Page 3 of Elemental Hope
“Sure. Coryn and I will look forward to it.”
Nathaniel disconnected the call. He stared at the few puffs of cotton wool dancing across the sky. “I know where you’re heading,” he muttered. “Portland.”
Chapter two
Dominic Castine sat at the small garden table in a sheltered spot and tilted his face toward the sun. It was still early but promised to be a warm day for once. The heat on his skin was welcome and he pushed the fall of his hair back to expose more skin. He unfastened the two top buttons of his loose cotton shirt, which he wore over faded jeans. It was tempting to go shirtless but his pale skin was prone to burning and he hadn’t applied any sunscreen yet. He curled his bare toes into the cool grass, smiling at the slight tickle. A sense of peace enveloped him, the only sounds the rustle of leaves and the twittering of birds. He knew the instant Evrain rounded the corner of the cottage. The whole world betrayed him. Tree branches swayed in arboreal excitement and the birds went into paroxysms of ecstasy. A swirling breeze lifted Dominic’s shirt, exposing his belly. He rolled his eyes then raised them to meet his lover’s green gaze.
“Showoff.” Dominic reached for the pot of fresh coffee Evrain carried. He put it safely on the table before Evrain’s powers setthe liquid inside to boiling. “I hope this is decaffeinated because you really don’t need the boost this morning.”
Evrain raised one dark eyebrow. Dominic withstood his scrutiny, though it took some courage to maintain eye contact.
“If things around here are a little…worked up, that is entirely down to you,” Evrain said.
Dominic couldn’t decide if it was threat or promise in Evrain’s tone but his cock responded as it always did, plumping into life. “How can you possibly blame me for your witchy-boy ways?” He wiggled his fingers in a vague imitation of Evrain’s movements when he was spellcasting.
“Because you sit there, shining like the sun, and you never fail to take my breath away.”
Dominic’s breath hitched.
“You’re also a cheeky brat in need of a good spanking.” Evrain grabbed a fistful of Dominic’s hair then tugged his head back. He leaned close, the scent of his breath a familiar mixture of peppermint and coffee. “You’re too gorgeous to resist.”
Dominic parted his lips, expecting a kiss, but Evrain pulled away. He wagged his finger.
“Oh no, you have to earn it.” He took a seat then poured himself a mug of coffee. A plate of sliced fruit sat in the middle of the table. He took a sliver of apple. Dominic watched, entranced, as Evrain bit into the fruit. The juice wetted his lips, making them gleam.
“What do you want me to do?” Even as he asked the question, a thrill of expectation rippled the length of Dominic’s spine.
“Stand up.” Evrain pointed to a spot on the grass in front of him.
Dominic sank his teeth into his bottom lip but complied. He stood in position, hands loosely clasped behind his back.
“Take your shirt off.” Evrain’s eyes glinted green and gold. “Slowly.”
Fingers trembling, Dominic unfastened the rest of his buttons. He shrugged the fabric from his shoulders and let it fall to the ground.
“Hands behind your back again.” Evrain bent forward and plucked a couple of daisies. He got to his feet. “It’s hard to improve on perfection, but I think I have a way.” He flicked one of Dominic’s exposed nipples. The sharp sting made Dominic gasp. He took an involuntary step back.
“Keep still. Your body is mine, to do with as I please, and it pleases me to make you squirm.”
Dominic locked his knees. He should object to Evrain’s arrogant claim but he only spoke the truth. He stood still and tried not to flinch as Evrain subjected his nipples to more abuse. They stood hard and proud, the delicious ache connected directly to his cock. Evrain laid one of the flowers he’d picked against Dominic’s chest. He closed his eyes and muttered a few words under his breath, and his fingers twitched. The daisy’s slender stem wound around Dominic’s nub in a tight spiral, squeezing the already tender flesh. The flower rested in place, firmly secured. Then Evrain repeated the process with the other nipple. The bindings were just as effective as any clamp. Dominic took shallow breaths, dealing with the erotic pain as best he could.
Evrain smirked as he resumed his seat.
“You are far too pleased with yourself.” Dominic resisted the urge to tear at the constricting stems.
“Quiet, sweetheart. There are plenty of things out here I could gag you with. Now—trousers off.”
“When are you going to start calling them pants?” Dominic unfastened the stud at his waistband then lowered his zipper.
“Pants are underwear, something I suspect you aren’t wearing.” Evrain’s grin was feral.
He was right. Again. Dominic sighed but pushed his jeans down to his ankles then kicked them off his bare feet. The movement jolted his chest, giving him a painful reminder of his bound nipples. His cock jerked. Evrain licked his lips.
“I would never condone what Symeon did to you, love, but I have to admit to liking the fur-free look.”
Dominic’s cheeks heated. His hairless groin was a permanent reminder of his treatment at Symeon Malus’ hands. Apart from the burnished copper waves on his head, eyebrows and eyelashes, the rest of his body was entirely hair free. Not having to shave was poor compensation.
“Of course, I would prefer to shave you myself. That would be fun.” Evrain drummed his fingers on one thigh. “Would you be still for me, sweetheart, if I had a blade that close to your balls?”
