Only Skin Deep: Paranormal MMM Romance, page 18
Luca rose off the stool, towering over Colby. “Is that what you’re doing here? Giving in?”
Standing, Luca was much more imposing and intimidating. He was also even more attractive. Colby struggled to drag air into his lungs. “I didn’t say I was.”
Luca leaned closer, pinning Colby to the counter. He rested his hands on either side, making it impossible to escape. “Let me make this abundantly clear, Colby. If the only reason you came to our bed was because you were compelled to repay a debt—yes—we’d turn you down,” Luca said.
The man’s body heat warmed him. His fingers itched to reach out and touch Luca.
“We’d be more than willing to educate you on the ways a witch, a familiar, and a human fit together.”
Colby stifled a moan.
“If—you admit you feel our connection and you want us.”
He bit his lip, refusing to admit anything.
“By the way, you said I’ve been coming on strong since day one. You were out for most of day one. Day two?” He leaned closer, a wicked grin spreading across his face. “Sure. I saw what was mine, and I wanted to claim it.”
Colby sucked in a gasp. I saw what was mine. “I belong to no one.”
“You can deny it all you want, but you, Ash, and I are destined to be together. We belong to one another. Accept it or not, it is what it is. No amount of arguing will change that.”
“We’re not arguing,” Colby said. “We’re debating.”
Luca smiled, taking a step back. “Debating?”
“Discussing,” Colby added, offering his own smile. “Questioning. Ironing out the details. Whatever you want to call it. It wasn’t an argument.”
“Ah, well, I’m glad to know we weren’t.” Luca returned to the stool and hung his elbows on his knees. “Questioning and ironing out the details makes it sound as though you’re contemplating something.”
Colby’s smile faded, lust swamping him.
Luca searched his face, the seconds ticking by on the clock on the wall above his head. “Well, contemplate while we work, hmm?”
He offered a hand to Colby.
Colby stared at it for a few seconds before taking it and being led back to his stool in front of Luca. They went to work, Luca’s hands under his. Colby closed his eyes, Luca’s warmth and scent wrapping around him. What happened next didn’t flow as well as it had when Luca had used his magic, but they were able to create.
“How about that… I remember a little.”
Colby smiled to himself, their hands sliding along the slick surface of the clay. When they were done, a gorgeous vase sat before them. Lifting his gaze, he saw a flicker of movement in the mirror. Luca kissing him square on the lips. The hunger drove him over the edge. Spinning slightly, he drew his head back and pressed his lips to Luca’s.
Luca froze for a split-second… but soon joined in, kissing him back. When they drew away, Luca’s eyes danced with light. Colby was drawn in, completely ensorcelled. He leaned in again, ravenous for more.
“We can’t go farther,” Luca murmured.
“Why not?”
“Ash isn’t here.”
Colby opened his mouth to say, ‘he’s just inside’, but the words wouldn’t come out. “Probably for the best. I need to finish these orders.”
“You still want my help?”
Colby met his heated stare in the mirror. He wanted a lot more than Luca’s help. “Please.”
“Whatever you wish, mate.”
Colby opened his mouth to deny it, but once again found it impossible.
Chapter
Thirteen
“Are you going to cook out on the grill?” Daniel asked, running his palms over the green apron he wore. He’d helped Ash pop the potatoes in the oven, marinate their steaks, and prepare a big salad bowl while Luca helped Colby in the studio. “Our dad used to cook on the grill all the time.”
Grilling outside? Maybe… “Has anyone used it recently?”
Daniel scratched his head. “No.”
An hour of cleaning before he could cook didn’t sound appealing. “I think we should just use the stove. Next time, we can clean the grill and cook out there.” Ash grinned. “Maybe we can cook burgers and hotdogs this weekend?”
“Yeah!” Daniel said, grinning. “I like that. With potato salad. My mom made yummy potato salad.”
“Do you have her recipe?”
“I helped her make it a lot,” Daniel said, rushing across the kitchen. He grabbed a book from a shelf above the booth in the breakfast nook and flipped it open. He rustled through a few pages. “Here it is.”
“Great,” Ash said, sliding the salad bowl into the fridge. “You can show me how to make it. I bet you know all her secrets.”
Daniel grinned—but the smile quickly faded.
Ash leaned on the island. “Where did that smile go?”
Daniel stared at a piece of paper in his hand. “I’m sad.”
“Want to talk about it?”
Daniel’s eyes shone with tears. “I miss my family.”
Ash rounded the island and saw the paper was a photograph. When he looked over Daniel’s shoulder, he spied two small boys smiling up at their beautiful mother seated in that very kitchen—who gazed upon them with nothing but adoration. Ash offered a hug, and Daniel took the offer quickly, squeezing him around the chest.
He stroked the man’s back. “I understand how it feels to miss your family. I miss mine, too.”
Daniel stepped back. “Did your family die?”
Ash nodded, still adjusting somewhat to Daniel’s direct—yet benignly asked—questions. “My parents and my brothers were in a terrible accident a long, long time ago.” The one time he hadn’t gone out on his father’s fishing boat was the one time his family never made it home. “I lost them all.”
“My brother is still here,” Daniel said. “Will he die because of the bad men?”
“Luca and I are doing everything we can to keep you and your brother safe from the demons and anything else that might harm either of you.”
“Are you our new family?” Daniel asked.
Ash fought the smile coming to his lips. He didn’t want to get Daniel’s hopes up—not when Colby wasn’t ready to accept their mating, yet they were connected, no matter what. Even if Colby refused them, Luca and Ash would protect the brothers for the rest of their lives. “I’d love to have a little brother again.”
Daniel whooped with delight, a bright smile back on his face. “I’ve only been a big brother. Never a little brother.”
Ash’s chest tightened. Daniel’s joy was contagious. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a little brother. You might need to remind me what do big brothers do.”
Daniel considered that for a minute. “You protect your little brother and make sure he’s happy.”
Ash grinned. “Well, what would make my little brother happy right now?”
Daniel shrugged dramatically. “You playing video games with him?”
Ash barked with laughter. “I suck at those. You’ll have to teach me.”
“That means I win. I like being a little brother,” Daniel said, taking Ash’s hand. He led them into the living room, where he plopped down on the floor and turned on his PlayStation. “Watch me, Ash.”
Ash settled beside Daniel. “Teach me, Obi-Wan.”
Daniel gasped. “Do you like Star Wars? I love Star Wars.”
“My favorite movies of all time.”
Daniel clapped his hands together. “Mine, too!” He shut down his game and turned on another one.
A Star Wars one—that appeared intimidatingly difficult. A good thirty minutes in and he was being annihilated. Ash struggled with simple movements. “I used to be good at these when I was younger.”
“Doubt that,” Daniel said, chuckling.
“Thanks a lot,” Ash grumbled, fighting a smile.
Daniel grinned wickedly.
“How about you keep playing? I’ll check the potatoes and then see how Luca and Colby are managing in the studio.”
“Okay,” Daniel said, immersed in his game.
Ash did as he’d told Daniel. Checked dinner and then headed outside to the studio. As soon as he peeked inside, a niggle of envy hit him square in the chest. Luca and Colby were as close as two people could be. Colby in the circle of Luca’s arms, focused on the piece of clay they were both molding into the shape of a bowl… no, a vase?
Their hands threaded together, moving over the malleable clay, turning nothing into something. Ash lacked any creative bones in his body, and he was always jealous of Luca’s artistic talent. He and Colby shared that creative vibe. Ash could never be a part of that world.
The two seemed to be almost meditative in their manipulation of the material. Ash didn’t want to break that focus or cause ruin if their hands slipped in surprise. Backing away, he heard Luca call out.
“Where are you going?”
Ash peeked back inside. “I was just checking in. Dinner’s going, but I have awhile until I need to start the steaks.”
“We’re on piece number three,” Colby said. “There’s three more orders, but I don’t think we’ll have time for all of them tonight.”
“We can come back tomorrow,” Ash said. “I’m off. Luca’s taking the week off. We can get you sorted.”
“I like that plan,” Colby murmured, eyeing Ash. “I appreciate the offer of help.”
Ash moved closer, hating feeling like an outsider. It was clear whatever they’d been sharing in the studio had bonded them in a way Ash would never share. He inspected the vase they’d completed. “What happens next?”
“Drying and firing.” Colby handed Luca a length of wire before opening and closing his scarred fist. “Can you move that off? My hand is cramping.”
Luca slid the wire along the base of the pottery and lifted the vase from the chunk of clay at the bottom. He set it on a board holding two other recent pieces.
“These are the others you’ve completed tonight?” Ash asked.
“Yeah,” Colby said. “Not bad for a magic-less witch and a messed-up monster, hmm?”
“You’re not a monster,” Ash murmured.
Colby continued to flex his fingers, refusing to comment. He focused on the floor, not at Ash. Ash lowered his head in an attempt to capture Colby’s gaze. When their mate finally glanced up, Ash repeated his sentiment.
“You’re not… a monster.”
“Yeah… sure,” Colby muttered.
Ash moved closer, holding Colby’s stare. He knelt in front of the pottery wheel. “All I see is a beautiful man, doing everything he can to protect his brother and provide a loving home. A few scars can’t change who you are.”
Colby held his stare, a shine coming to his eyes. “Logically, I know that. Doesn’t make it any easier to look in the mirror.”
Ash frowned.
“Don’t pity me,” Colby whispered.
Ash frowned harder. “I don’t. Compassion isn’t pity.”
Colby’s jaw tightened.
Awkward silence hung between them, the air thick.
“Do you want to take a break?” Luca asked Colby, eyeing Ash.
“One more?” Colby asked. “I might have it in me for one more.”
“Okay,” Luca said.
Ash rose. He walked closer to the door, sensing his presence was a distraction.
“No,” Luca murmured. “Stay.”
Ash turned and eyed the pair. “Only if Colby wants me to.”
A few seconds ticked by, and Ash held his breath.
“Colby wants you to,” Colby said, his voice low. He held Ash’s gaze, something firing in the depths.
Contented, he walked closer and drew a small bench out from under a wooden counter. Taking a seat, he watched as Luca and Colby formed the chunk of clay that had been left behind into a ball of sorts. Water was added, and slick sounds came from between their fingers as the material was slowly transformed.
It was as if he was watching magic happen. Lifting his gaze, Ash checked Luca and realized there was no magic to it. It was simply the act of creation. That made it even more interesting to watch. Colby would move his hands, or tap them on Luca’s, silently directing the motions. It seemed as if the pair had already come up with their own non-verbal shorthand. Once again, Ash felt excluded.
“Give me your hand,” Colby said, lifting one of his off Luca’s and holding it out to Ash.
Ash startled. Had Colby sensed his emotion? He stared at the mud and clay coated hand a second before taking it. Colby placed it over Luca’s hand. Luca slid his out and over Ash’s, guiding it and the clay.
“Where’d you learn this?” Ash asked Luca.
“I think it’s a little residual magic.”
Ash tensed.
“Not actual magic,” Luca clarified. “When I perform a skill using magic, it sometimes leaves some sort of muscle memory in its wake. Doesn’t last long, usually.”
“If we keep you creating, maybe that residual magic can turn into an actual skill without using your power,” Colby said.
“I like that idea,” Luca murmured. “Having something I might be decent at without using magic.”
Colby urged Ash to give him the other hand. Soon, six hands played in the clay—making an absolute mess of it.
“You should’ve kept me out of this. I’m not creative like you two,” Ash muttered.
“With that attitude, you won’t be, either,” Colby spat.
“Wow,” Luca said, eyes wide as he stared at Ash. “He’s got a point, babe.”
Colby eased Ash’s hands away from the clay. “Luca, can you restart the piece for me?”
Ash pulled away, but Colby didn’t let go.
“No… we’re not done yet, mister.”
Ash chuckled, heat radiating from Colby’s touch. Tension coiled in his belly, the need for a deeper physical connection blooming within.
“Okay,” Colby said. “That’s enough.” He dragged Ash’s hands closer. “Put them here. Loosen your hands. You need to be firm without being too firm. Let the clay tell you where it wants to go, but urge it where you want to go, too.”
“Chaos. One cancels the other out,” Ash said.
“A balance. You’ll understand once you play with the clay a little more,” Colby said. He rested his hands on top of Ash’s. Luca hung behind Colby, his chin on their mate’s shoulder.
Watching.
Ash allowed Colby to take charge of his hands, quickly absorbing the non-verbal shorthand the pair had been sharing when he’d arrived. His breathing quickened, not just from trying his hand at a new skill—but from the simple touch of Colby’s hands on his. His body thrummed with excitement. After a few minutes, a bowl shape appeared, and Ash wasn’t exactly sure how he’d gotten it there. It was all Colby.
He lifted his gaze, smiling at their progress. It was a little wonky, but it actually looked like something. Colby watched him, a hint of a smile on his lips.
“Okay, that’s good for a medicine bowl,” Colby announced before gently tapping Ash’s hands. “Hands off.”
Ash lifted his hands away, missing the physical connection to their mate. Luca grabbed the wire he’d used earlier and slid it under the bowl, and placed it with the others on the board.
“You’re going to keep it? It’s not perfect,” Ash said.
“Most of my pieces have small imperfections. We’re human, not a machine. Those minor defects make them unique.” Colby smiled. “Some of my favorite pieces aren’t perfect… and they’re my favorites because of their imperfections.”
“Embrace imperfection, you say?” Luca asked, pressing a kiss to Colby’s scarred cheek. “I think we should all accept that challenge.”
“Message heard,” Colby murmured. “Let’s not beat a dead horse.”
Ash changed the subject before they pushed too far. “You said something about drying coming next?”
“We’ll put these into the drying cabinet for about a week. Pieces shrink as the water evaporates, and you can often see if there are any issues in the piece then. Some crack. Some bend. If the piece survives, then I carve away any excess clay before it dries completely and give it another couple of days to dry before it’s prepped for bisque firing.”
Ash nodded. He hadn’t realized how many stages a single piece went through. “I thought you painted them before they went in the kiln?”
“That’s later,” Colby said. “After bisque firing and cooling, they’re painted or coated in slip and then fired again after that. The painting can be the best part—seeing how it turns out in the kiln.”
“What’s slip?” Luca asked.
“Water that’s saturated with clay. It can be used like paint to coat a piece if you want it to appear natural in finish.”
“Is it more stable after that first firing?” Ash asked.
“Pottery can be delicate. It can break anywhere along the process. It’s a risk we potters take. After a while, you learn what not to do and you reduce that risk. Yet it still happens on occasion. You work your ass off on an impressive piece you’re in love with and bam, it’s shattered to bits in the kiln.”
“No risk, no reward,” Luca murmured. “You have to try, even if you know it might shatter apart when it faces the fire.”
“Exactly,” Colby agreed.
Quiet filled the room. Colby gazed at Ash with trepidation.
And something else.
Ash was almost sure there was a glimmer of want in the man’s eyes. He placed his hands on the leftover clay still on the wheel. “I didn’t think you’d get that big bowl out of the clay you had here.”
“There’s enough there for a couple more.”
Ash frowned. “Seriously?”
“A little goes a long way, if you know how to shape it correctly.”
Ash met Luca’s gaze for a moment before turning his focus back on Colby. “I think that can be said for a lot of things in life. Be firm yet yielding. Work with it, not against it. Shape it into what you want. No reward without risk.”
“Ahh,” Colby said. “Trying to use my own words to tempt me into giving in, hmm? That’s not fair.”
“Tempt you into what?” Ash asked, feigning innocence. “I was talking about life in general.”
