23. Afterglow
23
Afterglow
Dorian
Morning light seeped through the edges of the velvet curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. I woke slowly, my senses first registering the warmth pressed against me before anything else. Ren was nestled against my chest, his breath slow and steady, his hand resting over my heart as if it belonged there.
Our magic had twined together during the night, creating delicate patterns of silver light that danced across the walls in the early morning sun. The cottage's wards hummed contentedly around us, as if pleased to shelter this moment of peace.
I didn’t dare move. I didn’t want to break the spell of this moment, so rare and perfect. My eyes traced the curve of his face, peaceful in sleep. Without the weight of his worries, his features were softer, almost boyish, and I found myself captivated by the faint part of his lips. I’d kissed those lips again and again last night, each touch more intoxicating than the last.
I let my hand rest against his back, my fingers idly brushing over his skin. Memories of the night before flooded back, and I smiled to myself. Ren had been fearless, guiding me with a quiet confidence that left me in awe. He’d shown me so much trust, so much of himself, and it was impossible not to feel humbled by it.
He was breathtaking like this, vulnerable and radiant all at once. Lovely didn’t even begin to cover it. I brushed a stray lock of hair from his face, my chest tightening with a sudden swell of affection.
I leaned in, my lips ghosting over Ren's forehead. I pressed a feather-light kiss there, then another to his temple, his cheek, the corner of his mouth. Each touch was a whispered incantation, a spell to gently rouse him from slumber.
Ren stirred, a soft sigh escaping those tempting lips. His eyelashes fluttered, and I was struck anew by the depth of his gaze as he blinked awake. “Dorian?”
“Good morning, love,” I whispered, unable to keep the reverence from my voice. “I hope you'll forgive me for waking you.”
A lazy smile spread across his face, quickening my pulse. “Mmm, I think I can find it in my heart to pardon you,” he teased, voice still husky with sleep.
I captured his lips in a proper kiss then, slow and tender. Ren responded with a delicious eagerness, his body melting against mine.
As we kissed, I marveled at how Ren's lips felt both familiar and thrillingly new. Each brush of his tongue sent a delightful shiver through me, like the whisper of a benevolent spirit. My hands roamed the landscape of his body, tracing the gentle slopes and valleys with reverent fingertips.
Ren's touch was equally fervent, his touch leaving trails of warmth across my skin. He nipped playfully at my lower lip, eliciting a soft gasp that dissolved into a chuckle. This dance between us felt lighter now, unburdened by the uncertainty of the night before. We moved together with an easy grace, two souls perfectly in tune.
Ren's hands slid down my back, igniting sparks along my skin, before grasping my hips. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he pulled me atop him, our bodies aligning like perfectly fitted puzzle pieces. His desire was evident, pressing insistently against my thigh, and I felt my own arousal building in response.
“Again?” I murmured, my voice thick with want.
Ren's answer came not in words, but in the way his body arched beneath me, in the heated look that set my blood aflame. Who was I to deny such an eloquent request?
I reached for the bedside table, fumbling momentarily with the drawer. My fingers closed around the small foil packet and the bottle of lubricant. As I prepared myself, I gazed down at Ren, marveling at the beautiful tapestry of his body. Every scar, every freckle, every curve and plane was a testament to his journey, his strength, his very essence as a man.
With reverent hands, I explored the landscape of his body anew. My touch was both question and answer, seeking permission and granting pleasure in equal measure. Ren's sighs and gasps, the percussion of his quickening heartbeat, the melody of my name on his lips… It was music to my ears.
With tender care, I prepared Ren's body, my fingers dancing along the sensitive flesh. Each touch was a whispered incantation, coaxing forth soft gasps and trembling sighs. Ren's eyes, heavy-lidded with desire, spoke volumes. His body arched into my caress, a wordless plea for more.
I positioned myself at his entrance, pausing to savor the moment. Ren's legs wrapped around me, urging me closer. As I sank into him, the world seemed to fall away. We were no longer merely flesh and bone, but two spirits intertwining, merging into something greater than ourselves.
Our bodies moved in perfect synchronicity, a dance as old as time itself. Ren's warmth enveloped me, a welcoming embrace that sent waves of pleasure coursing through my very being. I marveled at the exquisite friction, the delicious pressure that threatened to undo me at any moment.
Ren's hands roamed my back, nails raking gently across my skin. The slight sting only heightened my arousal, spurring me to thrust deeper, harder. I watched in awe as pleasure bloomed across Ren's features.
His lips parted in a silent moan as I angled my hips just so, brushing against that spot within him that made his whole body tremble. The sight was intoxicating, more potent than any elixir I'd ever encountered.
I watched in rapt fascination as Ren's pleasure mounted, his body a living canvas of ecstasy beneath me. My hand trailed down his chest, fingers ghosting over the sensitive skin, eliciting shivers and soft gasps. I reveled in each reaction, storing away every delicious sound and expression. Ren's body was a temple, and I was honored to worship at its altar with fervent devotion.
As my fingers wrapped around Ren's cock, I marveled at how perfectly it fit in my palm. The velvet-soft skin was warm and inviting, pulsing with need. I began to stroke him in time with my thrusts, my touch both reverent and hungry.
“That's it, love.” I punctuated my words with a particularly deep thrust. “Gods, I love watching you come undone.”
Ren's eyes fluttered closed. I drank in the sight of him, committing every detail to memory. The flush spreading across his chest, the quiver of his thighs, the way his fingers clutched at the sheets and his fingernails dug into my back… It was the most beautiful thing.
“Open your eyes, darling,” I commanded softly, my voice a mixture of tenderness and authority. “I want to see the pleasure in your eyes.”
Ren’s eyes opened, dark and heavy with desire, locking onto mine. The connection between us deepened, an electric current of passion and trust that seemed to set the air alight. I held his gaze, captivated by the way his expression shifted, every flicker of pleasure drawing me closer to the edge with him.
Ren's breath came in short, sharp gasps, his chest heaving. I could feel the tension coiling within him, a spring wound impossibly tight and ready to snap at any moment.
“Let go for me, love,” I whispered, my voice rough and full of need. “You’re so beautiful when you come for me.”
Ren’s eyes never left mine as his body trembled, on the edge. I could feel him tightening around me, each pulse teasing the release just ahead. My hand moved faster, matching the rhythm of our bodies, each stroke pulling him closer to the edge.
Ren's breath hitched, his back arching off the bed. His fingers dug into my shoulders so hard it hurt. His cock throbbed in my hand, the flesh hot and hard against my palm. His body convulsed, muscles contracting in exquisite spasms. A cry tore from his throat, raw and primal, as wave after wave of pleasure crashed over him. The sight of Ren lost in ecstasy, combined with the rhythmic clenching of his body around me, was my undoing.
I buried my face in the crook of Ren's neck with a groan as I came. For a moment, I felt as if my spirit had left my body, dancing on the edge between life and death—a sensation both thrilling and eerily familiar to a necromancer.
As the last tremors subsided, I pressed gentle kisses along Ren's jawline, tasting the salt of his skin. “You're remarkable,” I said, brushing my thumb across his cheek. “The way you trust me, the way you let me see all of you... it's a gift I'll never take for granted.”
Ren's eyes softened, and he leaned into my touch. “You make me feel safe,” he whispered. “Like I can be exactly who I am.”
I carefully extracted myself from his body and dealt with the condom before pressing kisses against his neck and shoulder.
I held Ren close, savoring the warmth of his skin against mine. My fingers traced lazy patterns along his back, feeling the gentle rise and fall of his breath. “How are you feeling, love?”
Ren hummed contentedly, nuzzling into the crook of my neck. “Mmm... perfect,” he whispered, his voice still husky with lingering pleasure.
I chuckled softly, my chest tightening with affection. “Good to hear. Though I might’ve gotten a bit... carried away.” My fingers traced the marks I’d left on his hips, a mix of pride and concern in my touch.
“Don't apologize,” Ren mumbled, pressing a soft kiss to my collarbone, his face flushing. “I kind of like having your marks on me.”
His words hit me in a way I wasn’t expecting. The marks I’d left on him were nothing like the ones Alistair had branded him with. These were different. These were born of trust, of connection. Ren chose these. He chose me.
I opened my mouth to say something, to express the mix of pride and gratitude I felt, but the sudden weight of Bones landing on the bed interrupted my thoughts.
The skeleton dog scrambled up beside us, his bony tail wagging furiously, and with a sharp bark, he knocked us both off balance.
I let out a startled laugh as Bones' enthusiastic greeting sent us tumbling. “Easy there, old boy,” I chuckled, reaching out to scratch behind his bony ears. “I promise, I haven’t forgotten about you.”
Ren groaned good-naturedly, burying his face in my chest. “Does he have to be so... lively? It's indecent for the undead to be this lively in the morning.”
“I'm afraid that's the price of my particular brand of necromancy, love,” I said, pressing a kiss to the top of Ren's head. “The souls I raise tend to be a touch more... spirited than most.”
Ren snorted at my pun, then yelped as Bones' cold nose pressed against his bare back. “All right, all right, we're getting up!”
I couldn't help but admire the view as Ren stretched, his bare skin bathed in the soft morning light. The marks I'd left on his hips stood out in stark relief, a map of our passion that sent a thrill through me. “Care to join me in the shower?” I offered. “I promise to make it worth your while.”
Ren's eyes darkened with interest, a slow smile spreading across his face. “Well, when you put it that way...”
I led Ren to the ensuite bathroom, our fingers intertwined. The morning light filtered through the frosted glass window, casting a soft glow over the tiled space. Enchanted candles flickered to life as we entered, their flames casting dancing shadows on the walls. I turned on the shower, adjusting the temperature until steam began to rise. The mirror fogged with steam, but I could see our magic reflecting in it.
Ren stepped into the warm spray first, tilting his head back with a contented sigh as the water cascaded over him. I took a moment to admire the sight of rivulets tracing the contours of his lean body, his dark hair plastered to his forehead. He was breathtaking.
I joined him under the stream, wrapping my arms around his waist and pulling him close. Our lips met in a languid kiss, unhurried and deep.
The shower was snug for two, but that only gave us an excuse to press close. I reached for the soap, working up a lather between my hands. “Allow me.”
My touch was reverent, moving over his body with soap-slick hands. I paid special attention to the marks I'd left, massaging gently to ease any lingering soreness. Ren's sighs of contentment were music to my ears.
“Turn around,” I instructed softly, and he complied. I worked the shampoo into his hair, my fingers massaging his scalp. Ren leaned into my touch, a low hum of pleasure escaping him.
“You're spoiling me,” he murmured, eyes closed.
I chuckled, pressing a kiss to his shoulder. “You deserve to be spoiled.”
As I rinsed the shampoo from Ren's hair, I couldn't help but marvel at the intimacy of the moment. There was something profoundly tender about caring for him like this, about the trust he placed in me. My hands moved lower, tracing the curve of his spine, the dip of his lower back.
Ren turned in my arms, his eyes dark and heavy-lidded. “My turn,” he said, reaching for the soap.
His touch was exploratory, curious. He mapped the planes of my chest, the ridges of my abdomen, with careful attention. When his hands dipped lower, I sucked in a sharp breath.
“Careful, love,” I warned, my voice husky. "We might never make it out of this shower if you keep that up."
Ren's answering grin was wicked. “Is that supposed to discourage me?”
Before I could respond, he sank to his knees, the water cascading over his shoulders.
“Ren,” I breathed, my fingers tangling in his wet hair. “You don't have to—”
“I want to,” he insisted, looking up at me through his lashes. “Let me take care of you for once.”
I gazed down at Ren, my breath catching at the sight. Water droplets clung to his lashes, trailing down his cheeks like tears, giving him an almost angelic appearance that contrasted deliciously with his current position.
“I...” Ren hesitated, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. “I’ve never done this before.”
My heart swelled with tenderness. “It's all right, love. I'll guide you.”
Ren nodded, his expression a mix of nervousness and determination that sent a thrill through me.
“Start with your tongue,” I instructed softly, my voice husky with arousal.
Ren's pink tongue darted out, tentatively lapping at the head of my cock. The sensation, combined with the visual, made me groan. “That's it,” I encouraged. “Take your time. Get to know me for as long as you like.”
Ren's exploration was tentative at first, his tongue tracing delicate patterns along my length. Each touch sent shivers through me, not just from the physical sensation, but from the intimacy of the act. After a moment, Ren grew bolder, his lips wrapping around the head with a newfound confidence. He paused to look up at me and my breath caught.
“That's perfect, love." My fingers carded through his wet hair. “Now, try taking a bit more.”
Ren eagerly took more of me into his mouth, his enthusiasm outpacing his experience. He gagged slightly, his throat constricting around me in a way that sent a jolt of pleasure through my body. But as delightful as it felt, I couldn't ignore the flash of discomfort on Ren's face.
“Easy, love,” I soothed, gently stroking his cheek. “There's no need to rush. Take only as much as you're comfortable with.”
Ren pulled back, catching his breath. “Sorry,” he mumbled, a flush creeping up his neck that had nothing to do with the warm water cascading over us.
“Don't apologize,” I said softly. “You're doing wonderfully. Remember, this is about exploration and pleasure, not perfection.”
Ren nodded, a determined glint in his eye that made my heart swell. He returned to his task with renewed focus, this time moving more slowly, testing his limits.
“That's it,” I said, tipping my head back. “Use your tongue along the underside... yes, just like that.”
Ren's eager compliance sent a thrill through me. There was something intoxicating about guiding him, about watching him take my instructions and transform them into exquisite sensation.
“Now, try using your hand in tandem with your mouth,” I suggested, demonstrating the motion. “It'll help you control the depth.”
Ren followed my guidance, his hand wrapping around the base as his mouth worked the rest. The dual sensation was exquisite, drawing a low moan from my throat.
“Perfect,” I breathed, my fingers tightening slightly in his hair. “You're a quick study.”
Ren's eyes flickered up to meet mine, dark with desire and a hint of pride at the praise. The sight nearly undid me.
As Ren grew more confident, he began to experiment, alternating between long, slow strokes and quicker, more focused attention on the sensitive head. Each variation sent sparks of pleasure coursing through me.
“Ren,” I gasped, feeling the familiar tightening in my core. “I'm close. You don't have to—”
But Ren only redoubled his efforts. His gaze locked on mine with an intensity that took my breath away. The sight of him, so eager to please, combined with the wet heat of his mouth, pushed me over the edge.
I came with a strangled cry, my body shuddering as waves of pleasure washed over me. Ren stayed with me through it all, swallowing what he could and letting the rest spill over his lips and down his chin.
As the last tremors subsided, I gently pulled Ren to his feet, steadying him as he rose. The sight of him flushed, breathless, and utterly beautiful sent a renewed surge of desire through me.
With reverent fingers, I tilted Ren's chin upward. My tongue darted out, tracing a slow, deliberate path along his jawline, savoring the mingled taste of my spilled seed and his skin. The intimacy of the act, the raw sensuality of it, made my heart race anew.
Ren's breath hitched, his dark eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and arousal. I could feel the rapid flutter of his pulse beneath my fingertips, a testament to the effect this simple act had on him.
“Dorian,” he breathed, my name a prayer on his lips.
I captured those lips with my own, deepening the kiss immediately. The taste of myself on Ren's tongue was intoxicating, a heady reminder of the pleasure we'd just shared. My hands found purchase on his hips, pulling him flush against me as the warm water continued to rain down upon us.
As our kiss deepened, I could feel Ren's arousal pressing insistently against my thigh. My hands roamed lower, cupping his firm backside and pulling him even closer. Ren gasped into my mouth, his hips bucking involuntarily.
I sank to my knees before him, mirroring his earlier position. The warm water cascaded over us both as I looked up at Ren, taking in the sight of him all flushed, panting, his eyes dark with desire.
“May I?” I asked, my hands resting on his thighs.
Ren nodded, a touch of vulnerability in his expression that made my heart ache with tenderness. I pressed a gentle kiss to his hip, then another to his inner thigh.
“Tell me if anything feels uncomfortable.” My breath ghosted over his sensitive skin.
I gazed up at Ren, taking in the sight of his flushed skin and heaving chest beofreI ran my tongue along the crease where thigh met groin, savoring the taste of his skin. Ren's breath hitched as I nuzzled against his cock, inhaling deeply. The masculine scent of him sent a renewed surge of arousal through me.
Slowly, reverently, I took him into my mouth. The weight of him on my tongue was exquisite. I swirled my tongue around the head, relishing Ren's soft gasp of pleasure. My hands gripped his hips, steadying him as I took him deeper.
I looked up, meeting Ren's dark, heavy-lidded gaze. The trust and vulnerability I saw there made my chest tighten with emotion. I redoubled my efforts, determined to bring him earth-shattering pleasure.
I could feel him trembling under my hands as I explored him with my lips and tongue, fighting to keep his hips still. I pulled back slightly.
“It's alright, love,” I murmured, my lips brushing against the sensitive head of his cock. “You can move. I want you to.”
Ren's eyes widened, a mix of desire and uncertainty flashing across his features. “Are you sure?” he asked, his voice husky.
I nodded, maintaining eye contact as I took him back into my mouth. My hands slid from his hips to his backside, encouraging him to thrust. Ren's hips jerked forward tentatively at first, then with growing confidence as I hummed my approval.
The feeling of Ren taking control, of his cock sliding deeper into my mouth, sent a thrill through me. I relaxed my jaw, allowing him to set the pace. Each thrust was a delicious reminder of our reversed roles, of the trust between us.
The rhythmic slide of Ren's cock in my mouth sparked a new fantasy, one that had heat pooling in my belly. I imagined what it would be like to reverse our earlier positions, to let Ren fuck me. We might need a little outside help to make it happen, but it wasn’t outside the realm of possibility if he were open to it.
Imagining him stretching and filling me had me groaning around his length. The vibrations drew a gasp from Ren's lips, his hips stuttering in their steady rhythm.
“Dorian,” Ren gasped, his voice strained and breathy. “I'm close... I'm—”
His words dissolved into a strangled cry as his orgasm hit. I felt his cock pulse against my tongue, his entire body shuddering with the force of his release. Though there was no physical evidence of his climax, the intensity of his reaction was unmistakable. His thighs quivered, his stomach muscles clenched, and a series of soft, breathless moans escaped his lips.
I held him through it, my hands steady on his hips, my mouth still working him gently to prolong his pleasure. But as the last tremors subsided, I felt Ren's hands pushing at my shoulders.
“Too much,” he gasped, his voice raw and oversensitive. “It's too much.”
I immediately pulled back, pressing a kiss to his thigh. I rose to my feet, pulling Ren into my arms as his legs threatened to give out. The warm water continued to cascade over us as I held him close, his body trembling against mine in the aftermath of his release.
“You're incredible,” I whispered, pressing soft kisses along his jaw. “Absolutely breathtaking.”
Ren nuzzled into the crook of my neck, his breath still coming in short pants. “That was... wow,” he managed, his voice muffled against my skin.
I chuckled, running my hands soothingly along his back. “Eloquent as always, love.”
We stood there for a moment, basking in the afterglow, our bodies intertwined under the warm spray. As Ren's breathing evened out, I felt a surge of tenderness wash over me. The trust he'd shown me, the vulnerability he'd allowed himself... it was a gift I didn't take lightly.
“You know,” I began, my voice casual despite the way my heart raced, ‘there are other ways we could explore this dynamic, if you're interested.”
Ren pulled back slightly, his brow furrowed in curiosity. “What do you mean?”
I trailed my fingers down his spine, relishing his slight shiver. “Well, there are certain... toys we could use. Ones that would allow you to, ah, penetrate me, if you wanted to try it that way sometime.”
Ren's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and intrigue flickering across his features. “You mean... you'd want me to...?” His voice trailed off, but the implication was clear.
I nodded, cupping his face gently. “Only if you're comfortable with the idea, of course. But yes, I'd very much like to experience that with you.”
“I’m not opposed to it,” he admitted, a blush creeping up his neck. “But I wouldn't know where to start.”
I chuckled softly, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “Don't worry, love. I'll guide you through it, just as you've trusted me to guide you in other areas.”
Ren nodded, his expression a mix of excitement and nervousness that I found utterly endearing. “Okay,” he said softly.
The water was starting to cool, reminding us of how long we'd been in the shower. I reached behind Ren to turn off the tap, then grabbed a fluffy towel from the nearby rack.
“For now, though,” I said, wrapping the towel around Ren's shoulders, “let's get you dried off and fed. We have a long day ahead of us, investigating those old school grounds.”