He doesn’t reply immediately, studying Josh’s face instead, the way his cheeks pink and his eyes are deliberately looking down as if wishing to melt completely into the paper in his lap.

…it’s almost cute.

“Yes, in fact,” he says finally. “I was wondering when you’d ask.”

He starts immediately removing his clothes, unbuttoning his shirt and letting the cravat fall to the ground. The fine fabrics slide off of him like warm butter and soon enough he’s entirely nude, rearranging himself on the chaise once more. Alecto is relaxed and casual, the sunlight streaming in from the open windows all around him cloaking him in gold.

“How’s this?” He asks, resting his chin against his hand.