Elemental Love (9 page)

Dominic finally pushed his plate aside. “So what now?”

“That’s up to you.” Evrain swallowed the last of his coffee. “Would you like me to leave?”

“I…” Dominic tore his napkin into tiny shreds, making a neat pile of the pieces on the table. He clearly hadn’t expected to be given that option. “No. I mean, that is, if you want…”

“Oh, I do want. Will you let me seduce you, Dominic? There’s something between us that I’d like to explore and I know you feel it too.”

“Seduce me?” Dominic’s voice rose. “How am I supposed to answer that?”

“By calming down, sweetheart. I’m not going to jump you in public—that kind of exhibitionism does nothing for me. Do you have to work this morning?”

Dominic nodded. “I’m clearing the pots and baskets here, then replanting.”

“Well, I’ll help. I was going to go for a hike, but I’d much rather spend time with you.”

“Do you know anything about gardening?” Dominic asked.

“Let’s just say I have an affinity for the earth and all things green.”

“I don’t know if that’s a yes or a no.”

“I can follow instructions.”

“Really? From what I’ve seen so far, I assumed you preferred to give the orders?” Dominic’s skepticism was almost comical.

“That’s true in most situations, especially in the bedroom.” Evrain paused for dramatic effect. “But in the garden I will submit…to your expertise.” Evrain emphasized the word ‘submit’, observing Dominic’s expression carefully. The hint of pink highlighting his cheekbones deepened.

Evrain left some bills on the table and stood up. “Shall we go then? I can’t wait for you to start bossing me around.”

“I can pay for my own breakfast.” Dominic stood but made no move to leave.

“I believe I invited you, so it’s my treat. I think our first date is going well, don’t you?”

That got Dominic moving. Evrain followed him outside, pulling on his fleece as he walked.

“I don’t know what this is, but it isn’t a date,” Dominic muttered under his breath. “More like a hostile takeover.”

* * * *

Evrain discovered that he enjoyed planting. Probing the warm compost with a finger to make a hole, dropping the plants in then bedding them down was satisfying work. Dominic had a portable radio that he balanced on the wall next to them. The local station played a mixture of pop and rock, interspersed with entertaining, if cheesy, commercials for local businesses. The music gave a beat to the rhythm of the work and Evrain hummed along. Every now and again, he caught Dominic giving him a sideways glance. It was a shame it wasn’t warmer, then he could have stripped off his shirt and given Dominic something to really look at. They could form a mutual appreciation society—Evrain was certain that Dominic must be nicely ripped. He licked his lips.

“Are you thirsty?” Dominic asked. “Annie will give us bottled water if you want some.”

“I’m good. Maybe later.”

They carried on working in silence for a while until Dominic paused.

“I need to fetch the trays of seedlings for the hanging baskets.”

“Need a hand?” Evrain asked, rising from where he’d been kneeling on the floor finishing off a pot.

Dominic shrugged so Evrain took that as an invitation. He followed Dominic around to the back of the building where there was a small parking lot. In one corner, there was a storage shack. It didn’t merit the title of shed in Evrain’s opinion. It seemed to be constructed from a converted freight box of some kind.

“I keep some equipment here for my business. The trays of plants are inside.” Dominic pulled open the heavy door.

Inside it was very dark. Evrain could just make out the shape of a mower, some kind of spray pump and a few sacks of compost. Tools hung in neat rows on the walls. Dominic disappeared into the darkness. Evrain glanced across the lot—there was nobody around. He followed Dominic and pulled the door closed behind him, enclosing them both in the warm, dark space.

Evrain focused his senses. Scents surrounded him, earthy and sweet. He could hear Dominic’s breathing, faster than it should be.

“What…”

Before Dominic could get another word out, Evrain gathered him into a firm embrace. “I’ve been wanting to do this all morning.” He pressed his lips to Dominic’s, probing the seam with his tongue. Evrain was even more assertive than first thing that morning when he’d tasted Dominic for the first time. His lips were so soft.
Let me in, darling.

Dominic stood stiff in Evrain’s hold. Evrain slipped an arm around his hips then cupped Dominic’s ass. Dominic gasped, his lips parted, and Evrain took full advantage, thrusting his tongue into Dominic’s mouth. He pulled Dominic closer until they were pressed together, groin to groin. Dominic’s erection stabbed at him through the layers of their clothing. He ravished Dominic’s mouth, keeping him distracted while he slipped his hand down the back of Dominic’s cargo pants. His ass was firm, well muscled and warm. Evrain squeezed a cheek then probed Dominic’s crack with his finger. Dominic squirmed and moaned. He pulled away from the kiss.

“Stop! Stop, Evrain.”

“Why?” Evrain stilled. “I think we’re both enjoying this.”

“I’ll… I’ll come!”

“Oh, is that all? That’s the general idea.” Evrain pushed the dry tip of his finger past Dominic’s fluttering guardian muscle.

Dominic fumbled with his zipper. He yanked his pants and underwear down to midthigh, then grasped his rigid cock.

“That’s mine.” Evrain slapped Dominic’s hand away, replacing it with his own. “So hot.” Two swift tugs and Dominic came in a hot gush over Evrain’s hand.

“Oh God!” Dominic panted. “This isn’t right.”

“Feels right to me.” Evrain chuckled, pulling Dominic closer again.

“You’re, you’re… Do you want…? Oh God.” Dominic rested his head on Evrain’s shoulder. Heat poured from his body.

“You don’t have to do anything, Dominic.” Evrain gave himself a few points for self-control. “That was for you.”

Dominic sank to his knees. He unfastened Evrain’s pants, letting his cock spring free. Evrain locked his knees, parted his legs a little farther. He wished there was more light. What he wouldn’t give to watch Dominic’s pretty mouth taking him in.

Wet heat surrounded Evrain’s dick as Dominic began to suck. He went at his task with enthusiasm, keeping his teeth covered apart from the occasional light scrape. Evrain sucked in his breath. Dominic had a talented mouth. He was going to get Evrain off in seconds.

Evrain grabbed a handful of Dominic’s hair, holding him in place. He waited to see if Dominic fought against the hold, but he didn’t. There was no resistance. Evrain jerked his hips, fucking Dominic’s willing mouth. Dominic submitted totally, allowing Evrain control. On the edge of orgasm, Evrain loosened his grip on Dominic’s hair, giving him a chance to pull away.

“Close.” The word came out as a hiss. Dominic sucked harder, taking Evrain’s shaft deep into his throat. Evrain came hard, muscles trembling. Dominic swallowed every drop, then licked Evrain’s shaft clean before letting it slip from his lips. For a few moments, the only sound was their heavy breathing.

Dominic was the first to move. He pushed open the door, flooding the storage container with light. Evrain blinked as the brightness temporarily blinded him. He spotted a rag and cleaned off his hands before yanking up his pants. Dominic quickly adjusted his clothing too. He picked up a couple of trays of plants and without a word headed back toward the diner.

Smug didn’t begin to describe how Evrain felt. He hefted a couple of trays of seedlings and set off after Dominic. Fabric rubbed his oversensitized cock with every step. At the front of the diner there was no sign of Dominic. Evrain perched on the wall and waited. He didn’t want to carry on working and get things wrong. After a couple of minutes, Dominic appeared from inside the diner, clutching a couple of bottles of Gatorade. He thrust one into Evrain’s hand without a word. He didn’t make eye contact and his cheeks were glowing scarlet. Evrain took the drink. He didn’t need to push. He had Dominic well and truly in his clutches. There was nowhere for Dominic to run or hide. Evrain was content to take his time. Other opportunities like today would present themselves. The thrill of the hunt coursed through his veins. Sooner or later, Dominic would realize that resistance was futile. Evrain knew, deep down, that they were meant to be together.

Is this what love at first sight feels like?
He watched Dominic’s Adam’s apple bob and he chugged down his drink.
Every bit of him turns me on, yet I don’t know him, not really.
Dominic wiped his mouth with the back of his hand—his lips were puffy, kiss-swollen. He gave Evrain a shy smile. Not wanting to spoil the moment, Evrain just smiled back.

Chapter Seven

Agatha poured herself a small sherry in celebration. She gave the glass of amber liquid a critical glance and added a bit more.
Better.
Her plans for Evrain were beginning to come together and that was worthy of a drink or two. Since she had engineered a meeting between Evrain and Dominic, the two young men had become a little closer. Of course, that was inevitable. She had never seen two auras more compatible. The only couple she knew that came near were Gregory and Coryn. She suspected that Evrain would like to move faster, much faster, but for once he was managing to temper his impatience and give Dominic the time and space he needed. Agatha had no doubt that Dominic was interested. Whenever he and Evrain crossed paths, the air crackled with the sparks of attraction.

She had watched with interest and pleasure as Dominic had progressed from complete avoidance to tentative conversation and shy smiles. It was fascinating. Something had triggered the change. Aggie suspected it had something to do with her pot of balm and the manner of its delivery, but when she had questioned Evrain about it he’d clammed up and just given her an enigmatic smile.
More mysterious than the Mona Lisa, damn it. I want details!

A side effect of the burgeoning relationship between Evrain and Dominic was that Evrain visited Hornbeam Cottage more and more. Agatha was under no illusions about the reason for his visits. It certainly wasn’t to see her and subject himself to more loving abuse as she attempted to imbue in him the discipline he needed to control his powers. If Dominic was around, even out in the garden, Evrain’s lessons went well. If he was absent, Agatha kept a fire extinguisher to hand. She wished that Gregory could visit more. Evrain really needed the guidance of another elemental warlock. She did her best but she was a poor substitute for someone who lived and breathed the power as Gregory did, but Gregory had his own life to lead and it was at the other end of the country.

The evening air was chilly and damp. Agatha tossed another log on the fire and settled in her favorite armchair with a book, her tipple on a side table within easy reach. She pulled a blanket fashioned from squares of multicolored wool across her lap. It wasn’t one of the evenings for the shows she was addicted to, so the television remained off. She had no need of constant background chatter. She’d just opened the thriller she was reading to her marked page when the phone rang. She gave a heavy sigh, grumbling as she picked up the receiver.

“Yes, who is it?”

“Aggie, it’s Gregory.”

“Good grief. Were your ears burning? I was just thinking about you.”

“All good thoughts, I hope,” Gregory said. He sounded more subdued than usual.

“Not all.” She chuckled. “When are you heading northward next? Evrain needs you.”

“I talk to him almost every day, Aggie, give me a break. The boy does not need me hanging round his neck. He has to feel his own way, make a few mistakes. Blister his fingertips a few times. It’s all part of the learning process.”

“He’s more likely to burn down half the state than singe an eyebrow, Gregory,” Aggie snapped. “Or maybe flood downtown Portland. Did you know there have been reports on the news about waterspouts appearing on the river there? Was it wise to house him so close to the water?”

“Water spouts are a naturally occurring phenomenon. As are forest fires,” Gregory said dryly. “If he creates a hurricane by mistake, or opens the San Andreas Fault line, give me a call.” He paused. “That’s not why I’m calling.”

“That sounds ominous,” Aggie said. “Is Coryn okay?”

“He’s fine. He sends his love. Look, Aggie, I’ll get to the point. Have you looked at your own aura recently?”

Aggie frowned. “No. I avoid that whenever possible, you know that. I keep an eye on Evrain’s. He’s in love so it’s all glitter and pink sparkles at the moment.”

“Love? With Dominic?”

“Of course. He might not realize it yet, but it’s there. Plain as the nose on my face.”

“That’s fantastic news, you cunning old biddy. You should set up a matchmaking service.”

Aggie preened even though Gregory couldn’t see her. “I know, Dominic has such a calm center, he’s perfect for Evrain. But what does my aura have to do with anything?”

“I don’t want to worry you, but I’ve been hearing a few unpleasant rumors on the grapevine. Make sure your wards are up to date.”

“That might warn me about magical interference, Gregory, but it won’t do me any good if something more malevolent is heading my way. My charms are no defense against the kind of power Symeon could bring to bear if he chose. What have you heard?”

“A lot of gossip about Evrain. He’s famous in certain circles—the covens in particular. I think Symeon Malus has been engaged in some kind of campaign. He’s spreading rumors about how powerful, and how dangerous, Evrain is. He’s creating enemies for Evrain, sowing the seeds of discord.”

“Bah,” Aggie scoffed. “Witches love a scandal. So long as Evrain doesn’t start throwing his weight around, he’ll soon become yesterday’s news. I still don’t get what this has to do with me.”

Gregory sighed. “The easiest way to weaken an untrained warlock is to remove his safety nets. Those are you, me and now Dominic. I’m not in much danger. It will be a cold day in hell when Symeon gets the better of me.”

“But I’m vulnerable. Dominic even more so.” Aggie scrunched her brow into a frown. “I’ll have to talk to Evrain about that. It’s a shame, I would have liked to keep him shielded from this kind of thing a while longer yet.”