Book 2: Living free from Jupiter's law - Rising from the ashes of Herbay

Dangerous games

With humble origins; raised in an orphanage where even among children the law of the strongest ruled, and adults were the enemies to be defended against; mutilated before puberty and made a servant of androids, at a time when furnitures were not granted even the most basic rights.

Such premises would have led anyone to believe that Louis would not feel comfortable in such luxurious surroundings as the suspended hotel, but that was not really the case. Louis had the same sophistication and elegance of a powerful tycoon. It almost seemed as if all he had done all his life was sip champagne, carefully select the most delicate food, attend entertainment events that were more unique than rare, and converse with other guests in an equal and constructive manner, demonstrating full command of dialectic and a very high level of culture.

Orphe Zavi's presence had faded into the background, overshadowed by the brilliance of his companion who earned the admiration of all the hotel guests and employees. For the first time in his life, the Lord of Eos remained silent, as if he felt that his opinion would be irrelevant compared to Louis' brilliant speeches. Or perhaps he was just too enraptured listening to him to dare interrupt him, so musical and poetic did he find the tone of his voice.

The suspended hotel offered its guests an all-around experience with activities filling every moment of the day. There were even too many for Orphe and Louis, who, after all, only needed a break from Tanagura's frenzy and some time alone.

The program included a therapeutic spa treatment. When they were asked whether they preferred single or double tubs, Louis chose the second option without giving Orphe time to speak first. In any case, his answer would have been no different.

After undressing in his cabin, the Blondie found the eunuch already submerged, the hot bubbling water covering him up to his chest. With a towel wrapped around his lower body, he walked quietly to the edge of the tub and removed it just a moment before he stepped into the water, letting it hang on a hook.

Louis looked at him, smiling. "I was afraid we would never get rid of all those people."

Orphe took two steps and pushed against him, urging him to part his lips slightly before dipping his tongue over the roof of his mouth. It was not their first kiss; it was yet another of a great number they had passionately exchanged in every secluded place of the tower where they had gathered.

Orphe took his wrists with both hands and pinned them against the back wall of the tub, inciting Louis to flex backward a bit. As he continued to kiss him, their saliva mingled forming a thread that held them together for a few seconds even when Orphe finally decided to let his mouth go to begin kissing his neck.

"How do you feel?" he asked him carefully.

"I can stand and walk, as you can see," Louis replied quietly, bringing a hand behind his back.

"You didn't have to exert yourself. I thought you would stay in bed today. You had me worried."

It had been a shock to Orphe, last night, to discover that Louis was bleeding under his thrusts. He was so caught up in his arousal that he hadn't even noticed that his lover's moans had nothing to do with pleasure.

"Forgive me. I was too hasty."

"It could not have been otherwise. It was not your fault."

Louis allowed Orphe to continue kissing his chest and shoulders, shivering with each contact of lips, teeth, and tongue with his delicate skin. The area of the Blondie's body that had grown under the water and rubbed against the lower part of his stomach with each movement did obviously not go unnoticed by him.

"I'm afraid this will be my responsibility," he commented, pursing his lips and sliding his hand downward.

"You're still hurt," Orphe reacted apprehensively.