The look Bel gets in response to that tease is surprisingly intense, coming from Barcus, whose manners are most often mild and self-effacing. His eyes are bright; they're hungry. Possibly it's the dear that did it. He's perfectly capable of blowing off steam with another man, but there are already emotions here.

"You're right," he says. "It's not just the drink. It's you."

"You do bring up an interesting question, though. Assuming we try to make it to the bedroom, whose bedroom are we going to?" His bed fits two; he's made sure of that.

"I suppose I should warn you I'm a devil for post-coital cuddling, too. You may not escape until morning."