by Kelex
Llyr took a step closer and ran his hand along the length of Dagr’s sextant. “What is this thing? I’ve seen one before… but could not fathom what it was for.”
“I can use it to determine our location,” Dagr answered. “I bet you’ve found all sorts of interesting items on the ocean floor.”
The smile that flashed over Llyr’s face was breathtaking. Dagr’s heart clenched again. He was covetous of those smiles and wished to see them more and more.
“I wish I could take you down there with me and go exploring. Could you imagine what fun we’d have?”
Dagr’s lips broke into a smile he struggle to control. Lifting the sextant, he offered Llyr a view. The merman’s excited smile grew broader. Again, Dagr’s chest clenched. He handed over the sextant, their fingertips brushing against one another. Their stares met in that moment, and he drew in a strangled breath. A surge of lust burned through him.
Llyr broke the gaze and looked where Dagr pointed.
“Oh my,” Llyr whispered. “I can see the stars much better.” He cast a glance over his shoulder at Dagr. “How do you use them to guide you?”
Dagr stepped behind Llyr, so close they were almost touching. The sea breeze washed over the merman, sending his scent tickling up Dagr’s nose. His desire was already in overdrive. He didn’t need anything to push him over the edge. “Depending on the season, the stars are fixed in the sky—using one of the moons or a specific star and the horizon, I can determine where we are and if we’re on course.”
“Amazing,” Llyr whispered. “I’ve only been to the surface once before now… and the stars… they were so beautiful. I thought they were magic.”
Dagr heard the reverence in Llyr’s tone, and it reminded him of the moment they met. How Llyr had called him beautiful. He cringed as he thought of how he’d all but dismissed Llyr’s words, thinking the man was delusional. He had much to atone for.
“One moment.” After taking the sextant from Llyr and returning it to his cabin to place it on his desk, Dagr reached into his coat and drew out his collapsible telescope. Once back at Llyr’s side, he lifted it to his eye and searched the heavens—so their merman could get an idea how it was used—and then handed it to Llyr. “Do as I did. The small end to one eye and the other toward the heavens.”
Llyr did as instructed—and soon gasped in awe. “Dagr… oh my…” Another gasp came. “Amazing…”
As the water splashed gently against the side of the ship, the brilliance of the heavenly bodies sparkled in a sky of black velvet. They somehow seemed so much more radiant in that moment with Llyr. The constellations had been his roadmap, one he’d used most of his life to navigate the world. Along the way, perhaps he’d lost the wonder that was found staring at the heavens. Hearing and seeing Llyr’s awe helped him to see the sky anew—and feel a little of that wonder again.
What a gift that was.
Dagr stared up at them, reveling in their glory. He leaned in to peek at the joy on Llyr’s face, and it made it hard to breathe. Contentment so pure washed over him. He moved in closer behind Llyr and inhaled that warm, fresh scent that seemed to linger around their merman. Dagr yearned to be closer. Perhaps it was the impending loss of Oz, he wasn’t sure. Not that one could ever replace the other—but some part of him sought solace in the copper-headed merman.
Llyr shivered. Dagr was uncertain if it was the dropping temperature or his nearness. Lifting his hands to the man’s shoulders, he massaged them. “Cold?”
“A little,” Llyr whispered under his breath. “It’s odd… I never sensed coldness under the waves. Not like this.”
Dagr slid his coat down his shoulders. Once in hand, he placed it around Llyr, warming the merman. “Better?”
Llyr brought the collar of the coat closer and took an inhale. The smile that came to Llyr’s lips sent shockwaves through Dagr. The merman glanced over one shoulder, heat in his eyes. Heat like what Dagr already had burning within.
“Yes… thank you,” Llyr murmured breathlessly before he returned his focus back to the telescope, searching the sky—but Dagr was sure he saw a tremble to Llyr’s hand.
Dagr’s body reacted to the thick thread of need in Llyr’s voice. There was no denying the hunger he heard in those three simple words. He moved closer, plastering himself along Llyr’s back. Pressing his hard staff against the softness of the merman’s ass. Dagr placed his lips against Llyr’s ear and their merman shivered in response.
He rested his hand on the bottom of the telescope and adjusted where Llyr gazed. “Do you see the cluster of four bright stars around the two small bright orbs?”
“I do… the orbs are not stars as well?”
“No… those are other worlds. Perhaps like ours,” Dagr whispered.
Llyr gasped, lowering the telescope to spin to face Dagr. “There are other worlds like ours?”
“Planets, yes. We’ve yet to comprehend how much like our world they might be—and we are incapable until we determine a way to journey through the stars.”
Llyr’s eyes widened far, lips forming an ‘O’. “Journey through the stars? How wonderful would that be?”
Dagr smiled. “I doubt I’ll still be alive when they determine how to do that… but I can envision a distant future when there are mariners much like the ones on our ship, sailing through the heavens in search of other worlds.”
“Do you think there are other beings living out there among the stars?”
“Perhaps. Our descendants might one day meet them. Maybe trade with them, like we do amongst our neighboring realms.”
“I can imagine the excitement… and the fear they’d experience attempting such a journey for the first time. I was terrified to leave the world I knew behind.”
Dagr frowned. “You’re an explorer yourself, I suppose. I hadn’t taken a moment to consider how brave you were to leave.”
“Brave? I doubt anyone would call me brave. I ran away to evade an unwelcome marriage. That sounds more like a coward’s act to me.”
“Not to me,” Dagr murmured. “You had no idea what you were going to face. You could’ve been stepping into danger, but you did it because you had to. That takes bravery.”
“Or foolishness,” Llyr said before he spun in Dagr’s arms. A wan smile stretched his lips. “Whichever it was, I’m glad for it. Otherwise, I’d never have met you and Oz.” He wrapped his arms around Dagr’s waist. “That would’ve been a tragedy.”
Dagr lifted a hand to cup Llyr’s cheek. “Yes… it would have.”
He lowered his head, unable to stop himself from stealing a kiss from their beautiful merman. Llyr’s lips were soft and pliable, welcoming his advance. Nipping and laying soft kisses at first, Dagr soon surrendered to the hunger within and strengthened the embrace. He held tight to the back of Llyr’s head, letting their lips and tongue war with one another.
Llyr’s hands fisted in the front of his linen shirt before tugging it from the waist of his pants and placing two cool palms on his stomach. He growled at the chill—but refused to stop the voracious kiss. His heat rose and warmed those hands until they were like braziers against his abdomen.
Cock hard, aching need coursed through his veins. He had to share Llyr’s body again. Their merman was becoming an obsession—one he was more than willing to surrender control to. He didn’t want to squander another moment. He’d wasted enough time as it was.
“Perhaps you two would like a cabin?”
Breathless, Dagr glanced over one shoulder and grinned when he saw Oz watching them together.
“I mean, if you wish to continue putting on a show for the whole crew, be my guest. I have no problem watching the two of you on fire for one another,” Oz murmured, resting against the doorframe to his cabin.
Dagr glanced around and realized the crew was shuffling around and could see their every move. He’d always been so careful to hide his lusts for other men—but Llyr had caused him to forget himself. Heat flooded his face as he pulled Llyr toward Oz’s cabin. “Your cabin wou
ld be perfect.”
He urged Llyr in first and then waved a hand, urging Oz in.
Oz shook his head. “Why don’t the two of you have some time alone—just the two of you?”
Dagr froze. They never had sex with another without the other there. Never. “Why?”
“I plan to seek out a witch once we’re home—and see if Llyr’s trip above the waves can be extended. So he can be there for you after…”
“After…?”
Oz frowned, his manner hinting at distance. “After we part.”
Dagr stiffened. His lover was putting up walls. “No. Either you come with us, or we’ll halt right here and now.”
“We need to face facts,” Oz said. “Our time is almost over. Tomorrow we arrive home.”
“And that’s tomorrow. Not tonight. Tonight, we’re still lovers and you will spend it with us.”
“I thought I was the one in charge here?”
Dagr stepped in closer, nose to nose with the man he loved. “I think tonight, you need to be reminded how much you like not being in charge.”
A shiver seemed to race down Oz’s spine. “Do you think yourself man enough to get me to submit?”
“I do. So let’s go prove me right.”
Oz stared a moment, silent. Heat flared in his eyes. “Challenge accepted.”
10
Dagr shoved Oz through the doorframe, a bit roughly. He spun to see his commander shutting the door, a fire in the man’s eyes. Oz drew in a shuddering breath. The expression on Dagr’s face was one he’d seen before.
Assertive.
Dominant.
On nights he’d seen it before, that mien had signaled his eventual surrender. Each and every time. A quiver sped through him, sending the fine hairs on his neck and arms on end.
“Take your clothes off. Both of you,” Dagr spat.
From the corner of his eye, Oz could see Llyr obeying without question. He would not make it so easy on his lover. Adrenaline coursed in his veins… and he lifted his chin. A rebuff. Dagr stormed closer and grabbed him by the chin.
“You refuse me?”
“Perhaps I do,” Oz grated out. “I’m the one in charge here.”
“This ship might be yours… but we both know who the true dominant is.”
Oz forced himself not to moan. Not to tremble. Not to show one ounce of submission.
“I commanded you to take your clothes off. I expect to be obeyed.”
“Make me,” Oz whispered hotly.
A cruel smile twisted over Dagr’s lips seconds before his coat was yanked down his arms. He tore at the material and once down Oz’s arms, Dagr cast it to the floor. With a rip, he tore Oz’s shirt. Tiny buttons went flying, bouncing over the planked floor. Dagr paused a moment, spreading his palms over Oz’s bare chest. Remnants of his shirt hung from his arms and waist as he stood there, attempting to deny the inevitable.
“You know I will win,” Dagr murmured as he trailed his fingertips down to the waist of Oz’s pants.
With another tug, he pulled the front of Oz’s trousers open. More buttons skittered over the floor. His garments had been repaired so often over the course of their adventures, he’d become quite adept at sewing. Out of necessity. His cabin boys had become too questioning as to why so many of his clothes had been torn.
Dagr pushed his pants down, past his hips before spinning him and shoving his upper body to the end of the mattress. Where Llyr huddled, partially undressed. Their merman’s eyes were wide. A bit of fear and shock filled his expression as he watched the pair.
“I told you to disrobe,” Dagr scowled at Llyr.
Llyr’s gaze went to Oz, searching. He smiled slightly at Llyr before glancing over his shoulder. “He’s never seen this side of you. He’s afraid.”
Dagr bent him over the bed before tying both hands behind him with a bit of rope. Once done, Oz gasped as Dagr gave his ass a loud slap. The strike drew a yawning moan from Oz’s lips. When he opened his eyes, he saw Llyr’s fear fading. Excitement appeared to fill in the void it left behind. He winked at Llyr, but cried out seconds later as another spank seared across his bottom.
After Dagr tugged his pants down farther, he kicked out of them. His legs were widened while his upper body was pressed against the bed.
“Oz refuses to submit,” Dagr explained to Llyr. “I have to force him to yield.”
“And does he like this? You forcing him?”
Dagr chuckled. “He loves it.” Dagr grabbed Oz’s too long locks and lifted his head. “Don’t you, sweetheart?”
“I’d be a liar if I said I didn’t,” Oz murmured before Dagr captured his lips for a brief kiss. “But you’d best do a better job or I might take over the reins.”
“Is that a threat I hear?”
Oz chuckled, the sound low and throaty, even to his own ears. “One you know I can fulfill.”
Dagr dropped Oz roughly to the bed and resumed his spanking. His strikes came in twos and threes, between gentle caresses to ease the pain. He varied the pressure. Oz tensed before each one, unsure what he’d receive. Sweat soon coated his body, his muscles straining against the pleasure-pain. His cries grew with each volley, the agony and the ecstasy swinging like a pendulum.
“You’re too loud. I think you need something in your mouth to shut you up,” Dagr whispered beside him. He grasped Llyr’s ankle and tugged him closer. Now nude, Llyr’s cock rose between his legs. The crest glistened with cum. Hungrily, Oz licked his lips.
“You can’t make me,” Oz said, his voice almost failing him, especially as a smile attempted to come to his lips.
Dagr clasped his hair at the nape and shoved his head between Llyr’s legs. While there, he turned his face—refusing the very thing he wanted desperately to taste. When his lips rubbed against Llyr’s inner thigh, he licked their merman there as an assurance that he was alright. That they were alright. Under his tongue, he felt Llyr relax… his message received.
Llyr moaned as his mouth searched farther down. He could taste an unexpected wet sweetness there—and he was hungry for more.
“I gave you an order,” Dagr growled before lifting Oz’s chin in his hand. He forced a finger into Oz’s mouth. “You will do as I say.”
Oz sucked Dagr’s finger, smiling around it.
Dagr chuckled. “That’s a good boy.” He withdrew his finger before pushing Oz’s head down. “Show me how good a boy you can be.”
Oz took Llyr’s cock between his lips, moaning as he slid down the entire length. Hands bound, he was powerless to explore. He wished to massage the base and balls, yet he could only suckle. So suckle, he did.
Dagr revisited his position behind Oz and continued the assault. More spanks followed, his whines muffled by Llyr’s root in his mouth. But Llyr’s grew, adding to the cacophony of sound. Oz hummed and moaned around Llyr’s shaft—lost to the dual sensations. He gave and received pleasure, all at the same time.
Pleasure and pain.
He lost himself in both, suckling with abandon. Llyr’s delighted moans filled his ears, urging him farther. Rushing toward completion well before them, Llyr trembled under him. Oz didn’t slow. He refused to allow their merman to hold back. He craved to hear Llyr shatter for them again.
Llyr shoved his hand into Oz’s hair and urged him faster and harder. And shatter, he did. Llyr’s body trembled seconds before he shot his load, filling Oz’s mouth with a thick, sweet load of cum. He swallowed it down, never stopping until Llyr slowed and collapsed back to the bed.
When the pain grew too much, he released Llyr’s cock with a pop. A glance over his shoulder and a beseeching “Dag…” was all it took to end the torment. Dagr stopped mid-strike and lowered his hand. His master sauntered closer and brushed his sweat-dampened hair back from his face.
“Have you reached your limit?”
Oz nodded. “Yessir.”
“I’m not done with you yet, you realize?”
“You better not be,” Oz whispered.
Dag
r chuckled before stealing a kiss. “Cool off for a second while I warm up our merman.”
Dagr dragged Llyr higher on the bed. Oz dropped his head to the mattress, breathing hard. After a few deep breaths to fill his lungs, he lifted his stare again. Dagr was kissing Llyr slowly and passionately. What Llyr didn’t see was the slow turn Dagr was pulling him into—to give him access to the merman’s bottom.
Dagr’s kiss was gentler than he’d anticipated after watching Oz’s rough treatment. He melted into the man, hungry for attention. Suddenly, Llyr groaned as pain slammed into his ass cheek. It radiated outward, tingling through his whole bottom.
Dagr captured his focus. “That was for not following my order. I should never have to give one twice. Do you understand me?”
Llyr searched Dagr’s eyes, unsure. But he could see there was no malice in their depths. “Y-yes…” He shuddered as he let out a breath. “Yes.”
Dagr kissed the shell of Llyr’s ear. “Our play gets rough sometimes,” he whispered. “But never more than either of us can handle. We enjoy it… but if you’d rather not play, we would understand.”
“No!” Llyr cried. It wasn’t something he completely understood, but he wanted to be a part of their love games. “I wish to play.”
“Choose a word,” Dagr whispered against his ear. “One that means no.”
“Why can’t I simply say ‘no’?”
“Tonight, that word ceases to exist,” Oz said hoarsely from the end of the bed. When he lifted his stare, the captain’s eyes were dark with lust. “You can cry ‘no’ over and over, but we will ignore your cries. Unless you use your word that truly means no.”
Llyr’s brain barely worked. He searched for a single word and only one came to mind. “Crown.”
“Crown it is,” Dagr whispered before glancing down at Oz. “Crown means ‘no’ tonight.”
Watching both men, Llyr swallowed the thick lust making it hard to breathe. What torments and delights would they put him through that night?
Dagr forced Llyr to his hands and knees seconds before another spank hit his bottom. He gasped before letting out a cry. The tender flesh of his bottom ached from the two strikes, but the throbbing was intriguing, too. The more Dagr abused his flesh, the more it throbbed with life. From the sounds of each, they were nowhere as strong as the ones Dagr had delivered to Oz, but they still left behind a tender reminder.