“What I said yesterday—it’s not...” he began, but the words wouldn’t come. In truth, he had no desire to reject Adathan again.
But what other choice did he have?
William wished things could be simple for once in his stupid life. But no. He had to break Adathan’s heart again.
If only he were selfish.
Then he wouldn’t have to pretend he didn’t crave the comfort Adathan brought—or that his actions yesterday hadn’t been motivated by jealousy.
William had gotten attached far too quickly. But he couldn’t help it. He had this void inside him he hadn’t realized was there a week ago—one Adathan’s presence filled with an unfamiliar sense of purpose. And it felt good. So good.
But it wasn’t fair to Adathan. No one should bear the full responsibility of a person’s happiness.
William swallowed around the lump in his throat. “I don’t own you, Adathan. You’re not mine. I have no right to decide who you can or cannot spend time with. If you enjoy Kyle’s company, then—”
“I enjoy yours more,” Adathan whispered.
A sheepish smile grew on William’s lips. “I enjoy your company, too.”
“I’m sorry I misinterpreted your desires.”
William clicked his tongue. “If I wasn’t so emotionally constipated, you wouldn’t have to interpret shit. But this is beside the point. I’m not your master. You don’t have to guess what I want, and even if you guess right—evenif I ask you for something directly—you’re not required to please me.”
Adathan’s expression didn’t budge—or, at least, not from what William could see. Before William could stop himself, he brushed his fingers across Adathan’s forehead, tucking his hair behind his ear. To see his face better.
But Adathan’s features were still unreadable.
“Tell me what you’re thinking,” William said softly. “Be honest.”
Adathan’s lips stayed unmoving. He held William’s gaze in silence, his eyes shining with that mischievous spark William had already grown so fond of.
William couldn’t decide whether to be amused or annoyed.
Amusement won.
“I see you’re already putting it into practice,” he said with a smile.
Adathan grinned. “I’m a quick learner.”
“Yeah. You are.” William rested his hand on Adathan’s wrist. “You’re impressive.”
Adathan moved a bit closer, no longer on the verge of falling off. “You think so?”
William slipped his hand underneath Adathan’s loose sleeve, his fingers journeying up his forearm. He traced the barcode he knew was there, making a mental note to have it removed as soon as he could afford the procedure.
“It’s more difficult than I thought,” Adathan said in a subdued voice, his eyes brimming with vulnerability.
“Hmm? What is?” William asked, caressing Adathan’s forearm. He noticed Adathan’s toes wiggling out of the corner of his eye, but uncertainty remained etched across his beautifulface. Still, William relished the sight. Adathan’s conflicting emotions were undeniable proof he was human.
“Being a person,” Adathan said.
William huffed a dry laugh. “Yeah. It is. Sorry. Didn’t mean to laugh. It’s just—yeah. It’s hard.”
Adathan shifted closer. “You find it difficult too?”
William gave a half-smile. “Yeah. Pretty sure it’s hard for everyone.”
“Really?”
