Page 76 of By Mistake

They both would rather loudly proclaim Shimari was their lover, but the less attention drawn to Shimari, the better.And as he would probably scathingly repeat later, Shimari was no fragile human to be offended by being kept a secret.Theyknew the reality, and that was all that mattered.

After further pleasantries were exchanged, Lymont said, "We'll truly let you get on with your day now."

"You could never be a bother to my days," Oresti said earnestly."Would you both like to have dinner with me sometime?Let me know your schedules, send them to my office, and I'll see something is arranged.I would hate to lose touch with either of you; I count you friends."

Riman smiled."Dinner would be great.We'll see you in a few days, then, if not sooner.Farewell, Master Wheatley, Lord Bothwell.I'll no doubt see you at the charity ball next month.Until we meet again."

Then they were gone, and Oresti drew Andrus in close to kiss him."Shall we try to retreat again?"

Shimari didn't bother to reply, just whisked them away.

They reappeared in their chambers, where surprisingly, Telish was already gone.Someone had tidied everything up, and a beautiful meal had been laid at the dining table in the corner, two chairs with full settings and one with a glass and carafe of wine.

"Father," Oresti said with a smile.

"Spoiled brat," Andrus said, soft and fond."Whatever am I going to do with you?"He looked at Shimari, who'd already removed his jacket."The pair of you, indolent and ridiculous."

"You're the one who let us in," Oresti.

"My greatest mistakes," Andrus replied loftily."Now I'm going to become even more hopelessly spoiled and indulgent than the pair of you combined.Nothing for it but to suffer the consequences of my actions, I suppose."He went easily as they grabbed his wrists and reeled him in, settled him between them.

Shimari playfully bit his jaw, then kissed him before withdrawing just enough for Oresti to do the same.

Oresti grinned, slow and hot."Would you like those consequences before or after dinner, my lord?"

"Right now," Andrus said, laughing as he was swept up and carried off to bed, Shimari discarding the rest of his clothes as he led the way.

End