He didn't dare argue. Not when they were so close. Not when he was too tired to restrain himself. Not when all he wanted was to taste the inside of Ronan's mouth.

"Yes, sir," Adam murmured, yielding because he feared what he might do if he allowed himself to be headstrong.

Turning, he started to climb the ladder, struggling to focus on each rung while his awareness was entranced by Ronan's nearness, his warmth, his strength, his breath and heartbeat, the rustle of his clothing.

Adam crawled over the top of the ladder, moving out of the way and taking an extra moment on his knees while his head spun with exhaustion.