As the fourth son of merchant parents, Matthew Morgan is used to being superfluous, only ever expected to behave himself, keep quiet, and stay out of the way. Now, at university half a world away from home, he has the chance to explore who he is and what he wants. The trouble is he's never been taught how.

When Ash Thearon meets Matthew (whom he's been keenly eyeing all term), he finds him sweet, sexy, and puzzling. In order to solve the puzzle, he first must collect all the pieces — something more easily said than done.

New friends become eager lovers, but Matthew's past conditioned him only to follow. Ash wants more than that; he wants the give and take of equals. Matthew's extreme self-effacement and people-pleasing ways leave Ash wondering how to teach him independence without losing him.