"I think that failing to prove Hammond wrong is probably a lesser evil than proving you right about anything," James said, pointedly and firmly removing Jeremy's hand from his crotch. Jeremy, just as pointedly, put it back. James sighed inwardly.

"I can't help wondering why it took you so long to do that," Jeremy said, easing closer. "Or, indeed, why you haven't run screaming over the cliff yet. I'm not sure you're as unhappy about this as you'd like to think you are."