Page 43 of Counterpoint
“It’s been easy so far.”
Yes, it had been. “The books you’ve read about BDSM...fiction or non?”
“Oh, fiction. Um. Erotic, mostly.” Adrian felt the heat of Dominic’s skin against his own.
“Then I should lend you some nonfiction ones. Maybe that’ll help.”
Dominic snorted a laugh, which Adrian didn’t expect, but his smile was perfect and Adrian drank that in.
“You know, in all the sexy librarian romances, it’s usually the librarian who’s the shy, timid one.” Dominic gestured at himself. “He’s usually not the ripped, worldly hero who sweeps the other off his feet.”
Adrian couldn’t breathe for a moment, because his lungs were too tight. Dominic was warm and solid and a joy next to him. Finally, he caught a breath. “Did I sweep you off your feet?”
“Yeah, I think. Maybe that’s why I keep ending up on my knees.”
No doubt he’d end up there again, before the day was through. Adrian stroked a finger over Dominic’s mouth. “I think we should get dressed. Go for a walk. Talk. I’d love to hear more about what you’ve been reading, my dear bookish man. And you can ask me whatever you like.”
“Even about California?” He spoke around Adrian’s finger.
Dominic must have felt Adrian flinch, because apprehension filled his eyes. That vanished the moment Adrian pressed his finger between those silky lips. He savored Dominic’s throaty moan. “Even about California. They weren’t the best years of my life.”
Though there had been moments of utter brilliance. But in the end, he’d been alone and bereft.
Dominic sucked gently on Adrian’s finger, licking and nipping, and every warmth filled Adrian now. “If you keep that up, I’m going to take you upstairs, bend you over my bed, and fuck you so hard, you’ll regret it later.”
As he hoped and, honestly, expected, Dominic only sucked harder. Adrian laughed and hauled the man up into his arms so he could claim that mouth again. Then he did exactly as he had promised, much to Dominic’s delight, judging by his cries and screams of pleasure.
Chapter Eight
Despite their detour to the bedroom, they still ended up on their walk. They both wore jeans and Adrian wore a T-shirt. He would have gladly lent one to Dominic as well, but he’d asked for a button-down with sleeves.
“I don’t always like showing off my tattoos.”
“They were for you.” Adrian traced the colors and lines of his favorite, the Dara knot Dominic sported on his shoulder.
After a sensuous little shudder, Dominic nodded. “Yeah. They all mean something to me.”
“This one?” He knew the meaning and wondered if Dominic did.
“Strength. Security. It’s an oak knot. Supposed to represent roots.”
“Inner strength,” Adrian murmured. “Power and wisdom. It’s perfect for you.”
Dominic’s eyes were wide.
“I’m Irish-American, remember?” Adrian gestured at himself. “It’s somewhat obvious.”
While Dominic stood slack-jawed, Adrian pulled out one of his tighter button-downs. It was loose on Dominic’s frame. The fabric was pale yellow, and Adrian couldn’t help kiss that inked skin again before Dominic covered it up. “Thank you for sharing your tattoos with me.”
“Kinda hard to have sex with clothing on.”
“Not really.”
Dominic got a look, then laughed. “Okay, you’re right there. For hookups I usually didn’t take my top off.”
But Dom had for Adrian. He savored that knowledge. He’d seen all of Dominic, every line, every inch of flesh. Tasted just about all of it, as well.
They headed out into the summer sun and tried to stay in the shade of buildings and trees as they rambled around the area.
