Page 33 of Bluebeard’s Key

Zayan instantly suspected that Charlie, sometime during that dance, had also played matchmaker, setting up this perfect entree into a night of continued romance. He vacillated for only a moment, but Tom’s grin swept all reservations away. Tom had given him an irresistible invitation, and he was ready to take it.

“Help me with this stupid tie,” Tom said, shedding his coat the second they got to his room. “It’s been strangling me all night.”

“Come here, cutie,” Zayan said, making quick work of the fancy knot he had tied himself just hours before. He tossed it on the bed, but he didn’t stop there. He unbuttoned the top button of Tom’s frilly shirt and was rewarded by a sigh of relief. Clearly, adorable chemists and formal dress did not mix. Zayan continued, unbuttoning far more buttons than were strictly necessary, slipping his hand in, feeling the smooth curves of Tom’s chest, sneaking further to brush over one of his nipples. He hadn’t seen Tom naked since that first afternoon, back in the real world, in the steam room. Maybe that would change tonight.

“You can take it all off, if you like. The vest and shirt, I mean,” Tom offered, so he got to work. Tom was slightly taller, exactly how he liked it, and he exulted in the difference. As he unfastened buttons, Tom took his chin and tipped it up for another kiss. He didn’t quite know where Tom’s confidence was coming from, but it was welcome. But could he do this? His thoughts were a maelstrom, yearning for the physical connection and the friendship they seemed to be building, but blocked by his betrayal of Tom’s trust. He felt wretched, torn by conflicting thoughts, so he put it aside for the moment, and focused on buttons, and the slow reveal of Tom’s tight, pale skin, and Tom’s open smile.

When his fellow apprentice was bare-chested before him, he reached up to start on his own tie, but Tom said, “Not quite yet.” Tom toed off his shoes and balanced, pulling off his socks, and said, “These pants are awfully tight.”

As Zayan fussed with clips and zippers, Tom said, “I’ve been dreaming of this all evening. Ever since we arrived…no, even before. When I saw you naked at Elixir. You’re a spectacular man, and if you don’t mind, I’d like to let you have your way with me tonight.”

Zayan felt a surge of pure lust sizzle through his core. He wanted this so very much. At this moment, standing naked before him, Tom was entirely at his command, completely exposed while he himself retained the power that comes with being clothed. It was deliciously exciting, and Tom was already responding, hardening and lengthening and inviting. It was all he could do not to drop to his knees and continue their dance of bodies and hands and lips. But he couldn’t do it.

It must have shown in his eyes because Tom asked, “What is it? Did I read the signs wrong? I thought you wanted this, but I’m terrible at reading emotions in other people. Am I pushing too quickly?”

Zayan snorted, miserable and conflicted. He ran his hands over Tom’s chest, not quite pushing him away, and heard his mouth saying, “No, that’s not it. Not at all. We need to talk.” All by itself, the intention appeared in his mind, and he made his decision. He was going to come clean.

Looking worried, Tom said, “Of course. Anything. Would you like me to put on some clothes? At least some underwear?”

“No, don’t. You’re gorgeous just the way you are, and I’m loving this whole naked/clothed dynamic. But there are a few, um, complications we need to discuss.”

He guided Tom gently to the bed, laying him out in naked splendor on the brocade bedspread, and sat on the edge next to him, running his hands over the firm landscape of Tom’s stomach and chest, wondering where to start. Maybe simply say it.

“Bluebeard hired me to seduce you.”

Tom smiled his big, open smile and gestured down to his naked body, saying, “Seems to me you’ve been successful, so mission accomplished.”

Was it as easy as that? Tom was such an innocent, so maybe he didn’t understand the full meaning of his words. Zayan continued, “No, really. I don’t know what it is, but Bluebeard has something up his sleeve, something about you, and he made it clear I was part of it. That first night at the interview, right after you left, he told me straight out I needed to get you to fall for me.”

He then added quietly, only fully realizing it at that moment, “But somehow, I fell for you instead.”

“Come here, handsome prince,” Tom said, opening his arms wide and pulling him in. This wasn’t going at all like he expected, not that he had any plan at all. He took a deep breath, letting the guilt consume him.

After a few tender moments, held tightly, Tom released him and directed, “Now, take a swig off that bottle and tell me the whole story.”

He did as told, feeling the wine loosen his tongue, and handed the bottle to Tom. He steeled himself and said, “There’s not too much more to tell. Bluebeard told me early on that part of my job was to seduce you, to make you fall for me, and that I should be ready when some plan of his comes to fruition. But you’re so goddamn sweet. And sexy. And I’m amazed you’re taking this all so well.”

Tom’s face showed nothing but affection. No anger. No recrimination. Just a mild curiosity as he tried to understand. He said, “I didn’t suspect any of this, but I can’t say I’m surprised. Bluebeard seems to live and breathe intrigue, so I should have known there was something brewing behind all the money he’s been throwing at us.”

“I thought this would be more difficult.” Confused and off-balance, Zayan added, “I don’t understand why you’re not furious with me.”

“Well, it means a lot that you came to me, on the night when your seduction is finally coming to fruition, and told me about it first. I admire your integrity.”

Once again, Zayan wondered if he deserved this wonderful, trusting man.

Tom continued, “And I don’t think you’re here simply to be my plaything, as nice as that sounds. Bluebeard has been working you hard with your alchemical training, so there’s something going on with that too. Judging from the way he rides you, it must be an important part of his machinations, too.”

“You may be right, if I ever show any talent for it.”

“Nonsense. You’re a clever chemist. You’ll figure it out, whatever it is. But now that we’ve talked about this, we’ll have to watch more carefully. Do you think we’re in any danger now?”

“I don’t think so. He told me he needs an assistant, and that’s why I’m here. Maybe he’s worried about keeping you here too, since you’re the hotshot chemist. Your sexy compounds are going to be worth a fortune, and he wouldn’t want them to fall into the hands of the competition.”

“Well, that makes me feel important. Imagine it! Rival spas fighting for my attention! I like that. Whatever it is, let’s keep our eyes open. You watch my back and I’ll watch yours.”

“I can do that.”

They sat in silence for a moment, and Zayan watched as Tom’s worried face smoothed out into his flirty face. He wanted this man so much, every part of him, and it was written there on Tom’s face, as clear as day—Tom wanted him right back. Tom confirmed it, putting it into words, saying, “Thanks for sharing this with me. It’s a surprise, but it doesn’t change anything about the way I feel about you. I like you, Zayan. I like you a lot, and I’m far past ready to see what you’ve been promising with those sweet kisses.”