“Sebastian?” Rory leaned back on his elbows, eyebrows still up. “After you chewed me out in that pub for thinking he had eyes for you?”

“I didn’t say I was proud of myself.”

Rory grinned. There were inches between them. His skin ached with the need to touch Arthur, but he waited, not forcing any contact because he’d meant it when he said he’d wait, that he only wanted as much as Arthur was comfortable giving. He’d wait forever, if that’s how long Arthur needed. “You never gotta be jealous, don’t you know that? I’m yours.”

Arthur dipped his head and brought their lips together.

Rory groaned loud enough that the sound probably escaped the open window. His arms ached to wrap around Arthur, but he held himself still, letting him take the lead.

Arthur kissed him, lightly at first, just lips against lips. “I’m in control,” he whispered, as if reassuring himself. “Only me.”

Then he leaned in closer, deepening the kiss and slipping his tongue into Rory’s mouth.

Rory lost his balance then, tumbling on to his back. Arthur chased him down to the bed, their mouths never leaving each other. Arthur’s leg came between Rory’s as he lowered himself on top of him. Rory fought his body’s arch, his arms coming off the bed for a moment before he forced them back down.

Arthur smiled against his mouth. “You want to touch me.”

Rory’s hands flexed uselessly at his sides. “So bad.”

“That’s a shame,” Arthur said, kissing his neck, “because I’m afraid you’re just supposed to lie there.”

Rory groaned again, thudding his head against the pillow. “Are you kidding me?”

“It was your great idea.” Arthur kissed his neck again, stubble electrifying his skin just as his leg ground down.

Pleasure raced through Rory and he couldn’t stop himself from arching up. “I have the worst ideas. Who lets me come up with the ideas?”

Arthur’s hand pulled down the neck of the loose white shirt Rory still wore, revealing collarbones and the hollow of his throat for more kisses. “I enjoy your ideas,” he said raggedly, his voice barely a whisper, and Rory could hear the truth in it. “But is it working for you?”

Arthur was handling him with so much care, soft kisses and purposeful touches that set Rory’s skin on fire. He moved his hands up, tucking them under the pillow to stop himself from pulling Arthur closer. “Yeah,” he said shakily. “But anything will work for me. Just a hug, if that’s all you’re comfortable with. Understand? I’m not pressuring you. You’re back in control.”

“I’m trying to believe that.” Arthur kissed under his jaw as he popped two more buttons open on Rory’s shirt. And then he pressed his lips over Rory’s heart. “Thank you for saving my life.”