“Are you asking me if I’m going to fuck you?”
Karik’s cheeks grew hot again, and not for the first time, he wished his beard covered them entirely, instead of allowing them to betray his embarrassment. He nodded, not wanting to say the word himself. “I’m worried.”
“Think you might have a flashback?” Karik nodded again. “So why don’t you fuck me instead?”
Karik blinked. “Me?”
“Why not? I like it—I like it a lot, actually.”
“I...I just thought you’d be in charge.”
“I don’t see sex that way, though I’ll happily order you about since you seem to like it,” he added with a smartarse grin. So Romi had seen his reaction, damn him. “So, do you want to?”
“I don’t have any idea what to do.” Actually, he knew the theory, just as he had known the theory of having sex with a woman. It hadn’t saved him from being a clumsy idiot when he’d come to Mila the first time.
“Sure you do.” Romi kissed him again, stroking his back with the tips of his fingers, making Karik tingle. “Don’t tell me Kei didn’t tell you about it.”
“He did but.... What if I hurt you?”
“You won’t. I trust you.”
In some ways that made it worse. “Just hold me for a bit?”
“Of course.”
With Romi’s arms around him, and the calm confidence in his voice, Karik could believe this might work, but he couldn’t help but worry he’d look an idiot. Romi had had several lovers—what if he thought Karik was useless?
“Stop getting worked up,” Romi said, giving him another warming kiss. “This isn’t important. If you want me to top, then I will, or we don’t have to do a damn thing, but I think you’ll enjoy this.”
“I’ve never done it before. I’ll be terrible.”
“Doubt it. And everyone starts somewhere. My first time on top? Hopeless. Second time? Much better. Of course, after that I was the world’s greatest lover.” Karik looked up and found Romi grinning. “At least you have some idea of the anatomy—I thought my cock was going to come out his belly button if I thrust too hard.”
Karik snorted with laughter. “That’s physically impossible.”
“Well, I didn’t know that. Didn’t know the first thing about where anything was, or where it should go, or any of that. If I hadn’t had such an experienced partner, I’d probably have done him a mischief out of ignorance.” He whispered against Karik’s ear. “There’s a reason they say healers make the best lovers, you know.”
“Not really a healer,” he mumbled, flushing hot.
“Close enough. Put your hand down there.” He moved and spread his legs, his beautiful cock inviting attention. Karik stroked it, and Romi sighed. “Such nice hands, Karik. Now, lower.”
Karik sat back, and gave the task his full attention. Romi’s balls were heavy, bigger than his own, filling his hand nicely. Romi really liked him touching them too—Karik was trying to make sure he remembered all the things that Romi liked—and didn’t mind him spending time playing and stroking them. But then he gently urged Karik to explore lower, so he did.
Karik had touched arses before, of course, and even had his finger up them—but touching the bottom of someone who was sick or in pain, who wasn’t expecting to enjoy the experience and didn’t give a damn if Karik did, was nothing like this. Romi quivered as Karik carefully stroked over his entrance. Karik stared at him in amazement. “Told you I liked it,” Romi said in a slightly strangled voice.
This new power he had fascinated Karik. Romi was usually so in control, his reactions never exaggerated—to see him squirm and whimper as Karik teased him, was astonishing. Karik had no idea he could do this to someone, and he would be happy to keep doing it all night. But Romi had other ideas. “Karik, please? Use the cream.” His fists were clenching at his side, his skin was flushed, and his eyes glittered in the firelight—every inch of him, begging. Begging for Karik’s touch. Amazing.
Kei, in his thoughtful, teasing way, had made a little pot of the tido oil cream just for Karik, carefully labelling it with his name, and putting a note with it saying ‘Use all of it, Karik’ which had made him blush and laugh at the same time. Kei had even added some sweet smelling herbs to the cream, and made it extra thick—his uncle thought of everything. He scooped some out, warmed it on his fingers—Kei had been very insistent on that point—then applied to Romi’s entrance. At that point, he lost all confidence, even though he’d done this at least a dozen times before.
“Karik? It’ll be all right.” Romi stroked his fingers along his beard, his eyes pleading. “Go on.”
Emboldened, Karik pushed in, and Romi sighed in obvious pleasure. No need to ask if it had hurt then. “How long...?”
“Long as you like, love. You’ll know.”
This, Kei had not told him about. Karik was on his own, so he had to use his own skills to judge. This was just a matter of observation, he told himself. Watch Romi, feel his body’s reaction. So he fixed his eyes on Romi’s face, at the same time, letting his fingers judge the way Romi relaxed around them, alert for the least sign of pain or discomfort. But Romi seemed to be enjoying it—enjoying it a lot, his hands roaming over Karik’s shoulders and face, gently urging and encouraging, giving a little wiggle of excitement from time to time.
Karik dared to explore a little deeper, hoping his fingers were long enough...ah, they were. Romi arched, mouth opened in an ‘O’, eyes squeezed tight—the most amazing thing Karik had ever witnessed. He’d been told about this, but never seen it. He did it again, carefully, and the reaction was even more dramatic. It was incredible, to have the power to give this much pleasure, and the sight of Romi lost in delight was dizzyingly exciting. Karik had only thought of sex in terms of how much pain or enjoyment he would experience—he hadn’t dreamt he could be the one who could be in charge of things, controlling Romi’s reactions in this way. He liked it a lot.
Romi opened his eyes, and stared at Karik. “I want you,” he said in a throaty growl, and Karik’s erection, which had drooped a little as he had concentrated on other things, sprang proudly into life again. “I’m as ready as I’m going to get.”
Karik nodded, mouth suddenly dry again, and forced himself to concentrate on the mechanics, applying yet more cream to Romi, and then to his own cock. This was possible—in theory—but even stretched, Romi’s entrance didn’t look like it could take something as thick as a cock. And then that led him to wonder how he could ever fit Romi’s bigger one inside him....
Romi touched his face. “Stop thinking,” he said gently. “Just feel.” He urged Karik to lean forward for a kiss. “Love you,” he whispered.
“Me too. Uh...how do we do this?”
Left to Karik, they’d have dithered all night about the right position, but Romi took charge, thankfully, and arranged things until finally Karik was leaning over him, Romi’s long legs over his shoulders, and his cock nudging him. “I’m scared,” Karik whispered.
“Don’t be,” Romi said, calmly and confidently. He touched Karik’s face. “You can do this.”
“Yes.” And with that, Karik pushed....oh gods! “Oh!”
Romi grinned. “Good, right?”
“Oh gods!”
“Don’t just sit there, man, do something!” Karik thrust and Romi jerked, but it didn’t seem to be bad for him. A few more thrusts, and Karik got the hang of it, though it felt so very different from what he had known from Mila, or his own hand. It was so tight, and Romi’s body resisted more than Mila’s had. But it was good, so very good, and the best, the very best thing about it was that Romi was loving it too. Nothing beat the feeling he could make Romi so happy this way.
Romi was hardly passive as Karik struggled to find the best rhythm, his hands stroking and teasing, reminding him that there was a very important and neglected way that Karik could stroke him. Once Karik put his hand on his cock, Romi became a wild thing, panting and moaning softly, begging for more. Karik could only ma
rvel at this transformation in his usually sober, sensible lover, and wonder how long it would be before they could do this all over again, because he wanted that, wanted this closeness, this control over Romi again.
It seemed an embarrassingly short time before he felt himself reaching the unstoppable point of climax, and he spilled, regretting his lack of stamina. But Romi didn’t seem to mind at all, just urging Karik to keep stroking him to his own orgasm, coming with a deep groan, and going quite limp afterwards, his eyes closed, but with a smile on his face. “Are you dead?” Karik asked, not sure if this was at all normal.
“Completely. I’m a corpse.”
“Oh. Isn’t this illegal then?”
Romi grinned and reached for Karik’s hand, eyes still closed. “You should be illegal. Gods, Karik, that was wonderful. Thank you.” Karik’s chest swelled with pride—he hadn’t been a clumsy idiot after all.
He’d already discovered the aftermath of sex was a very sticky business, but Romi had had the forethought to sneak a washcloth out of the bathroom before they’d left, so Karik was able to make a cursory clean up. He apologised for the mess, but Romi shook his head. “Don’t ever apologise for good sex. It’s against the law.”
Karik grinned. “Oh yes? Which statute?”
“Um, Arman will know. Want me to ask him now?”
He pretended to get off the bed, but Karik grabbed him. “No! Gods, Romi, you’re a tease.”
Romi wrapped his arms around him, and kissed him. “And you’re just damn beautiful.”
Karik lay in his arms, more content and happy than he’d been in his entire life. “I didn’t even come close to a flashback,” he said, wonderingly.
“No. I’m glad. You might still do, but like Kei said, we just move past it if it happens. But now you know sex isn’t about fear and pain, right?”
“No, sex is wonderful. I want to do it again!”
Romi laughed, a great deep laugh that made Karik smile to hear it. “Soon, but not tonight. My arse will need a day or so to recover. But that’s not the biggest or the best part of lovemaking—lots of things we can do.”
“This,” Karik said firmly. “This is the best part.”
“Yes it is.”
They cuddled some more, and then Romi suggested they get under the covers since they were both falling asleep. Karik lay with his head on Romi’s shoulder as Romi lazily stroked his arm. “I’ll never forget this,” he whispered. “Whatever happens, I’ll never forget this.”
“Good. Neither will I. This was special. It will always be special to me.”
And that had to be enough. But would it be any consolation in the future, when they were separated by hundreds of miles? It would just have to be, he guessed, then put the thought out of his mind. He would enjoy this while he could, because such moments were precious. Time for sadness later.
Staying Power: 50
Romi hoped that proving to himself they could have full sexual relations, had settled some of the nightmares for Karik. If they achieved that before they had to part, at least Karik would have reason not to think this time had been wasted. Romi would never regret it, although it made the prospect of parting so much harder than it already was.
They settled into a routine. Karik went to the academy in the morning while Romi went for walks, usually with Kei, and the two of them would then go to the barracks for Romi to have a light workout under Kei’s watchful eye. Then they would go home for lunch and Karik would come back to spend time with them, gardening with Kei, helping Pira with her chores, or going for another walk with Romi, who found his appetite for activity was increasing every day with the return of his fitness. It really wouldn’t be long before he was back to normal.
This undemanding regime couldn’t go on forever. Once the heavy rains had stopped, Karik’s father would leave for the city, and was due to arrive at new year, six weeks before Romi’s leave ended. He and Karik were supposed to travel back with Reji, and Romi then would go further south to his own family, though whether Karik would come with him was something they hadn’t discussed in detail. Romi wondered how Reji’s visit to Darshek would go. He could only hope that Reji, whom he’d judged a reasonable and fair-minded man, would take a more reasonable line than his lover. If he didn’t, it could be devastating for both Kei and Karik.
A month after they had sailed into Darshek port, Arman called the two of them into the sitting room to speak to them. Kei was left with Pira in the kitchen—Romi suspected a tactical manoeuvre. Arman paced a little as Romi and Karik sat down, looking uncharacteristically ill at ease. “Karik, I’ve got news which I fear will be upsetting.”
“Yes, uncle, I’m listening.” He sat straight-backed, and had gone a little pale. Romi could guess what this might be about, but stayed silent. Arman was in charge.
“Romi told you I was investigating Soza, I assume?” Karik nodded. “I’ve just had word today of the results. You understand we couldn’t just arrest him—not without laying formal charges, so our only legal recourse was to suggest that he attend an investigator’s office, and voluntarily submit to a mind-speaker’s examination. He agreed willingly enough, apparently, but said he wanted to delay for a day or two because of pressing work.”
Karik scowled a little and Romi knew he was thinking of the stolen specimens. “Since the investigator couldn’t insist, she agreed. But when the time came, he didn’t attend, and when the investigator went to his house, his mother reported that her son had gone without a word—the place was emptied and his notes at the academy were gone. He’d disappeared without a trace, and at this moment, we have no idea where he is.”
Karik made a small sound and covered his mouth. Romi put his hand on his arm in comfort, but Karik only had eyes for Arman. Arman continued. “Why there has been a little delay in getting this news to me is that after Soza’s disappearance, certain facts have come to light which the investigator had to verify before she reported to us. Believe me when I tell you how angry I am that these were concealed from me—from Kei and myself—and I can only apologise to both of you this man was allowed to be anywhere near you or the team.”
“What facts?” Karik whispered.
Arman cleared his throat. “To be frank, the attack on you was not an isolated incident, though it was certainly the worst. The Urshek investigator tells me that when she interviewed Master Jezinke, she learned there have been a string of complaints about Soza over the years from students and junior staff, ranging from unwanted sexual advances, to an allegation of assault. Unfortunately, Master Jezinke chose to investigate these himself, and decided, for reasons best known to himself, that each of the complainants had reason to lie or exaggerate their claims, and decided to support Soza against them. Equally unfortunately, none of these claims came to an investigator or the army, although two former staff members have now formally complained. Too late, however, although it will give us the power to arrest the man if he’s found.”
“And are they pursuing this further?” Romi snapped, tightly furious at this revelation.
“Notices have gone out,” Arman said. “If he turns up anywhere in Darshian, we’ll get him. But I suspect he’s fled further afield and you know yourself how hard it is to pursue justice across state borders. I’m sorry, Karik.”
“‘s not your fault.”
Karik looked utterly stricken, gone very pale. Romi slid an arm around him. “He can’t hurt you wherever he is.”
“Absolutely not,” Arman agreed. “He wouldn’t dare turn up in Darshek—you’re safe.”
“Yes. Excuse me, please?”
He shrugged off Romi’s arm and hurried out of the room. Romi went to follow him, but Arman held him back with a hand on his shoulder. “Let him have a few moments.”
Romi subsided, but glared at his host anyway. “This shouldn’t have happened. I could wring Jezinke’s neck. How could he be so damn irresponsible?”
“How indeed. Kei’s as angry as I’ve ever seen him. That’s why he asked me to tell Kari
k—he was afraid he wouldn’t be able to stay calm. It seems Jezinke places too heavy an emphasis on the research done by his staff and doesn’t really consider the whole person. If he had, Soza would not have been suggested for the expedition at all. The Rulers down south will reprimand Jezinke, but that doesn’t do much good now. The man’s not fit to hold the post of academy Master if you ask me, but it’s not up to me or my colleagues here.” He gave Romi a helpless look. “I don’t know how to make this up to Karik—or to you.”
“Nothing to make up to me, and Karik won’t blame you. But I need to go to him.”
“Yes, do that now. He’ll have calmed a little.” Arman squeezed his shoulder. “I don’t know if Kei’s told you how grateful we both are for how you’ve helped Karik over this.”
“I’m doing it for Karik, not your gratitude. No offence meant,” he added, knowing he’d sounder gruffer than he’d meant to.
“None taken. Go.”
He found Karik in the garden, kneeling on the path, apparently examining a bush. When Romi got closer, he noted the way Karik’s nostrils flared and the high colour in his cheeks. “I want to kill him,” Karik said without turning, beginning to pick leaves off the bush and tossing them into the dirt.
Romi crouched. “Who?”
“Soza. Jezinke.” His hand clenched over a clump of leaves, crushing them. “I can’t do anything about this! Soza will never be caught, Jezinke will keep his job, and I won’t ever be able to work at the Urshek academy because I’ll be too much of an embarrassment.” He turned anguished eyes to Romi. “It had been the only hope I had—that maybe I could go back and do some more study...if Soza was gone. But Jezinke will still be there, so I can’t.”
“I’m sorry.” He put his arms around Karik and held on tight until the tension in Karik’s body eased a little. “At least you know it wasn’t just you—that it’s definitely him, not you.”
“I do know that. I just wanted to be with you, and now I can’t.”
There was nothing at all Romi could say to that, and nothing he could do but hold Karik until he could face going back inside. It was a devastating blow for all kinds of reasons, and one they could have both done without. They had no choice but to just move past it—but it made the future look even more bleak than it had done, because Romi, too, had quietly hoped there might be some way Karik could, at least temporarily, come south, perhaps in a few months. That simply could not happen with that bastard running the academy.
Staying Power (Darshian Tales #3) Page 62