to me alone.WhichI cant do for you even if I returned your affections.Riodansnorted. Say rather that you could only if you returned my love.Im no fool, Dy. I know that I cant ask that of you. But itdoesnt change how I feel about you. Nor does it change my wish toexperience my first coupling with you.RioImnot demanding you comply this very night. I only ask that youconsider my request.Dylenlooked away to pensively stare at the fire.Themajority of his bed partners were long time patrons of the Seralyewho desired the thrill or release of reversed sexual roles. But hedalso had his share of patrons who enjoyed the challenge of beddingsomeone equal in strength to or even stronger than themselves. Seldomhowever were innocents among these. In their inexperience, they wereeasily intimidated by a partner with Dylens confidence andcommanding personality. Unless they wished to play the sheath theirfirst time, most neophytes to the love arts chose to be initiated bythe gentler and more submissive of Dylens peers.ADeir of Riodans social stature, and one who was an only child aswell, would be averse to spreading himself for another of lesserstation, let alone doing so on his first bedding. Indeed, if Riodanran true to form, he would yield himself only to his lawful spouse.Therefore, were Dylen to give in to the youths wishes, he wouldlikely do theyielding.Dylen flinched at the thought.Hevery rarely engaged in sexual communion and the sharing of his bodyfor any reason other than as a service rendered for the right price.Casual couplings were few and far between, and he always dictated thenature and pace of those encounters. Surrendering himself to Riodanwould alter the dynamics of their present relationship an easy,affectionate one founded on trust and respect. What if the change wasnot for the better?Dy?Dylenstarted then stared at his companion. Riodan in turn gazed at himunhappily. You truly dont want to lie with me, he muttered.Am I that repugnant? Hisvoicequivered as he finished speaking.Dylencaught his breath at Riodans dejected mien. Nay! Never deemyourself less than desirable, Rio.Exceptto you, Riodan despondently replied.Thatisnt so, Dylen said. You are beautiful and sweet and kindbesides. No Deir could possibly wish for more in a partner.Yetyou obviously do. RioIwill leave now. Im sorry I bothered you.Youdidnt. Dylen rubbed the bridge of his nose. Please, let meexplain.Theyounger Deir laughed mirthlessly. Explain what? That Im not toyour taste? Theres no explaining that, Dy. It simply is.Butyou areto my taste, confound it! Dylen blurted. Too much in fact.Riodangazed at him in confusion. Then why do you resist me? I dontunderstand. Because I dont want to ruin what we have,Dylen admitted. When Riodan lookedevenmore befuddled, he sighed and said, I would have you as my friend,Rio. Sleeping with you would only damage what we do share.Riodanvisibly flinched. Meaning you could never love me as I do you,he whispered.Aftera moments hesitation, Dylen said, On the contrary, I could.Shocked,Riodan gaped at him. Then comprehension dawned in his eyes. Butyou dont want to.Dylengestured with his hand to encompass the room. This is what I donearly every day of my life. I service Deira who can pay my