Truth be told, all he wanted was to go home to his ownlodgings and sleep off the effects of the ale theyd consumed incopious quantity to offset the lackluster quality of their meal.Thetavern Ithan had recommended turned out to be a tad more disreputablethan Riodan was used to. The food had been neither as cheap norhearty as Ithan had made it out to be, and the music and japeryfavored by the establishments clientele were of the prurientvariety aimed at raising the baser instincts of the susceptible oflibido. Riodan had departed the establishment in much relief anddetermined never to grace its premises ever again.SippingIthans idea of a good wine, he concluded his acquiescence was dueto lingering guilt over his general indifference to his friendsattempts to distract him from his melancholy. Riodan grimaced. Thewine was insipid and had an unpleasant aftertaste. It appeared thatIthan was singularly lacking in discernment when it came to food anddrink.Theother student dropped down beside him on the floor rugs. It was abalmy evening, and there was no need for a fire. But the stone floorof Ithans ground level rooms was too cool for comfortable sittingwithout the protective skins.Ithink Ive drank too much already, Riodan said, eyeing his cupwith little enthusiasm.Itsonly wine, Ithan pointed out. The ale was much stronger.Riodanshrugged and took another sip. He shook his head and set the cupdown. Im sorry, I cant take any more.Hefelt Ithans hand on his shoulder, massaging it soothingly. Or wasit a caress? Riodan shivered and eased his shoulder out from underhis companions hand.Ithink Id better go, he muttered. He attempted to rise, but thenhis head seemed to spin, and he sat down again. I feel strange.Dizzy... he complained.Ithanlooked puzzled. You do? Hmm, it shouldnt have that effect.Riodan stared at him. What shouldnt have what effect?Oh,I gave you something for your nerves, Ithan said with a grin. Formy nerves? Riodan frowned. What do you mean?Justto help you relax. Youre much too tense, Rio.Suddenlyalarmed, Riodan eased away from Ithan. To his dismay, Ithan closedthe distance between them and ran his knuckles down his flushedcheek. It was an intimate gesture that Riodan had never allowedanyone save for his parents. He tried to jerk his face away, but thesudden movement only made him giddier.Beforehe could get his bearings, he found himself down on his back withIthan half atop him. Frightened now, he pushed the other Deir offhim. But Ithan only chuckled and, reaching for Riodans collar,began to unfasten his tunic.Riodantried to stop him, but he found his every movement slowed by thedrug. Though his mind was in the here and now, it felt as if hislimbs were not a part of him,andhe could scarcely make them obey his will.Wait,I dont His protest was cut off by an open-mouthed kiss.Riodan thought he would retch. He shoved Ithan away. Nay, I neversaid...Hecaught his breath when he felt his tunic open up. Ithan swiftly undidhis shirt as well, easily evading Riodans aimlessly flailinghands.Stopit, Ithan, Riodan begged, his words slurring as the drugrelentlessly overtook his senses. Please, stop.Ithansnickered as he worked on the buttons of Riodans breeches. Soshy even