12. Chapter 12

Chapter twelve

“ I should pay a visit to the Duke of Westchester,” Hugh said after he had risen from sleep, though he could hear the uncertainty in his own voice. He sat with Jack in their usual seats, drinking cups of tea and eating eggs and toast, which were not burned this time.

“Do you really think he would say anything that might help?” Jack asked, idly spinning his mug in his hands. Hugh noticed that Jack rarely sat still and was always fidgeting or moving or playing with something.

“No,” Hugh said softly, staring at the faded rug and scuffing his toe into one of the threadbare spots. “If he would even talk to me. We have no evidence against him of any wrongdoing. Mr. Henries worked for him, but that is coincidental. And if I asked him about the Tree, he could simply deny everything, and I would have nothing more to go on. He might even complain to Scotland Yard that I was harassing him, and that would be the end of it all.”

Jack shot up in his chair, so quickly that Hugh almost leaped out of his skin. “Hahah! I have the solution to this particular conundrum!”

“You do?” Hugh asked, trying to get his heart back under control. Jack’s sudden outbursts still startled him to no end, though he did enjoy seeing the man so excited.

“I do. He may not be willing to talk to you.” Jack suddenly leaped to his feet, and then gave a jump onto the back of the armchair, crouching on top of it like a tiger preparing to spring, throwing his cape around him with a fervent swish. “But he might be willing to talk to Spring-Heeled Jack, visitor from another world. And very curious to know how he knows The Magic Shop that Jack uses as a portal.”

Hugh blinked, staring at Jack perched so effortlessly on the back of the chair that somehow did not fall over with Jack’s weight on it. It was true; Jack was not a member of The Yard, and as far as anyone knew, he was not associated with anyone from it either. And, frankly, he was not human. If the Duke had already visited The Magic Shop and The Owner, he would know about magic, so Jack’s appearance and otherworldly story would likely not seem out of place to him. “Do you really think he would talk to you?”

Jack threw back his head and laughed, causing the chair’s front legs to lift off the ground a bit, and Hugh reached to try to steady it, though he was hopelessly too far away. Jack immediately righted it again. “I can be quite persuasive. And what was that you called me? Ah, yes, charming.”

Hugh flushed a bit, running his hand through his brown curls. “Do you think you’ll be safe?”

Jack gave a cluck of his tongue. “My dear Hugh. Do you really think a mere mortal could harm me?”

“Are you immortal?” Hugh asked.

“No. I am sturdier than most humans, but point taken,” Jack said, flopping dramatically down into the chair again, as light as a cat. “I give you my word that I shall be as careful as a newborn hedgehog.”

“What does that mean?” Hugh asked, raising a brow.

“I have absolutely no idea,” Jack said, and they both laughed heartily.

Jack

That afternoon, Hugh set out for his patrol, and Jack rented a horse from a nearby stable to take to the Duke’s estate outside of London. Well, perhaps ‘rented’ was a bit formal. He had taken the horse when no one was looking, leaving a pile of assorted coins in its stall. And he had only chosen that particular horse because it already had a saddle on, and Jack did not know how to attach a saddle himself. Really, he didn’t even know how to ride a horse, so this whole thing was going to be quite jolly fun. He actually could have run all the way to the estate without too much trouble, but it was still daylight, and a man whizzing through the streets at the speed of a locomotive would have been quite visible. And he had promised Hugh he would do his best to be inconspicuous. So, horse it was, until such time as he would not be spicuous anymore.

After leading the horse away from its lodgings before it could be spotted, he gave a little hop that propelled him up and over the animal’s back onto the saddle. The horse did not seem overly thrilled about having such a tall rider suddenly jump onto him without a proper introduction, and it shied a little under him. “Shh,” Jack soothed, patting its neck. “You are a good horse. I shall call you…” His eyes roamed around for inspiration, settling on a paper advertisement attached to a fence for ‘Mademoiselle Lucy, the famous Egyptian tarot card reader.’ “Lucy. A fine name for a horse if ever there was one! And I suppose, for a human as well.”

Lucy gave a snort and tossed its head, but Jack picked up the reins in his clawed hands, giving them an experimental flick. “I have never ridden a horse before, Lucy,” he said, determined to make pleasant conversation with the beast. “You shall have to help me. So, to the estate of the Duke of Westchester, if you please.”

Lucy tossed its head again but didn’t move.

“Due north,” Jack said, pointing one finger in that direction.

Lucy’s tail flicked, but it otherwise didn’t move.

Jack let out a huff of frustration. “Really now. You are a horse. This is what you do.”

Lucy’s ear flicked, and then it began to trot, though not the direction Jack wanted. “Lucy,” he said sternly. “You need to go that way.” He pulled the reins in the direction he wanted Lucy to turn, and the horse obliged. Jack beamed “Ah, I see now! Steady on, then!”

There had likely never been such an inexperienced duo on London’s streets, Lucy shying every few steps while Jack pulled the reins in an attempt to get the horse to follow his directions. “Lucy,” Jack said in exasperation as the horse turned in an odd little circle. “My dear, we would make better time with you upon my back. Really, you are a ridiculous horse.” Lucy snorted and flicked its tail but plodded begrudgingly down the street, except for once in a while trying to run Jack into a wall on one side or the other.

Once they had left the city and were in more farm-like land, away from prying eyes, and the sun starting to sink, Jack found a grove of trees to put Lucy in, much to both of their relief. He then proceeded to run the rest of the distance to the Duke’s estate, which really was much faster than trying to make the silly beast go the way he wanted it to. Horses were convenient for humans, he supposed, if one knew how to ride one. But he was not human, and his own two legs were much more accommodating than beasts of transportation.

Off in the distance there was a high-pitched whistle, and Jack paused in his run to scramble up into the trees to take a look around. He could see the Duke’s estate on the horizon, and, off to the east beyond that, several plumes of smoke rose into the air, the source of the whistle. A train station. What fascinating times these were! Jack wondered if Hugh had ever ridden a train before. He imagined it must be thrilling for humans without their ability to move so swiftly. Though he was pretty sure it would be old hat for him; he was probably just as fast as a locomotive himself, and far less noisy.

The Duke of Westchester’s estate was large, with verdant gardens, leaves and bushes fluttering in the soft evening breeze. There were still people outside working in the lush flower beds and what looked to be an apple orchard, so Jack slipped around the side of the house, as silent as a dingo. He could hear voices from the first floor near what appeared to be a dining room, and he ducked underneath the window to listen.

“-never have trusted that son of a bitch,” came a brusque, rather pompous masculine voice. “Do we know how many he nicked?”

“As far as I can tell, only the two,” came another male voice, pleasant and soothing. “I found no more in his room or at the bakery.”

“We should consider moving the tree to Eden,” said the first voice.

“We can’t simply pick it up and plant it in the stones,” said the second voice, sounding just a bit harrumphy.

The first man blew out air, making his lips flap. “Well, we need to do something. I’ll not have any more thievery. Handle it, Adam.”

“Yes, sir,” said the second man.

Then Jack heard heavy footfalls receding and deduced that the first man was leaving. He waited under the window, watching the house until he saw a light go on in a room on the third level, and then the casement window there opened. There seemed to be nothing more happening in the dining room.

He circled around the house until he was under the place where the light had come on. He pulled off his top hat to expose his horns, setting it on the ground. Then, in one mighty bound, Jack leaped from the ground to the third story windowsill, landing on the ledge as easily and silently as a bird, crouching there in the open window. He peered in to see the profile of a very large middle-aged man in a fancy coat, sitting in a high-backed chair that looked like it might not be entirely able to hold his weight, smoking a pipe. He didn’t seem to notice Jack on the windowsill. Jack raised his hand and tapped one of his claw-tipped fingers against the glass to get his attention.

The man looked up, then started, nearly dropping the pipe as he stared at the window, wide-eyed. Jack put on his most dashing smile. “Ah, Mr. Duke of Westchester, I presume?”

“Good God, man, this is the third floor!” the Duke blustered, standing up and brushing at his tailcoat.

“It is,” Jack agreed. “Hardly a challenge.”

The Duke blew out another breath. “You are Spring-Heeled Jack. The creature everyone has been talking about.”

“Guilty as charged!” Jack said, hopping down into the room and giving a low, dramatic bow with his cape.

“What are you doing here?” the Duke asked, edging toward the mantle. Jack could see that he seemed to be trying to grab what looked like a pistol in a box.

“I assure you, sir, I mean you no harm.” He held out his hands from his sides. “Please.”

The Duke hesitated before slowly nodding. “Then what is it you want?”

Jack gave him another suave smile. “I believe we have a mutual friend. The owner of a certain… magical shop?”

The Duke stared at him for a long moment before he seemed to relax ever so slightly. “What has he got to do with this?”

“Nothing, really,” Jack said, waving his hand through the air. “But he gave me your name, as someone I might be interested in speaking to.”

“Oh? About what?” The Duke seemed intrigued.

“He mentioned that you purchased some seeds from him. Apple seeds.” Jack’s smile didn’t waver.

Neither did the Duke’s. “I have an apple orchard out behind the house. I have purchased seeds from any number of places.”

“Oh, these were quite special,” Jack said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “Perhaps even… biblical.”

The Duke laughed a bit. “What are you implying, sir?”

Jack grinned, then suddenly leaped up and onto the back of the chair the Duke had been sitting in, gazing down at him. “I have heard that there might be apples out there from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Goodness, that is quite the mouthful.”

“And where did you hear that?” the Duke asked, stumbling back a few steps, his large belly wagging as he did.

Jack tapped the side of his nose lightly with his finger. “I have my ways, sir. But I have encountered at least one person who likely ate an apple from that tree. I don’t know what is in those apples, sir, but that was quite the sight.”

The Duke let out a frustrated sound through his lips. “That was an unfortunate accident. The Waking is supposed to be confined to Eden.”

Jack cocked his head curiously. “I’m sorry, the what now?”

“The Waking,” the Duke replied again.

“I’m afraid I’m not familiar,” Jack said, tipping his head to the other side, as if it would make more sense in the other ear.

“You are not a creature of The Waking?” the Duke asked curiously.

“Since I do not know what that is, I would assume I am not,” Jack said thoughtfully. “But if you explain it, perhaps we shall both learn something new.”

The Duke gazed at him. “Where are you from, Mr. Spring-Heeled Jack?”

“Ah!” Jack said, standing up on the chair and spreading his cape wide. On the back of the wingback chair, his horns almost reached the ceiling. “Delightful! I shall answer a question of yours, and you shall answer one of mine, yes?”

The Duke looked thoughtful for a moment before he nodded. “All right. Please, sit. Would you like a cognac?”

“Is that your question?” Jack asked, but he hopped down from the back of the chair and sprawled himself across it like he had in Hugh’s chair at home. Goodness, when had he started thinking of it ‘home?’

“Of course not!” the Duke said, frowning like a great walrus. “I’ll just make you one.” He moved over to a bar cart and poured two glasses of dark liquor. He brought one over to Jack, who took it carefully with his metal-tipped fingers. He saw the Duke notice them and blanche a little, and he quickly tucked them down.

“I assure you I mean you no harm. If I did, I would have done so by now.”

“Yes, well…” The Duke blustered about before sinking into another chair. “First question, then. Where are you from?”

“Some place far from here,” Jack said, stretching out his hand.

“The United States?” asked the Duke.

“I have no idea what that is,” Jack replied with a chuckle before taking a large swallow. “Oh, that is marvelous.”

The Duke seemed obviously pleased. “An 1811 Croizet B. Leon. Only the best, you know.”

Jack shrugged. “I do not know, but it is delicious. But as to where I am from, I am not from your world, sir. I came here across space and time, through a portal in The Magic Shop.”

“Oh, I see,” the Duke said with a nod. “What are you doing here then?”

“Ah, no, it is my turn now,” Jack said, waving his hand as if to brush the Duke’s question out of the air. “My question is, what does the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil do? That certainly is a lot of words. I will just call it the Tree going forward if that is all right with you.”

“Yes, of course,” the Duke said, not seeming to pay much attention to the reasoning. “Well, the Tree is… it is responsible for the Waking. Since I know that will be your next question, I’ll give you that one for free. The Waking comes from eating an apple from the Tree. Upon eating it, the apple causes a temporary transformation. Each person’s response is different, but the Tree brings out that inside you which you most desire.”

Jack frowned. “I’m afraid I do not understand.”

“Well… There is our face we present to the public, and our private desires that perhaps might not be… acceptable due to society’s morals.” The Duke took another sip from his glass, and Jack did the same. “It frees our bodies from those restrictions and allows us to do whatever we most desire.”

Jack wasn’t sure how much he should let on about what he knew about the viscount, so he only said, “Desires such as… killing people?”

The Duke let out a guffaw of laughter. “Straight to the point, I like you, sir. For some of us, yes. My own tastes are more… refined. But you seem to have the idea.”

Jack frowned a bit. “That seems rather dangerous, to have such a power in the world.”

“That is why we keep it so secret,” the Duke said, swiping at his beefy face with his hand. “An exclusive club, with only a few vetted members.”

“Is that the ‘Eden’ you spoke of?” Jack asked curiously.

“Indeed. My, you are clever!” the Duke said, slapping his thigh good-naturedly. “Now, I do think it’s my turn to ask a question. What are you doing here in London?”

Jack gave him a devilish grin. He had said he would answer the questions. He had not said he would tell the truth. “Why, to have fun, of course. My species is a sort of… pleasure-seeking race. A little chaos, a little mischief. We travel to different worlds and times, seeking the best that pleasure has to offer.”

“Indeed!” the Duke said. “Our Garden of Eden really is the finest place for any pleasures you might desire.”

“I should very much like to see that for myself,” Jack said, giving the man a delighted smile.

“Well, I certainly would not be opposed to inviting you to our next gathering,” the Duke said. “Of course, membership is quite expensive. Can’t just let anyone run about mucking things up, can we?”

“No, of course not. But I’m afraid I don’t have much money,” Jack said, a bit forlornly.

The Duke looked thoughtful for a moment. “Do you have the ability to travel between different worlds, Mr. Jack?”

“I do,” Jack said.

“Ah, then how about a deal?” the Duke said with a smile. “I am a man of quite exotic tastes.” He patted his round belly. “In case you couldn’t tell. If you can bring me some food and drink I have not seen before, I shall invite you to our next gathering and cover your membership fee. Our next gathering is in just over a week.”

“I should be delighted to!” Jack said, clapping his hands a bit. “Shall I return here with your prize?”

The Duke nodded. “That would be excellent. And don’t worry. I assure you, sir, whatever your tastes are, it shall be a night to remember.”

“I have heard,” Jack said, treading carefully now, “that there are young men there?”

The Duke raised a brow. “Oh? Is that your preference?”

“Indeed,” Jack said, spreading his hands wide. “Is that something you can accommodate?”

“Yes, of course,” the Duke said with a chuckle. “We have a few members who are of the same inclinations. We work with several brothels in the city to procure the finest flesh.”

“I have been to one. Run by a Mr.… Galloway?” Jack said, remembering what Hugh had said about Anthony and the other missing boy from the ‘special events.’

“Oh, yes, we’ve worked with him before!” the Duke said, clapping his hands together in a sound like thunder. “Splendid fellow, has some of the prettiest faces in town.”

Jack nodded, giving the Duke a lascivious grin. “Indeed. Will they be at this next gathering?”

“I’m sure I can arrange that,” the Duke said with a grin. “I’ll see to it myself. I shall send you instructions once you have delivered your end of the bargain.”

“Deal!” Jack leaped to his feet, holding out his hand. The Duke looked down at his hand with its wicked iron claws on the tips. “Oh, pardon me. I forgot,” Jack said with a laugh. “But you have my word, sir.”

“And you, mine,” the Duke said.

“Excellent! Until we meet again!” And then Jack had dashed to the window and leaped out of it, landing lightly on the ground as if he were stepping from a carriage. By the time the Duke had crossed to the window to peer down after him, Jack had disappeared into the trees around the property.

Jack ran back to London in the dim light, not feeling like trying to get on a horse again now that he was less likely to be seen. Lucy kept pace with him the whole way, which he appreciated. He returned Lucy to the stable he had taken it from, then heard a man yelling when he found it again. “Winthrop, you naughty horse, where have you been?” Ah, so it was not Lucy after all. Jack decided he did not like riding horses all that much. He preferred to be his own method of transportation. It was simply more convenient. And he smelled better too.

Hugh was astonished at the amount of information Jack had been able to gather from the Duke as he sat in the living room after his patrol, and Jack recounted the conversation he had had with the corpulent man. “Thank you, Jack,” he said, a bit breathily. “You didn’t have to do all of that.”

Jack shrugged. “I am happy to help,” he said with a chuckle. “Obviously I am here as your soulmate to help you with this situation, so I shall do what I can.”

“I appreciate it very much,” Hugh said softly.

Jack nodded. “I shall leave tomorrow through the portal to find some other-worldly delights for the Duke.”

“But you will come back?” Hugh asked nervously.

“Of course I shall,” Jack said. “Do not be concerned about me.”

Hugh gave him a weak smile. “You’re leaving this planet, and you think I’m not going to worry? You worry about me when I go out on my usual patrol.”

“Point taken,” Jack said, reaching up to stroke his cheek gently. It was very sweet of Hugh to be concerned for his safety, though Jack’s form was much more resilient than Hugh’s. “I promise upon every star in the universe, I will be safe and will return to you.”

Hugh smiled shyly at that. “You are very certain of that.”

Jack leaned in to press a kiss to his lips. “I have never been more certain about anything. I will return to you, no matter what.”

Hugh slowly wrapped his arms around Jack’s waist, hugging him tightly. Jack pulled him close, resting his chin on Hugh’s brown curls. “Jack,” Hugh said softly. “I love you.”

The words went through him like a bolt of lightning, and Jack squeezed him tightly. “I love you.”

Hugh lifted his head to look into Jack’s eyes. “You do?” he asked, his voice hopeful.

“I do,” Jack replied. “I have known it from the moment I first laid eyes on you.”

Hugh’s cheeks went pink, gazing up at Jack through his dark lashes. “So, once we’ve solved this case, you will stay with me?”

Jack nodded, kissing his forehead. “I will, if that is what you want too.”

Hugh reached up to stroke his fingertips over the bone-like mask that covered his eyes. “I do.” His fingers were light and gentle. Jack turned his head to press a kiss into Hugh’s palm. “Jack?”

“Yes, my darling?” Jack asked, sliding a hand up Hugh’s back.

Hugh inhaled softly, his other hand pressing to Jack’s chest and curling his fingers into the white oilcloth there. “Make love to me.”

Jack didn’t need to be told twice. He scooped Hugh up in his arms, as easily as if he were a tiny kangaroo, and carried him into the bedroom. He deftly shucked off his clothes, and Hugh did the same, before Jack was over him again, kissing his lips and jaw, nibbling at Hugh’s ears and down his neck. Hugh was absolutely stunning; Jack had no idea what he had done to be so lucky as to find someone as beautiful as him for a soulmate.

He kissed his way down Hugh’s chest, then back up again, leaving little nips along the pale skin in his wake, making Hugh jump. He slid down over Hugh’s torso to kiss over his lower stomach, then his thighs and the back of his knees. He kissed over Hugh’s thigh as he lifted the leg and began to massage his foot, digging his thumbs into the arch and the tight muscles there. Hugh did so much walking; his feet were not the prettiest, but they were still perfect. Hugh moaned as Jack rubbed into the ball of his foot and then in between each toe, the muscles there loosening up under Jack’s ministrations. Jack switched to the other foot, giving Hugh’s ankle a kiss before rubbing his thumbs in small circles until Hugh was writhing under him. Obviously, his police constable enjoyed his feet being massaged after a long night on the job. He would have to keep that in mind.

Hugh peeked his eyes open to gaze up at him, brown eyes hazy. “Jack,” he pleaded softly. “Please. I want you inside me.”

“All in good time, my darling,” Jack replied, leaning down to kiss him. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

Hugh nodded and kissed him sweetly back. “There’s petroleum jelly in the washroom by the sink,” he said.

Jack kissed him firmly for another moment before he slid off the bed, slipping into the washroom to grab the tin and return with it. Hugh had rolled over so his back and the pert mounds of his rump were easily visible, gazing at Jack through half-lidded eyes. Jack smiled as he slid onto the bed, pressing a hot kiss to the base of Hugh’s lower back. “Mmm, you are the most delectable treat.”

Hugh smiled at Jack over his bare shoulder. “And you are such a charmer.”

Jack laughed as he opened the tin, spreading the jelly over his fingers. His skin was so hot that the stickiness immediately warmed to a comfortable temperature. He ran two fingers down the crease of Hugh’s buttocks, letting the fingertips probe at his hole and spread the jelly around, massaging the area around his entrance with firm but gentle touches like he had on Hugh’s feet. Hugh closed his eyes, moaning softly into the pillow. Jack added more jelly to his fingers, determined he would not hurt Hugh in any way, before he began to work one finger inside of him, just past his tight entrance, then back out again, sliding in a little deeper with the next push. Hugh breathed deeply in and out with each thrust of his finger. Jack leaned down to kiss along his spine as his finger worked deeper and deeper inside of Hugh. Having the luxury to take their time here was something he understood the many male-attracted men in London did not have. But right here, right now, they did, and he was going to make sure that it was the best experience Hugh had ever had.

Hugh moaned, his hips rocking back a little into the fingers, and Jack let him set the rhythm he liked. “So beautiful,” he purred, pressing more kisses to Hugh’s smooth back, and Hugh sighed in delight.

After another minute, Jack added a second finger, slipping it carefully inside of Hugh’s tight hole. Hugh moaned and pressed his face into the pillow eagerly as his hips pushed back for more. Jack curled his fingers a little, and Hugh let out a needy gasp, gripping the pillows tightly. “Jack, yes,” he pleaded, and Jack obliged by doing it again. Hugh writhed and squirmed on his fingers, so beautiful as his hips rocked. Jack let his fingers dive in and out of Hugh’s tight passage as he used his other hand to spread the petroleum jelly over his own shaft, moaning at his own touch there.

Hugh lifted his head from the pillow to gaze at Jack over his shoulder again. “Can we… try something?”

Jack blinked, tipping his head. “Yes, of course.”

Hugh pushed himself up onto all fours and moved out of the way. “Lie on your back.”

Hugh giving him orders, even if they were so very sweet and kind, made Jack’s heart dance a jig in delight. He shifted to lie on his back, his head on the pillow Hugh had abandoned as he gazed up at him.

Hugh hesitated, then carefully shifted to swing one leg over Jack’s hips, gazing down at him as he shifted for Jack’s cock to rub between his cheeks. Jack moaned softly. “Is this all right?” Hugh asked.

“Wonderful,” Jack replied.

Hugh gave him a slightly shy smile before he lifted himself up, positioning Jack’s cock at his hole as he straddled him. Jack slid his hands up to hold Hugh’s sides to help guide him as Hugh pressed the head of Jack’s cock to his entrance, letting out a breath as he slid down onto him, inch by inch. Jack groaned softly, Hugh’s body enveloping his like silk. He resisted the urge to buck his hips up, not wanting to hurt him or rush him. Hugh took a few deep breaths as he sank down until his backside was flush with Jack’s warm body beneath him. He rocked his hips forward, and Jack sighed in delight at the gentle motion. “All right, my darling?”

“Yes,” Hugh replied, his hands sliding down to splay lightly over Jack’s strong, broad chest. “You?”

“Never better,” Jack said with a smile, and Hugh chuckled softly.

“I haven’t really done it this way before.”

“Neither have I,” Jack said, guiding his hands over the curve of Hugh’s hips, and then stroking one hand down over his cock that was at such a perfect angle this way. “But I like it.”

Hugh’s back arched into the touch, and he began to ride his hips up and back on Jack’s prick, the movement slow and rhythmic. Jack kept up the stroking with his hand as he bucked his own hips a little to meet the downward press of Hugh’s body. Hugh made such pretty noises, his mouth open, his eyes closed, his head tipped back in pleasure. He was sure there was not a more beautiful sight in the world than Hugh Danbury in the throes of pleasure atop him.

Hugh shifted a little, and then gasped, his hips grinding against Jack eagerly. “Oh god, yes,” he groaned.

Jack laughed, giving a snap of his hips up into Hugh’s grinding, and Hugh let out a sound Jack had never heard before, a sort of pleading, desperate cry. And he wanted to hear more of it. He grasped Hugh’s hips with both hands to hold him in place and thrust his hips upward eagerly, faster now. Hugh cried out again, his own hips following the movement, his cock bouncing and slapping against his lower stomach as he bucked against Jack. His own moans of pleasure mixed in with Hugh’s eager gasps and cries. “Mmm, touch yourself for me, darling,” he purred, thrusting his hips up harder into him.

Hugh obliged, wrapping his hand around his own cock and stroking as his hips pressed down into each of Jack’s thrusts before he spilled himself over his hand with a soft shout, his hips stuttering and grinding against Jack’s. Jack growled playfully and ground back against him, chasing the delicious pleasure and each sweet noise that he was able to wring out of Hugh. Only once Hugh had stopped twitching and had gone still on top of him did he grab his hips and continue his own thrusting into Hugh’s tight, quivering passage. Hugh whined and arched, his hands pressing to Jack’s torso as he rode out the overstimulation until Jack bucked up deep inside of him and lost himself deep inside his lover’s body. He ground against Hugh for a few moments as his own pleasure spiked, his cock pulsing inside of Hugh’s delicious heat, before he sank back against the mattress.

Hugh carefully slid off of him, making them both moan, before he shifted to lie down and curl up next to Jack. His skin was slick with sweat, his curls sticking to his forehead, and he looked absolutely perfect. Jack leaned in and kissed him firmly. “All right, my darling?”

“Mm-hmm. You?” Hugh asked softly.

“Never better,” Jack said, stroking his cheek gently.

Hugh leaned up to kiss him before he pulled back and gave Jack a smirk. “Well done, old chap.”

Jack didn’t think he had ever laughed so hard in his life as he did at that moment.