Page 12 of Rubbing One Out

Ben’s dreams last night included sexy versions of him and his gorgeous houseguest getting up to more than friendship. And why not? The man was attractive, intelligent, and fun. His tight bum was a delight to behold, together with rosy, kissable lips.

Dae swallowed what he was chewing and looked over at him cagily with his hypnotising dark purple eyes. “I’ve told you everything you need to know,” he muttered, then picked up another shrimp. “I’m not sure what else there is.”

“Are you kidding me?” Ben laid his fork down. “You’ve lived hundreds of years, came out of a damn brass lamp, and taken over my home. I’m fairly sure you have a lot to tell me. Like, do you have family, what’s it like in the lamp, and how does it all work?”

Dae stiffened, an expression of caution crossing his strong features. “I’m here to grant you wishes—which I hope you’ll do soon, by the way—not pander to your curiosity.” He pushed his forkful of food into his mouth with a little more force than was necessary.

I’ve hit a tender spot. He’s edgy about something I’ve asked.

Ben shrugged. “Fair enough. You don’t want to talk. No need to be rude.”

Dae heaved an irritated sigh and put down his fork. “I didn’t mean to be. It’s only that family and my past is a bit of a sore subject. I’d rather not talk about it.”

“Okay.” Ben took a sip of his beer. He tried hard to respect Dae’s wishes, but it simply wasn’t possible. His mother had told him often he had the curiosity of a meerkat. “So at least tell me what life in the lamp is like? I bet it’s an exciting place.”

“By Beza’s Beard, you don’t give up, do you?” Dae thwacked his hand.

Ben chuckled. “I like your weird expressions. They’re cool.”

The genie rolled his eyes. “Fine, I’ll tell you a little.” He took a deep breath. “Calado’r is a beautiful place. It’s a bit like—” His face squinched up in an adorable frown. “I suppose like your world’s version of the film Aladdin. You almost got it right. Not quite, though.” He waved a hand. “We have the sea, beautiful mountains, deserts and forests, and cities of all kinds. There are all kinds of people in Calado’r.”

“Were you born there?” Ben leaned in, fascinated. He was enjoying the scent of Daeliel, a sandalwood and spice fragrance alluring to the senses.

Dae’s face darkened. “No. I am not a true Calodo’rean.” He hesitated. “I’m from the Fae kingdom of Quimaria. I am Faerie born.”

Ben gaped. “Shouldn’t you have wings?” He regretted the words the minute they left his mouth.

Dae’s face shuttered closed, and he stood up swiftly. “Not all Fae have wings. I think that’s enough. I have things to do. Have you thought of a wish yet?”

The abrupt turnaround in conversation left Ben a little out of sorts. “I’ve thought about it, but not yet decided on making one.”

“Make one. Then make another one. It’s the only way I can go back.” Dae turned and swept out of the room.

Huh. That didn’t go as well as I’d planned.

If Ben was trapped in this strange relationship, the least he wanted was for both of them to bond, if only a little. He sighed and slumped down on the couch.

Perhaps he could find a documentary somewhere on Djinns and get to know Dae a little better that way.