Don't Read in the Closet: Volume Four (34 page)

The intimate touch alarmed Tahir. He tried not to stiffen and

failed. He barely murmured a strangled, “thank you, Sire.” Could this

be the actual day he dreaded? Trying to distract himself the unnerved

recruit darted a glance at the watching duke. What? Tahir swore a

playful wink darted his way. Did the duke realize his friend’s

intentions? Tahir knew no threat dwelled here but subtle danger still

roamed free.

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No. No! Did Gustav feel a swift denial? He almost wanted to

perform his touch again but something halted him. Why did Tahir

tense? Odd. He needed to chain down his prowling urge. Gustav

gestured to the stone benches ringing the walls. “Now, Tahir, sit and

observe closely. Imagine, this old wizard taught me the Ilmarin feint.”

Jan flashed Gustav a scolding stare. “I still can’t believe you used

the Ilmarin feint against this innocent recruit. Shameful. You are an

old show-off!”

“Thank you for your opinion, Jan.”

Jan winked at the trying not to laugh Tahir. “Let’s see if today is

the day the king beats me using the Ilmarin feint. I doubt today is his

lucky day. First we’ll perform the move at proper speed to let you see

the advantage. I’ll use the attack against Gustav.”

Gustav nodded and held up his blade.

An excited Tahir watched intently as the pair engaged each other

in basic attacks. They moved swiftly and skillfully. He swore the

duke’s pale arm transformed into a blur of dazzling movement.

Suddenly Tahir saw the anticipated move; by the Scorching Sun, if he

blinked, he would have missed the strokes. Amazing!

Tahir’s shocked expression made Jan grin in delight. He tapped

his sword against Gustav’s jerkin again. “Tahir, I gather our king

didn’t move as quickly.”

The caught off guard Tahir dismissed the urge to lie. “Not to be

insulting, my duke, Sire, but no, not at all.”

“I’m not surprised.” Jan laughed at Gustav’s supremely insulted

expression.

“Why thank you very much, you show-off.” Feeling childish

again Gustav smiled at Tahir. “History never reveals what egotistical

show-offs wizards truly are… that’s something you learn from close

experience.”

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Jan rolled his red eyes and poked Gustav’s chest again. “Bold

words to utter considering my sharp sword aims at your throat.” Jan

grinned and lowered his sword. “Now let’s perform this feint at a

lesser pace, then we’ll act out each position.”

Tahir watched in total concentration. The display looked so

marvelous he almost forgot about what might happen afterward.

The palace bell rang one deep chime. The tone made Jan look up

and gasp. “Is it so late? I promised to coach guards at 1:00. I must

flee. Forgive me.” Jan sheathed his sword, saluted Tahir, and hugged

Gustav before he slipped out the gate.

What a wonderful actor. Bless Jan for playing along with him. As

he leaned on his sword, Gustav pretended to sigh in dismay. “Hmm,

too bad, we lost our esteemed teacher. But no matter… come, Tahir,

would you like me to teach you the move’s basics?”

“Yes, Sire.” Tahir rose and picked up his sword. He observed as

Gustav slowly performed the maneuver against his blade.

Comprehending the intricate concept escaped his grasp.

Tahir’s puzzlement made Gustav hum in delight. Perfect. He

owned the supreme opening. “Tahir, let me move your arm.”

A firm lump gathered in Tahir’s throat. He could barely speak.

Please, he knew what this might lead to… but… just calm down. “Yes,

Sire.” He backed against the king’s muscular body. He desperately

tried to relax. Gustav’s powerful hands slid along his bare flesh in a

manner more seductive than instructive. Slow panic curled in his soul.

Gustav’s next words breathed into Tahir’s ear. “Relax more.

Come now. There. Shut your eyes and let me guide you.” Gustav

somehow guided Tahir’s arm through one entire maneuver before he

succumbed to his lust. He began kissing the ear moving near his lips.

The man smelled vibrant. Light spicy scent flowed from his long dark

hair.

A taut whimper escaped Tahir’s lips. No, it actually happened.

What should he do? Should he refuse? Should he create a scene and

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stalk away from this situation? No! Why should he let his past ruin his

future? A king wanted to love him, a brave, handsome King. This

could be the opportunity to forget his foul past.

Instead of rebelling, Tahir relaxed his tense neck and let his head

fall back to Gustav’s right shoulder. He surrendered his cheek for a

kiss. Gustav’s lips traced across his damp flesh and sucked on his

cheekbone. Warm tingles raced through his limp body. Passion

rippled down his cock. Keeping his eyes shut added mystery to the

play. Tahir shifted his head and enjoyed how the king teased and

tempted his lips. He opened his mouth to receive a royal tongue.

Gustav dropped Tahir’s sword to the sand and ran his hands over

his leather-clad chest. Enough standing here being tantalized. “Walk

with me, Tahir. Keep your eyes closed and let me guide you.”

Tahir’s low voice barely broke a whisper. “Yes, Sire.” They

walked across the warm sand until he sensed the surrounding stone’s

coolness. Letting another guide made him uneasy. Subtle glow

suddenly teased his eyelids.

Gustav halted. “This distracting thing must vanish.” Gustav’s

fingers swiftly undid the jerkin’s buckles. Gods, seeing this powerful

man standing in limp receptiveness tortured his inflamed senses. He

tossed the jerkin to the floor and almost ripped off Tahir’s kilt. No.

This was a seduction, not a rape. Act civilized; deep in his soul

Gustav knew to move slowly. Roughness incited rebellion. Gustav

sensed the truth. “Let me lower you to the cushions.”

Cushions? Tahir dropped downward until softness cradled his

body. Acting on a whim, he laid back and stretched against the fluffy

cushions. A pleased gasp told him he performed the correct gesture.

Gustav admired Tahir’s tattoo, the ink an elaborate affair of black

swirls and odd runes clustered around his belly button. One black

tendril slithered up between his pectorals and ended in a spiral

between his nipples. Enchanting. He wanted to trace the tattoo with

his fingers, tongue and possibly his semi-erect cock. Desire burned his

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soul. He felt like a rutting stag caught up in mating season frenzy.

“Open your eyes for me.”

Tahir parted his lashes and smiled in delight. “How wonderful!”

Vines dripping vivid turquoise blooms stretched overhead. Jade-toned

marble formed the elegant room’s walls. Emerald cushions occupied

the floor. A low wooden table held a silver pitcher, goblets, purple

grapes and cheese. After Tahir filled his gaze, he smiled up at the

watchful Gustav.

“No, you are wonderful.”

“Sire, how can you call me wonderful when true wonder

surrounds you?”

Gustav dropped to the cushions. The stunning face nearly blinded

him. “Because there’s a special way the sun captures your cheekbones

that drives me mad.” A callused finger lightly touched Tahir’s skin.

“The sun paints life and life across your skin.”

“I fear my personality is not light.”

“Today I know little of your true personality but I plan on

becoming knowledgeable. But first I…” Gustav paused and turned to

pour rich red wine. “I know it is early but I need calming nectar.”

Tahir’s mocking laugh broke free. “Sire, do I make you nervous?

Do I frighten you?”

“Should I feel frightened of you?”

He pushed up from the feathery cushions to accept the offered

wine goblet. After Tahir sipped, he supplied Gustav a sharp smile. A

sudden mood seized him. “Surely you know, King Gustav, that I am a

lethal Curamian assassin. I make it a point to appear in royal courts

and entice kings in order to remove them from Swenendia’s temperate

peace.”

Their gazes locked. Gustav sighed and slowly shook his head. “To

even joke about such a thing is immensely rash.”

“Do I joke?”

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Prickly, too prickly, proud and sadly foolish. Gustav returned his

steady gaze to Tahir’s black eyes. He kept his voice neutral. “Tahir,

why do you seek to push me?”

Anger pushed at Tahir’s mind. “Why did you send your cold

advisor down to question me, Sire?”

Damn, Gustav knew Ainar’s action owned repercussions.

Dropping his head back he sighed in frustration. “Believe me, I did

not sanction the unfortunate event. Ainar acts over protective of me.

He told me what he did and I am not happy.”

“Nor was I, Sire.” Tahir set his goblet on the wooden table and

frowned in aggravation. “He treated me like a base criminal. He

singled me out merely because you fenced with me. How unfair! That

cruel man acted like I stripped naked to seduce you.”

A little smile twisted Gustav’s lips. “You may do that now if you

wish.”

Tahir blinked in surprise and continued frowning. His next words

emerged in a low growl. “Is that an order, Sire?”

Despite his best effort to control himself, Gustav’s temper sparked

free. “By the Gods, I hardly force myself on you.” Gustav shook his

head. He swallowed his wine and pointed at the arched doorway. His

next words almost choked him but they needed life. “Your sword and

vest are in the practice ring. If you don’t want to be with me, collect

them and go. Make up your mind.”

No. What happened here? Why did he react badly to this

handsome king’s advances? Tahir knew why but… he drew in a

shuddering breath and shook his head. “Sire… I… please don’t send

me away. I do want to stay. Forgive me. Sometimes I…” Be still.

Tahir shook his head again and cast his tormented gaze to the safe

cushions.

Relief eased Gustav’s tense heart. He reached out and caressed

Tahir’s high cheekbone. “Believe me, I do not want you to leave me.

Forgive my harsh tone. Please know I trust you. I want you here of

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your own free will.” Picking up his wine goblet Gustav held the silver

rim to Tahir’s lips. “Drink from my goblet. Share with me.”

What a noble man. “Sire, you are a remarkable king for not having

me beaten for my foolish words.” Tahir opened his lips and accepted

the wine’s rich kiss.

Gustav deliberately tilted the heavy goblet too quickly. Ruby

liquid spilled free and trailed down Tahir’s chin. The flow dribbled

down over his broad chest.

Delicious. Gustav set down the goblet. “How clumsy of me. Look,

I made a dreadful mess. I must clean you up.” He ran his tongue over

Tahir’s firm chin. His eager tongue captured the wine from smooth,

sweaty flesh. A low moan hummed in his throat.

Tahir moaned in sincere appreciation. This king understood

seduction. “Yes, Sire, please, I need to be cleaned off.” Reaching out

he clutched Gustav’s muscular upper arms and dropped back to the

cushions. Gustav’s tongue continued down to Tahir’s chest until the

king’s seeking tongue traced each straining nipple. Tahir’s back

arched in responsive joy.

Gustav received his wish. Once he savored tight nipples, his

tongue carefully traced the elaborate tattoo, starting with the central

spiral and descending down across Tahir’s taut stomach. Gustav

licked the decorated flesh. Under him Tahir’s firm muscles twitched

and rippled. Fingers raked through his long hair. The lusting King

worked lower, lower until halted by black cotton. Be gone. His fingers

undid the ties jealously hiding glory from his eyes and mouth. He

drew back and shucked the cloth. Gustav controlled his lust for a stern

moment. He must look. Rising to his knees he swept his burning gaze