“I think you genuinely believe I could fall for this argument,” Wesley said. “If you actually understood how cold-hearted I am, you’d know it’s pointless to try to convince me to see the world in the rosy colors you paint everything in. But for all that softness, you’re really fucking stubborn. You’re not the only person who can handle things.”
Sebastian winced.
Wesley sat back in his chair, gaze on Sebastian. “And how long has it been since you haven’t dealt with everything alone?”
Sebastian dodged his eyes. “You and Jade and Zhang helped me get Mateo back.”
“So you have a singular example over the past, what? Three years?”
“Um. Maybe,” Sebastian admitted. He probably owed Wesley more of the truth. “And I’m not very good at guessing what non-magical people can handle, because I haven’t ever—you know. With someone without magic.”
Wesley blinked. “You haven’t fucked someone without magic?”
“No, of course I have, I meant—I’ve never had a girlfriend without magic.”
“You still don’t have a girlfriend without magic,” Wesley said wryly.
“Lord Fine,” Sebastian said pointedly. “I’m trying to tell you why I’m so bad at this. You’re not making it easy.”
“Of course I’m not making it easy. You have met me, haven’t you?” Wesley leaned forward. “Mr. de Leon,” he said, just as pointedly, “I’m trying to tell you that you’re not alone anymore. I’m actually frighteningly competent. Try relying on me.”
Sebastian looked across the table, at Wesley’s old-fashioned high collar and perfectly fitted tuxedo, because he wasn’t swayed by trends or other people’s opinions and wore what he liked. He was handsome, of course, but also steady and smart and refreshingly straightforward, and Sebastian had never felt as secure around someone as he did around Wesley.
He wanted to rely on him, to tell him everything. To say,I haven’t had a blood terror since I started sleeping with you. I think you’re keeping them away. And they’re more terrible than I ever admit and I don’t want to go back to sleeping alone.
But he hadn’t forgotten Wesley’s words from the ship.You realize I’ve always slept alone.And I’ve never indulged in anything as sentimental as cuddling.
Wesley didn’t like sharing his bed. Was Sebastian going to take advantage of his tolerance and guilt him into it?
“You’re really sweet,” he said instead.
“How dare you,” Wesley said, more amused than angry.
“I’m just saying things straight,” Sebastian said innocently.
“No, you’re being impertinent.” Wesley still sounded amused. “I never hear you talk this way to anyone else.”
Sebastian shrugged, smile still on his lips. “It’s easier to talk to you than anyone else,” he admitted.Everythingwas easier with Wesley.
Wesley tilted his head. “So I’m the only one who gets your cheek, then, is that what you’re saying?”
Sebastian shrugged again. “Lucky you,” he teased.
The corner of Wesley’s mouth had turned up in one of his own rare smiles. “Lucky me.”
Chapter Four
As they were finishing dinner, the host came by their table.
“Lord Fine?” he said. “I have a message from some friends of yours. They’re in the gentlemen’s smoking room and cordially request that you stop by.”
Wesley and Sebastian exchanged a look. “Finally,” said Wesley. “Although it won’t be Miss Robbins, I suppose, and Arthur won’t touch smokes of any kind.”
“Maybe it’s Zhang,” said Sebastian.
Someone was fetched to take them to the smoking room. Wesley peered into the dim space, looking for the welcome sight of Mr. Zhang.
But as the waiter led them on, his eyes fell on someone he knew, and he nearly groaned out loud.
