Chapter 13

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

"Wow," Nick said, staring at the huge photograph of a semi-naked Madeline Morrison that hung in the hallway.

"Oh, ignore it," Mercury said. "My mother likes people to know whose house it is."

They walked through into the kitchen.

"Do you want a beer?" he asked.

"That'd be nice."

Mercury got two out of the refrigerator. His hand shook as he opened them.

You're acting like a virgin heading off to her first prom. Get it together.

"Come through to the conservatory. It's where we usually hang out."

He led Nick through.

"I can safely say, you have a nice place," Nick said, sitting on the chaise longue. "Do I lie or sit?"

"You can do whatever you like in this house."

Nick lay back. The whole experience had that weird vibe of bringing a school friend home for the first time. The odd crossover of worlds.

"Very nice," Nick said. "What's up?"

Mercury sat on the end of the chaise longue. "I'm nervous. How stupid is that?"

"Come here."

Mercury put his bottle down and crawled up Nick's body. They didn't have to sneak kisses anymore. A whole kingdom of possibility had opened up for them.

They kissed slowly. Nick's lips seemed on a direct line to Mercury's groin. His cock sprang to life immediately.

Nick pulled away. "The nerves seem to be disappearing."

"Must be the beer."

"You got a bedroom in this place?"

Mercury nodded. He led Nick up the three flights of stairs to his attic lair.

"Fucking hell, this place is huge," Nick said.

They walked into Mercury's room. The huge windows gave an amazing view over the rooftops of Kensington. Nick made straight for it.

"What next? Mary Poppins and that chimney sweep flying toward us?"

Mercury came up behind him. He put his hands around Nick's waist and cuddled into his back. "I sincerely hope not. What I've got in mind would not be suitable for Mary's eyes."

Nick turned. "Is that right?"

"Oh, it's absolutely right."

Mercury led Nick over to the bed. Their lips met again. This time, Nick held Mercury by the waist as they explored each other's mouths.

Now they were alone at last.

"Let me see you," Nick murmured.

Mercury had a decent body and had never been shy of showing it off. Yet, here with Nick, the nerves were real. He swallowed them down and undid the buttons on his shirt to let it fall to the floor.

Nick ran a finger down Mercury's chest. "You're gorgeous."

"Your go."

Nick pulled the T-shirt over his head and let it join Mercury's shirt. Tentatively, Mercury reached forward and placed his hand on Nick's pec. The muscle solid. He felt Nick's heartbeat under there. Nick's dark skin a beautiful contrast to Mercury's light olive tone.

He kissed Nick, revelling in their bare chests pressing together. Mercury's cock strained at his underwear.

Mercury kicked off his loafers and undid his shorts, letting them fall. He had on a pair of white Moschino briefs. He enjoyed the hunger in Nick's eyes as he scanned Mercury's body.

Mercury lay down on the bed and spread his legs. "Why don't you join me?"

Nick stepped out of his trainers and scrambled out of his jeans. He wore black Hilfiger boxers and his cock also seemed to be struggling with the confines of his underwear.

Instead of joining Mercury on the bed, Nick ran his finger along the waistband of his own boxers before yanking them down. Mercury gasped. Nick's cock was huge and stood proudly.

"Wow," Mercury said as Nick stood before him, totally naked.

Nick crawled onto the bed. With one hand, he grabbed Mercury's briefs and dragged them off him.

"Seems fairer," he said with a grin before throwing the pants onto the floor.

Nick gently stroked Mercury's cock. He had huge hands yet his touch was feather-light.

"Kiss me," Mercury whispered.

Nick snuggled up beside him, lying on his side. He never took his hands from Mercury's dick while he kissed him. Mercury could have been floating on a cloud as he lay there, letting Nick have free rein over his body.

He needed to gather himself before he returned the favour. For weeks he'd been lusting after this man. Now he had him naked and in his bedroom.

What are you doing, Morrison? Dive in.

Mercury rallied himself and pushed Nick onto his back. He straddled him, groaning as Nick's cock rubbed against his arse.

Their kiss became feverish, the movement spurring them both on. Nick rolled Mercury over again so he was underneath. The weight of the bigger man on top of him made Mercury scream for more attention. He wrapped his legs around Nick's waist as they ground their bodies against each other.

He gripped Nick's muscular shoulders.

I need this man inside me.

"Fuck me," he said.

"Already?" Nick replied.

"I've been waiting for weeks. Are you going to make me beg?"

Nick ran his hands through Mercury's hair. "As sexy as that sounds, you won't have to."

He sat on his heels and looked at Mercury expectantly.

"Oh, sorry," Mercury said.

Getting onto his hands and knees, he reached over to the bedside cabinet. He'd barely got the drawer open when Nick buried his face in Mercury's ass cheeks.

Mercury let out a groan. He held on to the bedside cabinet for support as Nick went in deep with his tongue.

"Fuck," Mercury muttered.

He gathered himself together enough to grab a condom and lube. After positioning himself so he wouldn't fall off the bed if things got even better, he threw the lube over his shoulder.

Mercury looked behind him and watched Nick squeezing the tube so his thick fingers were covered in the sticky substance.

Casually, he traced the outline of Mercury's wet hole. Mercury cried out as Nick slipped his middle finger inside.

Jesus, that feels good.

Instinctively, Mercury pushed back to allow Nick further access.

"Oh god, you're so horny," Nick said. "I love it."

"Weeks of watching you," Mercury stammered. "I need you."

Words had clearly deserted him. Yet the intention couldn't be mistaken.

Roughly, Nick shoved Mercury's legs farther apart. He ran his free hand over Mercury's ass and slapped him, the sting making Mercury's cock swell even more if that were possible.

He lowered himself so he was face down on the bed. His butt up in the air, giving Nick all he needed.

Nick withdrew his finger and, to his joy, Mercury heard the rustling of the condom wrapper as Nick ripped it open. The anticipation almost killing Mercury.

Watching Nick rolling the condom over his cock, for a split second, Mercury panicked that he wouldn't be able to take it. Then he trusted that Nick would be gentle and thoughtful. He was in every other part of his life.

Nick positioned himself behind Mercury. The tip of Nick's cock already pressed on Mercury's hole. This had to be dealt with delicately.

"I'm ready," he said.

He gasped as Nick pushed. The head of his cock seemed way too big for Mercury. Yet, he was determined. Gripping the pillow, he relaxed his body.

Eventually, Mercury's body opened up and Nick slipped inside. He took it slowly, allowing Mercury to savour every inch.

Once totally inside, Nick kissed between Mercury's shoulder blades. They held that position for a moment. Mercury revelled in the connection.

Mercury moved his hips slowly, signalling to Nick it was okay. Taking the cue, Nick moved back and held on to Mercury's waist. Then his cock slid in and out of Mercury, slow bursts at first, leading to Nick taking longer strokes. Each time Nick's cock grazed Mercury's prostate, he moaned.

"Nick, that's fucking amazing."

The encouragement spurred Nick on. Gripping Mercury, he fucked him. The electricity shot up Mercury's spine and along his skull. He hadn't been like this for a long time.

Mercury gave himself up to Nick, totally.

"I'm not going to last long," Nick grunted.

Mercury reached underneath and took hold of his own dick. "You want me to come?"

"Oh fuck, do I?" Nick replied.

Nick hammered away behind him, sending bolts of pleasure ricocheting around Mercury's body. Mercury tugged at his own dick.

The orgasm was upon him in no time.

"Nick, I'm coming," he stammered.

The bed shook with Nick chasing his own split second of ultimate pleasure. Mercury's body tensed every muscle as the white-hot explosion came upon him. Arching his back, Mercury allowed the sensation to flow around his system. The release of his cum on the duvet like a wave crashing over him.

Once the aftershocks were subsiding, Nick cried out. Mercury reached behind and took hold of Nick's hand.

"Fuck, yes," Nick stammered.

Then he slowed. He licked the sweat from Mercury's spine. When Nick finally withdrew, Mercury's body felt incomplete.

He rolled onto his back and watched Nick get rid of the condom into the bin.

Nick grabbed his T-shirt from the floor and threw it over the mess Mercury had made before leaping onto the bed. He took Mercury in his arms.

"That was everything I thought it would be and more."

Mercury shifted to get on top of Nick. His tag grazed Nick's shin and he cried out.

"Shit, sorry. This fucking thing."

Nick laughed. "The downsides of sleeping with a master criminal."

"Sleep? The best you can hope for are cat naps," Mercury said, kissing Nick's neck. "I want to do everything with you."

They finally came up for air a little after lunchtime the next day.

"Let me take you out for lunch," Mercury said as he checked his hair in the mirror.

Nick came up and wrapped his arms around him. "I'm happy staying in."

Fuck we're a handsome couple. Just look at that reflection.

"We can make up for lost time when we get home," Mercury replied. "It's Saturday. Lunch with a few glasses of wine is mandatory in these parts."

Nick's body tensed.

"Nick?"

"I saw the other houses last night. This place is a long way from where I grew up."

Mercury turned to face him. "Listen to me. This is only a street. Most people are totally normal."

"Most?"

"Don't worry. My mother's away. I won't leave your side for a second."

"With a bodyguard as hot as you, why am I worried?"

Mercury kissed him.

"Exactly."

"Do I need to get changed?" Nick asked. "I don't know if anything I brought will be suitable."

Nick looked sensational in a short-sleeved olive shirt and khaki shorts. Mercury had opted for a black T-shirt and white shorts.

"You have no idea how sexy you are, do you?" Mercury asked. "You'll probably have a couple of modelling contracts by the time we get back."

Nick pulled him into a bear hug. "And you can tell them how wonderful I am at posing."

"Don't remind me."

Mercury wriggled free.

"Let's go then," Mercury said.

Outside, it was a glorious day. A few residents were in the gardens, including the Professor, who nearly gave himself whiplash watching Mercury and Nick walking along the little street.

Mrs Wimpole will be lying in wait when we get back. She won't let this moment pass.

"It's pretty gorgeous round here," Nick said, staring up at the houses. "I'm sure they're all watching us though."

"So what if they are?" Mercury asked, taking his hand. "You're with me. That's all that matters."

Nick squeezed his hand. "True words."

Mercury remembered his first experience at Bodhi House. That had been quite the culture shock. He hadn't allowed for Nick feeling the same way about where Mercury had grown up.

"A glass of wine will get rid of your nerves."

They wandered along the main street until they reached the top of Queens Parade, a little row of shops near to Mercury's house.

"This is nice," Nick said.

The cobbled street and artisan wares for sale impressed most people. It was also a pet project of Mrs Wimpole. Her granddaughter had set up a social media account that had seen the place grow in popularity.

Mercury was begrudgingly impressed, although at the time he'd been a little put out that Mrs Wimpole hadn't asked him to be involved.

The Bluebird Café had a few seats out on the pavement. Viggo, the waiter, flitted around.

"Hey, Viggo," Mercury said. "Any chance of a table?"

Viggo scanned around and pointed to one right on the curb. "They're going in a second," he said. "If you hover, you'll get it."

"Then hover we will."

Mercury led Nick over to the window of Home is Where the Heart Is.

"They have gorgeous stuff in here," Mercury explained.

The display was full of vases, pot plants, picture frames and mugs.

"Perhaps we might get you a new mug," Mercury suggested. "Instead of that monstrosity you insist on drinking out of."

"Hey," Nick said, pushing him. "I love that mug."

"I know."

In the reflection from the window, Mercury saw their quarry getting up.

"Quick," he said. "We have to pounce."

They turned and almost walked into Bobby.

"Mercury," Bobby exclaimed, throwing his arms around Mercury. "Wandering around in the real world? We haven't seen that for a while."

He appraised Nick. In fact, he looked him up and down in a totally obvious manner.

"And who do we have here?"

"Bobby, this is Nick."

They shook hands. "You have been a dark horse, Morrison. I thought you were spending all your time with the poor and destitute these days. Now I understand why you've been MIA."

Mercury felt Nick stiffen. Typical of Bobby to make such a crass remark.

"Well, don't let us keep you," Mercury said. "We need to grab that table."

Bobby, seemingly oblivious to the ice in Mercury's tone, clapped his hands together. "I may as well join you. I had intended on going to Bronson's for a croissant. I can do that any day."

This did not seem like a good move. Before Mercury could protest, Bobby had plonked himself in the empty chair. The other half of the couple hadn't even stood yet.

"Excuse me," she said.

"Of course," Bobby replied. "No rush."

Mercury shrugged at Nick.

The woman soon made off after her other half. Mercury and Nick took their seats.

"The Eggs Benedict are to die for here," Bobby said. "I'm having those and a flat white. I know I shouldn't have caffeine in this heat but sometimes one needs it. Me and Lotty went to Underground last night. I can't even remember what time I got home. Won't be long now until you're back with us. When do you have that infernal thing taken off your ankle?"

"Friday," Mercury said.

"Amazing. Nick, you'll have to join us. Now tell me everything about you. How did Mercury pick you up?"

"I didn't pick him up," Mercury replied before Nick formed his words. "I work for Nick at the House."

Bobby's face lit up. "Oh, I love it. So Notting Hill ."

Viggo came. "What can I get you?"

"Eggs Benny for me," Bobby said.

"I'll have smoked salmon and scrambled eggs," Mercury added.

"I expect you'll be wanting the bacon sandwich, Nick," Bobby cut in.

Mercury was not a violent man yet he could cheerfully shove Bobby off his chair.

"Avocado on toast, please," Nick said to Viggo, ignoring Bobby's comment.

"And three flat whites," Mercury added.

"Sure thing."

Viggo sped off. It must be horrific having to be that busy in such heat. Mercury would tip him handsomely.

"As you were saying," Bobby said. "I want to know everything."

"There's nothing to tell," Mercury replied. "What have you been up to?"

Bobby laughed. Unfortunately, when he did so he resembled a hyena, which drew stares from the other tables.

"Nice try. I've busted you and your bit of rough. I need all the deets."

Nick's eyes flared. "Rough?"

The carefree lunch in the sun Mercury had planned was evaporating before his eyes.

"Bobby," he said. "Don't talk like that. It's rude."

"Sorry, loves," Bobby replied. "I speak before I engage. You have to admit though, it's a bit clichéd."

Nick shook his head. "I told you it would be like this."

Mercury scowled at Bobby.

"Come on then," Bobby said. "How did you two get together?"

"It just happened," Mercury replied. "Now can we change the subject?"

Once again, Bobby looked Nick up and down.

"How is Lotty?" Mercury asked.

"She'll be spitting when she finds out I'm having lunch with you," Bobby said. "Fair's fair though. She got the incident. I get to meet the payoff."

This time, Nick leapt to his feet making the table shake. "You're lucky we're in a public place."

He threw his napkin down and set off toward the main road.

"You wanker," Mercury said to Bobby, getting to his feet also.

"What?"

"You know very well what."

He grabbed his bag.

"What about the food?" Bobby wailed.

"You can pay for it, you piece of shit. For your information, Nick is a human being. Who the fuck do you think you are, speaking to him like that?"

Bobby fanned himself with his napkin. "Go and chase after your distraction, Mercury. I'll see you around. When you tire of him."

"I really don't think you will."

Mercury ran up the street after Nick.

Fuck Bobby and his vicious tongue. The news would be all over Kensington by nightfall and Mercury found he really didn't care.

He caught up to Nick.

"Hey, where are you going?"

"I think it's best if I get the tube home. You can bring my stuff on Monday."

Mercury grabbed Nick's arm, stopping him.

"Bobby is a twat. Pure and simple. I used to find it funny. Now…well, now it's just pathetic."

To his horror, Nick was on the verge of tears. "This world isn't mine, Mercury."

"That's bullshit and an easy cop out. I wouldn't have imagined the House to be my world six weeks ago. Now I'm like a pig in shit. You have to try, Nick. Not with Bobby, of course. He can eat all the eggs and fuck his cholesterol up for all I care. Please, don't go."

Nick seemed to relax.

"Fine, I won't. Can we have lunch at yours, though?"

"You bet," Mercury replied.

He drew Nick in and embraced him. Over Nick's shoulder, he saw Bobby chattering away into his mobile.

Never mind Nick, it was Mercury who suddenly felt like a fish out of water.

He held Nick's hand tightly as they made their way home to Queens Crescent.

"You don't have to grip so hard," Nick said. "The danger of my absconding has passed."

"I like holding your hand."

"I like the blood circulation to my fingers."

Mercury relaxed a little. "Sorry. I panicked when I saw you storm off."

Nick sighed. "You have to know the odds are stacked against us. Neither of our worlds are going to understand the other."

They both reared back as Mrs Wimpole came out of the gardens like she'd been fired out of a cannon. Her poor Yorkshire terrier, Parkin, had to trot furiously to keep up.

"Mercury," she called.

"Oh fuck," Mercury muttered. "Why did I think it a good idea to leave the safety of my bedroom?"

"Who's this?"

Mercury didn't have time to answer as his neighbour was upon them.

"I haven't seen you for a little while," she said. "I wondered how things were coming along?"

Once more Mercury realised he had Nick's hand in a death grip.

"Great, thank you, Mrs Wimpole."

"That's wonderful to hear. I knew you would be marvellous. Is the person in charge happy with your work?"

Mercury glanced at Nick. "Why don't you ask him yourself? Mrs Wimpole, this is Nick Campbell, the manager of Bodhi House."

Her face lit up. "I'm very pleased to meet you. Why don't you boys come and join the Professor and I in the gardens? The Professor has made his famous fruit punch and I'd love to hear all about what you have been up to."

She prised Mercury's hand away from Nick's and took hold herself, steering him toward the gate she had come from.

Poor Mercury had little choice but to follow in their wake.

This is really going to see him off.