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“All the more reason for me to help you and Renn. A king who’s insulated in his own world will only worsen public opinion.”
“I know. I think about it all the time, even though my father’s in good health. Accidents happen, and I know through Simon that my father has Edgar watched very closely.”
“You think your brother would try to kill him to get to the throne sooner?”
“I think he’s capable. I’ve heard rumors, but palace gossip needs to be taken with a whole teaspoon of salt. Some people like to stir things up. They even make things up because they’re bored or resentful. Yet I know some of it may be true. If one of my brothers was going to harm the king, it would be Edgar. He’s crueler and more ruthless than Jothen.”
“Was he cruel to you?”
The protective tone in Dash’s voice sent a little tingle up Christopher’s spine, though he tried to ignore it. “He’s cruel to everyone. With me the worst he ever did was call me names or put me down.”
“He’d best learn some manners, then. I won’t tolerate anyone treating you that way.”
Christopher fought the smile that wanted to curve his lips up. The last thing he needed was Dash knowing he liked that hint of protectiveness. “I can take care of myself.”
“I know you can, but I’d like to take care of you. If you’ll let me.” Dash rose and knelt by Christopher’s chair. “When I think about the future, I do more than picture us in bed. I imagine doing everything with you, and yes, taking care of you. You taking care of me, too.”
“You are pretty old. I’ll be playing nursemaid in just a few years,” Christopher said, putting on his best serious face.
Dash arched one eyebrow. “Pretty old, huh? I’ve worn you out more than once, as I recall.”
Christopher recalled those times as well. He’d wanted to keep the mood lighter, but they kept getting serious. He wished Dash weren’t so close—it made it so hard for him to think. “Maybe a time or two.”
Dash sat back on his heels. “Does it bother you? Me being older?”
“Not really. How old are you?”
“Thirty-five.”
Christopher eyed him. “I was thinking more like thirty. That is a big gap, but if anything, it makes me feel intimidated.”
Dash took both of his hands. “I don’t ever want you feeling that way. If I’m overbearing or too protective or bossy, say something. I’ll try not to be.”
“I don’t mind so much. You actually listen to me, unlike most men your age.”
“What you say matters. What you think and do matters. I want you to know that. I have more experience, but we’ve also lived very different lives. I can teach you things, but I’m sure I have things to learn from you too.”
Christopher laughed. “You are nothing like my Edgar or Jothen.”
“Thank heavens for that. They sound awful, and I certainly don’t want you seeing me as a brother figure. Or anything close.”
“Don’t worry. There’s no chance of that.”
“If you need some space from Simon, you can stay here tonight. No pressure. I’ll sleep on the floor if you want me to.”
Christopher shook his head. “I wouldn’t kick you out of your bed. If I stay here, Simon will make assumptions.”
“We’ve already slept together. Many times.”
Christopher chewed on his lower lip. “Simon and I are close, but I didn’t tell him that part. I told him about the time we spent together and how you said I was your mate. I didn’t go beyond that.”
“It is personal, but is there a reason you don’t want him knowing?”
“I don’t talk about that stuff with anyone but you.”
Dash tilted his head. “I know you were a virgin, but you weren’t inexperienced. Were you? Didn’t seem that way to me.”
“I was completely inexperienced, but you made up for it. Instinct definitely took over. I’d say it helped I was so pent up. Made me so eager some of my nervousness dissipated. I got a little worried when I saw how big you were, but you said you’d stop if it was too much. I believed you. Trusted you. Right away. It only hurt at first.” Christopher felt his face growing warmer. “You definitely knew what you were doing. The way you stretched me helped, and the way you stroked my cock.” He turned away, clearing his throat. “And like I said, it probably helped I was pretty pent up. After waiting so long and all. I’d always been more attracted to men and worried my parents would disapprove.”
