own brush with thepossibility his first night in town. Im glad youve neverbeen hurt that way, he murmured. And Im sorry for makinglight of your situation.Dylengestured dismissively. He poured them both more wine. They spent thenext few minutes in light conversation while finishing off theshellfish.Atlength, Riodan regarded Dylen curiously and asked, Do you everhave guests who change their minds and decide they want to sleep withyou as well?Theabrupt shift of topic surprised Dylen, but he answered nonetheless.Of course, but only patrons of long standing may avail of thatprivilege.Only?Riodan repeated skeptically. What if an important Deir wishes tosample this clubs more personal services? Like a Herun forexample. Or the Ardan himself. Would Zarael dare reject them?Dylenshrugged. It hasnt come to that yet. At least, not since Istarted here. But I imagine Zarael would make an exception for RohyrEssendri if he deigned to grace the Seralye with his patronage. Itisnt politic to turn down ones own king.Andwhat of guests you already know and can vouch for? Dylen keenlylooked at him. Like yourself?Riodanboldly met his gaze. Perhaps. Would this be your firsttime?Itwould. To couple that is. Im not thatinnocent.GivenRiodans fairly sheltered upbringing, Dylen was not surprised whenthe youth admitted most of his previous forays into carnality hadbeen with Deira as inexperienced as he or with household servants whowere only too willing to accommodate the heir of the house.Iknow it matters little to others, but Idont care to tup folk in my familys service,Riodansaid. Its simply not meet. And I dont dare entrust myself toothers who know little more about rutting than I do. I should thinkthat would only prove disastrous; maybe even put me off the wholebusiness for life!Butsurely you know Deira who are seasoned lovers, Dylen pointed out.Well, of course, but I can hardly accept their invitations to warmtheir beds if Idonttrust their motives, now can I?Dylencould not disagree. You could have paid for the experience, hemurmured. Quite a number do.Youmean prostitutes? Riodan snorted. Call me maudlin, but Imtoo much of a romantic to want my very first bedding to be a meretransaction. I want an emotional connection at the very least, Dy.He leaned back, smiling wryly. So there you are. Ive never gonefurther than let others use their hands or mouth on me. I dare sayits quite satisfying, but I dont like how it leaves me feeling,well, discontented. Here. He pressed his fist to his breast.Soyou want me to teach you more, Dylen cautiously said. Riodangrinned. I want you to teach me everything.Dylenfrowned. Why, Rio? Why would you want your first bedding to bewith someone like me?Iwouldnt were it anyone other than you, Riodan said. I likeyou, Dy. Indeed, I... He hesitated then forged on. Im inlove with you.Dylenstared at him. He shook his head. You know that lovers areforbidden to us. Your father had a number of lovers in hisyouth, Riodan reminded him. Your sirewasone of them.Theywere brief affairs, and none of Addaslovers expected more. But you do. You would want me to yourself,Rio.Yes,I would, Riodan promptly agreed. And why shouldnt I? Itsonly natural that I would want my beloved to belong