Page 40 of Measure of the Stars

Wes nodded.“That’s a start.What else?”

“You’re asking me to compliment myself,” Delauney said miserably.Wes raised his brows and took a step back, one foot hovering near another mark.“Don’t you dare!”

Wes lifted his boot.

“I designed a more accurate spectroscope,” Delauney said quickly.Wes took a measured step away from the mark.“I’ve isolated an element of the sun.I’mreasonablycertain that I can isolate more.”

“That’s better,” Wes said.“Next box, please.”

Delauney stepped into the second box.“You aren’t actually numbering the times you’ll get me off, are you?”

“Now,” Wes said, ignoring Delauney’s question entirely.“What benefit can you bring to the Aviary?”

“Spirits, Wesley, how am I supposed to know that when I haven’t even started studying there, yet?”Delauney asked.

Wes gently smudged out another mark.“Hmm.”

“Now, don’t you think you can hold yourself to that,” Delauney said, wagging a finger at Wes.“You’re more of an incorrigible slut than I am.”

Wes smudged a third mark out of existence.

“Damn you, fine.I can...do things.Contribute to their research, I don’t know.”

“That doesn’t sound very convincing to me,” Wes said, edging closer to another mark on the floor.

“You’reevil,” Delauney snapped.Wes laughed.“I’d like to confirm the elements that make up the sun using their observatory, and possibly help refine their equipment to better understand the fabric of the fucking universe, so put your footdown!”

“So orgasmsdomotivate you,” Wes said.

“Of course they do!”Despite his irritation, Delauney smiled.“How many do you think I’ll giveyouafter this display?”

“As many as I like,” Wes said primly, “because you’re a people-pleaser.”

“Oh, you wait,” Delauney said, even though he knew it was true.

At least the next boxes didn’t involve Delauney having to sing his own praises.They followed a simple structure laying out his recent findings, how he discovered them, and the foundational knowledge it took to even make the inquiries in the first place.The conclusion was simply a repetition of the first two boxes, which Delauney felt was excessive.

“You don’t need to know everything before you get there,” Wes said.“You just need to show the confidence of someone who understands the value of the work.Very good job, by the by.You still have twenty-three orgasms left.”

“And would any be forthcoming after having to compliment myself all morning?”Delauney asked, trying not to whine.

Wes laughed.“I might be convinced to be generous.”

They made love on an old stone balcony, the salt breeze in Delauney’s hair as he kissed Wes against the railing.They took their time, lazing in the midmorning heat as Delauney kissed every inch of Wes’ warm brown skin.Wes came twice before Delauney spilled over his palm, his face pressed into Wes’ shoulder.

He’d almost forgotten his promise to Ned, too wrapped up in Wes to notice the sun crossing its zenith.In the end, it was Wes who roused him, gathering up their things and setting off toward the town.

“I can leave you two to talk tonight,” Wes said, navigating the uneven steps down the slope.“You can always return to me afterward.”

Delauney finally remembered to be anxious, his mind sluggish in the wake of Wes’ touch.Ned always seemed so pleased to know that as a second son, Delauney had avoided the responsibilities of a noble heir.The last thing he wanted was to face Ned’s disappointment—or worse, his disbelief that Delauney could study in Gerakia at all.

Delauney’s reticence only grew as they neared the inn where the officers were staying.Wes must have caught him picking at his nails, because he pulled Delauney into a narrow alley before they reached the inn, his tone as practical and straightforward as ever.

“If he loves you, he’ll accept it,” Wes said.“You aren’t telling him that you’re acriminal,Delauney.You’re telling him about something you love.”He turned Delauney back toward the inn and smacked him lightly on the ass.“Go on.”

Delauney cast a yearning look over his shoulder toward Wes, but Wes gestured for him to keep going.He sighed, feeling a little foolish, and crept into the inn.

Ned was already waiting for him at the bar, but he had a mug of tea in his hands instead of his usual ale.He smiled sheepishly at Delauney as he sat down.