Elryk takes hold of my hand in his much larger one, and I try to stop imagining writing out my name as Noah DarkWing someday.
“The big question now becomes, do you want to spend the rest of your life with me, especially knowing it means staying here in another country and living at DarkWing Castle?” He averts his gaze. “I’m not sure that I’m an ideal choice. I’d hate for you to be unhappy here, or only staying out of a sense of obligation.”
My sweet gargoyle is too kind for his own good.
“One thing you’ll learn about me pretty fast is that I won’t be coerced into anything I don’t want. I know how to speak my mind. If I have a problem or a concern, I’ll tell you. Maybe a little too often even.” I squeeze his hand back. “No one can know exactly what the future holds, not even your clan’s Oracle, but I know that when I’m with you, I’m happy and it just feels right. You fascinate me in all the very best ways. I want to learn more about you, in the bedroom and beyond.”
Elryk flushes with pleasure.
“And moving here and living in DarkWing Castle on a permanent basis? Sure, the idea’s a little intimidating, but I’d say it’s exciting overall. I mean, you know this already, but it’s a freakingcastle!That’s so cool. Not many people get the opportunity to live in a bona fide castle, and Scotland is so beautiful. The landscape here in the Highlands is truly majestic, and I can’t wait to explore more of it with you. I’ve already been thinking about what it would mean to stay here and how my life would need to change.”
He cocks his head, watching me intently. “And what have you considered?”
“Well, first off, I mean sure, I’m a Conduit or whatever, but that’s not exactly a paying job now, is it?”
“No, but the clan would pay you for your services.”
I shake my head. “I figure if they give me room and board in order to help you maintain the barrier to the castle, that seems more than fair. What I’m talking about is making a living, doing something that’s fulfilling for me on a personal level.”
Elryk nods slowly. “I see the conundrum. Alas, there aren’t many job opportunities outside of the estate. The closest town of a decent size is at least a forty-five-minute commute each way, maybe longer.”
“Damn. That does make things tough.”
Elryk’s starting to look worried again, but I pat his veiny forearm to offer reassurance. Mmmm. I’ve always had a thing for nice forearms on a man. I kind of want to lick him. Would that be rude? Or just plain weird? I mean, he did lick my neck, after all, so he has no room to complain.
But my libido is derailing this conversation when I still have stuff I need to make clear to him.
“Never fear. I have some ideas on how to address this problem. First and foremost, I have a dream I’ve been working on for some time, and I feel like this new path in life that I find myself on might be more likely to yield positive results.”
“And what’s that?” Elryk’s worry immediately transforms into curiosity.
I beam at him. “I’ve been trying to get published as a children’s book author for a while now. This could be my chance to pursue that full time.”
Elryk smiles. “That sounds wonderful. I had no idea. Tell me more.”
I nod shyly. “I got interested in it because there weren’t a lot of really affirming books for me when I was young, even though I knew I was gay from a pretty early age. It would have been so empowering to have more children’s books where I saw myself represented and that could inspire me. That’s what made me start thinking about how I could address this problem myself.”
“Do you write the books only, or do you also illustrate them?”
“Both.”
“You’re so talented.” Elryk pulls me close again. “I’ll help you make your dream come true, my love.”
Fuck. This man is blowing up every cynical wall I’ve ever put up against letting myself fall in love again.
Men have wanted my body before, but they’ve never wanted to support me in other ways, let alone help me achieve my dreams.
I pull Elryk’s head down to my level and thoroughly ravish his mouth. When I let go, we’re both panting, and his eyes look like they’re glowing a brighter green.
I reach between us and grab his hardening cock. “I want you to fuck me right fucking now.” I arch an eyebrow at him. “Mate.”
Chapter fifteen
Noah
Mama Delilah’s Daily Horoscope Reading
Is it just me or is it getting a little steamy between you and that new love interest? The connection you have is growing stronger and the sparks you’re setting off are downright combustible. You might find it all a little overwhelming, maybe scary even, but this is who you’ve been waiting for. Don’t close yourself off from emotional intimacy just because the physical dynamic is so much easier. Let down your guard and let your lover in. Remember, while you’ve been waiting for them, they’ve also been waiting for you.