Page 48 of A Soul’s Curse (Fallen Souls #1)

“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, but let’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 he smiled .

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. Really bad. ”

“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 want you ,” 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.”

He chuckled, but leaned back to slip out of his sweatpants and boxers. He then helped me shimmy out of my jeans, my dick springing free as my boxers were tossed onto the floor.

He crawled back on top of me, urgency in his movements as he swiftly grabbed us both in his hands and started pumping. The tension immediately started building, my abs clenching, my legs spread wide and heels digging into the mattress.

“Ren,” I whimpered, and I nearly exploded as his hand began to softly vibrate, an electric buzz that sent me into overdrive. “Oh, fuck. Ren. What are you … what is that ?”

His body twitched and waved as he rocked his hips against mine, his fist gliding faster as he spun his palm up and down both our lengths and a tantalizing vibration tingled across my sensitive skin and grazed my balls. “Just a little magic trick I picked up. You like it?”

“Yes.” More. I needed more. There was a fire spreading through my veins, demanding, desperate. Every touch, every breath, every moment only pulled me deeper, unraveling any restraint I had left. “Can … can you do that with your mouth?”

He let out a shaky laugh, straightening as he tried to speak through his labored breaths. “Oh, you naughty little witch.”

My back arched into the air as Ren’s head lowered between my legs, his lips wrapping around my dick, his tongue swirling around the head with such precise motions that pulsed with electric magic. I could barely hear the slap of his skin over my moans as he jerked himself off while devouring me.

“Ren.” His name was the only word that would pass through my lips. It was the only one that needed to. I stopped whimpering, screaming his name as my eyes rolled into the back of my head.

Desire spread like an unstoppable wave, my nerves tingling like a taut string about to snap.

My muscles tightened, my whole body paralyzed as pressure coiled in my lower abdomen.

Ren’s movements quickened, sucking and teasing with the tip of his tongue as he took in every inch of me.

I shuddered as I cried out his name, the euphoric feeling flooding through me as my release left my body weightless, trembling, and utterly spent.

The entire time, Ren’s mouth never left its place between my legs, his lip ring tickling me with every bob of his head.

His mouth belonged there, savoring every drop of seed that spilled out of me.

He kept going and I didn’t tell him to stop, even as the slightest lingering touch sent an overwhelming shudder through my oversensitive body. It wasn’t long until Ren’s movements became frantic.

I reached out, tangling my fingers through his sweat-damp hair.

I mourned the loss of his wet lips when he pulled away, moaning loudly as he spilled into his hand.

He came right back for more, licking up the base of my shaft and ensuring no drop was left behind.

He searched for something to clean himself up, settling on the bed sheets.

I tugged on his arm, longing for our naked bodies to stay wrapped in the quiet comfort warmth, afraid of the moment I’d have to let go.

He lay right beside me, peppering kisses along my face, neck and shoulders. He had one arm cradled under me, the other gently stroking my hair before he brushed a thumb against my flushed cheek. If he kept this up, my dick would be hard again in no time and we’d have to go another round.

“You taste good.” He parted my lips with his tongue to dip it inside. I nipped at the metal piercing, kissing it as I moaned. I couldn’t help but to fondle his nipples, circling my thumbs against the rings. I had never been with a man who had piercings before … and it was so damn sexy.

“Mmm. I’m glad to hear that. I would really liked to have tasted you, though. Maybe next time?” I added, taking his hand and sucking on one of his fingers, chasing the salty taste of him in my mouth.

“I have to go.” A dull numbness crept over me.

The mood went from lighthearted to sour in an instant.

I knew I wanted something more, eager to jump right into it even after all the shit that went down with Sly, but Ren clearly wasn’t ready to make any kind of commitment.

Maybe he didn’t want it. Maybe he just needed to release some tension.

“What? Ren, please don’t go.” My hand brushed across his skin as he rolled over on the bed and got up. “I’d really like you to stay. You can feed off my magic. How’s your back doing?”

Ren’s jaw dropped, astonishment crossing his face.

“That’s not …” I scrubbed my hands down my cheeks. “That came out wrong. I know you’re not using me. I just haven’t been sleeping well and could really use a comforting, warm body next to me tonight.”

Ren found his clothes on the floor, pulling on his sweatpants and shirt. He leaned forward on the bed, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. “I really do have to go, Theo. There are clean sheets in the hallway closet. And … thank you for this.”

“ Thank you? ” I gasped. But when I noticed he was making subtle gestures with his hands, I realized he wasn’t thanking me for the good time. He wanted to leave so he could practice the other gift I had given him—a way to comfortably use his magic without causing harm.

“Okay,” I relented, sinking my head into the fluffy pillow. If I wanted any chance of this to work, I couldn’t rush this or pressure him. “But you’ll be back in the morning?”

Ren's smile lit up the dark room like a flash of lightning, sudden and breathtaking. I doubted I'd ever grow used to it. “Of course. I’ll bring breakfast. Donuts or bagels?”

A smile of my own slipped past my lips. “Maybe a fruit bowl this time. No blueberries, though. Not a fan of blueberries.”

“Of course.” He opened the mysterious closet door, the portal that connected this house in Salem to his other place in Boston. I wondered if he’d ever invite me over to see it.

His body disappeared into the inky black darkness, and the door closed behind him.

A few minutes later, my phone buzzed on the nightstand, Caspian’s name lighting up the screen.

“Well, there goes my good mood,” I muttered to myself right before I answered the phone.