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“No, you aren’t.”

“Yes, I am.”

“I locked the door for a reason. That reason is you leaving me alone.”

“Hell no. Watch me, baby.”

“What?” Ryneth jerked his head. He had locked the door, but Daven sounded far too smug. Surely the other man couldn’t⁠—

He watched in horror as the lock clicked and the door opened.

Daven stood in the threshold, hands in his pockets, amber eyes flaring.

“What the hell?” was all Ryneth could think to say. “I said leave me alone.”

Daven shook his head. “Couldn’t.”

“Why the fuck not?”

“Because you’re sad.”

“Stay the fuck away from me. No—” Ryneth lifted a wet hand when Daven walked inside, kicking the door shut with his boot. “I don’t want you here.”

“Why are you crying?” Daven tilted his head.

“I’m not,” Ryneth hissed, dragging a furious hand over his face.

“Yes, you are.” Daven lifted his shirt over his head, exposing his inked chest and throat.

Ryneth backed deeper into the bath. “You’re not coming in here. I told you, I want you to leave me alone.”

Daven didn’t answer, just kept on undressing. His boots. His pants. His underwear.

Ryneth stared at Daven’s erection. At the way the tip kissed his bellybutton.

“I was flicking through your notes.” Daven set one foot inside the bath and groaned. “Hmm, nice and hot. Just how I like it.”

“Daven, you’re not coming in the bath with me. And what notes are you talking about?”

“Yes, I am. Apparently.” Daven plopped down inside the bath, sloshing water over the edges. He smiled at Ryneth. “Notes from the Academy.”

Ryneth pinched his nose and tried to create more distance between them. His sadness had left him in a vulnerable state. One he didn’t want to share with the rest of the world. Not even with this man who apparently lived inside him now and drove him up the walls.

One whose face visited him during his dreams.

“You drew a flower.” Daven leaned back with a low groan, exposing his long neck and smooth skin.

Ryneth stared. He couldn’t help it. He wanted to lean in and lick the droplets away, nip at the delicate flesh and mark this obnoxious man as his.

Again. And again. And again.

The thought shocked him.

One of Daven’s ember eyes slid open. “What? Got nothing to say to that?”

“So I drew a flower. What do you care?”

Daven chuckled. “Beautiful.” His eyes slid closed. “You know, you’re being very snappy, but I can feel your arousal from here, baby. Your defiance. Hmm… delicious. But tell me⁠—”