Page 53 of Drink Up, Darling
Breathe John, I want you to live for me. You’ve waited too long.
‘You took your time. I need you.’
Dariel instantly went back to feeling only pure desire, there was no use trying to suppress it.‘Now who’s the desperate one?’He slipped off his own robe, hanging it alongside the towels onthe back of the door, blinded by the steam as he stepped in to join Athens, face cloth in hand.
The taller man turned to him and immediately pulled him close. A hug, nothing more, nothing less. Water poured into Dariel’s eyes, flattening his fringe to his forehead as he let his head tip against Athens’ chest.
‘You’re very easy to want.’Athens rubbed Dariel’s bare back, letting his hands glide over bones and skin, as gentle as a lover may touch.A lover.
Is that what you want, John?
Dariel raised his chin to finally glimpse into Athens’ pale eyes; black makeup smudged down his cheeks. He smiled dimly at Athens’ admission, raising the damp cloth to Athens’ cheek to gently wipe away the darkness.
‘Should I take that as a compliment?’
Athens’ lip quirked as Dariel slowly removed his makeup.‘I gave it as one.’
‘And is this what you’d want?’Dariel’s chest ached, brushing the cloth over Athens’ now closed eyes.
‘I would enjoy nothing more.’
Their connection was fragile. Something that could shatter any moment, so Dariel made sure he didn’t break it. He leaned closer, lips inches away from the other man’s, breathing up into his space as steam unfurled around them and water soaked their skin. “Your lips were made for me to kiss, I think.” If he held it back any longer,everythingwould shatter, not only his metaphorical heart.
“Then kiss me. Kiss me, Dariel Hale.” Athens’ hands rose to hold both Dariel’s shoulders, squeezing and pulling their bodies taut, connecting their lips as the hunger rose.
Dariel fell into it, fearing the end.Take my breath. Take it all, Athens Danek.
Everything evaporated around them, the kisses deepening and lengthening, tongues exploring as they grasped at each other, never letting go.
‘I want you.’
‘I am easy to want.’
‘No.’Athens broke the kiss, still holding onto Dariel; eyes wide. “No, Ineedyou. Now. Now…” Their lips collided again.
‘Then have me.’
Dariel leaned forward into Athens’ arms, letting himself be held up as they drowned in each other. He could fall—could fall forever, but maybe Athens would catch him.
They kissed for eternity, yet not enough. Dariel’s hunger grew and grew until he could breathe no more. He pushed up and locked their eyes again.
“Let me appreciate you.” He panted the words with the same desperation of a man believing they would be his last.
Athens breathed in, dropping his arms to his side in surrender. He nodded.
Dariel took his time, kissing over Athens’ shoulders and his bared throat, biting down softly on his Adam’s apple. A cry of pleasure escaped Athens, music to Dariel’s ears.
He worked his lips lower, wiping the cloth over Athens’ hand-crafted body.The gods took extra time when they carved him, Dariel thought. He brushed the small towel over Athens’ chest then around to his back, breaking the kisses to stare back into pearl eyes.
Once his lips lowered to the slick between Athens’ legs, he closed his eyes, exploring with mouth alone.
‘Oh, Dariel.’“Oh… Oh god…” Athens shook, hands grasping for purchase into Dariel’s hair.
‘I worship you.’
‘You shouldn’t say things you don’t mean.’
Dariel stopped, still on his knees, looking up to his saviour. “I mean it.” His lips stung.
