a convent, trying to be on their best behavior. Annette was adaptable, so she’d probably done well. Kace would have the nuns convinced he was a saint, the kid was adorable. The others…they would have suffered a little. North most of all.

But what he really needed to know was how telling this story had led to a fight between Quinton and Brave. He folded his arms over his chest. “Brave must have had many nice things to say about all this.”

“Naturally.” Josh’s light tone sharpened as he scowled. “He asked why North is still fucking everything that moves when he has his whole band riding his dick.”

“I’m sure that went over well.”

“Of course. They were both very mature. There was yelling, Brave mentioned Annette, and Quinton punched him so hard he ended up landing on the coffee table and splitting it in two.”

“And there goes another security deposit.” Balthazar rubbed his temples, happy that he’d managed to keep Connor and Annette away from the chaos. Not that it would go away come morning, but at least they’d get a good night’s sleep. “They’ve been separated, I presume?”

“Yes. Tate and Quinton are in the basement. Malakai brought Brave up to their room. Shiori was already in there, so she missed the worst of it.”

“That’s good.” Balthazar couldn’t understand how that sweet young woman tolerated Brave’s outbursts. Then again, she knew much more than he did about Brave’s past. She’d developed a blind spot to his flaws. “And Alder?”

“He’s been working on new songs with Malakai, so he only came in after. He seemed a bit shaken, and immediately took Brave’s side, but Jesse kept him calm.” Josh rolled his shoulders and shoved his hands in his pockets. “I may not agree with Jesse’s stance on the situation between the bands—to be honest, he’s not giving XVI Hours the benefit of the doubt—but he put his own feelings aside and minimized the damage.”

Balthazar nodded. “And what’s your position? You heard about Annette’s involvement in the latest drama?”

“I did. And I’m sorry she got caught up in this mess.” Josh let out a bitter laugh. “I’ve lost all my ideas about how glamorous this lifestyle is. In the field, I could trust the man at my side. I’ve said shit to a new guy in the spur of the moment, knowing it wouldn’t go any further. I never had to worry he’d sell my story to the press. But they never know if friends, or even family, will share their secrets for a quick buck.”

“True. And I’m grateful you have that take, because she’s going to need some allies.”

“She has you. Me. Connor. Dariel has reserved judgment from what I’ve heard. Malakai is hard to read, but he’s reasonable.” Josh shrugged, reaching for the back door of the SUV. “This will pass, but in the meantime, she won’t be alone.”

The door opened before Josh could get to it. Connor stepped out, rubbing his eyes then blinking at Josh, a sleepy smile on his lips. “Hey, man. Everything good?”

Josh glanced at Balthazar, hesitated a moment, and inclined his head to Connor. “All good. I was just waiting for you all to get in so I could set the alarm.”

“Cool.” Connor put his hand on Balthazar’s arm as he leaned into the backseat. “Don’t wake her up, I’ll bring her in.”

Balthazar shook his head, easing Annette out and lifting her carefully. He held her close, resting her head on his chest as he straightened. Her breathing hadn’t even changed. She was a heavy sleeper. And felt good in his arms.

His lips slanted as Connor leaned against the side of the SUV. “You can hardly hold yourself up.”

“The meds usually have me sleepy for the first few days. I’m surprised I lasted as long as I did.” Connor pulled his bottom lip between his teeth. Cleared his throat. “But I wouldn’t have missed spending time with the two of you for anything.”

He’d been saying things like that a lot. Referring to Balthazar and Annette together with him as though testing Balthazar’s reaction.

And Balthazar had corrected him automatically again and again, making sure not to give Connor false hope.

This time, he simply smiled. “We’ll have other opportunities. Are you okay to get in by yourself?”

Connor made a face. “Well yes. My body is working just fine.”

“You sure? Because I could carry you.” Josh looked Connor over, his tone laced with amusement. “I’ve managed bigger men.”

Cocking his head, Connor eyed Josh, a playful smirk on his lips. “I’m not surprised.”

Balthazar ground his teeth, tempted to bring Annette inside, then come back to stake his claim on Connor in a way that wasn’t the least bit rational. He wasn’t a fucking caveman and he didn’t resort to violence unless there was no alternative.

But he was happy Annette was in his arms because if she wasn’t, he might have punched Josh. Or grabbed Connor and shaken him. Asked him why he’d flirt with the new bodyguard when he already had Balthazar and Annette.

Instead, he strode up the steps, cursing under his breath when he realized he couldn’t open the door without putting Annette down. Quick steps coming to his side stopped him from having to wake her.

Opening the door, Connor met his eyes. He frowned as he got out of the way. “Are you mad?”

“We’ll discuss this later.” Balthazar kept his voice low, though it was difficult. “Can you get the door to the basement as well?”

Nodding, Connor hurried ahead of him. The basement was set up almost like a separate apartment, with a small kitchen, a den, a fully equipped bathroom, and one closed bedroom at the back. Tate and Quinton had bedded down in the den, Tate on the leather sofa, his cast rested on his chest, his plush cat draped over his eyes. Quinton was curled up on the loveseat, snoring softly.

Crossing the grey carpeted floor silently, Balthazar made his way into the bedroom. Connor pulled down the sheets and Balthazar lay Annette on the bed, stepping back to let Connor tuck her in. The king-sized bed would accommodate both Annette and Connor comfortably. Balthazar should go and let Connor get some sleep.

He wasn’t sure why he lingered. For some reason, he felt cold and empty now that Annette wasn’t in his arms. Disconnected with Connor after that little exchange with Josh. Taking off to sleep on the bus without resolving the matter didn’t sit well with him, but Connor was in a good mood. Why ruin it?

“Have a good night, Connor. I’ll see you in the—”

“Wait.” Connor spoke softly, heading over to the door to shut it. He leaned back, arms folded over his chest. “You said we’d discuss what pissed you off.”

“I’m not pissed.” Balthazar kept his expression relaxed. “We can talk tomorrow.”

“We can talk now.”

“We’ll wake Annette.” Balthazar’s lips quirked at Connor’s stubborn look. “Are you going to try to keep me here?”

“I’m not letting you leave. And don’t use Annette as an excuse. She can sleep through a heavy metal concert. Us talking isn’t gonna bother her.” Connor’s brow furrowed when Balthazar shook his head. “Please tell me. I fuck up sometimes and when I don’t know what I did I obsess and I can’t sleep. I know me being a mess isn’t your problem, but—”

“Your mind works differently, that doesn’t mean you’re a mess.” Balthazar sighed and moved to relax against the wall beside Connor, mirroring his stance. “I’d never noticed how casually you flirt. It caught me off guard to see you teasing Josh.”

“Josh…” Connor appeared to be thinking hard, likely back to what had happened not even fifteen moments prior, and coming up blank. “Did I say something inappropriate?”

“Not really.” The more he thought about it, the more Balthazar wondered if he was dwelling on a non-issue. They hadn’t reached the stage in their relationship where they’d discuss boundaries. Connor’s were much different than his. “This is the type of thing we can negotiate over time. Don’t worry about it. And so we’re clear, I wouldn’t say that if I didn’t mean it.”

“Good, but… Balthazar, I need you to be specific. I suck at guessing what the problem is. And this was a problem.” Connor swallowed and tipped his head back. “Now I’ll be wondering if I smile at people the wrong way. Or if it’s my tone. Or I’m standing too close.”

“He offered to carry you. Said he’d managed bigger men.” Balthazar studied Connor’s face, smiling a little when Connor nodded, his eyes filling with understanding.

“I had a feeling he was gay. He could probably…” Connor licked his bottom lip, looking guilty. “Oh. Yeah, he was hitting on me, wasn’t he? And I made it sound like I was interested.” He put his hand over his face and groaned. “I’ve gotten in some fucked up situations because of that. I’m trying to be friendly, and next thing I know I’m in bed with someone I’m not really into.”

Balthazar’s brow rose. “I may be willing to consider you being with Annette, but I have my limits.”

Connor grinned abruptly. “I fucking knew it!”

“Hush, she’s sleeping.”

“You like her, you want to—”

Covering Connor’s mouth with his hand, Balthazar struggled not to laugh at his sing-song tone. He rested his weight against Connor’s body, pinning him to the door and speaking low in his ear. “Next time you sing that song, I am going to gag you. Understood?”

Eyes drifting shut, Connor shuddered. Nodded.

The man held still as though waiting, and Balthazar forgot why he’d planned to leave. Shoving Connor’s jacket off his shoulders, he let it fall to the floor, Connor’s shirt joining it seconds later. He curved his hand under Connor’s jaw, claiming his lips in a slow kiss, silencing Connor’s moan by taking him deeper. Dipping in with his tongue, he tasted a hint of chocolate from one of the many treats Connor had indulged in today.

Hard length pressed against Balthazar’s thigh, Connor shifted restlessly, but Balthazar held him in place, catching Connor’s wrist in a firm grip when Connor reached for him. The restraint had Connor gasping against his lips.

Balthazar smiled, moving his hand from Connor’s jaw. “How quiet do you think you can be for me?”

“Very.” Connor’s eyes widened as Balthazar undid his belt. “Are you going to punish me?”

“Not this time.” Balthazar positioned Connor’s wrists together in front of him, wrapping the belt around them, tucking the end into one of the loops. “And I won’t share you with anyone until you belong to me. That hasn’t been established yet.”

The way Connor’s breaths sped up and his eyes dilated told Balthazar he’d been right about the man. Submission would come easily for him, but Balthazar couldn’t treat him like any other sub. If things worked out like he hoped they would, the structure of a power exchange could give Connor the security he needed, but expectations, all rewards, and punishments would have to be tailored from day to day.

A challenge, but one Balthazar would enjoy. Exploring the lifestyle with Connor wouldn’t make his condition better. Nothing would. But there would be benefits if Connor showed an interest in delving in deeper.

For now, he’d get a small sample of what Balthazar had to offer. They’d danced around the subject for what seemed like a long time. Only a week in reality, but life moved fast in this business. They spent more time together than many partners would in a month.

Still, Balthazar would carefully set the pace according to how Connor reacted to each step. This was only the first of many.

“I assume you’ve heard of a safeword?”

Connor’s lips parted. Red stained the curve of his cheeks. He inclined his head.

“Good.” Balthazar tipped Connor’s chin up with a finger. “You will not have one. Not until I am sure I can read your body language and trust you to use it. I expect you to tell me plainly when you’re overwhelmed. If anything hurts too much, if you’re frightened or uncomfortable, you will say so. Understood?”

“Hurts too much?” Connor wet his bottom lip with his tongue. “Are you planning to hurt me?”

He’d pressed his palm against the front of his jeans and Balthazar’s lips curved. He put his hand over Connor’s, increasing the pressure on his dick. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”

“Fuck… I think so.” Connor’s hips shifted forward. “I think I’d enjoy anything you’d do to me.”

“Unlikely, but I’m looking forward to testing that theory.” Balthazar lifted Connor’s hand away from his crotch and undid his pants. He freed Connor’s dick, taking a moment to stroke the smooth length and run his thumb around the hard head which was hot to the touch. “Other than Annette, who’s touched you recently?”

“Annette didn’t…” Connor thrust forward into Balthazar’s hand. “I haven’t even gotten myself off. Shit’s been crazy busy.”

A rough sound escaped Balthazar’s throat as he leaned against Connor, kissing him hard, his hand moving faster. He knew Connor had been with many men and women over the years, more than he cared to count, but knowing he’d be in control of the pleasure Connor had been denied for even this long felt like a shift in the right direction.

“I’ll let her have you.” The words came easier than he’d expected, but he finally had some control. Enough to lay the groundwork for how things could work between the three of them. “On my terms.”

“Totally okay with that.” Connor tipped his head back against the door. “God, that feels good.”

Balthazar chuckled, fully aware that he could get Connor to agree to almost anything right now. “We’ll discuss this again when you’re not desperate to come.”

And with that, Balthazar released him.

“Shit, that was evil. Please…” Connor opened his eyes when Balthazar stopped him from using his hands to find his own release. “Please tell me you’re not done with me.”

“Not even close.” Balthazar curved his hand under Connor’s elbow to steady him. “But I want you on your knees.”

Connor inhaled roughly, licking his lips as he lowered, kneeling in front of Balthazar and gazing up at him, his eyes hooded. “I thought you’d never ask.”

“I didn’t.” Balthazar lowered his zipper, taking hold of his painfully hard erection and brushing the tip against Connor’s lips. He raked the fingers of his other hand into Connor’s thick hair. “Relax your mouth and let me in. I need to see how much of me you can take.”

Smirking, Connor flicked his tongue over the head of Balthazar’s dick. “I think you’ll be impressed.”

“We shall see.” Balthazar guided himself into Connor’s mouth, tightening his grip on his hair when he sensed Connor had wrapped his hands around his own dick. He settled himself almost at the back of Connor’s throat, pleased when he didn’t gag, even though Balthazar’s girth forced him to stretch his jaw considerably. The man had skills that would be useful, but no discipline. They’d have to work on that. “Hands up against your chest. You’ll come when I allow it, not before.”

Blinking up at him, Connor gave a little nod and did as he was told.

Balthazar stroked his hair. “You’re doing very well, Broadway.” He curved his hand around the back of Connor’s head, guiding his motions. He wasn’t in a rush to fuck Connor’s mouth and come. He wanted to feel Connor around him. Test how much he could take, and for how long.

If he could, he’d prolong this for hours. Not simply using Connor’s mouth, but stripping him down, touching and tasting every inch of him, bringing him to the edge over and over until he was begging for release.

They wouldn’t have that kind of time in the near future, but Balthazar would improvise. He let Connor take a few deep breaths, then continued with long thrusts until his balls tightened and every slip of his dick over Connor’s tongue became exquisite torture.

He withdrew, drawing in a rough breath and brushing his knuckles over Connor’s cheek when he stared up, confused.

“You’re right.” Balthazar tucked himself back in his pants, then crouched down in front of Connor. An uncomfortable position while he was still hard, but denying himself kept him focused on his boy. He stroked Connor’s bottom lip with his thumb. “I’m impressed.”

“But then…” Connor closed his lips around Balthazar’s thumb, sucking lightly. “Why did you stop?”

“Because I’ll be too relaxed to finish with you if I come.” Balthazar latched on to Connor’s bound wrist, then curved his arm around Connor’s back, jerking Connor’s hips forward and lowering Connor to the ground beneath him. He flattened his hands on either side of Connor’s shoulders, bending down to kiss him. “Remember what I said about being quiet?”

Connor nodded, hissing through his teeth as Balthazar slid his lips down his chest.

“Good. Because I believe it’s time to see how well you follow orders.”

* * *

Connor shivered, his heart beating faster every time Balthazar’s lips touched his bare skin. He found a spot on Connor’s pecs, close to his nipple that was so sensitive Connor’s hips jerked at nothing more than a soft breath passing over the area.

He paused, flicking his tongue there, grinning when Connor pressed his clasped fist to his lips to stifle a curse.

Then he moved on to Connor’s nipples and fuck, his teeth grazing over the tight nubs sent a shockwave straight down to Connor’s cock. Connor’s back bowed and he bit into his tongue. No one had ever spent this much time on him. Most of his lovers hardly kissed him before shoving him down to his knees.

Not that he minded, he loved sucking cock. Or burying his face between a woman’s thighs and fucking her with his tongue until she screamed.

But Balthazar took his time, studying Connor’s body, his reactions, as though every inch of him held a secret he needed to learn. Secrets even Connor couldn’t tell him.

Being this man’s focus was heady. There was no holding back, no reason to. Balthazar was careful and attentive and damn good at what he did. As he rubbed his rough chin between Connor’s ribs, Connor shifted and Balthazar’s hands settled firmly on his hips to hold him still. The extra restraint had Connor’s dick straining up and leaking precum.

Balthazar moved down even farther, cupping Connor’s balls in his hand and wrapping his fingers around the base of Connor’s cock. “I won’t have you hold back this time. One day, you’ll come on command. Enjoy your freedom while it lasts.”

How the hell did the man make giving up his freedom sound so sexy? Connor bit into his knuckles as Balthazar’s mouth covered him. Holding back to prove he could was tempting, but Balthazar didn’t let him.

He licked along Connor’s dick, spit trailing from his lips as he brought his fist up, then down, nice and slick. Then his mouth and his hand were moving over Connor, the pressure never easing up. When Balthazar’s finger slid down, stimulating the sensitive flesh of his taint, Connor bucked his hips, coming completely undone. His stomach muscles tensed as the roar of sensations combined, flaring along his nerves like they were surrounded by gasoline lit up with a blowtorch.

His breaths came in shallow gasps, as though he’d been running, and he groaned as Balthazar swallowed around him. His muscles went slack and he melted into the floor, not sure he’d ever move again.

But he had to. Balthazar hadn’t gotten off. He’d wanted Connor to first, which was evil, come to think of it.

“I’ll be with you in a minute.” Connor let his head fall to the side as Balthazar stretched out next to him, wiping the edge of his mouth in a way that would have made Connor hard again if the life hadn’t literally been sucked out of him. “That was mean.”

Balthazar’s brow arched. “Mean?”

“Yes. I could sleep, right here.”

“You will sleep. In the bed.” Balthazar reached out, cupping Connor’s cheek before brushing a soft kiss over his lips. “I won’t be far. There are no empty beds in the house, so I’ll be on the bus with Skull. But my phone will be on if you need anything. Don’t hesitate to call.”

Call? Connor frowned, finding the energy to sit up, his heart racing again, but this time, not from pleasure. “You’re leaving?”

“Not just yet. I will spend the night with you soon, Connor.” Balthazar’s tone was too calm. Too reasonable. “Try not to get upset. We have to be practical.”

“I am upset. I haven’t given you anything. And you won’t be here. I know how it feels to get someone off, then be alone. And it fucking sucks.” Connor looked over at the bed. “There’s room. Annette’s tiny. You don’t have to go.”

“Connor, look at me.” Balthazar rose to his knees and raked his fingers through Connor’s hair. His firm hold soothed the tension building up in Connor’s chest. Balthazar pressed their foreheads together. “I wanted to end the night with you completely spent. Ready to pass out. This wasn’t an exchange of favors.”

“Stay.” Connor fisted his hand in Balthazar’s shirt. How was the man still dressed? “What we have is different. I want it to be. Everyone else leaves. I need you to stay.”

Balthazar looked uncertain for a moment. He eyed the bed for so long, Connor figured he must be calculating the measurements.

But he finally nodded, standing and holding out his hand to help Connor to his feet. “I was worried you wouldn’t be able to express your needs, but that doesn’t seem to be a problem.”

“It isn’t.” Connor adjusted his boxers and kicked off his pants, smiling when Balthazar did the same. Then he considered Balthazar’s words and his smiled faded. “I mean, it isn’t tonight.”

“Tonight is all that matters.” Balthazar led him to the bed, moving to the far end, leaving him to take the middle. They both climbed in carefully, and Connor bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing when Balthazar bodily adjusted him on his side, curled against Annette, his back to Balthazar’s solid chest. He closed his eyes as Balthazar whispered in his ear. “You better not snore.”