"Worried about being seen with you? Lucio, you insult me." Ansel teased, but he understood that there was some truth to what Lucio said. Ansel's own desire for discretion was typically incredibly strong, outweighing his desire for sex or anything else from his playthings. While he wasn't always able to maintain a complete veil of secrecy thanks to some of the irresponsible actions of his partners, Ansel was usually fairly successful in keeping his private dalliances private. Spending time with his partners outside of the figurative bedroom was never really something he was interested in.<br/><br/>But Lucio, Ansel felt, was different.<br/><br/>Lucio's sweet kiss was short-lived, and Ansel felt a cool air consume him as the younger man pulled away. "Ah, the bourbon, yes," the professor said lightly, tossing his dinner jacket over his arm and following Lucio toward the door of the suite. "Of course I'll take it. It would be a shame to let the rest of such a fine drink go to waste."<br/><br/>The two men made their way downstairs, Ansel remaining rather silent in the elevator as it descended. There was a chill coming from Lucio that the professor should have expected, he realized this, but it was still causing his chest to ache. When they reached the lobby, Ansel stood to the side, absentmindedly scrolling through his phone as Lucio completed the checking out process. When the younger male had finished, Ansel offered him a smile and walked toward the cafe, taking in the bright sunlight that shone in through the high glass windows.<br/><br/>They were ushered to a small, two-person table near the back of the cafe, much to Ansel's relief. While he still maintained that he did not mind being seen with Lucio, he preferred their small meal to be out of the way as opposed to the middle of the room for all the hotel's guests to ogle. Ansel ordered himself a cup of black coffee, eggs and a bowl of fruit before turning his attention to Lucio.<br/><br/>"Lucio, I'll be frank with you," the professor said softly, leaning forward and taking the younger man's hand in his own. "I understand your desire to distance yourself from this. I get it. It's essentially your job to wine, dine and bed those who can do something for you. I give you my word, you'll get your end of the bargain. I won't ruin that.<br/><br/>"But this was, without a doubt, the most enjoyable night I have had in a very long time. I have no doubt you hear that often, but understand that I do not give compliments lightly. I have no desire to terminate our arrangement so prematurely." Ansel paused, the gears in his mind cranking at top speed, squealing at him to just keep Lucio engaged, keep him close. "Maybe there's another deal we can work out. Something else I can provide you to . . . thank you for your services."