his curiosity.
Vax glanced about too, though he’d tidied his quarters before leaving for work that morning. Unlike the outside, the apartment was a thoroughly modern living space, with light-paneled walls, three of which were currently black. The fourth was set on a timer for Vax’s return, and it glowed with soft golden light.
The conversation area in the middle of the rug was made up of black, billowy seating cushions and a sleek white table. Off the kitchen, it was a cozy room to entertain friends with drinks and snacks. Abstract paintings, sporting the same colors of the décor, dotted three of the four walls. On the fourth, a pair of window vids depicted the forest they’d come from minutes before.
Bacoj appeared suitably impressed. “This is nicer than my place on the sixth level.”
“Thanks. I decorated it myself.”
Bacoj made a show of looking Vax up and down, making the Imdiko’s heartbeat quicken. “Home sweet home. You made it, safe and sound.”
“Thanks for the escort. Stay for a drink?”
“Just that? Or should I stick around longer? I could make sure Karil doesn’t come busting in.” Bacoj’s smile was cautiously hopeful, friendly without being pushy.
“Is it my safety you’re worried about, or are you asking to stay for other reasons?” Vax couldn’t help but tease.
The Dramok shrugged. Bacoj kept up a front of casual interest, not quite managing the nonchalance he might have been trying for. “Only if you want me to. You don’t owe me anything for showing you home.”
Ancestors, he was perfect. Too perfect. With a sudden flash of insight, Vax wondered if he should ask his companion to stay after all. It wasn’t because of any prudishness; he’d had plenty of men spend a night for erotic entertainment. Sometimes, he let them return for another romp or two. Yet a small voice in his head told him Bacoj might not be so easily cast aside once they’d had their fun.
Bacoj had a naturally commanding presence, as most Dramoks did. That was to be expected. However, many Dramoks his age hadn’t faced the sort of trials that would knock them down a few essential pegs, showing them that no matter their potential, leadership wasn’t their automatic birthright. Until they encountered such challenges, too many of the breed swaggered around with confidence they hadn’t earned.
Bacoj showed no sign of the unwarranted smug self-assuredness that had set Vax’s teeth on edge with other Dramoks. It was as if he knew that born leader or not, he was too inexperienced to set the rules.
He also possessed a vulnerability that made Vax curious to know him better. It was in the cautious manner he’d taken Vax’s arm as they stepped over some roots growing on the forest path, in the doubt that had come through when he spoke of getting into the engineering school. In Bacoj, Vax sensed a fascinating twist of insecurity subtly twined within the expected Dramok self-assuredness.
Common sense told Vax his greater-than-usual attraction was no big deal. Men were men, fallible creatures who stumbled. Even if Vax let Bacoj stick around for more than a couple of nights of sex, the Dramok would do something sooner or later to remind him to send him out the door.
Besides, he’ll be shipping out to war soon. He’s no real threat to my plans.
With that assurance, Vax sidled up to the bigger man and rolled up on his toes to put their lips at the same level. He delivered a slow, sensual kiss that promised everything. He moaned as Bacoj’s hands gripped his ass and kneaded, pulling him close to feel the iron of his excitement.
He was pleased at the glazed quality of Bacoj’s eyes when their lips parted, though Vax was certain his own gaze was as heavy-lidded. “Do you prefer a slow tour to build the anticipation, or the fast race down the hall that ends up in my sleeping room in record time?”
“The quicker, the better,” Bacoj answered, kissing down Vax’s throat.
The Imdiko twisted, breaking his grip and snagging Bacoj’s hand in his own as he did so. He tugged him down the short hallway, bypassing the kitchen and common area. He was gratified when Bacoj didn’t bother to glance at the rest of the place. The Dramok hurried, eager to get to Vax’s sleeping mat.
It was a thrill to the ego to be desired to the exclusion of all else. Vax grinned, not disturbed by the petty vanity that exulted in having such proof of his appeal.
* * * *
Vax’s sleeping