Ascending Hearts

by Leta Blake

  Jack barked out a laugh. “Oh yes, I can tell. So where is your mate?”

  At this, Rion shifted and tugged on the fabric binding him, eyes on the ceiling. “Cease these useless questions.”

  As empty as his own life in the village had been, Jack couldn’t imagine living in this prison in the sky. “How long have you been alone?”

  Rion’s nostrils flared, and his voice was steel. “Save your pity, Outsider. I have no need of it. I’ll tear you limb from limb and toss your bones down to fertilize the beanstalk. And when another of your kin climbs it, I won’t take pity on him and send him back with tales of a giant’s wrath. From now on there will only be death to the Outsiders!”

  Fine. If that’s the way he wants it, that’s the way it shall be. As he left, Jack slammed the door behind him with a clang that seemed to shake the walls. He leaned against the cold stone and breathed deeply. What did he hope to gain by talking to Rion? This greedy, cruel man. This man who would clearly kill him without a second thought.

  This man you somehow desire.

  Jack stalked down the passageway. He needed to find the treasure and leave this cursed castle behind.

  * * * * *

  Rion shifted restlessly, his bonds still holding fast. Why had he told the man so much? Truths, yet! It had been strange, the way in some moments he’d actually…wanted to talk to Jack. No. The Outsider. My enemy.

  Rion repeated the words like a mantra under this breath.

  When the Outsider returned after a short time, he was even more on edge than when he left, his shoulders hunched and fists clenched. He stood by the bed, vibrating with tension. “There is no treasure. Just admit it.”

  Although Rion knew if he were to lie he might be freed, his pride wouldn’t allow it. “It’s here. You simply have to know where to look.”

  The Outsider pulled the knife from his belt and held it out. “Tell me where it is. Now.”

  “Or what? You’ll kill me? Then you’ll never know.”

  The Outsider took a step closer, his outstretched arm trembling. “I’ll do it. I will.”

  Despite everything, Rion knew that was untrue. “No you won’t.”

  Howling in frustration, the Outsider charged, landing atop Rion. “No one thinks I’m capable of anything. But I will find this treasure, damn you. I’m the one in control! Not you!” He tossed the knife to the floor and gripped Rion’s arms. “I’m not weak. I climbed the beanstalk. I’m going to find the treasure no one else could.”

  Rion bucked up, writhing beneath the sweet pressure of the man’s body. “You’ll never find it, and I’ll never help you.” Fruitlessly commanding his flesh not to respond, Rion went still, breathing heavily. “You’re wasting your time, Outsider.”

  “Stop calling me that.” Blue eyes flashed with fury.

  “It’s what you are.”

  He reached down between their bodies and squeezed Rion’s cock. “If I’m so unclean, why do I make you hard?”

  Rion gulped, concentrating on keep his tone even. “You don’t.”

  “You’re lying. You do want me. You do.” Emotion flickered across the Outsider’s face. “I’m not nothing.”

  “I could never want you. No one could.”

  His nostrils flared. “So you don’t want me to touch you?”

  “Never. You disgust me.”

  The Outsider yanked out Rion’s cock, stroking roughly, and Rion swallowed a gasp as pleasure shuddered through him. “You don’t want me to take you in my mouth? Suck you and lick you and make you spend? You don’t want that?”

  Rion jerked his head side to side in a no, but his heart sang. All his deepest, most secret desires were being given voice. There are others like me. I am not alone.

  He didn’t trust himself to speak as the man worked Rion’s cock, flicking the head with his thumb. With his other hand, the Outsider kneaded Rion’s bollocks in his palm. Rion shuddered as a gasp escaped his lips. Nothing in all his days had ever felt so good. So right.

  “I think you’re lying, Rion. I think you do want me to suck you. I think you want to fuck me. You want to ram my arse full of your big, meaty cock. Even though you hate me, you want me.” With a determined gleam, the Outsider loomed over him and gripped Rion’s shoulders. “Admit it.”

  Rion’s cock was painfully hard and he thought he might explode if he didn’t come. His muscles were stiff and cramped from being tied to the bed in the same position for so long. He needed release. But more than that, he wanted Jack to touch him. He knew it was shameful, and he screwed his eyes shut.

  Jack’s lips brushed Rion’s ear, his breath hot. “Tell me what you want.”

  Rion clenched his jaw.

  Fingertips brushed the head of his cock. “Tell me.”

  With a groan, Rion gave in. “Use your mouth.”

  Moving down, Jack knelt between Rion’s spread legs and tugged Rion’s breeches down as far he could. He lowered his head, and his breath tickled the leaking tip of Rion’s cock. He looked up, determined. “Say it.”

  “Jack.”

  Rion’s cock was engulfed with the moist, incredible heat of Jack’s mouth. He hadn’t known such pleasure was possible, and he moaned loudly, straining against the ties on his wrists and ankles. Jack swirled his tongue around Rion’s cock, tracing the vein on the underside before dipping his head to lick at Rion’s bollocks and suck them with wet sounds that made Rion’s skin tingle.

  He thought about what it would be like to fuck Jack, to sink into his tight hole and spend deep inside him. To let Jack do the same thing to him. Rion shuddered and moaned. He should be horrified. It was wrong—wasn’t it? He should beg Jack to stop, but nothing in his life had ever felt so good, and all he could do was beg for more.

  “Please, Jack. Please.”

  Jack swallowed Rion’s cock again, taking it deep into his throat. He hummed, and the vibrations sent pure pleasure from deep inside him to the tips of his toes. Panting, he thrust up, fucking Jack’s mouth desperately. He curled his hands into fists, wanting to reach out and touch.

  When Jack slid a fingertip over Rion’s hole, Rion came with a shout, the ecstasy overtaking him and leaving him shivering. He watched Jack swallow his seed and lick him clean. A primal urge overtook him, sinking deep into his bones.

  Mine.

  Chapter Five

  Jack licked his lips and sat back on his heels as he swallowed the last drops of Rion’s seed. His pulse raced as their eyes locked. How had he gone from hating this man to pleasuring him—and taking great pleasure in it himself? He circled the heel of his hand against his aching, straining cock.

  Rion’s gaze flicked down, his eyes dark. “Untie me.”

  Shaking his head, Jack swallowed hard. “I can’t.”

  “You can.”

  Jack debated with himself. He couldn’t go back down the stalk empty handed, and he hadn’t yet found the treasure. How long could he keep looking? How long could Jack keep Rion a prisoner in his own home? Guilt twisted his gut, and he forced himself to face the truth. He’d wronged the man, and it was time to make amends. Even if it sealed his fate.

  Perhaps Rion would kill him the first chance he got, as he’d promised. It would be what Jack deserved.

  As if reading Jack’s mind, Rion said, “We’ll call a truce for the night. You won’t try to steal my treasure, and I won’t try to kill you.”

  A wry smile twisted Jack’s lips. “A fair bargain if ever I heard one.”

  “You can’t keep me tied up here forever.”

  It was the truth. Taking a deep breath, Jack leaned forward and tugged at the fabric lashing one of Rion’s wrists to the bed. As it gave way, he jerked back out of reach. But Rion only lowered his arm to the thin mattress with a groan. Warily, Jack released Rion’s other wrist, scooting farther down between Rion’s legs.

  Rion rubbed his chafed, reddened wrists and stretched his arms and back. He sat up, and they regarded each other carefully. Rion’s eyes dropped, and before Jack could say a
nything, Rion tore open Jack’s breeches and freed his cock. He wrapped his palm around the length tentatively.

  Jack whimpered.

  More boldly now, Rion stroked him. “Remove your tunic.”

  Without question or hesitation, Jack did as he was told. Rion’s bright eyes raked over Jack’s chest. The cool air pebbled his skin, and Jack reached for his own nipples, teasing them into hard nubs as he thrust into Rion’s grip. His bollocks were already tight and near spending, and a moan escaped his lips.

  When Rion reached up with his other hand, Jack froze, uncertain and on guard, his breath lodged as he waited for that large hand to encircle his throat. Yet Rion’s aim was higher, and he slid his fingers into Jack’s hair, caressing the strands with an expression of wonder.

  Shaking, Jack found his release, spurting thick ropes of his seed as he cried out sharply. He leaned his head into Rion’s touch as Rion milked Jack’s cock with his other hand, drawing out the tremors of ecstasy. Jack closed his eyes. It had been so many long years since he’d found pleasure in the warmth of another’s flesh—even if it was just Rion’s hand.

  He’d loved Adair long before he’d hated him. Now here he was, made vulnerable before this villain, but for reasons he couldn’t name, he felt…safe. He wondered what it would be like to meet Rion’s mouth, to taste his tongue and breathe him in, to get lost in his kiss.

  Jack opened his eyes and met Rion’s gaze.

  Rion dropped his hands, and they both backed away from each other, eyes downcast. Jack quickly got up and pulled his tunic back on and refastened his breeches while Rion freed the bonds around his ankles and straightened his own clothing. Grimacing, Rion stood, stretching gingerly.

  Jack cleared his throat. “What do we do now?” Would this truce hold? Or was Rion simply waiting to soothe his stiff muscles before he attacked?

  “We eat.” He strode from the room, and Jack quickly followed, careful not to get between Rion and any doors that locked.

  Jack waited at a worn wooden table by the cold hearth as Rion disappeared into the larder, returning with an armful of cured meat, cheese and fruit. He sliced the remaining bread and placed the food on the table before handing Jack an empty plate. As he fetched his own plate, Jack hesitantly took some cheese and an apple.

  Rion pulled out the chair across from him and wasted no time in tearing into the meal. He raised an eyebrow. “Not hungry?”

  Jack fiddled with his apple and shrugged.

  After barking out a laugh, Rion reached for it and took a large bite. “Not poisoned, I assure you.”

  Stomach rumbling, Jack decided he had little to lose and filled his plate. They ate quietly for a few minutes, and Rion poured Jack a tankard of ale after taking a showy first sip himself. Jack had to chuckle, and the ale went down quite smoothly. For the first time since he’d begun his climb up the beanstalk, he allowed himself to relax just a bit.

  If they were to have a truce, they might as well speak. He cleared his throat. “This land across the sea, it must be nearby. Closer than I imagined.”

  Rion frowned. “Why do you say that?”

  “Where else would you get the food from?” Jack took another bite of the crisp, juicy apple. “It’s fresh, and I haven’t come across a garden up here.”

  Rion’s frown deepened. “I bake the bread, but the larder is full of food, as it always has been. There’s never been a shortage. Is it not this way where you come from?”

  “No. An apple would rot within a week or two if not stored properly or eaten.”

  “It must be the rampant sickness and disease. There’s no other explanation.”

  Jack fought to swallow a wave of anger. “It must be some kind of magic, Rion. For my people are no different from you, and have no great sickness. You have many books. Have you ever read of food lasting as long as it does here?”

  Rion swallowed a piece of cheese and seemed to contemplate. “No. I haven’t.” He glanced at Jack. “I was always told your people carried terrible diseases. That you were disgusting and venal.”

  “And do you find me disgusting?” Jack found he was holding his breath.

  After a moment, Rion met his gaze, eyes dark. “No.”

  Jack’s heart skipped a beat, and he took another sip of ale as desire sparked within him. “I grew up being told a ghastly giant lived here. As I have found, things are not always what we believe.”

  “I suppose that’s true. But why would my parents warn us so strongly against the Outsiders?” He drank his ale, frowning. “It was the first thing we learned as children. To never, ever go down the beanstalk.”

  Jack had a feeling it was to keep Rion and his siblings trapped in the clouds, chained to the castle and their so-called duty. He wondered how many generations had been taught the evils of the Outsiders. “I don’t know. But from what I can tell, you’re no different from us.”

  “Yet I’ve never met an Outsider like you.” He smirked. “Granted, the others I only kept here long enough to frighten them into never returning. And I certainly never…” He glanced away.

  “No, I suppose you didn’t. Or else they might not have left.”

  They shared a small smile before Rion grew serious once more. “Why did you say your hair was hideous?”

  Instinctively, Jack reached up to tug down his cap to find he wasn’t wearing it. His face burned.

  “Why do you wish to hide it?” Rion’s brow furrowed. “It must be rare, is it not?”

  Jack laughed ruefully. “Oh yes. It’s rare. I’m the only one in my land with this devil’s curse.”

  “A curse?” Rion sat up straight.

  “Don’t worry, it isn’t catching. I’ve never really understood it. But my whole life people have hissed at me and spit on the ground after I pass. They say I’m the devil’s child. Perhaps I am. My desires have always been…unnatural.”

  At this, shame flickered across Rion’s face. “As have mine. My brothers all spoke of women, my sisters of men. I kept silent. I feared I was the only one who felt this way.”

  “No, there are others.” At the thought of Adair, Jack grimaced. “Although most would never admit it. They marry women and father children, but deep down are never satisfied.” He supposed it was what Adair deserved.

  Rion sighed heavily. “I am to marry.”

  For some strange reason, Jack’s stomach curdled at the thought. “Who? Where does she come from?”

  “I haven’t met her yet. Next winter I will go across the sea and return with a mate.”

  “You don’t seem pleased by the notion.”

  “I have no choice.” Rion shrugged. “It is my duty.”

  “But why?”

  Rion’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”

  “Who says you must take a wife?”

  “It’s the way it must be. It’s my duty to protect my family’s legacy. My brothers and sisters have all abandoned the cause. I swore to my parents I would not fail them. Or our ancestors.”

  Jack pondered this. “So it is your legacy to pretend to be a giant and to guard your forebearer’s treasure. And to have children so they can do the same?”

  “Yes. It is my sacred duty.”

  “But why?”

  Rion exhaled sharply. “What do you mean, why? Because it is the way! It is my path.”

  “What good is a treasure up here in a musty old castle by yourself?”

  Scraping back his chair, Rion stood and collected the dishes, slamming them into a cleaning pot. “I won’t be alone. I’ll have my family, just as I did growing up. I never wanted for anything as a child. This is my home, and I will never abandon it. Or my duty.”

  Jack raised his hands. “Forgive me. I didn’t mean to upset you.” He took a long breath. “And forgive me for coming here. For attempting to steal from you. It was wrong. I have no excuse.”

  Rion leaned a shoulder against the wall and crossed his arms. “What is this debt? For a friend, you said. Yet you also said you are hated by all.”

&nb
sp; A wave of grief washed over Jack as he thought of poor Inga. He remembered the warmth of her blood splashed on his skin, and closed his eyes as nausea flared. “My only friend was killed, and I must pay the butcher who returned her body.”

  “A butcher? I don’t understand.”

  “She was…a cow.”

  Rion stared at him quizzically before laughing. “Is this some ploy? Cows are for milk and eating. I may have grown up here in the clouds but do not think me a fool!”

  Jack pushed back his own chair. “She was my only companion. My mother sold her from under me and I made a bargain with the butcher. He didn’t tell me he’d already slaughtered her. I realize it must sound unimportant to you, but it was a great loss to me.”

  Rion’s face softened. “Then I am sorry. Truly. I did not mean offense.”

  Nodding, Jack exhaled. “Perhaps I will take some air. Is there a terrace?”

  Rion led the way upstairs. In all of Jack’s searches, he hadn’t come across any entrance to an outdoor space, and since they were up in the clouds, hadn’t wanted to. But now he yearned to fill his lungs with fresh, clean air. He followed Rion through an archway that seemed to lead only to a stone wall.

  Yet when Rion pushed on one of the stones, a door opened and light streamed in. Jack realized it must be morning, and he’d been in the castle a full day and night. He examined the door as he passed through. Secret doors. Perhaps I’ve been looking in the wrong place for the treasure. Jack gave his head a mental shake. No. He’d been wrong to try to steal.

  Jack’s breath caught in his throat as he walked outside onto a wide terrace. Climbing flowers curled over the low walls, and a fine mist filled the air, huge droplets of water all around, shimmering in the sun above through the veil of cloud. He was quickly soaked to the skin. “What…what is this?”

  Rion ran a hand through his wet hair. “It’s rain. Surely you’ve seen rain before? It goes down to the valley, does it not?”

  “Yes, but it falls heavily to the ground. Here it seems to float.” He reached out his arm, waving it through the droplets. “It’s beautiful.”