Page 61 of A Soul's Curse
“I know you don’t like the guy, but you have to admit Caspian … knows things. Before you stormed into Nick’s office, he was telling me about my magic and how I took something most people would find absolutely terrifying but made it into something that gave people comfort. I don’t see why you can’t do the same.”
“But that’s not how my magic works.” He crossed his arms across his chest. “I can’t just … change it.”
“Why not? Magic adapts and grows with the person wielding it. You just have to re-think about how you’re perceiving your magic. You’re taking something precious from someone who doesn’t want to give it up. It’s creating an imbalance of magic that’s causing damage to the person you’re taking it from. And you … you feel guilty, like you don’t deserve to have their magic after what you did to get it, which is why you can never use it to its fullest extent.”
“Okay. Then how do I take something that isn’t willingly given?” He uncrossed his arms, his posture loosening and his eyes widening as intrigue hit him.
“Maybe don’t take it in the first place. You can borrow it, share it, or even trade for a portion of it. Here. Try mimicking this gesture.” I touched both my thumbs and index fingers together, rolling one hand over the other. “I don’t know any verbal spells, but that’s the sign for ‘trade.’ You might not actually need it, butlet’s see what happens. Go ahead and try it out on me. Make the gesture, feed your magic into it, and think of your request.”
Ren replicated the hand signs a few times, in complete awe of the possibility a simple gesture could change everything about how he used his magic. “I don’t know if this is a good idea.”
“Well, I’d prefer you didn’t ask me to trade my life or anything. Maybe start small.” I snatched the grimoire from the desk. “You know what? I don’t think I like you having this. If you want it back, trade me something worthwhile to make me give it to you.”
“Hmm. I think I have a better idea.” Ren closed his eyes, exhaling loudly as he cleared his mind. He took a few more deep breaths before opening his eyes, the color of his irises like a rich red wine. He stared at me for a moment, subtly making the gesture, until his lips curled up and hesmiled.
My heart stuttered, the world around me fading into a dull hum. Ren’s smile was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. It wasn’t just the way it softened his usually sharp features or the way his eyes crinkled slightly at the corners. It was the warmth behind it, the way it drew me in like a silent plea, full of all the things he didn’t know how to say. It pulled at something deep inside me, made me want to run to him and never let go.
I tossed the grimoire onto the desk, reaching out to slide my hand behind his neck, drawing his head down toward me. I leaned in, intoxicated by his spicy scent, and gently pressed my lips against his. The cool metal of his piercing felt pleasant against the warmth of my lips, and I parted them just slightly to tease it with my tongue.
The weight of the past melted away, leaving only the warmth between us. He pressed closer, and I felt it—the quiet desperation, the unspoken emotions. It wasn’t just a kiss; it was a promise, a confession without words, something that had been destined to happen between us.
“Ren,” I whispered as I reluctantly pulled away to meet his gaze. “Did you just trade me a smile for a kiss?”
“I … oh, fuck. I’m sor—”
I snatched his shirt to stop him from running away. “The only thing you should be sorry for is not smiling like that more often.”
And there it was again, the sunshine breaking through the storm clouds. I had never known until this moment how a single smile could reshape my entire world, breaking through my fears and doubts as the walls that once stood between us crumbled away. It shifted something deep in my soul, filling that void, and making my entire world feel brighter and fuller.
“It’s beautiful.” I kissed him again, this time without hesitation as desire consumed me.
Ren’s hands slid up my shirt, tentative at first, but as his fingers explored the contours of my chest, a hunger stirred between us. His touch was warm, his fingertips grazing over my skin memorizing every inch. Then, with a slow, deliberate motion, he tugged at my shirt, peeling it away until cool air brushed against my bare skin.
Ren traced a path of kisses down my neck, lingering before sinking his teeth softly into the curve, sending a shiver down my spine. My cock twitched at the possessive need that radiated from his touch. My hands moved on their own, eager and impatient as they fumbled with Ren’s shirt, yanking it over his head. Without his bandages, my gaze locked on his nipple rings, two silver hoops that were begging for my lips to suck on them.
“They’re very sensitive,” Ren teased. I welcomed his invite, my tongue immediately flicking out, capturing one hoop with my lips while my thumb traced the curve of the other with slow, deliberate pressure.
“Fuck.” Ren moaned, tossing his head back as he lost himself to pleasure. His hands found my waist, pulling me flush against him as he walked me backwards until the back of my knees hit the mattress. With a gentle push, I slid onto the middle of the bed while Ren crawled on top of me, straddling me as he continued to explore and kiss every inch of my heated skin.
I took in the sight of his body, his rich tawny skin gleaming with the sheen of soft heat. The black ink of artfully designed tentacles coiled down his arms, wrapped around his torso, and fell over his shoulders. My hands ran down the rough skin and strange octopus tattoo that covered his entire back. I pulsed my magic into him, unable to stop myself from digging my fingertips into his flesh but knowing his burns had not yet fully healed.
Ren’s lips caught mine and heat surged between us. He deepened the kiss, his tongue swiping across my swollen lips.My mind was a jumbled mess of want and rising heat, unsure of what came next, but knowing I wanted him there for all of it.
“P-pants,” was the word that tumbled out of my mouth. My dick was straining against the unforgiving fabric of my jeans, and judging by the bulge pressing into my stomach, I knew Ren was just as eager.
My hands tightened around the comforter as his fingers found the button of my jeans. He paused, hesitating on the zipper.
“Theo, are you sure … is this okay? Us?”
“Yes!” I released a shaky breath, but his expression gave him away—torn, uncertain, fighting a worry I was almost certain I understood. “Yes, Ren. If you’re asking because you’re concerned I’m going to regret this and accuse you of tricking me with your magic, I know you aren’t. This is all me. I want this.Reallybad.”
“Tell me what you want, Theo.” The sound of the zipper was sharp and electric, sending a thrill down my spine with every inch it slid open.
“I wantyou,” I rasped, my breathing hot and heavy.
“You have me,” came his answer, his lips kissing the dip of my pelvis.
“Do I?” Dizziness clouded my thoughts as Ren’s hot breath soaked into my skin. “Because as far as I’m concerned, we’re both still wearing pants.”
