She glanced up from the book she was reading and smiled. “Hi, Val."
"Hey, how's it going?” Val shifted from foot to foot. How the hell was he supposed to ask her to move without looking like a jerk or a lunatic?
"Those references you gave me were really helpful. My paper's really coming along. In fact it's almost done."
"Cool. Glad I could help."
An awkward silence settled between them. Val opened his mouth to ask if she'd mind moving to another cubicle but she cut him off.
"Since you helped me so much, I was sort of wondering ... would you mind reading over my paper before I turn it in?"
"I guess I can do that.” Val paused. Oh, just suck it up and ask. “Would you do something for me?"
"Sure. If I can."
"Would you mind moving to another cubicle so I can sit here?"
Her eyes widened a little. “Sure. I guess."
Please, don't let her ask why.
She didn't, just gathered up her stuff and left.
Setting his book on the desk, Val sank into the chair and closed his eyes. This was it, the last place he'd been with Dylan except for Mac's office, and he couldn't go there. Could he? No, there was no way he could go there. So this had to be it.
Val opened his eyes, scooted the chair in close to the desk and reached for the book. Something stuck out from between the pages, a slip of paper someone had used to mark their spot. It was as good a place to start as any. Val opened the book and the slip of paper slid out. He picked it up and glanced at it.
Sweet mother, I lack the power to strike the loom. I am consumed with love from Aphrodite for a slender boy.
Val recognized the quote. It was from Sappho's poetry, said to have been written about Eros.
Was he consumed? Maybe. What he was doing tonight didn't exactly bode well for his sanity, did it? Another fragment of Sappho came back to him.
Eros shook my soul like the wind, attacking trees on a mountain.
Yeah, shaken was just about right. Maybe he really was losing it.
Folding the scrap of paper, Val stuck it in his pocket.
He stayed there in that cubicle for the rest of the evening, the book open in front of him, the slip of paper tucked safely away like a talisman. He didn't read. He tried not to think, just waited.
And nothing happened.
When the lights blinked, indicating that the library would soon be closing for the night, Val returned the book to the stacks and walked home through the snow. The house was quiet and dark when he got there, his housemate either still out or already asleep. He let himself in and went straight to his room, pausing only long enough to hang his jacket over the back of a chair.
He'd wasted an entire night on a whim. He was cold and tired and wet from the snow and his head was beginning to ache again, not to mention how ridiculous he felt. Consumed, that's what he was, and it was doing him no good.
Shoving open the bedroom door, Val groped for the light. His fingers found the switch and he flicked it on.
Dylan sprawled across his bed on his stomach, chin resting on his hand, a book open in front of him. He looked up and smiled.
"It's about time you got back, Valentine."
Dylan was here. In his room. On his bed. Waiting for him.
Forgetting everything else, Val crossed the room in two long strides and flung himself on Dylan.
"Ugh."
Somehow Dylan caught him. They rolled together across the bed and off the opposite side, crashing to the floor in a tangle of arms and legs. Fisting his hand in Dylan's hair, Val crushed their mouths together and drank in the taste of the lover he'd been so sure was gone for good. He could have gone on like that all night, kissing Dylan, touching Dylan, but it was Dylan who broke the kiss.
"Easy, Valentine. Gods, but you're freezing."
"So warm me up.” Val, who had somehow ended up on top when they fell, ground his hips down on his lover.
Dylan's back arched, his body responding, the growing hardness in his jeans pressing up into Val. “We can't.” He gasped, the movement of his body belying his words. “Val, stop. We have to talk."
"I don't want to talk.” Val shoved Dylan's legs apart and pressed his thigh up against Dylan's crotch. “I want you. Fuck me."
Dylan laughed, the sound a little breathless. “I want you too, baby. But we have business first. Now, let me up."
Gazing down into that beautiful face, Val saw the seriousness in Dylan's eyes. “What's wrong?"
"Nothing.” Dylan took a quick hard kiss. “But you need to let me up so we can talk."
He did not want to talk. They had talked last night in Mac's office and it had left him nothing but confused and hurting.
Slowly, letting Dylan know he was unwilling, Val untangled himself from his lover and stood up. But when he crawled onto the bed and held out his arms, Dylan shook his head. Instead of coming to Val, he sat down on the edge of the bed just out of touching distance, his expression somber.
"You lied.” Val let his arms drop.
"What do you mean?"
"There's something wrong. I can see it. So just say it.” Dylan was leaving him, he was almost certain. Sure, he was here now but...
"Okay.” Dylan's gaze dropped away. He didn't speak for a long time.
The tension in Val's gut wound itself tighter and tighter until he just couldn't take it anymore. He slammed his fist down on the bed. “Stop dragging it out, man. If you're leaving just fucking say it already."
Dylan's hand settled on Val's ankle and squeezed. “Calm down, Valentine. I'm not leaving.” His gaze met Val's. “But I can't stay either."
"What the hell does that mean?” He wanted to pull free of that touch. He wanted to wrap it around him and wallow in it. So he did neither, just stayed still with Dylan's hand on his ankle.
Dylan sighed. “I came back because you called me. And because we were interrupted last night before we finished."
"How did I call you?"
"You went looking for me. Isn't that what you were doing tonight when you went to all those places?"
"How do you know that?"
"You're wearing it, aren't you?"
There was no need to ask what ‘it’ was. Val nodded, suddenly very aware of the corset pulled snug around his waist.
"When you wear it I can feel what you feel. It ties you to me like..."
"Like a spell?"
"More like a bond. There's magic, yeah, but it doesn't control you. You can take it off, if you want to."
"So when I wear it, you can see me, know what I'm doing?” That thought made Val shiver.
Dylan shrugged. “Not see you exactly, more like I can feel you.” He grinned. “Don't let it creep you out. It's not like I know what you're doing or anything. More like I can sense you. Tonight I felt that you wanted me so I came."
"And if I take it off..."
"If you take it off, the connection is broken. Like I said, you can take it off, if you want to. It's just a way for me to keep you close even when I can't be with you."
"And why can't you be with me?"
"You believe that I'm Eros."
It wasn't a question, but Val nodded anyway.
Dylan—or Eros—smiled. “I am responsible for making matches. It's what I do, gold-tipped arrows and all that. You know the drill."
Again, Val nodded.
"If I stay with you, I'd be ignoring that responsibility and the world would fall into chaos. It happened once before."
Val recalled a scrap of a myth about a time when Eros had shirked his responsibilities and the world of mortals and immortals had indeed fallen into chaos. People didn't fall in love, relationships crumbled and the fabric of life was torn apart.
"So what happens now?"
"That depends on you."
"Me?"
"You're the one who has to choose. You can come with me, live with me and give up your mortal life. Or you can take off the corset, break our bond and keep your mortal life."
<
br /> Even though his pulse was pounding, Val laughed. “You sound like Monty Hall. Is this the mythical version of Let's Make a Deal?"
"Maybe. Except I'm telling you what's behind door number one before you choose it."
"And what's that?"
"Keep your life as it is. Go to Greece with Mac, become his lover. He's a good man, Val. He'll treat you well. You can build a life with him, if it's what you want."
"I don't think I love him."
"Do you want to? I told you, I can do that for you, just say the word."
But he didn't say the word. Instead he rolled his next question around on his tongue and considered not asking it. But he had to ask it.
"Can you make me fall in love with you instead?"
Did you already do it?
"I could, but I won't."
"Why not?"
"Because a heart given freely is a greater gift than one I could steal.” He grinned. “That sounds corny, I know, but it's the gods’ truth, Valentine. The choice has to be yours. I won't make it for you."
Val thought about his family, especially his mother whom he'd always been close to. How could he leave her forever and not even say good-bye?
He thought of his friends, the ones he'd known for years and a few, like Eddie, he'd met only recently but who were important to him nevertheless. He would miss them a lot. And wouldn't life be lonely with no friends?
Last he thought of his studies, the Latin and Greek, the poetry and mythology and literature he loved and his plans to share that love with others as a teacher. What would happen to those plans if he gave up his mortal life to be with Dylan?
He met Dylan's gaze. “If I go with you, could I ever come back?"
"You could come back to visit, if you want. A lot of people do, at least at first."
"Why only at first?"
Dylan sighed. “As an immortal, you won't grow old. You'll stay the same as you are today, or whenever. The same won't be true of your family and friends. A lot of people find that too sad so, after a while, they stop coming back."
Yeah, he could see how that would be sad, watching the people you love grow old and die. Of course, wasn't that part of life anyway?
"Thank you for telling me all that."
"It's only the truth. And I want you to make the choice that will make you happy."
Val took a breath and felt the corset holding him tight, supporting him. “I want to be with you."
He saw the quick flash of joy in Dylan's eyes, saw it just as quickly tamped down.
"Are you sure, Valentine? You need to be sure because..."
"I'm sure. Take me with you to Olympus or ... wherever. It's what I want, to give you my heart, if you want it."
Val held out his arms. This time Dylan came to him, stretched out beside him and pulled him close.
They kissed, a long slow meeting of lips and sharing of breath that left Val feeling a little dazed.
"I want it, I want you.” Dylan laid his cheek against Val's. “Your gift humbles me. I'll make you happy, I promise."
"You already do.” Val molded his body against Dylan's. “I want you inside me right now.” He took a kiss.
"Getting awfully bossy, aren't you, Valentine?” Dylan's hand slid under Val's shirt and traced the edge of the corset. “Take off your clothes and lay on your stomach. I want that pretty ass on display for me.” He gave said pretty ass a light swat. “Do it now."
Val scrambled off the bed. He toed off his shoes and shucked his clothes, all but the corset, leaving them in a heap on the floor. When he turned around he found Dylan already naked, stretched out on his bed watching him.
"Not much style in that strip tease.” Dylan grinned but his gaze burned and his cock stood proudly at attention, nearly as thick as Val's wrist and flushed dark with blood.
Val's prick stiffened in response. “I'll do better next time."
"Yes, you will.” Dylan wrapped long fingers around his own shaft, stroking lazily as his gaze raked over Val's body. He held out his free hand. “C'mere, Valentine. I want you under me."
Val crawled onto the mattress, lay down on his stomach and eyed his lover. “God, you're so beautiful.” And he was, with his dark hair loose and tumbling around his face and all those long, lean muscles. Val's cock twitched. “Please, touch me."
Dylan smiled. “How do you want me to touch you? Like this?” He stroked a hand down Val's spine, his touch so light Val barely felt it.
"Not like that.” Val squirmed. “I want your cock up my ass. Please?"
"Well...” A fingertip traced the edge of the corset. “Since you're looking so delicious and you asked so nicely.” Dylan rolled over. “Spread your legs for me, baby. Show me how much you want it."
Val spread. His cock, trapped against the mattress, ached to be touched. But when he slid his hand down, it was batted away.
"No touching. In fact...” Kneeling between Val's legs, Dylan stretched out above him, his prick pressing against Val's crease. He took Val's hands in his and stretched his arms out to either side. “Keep them there and don't move or I'll stop.” He thrust his hips against Val's ass. “I love seeing you like this, all laid out, so wanton and slutty. You make me so horny."
Lips ghosted over the back of Val's neck. He shivered and a small whimper escaped. Soft open-mouthed kisses were pressed to each shoulder. “Mmm, you taste so good. Gonna taste you all over then fuck you till you scream."
God, yes.
A series of small nips and licks trailed down his spine, raising goose bumps all over his body. Hands framed his waist as Dylan licked along the edge of the corset. Then lower. Strong hands parted his ass-cheeks and a warm, wet tongue licked along his crease.
Val's hole fluttered, his internal muscles clenching spasmodically. He loved getting his ass eaten out but had known only a single lover who was willing to do it.
"You like that.” Dylan lapped at Val's opening. “Your little hole is flirting with me, Valentine, begging for my tongue. Is that what you want? Want me to tongue-fuck your sweet little hole?"
"Yes. Please?” Val lifted his hips, his body begging for what it wanted.
"Uh-uh, baby, stay still or I'll stop.” Another lick. “I want you to say it for me."
"Please,” Val begged. “Please, lick my asshole. Let me come for you while you fuck me with your tongue."
Humming softly, Dylan licked from Val's balls to the top of his crease, then back down to swirl around and dip inside his hole.
"Oh, God.” Val buried his face in the pillow and fought to remain still. His cock, leaking steadily now, had left a wet patch on the sheet, and Val could smell his own arousal.
Dylan's thumbs spread him open, Dylan's tongue slid into his ass, tasting and teasing and ramping up his need. Licking and slurping noises blended with low, satisfied hums and murmurs as Dylan ate him out.
Val's pricked throbbed, his fingers curled into the sheets and he bit down on the pillow to keep from screaming. And the slow, sweet torment went on and on.
"Please,” Val gasped, sure he was going to blow his load without Dylan's permission.
"Please, what?” Dylan paused and rested his cheek against Val's ass. Warm breath puffed against his drenched hole. “You want to come, Valentine? You ready to cream for me already?"
"Yes. Need to come.” Val shifted, trying for some friction, unable to stay still.
"Okay. I guess you've been good long enough.” Dylan gave his hole one final lap then crawled up to press his cheek against Val's. “Where's the lube and condoms?"
"Nightstand. But...” Val hesitated.
"But what, baby?” Dylan rolled over and opened the nightstand.
Val propped himself on one elbow and watched his lover. “I was thinking that well, since you're ... you know, immortal and all..."
"Yeah?” Dylan cocked a brow, the suggestion of a smile playing around his mouth.
"Well, since you're immortal you probably don't get diseases, right?” Val felt his face growing hot
. He'd never asked for this before, had never been serious enough with anyone to want it.
Dylan nodded. “No, no diseases."
"That's good. So, do you think...?"
"Yeah?” Dylan waited, a wicked gleam in his eyes.
"Oh hell.” Val turned his face away, cheeks burning. He hated asking for stuff like this.
"Don't turn away.” Dylan lay down beside him and pulled him close. “Are you trying to ask me to fuck you bare? Is that what you want, baby?"
"That's what I want,” Val whispered. “I never had anyone do that before. Never wanted to."
"And I'm the only one who will ever do that to you.” Dylan cupped his cheek and looked into his eyes. “You belong to me now. You know that, right?"
Val nodded. Something clutched tight in his chest at that look in his lover's eyes, and he knew he had made the right choice.
Kneeling between Val's legs, Dylan got him ready, first slicking and stretching his hole before he dripped lube over his shaft and positioned himself at Val's entrance.
Leaning over Val's back he touched their lips together. “I love you, Valentine. I always will."
"I love you, too.” Val closed his eyes.
Dylan pushed. After a moment of resistance, the head slipped in. He paused, waiting. “Okay, baby?"
"Okay. More. Give me all of it."
He loved this moment, savored it, the feel of being penetrated, taken and filled. He loved the burn and stretch and the feel of another man's cock, Dylan's cock, deep inside him.
When his lover hilted, balls resting against Val's ass, they both stilled. Then Dylan began to move. Long, slow thrusts rocked him, setting up the sweetest ache inside his ass and just enough friction for his dick against the sheet.
Val moaned and pushed up, meeting Dylan thrust for thrust, tiny sparks flaring along his spine, delicious pressure building in his balls. Gradually Dylan sped up, shoving in deeper and faster, pushing Val closer and closer to orgasm. But just as Val opened his mouth to say he was close, Dylan pulled almost all the way out, leaving Val's body grasping and empty except for the head just inside his ass.
The Ties That Bind Page 14