because it would be a lot easier for Jarrett to be all indignant and hold to his freedom-first position if his owner were a hideous blob or something. But no. He had to get a golden-dipped Yul Brynner look-alike complete with the body of an Olympic swimmer.
“I see there is some confusion already about what I want.”
Jarrett waited, wondering if he was supposed to guess.
“I don’t want to fuck you.”
“No?” Jarrett crossed his arms, waiting for the punch line.
“No.” Ranic poured two goblets full of the glittering liquid and brought one over to Jarrett. “I want you to fuck me.”
Chapter 4
Ranic was prepared to go through a series of ridiculous machinations to get what he wanted from his slave, but he decided at the last moment to simply make him a trade. When they were done, Ranic wouldn’t be able to keep him anyway, so why not simply offer out his freedom if he performed the services Ranic so desperately wanted?
“You want me to fuck you?” Jarrett accepted the glass of Delutian glimmer wine, but he didn’t drink it. Instead, he washed his gaze all over Ranic’s form, making him acutely aware of how little he was wearing. “Why in the world would a gorgeous man like you have to hire a lover?”
Flattered, Ranic found that the curious tugging toward this man he’d felt in the slave house was returning in greater force now that he was so near. “I would tell you, if you will sit with me.” He nodded to the table and chairs on the covered veranda. When Jarrett turned and walked that way, Ranic found his gaze drawn to his strong hips. Just watching him walk the short distance was almost hypnotic, probably because Ranic imagined that motion in far more vigorous activities.
“Um.” Jarrett looked down at the chair and Ranic understood at once that his nudity presented some issues he hadn’t thought of.
“Here.” From the small amount of goods Ranic had brought with him, he found another loincloth and handed it to Jarrett. Their fingers touched. A flare of attraction flowed up Ranic’s arm and burrowed deep into his brain. How had he been so lucky to find this creature?
“Thank you.” Jarrett slung the cloth around his hips and then sat down. He pointed to his collar. “Can you take this thing off?”
Ranic considered.
“I’m not going to run since I have no idea where we are.” He looked around at the resort and shrugged. “I don’t imagine I’d get far wearing only this cloth around my hips.”
Ranic set his glass on the table then stepped behind Jarrett. The metal of his collar was warmed by contact with his skin. It came off easily since the lock was keyed to Ranic’s touch. Once it was deactivated, he set it aside on the table. And then he did something he’d always longed to do. He lowered his head near to Jarrett and gently kissed his neck. Unsure what his reaction might be, he was pleasantly surprised when Jarrett tilted his head, giving him greater access. His skin was scented with fear and subtle traces of mustiness from the horrible ship Ranic had rented, but none of that mattered, because when his lips touched his flesh, the jolt of joy that slammed into the pleasure center of his brain had him hard in less than a second. His relief was so profound he had to cling to Jarrett’s shoulders so he didn’t fall to his knees.
“Your touch is…different.” Jarrett didn’t sound upset, only mildly speculative. “You’re just a bit cooler, temperature-wise, than I am.”
Ranic pulled away before he lost himself completely. It was unfair for him to place even wordless demands without stating his purpose and assuring himself of Jarrett’s consent. As much as he told himself he would make his slave obey, he found his resolve faltered as soon as he’d seen the kindness in Jarrett’s eyes.
“I apologize. I simply couldn’t resist.” He moved to the other side of the table and sat so that they were facing one another. For some reason, he felt an entire