Page 22 of Across the Sapphire Sea
Her smile was genuine. “Aye, we have both for a man willing to part with his coin.”
Valeri pulled money from the inside pocket of his doublet and handed it over. From the look on her face, the sum was more than enough.
“Have a seat while I make the arrangements. You’re certain I can’t bring you a couple of ales or plates? Cook’s serving fried fish and potatoes.”
“Most certain, thank you,” said Valeri in parting. He scanned the room, chose a destination, and led Elias to a long bench at an already crowded table. The men stank of sweat and alcohol, but underneath…the coppery tang of blood. And Elias was hungry.
He both loved and hated this part: hunting for his dinner. Though reluctant to steal from an innocent person, the demon inside him—not to mention the one he sat next to—demanded to be fed. He couldn’t help the thrill of anticipation stirring in his chest, but he could make sure Valeri didn’t go too far.
Already Valeri had struck up conversation with the men. “You’re right. We’re not from around here. Sailed in from Stockholm, headed to Mussor for the fur trade, but the storm had other plans.” A mix of a lie and the truth.
A hearty middle-aged man with a red face raised his mug. “Aye, brought in the herring drifter before she hit.” He grinned. “Been half-drunk ever since.”
“And him?” Valeri gestured to the younger man beside him. If the first man was half-drunk, this one was all the way there.
Red Face gave the drunk a playful punch to the shoulder. “Frans here can’t hold his liquor, can ye, boy?”
The drunk let out a low rumble of a laugh, deeper than Elias would have expected. “Mm doing all right,” he slurred. His eyes sparkled with the kind of exuberance too much alcohol could bring. In Elias’s experience, that kind of intensity could stay jolly, or turn spiteful. Valeri would choose him, Elias already knew it. His sire would be drawn to the chaos.
The barmaid returned. “Your room’s ready, sirs, and the bath as well. I can take you there now if you like, or—”
“Now would be perfect, m’lady,” Valeri purred. His gaze flicked to the drunk man and locked tight. “Join us later?” he said quietly, for the drunk’s ears alone. He made the compulsion sound like a question rather than the order it was.
Confusion clouded the drunk’s gaze even as he nodded. As Elias stood to follow Valeri and the barmaid to their room, he noticed the drunk’s eyes on him. A lustful stare. Of coursethatwas what he would think Valeri meant. As if Valeri would ever share him. Elias suppressed a shudder. The drunk would be waiting for them when they were ready.
They exited the pub through a small passage next to the bar, emerging into a narrow hall. Dimly lit with a single oil lamp two doors down, the hall smelled of damp wood. The rug beneath their feet was worn thin and frayed at the edges.
“Third door on your left, sirs.” The barmaid pointed. “You need anything, just let me know.”
“Thank you, m’lady,” said Valeri, charming her with a smile.
She blushed and hurried back to the bustling main room.
Valeri led the way and pushed through the indicated door. “A real bath will do us good.”
Elias had to agree. After a week of washing with only a cloth and a bin of tepid water, a hot bath would be bliss.
Though the room was small, everything they needed was accounted for. A soaking tub had been brought in and placed before the fire in the wood stove. Steam rose from within. The pail used to fill the tub was atop the stove and not yet boiling, with a rinsing cup beside it. A bed twice the size of the tiny bunk they shared in the ship was pushed into the corner, and fresh towels sat neatly folded on a wooden chair.
“You first,” Valeri offered, moving the towels from the chair to the bed. He brought the chair close to the tub and sat, spreading his legs and leaning back. “I want to watch.”
Elias stared at the tempting picture he made sprawled on the chair, lips and legs parted, brown eyes dark with anticipation. An idea bloomed. “Take out your cock. I want to watch too.”
Valeri’s tongue darted out to moisten his upper lip, right over the brown freckle Elias found so charming. Then he obeyed, opening the black leather to reveal the tempting jewels inside. His shaft was still soft, but wouldn’t be for long.
Elias stripped without ceremony, eager to get into the water and out of it as well so he could get his hands on his lover. He relished the way Valeri’s eyes felt on him as he peeled off the layers, loved the promise of what was to come.
This part of their relationship had always been exquisite. Free of complication. From the first time they’d come together and every time thereafter, they’d fit flawlessly, their bodies in harmony, the give and take of bed-play an uncomplicated delight. Elias couldn’t ask for a better lover than Valeri, and he yearned for him and the pleasure of their union.
Climbing into the tub, Elias found the water almost too hot, but he sank in anyway. All the way, dunking his head under to soak his hair. When he surfaced, it was to find Valeri stroking himself to hardness. His dark eyes on Elias, gaze following the water dripping from his skin. Elias kneeled in the tub, hands on the rim, facing Valeri.
“Wash my hair for me while I suck your cock.” Elias did not have to ask twice.
Valeri stood before him and reached for the soap. “My pleasure.”
Elias opened his mouth and took in the tip with practiced ease. A service that no matter how often he performed, he’d never tire of. Dipping his tongue inside the foreskin to taste the sensitive flesh it contained, he let out a moan and closed his eyes.
Valeri’s hands settled on his scalp, urging him forward. Elias let himself be guided, opening his throat in offering, eager to swallow the gift. Hands still clinging to the rim of the tub, he used his mouth alone. Valeri filled him thoroughly, then drew back.
