Dominic wanted to argue, but admittedly he found Renard’s touches to be mildly satisfying. Damn dick liked it too. It didn’t get that this stone face would be a problem once it turned on him.
Not paying Renard any attention, Dominic moved passed the gargoyle and walked to the shower room. When he arrived, he turned the valves as far as they would go, then grabbed the sponge from the side as well as the soap. “You know, I meant to ask why you have a shower. I would’ve thought gargoyles didn’t need one.”
“You try being in stone for hours without feeling pain,” he half chuckled. “It relaxes me as it would to you. And yes, sometimes my human shell needs cleaning.”
Dominic stepped under the spray and lowered his head. He ran his hand over it. “Okay, yes, that was stupid.”
“No, not really.” Renard smiled. “I’m sure people would think a being with such extraordinary power might not need to relax, but I do. In stone form, I’m almost invincible, but as a human, I’m very vulnerable.” Renard squeezed the sponge over his shoulder, then gently wiped it.
Dominic rolled his neck and nodded. He pretended not to be turned on by Renard’s touches. He closed his eyes a moment, biting back a moan. Then he cleared his throat. “Uh, yeah, I get it. I think we’re all fragile to a degree, aren’t we?” Dominic spun around so Renard wouldn’t see his facial expressions or growing erection. Once again, his dick betrayed him.
“Yeah. Breakable, even.” Renard’s voice sounded different as he washed Dominic’s back. “Um… anyway, we’re on our way to a planet.”
“Which one?”
“Abugendi. Ever been there?”
“Never had the pleasure. I’m assuming you have?” Dominic rolled his shoulders and cupped his hands over his crotch.
“I have. We’re making the stop there because it’s closer and they’re more welcoming to visitors as opposed to Ferolax and Xeritron…”
“Good point.” Dominic said matter-of-factly. He didn’t know much about all these places, but he supposed the Captain knew.
“Why are you being so modest, now? You’ve been naked in front of me for a few days now.”
“Yeah, and I’m still embarrassed. I hope you’ve got clothes for me.”
“I’m sure I can find something. They might be a little big on you, but…”
“Anything will be better than walking around nude.” Dominic said firmly. He straightened, peering at the wall in front of him to focus on something else other than his arousal. This man was going to be the death of him, rubbing his body like a lover, gentle slow strokes on his back and around his ass. Dominic was ready to offer himself up to the stone face at any moment.
“Speak for yourself. I… well, you’ve got a gorgeous body.”
“It’s all scarred, but thanks.”
“The scars give you character.” Renard’s voice dropped an octave, sounding breathy.
Dominic gulped and closed his eyes to get his mind away from jumping Renard’s bones. “Yeah, thanks, uh, soo, how long until we get there?”
“Not long. I figured after I applied the cream, you can take the painkillers and get more rest. By the time you wake, I’ll have the clothes ready for you.”
“That would be great.” Dominic leaned back enough for the water to cascade over his face and into his eyes. Damn this beast for tempting Dominic and making him think of sexing him. In the state Dominic was in, he shouldn’t, but Renard was a fucking good distraction.
“Mhmm.” Renard growled low in his ear and breathed aloud. “You don’t stink anymore, Dominic.”
“I should hope I don’t after all the soap you’re using.”
Renard laughed. “Only to get you clean, my friend. Turn around and I’ll wash your front.”
Dominic’s breath hitched and he shifted around as Renard asked. He dropped his hands, figuring it was no use covering himself.
Renard smirked. “Happy to be washed, hm?”
“What man do you know that doesn’t like his junk washed?” Dominic grinned and looked away from the sexy man. How he’d be able to last the rest of the trip without being tempted by Renard was a mystery within himself.
Dominic had to though because getting involved with a non-Gocarian would be an even bigger issue than the trouble he already had himself in. And Renard was a gargoyle, a being no one on his planet liked or trusted.
Renard
Washing the Gocarian bear was torture.
Then came the task of rubbing him down with medicated cream and leaving him to sleep.
Fuck it all.
During the shower, Renard’s dick strained against the zipper. Now with him laid out on the bed naked, face down and completely still, Renard fought with himself not to at least kiss him just to taste his lips. Exercising self-control would be hard, but he had to for both their sakes.
After giving Dominic the remedies Baal concocted, Renard pulled up a chair and sat next to the bed. He opened the jar and put it to his nose. He frowned, thinking it smelled just as it should’ve. “Doesn’t smell as nice as my soap.” He dabbed his finger in the cream.
“It’s not supposed to. And again, it’s for me, not you.”
Renard harrumphed. “But you shouldn’t walk around my ship smelling like a medicine cabinet.”
“Well, this is the way it’ll be until I heal. Can you just put it on so I can sleep? I’m in pain.”
“Where does it hurt?”
“Everywhere. Mostly my lower back and legs though.” Dominic complained. “I hate it, too. I’m not supposed to get worked up about being tortured and harmed in the process. I was born tough, but it seems that shit Cogo gave me has reduced me to a bumbling mess.”
Renard kneaded Dominic’s lower back, then moved his hand up, running his fingers over the scars. “Oh cut it out. That worm treated you badly. He shocked and drugged you, then raped you. There’s nothing wrong with admitting you’re in pain.”
“My captain would say it is.” Dominic quickly commented. “He’s always made snide remarks, saying we get taken down too easily.”
“You survived it, didn’t you? And you haven’t complained all that much without the drugs. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
“Yeah, but he’d say otherwise. Bratzo would call me a weakling and throw me out the Messoli.”
“What’s the Messoli?”
“Our armed forces. I’m a ranger, which is the lowest of the low.”
Renard continued massaging Dominic. “We all gotta start somewhere. You were doing honorable work defending your planet.”
“The only thing I’ve defended lately is my reputation. Ever since Bratzo found out about my traitorous, good for nothing, father, he’s been on my ass and not in a good way.”
Renard grunted. “Well, I’m sure what you tried to do might win some points with him, right?”
“Sure. After I serve a cycle or two in the Gocarian prison. Then, I’ll have to beg to be allowed back in to the Messoli.”
“They’ll let you in. What were you doing on Hunarth?”
Dominic stiffened, then rose his head. He appeared worried.
Renard met his gaze and stopped massaging him. “Well? We’re talking as friends, here.”
“Since when are we friends?”
“Since I rescued your ass from that mother fucking worm, now, what were you doing there?”
Dominic pursed his lips. “I… I don’t know if I should. Anything I say will be used against me during my trial.”
“You’re on my ship, Dominic, not with those fools, now tell me.”
“But you’re G-Force.”
“Might not be when I return to the mothership. Now fucking tell me.” Renard growled.
Dominic sighed and lay back down, pinning his chin against his hands. “They plan to attack Hunarth for their minerals.”
Renard cocked an eyebrow. “To be used for…”
“Our sciences. As you may know our planet loves to invent and create. Hunarth is rich in gold, silver, and other things th
at we can use in our creations, weapons, to make our ships.”
“Ah.” Renard figured it was something like that but didn’t want to assume. Gocarians were known predators and thieves. Just one reason why they hadn’t joined the Federation.
“Yeah. The guy who was promoted was supposed to scope things out before they invaded. Shit. I’m in huge trouble now.” Dominic’s voice drifted off.
“Well, not really. I’m not gonna say a word. They’ll have to find that out for themselves.”
Dominic lifted his head again and turned around. “Really? I mean, you’re their protectors.”
“I’m a fugitive now and can give a damn about the Hunartheons. One of them hurt you, so as far as I’m concerned, they can all go to hell.”
Dominic’s mouth dropped open and eyes bulged. “You really…”
“No. I don’t give a shit. Let your people attack. If my dad and his cronies wanna stop them, then fine, but I won’t be part of it.”
“All because…”
Renard jabbed his finger into the cream again, then rubbed the back of Dominic’s leg. “Because of Cogo…and I don’t like them suckers anyway.”
“Cogo’s dead.” Dominic said plainly.
Renard bit his bottom lip and kneaded Dominic’s calf muscle. “Yeah, good for him.”
“Mhmm, and maybe you might’ve did it for me?”
“I said as much, but don’t get all happy. I would’ve done it for anybody.” Renard said gruff and went back to his task.
Fuck!
Renard didn’t do emotions well at all. Here was his chance to at least present the idea of getting to know each other to Dominic and he was failing miserably. Renard didn’t want to admit how interested he was in the man. How he didn’t give a shit of they ever returned to their respective planets. He was feeling something for this man-beast, something strong he couldn’t really put a freaking finger on.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
Feelings. He didn’t do feelings well, which was why he’d stayed single so long. Renard and feelings had never gotten along. Each time he’d tried to express them, it came back to bite him in the ass.
“Renard?” Dominic asked him, sounding tired.
“Huh?”
“You’ve been massaging the same leg for like four minutes. The rest of my body would like some attention too if ya don’t mind.” Dominic laughed.
“Ah, fuck, sorry. Got lost in my own thoughts a second.” Renard snickered, then put his finger in the jar before working on Dominic’s other calf muscle.
“Mhmm. Damn that feels good. You’ve got magic hands, my man.”
Renard cleared his throat, trying to ignore the sexy as fuck moan that escaped Dominic’s lips. His pants already tight in the crotch area, he could barely contain the stiffy he was sporting. Too bad he couldn’t get up that second and rub one off. At least one orgasm would give him some relief until the next time he got laid.
But when the hell would that be?
Despite how much Renard wanted Dominic, he doubted sex would occur between them anytime soon.
“Did you hear me?”
“Loud and clear. I… I try. Anyway, like I was saying—.”
“I don’t give a shit anymore, man. Tell me your story now. You make a lousy date.”
“Huh? We’re not—”
“No, but you’re rubbing me down and making me feel good. The last thing I wanna talk about is war and takeovers. Have you ever been married? Wanted to be?”
Renard deduced that the drugs might’ve been taking over Dominic so he figured anything he’d say would probably be forgotten. “Never. The extent of my relationships is who can last in my bed the longest before I get rid of them.”
“You do sloppy seconds?”
“I try not to because then that means we’re closer than I want them to be.”
Dominic snorted. “Well, aren’t you the romantic?” He said sarcastically.
“I never said I was. I won’t try to be either. I am who I am. Take it or leave it.”
“Would you change to fall in love?”
“I… uh, don’t know. I don’t do love.” Renard punctuated that statement with a growl.
“What do you mean you don’t do love?”
“I don’t know how. I see someone I like, I fuck em, I move on.”
“So, you’ve never wanted one person to be your world?”
Renard moved his hands down to Dominic’s ankles, gripping the skin tightly under his fingertips. “Have you?”
“Not really, but I haven’t ruled it out. I’m kind of a party boy…”
“You like to fuck around.”
“Apparently, so do you.”
“Being a captain gets me a lot of ass.” Renard laughed.
“I’m sure it does. The Ranger shit works until they find out what my last name is.” Dominic sighed and leaned his head on his arms. “I’ll never be able to live that down.”
“Someone who doesn’t give a shit about your past will date you.” Renard cleared his throat and went back to caressing Dominic’s flesh.
Dominic snickered. “You think so?”
“Yeah, I know so. Anyway, you wanna turn over so I can get your other side?”
“Nah, I think I’m good. You got the most important parts.” Dominic yawned and pulled the sheet up over himself.”
Renard moved back and grabbed the towel had dried off with, wiping his hands. “Um, okay, would you…”
The next thing Renard heard was a loud snore, then heaving breathing.
“Seriously?” Renard got up and leaned in over Dominic who’ already fallen fast asleep. He waved his hand in front of the Dominic’s fast and the creature didn’t move, blowing air in and out of his nose along with his mouth in perfect harmony.
Renard grinned and pulled another blanket over Dominic, before turning on his heel to leave the room. He gave one last look at the man stretched out on his bed, in all his naked glory, wishing they could’ve talked or even kissed for the first time.
Although Renard was disappointed, he’d live because they had much more important things to do. For one, he had to go up to the cockpit and get ready to land this spacecraft and hope the Abugendi didn’t already know of his defection.
Chapter Seven
Dominic
“Wake up, sleeping beauty. Rise and shine!” Renard’s voice woke Dominic, but he turned over, yanking the blankets over his head. “Hey man, c’mon. I need you to try on these clothes.”
“Can’t it wait?” Dominic growled. He was having the best sleep he’d had in weeks. Those Old World drugs really did the trick.
“Nope. We’re gonna arrive on Abugendi at 01300 hours which isn’t long from now.”
“Dammit!” Dominic whipped the covers off and frowned.
“Now, now, bear, don’t get testy.” Renard set the garments down on the nightstand. “Just get up and try these on. If they fit all right, I’ll let you go back to sleep.”
“Won’t work, gargoyle! I’m one of those that once my sleep is disturbed, I can’t go back.” Dominic snatched the shirt off the small table and pulled it over his head. The material appeared to be polyester of some time. It was a long sleeve white shirt with a V-Neck. Dominic didn’t bother tying the strings to pull both sides together.
“Ah shit, sorry, man. Well, you can’t get off the ship naked. The Abugendi are very strict about nudity as they are with a lot of things. There’s no joking with them. They feel anything can bring dishonor to their people.”
“But I’m not theirs.”
“Doesn’t matter. When you’re on their planet, you become theirs until you leave. They’re very welcoming, but they don’t tolerate foolishness.”
“Uh huh. We’re not staying long, right?”
“No, but we need to be there long enough to gather fuel and food. I’m taking a chance that they don’t know we’re on the run. The minute they find out, we might have to make a run for it.”
“Shit.” Dominic stood and pulled
on the pants over his legs, grimacing with each movement. The brown suede material irritated the scars on his legs, not to mention his rear end. Although it was getting better, it hadn’t completely healed.
“So, uh, they look slightly big, but not enough to be altered. Do you, uh…I didn’t get you underwear.”
“I don’t wear em. Never have, not gonna start now.” Dominic said, waggling his eyebrows while pushing the shirt into his trousers. He laced up the front and tied them. “Not bad. Have you always been into the pirate look?”
Renard snorted. “Honestly, it’s an old costume I wore to a masquerade party years ago. It’s the only thing I had that might fit you.”
“Really? Got some boots and a sword I can wear on my side. A sash to put around my waist? A big hat with a feather out the top. And don’t forget the sassy talking parrot.”
Renard chuckled and shook his head. “You’re a fucking card, but I’m sorry to tell you I don’t have any of those props except for the boots.”
“That’s all I need. It’ll be enough to complete the look. By any chance would the Abugendi have a place I can get clothes?”
“They have a market in the center of town that’s sort of like Old World’s swap-o-rama, but no worries, I won plenty of credits at the tables, so I’ll buy.”
“Aren’t you sweet.”
Renard grunted and left the room to grab the boots. He’d forgotten that Dominic was naked in that cage, meaning he wouldn’t even have shoes to wear. Once he grabbed them, he walked back inside, watching Dominic check himself out in the mirror. “Don’t worry, you look good.” He handed the boots to him.
“I know, but I like to admire myself, what can I say?”
Renard liked ogling the bear shifter too but that was neither here nor there. “Conceited much?” He teased.
“I’m not denying it.” Dominic bent down and slid the boots over his feet. “Shit, these things are a little tight.”
“What? They’re size elevens!”
“Could be that my feet are growing since I haven’t let my bear out in days. Might have to pick up a couple of pairs along with the clothes. Will I be able to shift when I get there?”
“As long as you stay away from the Abugendi. They have fields you could go into. I’ll need to go with you, so they won’t think you’re trespassing.”
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