Page 25 of Celestial Bodies

Dacias fell into the green pools of Arlo’s eyes. He wanted to say so much more. He wanted to tell Arlo how much he thought about him, but now wasn’t the time—not on a first date.

Arlo sounded breathless as he spoke. “Well, either way, I’m glad you found me.”

Another pause emerged, but it wasn’t awkward. It was the silence between two people as their attraction intensified. The magnetic pull strengthened, drawing them closer and closer until Arlo broke it. He coughed, and his voice trembled as he spoke. His hand rubbing the back of his neck. “Tell me about Rugiria. I’ve always wanted to know more about it.”

Dacias looked at those pink lips. Arlo’s angular features caught the glowing crystals. He could sit here and stare at this boy until the sun rose, but the image of his lean body swaying beneath the lights of the dance court entered his mind. “I’ll tell you about Rugiria, but only if you agree to dance with me again.”

Arlo’s mouth dropped open, and then themost dazzling smile crossed his face. “Deal.”

???

Dacias bit his lower lip as the silky fabric of Arlo’s shirt slipped off one shoulder. The soft glow of the stones illuminated him, creating a striking contrast between his light skin and dark curls, which swept about his face as he moved.

Arlo looked euphoric as he swayed to the music, moving like a flame caught in a gentle breeze.

He twirled into Dacias and wrapped his arms around Dacias’s neck, drawing him closer—the sensation of Arlo’s silky skin sent shivers coursing through Dacias’s body.

Dacias’s heart pounded against his chest, and he couldn’t help but wrap his arms around Arlo’s slender frame, feeling the perfect delicate curves. Arlo’s back led down to an ass that made Dacias want to get on his knees and take a bite out of it. Everything about that moment—the music, the warmth of their bodies, and Arlo’s intoxicating presence—made the air between them crackle.

The music slowed, and Arlo rested his head against Dacias’s chest. Dacias brushed his fingers along Arlo’s curls, wishing he could put him over his shoulder, smack his cute little ass, and carry him back to Rugiria.

The music stopped, and a bell rang, indicating that the dance court would close soon.

Arlo looked up at Dacias. “I guess we need to leave.”

Dacias couldn’t speak for a moment. He lowered his head and inhaled Arlo’s fresh, woody scent, laced with a sweetness like pine sap, savoring this moment of closeness.

He sighed, knowing they’d have to part soon. “I’ll walk you back to the tunnel.”

Cupidor glowed as they walked to Lapistra’s tunnel. The festivity was in full effect as patrons frolicked around them, trying to get one last drink before things started shutting down for the evening. They strode side-by-side amidst the frenzy.

Dacias reflected on the night. They’d talked for hours. He chatted away about his life, and Arlo pounced on every tidbit of information he could get about Rugiria. HebeggedDacias to tell him his animal form, but Daciaswanted that to be a surprise. Instead, he discussed his family, the Fighting Forces, and same-sex relations in Rugiria.

Dacias couldn’t remember a date when he wasn’t the one asking all the questions. He felt selfish chatting on and on, but Arlo would end one question with another.

Arlo was vague about his own story, but he had a genuine interest in Dacias’s life, and Dacias couldn’t ignore how it made his heart swell.It’s nice not to do all the work for a change.

Dacias thought about Arlo in Rugiria. He wanted to show him his home. Could he sneak him in?

The tunnel entrance grew closer, and Dacias’s stomach bloomed. He had yearned for Arlo’s lips all night and desperately wanted to kiss him, to rip that damned scarf off Arlo’s head and see the look in his eyes just before the kiss, then rub his fingers through the soft curls while planting little kisses down his neck.

They stopped at the entrance, and Arlo turned to face him.

Dacias could see the panic in his eyes as he shifted restlessly from one foot to another. Their gazes locked for a moment before Arlo quickly looked away, a flicker of uncertainty flashing across his face. He fidgeted with his shirt, his fingers tugging at the fabric while his chest rose and fell.

Why is he so nervous?It had been such a lovely evening. Had Dacias come on too strong?

Then it clicked.Lapistra.Dacias knew it was a backward territory. Arlo might be a virgin.Wait!Arlo probably never evenkisseda man before!

Dacias felt like a fool. He had underestimated how dangerous this could be for Arlo—another reason he had the headband! Yet here he was, sneaking away from a family function to see Dacias. It dawned on him how much courage it took for Arlo to meet him tonight.

This needed to be taken slow, and if this was going to be Arlo’s first kiss—or at least his first with a man—Dacias wouldn’t let it happen in a dingy tunnel. It had to be perfect; he knew exactly where to make that happen.All right, no kiss tonight.That would have to wait.

“I had a wonderful time, Arlo. Can I see you again?”

Arlo’s eyes widened. He looked elated, then schooled his features and spoke in a low voice. “Yes. I’d love that.”

“Tell me when. Whenever it’s best for you.”

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