Chapter Thirteen

A Few Days Later

L inc strode into The Market and looked around the main salons. Arthur was nowhere to be found, but that didnt exactly surprise him. They had agreed to meet at midnight and it was only a few minutes past eleven. Linc had been restless sitting in his rooms, watching the clock. He thought at least here he could find some distraction, either in the form of socializing with the ladies or in a card game. He had no particular preference for which, just that the time pass less slowly.

Before he allowed himself to be diverted, he sought out Madame du Pompadours right-hand man. Good evening, Phillippe.

Good evening, my lord. Phillippe bowed. How may I be of service?

Can you arrange the Blue Room for Dunmere and I? We may send down for a few of the girls as well once were settled. Linc staunchly tried to ignore the fluttering in his stomach. He would not be nervous about this meeting . Its not as if Arthur had told him to be on his way. He wouldve carried on with a stiff upper lip like the good Englishman he was.

But that hadnt been the case. At least not yet. Arthur had agreed to meet here. That had to mean he intended to carry on. Good God, he hoped so!

Very good, my lord. Phillippe bowed again and hustled off to see to the requested arrangements.

Nearly an hour later, as Linc folded on yet another losing handhe was far too distracted to be playing cardsthe very person who was drawing his focus waltzed into the card room. Arthur was looking very dapper in his black evening suit with a swallow-tail coat, black waistcoat, white shirt, and white tie. Never mind the fact that every other man in the room, including himself, wore the exact same evening dress.

If you will excuse me, gentlemen. Linc stood as the other men at the card table nodded and bid him good evening. He crossed to the bar where Arthur was ordering a drink. Excellent timing. I required a reason to step away from that table and cease my losses.

Happy to be of service. Arthur picked up the glass the bartender had placed before him and saluted Linc. Other than a few losses, how has the rest of your night been?

Interminable. Linc opted for honesty.

Arthur chuckled. I felt every tick of the clock like a physical touch. Tap. Tap. Tap. Midnight could not come soon enough. Why did we think this was a good time to meet?

Linc laughed. I was a bloody fool. I have no idea what I was thinking. Shall we head upstairs to talk? I reserved the Blue Room when I arrived earlier.

They chatted about the latest gossip as they climbed the stairs, keeping the conversation light. When they were finally alone, Linc poured himself a drink, repressing the urge to immediately taste Arthur once again. Drinks in hand, they finally sat down in the two wing chairs by the fire.

I suppose we should come to terms about this arrangement between us.

Agreed. Arthur took a deep breath. You need to understand right from the start, at some point, I shall have to marry. I have a title to pass on.

Understood. Not everyone is in the position I am. Im perfectly happy passing my title on to my cousin or his heirs, eventually. Linc took a sip of his drink.

Arthur nodded. For now, it may be easiest if we meet here. II dont wish to put either of our staffs in a difficult position.

Linc considered the suggestion for a moment. That makes sense. Eventually we may find it more convenient to meet at one of our homes, but for now I see the sense in your suggestion. Id also like to suggest we leave the door open to sharing a woman as we did with Jo. If we meet someone we both care for, we might find the arrangement works for us.

Im afraid I am not prepared to open up to a woman like that again. At least for now, Id rather the two of us find our footing first. Then we could consider bringing in someone if we found her to be as perfect for both of us as Jo seemed. As I said, I will need to marry. Arthur shrugged and took a long drink from his glass. I know there is this attraction between us. There is no denying it. But I feel I should warn you off of any emotional entanglements. I simply must marry, my bloodline demands it. Once I do, I fully intend to commit to the marriage.

Linc stuffed down the disappointment rearing up inside. Arthur was right; it made little sense to allow emotional entanglements. They could enjoy each other. They were friends. But that was all it could ever be, nothing beyond the physical. Understood and agreed.

Arthur grunted his response and drained his glass. Then he stood up and stretched before he removed his coat. Can I get you a refill?

Linc looked at his still half-full tumbler. Im good, I thank you. I want a clear head for what comes next.

Agreed. Arthur pulled a cigar out of his pocket and held it out toward Linc. A smoke then?

Linc shook his head. No, thank you. His father had enjoyed cigars, and he still liked the pungent aroma, but it was not a habit he had ever indulged. He supposed it was better than Arthur having another drink. The man seemed to be indulging more lately, between the loss of Jo and the strain between them. Hopefully that would change soon.

He sensed a certain tension building in the room now they were agreed on terms. Sitting and watching Arthur, Lincs arms and legs vibrated with a restlessness he could only attribute to desire. Perhaps also a bit of nervousness. Arthur had an air of confidence Linc had noticed more and more in the rest of his life. Now it seemed to be spilling over into Arthurs intimate moments, and Linc found it damned attractive. A commanding presence that seemed to draw him in and hold him captive.

He would never have described himself as the submissive type. Hed been a lord for far too long, and though he was not perhaps as dominant as Stone, he certainly was one to state his needs and expectations without hesitation. This feeling of wanting to serve Arthur, at least in a sexual capacity, felt strange. Strange, but not unwelcome.

Arthur moved to lean against the chair with his cigar still unlit in his hand. Strip for me, Linc.

The vibration in Lincs limbs became a full-on quiver as he stood up, excitement thrumming through him. He commenced removing his clothing, letting Arthur watch.

His lover spoke. I watched you from across various ballrooms for weeks, all the while wishing your clothing to perdition.

It was too bad you kept your distance for so long. Linc let one brow lift, punctuating his rebuke. But I suppose this more imposing version of you may be my recompense for all that silent suffering.

Arthur barked out a laugh. When have you ever been silent about a bloody thing?

Linc flashed a smile, the devil inside him rearing its head. I bit my tongue bloody every time I stood there watching you sweep some chit around the ballroom while I wished we could be alone again. He removed his shirt and tossed it over the chair. He cursed himself mentally for the near emotional slip. Arthur was right, he needed to hold himself back or he would be hurt. I most certainly kept my lascivious thoughts to myself as I remembered how it felt to fall to my knees and suck your cock. I most definitely did not share with anyone how I wished it was youre your hand wrapped around me when I lay in bed alone stroking my cock.

Arthur cursed as he set his unlit cigar down and closed the distance between them just as Linc dropped his last bit of clothing to the floor. Their mouths fused as their tongues met and tangled. A low moan escaped from him as Arthur gripped his cock and stroked, though he managed to maintain enough focus to work the buttons on Arthurs waistcoat. Once he had that open Linc pushed it off his shoulders, momentarily disrupting the maddening stroke of the hand on his cock. Then he unfastened his lovers trousers and pushed them past his hips. With Arthurs cock freed, Linc dropped to his knees and took him hungrily in his mouth.

He relished the way Arthur filled his mouth, pushing into his throat; the way Arthur thrust in and out, taking him as his hand sank into his hair. It was highly erotic and made him want to take more.

But then Arthur withdrew. I have plans that do not include my coming down your throatnot tonight.

Linc smiled. He sincerely hoped Arthurs plan aligned with his own needs, but he supposed hed live if they didnt.

On the bed, on your elbows and knees. Arthurs directions were crisp, but held a hint of the strain it was causing him to shift their positions.

Linc complied, lowering his head and elbows to the mattress as he waited for Arthur to join him.

He didnt wait for long before he felt the heat of Arthur closing in behind him. His balls drew up in anticipation as he waited for a touch. Any touch.

Then he felt it. The soft caress of a fingertip as it traced between his arse cheeks. He took a shallow breath and savored the gentle touch, the way his entrance clenched in need.

The finger returned, this time cool with salve as his lover pushed past the tight ring of his muscle. Linc quivered with pleasure as Arthurs digit slowly sank inside him. It was wonderful, wonderful and not nearly enough.

But patience would serve his ends far better than trying to hurry the man.

I love the way your heat engulfs my finger. It makes me crave that same sensation around my cock. Arthurs voice was raspy, as if he hadnt spoken in months.

Yes, Linc hissed in response. God, he wanted that, too.

Arthur chuckled and withdrew his finger before pushing back inside Linc with what felt like a second finger. Once deep inside him, Linc spread his two fingers, causing the ring of muscle to stretch, pulling out, stretching him wider and wider. The burn was delicious and had Linc whimpering in pleasure. When he pushed back in, it was with yet another finger. He moaned as he took them and still craved more.

Thats it. Open for me, Arthur murmured as he worked them in and out.

Please, Linc groaned. I need you inside me. Need to feel youyou filling me up. Stretching me.

Fuck, Arthur cursed as he pulled his fingers free of Lincs body. I wanted to take my time with you, but now all I can think about is being inside of you.

Linc felt the pressure of Arthurs cock as he pressed against his rear entrance. His body stretched, the burning sensation melding into the pleasure as the darkly handsome man slid inside him. Did precisely as hed asked. God yes!

Arthur thrust his hips, thrusting in and out of Linc and causing the most delicious friction. Then he pushed deep on random strokes, hitting that spot deep inside him that caused fireworks to spark.

That deep penetration, combined with the feel of Arthurs big hands gripping his hips as he plunged inside him, had Linc fighting for control. He didnt want this to be over too soon. He wanted to revel in the sensations this man stirred deep within him. He wanted to feel this forever.

So tight, Linc. Arthur growled. So. Hot. Around. My. Cock. Each word was punctuated by a deep sudden advance.

I haventLinc gasped, going the words could change everythingbeen fucked since you.

Arthur groaned behind him and thrust harderand on a powerful stroke, Linc exploded. He came hard and long as Arthur reached around to stroke his cock for him. With the last of his pleasure being wrung from him, he fought to stay up on his knees.

Only then did Arthur set up a fast pace, pounding into him until his own orgasm came in a shout of pleasure. Finally, they collapsed onto the bed in a heap of limbs.

My god I missed youthis, I mean, Arthur murmured as he remained buried in Lincs arse.

Missed you too, Linc muttered and then held his breath for a moment before slowly releasing it.

It seemed this not being emotionally invested business was going to be much harder for both of them than they realized.