Joseph was surprised but he shouldn't have been. He'd assumed naively that Rhys wouldn't have been turned loose in Elysium, where court members were known to frequent, without a basic rundown of the highest ranks. Which yes, included himself. He had figured being confronted, even in a friendly way, by a ranking member of court was part of the reason Rhys was all nerves the night they met.
As for his reputation, well, he rather thought that was common knowledge. Amadeus had certainly encouraged him as if that wasn't a concern. Joseph would not deny his reputation, he was however a tad bit cross Amadeus had encouraged his interest in Rhys with one face, then apparently painted him as a heartless Lothario with another. Bloody Tremere.
He didn't know if he was more hurt or angry by the suggestion that he would toss aside Rhys. Or anyone. Yes, he was an unapologetic hedonist. He was very promiscuous. But he had never casually tossed aside a lover. He couldn't be so callous. There was a great deal of difference between casual sexual encounters and what he hoped to have with Rhys.
Joseph wanted punch something. Well, he wanted punch Amadeus for whatever he'd said that would make Rhys think that he'd be so callous towards him. But he anger served no purpose and he shoved the Beast down hard.
He needed to say something. Do something. Rhys was hurting and it was partially his fault because of the mess of miscommunication.
"I would never do that to you or anyone else, Rhys," he said, finally trusting himself not to angrily lash out at the attack on his character. Especially towards Rhys, who was the victim in this melodrama. "I can understand why that would be a concern, but Amadeus might have thought of that before he encouraged my interest in you."
That was what was really making him fucking angry. That not only the Tremere upset Rhys with the suggestion, but that he's essentially consented to it and then condemned him for it to his ward.
The next few breaths he took were worth the blood. Because he wasn't angry at Rhys. The boy was caught in the middle and only given part of the story. "Know this," he began. "If we part ways, it will be amicably and mutually agreed upon. I do not toss aside my lovers. I do not promise what I do not intend to give and I do not play games with people feelings. Those are the tactics of a low coward and even when I was a useless dandy I would never have behaved so horribly."
Right, this calming himself down thing wasn't working. Fucking hell. Joseph rubbed his brow, trying to force down the Beast. "I'm sorry, love," he said, trying again for a third time. "It makes me very angry that he led me on then condemned me to you, but it makes me even angrier that it's hurt you so much. I am in no way angry at you."