'Levi, the kind rogue'

As soon as Charles and Arthur left, Florian exhaled shakily, his hands trembling as he pressed them against his lap in an attempt to steady himself. His heart was still pounding from the encounter, and the cold sweat clinging to his back refused to dissipate. He sucked in a deep breath, holding it for a few seconds before releasing it in a slow, measured exhale.

'That was close. But I almost had him. Almost.'

The realization settled uncomfortably in his chest. In truth, Florian was somewhat relieved that his attempt hadn't worked immediately. He wasn't mentally prepared to actually go through with it. Seducing a man—if that's what this was—felt like crossing an uncharted, dangerous line. A line he wasn't sure he was capable of stepping over just yet.