Page 33 of Rubbing One Out

Really, what on earth was all the fuss about? “You try to add a little spice to your boyfriend’s life and what does he do, he—” Dae froze as he played back what he’d said. Boyfriend? Boyfriend? Oh dear. This wasn’t good. This wasn’t good at all.

He was still sitting there pondering this new turn of events when Ben came back with two delicious, fully stacked hamburgers wrapped in tinfoil.

“Looks like the panic has gone down a bit out there. People still swear they saw supernatural entities, but the ride manager isn’t being blamed anymore. Business is booming. There was a queue a mile long of muppets waiting to go in. Go figure.”

Dae fell upon his food like a ravenous wolf and pushed all thoughts of anything else from his mind. Eat first, reflect second.

“Tell me why you decided to create havoc at the fairground,” Ben asked as he wiped mustard off his mouth. Dae would have liked to lick it off, but something told him that might be going a little too far. “You said something about wanting to make it more interesting…for me.”

Dae wiped crumbs off his lips and shrugged. “You said you enjoyed these things, so I wanted to make it special. You deserve it.”

Ben reached over and took Dae’s hand in his. “A lovely sentiment and I appreciate it. Thing is, maybe we should leave the special stuff for when we’re alone at home?” His fingers stroked Dae’s gently. Dae swallowed. Those sensuous gestures were causing havoc with his senses and his groin. He and Ben had fooled about a few times since Dae started sleeping in Ben’s bed, but the last time had been two days ago.

“Ben, while we’re talking about magic…” Dae took a deep breath. “We need to have a conversation about your wishes.”

Ben immediately retracted his hand and scowled. “What about my wishes?”

Dae sighed. “I can’t stay here forever. You know I have to go back sometime. If I don’t at least grant one of your wishes, the Lady Mage will arrive here personally to encourage me. She can be quite fearsome.”

Ben’s lips tightened. “Will you be punished?”

Dae shook his head. “I don’t believe so. Djinns are given fairly free rein on their wish-granting, but I’ve been here nearly two weeks. They’ll start to ask questions.”

Ben toyed with his beer bottle. “So I’d better get to it and make a wish then.” He smiled, a twisted thing that made Dae wince. “So you can go home.”

Those last flat words made Dae’s heart ache. “It’s not that I’m anxious to go. You know that. I like being with you. But I’m a Djinn and I have…responsibilities.” I’d rather stay here with you. If you wanted me enough.

Ben raised his empty bottle in a mocking cheer. “Then I guess I should get serious and think about what I want.” He grinned fleetingly. “I think I know already.” He stood up. “Now, come on. I promised you a ride on the Big Wheel. Let’s get up there and I can show you the countryside from up high. It’s spectacular.”

He dashed out of the tent, leaving Dae staring after him.

After a few moments, Dae stood and followed him out into the cool night towards the flickering lights of the illuminated wheel.