A Total-E-Bound Publication
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Practice Makes Perfect ISBN #978-0-85715-153-7 ©Copyright Jenna Byrnes 2010 Cover Art by Natalie Winters ©Copyright May 2010 Edited by Michele Paulin Total-E-Bound Publishing This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-E-Bound Publishing. Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution. The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork. Published in 2010 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL, United Kingdom.
Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has been rated Total-e-burning.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Jenna Byrnes
Dedication To Jude Mason, who makes me keep going, and makes me want to keep going! Thanks for your energy and your support.
Trademarks Acknowledgement The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmark mentioned in this work of fiction: Harley 1200 Lowboy:
H-D Michigan, Inc
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Jenna Byrnes
Chapter One
“Yes, Mr. Tutworth, those trousers do fit you nicely. No, sir, I don’t think they make your bum look big.” Julian Delaney bit his tongue and turned his back to the portly shopper. Various comments floated through his mind, but he’d never voice any of them aloud. He faced the same scenario about once a week. A size forty-four man, requesting size forty apparel. People thought women were in denial when they shopped. Men are the worst! Julian handled it with tact and discretion. He’d slip the item he knew would fit through the cracked-open dressing room door and wait for the customer to come out. Then he’d watch the man parade about in front of the mirror. Julian schmoozed, laying on the compliments thick. It’s all a matter of knowing what the customers want and giving it to them. The skill had made him one of the most popular haberdashers at Henri’s, a chic menswear store in Chicago. The men loved him. Julian loved men, in general. He’d known he was gay as far back as he could remember, and hadn’t suffered negatively for it. His parents were cool, his sister and friends equally receptive. He lived a good life, a little on the boring side sometimes, but that was fine with him. “What do you think?” Tutworth held a navy necktie against the white shirt and blue trousers he’d tried on. Julian shoved his long, brown bangs out of his eyes and reached for a different tie. The same blue colour, this one had a thin white stripe. “I like the stripe.” Tutworth raised an eyebrow. “Your hair is short and neat on the sides and in back. Why on earth would you wear the front in your eyes like that?” Offering a sly grin in response, Julian shrugged. “My stylist tells me it’s all the rage. What can I do? I’m a natural born fashion plate.” The robust man’s chest shook with laughter. “You’re a beanpole, but I guess that probably is the fashion.” He grabbed the striped tie and studied his reflection in the mirror. “I’ll take them both. Can you have the slacks tailored by the weekend?”
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“Absolutely.” Julian collected the ties. “Susan has your measurements. You go ahead and change. Leave the clothes in there. I’ll write up your ticket then come back and gather up everything.” “Thanks, Jules.” Tutworth nodded and returned to the dressing room. Julian smiled as he headed to the front counter. Another nice sale, another hefty cheque. Nothing wrong with a little boredom. His commissions this week alone might be enough to pay for the new DVD player he’d been eyeing. He pulled out the tailoring slip and began writing instructions on it. “Excuse me?” The newcomer startled him. Julian had been so wrapped in thought he hadn’t seen anyone approach the counter. “I’ll be right with you,” he said automatically. “No rush,” the man replied. Julian completed his notes and looked up. The fellow on the other side of the counter stood half a head taller, with perfectly feathered, long blond hair. The unusual style grabbed Julian’s attention, but the gorgeous facial features were what kept his gaze locked. The chiselled Roman nose, strong chin and high, sculpted cheekbones looked like something straight off a statue. A quick appraisal over the rest of the man confirmed him to be the most stunning creature to have ever graced Henri’s. Julian ran a nervous hand through his bangs and struggled to keep his jaw from flopping open. “Hello.” The Greek God smiled, showing just a flash of pearly white teeth. “I, uh, oh.” Julian swallowed. Coherency evaded him. “Hello.” As an afterthought, he added, “Welcome to Henri’s. I’m Julian. May I help you?” Adonis smiled wider. “Hello, Julian. Just the man I hoped to meet.” Shock sent him into another round of gibberish. “Me? Um, what?” “Word on the street is, you’re the one to see about all matters millinery. I’m in the market for a new leather jacket.” A customer. Julian heaved a sigh of relief. Of course, he’s a customer! What was I thinking? He knew what to do with shoppers. “Certainly, sir. We have a nice selection to choose from. Have a look at the rack right over there.” He pointed to a nearby display. “I’ll finish this sale and be right with you.”
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“Thanks.” Crystal-clear, blue eyes twinkled at him before the man went to inspect the leather goods. Julian’s cock twitched, and he dropped Mr. Tutworth’s paperwork in front of his crotch as he hurried to the back of the store. “Here you go, sir. I’ve charged this to your account, and we’ll have it all delivered when the tailoring is complete, in a day or so.” Tutworth hesitated, then nodded. “Sure, that’ll be fine. By the weekend for sure, though, right Jules? I’ve got a dinner Saturday evening, and I want to wear my new clothes.” “Friday, latest. You have my word, Mr. Tutworth.” The older man smiled. “That’s all I need, then. Thank you, Jules. See you next time.” Julian exhaled. “Absolutely. Thank you, sir.” He could have wrapped some of the purchases and sent them with the man, but he didn’t want to take the time. He placed Tutworth’s order on a counter in back and made a beeline for the front of the store. His heart sank when he saw Marta, one of the other salespersons, talking with the tall blond hunk. Damn it! Customers on the floor were fair game. He’d been foolish to let this one get away. He wasn’t concerned with the commission, but he would have liked to speak with the man again. The stud was smiling and chatting, apparently perfectly happy for buxom, brunette Marta to wait on him. Julian stepped up next to them. “I see you found the jackets. I assume Marta is taking care of you?” She cast him a glance that obviously said, “I got this, go away.” Ignoring her, he looked at the shopper. Blue eyes twinkled again. “No, we were just talking until you came back. I’d like you to show me what you have in my size, please.” He smiled at Marta. “I was referred here to see Julian. I hope you don’t mind.” “Not at all.” Her smile was thin and tight. She spun on her heel and returned to the front counter. “Didn’t mean to make her angry.” Adonis shrugged at Julian sheepishly. “But I know what I want.” Julian waved a hand. “She’ll get over it. So, which one did you choose?” The man glanced at the rack of jackets. “Oh, these? I have no idea. I was talking about what I want in a sales clerk.” He took a step closer. “Did I hear that man call you Jules?”
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The heat of the stud’s breath wafted over Julian’s face. “Y-yes,” he murmured. “My friends and regular customers call me Jules.” “Well, Jules, I’m Dante. And I’d very much like to be your friend.” Julian’s cock sprang to attention, apparently agreeing that the feeling was mutual. “Dante, eh? Good to know. Now, I can stop referring to you as ‘Adonis’ in my mind.” A hearty chuckle shook Dante’s chest. “Adonis, really? He was kind of a prick. But he was easy on the eyes.” It was Julian’s turn to smile. “Didn’t Adonis live in about 600 BC? What, did you do a research paper on him or something?” Dante’s eyes danced. “No. I knew him. So, which of these jackets do you think I should buy? I’m not sure if I want a waist-length coat or something longer.” He thumbed through the display. Julian’s heart sank. The guy was cute and sexy as hell but apparently nutty as a fruitcake. So much for the hottest creature to ever grace Henri’s. He moved closer to the coats. “I think a longer length would accent your style. The shorter coats say ‘biker’ or, around here, ‘middle-aged man pretending to be a biker’. The longer styles are more classic and better suited to your appearance.” Dante removed a long, brown leather coat from the rack and tried it on. He pulled his hair free of the collar and smiled. “You don’t picture me as the biker type? I used to own a Harley 1200 Lowboy.” Julian turned his head away and rolled his eyes. One of those ‘I’ve been everywhere and done everything’ types. Disappointing. He’d pegged the hottie for someone much more interesting. “What about you, Jules? Ever owned a bike?” Dante turned from side to side, studying his appearance in the three-sided mirror. “No. I’m not really the biker type.” “Ah. Especially since you nearly collided with a cyclist in your car, back in your high school days. I’m sure that left quite an impression.” “What?” Julian blinked. How could Dante know about that? It’d been a horrible time in his life. The man hadn’t been seriously injured, but there had been words and phone calls between Julian’s father and the driver’s attorney before the case finally went away. How could
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Dante know anything about it? Julian scoured his memory to see if Dante had somehow been part of the action back then. Not that I recall. “I’m sorry.” Dante smiled sympathetically. “I’m sure you don’t want to talk about that time. Or the time you nearly got expelled for hacking into the school’s computer and changing your grades.” “I did not do that!” Julian’s face burned hot. “I told everyone I had no idea how those grades got changed. It took a while, but they finally believed me.” Dante held up his hands, palms facing Julian. “Take it easy. I know it wasn’t your fault.” “You seem to know a lot of things,” Julian spouted. “Who are you, and what do you want?” “Calm down.” Dante glanced around before speaking again. “I do know a lot of things. There’s a reason, which I’d like to explain to you. I believe you’ll find it a very interesting tale.” “Look, if you want money, I don’t have much. I realise this is a fancy store and all, but the pay isn’t great. So if you—” “Money is the last thing on my mind.” Dante stepped closer and lowered his voice. “Please, believe me. My coming here, wasn’t a random act. I’ve been sent by higher authorities. I’d like to explain in more detail, but this isn’t the time or place. Let’s meet for dinner or a drink when you get off work. I promise, it’ll all make sense then.” “Sent here? What the blazes are you talking about?” “Jules.” Dante gripped his wrist and looked into his eyes. “I realise you don’t know me, but I’m asking you to trust me on this one thing. Meet me later, and let me explain. You name the bar or restaurant, any place you’ll feel comfortable. Just choose someplace quiet, so we can talk.” His flesh tingled where Dante held him. A quick vision of the man holding him in a more intimate manner flashed though his mind. Stripping me naked, leaning me over the back of a sofa. Dante on his knees, face firmly planted between my ass cheeks. His wet tongue plunders, flicks, torments beyond belief. He finally eases back and a well-oiled finger nudges my anus. Julian blinked, reluctantly dragging his thoughts back to reality. “I suppose one drink couldn’t hurt. There’s a pub down the block called Calypso. Do you know it?”
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“I’ll find it. What time?” “Shortly after six?” “Perfect.” Dante tugged the tag from the sleeve of the coat and handed it over. “I’ll wear this.” He opened his other fist and proffered a wad of cash. “This should take care of it. Keep the change.” Julian held the money in his cupped hands. “There’s another tag I’ll have to remove at the counter, one of those anti-theft ink things.” Dante placed the plastic device on top of the cash. “There you go. See you tonight.” Shocked, Julian quickly counted bills and discovered, even after taxes, a very generous tip. “I can’t accept this.” He glanced up, but Dante was gone. Julian spun around but saw nothing except the door closing. He walked to the front and dropped the money onto the counter to straighten the bills. Marta cocked her head and crossed her arms. “Did you get the ink tag off that jacket?” He tossed the plastic device next to the money, still trying to get over his surprise. She glanced at the small disk then towards the door Dante had just exited. “How’d you do that?” “Beats me.” Julian rang up the sale and pocketed the tip. Whoever Dante was and however he managed to remove the tag without the proper equipment was a mystery—one Julian was anxious to solve. He glanced at his watch. Four-thirty. It wasn’t long to wait, and hopefully, he’d soon have his answers.
**** The hands on the clock couldn’t have ticked slower. Julian waited on a few more customers and pretended the nerves in his stomach weren’t doing flip-flops all afternoon. Shortly before six, he helped Marta close up shop, grabbed his jacket and made his way to Calypso.
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The dimly-lit pub had a decent sized crowd, but Julian spotted Dante at a secluded booth near the back. He walked over and removed his coat, sliding it onto the seat across from Dante. “Hey.” “Thanks for coming. I know this sounds pretty mysterious.” “Quite. I still wonder if you’re out to get something, but you asked for time to explain, and I’ll give it to you.” A thin young man with close-cropped blond hair and wearing a bar apron brought them two mugs of beer. “I ordered for you.” Dante reached for one of the steins. “Your usual. Hope you don’t mind.” “Thank you,” Julian told the waiter and watched him walk off. He looked at Dante. “How do you know ‘my usual’?” “I told you earlier. I know a lot of things about you, Julian Delaney. You grew up on Orchard Street and went to local schools. Your mum is a hairdresser and your old man’s a numbers cruncher in some bookkeeping agency. Your sister is two years older than you. She was going to go to college, until she met Roger and got married.” Julian choked on his beer. Dante said ‘Roger’ in the same sing-song voice Julian had always used to tease Lily about her beau. “You’ve been checking up on me? Hate to break it to you, but this isn’t very reassuring.” “I haven’t been ‘checking up on you’, Jules. I’ve been assigned to watching you since you were a child. I could never step in and intervene, but I was always there, keeping an eye on you.” Questions came flooding out. “Intervene? What the devil are you going on about? You’re not much older than me, so I’m not sure how long you could have been watching. And assigned by who, may I ask?” Dante sipped his beer. “You can ask anything. I’ll be completely truthful with you. But you have to keep an open mind.” His mysterious comments weren’t clearing up anything. Julian raised his hands, palms up. “Mind is wide open, here. Ready to listen.”
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“Do you believe in magic, Jules? Not the magic of a first kiss or the enchanted feeling that first time someone’s body conforms perfectly to yours. I’m talking about real magic, done by witches and warlocks.” Julian laughed. “No.” “Well, you should, because it’s real. There are men and women among us, Jules, who have magical powers. They don’t look any different than you or me. Some are well-dressed, affluent, people who’ve chosen to use their power carefully and for good. On the other end of the spectrum, you have the folks with addictions of all kinds—drugs, money, sex. They can’t seem to pull their lives together, even with magic. It’s too much, too overwhelming. “Then, in the middle, you have the rest of us. Normal people who try to do good, but occasionally falter and do something bad. That’s where the majority of the population fits in.” “Not saying I believe you, because I don’t. But I really can’t see how a person wouldn’t be able to pull his life together with the use of magic powers. Snap your fingers and ‘poof’, you can have anything you want.” “Absolutely. All the cocaine you want, all the methamphetamine, all the booze, and none of it costs you a dime. Can you see where a person with an addictive personality might struggle with that?” The hypothetical argument was ridiculous. “Not if he’s a witch. He does the finger snap thing and makes everything better again.” “Nothing is ever as easy as it seems. Unfortunately, I believe you’re going to find that out.” Dante drained his beer and shoved the mug back from the edge of the table. “Male witches are called warlocks. That’s what I am. And that’s what you are, too.” Disbelief tinged with laughter bubbled from within him, and Julian’s chest shook. “A warlock. Yeah, right. That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all day. Look Dante, or whoever you are, I’m not sure why you’re trying to sell me this story, but I told you earlier. I don’t have any money or—” Eyes locked with Julian’s, Dante raised one finger. Julian stopped talking and watched the handsome man give a subtle wink of one eye. Suddenly, the beer mug in front of Dante was full again.
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“Wha—?” Julian gaped then closed his mouth. It’s been a long day. I’m tired and seeing things. “No, you’re not seeing things.” Dante smiled at him. “Not all warlocks snap their fingers to use magic. Beginners use wands. With practise, you’ll eventually master blinking and perhaps winking.” Julian was incredulous. The story was so far-fetched, he couldn’t believe it was true. Yet something about Dante seemed so sincere. And so fucking hot, I can barely stand it. The gorgeous blond hunk still interested him and intrigued him more than ever. “Practise? Who needs practise? If I’m a witch—” Dante opened his mouth to say something, but Julian kept talking. “Warlock, whatever. I should be able to do that same thing, then, shouldn’t I?” “I wouldn’t try it, not yet. You haven’t been advised of the intricacies. There’s a lot you need to know.” “Pshaw.” Julian waved one hand. “I want another beer, just like you.” He looked at his half-full mug. “Fill it up, just like Dante.” He wiggled his fingers mockingly. The mug overflowed, beer pouring over the edges and spilling onto the table. “Hey!” Julian muttered, looking around for napkins. “Allow me.” Dante winked and the mess disappeared. Two full steins sat on the table. Julian leaned back in the booth, breathing heavily. “What the fuck was that?” “Inexperience. I told you not to cast a spell yet. You’re not sure how to do it.” “A spell?” Julian’s mind raced. He scowled, still doubting the whole thing. “What spell? I just asked for another beer.” “No, you asked for a beer just like I got. My glass was empty; yours wasn’t. So of course, a beer like mine would overflow your cup. See the difference?” “Oh my God.” He rubbed a hand over his forehead. “This can’t be happening.” Dante reached across the table and squeezed Julian’s other hand, keeping hold of it. “You’re not the first one to have this reaction. It’s a lot to absorb. I’ve got so much more to tell you. But I wonder, what would you think about going someplace more private?” Julian’s erection sprang back to life at Dante’s touch. “Private. Yeah. Maybe we should go to my place. It’ll be much easier to talk there.”
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Dante rubbed two of Julian’s fingers seductively. “Talk. Yeah.” He smiled, eyes twinkling with lust. Julian groaned. He had no idea what the magic business was all about, but at that moment, he didn’t care. Getting home and wrapping Dante in his arms were the only things that mattered just then. “You’ve got money, I assume. Want to pay the cheque and get out of here?” Dante winked. “Taken care of. Let’s go.”
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Chapter Two
Julian opened his apartment door and motioned for Dante to step in. Once inside, he secured the lock before turning to face his guest. He grabbed Dante by the lapels of his new coat and spun him around, back to the door. Dante’s mind was apparently on the same track. He leaned in, and they met halfway for the kiss. The scrape of the handsome hunk’s chin felt rough, but his lips were velvety soft. Julian kissed and nipped at the tender flesh, not sure he’d ever get enough. A warm tongue extended to meet his. The two battled back and forth for precious long moments, tasting, testing, seeking dominance. Julian finally relented and allowed the taller man to take control. He loved both roles, dominance and submission, and couldn’t have cared less who was in charge. As long as he had Dante in his arms, he’d be happy. His lover seemed equally happy with their position. They spun around, groping each other as if they were starving men at a buffet. Soon, all traces of clothing lay in one big heap on the floor. Julian’s back was against the wall, legs spread enough for Dante to fondle his full erection and heavy balls. “Damn, you feel good,” Dante murmured, sucking at the hollow of Julian’s neck. “You, too.” He reached between them and cradled Dante’s package with both hands. “Huge. Does that thing require an extra-large sized condom?” Dante chuckled, lips still pressed against flesh. “Honestly, I usually don’t bother with them, but for you, I’ll make an exception. I intend to fuck you until you plead for mercy, then fuck you some more. And I want you to know that, up front.” Julian gasped. “Oh, God. That’s what I want, too. But I’ll never beg for mercy—only more. All you got. I want it, bad.” “Yes,” Dante hissed. “I’ve wanted you forever. Thought about you. Dreamed about you. Imagined this moment, and exactly what it might feel like.”
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Julian caught his eye. “Then why did you wait so long? I mean, you could have come to me earlier.” “Rules.” Dante squeezed Julian’s cock then released it and slowly worked his mouth lower. His kissed each flat nipple, tracing a warm path down Julian’s stomach until he’d reached his destination. He settled on his knees and blew a warm breath on Julian’s erection as he spoke. “The Mystical Guides have rules which must be followed. The first one is trainees aren’t contacted until they’ve had their twenty-fifth birthday.” “I just turned twenty-five!” Julian exclaimed. Dante chuckled and continued his ministrations. “I know. I waited a whole day, too. That’s how much restraint I showed.” He flicked the tender crown of Julian’s cock with his tongue then covered the shaft with slow, languorous strokes. Intense pleasure made Julian sigh. “Don’t, uh, worry about that restraint, now. You’re here, and that’s all that matters.” “No more restraint,” Dante agreed. “Gloves are off. You’re all mine, sexy beast.” He covered Julian’s dick with his mouth and sucked. Holy Hell! It felt as if the man had swallowed him whole. Julian clutched the wall for support and bit his lip to keep from coming too soon. “Your mouth feels so good.” Dante’s reply was garbled, but he didn’t back away. He attacked with relentless suction, fingering Julian’s balls as he coaxed their warm, creamy offering. “You’re gonna make me come,” Julian warned, not really sure if he wanted the man to stop. The delightful attention felt better than anything he’d ever experienced, and he wished it could last forever. His lover paused long enough to murmur, “Come on,” then resumed dining with his voracious appetite. He sucked, fondled and finally groaned when the first wave of cum shot down his throat. The sexy moan of approval was all Julian needed to send him spiralling over the edge. The first stream was followed by several more jets of creamy seed. While he shuddered his release, one hand on the wall and the other atop Dante’s head, his lover ingested everything he had to offer.
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Julian kept his eyes closed, as if that could prolong the ecstasy. Tingles of satisfaction rippled through him, along with sparks of excitement. We’re not through yet. If Dante was as turned on as him, Julian was about to get royally fucked. He finally opened his eyes and ruffled his lover’s hair with both hands. Dante released the spent cock and smiled up at him. “That was fucking hot. Thank you.” Julian chuckled. “No need for thanks. I loved every minute of it.” Climbing to his feet, Dante clutched Julian around the waist and dragged his body close. “If there’s no need for thanks now, there will be when I’m through with you. Look what you’ve done to me.” Julian followed his gaze downward, to where Dante’s swollen erection leaked a ribbon of pearly cum. “Oh, yeah! Finder’s keepers.” He dropped to his knees and flicked the sticky cream off with his tongue. “Like to help me with this while you’re down there?” Dante handed him a foilwrapped condom. “Sure.” Julian sucked the thick, fat cock for a few more seconds before rolling the latex over the bulky shaft. “I was right. You’re huge.” Dante helped him to his feet then turned Julian towards the nearby sofa and bent him over the back. “You’re going to be feeling every bit of me in just a minute.” “Bring it on, big boy.” Julian clutched the sofa and buried his face in the textured upholstery. He couldn’t see what Dante was doing anymore but didn’t care. Warm hands pressed his ass cheeks apart. Just as in his earlier fantasy, Dante knelt behind him and pressed his face into the crease of Julian’s ass. For long, delightful moments, his lover’s tongue licked, teased, and eventually stabbed at the puckered hole. A finger, slick with cool lube, replaced it. Julian gasped with pleasure. “More,” he uttered, voice barely above a whisper. “On the way.” Dante worked his finger from side to side and inserted another one or two more. Julian couldn’t tell and didn’t care. He pushed his ass back to intensify the pressure, jerking spastically to encourage Dante to pick up the pace.
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The man’s low chuckle was followed by a few more jabs to the anus. Dante stood and leaned over Julian’s back, spreading his cheeks and nudging the prepared hole for entry. “Yeah. Oh, yeah.” Julian tensed and clung to the sofa. “Relax, babe.” Dante ran one hand over Julian’s back. “I’ll take it slow to start.” He worked the tip of his cock into the opening and eased forward. Slow and steady, he didn’t stop until his balls slapped Julian’s. A fleeting moment of pain—the guy’s cock is enormous!—was quickly replaced by the most delightful fullness Julian could ever imagine. He gasped then sighed with utter pleasure. He welcomed the pain, craved it, knowing what would follow so soon after. Nothing quite like it in the world. Dante had described it as ‘an enchanted feeling’, and Julian couldn’t agree more. His body filled so completely, so tenderly, by a lover with a caring and gentle touch, was simply amazing. His cock stirred. Julian smiled. After the incredible blow job he’d just received, he hadn’t expected to get hard again. At least not so soon. Dante caused that reaction, and Julian loved it. The perfect amount of pressure nudged his prostate and every nerve in his body quivered. “Hell, yeah!” “Fuck, yeah,” Dante groaned. “So good. So tight.” His words came out staccato with the rhythm of his thrusts. A bead of sweat rolled down Julian’s back, and he couldn’t tell if it was his or his lovers. Nor did he care. The blissful pummelling was all he could think about. Everything else was pushed from his mind. Dante’s breathing quickened and groans increased. Julian sensed his partner was close. He squeezed his hand between the sofa and his groin and fisted his hard cock. He’d make a mess if he jerked to completion now, but he couldn’t help it. Dante’s fucking had his balls aching for release again. “Come on, Adonis. Fill my ass with your hot spunk.” Julian tugged and twisted his cock until he saw stars. “Fuckin’ A!” Dante shouted and froze, gripping Julian’s waist with painful pressure. His body shook and shuddered. Julian’s eyes roll back in his head. At the same time, Dante’s cum warmed his rectum, and he unloaded his second round of the night, all over the back of the sofa.
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They were both spent. Dante eased his body out slowly, kissing Julian’s back and neck as he went. Julian straightened up and looked down, his hand and cock slick with the cum that was now sliding down the back of the couch. “Oops.” Dante glanced over his shoulder. “What?” Julian looked again, and the mess was gone. He was perfectly clean and dry. He turned around, facing his lover, who’d apparently disposed of the condom at the same time. He smiled. “Neat trick. Thanks.” Dante grinned. “Which one? I have a lot more tricks I’d like to show you, after I’ve rested up a bit.” He couldn’t help but laugh. He pulled a soft throw off a nearby chair and flopped onto the sofa with his feet extended. Patting the spot between his legs, he nodded for Dante to join him. His lover obliged and sat in the same fashion with his back to Julian’s chest. Julian tossed the cover over them and wrapped his arms around Dante. “I want to see all your tricks. Magic and non-magical. I haven’t had nearly enough of you, my friend.” He brushed back a lock of long hair and kissed Dante’s neck. Dante snuggled against him “The feeling is mutual. I really hoped it would work out this way. After all this time, I’d developed quite a crush on you.” “A crush on me?” Julian chuckled again. “You’re the hottie who could have anyone he wanted, male or female. Did you see the way Marta looked at you in the store today?” “It’s the hair.” Dante shrugged. “Chicks dig it. Unfortunately, I dig dudes. Sometimes, I have to come right out and tell them. Sometimes I just do a ‘forget’ spell and be done with them.” Stark realisation settled over Julian, and he said softly, “This magic stuff is real, isn’t it? Not just a ploy to get into my pants or something like that.” Dante turned his head so he could make eye contact. “It’s real. You’re no longer wearing pants, so it would have been a damned good ploy, but it’s real. I was sent here to guide you on your mystical journey.” Julian nodded. They both settled back, once again facing the same direction, and talked. “Sent by who?”
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Jenna Byrnes
“The Counsellor of Conjury. He rules the Wizard race and a legion of Mystical Guides. I’m one of them, a teacher, if you will. A teacher of Thaumaturgy.” Julian’s head already felt as if it were spinning. “Thaumaturgy? Conjury? Huh?” Dante chuckled. “Let me put it in simpler terms, because this is stuff you should know. Conjury is the practise of magic or enchantment. Thaumaturgy is the working of wonders or miracles, in other words, magic. And if you’re still confused, take heart. Mystical refers to ‘having a divine meaning that transcends human understanding’.” “Well, good. So I’m not the only human who’s baffled by all this.” “No, but you’re not fully human, either. You’re a wizard.” The words caught him by surprise. “A wizard. Wow.” The faces of his family came to mind, and Julian opened his mouth to ask about them. Dante beat him to the question. “No, your parents weren’t wizards. Your sister didn’t show any signs of magical aptitude, either. Don’t ask me why it works that way, because I can’t answer that one. All I know is, when you were young, and began inadvertently working magic, you alerted the office of the Counsellor. Your name went on a list, and you were assigned a guide to watch over you. That was me.” Julian absorbed the information but had to admit, “Kinda creepy thinking you knew me as a little kid.” “You’re lucky I did. Technically, guides aren’t supposed to intervene unless the trainee’s magic usage endangers someone or gets out of hand. I thought you were a spunky little kid, so I went a little above and beyond the call with you. Helped you at times, tried to keep you out of trouble and all that. But believe me, I didn’t become interested in you physically until you were a grown man. I’m not into kids that way. I just like their free spirits and innocent, fun-loving natures.” Julian ruffled Dante’s hair. “I figured that. It’s just…you don’t seem much older than me. How’s that work?” “Wizards age slowly. Very slowly. So I’m a little older, yeah. I’m glad I don’t look it.” “You don’t.” Julian shoved the hair away again and nuzzled Dante’s neck. “So, you’re my mystical guide, huh? Does this mean we’ll be spending some time together?” Dante bent his head to allow more exposure. “Lots of time. Practically every waking minute, if you want to get good at this.”
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Jenna Byrnes
“Mmm.” Julian licked and nibbled the tanned flesh, surprised to feel his cock twitching again. He rocked his hips so Dante could feel it, too. “I want to get very good at this. I think it’s going to require lots of practise.” Dante squirmed against Julian’s. “Yeah, you know what they say. Practise makes perfect.” “Mmm, perfect.” With a smooth flick of the wrist, Julian sent the cover flying. He grasped Dante’s waist and manoeuvred the man’s body until they were facing, his lover on top. “I can’t believe I’m hard again. Do wizards possess some type of extraordinary sexual skills?” Dante grinned. “Only the ones who practise.” He knelt between Julian’s legs and rubbed their erections together. “Want to fuck me this time? You won’t have to move a muscle, unless you want to.” He reached down and squeezed Julian’s shaft. “Well, maybe this muscle.” “Mmm, yeah. Climb up there and ride me, cowboy.” With a wink of Dante’s sparkling blue eye, a brown, leather cowboy hat and matching chaps appeared on the man. “These meet with your approval?” Julian’s cock pulsed, the head already weeping pre-cum. “Shit, yeah. This magic stuff is hot. Think you could take care of the rubber again?” Dante rose above him, allowing his package to rub over Julian’s tantalisingly. “I could, but let me remind you, it’s really not necessary in the wizard world. And sex is so much hotter without the latex barrier.” Julian smiled. “I forgot. Not used to being a wizard yet. Okay, let’s ride bareback, cowboy. Can you provide some lube and make yourself ready?” A slight wink. So brief, someone not looking would have missed it. “All ready, pardner.” Dante squatted over Julian’s cock. “Watch how nice this is.” He placed his anus over the tip of the crown and sat. Julian groaned as Dante impaled himself on his rod. So smooth, so perfect, he knew at that moment, he was going to love this magic business. “Aw, yeah. Ride me, cowboy. Bounce up and down. I want to see your balls dance.” His lover obliged, an expression of sheer bliss on his handsome face as he impaled himself over and over. “Fuck yeah, fuck, yeah!”
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Jenna Byrnes
“Harder. Faster,” Julian demanded, barely able to mutter the words. He reached for Dante’s leaking cock and stroked it to the rhythm they’d set. “Come inside me. Warm my ass with your spunk.” Dante’s eyes were mere slivers as he made the command. Experiencing such perfect pleasure, watching his partner experience it, Julian was overcome with emotion. He came without warning and didn’t even try to swipe at the errant tears trailing his face. Dante whooped in true cowboy fashion and sprayed cum all over Julian’s chest. Several more rounds followed the first, and soon, he ran his hands through the copious cream pooled there. He used one finger to trace a sticky outline on Julian’s lips. Julian sucked the finger into his mouth and savoured the musky offering. Before he could ask for seconds, the pool had disappeared and both men were again dry. Dante disengaged and climbed higher, laying his head on Julian’s chest. The soft throw returned to cover them. “Hmm.” Julian wrapped his arms around his lover. “I was going to complain that you made my treat disappear a bit quicker than I was ready for, but this is nice.” “No worries. There’s more where that came from. Lots more.” The words both thrilled and exhausted him. “I might need a power nap.” “Whatever you want. As long as I don’t have to move.” Dante closed his eyes. “You’d better not.” Julian kissed his forehead and sighed.
PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT
Jenna Byrnes
Chapter Three
“This thing is broken!” Julian sidestepped a chicken and threw his wand across the room. A spark shot from it. “Don’t throw that!” Dante scrambled for the delicate, wooden stick and picked it up. “It’s not broken. It’s very sensitive.” Julian folded his arms across his chest. In the week since he’d learned his secret, he’d followed his mentor’s instructions to the letter, without much success. He’d wished for money and inadvertently robbed a bank. He flooded his apartment when trying to conjure a drink. He was still cleaning up the mess from the pig and chicken that had appeared in his kitchen in a foiled attempt to make bacon and eggs. He scowled at the chicken he’d thought he’d gotten rid of then looked at Dante. “Could you…?” Dante winked, and the animal disappeared. Julian sighed. Of all his blunders, the bank job had been the most serious. Fortunately, Dante’d been able to set that problem right, as well as all the others, with the merest wink of an eye. The dozens of minor gaffes Julian had produced over the week had been lesser inconveniences, but he’d just received word, he’d struck again. He nearly threw the phone after speaking with Marta from Henri’s. The store had been burglarised the previous night, and thousands of dollars worth of merchandise had been taken. Julian glanced down at his new cashmere sweater and frowned. “What am I missing, Dante? I was after new clothes. I didn’t intend to put my employer out of business.” His lover dropped to the sofa and kicked his feet up. “Henri’s will be fine. I’ll take care of it for you. But you mean ‘former’ employer, don’t you? I can’t see why you’d ever need to go back there.” Julian rolled his eyes. “Like this new gig is working out well for me? I’ll be lucky if I don’t get thrown in jail. I had two weeks of personal time saved up at the store. After that, if I can’t master this wizard thing, or at least become adept enough to keep from being tossed in the pen, I’ll be back selling suits.” He sat on the edge of the couch. “I need you to explain it to me again. How do I wish for things without bringing bad luck on other people?”
PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT
Jenna Byrnes
Dante’s brow furrowed. “Tricky question, that one. I’ve actually never seen this happen to the degree it is with you. Others have had problems while they were learning, but nothing like this.” “What about you? Did strange stuff happen when you were learning your craft?” “Not really. I grew up in a magic household. My parents were both wizards. I guess I came by it naturally.” Julian frowned again. “I bet it would have been easier to learn magic as a kid. I thought there were schools where wizard children went to learn about spells and such.” The other man chuckled. “Only in books and movies, my friend. This is real life, and nothing worth having ever comes completely without a price. The Mystical Guides decided a long time ago, magic in the hands of children is dangerous. That’s why we wait until a wizard reaches the age of twenty-five to begin training him or her. It makes for a safer, more mature race.” “Safer, huh?” Julian thought about the machete he’d conjured a few days ago, when trying for a letter opener. “Usually.” Dante smiled. “Don’t worry so much. You’ll sort it out. I’ll fix the Henri’s mess right now.” He winked, and Julian’s sweater disappeared, leaving him shirtless. “Hey!” His lover waggled his eyebrows. “Mmm, ulterior motives, you see.” Not in a joking mood, Julian shook his head. “Can I have a shirt, please?” They’d spent much of the past week in bed, and he’d loved every minute of it. But he was trying to figure out his magic powers and didn’t want to be sidetracked. Dante winked, and a soft lavender sweater replaced the navy one. “Lighten up, babe. It’s still new to you. Give it some time.” Julian looked down then up into the other man’s eyes. “Purple? You meant to do that? Really?” With one smooth motion, Dante drew Julian into his arms. “Jules, you’re a nut. Let me massage your shoulders, rub your temples. Help you relax a little bit.” Julian closed his eyes and allowed the manipulations. “Just tell me how I can get things I want without hurting other people.” “You’re trying too hard. Were you thinking about Henri’s when you conjured the clothes?”
PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT
Jenna Byrnes
“I don’t know, maybe. But I wasn’t thinking of United Bank and Trust when I asked for money. I’ve never heard of that place.” “Okay, okay. I don’t know exactly what the problem is, but I assure you, I’ll find out. Just keep it simple until I do. Don’t use magic unless I’m around, in case of emergency.” “My whole life is an emergency.” Julian shook his head. He opened his eyes and looked at Dante. “What was it like, growing up in a home with magic?” Dante smiled at him then looked at the ceiling as if he were remembering. “Brilliant. My mother loved to bake and was always trying out new recipes. She had hair the colour of spun gold. The most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen. Pop knew it, too. He cherished her and treated her like a queen.” Julian couldn’t help but smile. “That’s nice. Did you have any brothers or sisters?” “Nope, I was it. They lavished attention on me and spoiled me rotten. I have a tendency to want to get my way, in case you haven’t noticed.” “Lucky you! An older sister takes care of that. I’m not sure I ever got my way.” Dante ran his fingers through Julian’s bangs. “Oh, yeah? But you were the baby. Your mom didn’t spoil you, just a little?” “Maybe a bit. Hey, that’s not fair. You’ve seen my family. You probably know all the stuff I’m telling you.” “Not from your point of view, I don’t. I want to know everything about you, Jules. What you think, what you feel.” Julian raised his face, and Dante met him halfway for a kiss. “I think, no, let me rephrase that, I know I’m crazy about you. And you know what I feel, because you cause the feelings. I’ve never been happier than when I’m in your arms, Dante.” Dante kissed him back. “I totally feel the same way. You make my heart happy.” Julian’s arms encircled his lover’s neck, and he pulled Dante closer. “Shall we see what I can do about making the rest of you feel just as good?” “I definitely think so.” Dante opened his mouth slightly to deepen the kiss. “Bed,” Julian mumbled. He ached to stretch out and get comfortable, and the sofa was not what he had in mind. A rush of cool air wafted over them, and Julian’s eyes popped open. They were in the mattress department of a store, kissing on exactly what he’d wished for, a bed. “Fuck!” he muttered.
PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT
Jenna Byrnes
Dante glanced around. Holding Julian tight, he winked, and they were quickly back in the apartment bedroom. He cupped one of Julian’s cheeks and laughed. “That could have been interesting.” Julian pulled away. “It’s not funny! I’m sick of never doing anything right. I wish I’d never been given these powers.” “Don’t say that. Magic is a tremendous gift with life-changing repercussions.” Dante tugged Julian’s arm until he relented and lay down next to him. “Once things settle down, you’ll see how wonderful it can be.” “I’m serious.” Julian rolled on top of Dante, hands on his lover’s chest. “Why do I need powers when I have you? You could do one of those ‘forget’ spells on me, and I’d go back to normal. We’d still be together. If we needed something magical, you could handle it.” “You don’t know what you’re saying. You’ve never experienced normal because you’ve always been a warlock.” “But I didn’t know it, don’t you see? Until last week, I just thought I was a normal, sometimes clumsy guy that weird shit happened to occasionally. Now that I know the truth, it’s worse since I can’t seem to control my power.” “Give it time,” Dante insisted. “What if I don’t want to? You’re a great wizard, Dante, and I’m happy for you. But I’d care for you even if you were a normal guy from east Podunk. I’ve lived my whole life without knowledge of magic. As long as I had you, I’d be happy.” Dante grasped his hands firmly. “Don’t you get it? If I did a ‘forget’ spell on you, you wouldn’t remember me. You’d only remember the non-magical things from your past. It would be like we’d never met.” The words stunned Julian. “Oh, shit. Never mind, then. I could never do that. I want you, Dante. I need you.” He loosened his hands and ran them up his lover’s chest. “I need you, too, Jules.” Dante locked eyes with him. “You know how I mentioned I’m partial to getting what I want? Well, I want you more than anything, ever, in my whole life. You complete me. So, please, don’t ever talk about the ‘forget’ spell again. It would kill me.” Julian swiped a small tear from the corner of his lover’s deep blue eyes. The man’s intensity floored him and made him love Dante that much more. Love. It was a word they’d both carefully danced around. Neither had spoken it, but it was so obvious to Julian, they both felt it with all their hearts.
PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT
Jenna Byrnes
“Make love to me,” he whispered, knowing Dante would understand his true desires. Their clothes disappeared, and with a smooth roll, Dante topped him. They rubbed their erections together as they kissed, tongues driving deep. With just a few delightful grinds of their bodies against one another, Julian ached with desire. His anus had been lubricated and stretched. “This what you had in mind?” The blond stud nudged his thick cock to Julian’s hole. “Exactly what I had in mind. Fuck me, babe. Fuck me like you mean it.” The head slipped in easily, shaft eagerly following. “I do mean it. I love you, Jules. I want to love you, every day, for the rest of our lives.” “Promise?” Julian grunted as he was taken, body and soul. “Oh, yeah.” Dante froze for a moment, then proceeded with a slow, rhythmic fuck. “Of course, you know, our lives will be longer as wizards. We live longer than mortals.” Stabs of pleasure sent sparks through Julian with each thrust. “I vaguely remember you mentioning that. How much longer?” “Thousands of years.” Dante drove deep and stopped. Shock rippled through Julian with the tingles of pleasure. “Thousands?” “Yeah.” Dante smiled. He pulled out to the edge, leaving just his cock head buried in the warm nest. Julian clenched his muscles, desperate for his sphincter to maintain its grip on the swollen crown. Questions raced around in his mind, but he couldn’t form sentences just then. All he could do was breathe. That function was even in jeopardy when Dante slammed back in. Julian gasped and bit his lip in an attempt to ground himself. His lover picked up the pace, thrusting in and out with precision timing. “So, what do you say, lover? Want to stay like this for a thousand years? Fucking each other to heights never attained before?” Dante grasped Julian’s weeping cock and jerked it. “Oh, God.” Julian’s balls churned. “Yes,” he managed before cum exploded over both of them. He fought to breathe, to remain alert, as heat filled his ass from Dante’s eruption. They both gasped and clung to each other. When Julian stopped shuddering, he saw a huge, grin on his partner’s face. They laughed, and Dante eased out his cock. He blinked, and they were dry, snuggled together under the covers of the bed. “I love you,” Julian said again, with all the energy he could muster.
PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT
Jenna Byrnes
“I love you, too.” Dante cradled him. “I’m so happy.” A tiny niggle churned in Julian’s gut. He was happy, too, for the most part. Dante made him extremely happy. But his failure to master the wizardry skills kept him from feeling totally complete. He had to do something.
**** “I’m going back to work.” Julian folded his arms across his chest. “I had two weeks off. I’m no closer to being a wizard now than I was the day you walked into the store. I’ve got to eat. I need money to survive.” “No, you don’t,” Dante insisted. “I’ll take care of you. You never need money again.” Julian smiled sadly. “I appreciate the offer, and I love you for it, but I won’t let someone take care of me. I’ll just keep working until we figure this out, one way or another.” “Stop that.” Dante shook his finger at Julian and paced around the room. “I told you, the ‘forget’ spell is out of the question.” Julian had been thinking about it a lot over the past week, and they’d discussed it several times. Julian felt sure if Dante approached him right after he’d cast the spell and spoke a ‘key word’ they’d agreed on in advance, he’d remember Dante. Dante refused to take the chance. Whenever the subject came up, he whisked Julian off to bed, where all talk ended. “I know what I need to do. I’ve been resisting this, because I haven’t wanted to leave you. But I need to go and talk to the Counsellor of Conjury. He’s a wise man. If I explain to him what’s happening—” “Or not happening,” Julian made an exasperated face. Dante waved him off. “The Counsellor will know what to do. I’ll leave today. I want you to stay here and wait for me.” “Or I could go to work. You’ll be gone, anyway. Might as well earn a buck.” “Jules, please! You don’t need the money, and you don’t seem to understand the consequences of what could happen. I’d feel much better if you’d wait right here until I got back.” “Okay,” Julian said simply. Dante raised an eyebrow. “Really?”
PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT
Jenna Byrnes
He shrugged. “Sure, if that’s what you want. It’s no big deal. When do you think you’ll be back?” The taller man seemed sceptical but went along. “Tonight or tomorrow. You’re sure you’ll be okay?” “I’ll be fine.” Julian pulled his lover to him and pressed a warm, promise-laced kiss on his lips. “Now, go, before I make you stay.” Dante grinned, winked and disappeared. Julian glanced around the apartment and inhaled. Quiet. It was the first time he’d been alone in two weeks. He wasn’t complaining because he loved Dante with all his heart. But their relationship wasn’t on equal footing, and he couldn’t accept that. He’d worked hard all his life, in school then at various jobs. He didn’t need someone to take care of him. He wanted a partner and was determined to set things straight so they’d both be comfortable. First, though, he was going to work. He considered using magic to get himself dressed and there but thought better of it. He changed the old-fashioned way then walked to the store. Steve, the balding manager, stood by the register as Julian entered. “Hey, you’re back!” “Figured it was about time.” Julian smiled. “How’s business been?” “Brisk. It slacked off a little right after that break-in, but things are picking up again.” A twinge of guilt nipped at Julian, but he tamped it down. Dante had set things right, there was nothing more he could do about the mistake. “Good,” he replied, making small talk. “Customers missed you. Tutworth’s been in a couple times. He finally let Marta sell him a shirt.” Julian chuckled. “That man has too many clothes.” Steve made a shocked face. “One can never have too many clothes!” His chuckle turned into a belly laugh, and Steve laughed with him. Marta approached from the back but didn’t crack a smile. “Oh. You’re back.” “Nice to see you, too,” Julian told her. “Thought you were taking some time off.” “I did. I’m back.” He looked at her warily. She’d always been competitive for commissions, but she’d never been unfriendly to him before. A customer entered through the front door, and Marta pounced.
PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT
Jenna Byrnes
Julian glanced at Steve, who rolled his eyes. “Maybe money’s been a little tight. Who knows? She’s certainly seemed happy for the extra commissions these past two weeks.” “She can have as many customers as she can handle, fine with me.” Julian got to work. True to his word, he kept to the background all morning, giving Marta first shot at commissions. She didn’t seem to notice or appreciate his efforts. At noon, when she made her fifth snotty comment about his being back, Julian muttered without thinking, “Oh, buzz off.” Marta disappeared. A noisy fly circled in her place. “Oh, shit!” Julian froze. As Dante had predicted, he’d unwittingly done it again. “Marta, come back!” Nothing. “Make Marta a human again, not a fly!” The fly buzzed past him towards the front counter. “Shit!” Julian racked his brains for the right words, but nothing he said brought back the spiteful brunette. I’ve got to find Dante. He grabbed his jacket and rushed past Steve. “I’m sorry. I have to go.” “Take a long lunch. Marta and I can handle it.” He bent over to look under the counter. “Say, where did we put that flyswatter?” Julian gulped as he hurried out the door. He ran the two blocks home and locked the door as soon as he got inside. “Dante!” he called loudly. “I need you!” Precious long minutes passed. He called again and again until his voice was hoarse. Out of ideas and afraid to try more magic, Julian dropped to the floor, his back to the wall. He hugged his knees, rocking back and forth, until the sun went down and the apartment grew dark. He’d wait. Dante would know what to do. Dante could fix anything. I hope.
**** Julian lost track of the time, but it was late in the evening when Dante appeared. He blew in with a rush of air, his face reddened and windblown, his expression one of excitement. “Jules! Have I got news for you!” “Wait.” Julian held up a hand. “I’ve got a problem, and I need you to fix it. I just hope it’s not too late.”
PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT
Jenna Byrnes
Dante’s face registered concern when he spotted Julian curled up in the corner. He dropped to his knees in front of him and took his hands. “What is it? What’s happened?” Julian relayed the events of the day. “When I left the store, Steve was looking for a flyswatter. It might be too late.” His lover bit his lip, but that couldn’t stop the laughter that burst forth. “It’s not funny! I might have killed her!” “It’s kind of funny.” Dante held his stomach as he laughed. “Listen. I know I screwed up. I went to work when you told me to stay home. But I can’t live like this, Dante. I’ve always been my own man, secure, confident. These wizard powers have turned me into a bumbling idiot, and I can’t stand it. I need you to fix my mistake with Marta then I want you to do the ‘forget’ spell. We’ll come up with a meaningful code word, and I know I’ll remember you. I love you so much, Dante. But this can’t go on.” Dante grew serious and squeezed Julian’s hand. “Are you through? Because I have something to tell you. The Counsellor determined your problem. You’re going to be amazed to hear this. Someone placed a spell on you. It was a ‘backwards’ spell, so when you performed magic, it wouldn’t go the way you expected. The Counsellor said the spell’s been there about two years.” For the second time in two weeks, Julian’s jaw flopped open with surprise. “What? A spell? Who would do such a thing?” “Someone who suspected you were a wizard and didn’t want things working out for you. Someone who was jealous, maybe, and very competitive. So tell me, how long did you say you’ve been working at Henri’s?” Julian closed his mouth. Confusion and anger intensified as thoughts rumbled around in his head. “About two years.” “Any names come to mind?” Just one. “But that would mean… Marta’s a witch?” Dante nodded. “The Counsellor called her to his court. She’s fine. I saw her there. He reprimanded her, but I’m afraid it’s a bit like being called to the Principal’s office. A slap on the wrist, but there’s not much else he’ll do.” Julian climbed to his feet and paced the room. “She’s okay. Thank heavens. But she’s a witch! I can’t believe she placed a spell on me. I’m not so sorry I turned her into a fly.”
PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT
Jenna Byrnes
His partner stood next to him. “She did seem to deserve it. Forget about her. The Counsellor removed the spell. He said you’re a very powerful wizard. You don’t even need the training wand. You just need to choose a signal to use your powers, like a wink, a blink, or a wave of the hand. That way, you won’t be conjuring things by merely thinking about them.” “Oh my God.” The information was overwhelming but very exciting. Julian grinned. “Really?” “Figure out your signal, and try something.” He thought about it. “I kind of like the hand flourish.” He waved his hand to practise. “Fine. Do it. Move the TV across the room.” Julian looked at the television and, without saying a word, waved his hand. The set disappeared and reappeared in another spot in the room. Amazed, he looked at Dante. The blond hunk grinned foolishly. Julian returned the TV to its proper spot then waved his hand and traded clothes with Dante. He spent the next five minutes performing feats of magic that all occurred without a hitch. “Oh, my God.” He flopped onto the sofa. Dante dropped next to him. “You’re a natural, Jules. I’m sorry I didn’t catch the spell she’d placed on you. I’ll definitely be more alert to that in the future.” “No problem.” Julian sidled up to his lover and nudged his arm. “I’ll have a few words with Miss Marta when I go back to Henri’s to give my notice. I don’t think we’ll have any more problems—with her, anyway.” “You’re quitting? Whatever will you do with your time?” Julian rested his head on Dante’s shoulder. “I thought maybe we could travel. See the world. I don’t care what we do, as long as we’re together.” Dante grinned. “Hey! We could go visit my parents. They’d love to meet you.” Julian swallowed nervously. “Your parents? Aren’t they, like, a thousand years old?” “A few thousand. But don’t worry. Mom doesn’t look a day over thirty. And she makes the best cherry pie you’ll ever taste.” “I like pie,” Julian agreed. “I guess I could meet them. I mean, I suppose I’ll have to, if we’re going to spend all of eternity together.”
PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT
Jenna Byrnes
Dante pulled Julian into his arms and planted a succession of kisses on the side of his face. “Oh, we are. Don’t ever question that. So do you want to conjure us to the bedroom and get us hot, sweaty and naked under the covers, or should I?” Julian smiled at his lover and waved a hand.
About the Author Jenna Byrnes could use more cabinet space and more hours in a day. She’d fill the kitchen with gadgets her husband purchases off TV and let him cook for her to his heart’s content. She’d breeze through the days adding hours of sleep, and more time for writing the hot, erotic romance she loves to read. Jenna thinks everyone deserves a happy ending, and loves to provide as many of those as possible to her gay, lesbian and hetero characters. Her favourite quote, from a pro-gay billboard, is “Be careful who you hate. It may be someone you love.”
Email:
[email protected] Jenna loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author biography at http://www.total-e-bound.com.
Also by Jenna Byrnes Unexpected Love: Nothing to Lose Unexpected Love: Worth the Risk Unexpected Love: Having It All Rose & Thorn Society: Switching Seth Rose & Thorn Society: Never Say Never Cattle Valley: Truth or Dare Cattle Valley: Fool’s Gold Convincing Cate Second Time Around Carnal Collision Taking Control Secret Santa Night Shift Stroke of Luck My Secret Valentine: Secret Rendezvous Pleasure Bound: Aloha Kaua
Also by Jenna Byrnes and Jude Mason Untamed Hearts: Feral Heat Untamed Hearts: Bear Combustion Untamed Hearts: Wolfen Choice Untamed Hearts: Stallion’s Pride Kindred Spirits: Ethan’s Choice Kindred Spirits: Hunter’s Light Friction: Maximum Exposure Over the Moon: Trapped Gaymes: Good Cop, Bad Cop
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