"Goodnight, Diva" has erotic content and is intended for those 18 years of age or older who are not offended by erotic content.
Note: Goodnight, Diva is part of the Inked series.
Inked: Goodnight, Diva
by
Kate Hill(M/M Erotic Paranormal)
Robert has admired sexy drag queen Kay Soaringheart from afar, but when his path crosses that of the Midlord Damon Tinta, he discovers that Kay isn't merely part of his fantasies, but his soul mate.
Damon Tinta woke at five o'clock Saturday morning, or more accurately, he stepped out of the inn at that time. He hadn't slept at all.
Since the members of his order had tattooed him from head to toe, falling asleep was no longer the pleasant, easy task it had once been. Each tattoo tingled, constantly reminding him that he wasn't free to live his life and seek out the woman he loved.
As a Midlord, he had the ability to unite destined mates, but such power came at a price. The Order of the Mated Souls had taught him the magical skills required, but when he met his lover and wished to leave the order, his brotherhood had turned against him. Each member had placed a tattoo upon his flesh. When a person focused on a particular tattoo, he would be magically drawn to his destined mate. Only when every tattoo brought matches together would Tinta's sacrifice be complete. Then he could reunite with his soul mate--if she would take him back.
Already most of his tattoos had been used. The sensations bombarding his body had lessened, but at certain times, such as last night, Damon Tinta couldn't rest.
An early morning jog might tire him enough to get some sleep. Wearing shorts and sneakers, he stepped into the sunlight.
A tall young man wearing a red and white bandana, a white tank, worn jeans and work boots pushed a wheelbarrow loaded with weeds.
"Hey." The man grinned.
Damon nodded, surprised to find someone working here at this time of morning.
"I'm just cleaning up the flower patches and stacking some wood," the young man replied. "Thought I'd start early."
"It's a good day for it," Damon remarked and was about to jog off, but noticed the faraway look on the landscaper's face.
The man stared at a tattoo on Damon's muscular thigh.
Damon's heartbeat quickened and his stomach clenched. He never knew when the tattoo magic would affect someone. It always came as a surprise to him and the victim.
In the space of several heartbeats the landscaper faded, then disappeared, but Damon knew where he was going. Through his power, he saw it all. . .
* * *
Robert's vision cleared and he glanced around the crowded club. People mingled beneath the dim lights. Glasses clinked and the hum of voices blended with background music. The scent of perfume, food and alcohol wafted on the air.
A wave of unsteadiness swept over Robert and he dropped onto a nearby chair at an empty table. What the hell had happened to him? One moment he'd been working outside in early morning and now--
A glance out the window told him it was nighttime. This place looked familiar. He turned and glanced over his shoulder to the entrance of the club. Above the tinted glass door hung a sign that read The Neon Feather. Robert knew this club and had been here before. His first visit had been because his friends wanted to try out the place. The next few times he'd gone along to see a particular performer.
Just thinking about the sexy drag queen named Kay made Robert's heartbeat quicken.
Strangely, just before he'd disappeared from the inn, Robert had been staring at a tattoo on a muscular, bald stranger. The guy's entire body had been covered in ink, but the tattoo on his thigh had captivated Robert, mostly because it reminded him of Kay. It had been of a person--could have been male or female--standing on a stage with his back to the audience. The figure had long, blond hair and wore a slinky black-and-white leopard print dress and red platform shoes.
"Good evening, everyone," said a man in a black tux who had just stepped onto the stage toward the front of the room. The crowd hushed and he continued, "Welcome to The Neon Feather. I present to you in her final performance our founder and star, Miss Kay Soaringheart."
Excitement rushed through Robert, followed by curiosity and regret. Why was Kay retiring?
He didn't have much time to ponder because the tall, exotic drag queen took the stage with a vengeance. Though not classically beautiful, Kay's strong features with his vibrant blue eyes, sculpted nose and square jaw were striking. He had a lean body that emanated strength as he danced and sang across the stage. Kay didn't lip sync, but had a fine voice with an impressive range. Trained in ballet and modern dance, he wowed the audience with hot moves and infectious energy that soon had almost everyone on their feet, dancing with him.
A few times, Kay ventured into the crowd, leaving his backup dancers on stage. Toward the end of the show, he danced toward Robert. He'd recently changed costumes and now wore snug black leggings and boots with a black skirt that brushed his sleek thighs. Except for an Egyptian style necklace, his upper body was bare. He radiated androgynous beauty. Kay was gorgeous enough to be a woman, but his cut torso screamed masculine strength. All those years of dancing had paid off.
Robert's heart pounded when Kay paused in front of him, his smooth flesh glowing with sweat. Hell, Robert wanted nothing more than to lick those hard pink nipples adorning a chest that resembled cut marble. When he lifted his gaze to Kay's exotic face, he found the irresistible singer staring back at him. A droplet of sweat clung to one of his eyelashes. He winked at Robert and it dripped down his face An intimate smile tugged at Kay's painted lips before he danced off.
Swallowing hard, Robert sat again, only to hide his unruly erection that bulged against the front of his jeans. A young, blond waiter appeared and Robert felt his back pocket to be sure his wallet was still on him. He ordered a drink.
Moments later, the show ended and a short time after that, the waiter returned with his order.
"No charge," the waiter said. "Miss Kay's treat."
Robert tingled all over. "Seriously?"
The water nodded, then brushed a tendril of blond hair from his forehead.
"Would you ask him to join me?"
A smile played around the waiter's lips. "You got it."
Robert took a sip of wine to calm his nerves. So the sexy performer had noticed him. He thought he'd simply been flirting as part of the show, but it seemed Robert had actually caught his eye.
The waiter returned still wearing his saucy grin. "Miss Kay would like you to come backstage instead."
Robert's heart skipped a beat and he stood, trying to look nonchalant. He'd never imaged this would happen.
"Sure."
"This way." The waiter beckoned him with a fingertip and Robert followed him through the crowded room and down a corridor bustling with employees' activity. They stopped outside a closed door and the waiter tapped softly.
"Send him in, Justin," called a musical voice, slightly rough from use onstage.
Justin opened the door and jerked his thumb toward the room, his green eyes flashing with amusement. When Robert stepped inside, the waiter called, "You two be good."
"Get back to work, brat," Kay shouted from behind a painted screen.
His face and shoulders were visible above it and Robert noted that he still wore his makeup and crystal chandelier earrings. He'd ditched the long, blond wig, though, revealing his own short brown hair that clung in damp ringlets to his head. Just looking at the guy made Robert almost giddy, but he remained outwardly cool.
Justin closed the door, leaving them alone.
"Make yourself comfortable," Kay said, removing the earrings. "Don't mind Justin. He's a sweet kid, but he has an obnoxious sense of humor. So what's your name? I've seen you here a few times but you always had a table full of friends with you. I wasn't sure if you were. . .you know. Taken."
"Me?" Robert shoved his hands into the back pockets of his jeans. "No."
"Oh." Kay's blue gaze swept him from head to toe. "Then are you straight? The ones who look as good as you are usually taken or straight."
Robert chucked. "If I'm straight why would I be here looking at you? I mean. . .listening. The show was amazing. That's what I meant."
His confusion, or his compliment--perhaps both--seemed to please Kay. He flashed a smile that revealed even, white teeth. "Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it."
"Why are you retiring? I don't get it. You're very talented."
"Again, thank you. But I'm getting a little old for the whole glamour thing. I've been performing since I was sixteen. Now I just want to run the club and teach. I have a dance studio downtown and I want to dedicate more time to my students. As a matter of fact, a troupe from my school will be taking my place performing here on weekends."
"Good. I was hoping there was nothing wrong."
"Just. . ." Kay sighed and stepped from behind the screen. A snug purple T-shirt that matched his short, painted fingernails hugged his lean torso. Worn jeans encased his long, hard legs. The toes of his bare feet were also painted purple. "Just getting old."
Robert snorted with laughter. "You look great to me."
"You're sweet. But, baby, I'm forty-ish. Hell, I'll be forty-two on my next birthday."
Damn, he was in fantastic shape. Robert knew guys half his age who didn't look nearly as good.
"How about you?"
"What about me?" Robert asked.
"Well, I don't know your name, age or profession. Those would be nice places to start." Kay sat on a chair to pull on his socks and sneakers. "I'm all ears. Talk to me."
"My name is Robert. Thirty-three. A landscaper."
"Outdoor work. I love the rough, tanned look."
Robert grinned and stepped closer. "I'll miss seeing you here."
"Oh I'll be around, just not on stage." Kay stood and Robert stepped closer.
He took his hands from his pockets, which turned out to be a bad idea since he couldn't keep from touching Kay. He caressed his cheek and said, "You're. . .really beautiful."
Those gorgeous blue eyes softened and Kay took Robert's hand and squeezed it. "You're pretty gorgeous yourself. I was on my way home for a shower and a late supper. Want to come?"
"Yeah."
Impulsively, Kay leaned closer and brushed Robert's mouth with a kiss. They were about the same height--a little over six feet. Robert couldn't help thinking they were perfect together.
He rested his hands on Kay's lean waist and deepened the kiss. Their mouths opened to each other and their tongues explored with tender passion.
"My real name is Kyle," the sexy performer whispered against Robert's mouth.
"I like that." Robert cupped the back of his neck and thrust his tongue between his full lips.
Kyle moaned and wrapped his arms around Robert. Their hard chests pressed close and their erect cocks pushed against each other. Robert wanted to tear off their clothes and fuck Kyle's gorgeous ass. He wanted to stroke and suck his cock and see ecstasy on his lovely face.
"Let's go," Kyle said, his blue eyes dancing and a faint smile on his lips.
Taking Robert's hand, he led him out of the club through a back door.
"Do you have a car?" Kyle asked.
"Not with me."
"Do you live nearby?"
"Not far." He didn't want to mention that he didn't remember how he got to the club. It was all too weird. Maybe he shouldn't even go home with this guy, at least until he found out what happened, but he couldn't resist. He could no more walk away from Kyle than he could will his heart to stop beating.
"I live just a few blocks away," Kyle said. "I walked."
"It's a nice night for it."
"Yeah, but I have the feeling it would be a great night no matter what the weather."
His words warmed Robert and by the time they reached Kyle's red brick condo, any lingering apprehension had disappeared, replaced by raging desire.
Inside, Kyle switched on the light, kicked off his sneakers and nudged them onto a mat by the door. Robert bent and took off his boots. No sooner had he straightened, than Kyle kissed him again.
Groaning, Robert pressed the leaner man against the door. He caressed Kyle's throat and slid his hand down to cup the bulge in the front of his jeans.
"I don't know what it is, Robert, but I want you so fucking bad," Kyle breathed. He pulled Robert's tank top out of his jeans and slid his hands beneath, moaning with pleasure as he caressed his abs and chest. "Your body is so damn hot. There's nothing sexier than a blue collar guy."
"Except for a gorgeous diva." Robert grinned.
Tilting his head slightly to the side, Kyle asked, "You like drag?"
"I love it. And I love the T-shirt and jeans. And I love. . ." Robert tugged Kyle's shirt up and Kyle raised his arms so he could pull it off completely. Robert tossed it onto a nearby chair and focused his attention on Kyle's bare chest. He caressed the hard planes and ran his fingertips over his chiseled abs. He had such a hard, trained dancer's body--smooth and beautiful but incredibly strong.
"Tonight before I walked on stage, I felt so bad," Kyle admitted. "It was my last night. All these years of performing at the club were over. Lately when I look in the mirror all I see is this aging--"
"You're beautiful," Robert interrupted. "It has nothing to do with how old you are. You're beautiful, Kyle. The first time I saw you I wanted to grab you and--"
"Yes?"
"Let me show you what I wanted to do." Robert covered his mouth in a passionate kiss. Their bodies pressed close and their hands roamed over each other. Simultaneously they cupped each other's asses then broke into soft laughter.
"I need a shower first," Kyle said.
"Later. I need you right now. Where's the bedroom?"
"Upstairs. This way." Again Kyle took his hand and they ran up the stairs.
Kyle had a spacious room decorated mostly in white with a hint of gold. Rumpled sheets of pastel blue covered the enormous bed. The men tore off their clothes and tumbled onto the bed, kissing, smiling and groping each other with frenzied hands.
"Got any condoms?" Robert asked, pinning Kyle beneath him and caressing his face. His lips fluttered over his painted eyelids.
"Over here," Kyle grunted, pushing Robert off him and stretching toward the night table. While he opened the drawer and removed condoms and lube, Robert kissed his shoulder and kneaded his ass. His fingertip slid between the indentation and Kyle wriggled.
"Ohh, that feels good," he purred.
"It gets even better," Robert said, taking the lube and a condom from Kyle.
The men quickly rolled on the condoms then Robert pushed Kyle onto his stomach and playfully nipped his firm ass. He applied the lube, teasing Kyle until he moaned and ground his hips into the bed in an attempt to ease the sexual tension.
"Please fuck me," Kyle breathed.
Moaning, Robert did as his lover asked. He'd never been this turned on in his life, but he moved slowly and carefully. The last thing he wanted was to hurt Kyle.
The tip of his cock pushed against Kyle's ass and the singer's hard muscles tensed.
"Relax, babe," Robert whispered in his ear, then tickled the delicate shell with his tongue. He gently rubbed the back of Kyle's neck and stroked his shoulders while at the same time easing into him. He waited for the leaner man to accept him before he started pumping.
Kyle's hands tightened on the sheets. He moaned and writhed, keeping time with Robert.
His eyes closed, Robert tried to keep control, but it wasn't easy. Kyle was so fucking sexy. It wasn't only physical attraction that drew Robert to him. He loved Kyle's manner, the way he talked and the way his eyes revealed his every emotion.
"Robert, oh fuck! Yes!" Kyle panted, coming hard.
Robert's heart pounded and his entire body ached with sexual tension. He couldn't hold back a moment longer, but pumped fast until he exploded.
Never in his life had he climaxed so hard.
He collapsed onto Kyle, their perspiring bodies pressed close.
When he mustered the strength, Robert raised himself slightly and gazed at Kyle whose eyes were closed, his breathing deep and even.
He kissed his lover's cheek and whispered, "Goodnight, diva. See you in the morning."
* * *
Robert and Kyle sat at their private booth at The Neon Feather, watching a troupe of sexy male dancers delight the audience.
Since that mystical night six months ago, Robert and Kyle had been inseparable. They spent every night at either Robert's house or Kyle's condo and soon planned to sell both and purchase a home to share.
"I don't believe it," Robert murmured and nudged Kyle. He pointed toward the front door through which stepped a tanned, bald man with tattoos on his scalp. "That's the guy I told you about. The one with the tattoo that looked like you."
The man's penetrating gaze fixed on them and he headed in their direction.
"Robert and Kyle?"
"You know us, but we don't know you," Kyle said.
"Or at least we don't know your name," Robert told him.
"I'm Damon Tinta," he explained. "I'm sure you have questions about what happened to you a few months ago."
"What do you know about it?" Kyle demanded, a dangerous look in his gorgeous blue eyes. "Did you have something to do with his blackout?"
"When he fixated on my tattoo--"
"Fixated?" Kyle raised an eyebrow in Robert's direction. "You fixated on him? You didn't tell me that."
"Only because the tattoo reminded me of you, babe."
"He's telling the truth," Damon said and again the men turned their attention to him. "I have the power to bring together destined mates through my tattoos."
Kyle snorted with laughter and Robert couldn't keep the grin from his lips.
"I know it sounds unbelievable," Damon continued. "However because you were affected by the magic, I wanted to explain it to you, to help you understand why Robert suddenly appeared at this club and why you couldn't resist each other. You're meant to be together."
"Damn right we are." Kyle reached for his lover's hand and squeezed it.
Robert squeezed back and glanced at Kyle from the corner of his eye.
"Be happy," Damon told them, bowed his head and turned away.
Robert and Kyle glanced at each other. They had become quite adept at communicating without words.
"Wait," Kyle called and Damon turned back to them. "Why don't you join us for a drink?"
"Thank you, but I have to go."
The tattooed man continued on his way.
"Good luck to you, Tinta," Robert murmured.
"Yes," Kyle whispered. "He looks like he can use it."
"Maybe because if he's telling the truth he passed any good luck he had to us." Robert edged closer to Kyle, cupped his face and kissed him. "Love you."
"Love you too. Want to go in back for a quickie?"
"I'm in the mood for an extended performance."
Kyle grinned and rose, tugging Robert to his feet.
Though Kyle no longer performed at the club, as the owner he still had his combination office and dressing room. Tonight it would put it to good use.
The End Copyright 2011 Kate Hill
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