Ángel plucked his A-string, let the note resonate in the room. He said slowly, “People will think I’m a pervert. I mean, a lot of people already think I’m a pervert. My mom thinks I’m disgusting. I guess, part of me doesn’t mind confirming their low opinion of me. But part of me does.”

Oberon played his own A-string. “I understand that if the world knew, it would be a scandal. The fact that we are both male would be a problem for some people. And in many states, including this one, it is illegal for humans to have sex with nonhumans. The publicity might be extremely unpleasant. Of course, the world does not know.”

“No,” agreed Ángel, who was unaccountably blushing. “I just . . . I don’t actually care what Chandler and the security team think, not really. They must be so damn bored out there, a little deviant nonhuman sex will be good for them. I just— Marissa—”

“Do you truly think Marissa will judge you so harshly?”

“I hope not,” he said, disconsolately.

“Do you think you are disgusting?”

Ouch. “Oberon, I don’t think you’re disgusting.”

In a very gentle tone, Oberon said, “I don’t think you’re disgusting, either.”

“And it doesn’t mean I want to stop,” added Ángel.

“Ah,” said Oberon, voice brightening. “That is what I was waiting to hear you say.”

Chapter 23

That night, Ángel surfed the internet in bed, naked, waiting for Oberon to come to him. Eventually his eyes grew heavy, and he tossed the tablet to the carpet, wrapped himself in the peacock duvet, and fell asleep.

He woke up smiling, feeling hands on his body, fingers running over his scalp and neck. “Oberon,” he said, eyes still closed, recognizing the stinging, singing magic of the fae’s touch.

“You are so very sweet,” murmured Oberon in his ear. He was kneeling beside Ángel’s body, sliding his hands all over him. The deep purring growl of his voice resonated through Ángel. Drowsy and half-asleep, his body tingled with arousal as Oberon kissed his neck, his shoulders. “So sweet.”

“I was waiting for you,” mumbled Ángel, allowing himself to be rolled over onto his stomach. “Where were you?”

“Thinking about you.” Oberon massaged his ass, and licked hot kisses down his spine.

“Me too. I wanted you all day,” said Ángel into his pillow. His dick was hard, balls tight; he ached with want. Oberon’s mouth reached his tailbone and sucked there, right above the cleft of his ass. Ángel whimpered, hot pleasure sparking through his veins. He spread his legs and Oberon headed south. The tip of his tongue swirled around Ángel’s hole, and Ángel’s body jerked. “Oh yeah,” he moaned. “Love that.”

Oberon made a muffled hum and his tongue flicked around Ángel’s opening. His touch was so light it tickled, and Ángel began to giggle. “I was afraid my mouth was too dirty for you.”