Chapter 4: Until Next Time
Tommy paced back and forth across the floor, trying to decide whether to go get Nolan. He opted not to, because there wasn't really anything that Nolan could do to help the matter. Irisa was still angry with her adopted father and he might end up worsening the situation. Sukar's shooting drove a giant wedge between Irisa and Nolan, and Tommy suspected that it might take a long time to repair their badly damaged relationship.
These visions worried Tommy. They took a lot out of Irisa emotionally and physically. He'd finally succeeded in calming Irisa down enough to pull the entire story of the recent vision from her, bit by agonizing bit. Exhausted, Irisa eventually collapsed on his sofa and fell into a deep sleep. Tommy sat in a chair beside the Irathient girl just watching her sleep. She was beautiful, but had such sharp edges for someone so young. Tommy was as stubborn as they come, but he wasn't sure that he'd ever be able to break through all those walls.
Meanwhile, back at the love nest, Datak and Nolan finished an excellent Castithan dinner and polished off the bottle of wine. Nolan wasn't exactly sure what it was that he'd just ate, but it tasted good, so he didn't ask or complain. The two men were both a little tipsy when they climbed back into the freshly made bed. Nolan caressed the side of Datak's face, looking into his eyes intently. Datak reached for him, but the Lawkeeper stilled his hand.
"We have to talk, Datak."
Datak rolled his eyes at the Lawkeeper. "Oh, what is it this time, Nolan?"
"Please, you need to hear me out."
"I don't have to. I can guess what you're going to say. You don't want to do this again. It goes against that self-righteous sense of honor that you hold so dear and…"
"Shut up, Datak," Nolan ordered, effectively cutting off the Castithan's next words. "You have no idea what I'm thinking. I wasn't going to say that I didn't want to do this again. I do want to. I want you very much, but as I see it, there are a few problems that need addressing."
"All right, Nolan," Datak sighed. "Let's address them."
"First of all, you're a married man," Nolan said, stating the obvious.
"I thought we covered that issue. Stahma won't mind as long as everything is out in the open, and I will tell her about our affair as soon as I return home."
"That's great, Datak, but it still bothers me. I know you said that she won't mind, but I just can't imagine any female accepting that her husband is having an ongoing affair with someone else."
"It is perfectly acceptable in Castithan society. It goes on all the time."
"Okay, let's say I believe you, and I accept that for now, what about the upcoming election?"
"What about it?"
"I don't think you'd make a good mayor of Defiance, Datak."
"Why don't you think so, Nolan?" Datak asked with annoyance. "Anyone can run for mayor."
"You would turn Defiance into a cesspool of gambling and prostitution, not to mention, gun running, and illegal drugs. I can't let you do that, Datak."
"I can see that you hold me in high regard, Nolan. I do not intend to turn this town into a cesspool. I will keep my side businesses confined to the Hollows. I am a respectable Castithan."
Nolan laughed. "I'm sure you are, in the eyes of other Castithans."
This conversation was rapidly going nowhere. It served only to make Datak angry. "I think we should end this evening now."
"No," Nolan replied. "You're not going anywhere yet. I would like you to consider an offer. Please, I'm not asking for promises, just think about it."
Datak stayed put, but only because he was curious about the offer that Nolan was going to propose.
"Fine, I'm listening," Datak huffed.
"I'm begging you to throw the election. I'll make sure that your other business ventures are left alone. I'll give you protection any time you need it, as long as you don't kill anyone else. I haven't forgotten about the body you left on my doorstep."
"I tried to tell you, Nolan, and the rest of the bleeding hearts, it was for Elah Bandik's benefit. He did not want rescuing. His soul needed cleansing and if you'd let us finish it, the Castithan way, none of this would've happened. Elah came to me that evening and asked me to cleanse him. Do you think I enjoyed that, Nolan?"
"It's hard to tell with you, Datak. I think you do enjoy hurting people sometimes."
"Well, I do not. Who do you think has supported and fed Elah's wife and children since his passing?"
"Um, you," Nolan replied, taking a wild guess.
"Yes, me," Datak answered indignantly. "I'm not going to let them starve, no matter how low of an opinion you have of my ethics."
Nolan slid closer to the angry Castithan. He kicked himself now for inciting his lover, but these issues were too important to ignore.
"I'm sorry, Datak," Nolan crooned. "Please forgive me. I didn't mean to make you angry. I am trying hard to understand, but I'm human, and I can't always wrap my head around Castithan customs. All I ask is that you consider my offer. You don't have to give me an answer now, just think about it for a while."
Datak shrugged. "I'll be gone for two days. I promise, I'll think about it while I'm away."
"When are you leaving?" Nolan asked.
"Tomorrow morning and I'll return home late Friday evening."
"Ah, is this trip business or pleasure?" Nolan asked, wondering if Datak had lovers in other towns.
"It is strictly a business trip. I planned on securing campaign funds from other Castithan factions."
"You're still going to go collecting campaign funds, even after our little chat?"
Datak looked at Nolan as if he'd grown two heads. "Of course, why wouldn't I? Should I decide to accept your offer, I can still use those funds to invest in other business interests."
Nolan laughed. "Hey, I hadn't thought of that."
"Now you're just mocking me, Nolan."
"Yup, I am, but honestly, I would rather be fucking you, unless you've decided not to continue with this?"
Datak thought for a moment. Fighting with the Lawkeeper wasn't new to Datak. It was an inevitable part of their unusual relationship and probably always would be.
"I'll forgive you… this time," Datak said with a smirk. "But only if you promise to fuck me senseless within the next few minutes, or the deal is off."
Nolan grinned. Oh yeah, he'd be more than happy to oblige.
Nolan mapped Datak's body with his fingertips, slowly circling his forefinger around the Castithan's nipples. Datak hardened under Nolan's soft caresses. With a sigh, Datak reached for him again. This time Nolan didn't stop him. 'Oh, God', Nolan thought as he stroked Datak's chest lazily. Those damn purple eyes glittered like amethyst jewels as Datak leaned in for a kiss. Nolan pulled the Castithan close, greedily ravaging his mouth. As they came up for air, Nolan smoothly rolled Datak over on his side and maneuvered their bodies until they spooned together. That way, he could fondle Datak's nipples while he fingered his opening.
He was so hot, tight, and wanton looking, that Nolan hastily prepared Datak with two lubricated fingers slipped gently inside him. Wiggling against him, Nolan rubbed his cock down the middle of Datak' back.
Slowly, they moved together. Datak pressed back against the Lawkeeper, reveling in the feel of Nolan's cock sliding over his heated skin. Datak grabbed the Lawkeeper's hand and pulled it around to his needy member. Nolan didn't protest. He stroked Datak's member, up and down its length, brushing his thumb across the leaking tip, and smiling to himself when his lover begged for more.
"Oh, Nolan," Datak moaned, rotating his bottom, as he held the Lawkeeper's hand, making sure it didn't stray from between his legs.
Suddenly, Nolan's need to come became urgent, but he still wanted to take it slow this time, as he moved lower and breached his lover's entrance. Datak arched his back, jerking spasmodically in the Lawkeeper's hand, muttering Nolan's name and a litany of other nonsensical words as Nolan's cock slid into him.
Moaning with impatience, Datak slammed his hips backward, impaling himself on Nolan's cock. Pumping inside Datak' tight heat was exquisite, the best fuck Nolan had ever had, and yet, very different from what he normally perceived as great sex. Within moments, Datak cried out, writhing in ecstasy as his cock exploded in Nolan's hand. Nolan grunted, thrusting deep into Datak a few more times before finally joining him in blissful release.
Nolan turned Datak to face him, kissing his lover delicately as he ran a hand through the Castithan's long, white hair. Sticky once again, they lay panting in each other's arms, sated and content. Drowsiness soon followed the afterglow and they drifted peacefully off to sleep for a little while.
After fucking again, at least three more times, Nolan finally groaned in exhaustion. "I'm done, Datak. I can't do it anymore. For fuck's sake, it's almost dawn."
Datak laughed. "Well, I must admit, you did make an admirable attempt."
"Thanks," Nolan said with a grin. "I'm so glad you appreciated my effort."
"Please, believe me when I say, I did appreciate it very much. In fact, I'd let you rest some more, so we could do it again, but I have to go. I will be late if I don't leave now."
Nolan watched as Datak quickly dressed. The Castithan had a well-fucked and disheveled look about him that put a smile on the Lawkeeper's face. Still, Nolan was sorry it had to end. Despite his first reservations, this night was the best night of his life.
Datak leaned over the bed and kissed Nolan thoroughly on the mouth. "Stay here, if you like, and get some rest. You don't have to leave until you've fully recovered," Datak said with a smirk.
As he was heading for the door, Datak heard the Lawkeeper sigh contentedly.
"When can I see you again?" Nolan asked just as Datak opened the door.
Datak turned around, hand still on the doorknob. "Saturday," he replied, "Saturday evening, if you're up for it?"
"Trust me, Datak... I'll be up for it."
"I thought you would be, Nolan. There was never a doubt in my mind," Datak said laughingly, leaving the room and a completely drained Lawkeeper in his wake.
"Until next time," Nolan mumbled as he watched his lover go. The room suddenly felt colder now that Datak was no longer in his arms.
Stahma eyed her husband with contempt, as he staggered into the house, shortly after dawn.
"You were out late, Datak."
Datak responded sheepishly. "I'm sorry, dear. I never intended for it to last that long. You're up very early. Is everything all right?"
"I was going to ask you the same question."
"I'm fine, Stahma. I stopped at the NeedWant for a drink last night and I ran in to Nolan."
"Lawkeeper Nolan?" Stahma asked, feigning total ignorance.
"Yes. He wanted to talk to me, and as usual, things got heated."
"Apparently, things got rather hot, considering your late night."
"We slept together, if that's what you're asking. It didn't mean anything. It just happened."
"That's fine, dear," Stahma replied calmly. "I was simply worried that something dreadful might have happened to you."
"I am sorry for making you worry. I would've let you know, but… we lost track of the time."
"I understand completely, love," Stahma answered. She needed to play stupid if she wanted to keep her husband off guard. She'd known exactly where Datak was and who he was with the entire time, but it wouldn't be a good idea to let her husband know that.
"Thank you, dear, for your understanding, but I must take a quick bath and be on my way. This meeting is very important, but you never did tell me why you're up so early?"
"I had a talk with Alak last night and I was upset. He told me that Christie won't consent to the bathing ritual. He tried to take the blame, saying it was all his idea, but I know better."
"Damn, that girl," Datak roared. "I knew this whole wedding thing was a bad idea. I've had just about enough of this craziness. You get Alak down here and tell him the wedding is off. I would do it myself, but I don't have the time."
"Please, Datak let me talk to Christie again. I'm sure that I can get the girl to change her mind. I'll take her into the bath with me alone until she feels more comfortable. I can do this. You'll see."
"Fine, I'll trust you to resolve the situation by the time I get back. I really do have to go now, so handle it."
"I will, dear," Stahma promised. "You'd better hurry, Datak. I'll make sure the rover is ready and waiting for you when you get out of the bath."
Datak smiled and nodded. "You're too good to me, Stahma," Datak said gratefully.
"As Datak walked away, Stahma thought to herself, 'How right you are, Datak. How right you are.'
Irisa's eyes fluttered opened and she stared at the man sitting in the chair next to her. Tommy was sleeping, neck crooked to the side, at an awkward angle. It surely didn't look comfortable. She felt warm inside though, knowing that Tommy stayed with her, even after she'd been such a jerk to him.
Tommy opened his eyes and yawned, stretching out the kinks, and blinking away the fog before realizing that Irisa was staring at him.
"How long have you been sitting there watching me sleep?" Irisa asked.
"All night," Tommy replied nonchalantly.
"Why?"
"I just wanted to make sure that you were okay. You were having bad dreams on and off through the night. Some of them looked pretty bad."
"I really am okay now, Tommy, but thanks for letting me stay."
"Sure, you can stay here anytime. I just didn't want you left alone last night."
"I appreciate it and I'm sorry that I gave you such a hard time."
"Ah, it's okay. I'd be out of control too if I had visions like that."
"I got to go, Tommy," Irisa said as she got up off the couch.
"Wait, don't you want some breakfast… or something?"
"I would, but I need to talk to Nolan. This can't wait any longer. Datak Tarr is going to kill his wife and Kenya Rosewater unless we can stop him. I have to warn Nolan."
"Do you think he'll believe you?"
"I don't know, Tommy, but I have to tell him before it goes down. Once I tell Nolan, I can go on without a guilty conscience. Either Nolan will accept my vision, or he won't, but after that, it's all up to him."
"You won't do anything to stop it, if Nolan doesn't believe you?"
"I'll try, but I can't say exactly when it will happen. There isn't a time or date stamp anywhere in my visions," Irisa said in frustration as she headed out the door.
"Good luck with Nolan. I sure hope he listens to reason," Tommy replied sympathetically.
"Me too, Tommy, but we both know how hardheaded Nolan is."
Tommy scrubbed his hands over his face after Irisa left.
'Christ,' he thought, 'Irisa's vision was surely going to piss Nolan off. Maybe Irisa was wrong this time. Maybe everything would be fine. Maybe Datak Tarr would turn into a model citizen and maybe everyone in Defiance would live happily ever after. '
"Fuck," Tommy shouted. "We're all screwed now."