by D E Boske
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. Are you okay?” he asked, touching her shoulder.
“I’m fine. Darian said he’d be out in a minute. He’s getting dressed, I think,” she replied.
“Breakfast is ready,” Kyler called out.
“I’ll be right there,” Darian called back. When he came out, he was clean, dressed and looking good enough to eat. His long hair made him devilishly handsome. His pants hugged his body, fitting like a second skin and his shirt he left unbuttoned exposing his delicious chest. Kizziah walked into the room looking beautiful and Nephraete couldn’t help hating her just a bit.
“Good morning, Nephraete, Kyler,” she greeted. “Thank you, this was very thoughtful.”
“You’re welcome,” Kyler said, smiling widely. He was having a grand time. He’d never felt better and it was good to be with friends. He never noticed Nephraete’s peculiar behavior; he was too busy talking and laughing with Darian and Kizziah. If he was being honest with himself, they looked good together. He knew she was just a passing fancy for his friend, but he didn’t care
so long as the Mage was happy.
“So, what’s the party for?” asked the Mage.
“It’s a celebration of the Mages and the elves re-establishing the old alliances.”
“Elves will use any excuse to throw a party,” said Darian glibly.
“No harm in having fun,” remarked Kyler.
“No harm indeed,” replied the Mage, but looking at Nephraete when he said it. Her heart beat rapidly in her chest. Could the others hear it? The twinkle in his eyes as he looked at her made her knees weak and she was thankful she sat at the table.
That night, the forest came alive with music, singing, dancing and talking. Darian, Kyler and Nephraete sat together, but Kizziah had not joined them yet. Darian did not seem the worse for it. It was as if he did not even miss her. Kyler doubted he did. The Mage could obviously have any woman he wanted. The elf had learned a lot about his secretive friend in a very short time.
“May I join you?” asked Raschel.
“Of course,” Nephraete said, smiling at the handsome Master.
“Thank you, Nephraete. It’s always a pleasure,” he said, returning her grin.
“Raschel, how do you feel?” asked Darian, concerned.
“I have recovered nicely, thank you. Darian, I know you had no choice. I am not upset with you. In fact, I deserve much worse for everything I have done; whether I am aware of it or not.”
“Nonsense, Raschel,” said Darian, sounding frustrated. As if they’d had this conversation before. Darian saw Tynuviel dancing with Tireniel, but he ignored them. He did not want to feel anything for her anymore. He did the right thing by letting her go.
“May I have this dance, Mage?” asked a soft, seductive voice from behind him. He turned to see who had spoken and made a face at his discovery. However, he felt it rude to decline a lady’s invitation, so he rose to dance with her. Kyler was more than a bit shocked that Darian had accepted.
“Darian, you look mmm good,” she said. She couldn’t believe that he’d accepted her offer. She had been trying to get him alone for a long time with no luck, which was surprising given his reputation.
“Thank you,” he said, a bit shortly. He couldn’t help it; he did not like this elf.
“You are an accomplished dancer,” she tried again. Things were not going as she’d hoped.
“Elia, what do you want?” he asked abruptly.
“You, Darian. Just you,” she replied.
“I’m sorry Elia, you’re not my type,” he responded.
“What does that mean?” she asked sharply.
“You had sex with Shaz.”
“So, I don’t see how that’s any of your concern, Darian.”
“It is when you’re hitting on me.”
“Wait, you’re jealous?” she asked.
“Hardly,” he replied tightly.
“Then, what’s the problem?” she asked, not understanding.
“What you do in your personal life is of no concern to me Elia. I just don’t want his sloppy seconds.”
“Sex is sex, Darian. You of all people should know that the way you sleep around. Yet you condemn me for doing the same?”
“Of course not. Don’t be silly.” His voice softened. “I’m just not interested, Elia.” She began letting her hands roam his body as they danced. The dance was a sensual one and involved much touching. Darian however, kept his hands to himself. When she put her hands between his legs, he stopped her.
“That’s not part of the dance,” he told her sternly.
“It’s part of my dance,” she said coyly. She could not keep her hands to herself and it took all his control to keep himself from getting aroused.
When the dance was finally over, Darian returned to the table and sighed heavily. “She really likes you, Darian,” said Kyler.
“That is one I intend to stay away from,” the Mage replied.
“Why?” Kyler asked, confused.
“I don’t like her.”
“Why?” pushed Kyler, already suspecting.
“She’s too easy and I have always preferred a bit of a challenge,” he said, once more looking at Nephraete when he spoke. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I see someone I would like to dance with.” He left the table in pursuit of a stunning elf.
“Good evening, Lady. Would you care to dance?” he asked in his most charming tone.
“With you? No thank you, Darian,” she sounded as he had with Elia. Now this was more like it. A challenge.
“Just dancing, I promise.” He smiled his smile and he could see it was having the desired
effect on her.
“Fine, but I’m not sleeping with you, Darian,” she said, not as harshly as she’d intended. The grey shirt he wore matched his eyes and his pants fit him well. Too well.
“I’m not asking you too…” he trailed off, hoping she would tell him her name.
“Kandreya,” she said, smiling at him.
“I’m not asking you to, Kandreya,” he said, sounding sincere. Her violet eyes were lovely and he knew before the night was over, she’d be his. He kept his hands to himself through the dance, though he would have liked nothing more than to grab her ass.
“You are a wonderful dancer, Darian,” she remarked, unable to help herself.
“Thank you, you are as well,” he said, pretending to be only partially paying attention to her. He looked around at times, he wanted her to think him preoccupied. He really was wondering where Kizziah was. He would not be here with Kandreya right now if Kizziah were here. When the dance was over, he took her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing her lightly.
“Thank you for the dance, Kandreya,” he said, and then he was gone.
“Not that into you, huh Darian?” asked Kyler, laughing.
“Just wait, give her time. She’ll come over here before the night is over,” Darian responded confidently.
“Care to make it interesting?” asked the elf.
“How interesting?” returned the Mage.
“One hundred gold says she will not sleep with you,” said Kyler.
“Now that’s a wager I will accept,” said the Mage laughing. “You make it too easy sometimes. I’ll be back, I’m gonna’ ask the lady in the dark blue dress to dance with me.”
“Good evening, lady, would you care to dance?” She turned around and when she saw whom was asking, she felt her libido kick into overdrive.
“Darian Brade,” her voice was musical and he liked the sound of it. He imagined how she would sound screaming his name. “Yes, I would like that very much.” Her green eyes sparkled as she took his hand.
He danced differently with her because she was so responsive to him. She pressed her shapely body into his as they danced and he liked the way she felt against him. Although she was not being too forward, he knew she desired him. He would accept her generous offer when it came. When the dance ended, she pouted and he
smiled at her.
“Would you like to dance more, Darian?” she asked hopefully.
“Indeed, I would like that, Raylan,” he said, looking into her eyes.
“You know my name?” she asked quizzically.
“Of course, I know your name,” he winked at her.
This dance was a slow one, so he kept her tightly pressed against him, but she wasn’t complaining. He smelled so good, a combination of his cologne and his own smell. Mmmmmm, she thought. His hands slid down her back to her ass and she did not try to stop him. She felt him, sharp and hard against her hip. She wanted him to do things to her that she’d only ever dreamed of. Before she could think things through, she kissed him lightly on his lips. He looked down at her, and for a moment, she thought he would reject her. He gripped the back of her neck and pulled her to him, claiming her mouth with his. She reached down to stroke him softly and he groaned, tightening his grip on her ass. They left the dance, making their way back to her home.
“I cannot believe you’re really here, Darian,” she said softly.
“Why is that?” he asked curiously.
“I don’t know. I didn’t think I’d be your type.”
“Raylan, come here,” he purred, and she went obediently.
His lips were soft, warm and his kisses were intense. She noticed that he had a pattern that he liked to follow. His first kiss was soft, lips barely parted. With his second kiss, he parted his lips, making it more sensual. She felt his tongue seeking hers on the third kiss and she kissed him back hungrily. He deftly undid her dress before she was even aware and it fell to the floor. She moaned softly as his hands went to her ass. Momentarily, she had his shirt open and off his shoulders. Takasha! His body was everything she’d always imagined and more.
His lips strayed to her breasts and she sighed in pleasure. His fingers found their way to her legs and she gasped at his touch. “Mmmm,” he whispered into her ear. Once she had his breeches off, she took control. She pushed him down in an overstuffed chair and climbed into his lap. She brought her lips to his and pressed herself into him, feeling him against her belly. His tongue was silky soft and she could tell he’d done this many times before. He moaned into her breasts and tried to grab her hips, but she was too quick. He growled in frustration, running his fingers between her thighs.
“Raylan, I need you,” he whispered, his voice harsh with unspent passion.
“And you will have me, Darian. I just want to have fun with you,” she replied.
“I don’t know how much more of this I can take, Raylan.”
“By everything I’ve heard, you can take it, Darian. I want this night to last.”
“Who says it has to end with the morning’s light?” he asked her and she grinned. “Raylan
please,” he pleaded. “You’re driving me crazy.”
“That’s what I want, Darian Brade.” She stroked him as she kissed him, softly biting his lower lip. She tightened her grip on him and a muffled groan escaped his lips. She wanted him to let go, she wanted to be able to pleasure him. She slid off his lap and he tried to rise, but she pushed him back down. She had the touch of an expert and he fought to maintain control, but he was losing the battle.
“Raylan, you are deliciously naughty. I like that,” he said, as he brought his lips to hers.
“Really?” she asked with a mischievous grin.
“You’re going to pay for it now, Raylan.” She loved the way he said her name.
“Oh yeah?” she said lightly. “You’ll have to catch me first.” She ran and he laughed, getting up to go after her. He’d gladly pay Kyler one hundred gold for this. It was worth it. He caught Raylan soon after and took her to her bed. Each stroke of his tongue sent her to new heights of pleasure. Darian was commanding her body to obey and she did not try to fight it. Instead, she reveled in it.
She pouted when he lay next to her. “What’s wrong, Raylan? Did I do something wrong?”
he asked her.
“I hope you’re not done yet, Mage, because I want you inside of me.”
“Not to worry love, I have plenty more to give. Takasha! You’re insatiable.” He smiled wickedly at her, “I like that in a woman.”
He kissed her softly, but it quickly turned into a much deeper kiss. She did not want to take things slowly, it seemed. She had her own way to make his body obey and before too long, he was ready for her.
“Mmmm, that’s more like it, Mage,” her laughter cut short with a simple thrust of his hips. She relaxed into him and he kissed her neck as her breathing grew labored. Her cries of pleasure drove him onward, but he was not finished with her. She will get more than her fill tonight, he smiled at the thought. It was deep night and they finally lay utterly spent in each other’s arms.
“Darian, that was…” she struggled to find the right words.
“Was it everything you imagined it would be?” he asked smirking, already knowing the answer. He’d never had one complaint.
“Everything and more,” she said sleepily.
“Don’t get too comfortable, Raylan. Just remember, you wanted this.” He smiled and she
laughed, but her laughter quickly turned to soft moans as Darian made love to her again.
4
Morning light streamed into the windows, gently waking Darian and Raylan. She smiled at the Mage in her bed and kissed him softly on his forehead. He healed her quickly and was about to make love to her again when there was a pounding on her door.
“Are you expecting someone?” he asked her. She shook her head no and he rose to pull on his pants.
“You lost the bet as I seem to recall,” said Kyler laughing, as soon as the Mage opened the door.
“Damn elf, how’d you find me?” asked the Mage, returning his friend’s smile.
“Do I ask you how you cast a spell? Anyway, hand it over big guy, you lost.” Darian handed over a pouch of gold without a word of complaint.
“It was worth every coin my friend. Every coin,” the Mage grinned. “If I hadn’t left with Raylan, I would have ended up with Kandreya.”
“So, you say, Darian. So, you say. All I know is I have your gold in my pocket! You up for breakfast?”
“Nah, you go on ahead. I’ll catch up with you for dinner.”
Later that afternoon, Darian bathed and dressed, preparing for dinner with his friend. “Would you like to accompany me for dinner, Raylan?” he asked.
“I would like that, yes,” she replied. Her eyes told him that was not the only thing she wanted. They met up with Kyler and Nephraete at the Black Mare and the seer marveled at the ease with which he picked up so many different women. She was growing concerned for Kizziah because she hadn’t seen her recently. She was supposed to meet the Mage at the dance last night and never showed. It was unlike her because the seer knew she was in love with Darian. She wanted to ask the Mage, but would never be so rude in front of his new attraction.
Darian could tell that something was bothering the seer, but now was not the time to bring it up. He looked around briefly, to see if Kizziah was here, but she remained absent. He was going to have to check on her because this was unlike her. He was concerned about her, but Raylan’s stray hands under the table soon made him forget about Kizziah altogether.
The food and Nykessa flowed freely all night long as the friends enjoyed each other’s
company. Kyler and Nephraete talked with Raylan as if she was Darian’s consort and this pleased him. He was happy to see his exploits no longer interfered with Kyler’s friendship.
He noticed Renlyss and another elf he did not know, enter the Black Mare. She looked beautiful and he realized how much he missed her. He paused for a moment to contemplate this revelation, wondering what it could mean.
Renlyss saw Darian immediately upon entering the Black Mare. His presence was one that did not go unnoticed. He was with someone new and immediately she felt her heart break. She knew she was the one who broke it off and she stood by her decision. He was not over
Tynuviel yet. She knew he still loved the elven princess. She did not want to be second place, nor a convenient replacement. She wanted Darian’s love and this was something she did not think any woman would ever have. Except Tynuviel of course. So, she did the only thing she could, she ignored him and acted as if she had not even noticed him. If he wanted to dismiss everything they’d shared, then she could pretend to as well.
“Renlyss, are you okay?” asked Skylar, concerned. She turned to look in the direction her friend was looking and saw the reason. The gorgeous Mage, Darian. He was at the heart of a lot of heartache she supposed. “Hey, just ignore him, okay? I know it’s hard, but it’s probably for the best.”
“You’re absolutely right, Sky,” said Renlyss. “On both accounts.”
“Why did you break it off with him when it’s obvious you love him and want to be with him?” asked Skylar. She was not sure she would have walked away from the Mage. Damn, but he had a presence that you felt to your core.
“Because I do not want to be a convenient replacement. He is still not over Tynuviel and I do not want to end up getting hurt. What if she changes her mind? I know he would go to her because it’s always been her. What would I do then, Sky? I don’t think I could survive being hurt like that again.”
“We need to find you a proper elf to love,” announced her friend with a smile.
“No Sky, not now. I am not ready for another relationship.”
Kelindril entered and walked directly to Darian, as if he already knew where the Mage sat. Perhaps he did. “Darian, we found Kizziah. You need to come. Now,” the elf whispered in the Mage’s ear, the urgency in his voice unmistakable.
Renlyss couldn’t hear what he said of course, the room was full and they were too far away. Darian said a few words to Raylan, then they all left running, leaving Raylan alone. Renlyss smiled to herself, Darian had left her behind like she didn’t even matter. She would give anything to know what Kelindril had told Darian to make him leave like that. She knew it must be important because Darian seemed really concerned.
Darian ran as fast as he could, following Kelindril in front of him. The elf led them back to Kizziah’s room where she lay in a bloody, broken mess. Her clothes for the party lay carefully on her bed. Guilt consumed the Mage, as he realized why she’d never shown up.
