Chapter Nine

L inc wanted to lift his head up and howl his anguish to the skyor at least to Arthurs roof. There was a gaping hole in his chest where his heart should be. Certainly, it still beat. His blood pumped through his body. He breathed, but it all seemed rather overrated in his estimation, perhaps even unnecessary at the moment.

Jo was married.

What do we do now?

Arthurs question still rang in his ears as Linc turned his attention to the devastated man. Bloody hell . There was no time to wallow in his own mire of self-pity. Arthur was in much more agony over this. The man had puffed himself up to marry the woman, only to be burst like an over-inflated balloon.

Letting out a sigh, Linc slapped his friend on the shoulder and nudged him down the corridor toward the mans study. We drink, Arthur. That is what we shall do now.

Determined to numb the pain of loss, Linc splashed two healthy portions of whisky into the cut crystal tumblers that matched the decanter sitting on the sideboard. He handed one to Arthur and took one for himself. They each stood there a moment, awkwardly staring at each other, clearly at a loss for any kind of toast or, more aptly, any words of wisdom.

Fuck it, Linc murmured and then tossed back the contents of the glass.

Arthur followed suit and grabbed the decanter to refill their drinks. They quickly took refuge on the sofa in front of the roaring fire and proceeded to get soused.

It was sometime laterprecisely how long he was not sure, for Linc had lost track of time. They sat there working their way through another bottle of whisky after having finished off the partially filled decanter earlier. He looked over at Arthur and couldnt help but smile. The man was far too handsome for his own good. Dark to Lincs own light, they were a study in contrasts. Whereas he was known for laughs and fun, Arthur was more serious. Whereas he went his own way and did as he pleased, Arthur tended to get along with everyone, ever the charming companion.

And despite all that, Linc found the man deeply attractive. Hed have never acted on it were it not for their interludes with Jo, but now he couldnt but help but need Arthur. Need his touch. His cock stirred with interest.

Arthur sat low on the couch, sprawled in a slightly depressed but despotic pose that nonetheless held an air of command. As though he were a powerful man who had been thwarted. It was a rather enticing display, if Linc were honest with himself.

Suddenly, his companion lurched to his feet with a roar and smashed his glass into the fire. They had long ago shed the civility of their coats and waistcoats, sitting in their rolled-up shirtsleeves.

The mans corded forearms pressed against the mantle as he rested his forehead on them. We were too fucking slow! Too sure of ourselves and the outcome.

Linc shrugged. How were we to know her father was bastard enough to sell her out from under us?

Arthur snorted. Because she told us, you fool. She told us hed threatened to use her younger sister in her place if she didnt cooperate. He cursed and spun around. But instead of running for Gretna or riding directly to his house and demanding her hand in marriage, we made love to her together, we waited until the next morning to attempt to secure her hand.

Linc unfolded from the couch. I dare say we calmed down the distraught woman we care deeply for, and went to call on her father in a civilized manner. We played by the rules Society has. In this case, it was to our detriment. He set his whisky on the mantle and laid a comforting hand on Arthurs shoulder, trying to ignore the feel of the muscles playing under his fingers, the way they bunched and loosened as the clock ticked relentlessly in the background.

A hard glint came into Arthurs glassy gaze. He swayed for a moment, not quite steady on his feet. Im done living by Societys strictures. All it has ever brought me is heartache.

Before Linc could say a word Arthur had reached for him, hauled him into his arms as their lips crashed together.

It was a heady kiss. A heady, drunken kissbut for a few moments, Linc could say his heart ached a little less. Arthur seemed to feel the same way as he pressed the kiss deeper, his tongue exploring Lincs mouth with a rapacious persistence that had his cock standing up and taking notice.

Linc moved his hands from Arthurs waist to the front of his shirt, opening the buttons one at a time, very slowly. Once he finally had skin exposed, he reached inside to run his hands over the mans chest. Linc enjoyed the softness of a womans body, but the feel of all Arthurs muscles enticed in a very different way. Watching him chop wood had only highlighted how much he appreciated the differences.

Pulling his shirt off over his head, they barely stopped kissing. Linc took care of his own shirt as Arthur seemed too focused on exploring his mouth to manage any clothing.

Skin to skin, Linc pressed closer to him, letting their hard cocksand they were both hard as steelgrind together. The friction was a delicious torment he could stand for only so long before he needed more.

Breaking their kiss, he dropped to his knees in front of Arthur and opened the mans trousers. Reaching inside, he pulled out the mans weighty cock and stroked it with one hand as he rubbed his own through the fabric of his pants. Arthur stood there with his head tipped back and eyes closed, clearly lost in the sensations.

Arthur, look at me, Linc gave the explicit command. He needed the other man to be with him in the moment. He refused to let him pretend this was someone else sucking his cock.

Arthur looked down and offered a small smile. The first hed seen from him in hours.

Then Linc swallowed the head of Arthurs cock into his mouth, taking the salty, sweet tang of the dripping pre-cum with it. He was greedy for more, never wanting this moment to end. Taking him deep into his mouth then his throat, he reveled in the masculine groan he ripped from Arthurs chest.

Oh, God Linc. Arthurs hand sunk into his hair as he palmed his head.

Satisfaction that his man understood who was loving him settled in Lincs chest as he continued to work the barons length. Soon the mans hips were thrusting into his face, matching the rhythm hed set. Pushing Arthurs undergarments down further, he exposed his balls and gently cupped them as he continued to suck his cock.

Then Linc pulled away, suddenly unwilling to end things so soon. He wanted more from him: wanted to feel him wrapped around his cock as he sank deep into his tight arse.

Rising to his feet, he grabbed Arthurs neck and hauled him in for a kiss. Their tongues twined as they dueled for control. It was a battle of wills that he wouldnt lose, not this time.

When Linc had wrestled him into submission, he finally broke off the kiss. Drawing his lips along Arthurs stubbled jaw, he murmured, I want to fuck you.

Arthurs breath hitched, but he didnt respond.

For a moment, Linc wondered if he might be pushing the man too hard, that he didnt feel what he did.

But then Arthur hissed his response, Yes.

Lincs gut tightened in excitement. Hed thought about taking Arthurs arse so many times as theyd all cavorted at The Market. Now he would have the opportunity to sink into him. Here or your bedchamber?

Arthur cast his gaze around the room for a moment before refocusing on him. My bedchamber. I dont think I have the needed supplies here.

Linc nodded. Lead the way.

Arthur bent down and drew up his trousers before closing them enough that they could walk through the house without utterly shocking any of the staff, should they run in to anyone. Quietly, they made their way through the townhouse and up the stairs, Lincs heart hammering. Within moments he would be sunk so deep into this gorgeous man that

They had just stepped inside Arthurs bedchamber when his valet appeared. Can I assist you with your The words ceased as he took in their shirtless states.

No, thank you, Travers. We came up here in search of a Arthur seemed to draw a blank on why on earth the two men were approaching the masters bedchamber.

Youre sauced! We came to taste the particular bottle of whisky you keep in your room, remember? Linc stepped around Arthur and chuckled a little.

Yes. Arthur recovered with a shy grin. Its a particularly good bottle. Travers, you may find your own bed when you are ready. I shall be fine on my own tonight.

Travers looked slightly aggrieved at his dismissal. If he was anything like Lincs valet, he was very particular about what happened to his masters clothing when he removed them. Clearly knowing Arthur was likely to leave what few items he still wore strewn about at best, crumpled on the floor at worst, had the valet in an unhappy state.

Alone again, with the door of Arthurs bedchamber firmly shut, Linc wasted no time in re-engaging where theyd left off. Lips and tongues tangled once more, he worked Arthurs trousers back open and then down his thighs. Next went his underwear, which wholly impeded his progress in almost as annoying a fashion as a ladys corset.

With Arthur stripped, Linc broke the kiss. Grab the salve and climb on the bed.

Not yet. Arthur reached for the front of Lincs trousers and opened the first button.

Linc pushed his hands away. If you touch my cock right now, Ill not make it inside your tight arse and I really, really want to be inside you. So grab the bloody salve and get on the bed and do what youre told.

With a soft grunt of annoyance, Arthur went to his bedside table and pulled out a jar before being obedient and clambering onto the bed.

Satisfied his direction was being followed, Linc turned his focus to his own clothes and quickly shed them. He stood at the foot of the bed and looked at Arthurs well molded physique. The man was no athlete, but he was put together quite well, and his newly formed muscles were taking shape in a way that had been garnering Lincs notice for the last couple of months. On your hands and knees, please.

The man rolled over and lifted into position, causing his muscles to flex and bunch.

Linc bit back a groan of delight.

Please, fuck me, Linc. I need to feel something other than this misery. Arthurs voice had just enough of a pleading tone to push Lincs desires harder.

Linc crawled on the bed behind him and took the globe of each cheek in his hands. Do you know how long Ive admired your arse? Wanted to sink into it? He leaned over and bit one, causing Arthur to jerk at the unexpected nip.

No, and I dont bloody care at the moment. I need you. Now. Arthur pushed back into Lincs hands as though trying to urge him to get on with it.

Arthur, slow down. This is your first time, isnt it? Linc needed to be sure. He suspected, but he needed to confirm. He had to make this good for Arthur.

Y-Yes, but it doesnt matter. I need you inside me, Arthur urged, his voice rough with desire.

But Linc refused to rush. He planned to enjoy this moment, to linger in the connection; not just because it dulled the pain of their loss, but because he wanted Arthur in his own right. Even without Jo in their life, he still wanted the other man.

Slowly, he opened the jar and scooped some of the salve out. Taking the dollop, he dropped it between Arthurs cheeks and then rubbed over the crinkled hole before he sank a finger inside. As the heat and tightness engulfed his digit, he doubted if hed survive breaching Arthurs arse without spilling early.

Oh shit, Linc. Arthur moaned.

Thats just one finger, Arthur. There is so much more to come, so much more. Are you ready?