Ezra covered his face with his hands, reminding himself he loved his prince and strangling him would be frowned upon. “No,” he murmured. “I’m certain… That doesn’t matter. Well, it does, but that’s not what I’m attempting to say.”

  “Then what?”

  Ezra threw his arms up in frustration. “Bloody hell, Riley. I’m a virgin!”

  Riley winced. “You said that kinda loud, buddy.”

  Ezra glared at him.

  “Hey, there’s nothing wrong with being a virgin.”

  “Yes, I know this,” Ezra replied. He felt no shame. “The Soldati don’t shame virginity or the lack thereof.”

  “As it should be. I was a bit of a late bloomer myself. There’s no rule that says you have to lose your virginity by a certain time. There’s no expiration date. Also doesn’t mean you can’t have a hell of a time without penetration. Believe me.” Riley waggled his eyebrows.

  Ezra spun on his heels to scurry away before he perished from embarrassment. This was not a proper conversation to have with his prince.

  “Wait, don’t go. Come on. Sit down. Talk to me. You’re really worried about this, and you don’t need to be.”

  Riley sat, and reluctantly Ezra did as well. He tried not to fidget as he spoke. “I’m not accustomed to discussing these sorts of matters.”

  “That’s okay. The first time can be a little awkward and uncomfortable, which is why it’s important you’re with someone who’ll take good care of you. Do you think Segreti will do that for you?”

  “Without question.”

  “So what’s your biggest concern?”

  Ezra worried his bottom lip with his teeth. He could do this. He’d never been one to mince words. “I’m afraid he’ll be disappointed. I… wish to please him.”

  “Ah, okay.” Riley’s expression softened. “You might not have a lot of experience, but you know what you like, right? You’ve told me you’ve… taken matters into your own hands and that you have some experience in other areas.”

  “Correct.”

  “Well, try that with Segreti. Explore. Don’t be afraid to try things or ask him. Communicate with him. He cares about you, and he’s going to be looking to please you as well. I bet he has the same fears you do.”

  Ezra stared at him. “Segreti?” He couldn’t fathom Segreti being afraid of anything. “You really think so?” Now that he thought about it, about what Segreti had lived through, it dawned on him that Segreti might have his own insecurities where intimacy was concerned.

  “I have a question, though,” Riley said, appearing thoughtful. “Why is Segreti claiming you? Usually the Soldati are the ones who do the claiming.”

  “Oh, I can’t claim a mate.”

  “Why?”

  “Because of the Eye. Only one chosen by the Eye can contain its power. No other form can sustain it. Claiming a mate means sharing your power, but in my case that isn’t possible. My mate could be killed.”

  “Yeah, I can see how that might put a damper on your relationship. Anyway, I wouldn’t worry about Segreti. The guy’s crazy about you. Speaking of sexy bears…” Riley nodded behind Ezra, and he turned to find Segreti and Khalon deep in conversation as they slowly headed their way. A shiver went through Ezra at the mere sight of him looming so large, his long hair blowing in the breeze, his tunic accentuating his broad shoulders and wide chest down to his tapered waist. His legs were strong, and Ezra pictured himself between those muscular thighs.

  “You’re not going to pass out, are you?” Riley put a hand to Ezra’s shoulder. “Breathe, Ezra. Suck in some oxygen.”

  Ezra laughed softly and playfully batted Riley’s hand away, making him laugh. Ezra had been so transfixed on Segreti’s handsome form, he hadn’t noticed the books in his hand until Segreti stopped in front of him. He bowed in greeting for Riley, then knelt in front of Ezra.

  “You’re a vision,” Segreti said, taking hold of Ezra’s chin and kissing him sweetly. “I have something for you.” He held out the books, and Ezra’s heart did a little flip.

  “You bought me books.”

  “I spoke with the foxlings who set up the tent of rare books. I asked them if they had any special books I might gift to my mate to mark a very special occasion. They had a few in their collection not on display concerning rare herbal teas and medicines.” He showed Ezra one of the books, and Ezra gasped at its beauty. “They also had this story. It’s quite old, I’ve been told, about a sweet young healer who goes on an adventure and finds love along the way.”

  Tears welled in Ezra’s eyes. He took the books from Segreti and reverently ran a hand over the intricately detailed covers before handing them to Riley. “Could you hold these for a moment?”

  “Um, sure.”

  No sooner had Riley taken the books than Ezra launched himself at Segreti. With a boisterous laugh, Segreti fell back with Ezra against him, their arms around each other. Ezra kissed him soundly, his heart all but ready to burst from his chest. No one had ever given him such a thoughtful gift. When he pulled back, Segreti brushed Ezra’s hair from his face, his smile reaching his eye and forming little creases at the corner.

  “I take it you like your gift?”

  Ezra nuzzled Segreti’s neck. “I cherish my gift, but no more than I cherish you for knowing my heart.”

  A distinct clearing of the throat reminded Ezra he wasn’t alone with Segreti. With a rueful smile, he sat up. He took the books from Riley and held them close to his chest. “Thank you.”

  “Sure.” Riley leaned against Khalon, who now sat with Riley tucked at his side. “Maybe you two should, um, head indoors to… discuss books.”

  Ezra stood and held his hand out to Segreti. “A wonderful idea. I think we’ll do just that. Would you like to join me, Segreti?”

  Segreti took hold of Ezra’s hand and kissed the back of it, then pushed himself to his feet. “I would love nothing better.”

  “Thank you for your council, Your Highness.”

  “Anytime, Ezra.”

  As Segreti accompanied Ezra on his stroll to the castle, Ezra felt as though he floated on air. Anticipation thrilled him in a way little else had. Segreti held Ezra’s hand and laced their fingers together, settling Ezra’s nerves.

  “Did you have a fruitful morning?” Ezra asked. He greeted the guards at the door as they walked through, receiving a bow from each one.

  “Not as much as I’d hoped. Lazzari is still arrogant. Vestri continues to shy away from confrontation. Gori follows Lazzari like a newborn cub. Coiro and Basso are as elusive as ever, and Fausti… Fausti I worry about.”

  Ezra paused outside his bedchamber. “You think he could be involved?”

  “Never,” Segreti replied, his conviction easing Ezra’s mind. “He’s young and noble, with a big heart. He’s fearless, and at times foolish. His hatred for Pavoni is no secret. Like many, Fausti was forever wounded by Pavoni. His story is not mine to tell, but were Pavoni alive, he would be among the many out to seek his revenge. Had Rayner and Toka not carried out the deed when they did, the Orso would have had a different war on their hands.”

  “Then we must help Fausti should he need the assistance.” Ezra headed into his room, pausing when he noticed Segreti hadn’t followed. He turned and cocked his head to one side. “Do you not wish to enter?”

  With an almost timid smile, Segreti entered the room. “I would never assume you’d want me to.”

  After placing the books ever so carefully on the small wooden table by his favorite chair, he left them and went to the chamber door to close it, then stepped in front of Segreti.

  “Are you having second thoughts regarding our mating?”

  “Never.”

  “Then you are welcome to go where I go. The king’s private meetings are the only exception.”

  “Understandable. I know we haven’t discussed much of the practicalities yet. I confess, I’m not very good with this sort of thing.”

  “Neither am I.” Ezra stepped closer, drawn to Segreti’s warmth like a hummingbird to nectar. “We’re quite the pair, aren’t we?”

  Segreti chuckled. “That we are.” He looked around the chamber before his gaze once again landed on Ezra. “Would it sound silly if I said I missed your company this morning?”

  “No.” Ezra placed his hands on Segreti’s chest. “I confess I struggled to keep my mind from wandering to thoughts of you while I investigated the festival grounds this morning, and more than once. The Eye was most vexed.” He lifted his gaze to Segreti’s. “Please kiss me.”

  “I thought you would never ask.” Segreti drew Ezra into his strong arms, kissing him as he’d never been kissed before. The hunger and heat that radiated off Segreti was a heady thing, and Ezra threw his arms around Segreti’s neck, his mouth and tongue demanding more from his new mate.

  Where had this sudden boldness come from? The urge to see and feel Segreti’s naked form became as imperative as breathing. The more Segreti kissed him, the more Ezra desired. His body thrummed with need in a way he’d never believed himself capable of. He’d found other Soldati attractive, but he’d never experienced this feral desire for them. He made quick work of unfastening Segreti’s belt and dropping it to the floor before hastily pulling at his tunic. Segreti removed it the rest of the way, discarding it near his belt as Ezra scurried to do the same with his own belt and tunic. Ezra led Segreti to the bed, where Segreti sat on its edge. When Ezra reached for the hem of Segreti’s shirt, Segreti stilled his hands.

  “It’s not necessary,” Segreti said, his eye lowered.

  “There is no need for fear,” Ezra murmured softly as he caressed Segreti’s cheek. “No part of you inspires anything less than a sense of wonder and desire to worship.”

  Segreti lifted his gaze, searching Ezra’s. “I often find myself wondering what to do with your kind words.”

  “Hold them close and believe in their truth.”

  With a nod, Segreti released Ezra’s hands. He sat exceptionally rigid as Ezra divested him of his shirt and dropped it to the floor.

  “You are magnificent.” Ezra traced a finger down from Segreti’s thick neck to his muscular chest, a thrill going through him when his nail scraped against Segreti’s nipple, making his large body shudder. Wishing nothing more than to bring Segreti pleasure, Ezra trailed kisses down Segreti’s chest, stopping to tongue one of the sensitive buds. He shivered at Segreti’s deep moan and loved the feel of his large hand placed ever so gently on the back of Ezra’s head.

  Needing to hear more sounds of pleasure from Segreti, Ezra licked and sucked at the pebbled bud before lavishing attention on the other one. He teased and taunted Segreti’s nipples with his tongue, his finger slipping into the silky curls on his muscled chest before he continued to trail kisses over the hard ridges of muscle. He knelt and took hold of Segreti’s trousers.

  “Lift up,” Ezra commanded gently.

  Segreti lifted himself, allowing Ezra to remove his trousers and set his beautiful length free. Ezra had been too lost in his lust during their encounter in the cottage to admire Segreti’s large shaft. His mouth watered, and he ran a thumb over the leaking rosy tip. He might not have much experience, but he knew what he liked—and was also a quick learner. Every hitch of breath, every gasp to leave Segreti’s lips, Ezra stored away, learning what made Segreti writhe with need.

  Taking hold of the thick base, Ezra brought the tip to his mouth and licked at the pearly drop, loving the way Segreti jumped. Overtaken by desire and boldness, Ezra swallowed Segreti.

  “Goddess above!”

  Ezra moaned in delight. He moved slowly at first, up toward the tip before taking more and more of Segreti’s delicious length. With every groan Segreti released, Ezra grew even more painfully hard. He bobbed his head, alternating between sucking, licking, and nipping at Segreti’s sensitive flesh until Segreti placed a hand to his cheek.

  “Easy, my sweet. I fear any more and I’ll spill myself too soon.”

  “I want to feel and taste every inch of you,” Ezra admitted. He lifted his gaze to Segreti’s, and Segreti stared back, his pupil blown. “Will you let me?”

  “I will gladly surrender to your every whim.”

  Ezra smiled and kissed Segreti, his heart feeling as though it was too big for his chest. He climbed onto the bed and knelt behind Segreti. Tears threatened to spill, but he refused to allow that bastard into this room with them. Instead, he resolved to create new memories for Segreti. He brushed his lips over one particularly painful-looking scar before delivering a tender kiss. With a gentle touch, he caressed Segreti’s back, running his fingers along the raised skin as he rained kisses across his broad shoulders. He took his time, kissing each and every mark. There were many. Segreti’s entire back was covered in scars, some long and angry, others smaller and faded. Not one inch of his skin remained unscarred.

  “You are magnificent, my champion.”

  Segreti stood, and Ezra sat back on his heels, worried he might have offended Segreti in some manner. He cocked his head to one side in question.

  “Forgive me, but I’m close to losing what sanity I have left.” Segreti placed his hands on the bed and leaned in, his lips so close to Ezra’s he could feel Segreti’s warm breath.

  “What do you desire most?” Ezra asked, brushing his lips over Segreti’s.

  “To be inside you, feel your tight heat around my length. To have you ride me.”

  Ezra ran his tongue over his bottom lip and nodded fervently. “I would very much like that.” Segreti joined him on the bed, and Ezra pointed to the nightstand. “Oils.”

  Quickly reaching into the drawer, Segreti removed the small glass bottle. He placed it on the nightstand before removing his boots and trousers, then stood gloriously naked before Ezra.

  “You truly desire me?” Segreti asked, his voice hoarse and filled with need.

  Ezra pushed his trousers down to his thighs, revealing his hard, leaking cock. “Simply the thought of you, of your touch, your mouth, your shaft, makes me this painfully hard. Should it take me a lifetime to show you and have you believe it is so, I’ll happily oblige.” Ezra held his hand out, and Segreti returned to his side. He helped relieve Ezra of what clothes remained then ran his hands over Ezra almost reverently.

  “Forgive me. It’s not that I distrust your words, but when faced with such youth and beauty, I struggle to understand what you see in an old battle-scarred soldier.”

  Ezra pulled Segreti down onto the bed and straddled his lap. He leaned in and smiled wickedly as he kissed Segreti. “Then allow me to show you.” He sat back and gave Segreti a pointed look. “Besides, you’re not that much older.”

  “I certainly feel it at times.”

  “Well, allow me to help you gain back some of that lost… virility.” Ezra took Segreti’s finger, slipped it into his mouth and whirled his tongue around it before guiding it to his passage, instructing Segreti to prepare his entrance. Leaning forward, he palmed one cheek, spreading himself for Segreti and receiving a deep groan for his efforts. Gently, Segreti pushed a thick finger against his entrance, and Ezra moaned. He slipped his fingers into Segreti’s long hair, holding on tight as Segreti pushed his finger down to the knuckle before slowly retreating. He repeated the move, slow at first, then a little quicker. Soon a second finger joined in, and with every small thrust, Ezra grew more desperate to feel Segreti’s hard shaft inside him.

  After removing his fingers, Segreti reached for the glass bottle and handed it to Ezra. Quickly, but mindful not to spill the liquid, Ezra poured some into his hand before giving the bottle back to Segreti. He palmed Segreti’s cock and slowly stroked him, loving the deep rolling groan Segreti released, his head thrown back against the pillow as Ezra quickened his strokes.

  “Ezra,” Segreti pleaded roughly.

  Unable to take any more, Ezra positioned himself over Segreti’s flat stomach and lined the tip to his entrance. Slowly, he pushed back, lowered himself onto Segreti’s engorged shaft, closing his eyes as he breathed deep. A sharp burn had him biting down on his bottom lip as his entrance struggled against the intrusion before gradually yielding, enveloping Segreti. Ezra opened his eyes, his gaze meeting Segreti’s. A grin formed on Ezra’s lips as he sat fully against Segreti.

  “So full,” Ezra said, awe in his tone. He hadn’t expected it. Gingerly, he tried moving, rocking back and forth. “Oh,” he groaned. “I like that.”

  “As do I,” Segreti replied with a soft chuckle. He took hold of Ezra’s backside, spreading his cheeks and drawing him up and back again.

  “Oh!” Ezra liked that even more. He rose leisurely before dropping onto Segreti, surprising a gasp out of himself and a curse from Segreti. That was absolutely sinful!

  “You have a mischievous look about you.”

  “Well, my fierce warrior, I plan to make it so you never question my desire for you.”

  Segreti threw his head back and laughed. When he met Ezra’s gaze, his eyes were filled with passion and tenderness. “I’m eager for this lesson,” Segreti replied as he stroked Ezra.

  “Take me in hand,” Ezra commanded breathlessly.

  Segreti poured some oil into his hand, then palmed Ezra’s hard cock. He stroked Ezra, making him feel as though he’d go mad from the pleasure. He rose and impaled himself on Segreti’s iron rod over and over until he couldn’t distinguish Segreti’s heartbeat from his own. All the while, Segreti pumped Ezra’s shaft, and as Ezra began to lose his pace, so did Segreti. Ezra dug his fingers into Segreti’s shoulders, riding him madly, the sweat trickling down his brow and neck. His skin was too tight for his body.

  Leaning forward, Ezra brought their lips together, a shiver wracking his body as Segreti released Ezra’s shaft and spread his cheeks once more to lift up, pounding into him over and over while Ezra pumped his cock.

  “Ezra,” Segreti roared, his hips bucking as he continued to thrust into Ezra, their bodies finding the perfect rhythm together. Segreti changed his angle, hitting some part of Ezra that had him all but bursting at the seams.