Yusuf was pleased with how things went between them. Of course he would always and perpetually long for more, but he once more got accustomed to what he was able to have. And their new little game that they played with one another just added a whole new level to it. It was good. Very good. Yusuf would never put Nicolo into a situation where he had to feel pressured into giving more of himself, so it was perfect.

And time went on.

Yusuf, pleased and content after a warm summer day, came home with a smile on his face and a small, cloth-wrapped gift. He didn't answer his husband at first. He just walked up so he could slide his arms around Nicolo's waist.

"Are other people coming into our home, màio? Should I be staying home and keeping guard?"