Sei shimmies his trousers and underclothes away, then hops back on the desk. He doesn’t have time to feel any chill, between the warmth of the fire and the strong hands wandering every inch of him. Marek never seems to tire of exploring him, as if discovering him anew every time.
Sei leans into the touch. How did he live so many years without this? Marek treats Sei like he’s precious. Just like Sei always wanted. Except Marek doesn’t just think Sei is precious for his magic. Marek values more parts of Sei than Sei ever knew existed.
When Marek pulls away, Sei clutches his shoulders to hold him close. Until Marek says, “I thought you liked me with my shirt off.”
Sei has never let go of his husband so quickly. “I suppose I’ll permit that.”
Marek is glorious in any state of dress, but Sei particularly enjoys him inless. No inconvenient fabric obscuring the sturdy bulk of him. Everything—solid muscles and scars and wild blue hair—for Sei’s touch alone.
A few weeks ago, Sei asked to confirm whether they were exclusive. He knew what he wanted, but they’d never actually discussed it. Marek had looked at Sei like he’d gotten that terrible tattoo after all. “We can argue about what you want, if we need to. But I haven’t looked at anyone else since I first laid eyes on you.”
No argument needed.
Now, before Marek can strip anything else off, Sei pulls him closer. Marek follows easily, spreading Sei’s thighs farther apart. He lets Sei explore him in between messy kisses, simply watching with ravenous heat.
Marek is far more patient than Sei imagined the first day they met. He’s so careful with Sei and Sei’s magic. Then there’s his political caution. Marek Stormrider maneuvers so subtly, nobody would realize how carefully he avoids the throne. His very brashness obscures his secrets.
Sei is honored to be trusted with them.
Everything has changed since Sei arrived on Draskoran shores, lost and confused after his journey across the Jaws. He never thought he would feel more comfortable on a dragon than on a ship. He never thought he would have rank and authority of his own.
Sei always hoped he would grow to love his mage. But he never knew what that truly meant.
All right—one thing hasn’t changed. Sei still likes following plans. Just sometimes, Sei likes making the plans himself.
“So, Marek.” Sei traces a leisurely line through his husband’s chest hair. “I’ve been thinking about your magic.”
Marek catches Sei’s hand, completely engulfing him. “What about my magic?”
“You know. Your unorthodox use of lightning.”
Marek chuckles. “Do you want to watch me shock myself? Or do you want me to try it on you?”
“Try it on me,” Sei says immediately. “Watching you will be hotter if I know what it feels like.”
“Youhavebeen thinking about this.” Marek strokes the insides of Sei’s thighs, each teasing touch already electric without any magic at all. “Are you sure?”
Sei squirms. “It’s only sensible. As part of our collaborative magic training.”
“Only sensible. You insatiable little minx.”
“Now who’s using too many syllables?” Beaming, Sei draws Marek into a kiss.
Marek devours him, each press of lips and tongue erasing another thought from Sei’s mind. A gentle bite tugs Sei’s lower lip—then Marek pushes him back on the desk.
“Going to calibrate on myself first.” Marek’s breath isn’t quite steady as he surveys Sei spread out before him. He presses his thumb and forefinger to the inside of his forearm.
The magic isn’t visible. There’s no crackle or sting, and Marek skin appears untouched. The only sign that anything happens is the flutter of Marek’s eyelashes and the tightening of his fist.
Bracing himself up on his elbows, Sei tilts his head. “I expected something a little flashier.”
“Trust me, you don’t want this to be flashy.” Marek taps Sei’s lips. “Lie back down. I’ll try your arm first.”
Sei stretches out again. The desk is very solid beneath him. The edge bites uncomfortably into his ass until he hooks his legs around Marek’s hips. Much better. Sei’s cock leaks steadily against his stomach, his arousal enjoyable but not yet urgent. He has enough patience to feed his curiosity.
“Does it hurt?” Sei asks—again out of curiosity, not fear.
“It doesn’t hurt.” Marek strokes a broad hand over Sei’s stomach, then holds him down by the hip. Marek’s thumb rests an inch too far away from Sei’s cock. “It should feel pleasant, but strange at first. Tell me if it’s too strange.”
