"You had no reason to ask me," he replied. Joseph wasn't about to have Rhyd blaming himself for any of this comedy of errors. If anyone didn't share that blame, it was the boy himself. "Just as I had no reason to believe you didn't at least know of my court position."
The fact no one had seen fit to mention his reputation when both of Rhys mentors were well aware of it was a bit aggravating. Mab understood him and wouldn't have seen a problem. Amadeus, well, Joseph was just not thinking about him because it would a sore test of his control not to punch the smug Tremere in the gob the next time they were in the same room, angry Gangrel boyfriend be damned.
Joseph's attention went to Rhys as he wrapped his fingers around his wrist. Part of him wanted to warn him off because he wasn't certain he had a complete hold on the Beast. But it was very difficult to remain angry when he was so shyly admitting to having feelings for him.
He sighed again, and used the wrist Rhys was holding to tug the boy the small distance left between them. Wrapping his other arm around Rhys' shoulders, he laid his cheek against the younger Kindred's chest. "I know, sweet boy," he said softly. "And I for you. Which is why I am so fucking angry you were given the impression I wouldn't care if you did."
He needed a drink. Several of them. Not being able to drink without getting at last one blood doll falling down pissed was one of the few banes of his undead existence. He could also do with a very rough fuck, but that could wait.
"I meant what I have said many times, love," he told him. "I knew when I saw you I wanted you. That desire was only heightened by speaking with you and made concrete by last night. I am not giving you up so easily, so you'd better get used to that idea right quick."