Page 38 of Gratification in Gluttony

“I like you too, remember?”

And gods, how Toni smiled. “Of course. I’m very likable.”

Toni heard the smile in Jude’s voice as he said, “That you are. And maybe… maybe we could be friends that kiss.”

“I like that idea,” Toni agreed immediately. “I like it very much.”

“I can’t offer more than that right now—”

“I know. But I can work with that.”

“I’m gonna hang up before I say or do more stupid things.”

“You know, I ain’t the smartest guy. If you’re gonna do stupid things, just do me.”

Jude burst into laughter, and Toni grinned like an idiot, leaning his head against the wall. “Go home and get some sleep, okay?”

“Okay. I very much look forward to being friends that kiss.”

“I don’t think you’re gonna remember this in the morning.”

“Baby, I don’t think it’s possible for me to forget.”

“Sure,” Jude scoffed. “Though you might be embarrassed by some of the things you told me. Hopefully no one’s listening in.”

“Nah, I’m alone in here.”

A throat cleared behind Toni, making him scream—a very manly scream, of course—as someone hesitantly said, “Actually, we’re here too.”

Spinning around, Toni gawked at the half-dressed couple currently entwined in the corner of the room. “Oh my gods, how long have you been there?”

“The whole time,” the cute Nyko said, his tail flicking anxiously.

“We didn’t want to interrupt,” the older Bovyn said, offering Toni a tentative smile. “Your confession was very sweet.”

“Toni? Are you okay?” Jude squawked from the phone speaker.

“I’m fine. The room wasn’t empty,” he said to Jude, before addressing the two guys he’d barged in on. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to interrupt your lovemaking.”

The Nyko grinned mischievously. “Oh, that’s okay. I like being watched. It’s why Daddy left the door open.”

The Bovyn smiled dotingly at his partner and ruffled the fur between his ears. “You’re such a good boy.”

“Oh. Well, in that case, I’m very happy for you both,” Toni said as he motioned toward the door. “As for me, I’m gonna go now.”

“I hope you get to kiss your friend,” the Nyko chirped brightly.

“Just keep being open about your feelings,” the Bovyn advised.

“I will do that. Thank you for the advice and well wishes, kinky strangers.” Giving them his back, he brought the phone up to his ear and said, “I gotta go. I walked in on an exhibitionist couple and unknowingly became a voyeur. I think I need to sit down and reevaluate my life choices.”

“Okay, just text me when you get home so I know you’re safe?” Jude said, and his concern made Toni’s fins flutter.

“I can do that.”

“Good. Try to stay out of trouble.”

“Hey, I’m a very good boy. I don’t get into trouble. Trouble gets into me.” Toni cringed. “That sounded better in my head.”

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