Gregoris laughed, the sound something that belonged only to men who found danger familiar and oddly comforting.
"You tried once," he replied, the laugh still lingering at the edge of his voice. "You were thorough, creative, and very motivated."
"I was offended," Rafael said dryly. "You were insufferable."
"I still am," Gregoris corrected with a bright smile. "But now I'm your mate too."
He placed a hand on Rafael's back. "Now," he added calmly, "let's get you fed before you decide that poisoning is a reasonable response to hunger."
Rafael snorted despite himself. "So this is concern?"
"This is prevention," Gregoris said. "You're far more cooperative after food."
Rafael glanced at the sea once more, then allowed himself to be guided inside, warmth and salt air giving way to cool stone and shade.
"…You're disturbingly practical about everything," he muttered.
Gregoris's hand stayed at his back, guiding him to the dining room.
"It's how I keep the people I care about alive."
