However brief the kiss is, Arkady reciprocates. To be touched so tenderly and offered pleasure from Ereuvir is like tasting the finest wine, though it's tinged with the reminder that his guest is far more powerful than he could ever be. Being around him is like being in the presence of a predator. Even still, Arkady finds that it makes this little encounter all the more thrilling.

Usually, Arkady is the dominant one in matters of sex and seduction. He would play the piper's flute and charm others into his bed, and now he finds himself the one being enchanted. His love life with Ashley had always had that air of power play, with Arkady fancying himself the more dominant partner, even though Ashley had a certain hold on him.

"Perhaps. I never was one to follow the rules, or at least not follow them to the letter. I was to be a perfect gentleman, and yet I had hobbies that most gentlemen do not. I was devoted to my brother, but that devotion included certain stirrings that many would find repulsive."