Page 38 of Celestial Bodies

Dacias bit his lower lip, desire consuming him. “Follow me. I have another spot I want to show you.”

Arlo released a precious little noise of excitement. “Rugiria again?”

“Not this time. We’re sticking to Cupidor.”

He led Arlo down the cobblestone path past the bars and dance courts and toward the border where the city center met the forest.

Dacias reached for Arlo’s hand as they trotted along a narrow path in the forest. “It’s just down this trail. Let me know if you have trouble. I can always carry you on my back.”

Arlo chuckled. “I like this new habit of you carrying me around. Let’s keep it.”

Dacias laughed and said in a grand drawl, “Certainly, Your Majesty.”

Arlo looked up at him. Dacias winked and continued leading him along.

The path led to a series of larger boulders. Dacias held Arlo’s hand as they navigated the stones with delicate balance.

They passed the last few boulders, finally reaching a clearing where a pristine glen unveiled itself.

The gentle hum of the cascading waterfall harmonized with the rustling leaves as sunlight filtered through the canopy of trees, painting dappled patterns on the emerald-green moss that draped over the rocks surroundingthe water. A vibrant rainbow stretched along the waterfall’s base, casting its magical glow over the scene.

Dacias inhaled the sight before him. “Ah, here we are.”

He turned back to Arlo, and the look on his face nearly brought tears to Dacias’s eyes. There was so much wonder in his expression. His hands rose to either side of his face before sliding to cover his gaping mouth.

“Dacias! This is…” Arlo had to take a breath before continuing. “…oh my goodness! I’ve never seen anything more beautiful. It’s like a dream.”

A warm feeling washed over Dacias as his heart picked up speed. He wanted so badly to impress Arlo. He couldn’t hide his elation. “This is one of my favorite spots. I was hoping you’d like it.”

Arlo’s face slowly morphed into something else—something beautiful and heartbreaking. For a moment, Dacias thought Arlo might cry. His expression showed so much appreciation, and his eyes were red. Dacias wanted to see this look on Arlo’s face forever.

Arlo approached him and wrapped his arms around Dacias’s neck. His eyes twinkled from the sun’s reflection off the glen. “It’s truly magnificent. Thank you for bringing me here,” Arlo said.

“There’s something else.” Dacias motioned toward the far end of the bank, where a basket sat next to a bottle. “I brought us a little spread.”

Arlo’s eyes widened again as he gasped. “Dacias!This is so sweet!”

Dacias threaded his fingers through Arlo’s and led him to the basket. He pulled out a small blanket and spread it over the ground with a flourish. Dacias knew he was laying it on thick but couldn’t help it. He peered up at Arlo, who seemed entranced by it all.Good work so far, ol’ boy.

He opened the bottle and handed it to Arlo. “Ididforget glasses, so…not all of my plan is going off without a hitch.” He motioned for Arlo to sit.

Arlo sat next to Dacias, reached for the bottle, and smirked. “I’ll overlook itthistime.” He laughed a bit then, with hooded eyelids, said, “You know I’m being facetious. This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me, Dacias. You’re…” Arlo’s voice trailed off, and his eyes turned toward the blanket. Blush coated his cheeks as he looked back up at Dacias and whispered, “…you’re very special.”

A salvo of cannons erupted in Dacias.

Arlo handed him the bottle, and Dacias took a swig. “Well, now I really hate that I forgot those damn glasses because I’d be toasting us right now.”

A devilish smirk stretched across Arlo’s face as he leaned in and kissed Dacias. “We both have intoxin on our lips. Close enough to a toast, right?”

Dacias’s body became hot as he inhaled Arlo’s sweet, woody scent. He held his breath to capture Arlo’s aura and let it fill him fully. He wanted more.

The kiss settled, and Dacias whispered, “Arlo.”

Arlo’s lips caught him again, and the kiss became ravenous, both grasping to pull each other closer. Dacias kissed along his neck, then opened Arlo’s black tunic to worship that pale skin dotted with freckles.

As much as he wanted to take Arlo right here, on the blanket, he had an even better place in store—one with a bit more privacy.

Dacias pulled back and couldn’t help but silently chuckle at Arlo’s yearning face and a slight trace of disappointment that the kissing stopped. Dacias knew what he was doing, though. “Let’s go swimming.”

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