A mix of emotions flits across his face, too fast for me to pick apart. His lips tip into a smile. “You know, when we were planning this, it was the happiest I’ve seen you in some time. Whatever happened at the Tower, whatever’s happening to you now, it’s left its mark, love.”
I swallow and look away, but Olbric isn’t finished. “But when we came up with a plan, when you got hope of finding an answer? It was like I could see... you again.” He draws in a heavy breath. “I think you need to do this. Even if it means doing it on your own.”
Hearing him say it helps me push my doubts aside. Helps harden my resolve. “And now I’ll have all the more reason to hurry home, right?”
Olbric’s smile looks pained, like there’s something he wants to say, but he keeps quiet. Yet neither of us seem inclined to cut the spell short. I want to see him for as long as the magic will last, so I say, “Arlon must not be too mad if he gave you a sending to use.”
Olbric’s laugh is tinged with bitterness. “Yeah, well, let’s just say he owes me more than the one.”
“What do you mean? Is this about the assignment?”
There it is again. That hesitation, that pained smile. “I’ll tell you on the next sending. Because you canbetI’m going to get more.”
That does nothing to put me at ease, and I’m sure my frown shows it.
“It’s nothing you need to worry about, I promise,” Olbric says gently. “Though it’s far less fun than running off being a renegade wizard.”
I snort a laugh at that. “Renegade, huh?”
“That’s what Thora’s calling you.”
I roll my eyes. “For fuck’s sake, I’m comingback.”
Olbric rests his head on his hand. “Yeah, well, she doesn’t believe you.”
“Why does that not surprise me?” I mutter. “What sort of trouble do you think I’m in? For leaving the Crux?”
“Guess you’ll find out once you come back,” Olbric says before his grin turns sly. “Hopefully whatever punishment you get is the fun kind.”
“Somehow, I doubt it,” I chuckle. If the Royal Guard is involved in this, I have a feeling I’m in for more than a slap on the wrist - or even a good paddle on the ass like I know Olbric’s suggesting. The thought makes me ache for a different reason. “I miss you already.”
“I miss you, too,” he says, his smile sad. He shifts on his bed, straightening his legs as he leans back on his elbows. The move makes the hem of his shirt lift, giving me a tantalizing glimpse of his hip bone. And in that moment, all I can think about is how badly I want to kiss it.
Olbric tilts his head curiously. “What are you thinking about?”
“About how lickable you look.”
He lets out a surprised laugh. “Oh, do I?”
My grin widens as I lean forward. “Lift your shirt.”
He chuckles but does as asked, pulling his shirt up and off. Russet skin glows in the warm light of his room as he leans back carelessly, though his smirk holds a hint of mischief now. “Why do I think that being alone for this trip is going to be the real challenge for you? No one there to keep you warm at night.”
I hum at that. “Good thing you’re so scorching hot you can do it from a distance.” Olbric laughs even as a bit of a flush rushes to his face. “Take your trousers off.”
Olbric draws his lower lip between his teeth, but it barely stifles his grin. He shifts on his bed, rising up before he hooks his thumbs over the waist of his pants. Always the exhibitionist, he makes a bitof a show of it, sliding his pants down slow before his soft cock slips free of the fabric. He meets my eye before he shimmies them the rest of the way off.
Even as often as we’re together, I realize that it’s been some time since I just sat back and looked at him. And fuck, but I love what I see. In the golden glow of his room, he’s beautiful. His hair is loose, cascading over his shoulders as he gracefully straightens to look at me again.
Heat builds in my gut, making my cock start to swell. I reach for my trouser laces as I say, “Kneel, beautiful. Let me see you.”
Olbric’s breath hitches, and his heated gaze meets mine as he sinks to his knees, spreading his legs prettily. “Why do I have a feeling Arlon would frown knowing that this is what we’re using a coveted sending spell for?”
I chuckle even as I pull my cock free from the slit of my trousers. “Good thing he’s not here to see it. It’s just you and me.”
“Yes, Dom,” he says, and I smile. I tease my length, enjoying how Olbric can’t seem to look away from it. “Do you miss this?”
Olbric gives a rather breathless laugh. “More than you know.”
