Page 173 of Scales ’N’ Spells: Volume One

Standing in front of the mirror, Baldewin looped the long chain over his head and allowed the amulet to settle against the middle of his chest on his soft cotton shirt.

“The stones themselves aren’t really that important,” Tori volunteered in a soft voice. “They’re just a porous material to hold the magic in, but when Cassie showed me the materials she’d brought for us to make the amulets, I thought…”

Baldewin turned to face Tori, smiling at him in a reassuring manner. “You thought?”

Tori swallowed hard enough for Baldewin to hear it. “The green stone reminded me of your eyes.”

Taking a step forward, Baldewin cupped Tori’s cheek, letting his thumb slowly caress the man’s cheekbone. The scruff on his jaw scraped against his palm, and he savored the feeling, savored everything that was distinctly Tori. “It’s perfect. I love knowing that it was made just for me.”

“You’ve already done so much to protect me.” Tori paused and winced. “Even after I froze you. I like…like that I can use my magic to protect you a little.”

“And I’m honored.”

Tori shook his head and started to step out of his touch. “You don’t have to keep saying that.”

Baldewin captured his chin and forced his head up to meet his gaze. “But I am. You were born with this amazing gift. You could do anything with your magic, and yet you’ve chosen again and again to use it to keep me safe. I am honored.”

He leaned in with the intention of taking a small kiss, but either Tori had guessed his plan or didn’t wish to wait, because the mage pushed up on the tips of his toes, meeting him halfway in such a rush that the gentle kiss quickly became something entirely different.

Baldewin groaned as those soft, plush lips smashed against his own. Tori’s hands gripped his broad shoulders, fingers biting into them as he tried to steady himself. He wrapped his own arms around Tori’s slender body, pulling him in tight so he could feel the tremble that ran through the mage.

Teeth scraped, and his tongue glided along Tori’s in a silken dance. What should have been a simple thank you kiss was turning needy and demanding. He couldn’t tell which of them was more starved for this moment. It didn’t matter because Baldewin never wanted it to end.

Tori wobbled in his arms, little noises escaping him as they kissed and nipped at each other’s mouths, trying to get closer.

Growling in the back of his throat, Baldewin broke the kiss so he could reach down and grab Tori by the back of the legs. Confusion gave way to shock on the man’s face when Baldewin lifted him up and set him down on the sink counter. Now Baldewin was no longer six inches taller than Tori. The mage was now at least two inches taller than him, giving them both perfect access to each other’s mouths.

A low hum vibrated in Tori’s throat, and he locked his heels behind Baldewin’s thighs, pulling him in close between his legs. “This is much better.”

Baldewin smiled, tilting his head up to offer himself to the mage. “You’re enjoying this?”

“Very much.”

Wrapping his arms around Tori, Baldewin allowed himself to sink into the feeling of touching him, feeling the play of muscles under his fingers. Naked would have been better, but he was cherishing every little step they took together.

“Good, because I’ve been wondering if you might be willing to do this more when we reach the castle. Of course, that would be when you have any free time you can spare me between your meetings and hanging out with the other mages and dragons.”

“Or when you’re not busy with the king,” Tori replied with a smirk.

“I’m happy to rearrange my schedule for you. Besides, Alric has his own mage to keep him busy.”

“Keep him busy, huh? Like this?” Tori leaned in and kissed Baldewin deeply until the dragon was dizzy from a lack of air. It was hard to remember to breathe when Tori kissed him like this. The mage put all of himself into every touch, sweeping Baldewin away in a haze of pleasure and need.

“Baldewin!” Warin shouted from the next room, causing Tori to jerk away. His dragon snarled, and Baldewin’s human side might have done the same. Before he could snap at his friend for ending a perfectly wonderful kiss, Warin continued, “Stop kissing your mage and bring him in here. We need to know if he needs chocolate. Oooh…or pie!”

“Hmmm…that’s a tough choice. You or something sweet?” Tori said, his smile returning.

“Do you think there’s any chance we might try this again very soon?”

Tori made a face like he was considering it. “I think we should. I had no idea that kissing would get better each time we did it.”

Baldewin grinned. “You know, I never encountered that phenomenon until I kissed you. We should probably try it some more.”

“I like⁠—”

“Baldewin,” Cassie called out in a sing-song voice. “We need chocolate. Release Tori, please.”

Tori leaned around Baldewin and toward the open doorway. “We’ll be right out!”