Page 39 of A Winter Courtship

And as Ulrich worked, Lutoth’s heated gaze burned his skin.

“You sure you’re not bored watching?” Ulrich pumped the bellows, exaggerating the movement so Lutoth could see the muscles in his arms working.

The red-and-gold flames rose.

“Definitely not.” Lutoth leaned back against a table, openly ogling Ulrich. “But it’s so hot in here,” he said, voice smooth. “Surely you would be more comfortable if you worked without your shirt.”

Ulrich laughed. “Sorry to disappoint. But if I do that, I might end up with more burn scars than I already have.”

“Wouldn’t want that. But maybe you could do a demonstration later when the forge isn’t going,” Lutoth suggested.

“You’d like to see that?” Ulrich took the metal out of the coals and placed it on the anvil.

Lutoth bit his lip. “Then I’d get to properly see all your bulging muscles as you hammered. You could even be naked.”

“Shirtless isn’t enough for you?”

“It would be better if you were naked.”

Ulrich chuckled.

Beside Lutoth lay a bunch of small white flowers, which he’d collected in the forest. He’d waved them around when he entered, like an unspoken promise that he planned to thread the flowers into Ulrich’s beard, put his necklace on him, and fuck him.

Ulrich’s cock hardened.

But he had to stay focused. He didn’t have much more work to do, and soon he’d be finished for the day.

Then Lutoth could pretty him up and fuck him.

“There. Done.” Ulrich placed the axe head on the table and wiped his brow. He’d make the handle later. He removed his gloves, looked into Lutoth’s face, and paused. “What are you planning?”

“What makes you think I’m planning anything?” Lutoth asked.

“I know that smirk.”

Lutoth slid from the table and sashayed to Ulrich, pulling something from his pocket. Something white and long. He twirled it around his fingers.

“What’s that?”

“Your Solstice gift.”

Ulrich squinted. “What is it?”

“I saw it in the store and thought it would suit you perfectly. It is from Castle Evermore. It is crocheted lace ribbon. I thought it would bring out your delicate, sweet side.”

Lutoth stood directly in front of Ulrich. He lifted the strand between his fingers, showing the delicate, thin white lace. The pattern looked like a string of flowers. “I thought it beautiful and pretty. Just like you.” He hooked the lace around the back of Ulrich’s neck, letting it slide down the sides of his neck, ending on his chest.

Ulrich touched it. “And what will you do with it?”

“Well, I’d planned to plait a couple into your hair.” He caressed Ulrich’s brown hair.

“You’ve got more than one?” Ulrich asked.

“A few, actually.” Lutoth’s finger travelled from Ulrich’s hair to the tip of the lace, across Ulrich’s chest, down his arm, and ending at his wrist. “Maybe I’ll use it to tie you up. Although, I’m not sure it would be tough enough. It might break.” He wrapped his hand around Ulrich’s wrist. “Especially if I’m riding your cock and you’re thrashing about. You’d have to be very good and hold yourself very still.”

Ulrich’s cock throbbed, fully hard now. “I can be good,” he said, voice husky.

“What is going on here?” A croaky voice sounded from the entryway. A voice dripping with condescension and disgust.