Liam started to open his mouth again, to say that it wasn't temptation, that the only sin in this was what they brought with them into it, that it did not have to be about tempting or breaking vows, just about connection and desire and...

And then Riley asked those questions.

Ah. It was a reminder just there of how good Riley was, how warm he shone, how Liam would only ruin something in the good priest if he were not careful. And even if he wanted to cling to that I want you because he had never heard anything half so sweet as those three words.

He swallowed and with a reluctance that was near tangible with how heavy it was, he let his hands fall away. "No, it can't." His eyes shut for a moment, and he took a breath, stealing himself to look back up at the priest, summoning a smile. He was beyond saving, Riley. He knew that.