As Asher rids himself of his shirt, Nathaniel does the same, so that when Asher presses him down into the mattress, their bare chests touch. It's real, and Asher's scent -- their mingled scent -- surrounds him in the hot air beneath the blanket. His arms hold tightly to Asher, his face pressed to his vampire's throat.

"Always yours," he murmurs, though if it's more reassurance for Asher or himself, he doesn't quite know.