“You did a good job,” Ceto said. “The cage looks great, and it only took you a few hours to put together.”

  “It wasn’t that hard.” He shrugged. “I’ll cover it in leaves early tomorrow morning.” Although he’d made sure to make a roof with the bamboo, he wanted to put leaves on the sides to provide Chirp with greater protection from the sun.

  Ceto yawned.

  “Still tired?”

  “Aye.” Ceto nodded. He smirked. “But still worth it.”

  Levrith’s cheeks burned. “Maybe you should go to bed. To rest,” he added quickly.

  Ceto walked into the room and turned in the doorway. “Will you come with me? We can push the mats together.”

  “Are you… I don’t want to exhaust you.”

  Ceto laughed. “That confident in your abilities already?”

  “What? No. I just meant—” he sputtered.

  “I know,” he said teasingly. “Come on.” He beckoned. “We’ll sleep. Just sleep. I promise.”

  Ceto stepped into the room and reached for the buttons of his breeches. They slid down his legs, dropping to the floor. Levrith stared at his plump arse. His cock filled.

  How am I going to manage just sleeping next to him?

  Ceto lifted the sheet from the bed and climbed in. Levrith got a brief glimpse of his cock. It seemed he wasn’t the only one entirely unaffected by sleeping together.

  Just sleep. Nothing else.

  “Are you coming?” Ceto asked.

  “Aye.” He stepped towards the bed, almost tripping over his own feet. He pulled his mat next to Ceto’s.

  “Aren’t you going to take off your breeches?” Ceto smirked.

  He nodded, reaching for the buttons. His fingers fumbled. He shoved his breeches down.

  “And your drawers?”

  Levrith swallowed as he took those off as well, revealing his completely hard cock.

  Ceto licked his lips.

  Just sleep.

  He lay down, his back towards Ceto. Ceto draped the sheet over the two of them. He curled around Levrith, pressing his body against Levrith’s back, draping his arm around him, resting his hand on his stomach. His fingers teased at the fuzz there. Ceto’s cock pressed against his arse.

  Just sleep.

  “You smell so nice,” Ceto murmured into Levrith’s shoulder, nuzzling. “Why do you always smell so nice.” His hand drifted lower, caressing Levrith’s hip and thighs. “And you feel so good. I love your body.”

  “Really? I’m not too big? Too furry?”

  “No. You’re just the right size. And I love the fur.” His hand moved back and forth along his thigh, stroking the skin and playing with the hair.

  Levrith bit his lip. His cock was painfully hard. He wanted to take himself in hand. Stroke himself and get a little relief.

  Just sleep.

  “I want to lick every inch of you,” Ceto whispered. His tongue lathed at his shoulder.

  Levrith bit back a groan. “You said just sleep,” he said, voice strained.

  “I don’t think I can sleep.” Ceto pressed his cock against Levrith’s arse.

  Levrith’s own cock twitched in response. “You’re injured,” he protested.

  “I’m fine.” He pressed his cock more insistently against Levrith. “Never better.”

  “Never better? You passed out earlier,” he said, trying not to laugh.

  “Only for a little bit. And I’ve napped. You’ve fed me. I’m all rested and strong now.” He thrust again.

  Levrith thought he would lose his mind with arousal.

  “And we can make it quick and lazy. You can stroke me. I can stroke you. I’ll lie down. Barely move, even. I’ll be practically asleep.”

  “Practically asleep.” Levrith snorted. “You’re so full of it.”

  “Did you snort?”

  “No.”

  “You did! I don’t think I’ve ever heard you snort before.”

  Levrith shook his head, laughing.

  Ceto’s hand trailed across his skin, towards Levrith’s hard cock. Levrith’s laughter turned to a gasp as Ceto’s fingers ran up his length, wrapping around him. Levrith thrust into the loose grip, groaning.

  “So…how about it?” Ceto bit at Levrith’s shoulder.

  “You promise you are feeling all right?” he panted as Ceto’s fingers played with the tip of his cock.

  “I’m feeling great.” His hand wrapped firmly around Levrith. He kissed Levrith’s back. “Never better.”

  “And you’ll stop if it’s too much?” He thrust into Ceto’s hand, needing friction.

  “Definitely.” His voice was soft and husky as he stroked Levrith.

  “Promise not to die?”

  “I promise I won’t die.” Ceto thrust his cock against him. “And I’ll sleep really well afterwards, all satisfied and curled up with you. It will probably help me recover. Don’t you think?” Ceto kept dropping kisses on his skin. Then he bit down hard.

  “Yes,” Levrith hissed.

  “Good. Now roll over and wrap your big hand around my cock so I can fuck it.” He released Levrith’s cock and smacked his arse, causing him to jump.

  “Seroth, the words you say.” Levrith rolled over, and Ceto immediately kissed him, pushing his tongue into his mouth.

  Levrith wrapped his hand around Ceto’s cock and squeezed, loving the feel of Ceto’s length in his hand. Ceto groaned into the kiss, running both his hands over Levrith’s chest. Ceto started to roll on top of Levrith, but Levrith broke the kiss, putting a hand on Ceto’s hip, holding him in place.

  “No! You promised you’d lie down,” he said breathlessly.

  Unperturbed, Ceto nipped at Levrith’s beard, thrusting into Levrith’s grip. “I’ve never heard you bossy before. It makes me think of you holding me down, spreading me open, and fucking into me.”

  Levrith groaned. “You’re killing me.” He pushed his head into the nook of Ceto’s neck, inhaling deeply.

  “Would you like that?” Ceto wrapped his hand around Levrith’s dick, gripping him tightly and stroking him. “Would you like to fuck me? Hold my legs back? Push this big, massive cock into my tight hole?”

  “Gah.” Actual words were beyond Levrith.

  Ceto gave a breathy chuckle. “I’ll take that as a yes. I don’t think I’ve been fucked by something so big as your cock. I’ll feel so full. So good.”

  They continued to stroke each other. Waves of pleasure pulsed through Levrith’s body. It felt like he was coming apart at the seams. He panted against Ceto’s neck, breathing him in. Only Ceto existed. His cock, hands, skin, and smell. Nothing else.

  “Would you let me fuck you?” Ceto asked.

  Levrith nodded.

  “No one’s ever fucked you before. I’d be the first. I’d shove my cock into you. You’d feel me so deep.” As he stroked Ceto’s cock, he imagined it in his arse, pushing in, stretching him. Levrith’s arse clenched. “And I’ll come inside you, filling you with my cum.” His words were fierce, possessive. “Marking you.”

  Levrith cried out, orgasm barrelling through him. His cock pulsed in Ceto’s grip as he came.

  Ceto’s hand wrapped around Levrith’s, guiding Levrith to stroke him faster. “I’m close,” he panted, voice strained. “Yes. Levrith!” he cried out. His body tensed as he spent, cum covering their hands.

  For several seconds, they clung to each other as their breaths slowly returned to normal.

  “See?” Ceto laughed. “I promised I wouldn’t die.”

  “You’re an idiot.” He kissed Ceto’s neck.

  “Mmmmm. I’ll sleep well tonight,” Ceto murmured. “Wait! Where are you going?”

  Levrith grabbed his breeches. They were due for a wash in the river anyway. He turned around and wiped at the mess on Ceto’s hand and body before wiping himself. “There.” He threw the breeches away.

  “You’re sweet. Now lie back down. I want to curl up with you whilst I sleep.”

  Levrith climbed under the sheet, and Ceto immediately wrapped an arm around his middle and nuzzled into his chest.

  “See, isn’t this nice. All sated and sleepy.” Ceto’s words slurred together, as if he was already falling asleep. A second later, gentle snoring filled the room.

  “Aye.” Levrith stroked Ceto’s hair. “It’s perfect.” His chest felt too tight.

  Marking you. What did it mean? Levrith wished he had the courage to ask.

  Chapter

  Sixteen

  “Arghhh! Who are these children invading my home?” Levrith’s father yelled as he stamped around.

  Levrith’s nephews and nieces squealed as they darted away from him. One of Levrith’s braver nieces sprinted towards her grandfather, her high-pitched laughter piercing the air. He lunged and grabbed her around the waist.

  She screamed and giggled as she was lifted into the air, upside down, whilst her grandfather made chomping noises as he pretended to eat her stomach. “Ummm. Ummm. Ummm. Delicious!” he called out.

  Levrith took a seat next to his mother, who sat outside her and his father’s home. “He’s been playing this since we were kids,” Levrith said.

  His father was older now, greyer in his beard and hair, with a bit more belly than there’d once been. But he still looked fit and strong as he chased his grandchildren around.

  “You always loved playing this,” his mum said. “And he loves it still.” She cooled herself using a fan of woven palm leaves.

  One nephew ran forward, wrapping his arms around Levrith’s father’s legs. “Let her go, you monster!” he screamed.

  Levrith and his mother laughed. For several minutes, they sat watching them playing.

  It was nice to be home. Nice to see his family and spend time with them. And he was glad Ceto was with him. It had been an incredible few days. The sex had been amazing. And despite the extra exertion, Ceto continued to heal. He was almost completely better now.

  But the questions still niggled in his mind. He still had no idea what it all meant. Or what the future held for him and Ceto. He didn’t know what would happen when the ship returned. Would they go back to just being friends or would Ceto want something more? And what would happen when Ceto saw the captain again? Had his feelings changed for the man at all?

  “Everything all right, Levrith?” his mother asked.

  He shrugged. “Why would anything be wrong?”

  “Ceto’s doing well?”

  “Getting stronger every day. We went for a walk this morning, and he swam. Strongest I’ve seen him.”

  He could feel himself blush. They’d exchanged heated glances in the river, and that had led to making their way quickly back to the house. He could still feel Ceto beneath him. His hungry mouth on his. Hard cocks pressed together as Levrith stroked them. Ceto gasping, his body trembling as he reached his peak.

  Levrith really shouldn’t be remembering these things during a conversation with his mother.

  “You and Ceto, you’re friends.” She said the words slowly, as if testing each one.

  “We’re good friends.”

  “Just friends?” His mother had always been perceptive. Too perceptive. “You’re very close. And you’re so dedicated to him. Always watching him. Always looking after him. Sure you never wanted more?”

  Levrith turned his gaze to his father and the children, still playing. His father was moving slower now. The kids climbed all over him. No doubt his father would soon declare that the monster had been defeated and the game was over so he could rest.

  “Oh, Levrith,” his mother said.

  “I didn’t say anything.”

  “You didn’t need to. Your face says it all.” She stood, leaning down and wrapping her arms around him. “You know, in all your years, I have never seen you show any interest in anyone.”

  “What about Therani?” he asked.

  “That was all your father’s idea. He didn’t want you to be alone.” This was news to him. He’d always assumed that both of them had been keen for the two of them to marry. “I could see you never loved each other. To be honest, I was relieved when the engagement fell apart.” She patted his hair. “And now you and Ceto are in love.” She kissed the top of his head.

  “I didn’t say… I don’t know about that.”

  “No.” She pulled back, studying his face carefully. “He doesn’t love you?”

  “I… I don’t know how he feels.”

  “But you love him.” She said it like a fact.

  He couldn’t deny it, not to his mother.

  “Have you spoken to him?” she pressed. “Told him how you feel?”

  “Not in words.” He blushed. “And he probably still is in love with someone else. And well”—he shrugged—“why would he want me?”

  “Levrith! You are a sweet and good boy. Why wouldn’t he love you?”

  He shrugged again.

  She sighed. “Ask him how he feels. You’ll never know otherwise.”

  Nerves fluttered in his stomach. The idea made him sick, but maybe his mother was right. Maybe he did need to tell Ceto how he felt.

  Ceto sat on the balcony, next to the cage. “You and I are both doing better, aren’t we, Chirp?”

  It was true. The wound had healed, the skin had returned to its normal colour, and Ceto had more energy. The healing sessions with Levrith’s grandma had really done the trick. He napped more than normal, but otherwise, he felt tip-top. When the ship returned, he’d be able and ready to join.

  And then he would also see Silas again. And Raiya. Ceto let out a breath. He wasn’t looking forward to seeing them together again. But surprisingly, the usual stab of jealousy and pain wasn’t as intense as it once had been. Was he finally starting to get over Silas after all these years? Or would all the feelings come rushing back when he saw him again?

  Chirp squeaked, interrupting his thoughts, as she climbed down the bamboo poles in the cage, towards the pawpaw Ceto was attaching. She started nipping at the fruit, getting most of it on her face.

  “You’ve definitely got an appetite.” Ceto rubbed a finger along the side of her face, but she was more interested in the fruit than him. Chuckling, he pulled his arm out and closed the door, tying it shut with a piece of rope.

  He glanced along the path, keeping an eye out for Levrith. He’d woken from his nap, and unsurprisingly Levrith was gone. He often went to visit his family whilst Ceto napped.

  “I wonder how long Levrith will be?” He stood, stretching, feeling refreshed and satisfied. “I always miss him when he isn’t around.” He’d enjoyed their morning together. He smiled, remembering exactly what they’d gotten up to. Perhaps when Levrith got back, they’d go another round.

  But he knew it wasn’t just the sex. He enjoyed Levrith’s calming presence. He liked laughing with him and talking to him. And no one tolerated his moods like Levrith.

  Perhaps that was why he wasn’t pining after Silas. Maybe this break on the island and just spending time with Levrith had been helping Ceto move on. Their friendship had always meant so much to him. And the addition of sex to their friendship was amazing. Maybe the sex was what he needed to move on.

  Or was it something else?

  Someone walked along the path. For a second, he thought it was Levrith. Perking up, Ceto walked to the balcony and leaned forward. But the gait was different, and the man wasn’t as tall or broad as Levrith. Another villager, then.

  He assumed the man would continue past, or perhaps go to one of the other houses, but Ceto realised he was approaching their house. Ceto squinted, trying to determine if he recognised him. He’d met so many people since he’d arrived. It was hard to keep track.

  The man looked up and waved when he saw Ceto watching him. Ceto waved back.

  When the man got close to the house, he stopped walking and called out, “Hello, Ceto. It’s Ratherin. We met before.”

  “Oh. Hello.” He tried to remember when they’d met. “Levrith isn’t here at the moment. I’m not sure when he’ll be back.”

  “That’s fine.” He smiled as he shoved his hands into his pockets. “I was hoping to speak to you. Mind if I come up?”

  Ceto nodded. “Of course.”

  Ratherin’s smile widened, and he disappeared under the house. He climbed the ladder up onto the balcony.

  “What can I do for you, Ratherin?”

  “Call me Rath.” Ratherin ducked his head. He had a cute smile. He peered at Ceto through the loose strands of curly hair that fell around his face. “Actually, I wanted to ask you if you wanted to spend some time with me tonight?” He paused, seeming to hesitate. “Just you and me.

  “I could take you prawning if you wanted. The weather looks like it’ll be nice. I know you’re still recovering, so we’ll take it easy. But I thought you might find it interesting. Fun, even.” He pushed a loose strand of hair behind his ear. “And I’ll let you keep all the prawns.” He bounced from one foot to the other, biting his bottom lip.

  “All right. That sounds like it could be interesting.” He hadn’t planned on going prawning, but it seemed to mean a lot to Rath.

  “Really?” Rath smiled widely, teeth glistening.

  “Of course.” Ceto smiled in return, caught up in the man’s enthusiasm.

  “Excellent! Meet me down at the tree house by the river tonight, around sunset? You know where it is?”

  Ceto nodded. He and Levrith had walked past it on several occasions.

  “All right, I’ll see you then.” Rath, practically buzzing with excitement, climbed down the ladder. As he walked back along the path, he gave Ceto an enthusiastic wave, which Ceto returned.

  Ceto peered in at Chirp. She hung upside down, eyes closed, sleeping. “He’s very excited about prawning, isn’t he?” Chirp didn’t respond. “Maybe it’s a local pride thing, wanting to show the outsider the island and its produce.”