Breathless from such a brief kiss, Ephram regarded Nero from under hooded eyes. His free hand slid over Nero's waist in an echo of the Commodore's gesture, feeling the muscle and power beneath fabric there. "Mmm," he said, the sound appreciative, "I believe so."

Deliberately slow, Ephram took a step, pushing Nero backward. "Well-played, to put me in check so soon." Another step. "It might take some...maneuvering" another step "to end this impasse."

A final step pushed Nero back against the cabin wall, Ephram's weight pinning but not trapping the Commodore against the wood. Chest to thigh their bodies touched, body heat seeping through cool fabric.