Page 32 of Sharpen Your Claws

“I need you,” Nicholas repeated. “Two years and I finally have you, but I’m asked to separate from you time and time again. Do you not feel the same? Did you not miss me? Are you not wishing to spend every moment of every day together?”

“That’s what I’m trying to explain. We saw each other yesterday. We can’t spend every moment together and I thought you understood I need time,” said William.

“How much time?”

“Certainly more than a few days. I…” He wore a pained expression. “Would you focus with me around or will you try to make this your attempt at courting?”

“Is that so wrong?” He rubbed William’s waist. “Yesterday and the other night, you seemed comforted by my presence.”

William licked his lips, making Nicholas want to kiss him all the more. He didn’t answer, so Nicholas said, “I want to spend a day together like yesterday, but longer, exploring the city, going to your favorite bookstore, whatever you want, so long as we are together.”

William’s mouth opened and closed before settling on saying, “That is a grave mistake. Others would see us, people who will talk.”

“Why can we not be seen? You are free of the military.”

William scoffed, but he didn’t pull away, and that relieved Nicholas.

“The world condemns fae and mortal relations, Nicholas, and I face enough trouble already, enough ridicule,” he answered with a glance toward his right arm.

“Tell me of this ridicule and I will rid you of them.”

“That isn’t as romantic as you likely think it is.”

“I don’t know. That little smile of yours tells me you like it.”

William bit his lip.

“Come with me today.” Nicholas swayed them from side to side. “I will work. We can talk more and I’ll keep my hands to myself.”

William’s mouth betrayed him by slipping into a genuine smile. It lasted little more than a second, replaced by his usual scowl. He squirmed out of Nicholas’ grasp. “I’ll inform the new doctor of my plans.”

He resisted the urge to celebrate lest William grow embarrassed and change his mind.

“However,” he pointed accusingly at Nicholas. “I am agreeing because of all the years spent apart and I will be doing some studying of my own of your condition.”

“How so?” asked Nicholas.

“We need to see if being together causes changes, if my agreeing to spending more time with you makes you any better or worse. I don’t expect us to find answers when others haven’t—”

Nicholas silenced him by cradling his cheeks. William’s blush spread to his ears, and he savored the sight.

“I appreciate you trying at all,” he whispered, then William playfully pushed him back.

“Wait outside. I’ll be there momentarily.”

He nearly walked down the steps until he remembered that wouldn’t be a good idea. He hopped into the rafters and left the way he came. Charmaine waited outside the warehouse at the front doors. He fell beside her, enticing a curse.

“Where did you come from?” she barked.

He pointed up. “The window.”

“Why? There are doors for a reason.”

“I frightened the patients during my last visit. William was upset, so I took a path they wouldn’t see me.” He beamed eagerly. “Am I not unbelievably considerate?”

Charmaine gawked, then shrugged. “Sure. Now, where is Evera?”

“You called?” Evera asked, resulting in another jump and curse from Charmaine.

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