"That's what I hear." He glanced over at his clothes and debated if he had enough energy to put them on.
"Stay."
Lian turned his head to examine Nevair who met his inquiring gaze. "Are you sure?"
Nevair nodded. "It's not exactly like our relationship is a big secret. I came after you in my dragon form. I'm pretty sure the gossip around town will be all about us for the next few days."
"Hmm, hiding here does sound like a good idea," Lian agreed. "I don't want to face my boss anyway."
"Yeah, I've heard Bourne is a bit of an ass."
"He doesn't like dragons."
Nevair nodded as if the news wasn't unknown to him. "Bourne knows some powerful people who keep that information from the kings. I keep meaning to talk to them about it but none of our schedules ever coordinate. I've sent a few letters, but I have a feeling all communication is watched."
"Huh, sounds more like a conspiracy than a simple case of the wrong man in the wrong job."
Nevair nodded. "I've long thought there was something suspicious about Bourne. Be careful, and don't let him take advantage of you. If he knows you're my mate, he'll either take it easier on you because he thinks you'll get him special treatment, or make your life twice as hard to prove he doesn't care."
"I'll keep that in mind," Lian said, absorbing the information.
Sliding out of bed, Nevair retreated behind a door Lian hadn't noticed. Someone had painted the wood to match the color of the stone surrounding it. When Nevair returned he had a soft, damp washcloth where he carefully wiped Lian down.
"I could get used to this kind of service," he remarked.
"And I could get used to doing it for you." The hot expression in Nevair's eyes caused Lian's deflated cock try to valiantly rise.
Nevair smiled. "I think it likes me."
"I know it does. I'll be happy to show you how much later," Lian promised.
"Good. Nap now. Personal exhibition and food later," Nevair opened his arms for Lian to come closer.
"Deal." Lian snuggled up to Nevair. Soon the travel and events of the day caught up to him. He tumbled into sleep.
Chapter Four
In the early morning hours, Lian stumbled into the medic building and headed towards his room looking for a quick shower and change of clothes. His body ached and he'd relearned how bendy his joints could be. Nevair might be a newbie in the man-on-man lovemaking department but he sure caught on quickly.
His lover had wanted Lian to stay and shower there, but Lian knew if his clothes came off one more time, he wouldn't be leaving Nevair's very nice bed. He couldn't make a good impression if he ditched his first day at work. He didn't particularly care about Bourne's opinion, but the people he would be helping needed to know they could rely on Lian. Especially if it turned out he was indeed Nevair's mate and would be sticking around. He shuddered to think of a prolonged time of working under Bourne.
El stood outside Lian's door, his arms crossed and his hair rumpled.
"What are you doing here?" Lian stared at his friend in astonishment. El looked like he hadn't slept all night.
"I was worried about you. Nevair is one of the most powerful men on the planet. I didn't have your number to call and when I went to the cathedral they refused to tell me anything."
"You came to the cathedral?" Lian opened his door and beckoned El in.
El ran his fingers through his hair. "Of course. I didn't know if he'd gone feral or what! I felt bad for abandoning you. I'm not dragonkin, so it's not like I can shift and protect you or anything. Those dragon claws would cut right through me."
Lian patted El on the back, guilt rushing through him. "I had no idea you were so worried. We just met."
"It doesn't mean I want you to be dragon fodder. Dragons scare the crap out of me."
Lian snatched his hand back. "What are you talking about? Why are you on a dragon world if you don't like dragons?" The inhabitants of this planet made absolutely no sense to Lian.
"It's not that I don't like dragons, I'm not Bourne. I'm only afraid of the people when they're actually a dragon. And to answer your question, I was born here. Neither of my parents are dragonkin, but we can trace our ancestors back six hundred years. I'm not going to abandon my heritage because I'm a little freaked by large reptiles. Most of the time they stay in human form and I don't go near the training grounds."
