Dal knows lust. That’s what brings clients to him. Guys with a need they can’t fulfill elsewhere. Guys who like the power trip of someone who can’t say no. Guys who like the taboo of paying for it. Guys who are just horny and impatient. Their reasons run the gamut, but at the end it’s all just going through the motions. And quickly. It’s rare for anyone to care enough about the hooker they’re sticking it in to concern themselves with his comfort or pleasure.

That alone makes Gabriel’s preparation so much different.

That and the depth of real feeling between them. That’s the biggest difference. The way Gabriel looks at him is so warm and full, even under the heat of desire. Ah, but seeing the yearning there is like a drug.

A quiet whine slips from him when Gabriel withdraws his fingers leaving him empty and longing. Soon, he reminds himself, very soon he won’t feel either of those things. Very soon, the man he loves, the man he wants, the man who’s been so patient with him all this time will make love to him. With him. That’s an important distinction. Dal plans to be an active participant in every step of this.

He catches his lower lip between his teeth at the question and nods. “Ready.”