T. A. Chase

Firebird- Part Thirty

Firebird copyright (c) 2006 TA Chase

Part Thirty-

The next day—

Vlatko stared at the computer screen. He was still reeling from admitting to Rue that he had wanted the thief to stay. Obviously the man’s blowjob had turned his brain to mush and switched off some vital connection between his thoughts and his tongue. The numbers in the formula blurred and he shook his head. Who would have known his life would take such a turn when he found a naked man tied to a tree two weeks ago.

Rue came up behind him, grasping his shoulders and massaging. A fluid warmth moved through Vlatko’s body. He’d noticed the heat the night before when Rue had touched him.

“Rue, what did the firebird say when you went to see her last night?” Vlatko let his head fall forward, allowing Rue to work his neck muscles.

“Something about my hands being good for you and my touch making you happy.” Rue’s lips brushed Vlatko’s nape.

He laughed. “She’s right. What else did she say?”

“You need to burn in the fire and raise from the ashes. It’s the only way you’ll be healed.” The thief’s hands tightened on his shoulders.

“I don’t think she meant literally. I’m pretty indestructible but I’m not fire-resistant.” Vlatko swiveled the chair, causing Rue to jump out of the way. “Let’s go soak in the hot springs.”

“Does heat help you?” Rue followed him up the ladder into the hut.

“Yeah, it does. I noticed your hands seem warmer than usual since last night. Did she touch you?” He stripped and set his clothes on a stone nearby.

“Took a hold of my hand and said that the truth of my past was gone, but I could chose the pay my future took by trusting my own decisions. While she was talking, it felt like my hand was on fire.”

Vlatko watched Rue shed his clothes and then he helped the naked man into the pool. He sat down on the carved stone ledge, settling Rue next to him.

“You’ve made a decision.” Vlatko couldn’t decide whether he was happy or not.

“Yes. I’ll have you know it was a difficult one. I’ve never done anything like this before.” Rue’s amber eyes were serious as he stared up at Vlatko.

“So you’re not going to give the stone to the I.U.M.?”

Rue shook his head, his blond curls bouncing as the steam tightened them. “That was never an option the minute you told me they were using me.”

“So what are you going to do? Sell the stone on the open market?” Vlatko leaned his head back and relaxed, letting the heat soak into his body.

“No, I’m going to Mitchov.”

Thursday, December 21st, 2006, by and is filed under "Uncategorized ". You can leave a response here, or send a Trackback from your own site.