Except for the unnamed something that made Tash unlike all the others, pulling on Mayr's desire to get to know him. Beneath that desire was an even deeper need that rattled Mayr's insides more than the blue eyes he could stare into for days. The burgeoning attraction extended beyond Tash's peaceful, reassuring manner and the way his face lit up from his genuine smile. Or the way he appeared hard and soft at the same time.
If anything, it's almost like he's… familiar.
Of all the things he felt, he could not explain that one.
Giggles sounded from his left. Sarene moved around the table and slid onto Tash's lap. Both arms wrapped around his neck, she laughed and rocked him while kicking her feet.
"Sarene, perhaps this isn't the time." Tash slipped his arm around her back, catching her as she fell back from an awkward kick at the table leg. "Maybe this is better saved for upstairs, hmm?"
"Oh, you're no fun tonight." Sarene pouted, sparing a glance at Mayr. "If this is about him being here, don't worry about it. He doesn't care. Otherwise he'd never have agreed to this." She kissed Tash's jaw and drew one hand down his chest before smiling slyly at Mayr. "Just showing you how it's done, darling. Besides, you're both here. Does it really matter where we start this?"
Yes, it did. And yes, he did care.
Of the two of them, he wanted to hurt Sarene. Had she been a man, he would have punched her. Not out of jealousy, but for the blatant disrespect.
"I need another drink," Mayr mumbled, standing. "I'll just—"
When Sarene kissed Tash full on the mouth, Mayr left the table, grumbling under his breath. On the way to the bar, he tried not to be annoyed. What did he expect? The mess he was in with Sarene was the same story as before, just a different girl.
No, this time it's the same girl, just the second time around. How can I be this desperate? I never used to be like this. It's enough to make me sick, which would be a shame because dinner was actually pretty good.
"Another round," Mayr told the bartender, then turned away to watch the other tavern patrons. Most of them were villagers who frequented the tavern, though three were strangers dressed in travel clothes. A quick study of them revealed few weapons, allowing him to lower his guard slightly. Provided they obeyed the laws, he would leave them be.
From the crowd, a man stepped close to him, enough to knock their arms together.
"I'm sorry."
Mayr turned his head, his gaze finding Tash's. Without a table in the way, they stood eye-to-eye. "For what?"
"Sarene," Tash answered in a lowered voice. "This wasn't part of any plan."
"Well, not yours. Or mine. Hers, however… It's fine."
"It's not, not really." Tash moved closer to murmur in Mayr's ear. "You're apprehensive. You're not comfortable with this arrangement. You haven't been this entire time."
"No." Mayr stepped back, shivering from the warmth of Tash's breath on his skin. "I'm fine. Just fine." He motioned to the bartender as she placed their drinks on the bar. "I'll just get this last drink and it'll be perfect."
Tash leaned into Mayr again. "We don't have to go through with this. If you need out, if this isn't what you want, we won't do anything. It'll end whenever you say. You can walk out of here and nothing changes."
'Nothing changes.' If only. Mayr debated his options. No one had ever given him the chance to back out of sleeping with them. He had always been the one to say it, giving his lovers every chance to decide how quickly their relationship evolved. On one hand, Tash's offer was kind, considerate. If he'd had no interest in Tash, if he found the idea of being with him revolting, he would have likely taken the offer.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, the only 'if' here is if he gets any closer, I might just kiss him myself.
On the other hand, Tash's concern reminded him of everything that would change if he backed out. He refused to renege on his agreement with Sarene. Despite her foolish disregard for his feelings, he wanted to work out the challenges the best they could. Their relationship was worth nothing if they refused to at least try.
"It's fine," Mayr said. "I'm not changing my mind. It's not like I'm losing a limb or anything, right?" He laughed nervously. "Please tell me I'm not. And if I am, by the Four, take my non-fighting arm, would you? I need everything else."
Tash smiled sadly and grasped Mayr's hand, hiding the gesture between them as he squeezed Mayr's calloused fingers. "I'll take care of you, I swear it," he whispered, his lips pressed to Mayr's ear.
Slow to part from Mayr, Tash grabbed the drinks and walked away.
Ignoring the stares from the patrons around the bar, Mayr looked at his hand. To his disappointment, the sensation of Tash's tender touch was already wearing off, the warmth of his compassion only a memory. Never had Sarene's touch affected him in such a way. Her hands always sought, ventured, and took. But with one touch, with few words, Tash gave him something precious.
Hope.
*~*~*
Rules. Plans. Experience. He liked having all of them. They put him at ease.
From where he stood in the middle of the room, Mayr stared at the door as Sarene slammed it shut, wishing he knew how the night was supposed to play out. There were no rules, no plans, and, according to Sarene, nothing that could not be tried at least once. The three of them were in the best room the tavern could offer, visible in the soft yellow light from a single candle on the low table beside the bed. The cream paint on the walls was chipped in places and the creaking floorboards needed to be replaced. Still, the room was intimate and embellished with two paintings of Dahena Village, dark like the blankets on the bed.
"Now what?" Sarene giggled and peered over her shoulder at Tash. "I think one of you needs to tell me how a girl pleases two guys at the same time, because I don't know what to do to. I'm just so innocent." She batted her lashes at Mayr. "So many choices, so little time. Maybe I'll make it really easy and you two can sort it." Seductive and serious, she slipped one shoulder of her dress down her arm, exposing her pale breast.
Mayr glimpsed the darkened skin of her hardened nipple as pink fabric teased the tip. Had it been just the two of them, he would have caressed her. In a matter of moments, he would have done away with the dress and tasted her, nipping her from breast to the wetness between her legs.
Not now, not when his attention was divided.
The idea of another man touching her should have angered him, burying him under unbearable jealousy. Instead, anticipation diverted his focus onto Tash. The touch that sparked the demanding ache in his belly had not been Sarene's, but Tash's. What was meant as a reassuring gesture had left an invisible bond between them. Would it be too much—too weak—to clasp Tash's hand in return and be content?
Stepping away from the door, Tash raised his hand. "Please, you two should start." He draped his robe over the chair at the writing desk against the wall. "I'll just make things a bit more comfortable."
Sarene tugged Mayr closer by his belt buckle. "Comfortably naked," she murmured, looping her arms around his neck to bring his face down to hers. The strength of her kiss robbed him of the chance to breathe. She tasted of sweet nectar laced with the slight bitterness of seasoned berries. With one hand, she undid his belt and threw it aside, her lips never leaving his.
When she finally tore her lips away to yank his shirt over his head, Mayr stole a glance at Tash. In the few moments Mayr had been occupied by Sarene, Tash had removed his belt and lit the two white candles on the table near his robe. He crossed the room with the first candle to a fourth positioned on the mantle above the hearth. Shadows danced across the brightened room as Tash moved with little noise.
"You won't be needing these." Sarene laughed and untied Mayr's pants. Eyes shining, she guided the pants to the floor, sinking with them. "But you will be wanting this." On her knees, she kissed his stiff cock, her lips working down his shaft before lapping the head. She drew one fingertip along the underside.
Mayr sucked in a breath, aware of Tash's movements near the be
d. If Sarene was not careful, she would end things sooner than she wanted.
What a disappointment that would be.
"Well, you definitely won't be needing this," Mayr said, helping her stand. Careful not to ruin the fabric, he untied the sash and tossed it toward the hearth. Her dress slid easily down her body, exposing her small breasts and willowy form.
Sarene giggled and gazed over her shoulder to Tash. "Mmm, my favourite boys."
Naked except for his bracers, Tash approached them. Mayr stared dumbly at Tash's moderately muscular body. Not only did he appear fit for a fight, he appeared to have been in one. His skin had more scars than Mayr's, the depth of the burns and knife marks along his legs and chest suggesting something other than battle. The lines crisscrossed inside his thighs and calves were unnerving.
Stopped behind Sarene, Tash said nothing as she led his hand to the blonde curls between her thighs. Tash kissed Sarene's shoulder and drove his fingers into her, making her gasp then moan.
By the time Sarene recaptured Mayr's lips with a hungry kiss, Mayr was still trying to understand how a priest could bear such damage. How could Tash have withstood what looked more like torture than a soldier's common injuries? The priests and priestesses were peaceful. Most of them avoided violence, even when faced with certain death. Their faith was their shield; their carefully chosen words their sword. To attack a devout worshipper of the Goddesses was nonsensical—and lethal, should the Goddesses intervene. Or so the legends warned. Although if Tash had not been attacked while he was a priest, what was he before committing to the Temple? Victim? Felon? Mercenary?
With a touch to his skin, Mayr's thoughts scattered. Fingertips grazed his groin, feather-light as they traveled up to his hip before pulling away.
He held his breath, loosening his grip on Sarene's waist. The caress had not been hers. Both of her hands raked his back as she moved against him, biting his bottom lip before arching into Tash with a low moan. Only Tash could have touched him, stoking the fire lit under Mayr's arousal.
From behind Sarene, Tash lifted his gaze to Mayr's, a silent question in his eyes.
Do it again, Mayr wanted to answer, afraid to mangle the words. Do something.
As if understanding, Tash clasped Mayr's hand and led it past Sarene's body to his own, placing Mayr's fingers on his hip.
Mayr was hesitant to clutch, to hold, but when Tash's hand covered his in the same reassuring manner from before, he relaxed. Cupping Sarene's breast in one hand and teasing her nipple with his thumb, he drew his other hand up Tash's side to his waist and down again. Smooth skin welcomed his touch. Tash's small movements into his palm guided him further. As his hand journeyed toward Tash's thigh, Tash took a sharp breath. His fingertips flitted over Tash's cock, rewarded with a murmur of agreement from Tash's parted lips.
Sarene stilled. "The bed." She turned, taking the hands of both Mayr and Tash before leading them to the bed.
Silent, Mayr stole a glimpse at Tash over her head. What they had started appeared to have fueled a lust in them both, given Tash's intense stare back at him.
All part of Sarene's plan, he was sure.
Once Mayr sat back against the pillows arranged along the wooden headboard, Sarene straddled his thighs, facing him, her arms around his neck. Straightened in his tight grip around her hips, she rubbed against him, her swollen sex enticing his with its slick warmth. When Tash kneeled on the bed behind her, she quickened the pace, grinding Mayr's cock harder. The moment Tash placed his hands on her waist, just above Mayr's hands, Sarene whimpered.
Mayr slipped his fingers through her wetness, driving two fingers inside her as his thumb toyed with the most sensitive part of her. She cried out, her body contracting with her release. Nails dug into his shoulder, and she leaned back into Tash, only to shudder as Tash's fingers crept between her legs. They stroked her together, Tash's fingers sliding over Mayr's playfully, pleasing more than just Sarene.
A second release wracked her body. Sarene cried for mercy and thrust her hands down to stop them.
"By the Four," she cursed, removing their hands from her. "I just need…a moment." Sarene maneuvered out from between them. Instead of lying down or cleaning herself as she usually would, she wrapped her arms around Tash's shoulders and positioned herself behind him. Mischief danced over her face as she kissed Tash's cheek and stared at Mayr. "Your turn."
Mayr froze.
"I want you to get to know each other," she said, nuzzling Tash's ear. "Show me how it's done."
Just like that. That's how you wanted it to go—drop it and run? Mayr swallowed back what he could of the fear seizing his confidence. He had been happy with the cautious touches and occasional glance. The slow path. The long journey. All the sudden, he was expected to perform. For her and a man he barely knew. He was at a loss for words, let alone actions.
Cruel, Sarene. I haven't felt like this since I was a kid, fumbling with the ins and outs of what went where and how. And if it didn't work, how fast to get out of it and into something that did without the girl thinking I was completely insufferable. I didn't get to be at least halfway decent in bed these days without enduring that joyful set of experiences.
Time seemed to crawl until Tash neared him with small movements. Mayr prayed it meant Tash was rescuing him from making a fool of himself.
Settled in front of Mayr, Tash hung one of his legs over the side of the bed and bent his other leg, resting it flat on the mattress between Mayr's open legs. He motioned for Mayr to do the same.
Mayr obeyed, mirroring Tash's position. Their bent legs touched, creating a small space between their bodies. He eyed the tightening skin of Tash's erection. How would it feel inside him? What would his feel like inside Tash? And which of the two scenarios was more fulfilling?
Tash took Mayr's hands, one in each of his. While his voice said nothing, the look in Tash's eyes asked everything. In the back of his mind, Mayr heard Tash's voice from their conversation at the bar. First the offer to forgo the evening and then the promise: "I'll take care of you."
Of everything said that night, he believed those words most.
With a small nod, Mayr squeezed Tash's hands, trying to ignore Sarene's wide-eyed stare. Even though he would still let her think he was doing it for her, he wanted it more for himself. The exact reason why was still unclear, but the need was real. Focused on Tash's unwavering gaze, Mayr's thoughts tumbled through a dozen expectations.
They were crushed into nothing as Tash caressed the inside of Mayr's wrists with his fingertips. His touch danced lightly across Mayr's skin in slow lines and circular patterns. Several times he withdrew just enough to barely stroke the sensitive skin, drawing one finger down Mayr's wrist to the juncture where wrist met palm.
Mayr could not fight the shivers racing up his arms. Despite the jolt of the nerves in his leg he could not avoid, he fought the urge to pull back. Both sensual and ticklish, the sensation grew deeper, almost unbearable as Tash's touch moved up Mayr's forearms. Each stroke inside his arm forced him to take a sharp breath. Every touch inside his elbow made him whimper. He gripped Tash's bracers, wanting to calm the excitement overtaking him, but it only worsened. Tash's fingertips continued; the pressure varied along the most responsive areas until Mayr wanted to scream. Muscles contracted down his back, the rest of his body demanding equal attention.
The agonizing strokes stopped. Tash grasped Mayr's elbows from beneath and eased Mayr forward. Their lips met gently, the touch as light as Tash's caresses. Lips parted slightly, Tash drew Mayr into him, balancing it with a soft push against Mayr's mouth.
Surprised, Mayr returned the kiss, holding Tash's lips to his. Non-invasive and caring, it was not what he expected. He had anticipated a hard kiss, dominate and claiming. He had expected what women usually demanded from him and gave back until they could barely breathe.
This reminded him of being thirteen years old, kissing someone for the first time. Shy and sweet. Careful. Determined and seeking, but compassiona
te and generous.
Under his skin, a tingling sensation surged all the way to his toes.
He wanted more. Parting his lips further, Mayr deepened the kiss, encouraged as Tash held him closer. No longer hesitant, Mayr glided his hand up Tash's leg to his back, wanting to taste more than just his lips. From his actions, it was as though Tash understood him; as though he could read Mayr and sense what would alleviate his fears. No lover had ever treated him like that before. They never asked him what he needed. Never inquired if hard, passionate sex, or whatever else they did, was what he actually wanted. He had simply surrendered to them, taking little for himself, even when what he needed was the opposite.
Tash pulled back, lips lingering on Mayr's, his mustache scratchy on Mayr's skin. Beyond the scent of ale, he smelled of fragrant incense and a hint of smoke from a fire. Mayr pressed his forehead to Tash's, soothed by the hands roaming over his back and across his shoulders. They were as close as they could be with their legs still between them.
Gazes locked, they took a breath together, then another. In synch, they breathed deeply as if they were completely alone. No words filled Mayr's mind—just the image of Tash's eyes staring into his, burning into his memory. Tash's breaths teased his lips, accompanied by the steady rise and fall of Tash's chest. He welcomed the massage from Tash's fingers on his shoulder blades. The heat trapped between them made him yearn to be even closer.
For a precious moment, he believed they were where they should be. Something connected them beyond what they could see, hear, or feel. Perfection, wrapped up in peace and partnership. Although he still did not know a great many things, Tash's touch told him it was all right; that he could not fail. Not here, not now. Not with him.
Stroking his thumb along the short hairs covering Tash's chin, Mayr replayed Tash's words through his mind. He could leave any time he wanted. But he wanted to know what else existed on the other side of Tash's kiss. There would be no leaving. Not from that moment. Not ever.
"Now, boys," Sarene muttered. "I love you playing nice and all, but I know you can do more."
Four Page 3