The bath with Maris had ended, but Lucan was far from relaxed. He sat slumped in a chair, a towel draped over his shoulders, trying to calm his racing heart. His body felt overheated, and not just from the warm water; his mind was overwhelmed with thoughts and feelings he hadn't experienced before.
Lucan had bathed with Maris many times in the past without a second thought. He had always been able to control his emotions, even in situations that might fluster other men. It wasn't that he was indifferent or incapable of feeling attraction; he simply had an uncanny ability to keep his desires in check. This self-control had served him well, especially in their unique living situation.
