Page 42 of Elemental Love
“You go, you have to get to that job appointment. I’ll clear up here.” Evrain began to stack the books in a haphazard pile.
“Are you sure?” Dominic felt guilty leaving Evrain with his stuff.
“Of course.” Evrain contorted his fingers, whispered a word Dominic didn’t understand, and the entire stack of books levitated off the ground. “Paper is a natural material, it’s of the earth and therefore elemental. I can handle it.”
Dominic rolled his eyes. “Cheat.”
“And unashamed. Being a warlock has its benefits, remember what I can do with ink.” Evrain grinned as he opened the door and guided his floating pile of literature inside with a gesture.
Dominic recalled all too well the results of Evrain’s magical artwork. His cock perked up at the memory. “Now I have to go to my appointment with a hard-on,” he complained, but Evrain had disappeared inside the cabin. “I shouldn’t be more than an hour or two,” Dominic shouted through the open door.
He got a muffled grunt in return and decided that was enough of an acknowledgment.
Dominic walked back to his truck and set off for his one gardening job of the day. A potential new client wanted a quote for clearing some waste ground behind their recently acquired property. The visit was to assess the job and provide an idea of cost so it was unlikely to take too long. It wasn’t the most exciting job in the world, hard labor really, but sometimes clearance jobs turned into more interesting landscaping projects. Dominic loved the challenge of designing outdoor spaces to suit their owners. If initial grunt work was the price, he was good with that. Most of the bigger landscape companies in the area turned up their noses at small jobs like this one. Dominic enjoyed the variety that a range of different work afforded him.
Dominic had discussed the job with Evrain earlier in the day. Evrain had insisted that Dominic ring him when he arrived, then again when he was leaving the property so that he would know when to expect him back at the cabin. Dominic had bridled a bit at his overprotectiveness but hadn’t made too much fuss—he knew Evrain’s motivation was genuine concern for his safety and it seemed churlish to complain. After witnessing Symeon Malus’ behavior the previous day, Dominic was a little wary himself.
His client’s address proved to be quite remote, well outside the town’s borders. Dominic pulled up in front of the property, grabbed his mobile and dialed Evrain.
“Hi, I’m here. It looks like someone’s got the restoration bug, the place is a ruin. From where I’m sitting it’s virtually derelict.”
“Perhaps the new owner wants to level the place and build on the land,” Evrain said.
“It’s possible. It has a real haunted house quality about it. I’ll take a picture to show you when I get back.”
“Is your prospective client there?” Evrain asked.
“Well, I can’t see a vehicle but there’s an overgrown drive down the side of the property so he might be back there already. I’ll go take a look.” Dominic peered through the truck window. There was no sign of life anywhere.
“I don’t like it, Dominic. It could be a set-up.” Evrain’s voice was tightly controlled. Dominic could tell he was worried.
“I won’t let fear control my life, Evrain. This appointment was made weeks ago. I’m sure it’s fine. I’ll call you when I’m done, okay?”
“I’m not happy about this. I think you should lock your door and drive straight back here,” Evrain said.
“It’s broad daylight,” Dominic attempted to reassure him. “I’m not going to lose work because you’re jumping at shadows. And before you say I don’t need the money, that’s not the point. My reputation is important to me. If I let someone down, news will spread.”
“Fine. I can’t fight stubborn, but don’t be long. I’ve got plans for you tonight.”
Dominic’s cock jerked. “Do I get any say in this?”
“No.” Evrain chuckled. “You need a few lessons in obedience and I’m really looking forward to teaching you.” He rang off abruptly.
Dominic growled at the phone but his cock was still swelling in response to Evrain’s commanding tone. “What that man does to me,” he muttered. He scrambled out of the truck, shoved his phone into his back pocket, then strolled toward the house. He waded through knee-high grass, following the track of the drive. Two channels were crushed flat, suggesting that a vehicle had used it recently. Sure enough, as Dominic rounded the corner to the back of the building, he came across a black four-by-four with heavily tinted windows. He couldn’t tell if anyone was inside. No door opened. No window rolled down, so he guessed not. His stomach flipped a little—this was the part of his work that he hated the most. He found meeting new people difficult, but tackling his shyness was a challenge he was determined to face up to.
There didn’t seem to be anyone around as he surveyed the garden wilderness with a critical eye. He estimated that there had been no cultivation whatsoever for at least two years. Brambles and nettles competed with bindweed, thickets of hazel and willow. He could just make out the lines of paths. Different heights in the growth hinted at what might have once been formal flower beds. He snapped a couple of pictures of the house with his cell, to show Evrain.
“This is one hell of a lot of work.” He itched to get started. To bring order out of verdant chaos. He didn’t want to go poking around in the house uninvited. He’d just wait in his truck for a while in case someone made an appearance. If they didn’t show in fifteen minutes, he’d leave a note on the four-by-four and head for home. He stood there for another five minutes or so, then turned to head back to the car.
Facing him was a well-dressed man in his late forties, maybe early fifties. His clothing was completely unsuitable for wading around the plot but there didn’t seem to be a speck of mud on him. Crow’s feet around his eyes and a scattering of silver in hisshort, dark hair marked his age. His body, encased in a clearly expensive, tailored suit seemed fit and trim.
“Oh my God, I didn’t hear you!” Dominic gasped.
“I apologize for creeping up on you. Sylvester Marks. Very pleased to meet you.”
Dominic took the proffered hand and received a firm shake. There was none of the pressured squeezing he sometimes got—this man felt no need to assert his strength. Dominic noticed that he had young hands, completely soft and smooth.
“Likewise. Dominic Castine.” Dominic gestured to the plot. “Quite a project you have here.”
