Chapter Thirteen

Evans Jewelry Store, downtown Classige, Pruluce.

 

“This is it.” Sebastian held the ring up toward the light one last time. The sapphires sparkled and the platinum shone so bright it was blinding. It was big and masculine yet elegant. Colton was going to love it. The horseshoe shape was perfect, and blue was his favorite color. Sebastian had expected to come get a simple wedding band, but instead he’d found this ring. It was as though it were made just for Colton. “Wrap it up. I’ll take it.” Sebastian handed the ring back to the jeweler. Today was going to be a good day.

“Very well, milord. Good choice,” the jeweler commented.

Rourke leaned against the glass display case and crossed his arms over his chest. “What’s wrong with a signet ring as a wedding band? Most men give their consorts a signet ring to celebrate their new title.” He frowned and glanced down at Sebastian’s hand. “Speaking of… Why don’t you wear one? I know at one time you and Hastings both had one. It was your wedding ring.”

Sebastian shrugged. “I’ve no idea where it is.” Furthermore, he didn’t care. He used the royal guards seal when he needed one to seal the wax on his correspondence. “You know I could care less about the viscountcy.”

“Right.” Rourke held his hand up and admired his gold signet ring, with his crest cut into a square emerald. The Duke of Knighton’s crest held a shield with a knight’s helmet, lance and some vines twined around the letter R for the last name Rourke. But along with the Knighton crest, which was on all the members of the Rourke family’s rings, it contained a dagger at the bottom of the shield, Rourke’s own unique emblem he was given at birth. “I wish I had my parents’ and brother’s rings.” They’d been lost at sea with the bodies.

Sebastian didn’t know what to say. What was it like to have such a long and proud heritage? Rourke got melancholy when his family was mentioned. Fortunately, the jeweler came back with the boxed ring, sparing Sebastian.

“Here you are, milord.” The jeweler handed Sebastian the open box. “I’ll charge your account?”

“Yes, please.” Sebastian closed the box and tossed it to Rourke. “You’ll do the honor of being my best man again, I assume?”

Rourke caught the box and stuffed it in his coat pocket. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Sebastian opened the door, holding it for Rourke. He followed the duke outside, and they headed toward the public stables where they’d left their horses.

It was a nice day. The snow had let up, and even though the cold lingered, the sun was shining and the streets were full. The smell of fresh cinnamon and buttercream drifted past them, along with a hawker’s call of “Fresh cinnamon buns, bagels and tarts.”

Today was the big day. It was an impossibility to be as ignorantly happy as he’d been on his first wedding day, but he was pleased. He’d come a long way from the idiotic twenty-two-year-old he’d been then and had a much healthier sense of reality instead of a fairytale vision. He wasn’t looking for love in this marriage, but he was certain he’d be happy.

“You look deep in thought.” Rourke contemplated him. “Nervous?”

“No.”

Watching where he was going once again, Rourke said, “I seem to remember you being a wreck the last time.”

Who wouldn’t have been? “Get married in Regelence Royal Cathedral in front of four hundred people and see if you don’t have a slight attack of anxiety.”

“No, thank you. Frankly, I’m wondering if it would really be so bad to let my cousin inherit the title.” Rourke shuddered.

Chuckling, Sebastian shook his head. “You’ve no intention of allowing your cousin to inherit Knighton and you know it.”

Rourke sighed and waved his hand. “Doesn’t matter. We’re discussing you. Are you happy?”

“Oddly, I am. I hadn’t planned to marry again, but I rather like Colton.”

Rourke smirked. “If I didn’t know you were completely serious, I would laugh. But since you are, I’ll just say good. I am quite certain you did not like Wentworth. Lusted after, admired, even envied, but you didn’t like him. But then, he was not a likeable fellow in my opinion.”

No, he hadn’t been. Too bad it had taken Sebastian awhile to realize that. “Is this where you say I tried to tell you…?”

“No, this is where I say I approve of your choice this time around. So go on a wedding trip, enjoy yourself and leave everything here to me.”

If only it were that simple. “I cannot leave until Jenkins is found.” Not to mention, Colton would probably balk at the idea. He was about to break ground with the stables.

“I was afraid you were going to say that. At least take a day or two off. I can handle things at the castle.”

He supposed he could take a day. Yes, a day with nothing but Colton to do sounded rather nice. He squinted against the glare of the sun. A soft breeze caught his hair, tickling his ear. Perhaps that was a good omen. It had been storming the last time he’d gotten married.

They passed three parked lifts and a vender selling oranges. As they walked into the stables, Sebastian revised his opinion on what kind of day it was going to be.

Barnaby Plume came out of the stall next to Max. He caught sight of Sebastian and snarled. “Well, well, aren’t the reprobates up early this morning. Just headed home from carousing?” He leaned his arm against the stall and turned to face Sebastian and Rourke.

“Sod off, Plume.” Rourke sneered as he retrieved his horse.

Plume smiled. “How very rude, Your Grace. Been taking lessons from Wentworth and his little prince?” The words Wentworth and prince might as well have been synonymous with pond scum the way Plume said them.

Heat suffused Sebastian’s face and neck, but he refused to take the bait. He unhooked the rope closing off the stall he’d let for Max.

Max ambled out toward him.

“You know I was talking to my sire yesterday evening and— Hmm…” Plume tapped his chin and glanced at the ceiling. “Now where was I going with that? Oh yes…” One side of Plume’s mouth lifted. “Keep tight rein on your prince or you may both suffer an even bigger scandal.”

A pain lodged in Sebastian’s throat, making it impossible to swallow. He kept from gasping but just barely. There was something about the twinkle in Plume’s eye. He knows. Why else would he mention his sire? Leo Plume, Viscount-Consort Leith, despised Sebastian. It was a threat. It had to be. A wave of dizziness overcame Sebastian as he took Max’s reins and tossed them over Max’s head.

Sebastian hoisted himself into the saddle, striving for an outer calm he wasn’t close to feeling at the moment. Reining Max into Plume, Sebastian sat up tall in the saddle. With any luck Max would blow snot on the weasel.

When Max crowded Plume against the next stall, Plume blanched and tensed up.

Sebastian leaned over to see around Max’s head. “Don’t threaten me, Plume. You may not like what you get in return.”

Rourke rode up beside him and stopped.

Sebastian glanced at him then forward. “Kch, kch.” He nudged Max’s flanks.

“Ow. Oh. Ow. Bloody hell. My foot.” Plume hopped and reached for his foot.

Smiling, Sebastian petted Max.

As they cleared the stable, Rourke looked back over his shoulder. “Did that sniveling arsehead just threaten you and Colton?”

“Apparently.” And it scared the hell out of Sebastian. A physical attack he could handle, but having his past laid bare? It terrified him. He forced himself to relax his grip on the reins and unclenched his jaw. Plume’s family had as much to lose as Sebastian did by unburying the past.

“I say we kill him.”

Startled, Sebastian glanced at his friend.

Rourke’s expression was blank, no-nonsense, the look in his eyes steady and pointed. He was completely serious.

It was why the man was his best friend. Rourke didn’t ask what it was about—it didn’t matter—but he was willing to kill to protect people he cared about.

Sebastian grinned and some of his tension dissolved. “I don’t think the authorities will like that. He hasn’t done anything but run his mouth.” And Sebastian was fairly certain Plume wouldn’t cut off his nose to spite his face. Plume would keep his silence.

“As an elite royal guard and captain of the royal guards, I believe that makes us the authorities.”

Sebastian laughed. “So we are. Do you think it’s an abuse of power?”

“Not if no one knows we did it.”

And they were good enough to make certain no one did. They’d done it more than once in their time in the RSR. In and out like ghosts.

“I doubt he has the balls to try anything else.” At least Sebastian hoped.

They rode on for several minutes talking about nothing in particular. By the time they arrived at the castle, most of Sebastian’s good mood was restored even if a bit of uneasiness lingered.

A few horses milled about close to the castle. Colton’s spoiled-rotten filly was among them. The grooms must be cleaning stalls. As he and Rourke drew closer, she caught sight of Sebastian and loped toward them through the snow. She truly was a beauty.

“I have to thank you by the way,” Rourke said.

“For what?”

“I rather enjoy working again.”

Apollonia drew up beside Sebastian and began snuffling at his arm. Max for the most part ignored her. However, she gave Sebastian no choice but to acknowledge her.

Sebastian petted Apollonia. What if…? He chuckled. That was brilliant. “Brat, you just gave me the most excellent idea.”

“What?” Rourke looked at him.

“I was talking to the horse.”

“Um…okay?”

“Yes. More than okay. Come on.” Sebastian heeled Max’s flanks, and they took off in a run. He had plans to make. Plans that would make Colton happy.

 

 

“Are you ready?”

Colton turned from his intense study of the canopy over his bed to find his father standing at his door. He was more than ready. He’d been lying here with his legs dangling off the foot of the bed since Aiden left some ten minutes ago. It wasn’t long really, but having only his thoughts for company was not a good thing. Every disastrous wedding scenario imaginable had played out in his head.

Colton rose from the bed, grabbed his morning coat and met Father at the door. “I’m ready. The priest is here?”

“Yes.” Father offered his arm as Colton closed the door.

“Who else is here?” He took his father’s arm and followed down the hall.

“Knighton and Mr. Towers. Towers is one of Sebastian’s ex-RSR teammates and our newest bodyguard.” Father stared at him with an odd look on his face. “Are you sure you want to do this?” He stopped them and turned to face Colton fully. He buttoned Colton’s morning coat and adjusted his cravat.

Colton leaned forward and kissed his father on the cheek. He actually had to bend down a little. He was taller than his father now, but only by a few inches. “Yes.”

Father wrapped his arms around Colton and hugged him tight, squeezing him almost to the point of pain. “I’d never want you to marry if you weren’t certain. I’m sorry if I pressured you by making that announcement. I just—” He pulled back, clasping Colton’s biceps and meeting his gaze. “I thought I was helping. He’s what you always wanted, and I wanted to make you happy. But your expression when I announced the wedding—” He shook his head. “Are you certain, son? If not, I’ll go downstairs right now and call this whole thing off. We’ll deal with the fallout. I don’t want you to worry about that. I don’t want that to be the reason you’re going through with this. What I want from you is to know if this is truly what you want and if you’re going to be happy. If it’s not, it needs to be stopped.”

Colton’s vision blurred as tears welled in his eyes. He looked up, trying to get his emotions under control. “I don’t want it stopped, Father.” He took a deep breath and glanced back down at his parent. Something in Father’s gaze, so full of love, made Colton wistful…sad. He missed those days when he’d sit on Father’s lap as he worked, or when he’d snuggle with Cony in front of the fire while Father read to them. How many times had his father and his sire carried him to bed after he’d fallen asleep somewhere in the castle playing with his brothers?

Colton hadn’t thought of those things in years, but suddenly he couldn’t help but mourn the loss of those much simpler days. “I never considered how hard it’d be to leave all of you. Do you know I was okay this morning until Everett reminded me I’d no longer be living here? After he mentioned packing my things, I got a stomachache. It didn’t let up until Rexley and Aiden came to see me. It’s still not gone entirely.”

“I always jest about your Cony wanting all of you kids and me trying to talk him out of it, but you do know that’s not true, don’t you? We both wanted all of you, and it’s something we’ve never regretted regardless how we tease.” Tears welled in Father’s eyes, and he too had to look up to stop them from flowing. “I love you, Colton. As much as I want you boys to be happy, I hate you not being here with me. I can’t tell you how happy I was to gain Nate and Jeremy rather than lose Aiden. It nearly killed me to let Payton go back to Englor. At least I know you’re going to be near, and I’ll see you often. Talking to Payton every other night on televid just isn’t the same.” A tear dripped down his cheek, and he dashed it away with a chuckle. “As long as I live, you’ll always have a place here. If you ever need me—”

“I know where you are.” Colton smiled and hugged his father to keep from crying. “You know if you ever need me, I’m here for you too.”

Father laughed. “Indeed I do. Come, let’s go get you married. I rather like Sebastian.”

“I rather like him too.” His father’s acceptance and love made Colton feel much better.

They made it to the main staircase and Father said, “Maybe you’ll even take pity on me and give me a grandchild I can see every day. Galaxy knows Aiden and Nate aren’t in any hurry.”

A knot formed in Colton’s stomach. So much for his bellyache going away. “You’re not helping my nerves.” He hadn’t even thought about kids. He had his hands full with Apollonia. Did Sebastian want kids? He’d never had any with his first husband. Of course he must want them at some point. He needed an heir. “I’ll make you a deal. Lay off me about grandchildren for a couple of years, and I’ll help you guilt Aiden into having one.” Not really. Even though he was fairly certain Nate was ready and even wanted another child, Aiden most definitely did not. Colton would never pressure his brother over something so serious, and apparently his brother-in-law felt the same way because he always put a stop to any talk of procreating where Aiden was concerned. At least in Aiden’s presence.

“Deal. Tell me…what did you and Aiden do to your Cony?”

Colton wasn’t sure what made him do it. Maybe it was revenge for his father making him miss his childhood and nearly reducing him to tears, but— “Aiden decided to talk to me about sex. Only he didn’t want to actually talk, so he showed me some sketches. They were quite beautiful. You know how incredibly talented Aiden is.” He cleared his throat, trying not to smirk. “The piece Cony saw was of two men. One had only the head of his—”

“Never mind! I get the idea.”

“But, Father, I haven’t finished telling you about the sketch. The one man was bent over the other’s back slightly and his pe—”

“Colton Edward Townsend.” Father slapped a hand over Colton’s mouth.

Colton tried to hold back his laughter, he really did, but the only thing it accomplished was to make his shoulders shake and his eyes water.

“Shame on you both.” Father’s lips twitched. “No wonder your Cony looked as though he’d seen a ghost.”

Wiping away tears of mirth, Colton composed himself. He wondered if he could commission Aiden to paint him a piece like the ones he’d seen. The shock value alone would be well worth the cost. “Oh, but that wasn’t the best part. I suspect Cony’s reaction was due to the noticeable depiction of Nate’s wedding band on the hand gripping the other man’s arse.”

Father groaned, and his cheeks blazed as bright as Cony’s had. “You’re an evil evil child.” The humor in his voice made it crack a bit. “You best be glad you’re going to Wentworth Park tonight else I’d ground you for the rest of your life for putting that image in my head.”

Leaning his head against his father’s, Colton laughed louder while his father mumbled about bratty children and having nightmares of his children doing such intimate things.

As they made their way to the foyer, Sebastian stepped out of the parlor.

The laughter froze in Colton’s throat.

Sebastian was so handsome it took Colton’s breath away. He wore black trousers and a black morning coat. His waistcoat was silver. His sable hair was windblown as usual, but he was freshly shaven. And he had the most beautiful smile on his face Colton had ever seen. The smile even made his eyes sparkle. Sebastian almost never showed that much joy. His normal look was one of boredom. He’s really here. He does want to marry me.

Sebastian met them at the foot of the stairs and offered his arm to Colton. “What’s so funny?”

“It’s nothing. I’ll tell you later.” Or maybe not. Such a conversation with Sebastian would be embarrassing. Heat rose up Colton’s neck. Tonight he’d be expected to actually do the thing he didn’t want to describe. The prospect both embarrassed and excited him. His hand shook as he set it on Sebastian’s forearm.

Cony strode out of the parlor and to Colton. Cony looked Colton up and down and kissed his forehead. There was no trace of the blush that had stained Cony’s cheeks earlier. “You look very handsome.”

“Thank you, Cony.”

Sebastian placed his hand on top of Colton’s where it rested on his arm. He turned to Colton as Cony went to Father’s side and began whispering. Cony was probably asking if Colton wanted to go through with the wedding.

Sebastian asked, “Is everything okay?”

“Yes.” It was now. Colton smiled. Sebastian had shown up. And until he’d noticed Colton’s tremors, he’d seemed happy. What more could Colton have asked for?

“Well then, come along. I have a surprise for you. Everyone thinks I’ve lost my mind.”

They thought Sebastian crazy for marrying Colton? It was like a knife through the heart. Did Sebastian agree? Was he having doubts? Reluctantly, Colton allowed Sebastian to lead him into the parlor.

Colton greeted the priest in a daze. He glanced around the room, spotting his family minus Payton, Simon and Garrett. Rourke and a man Colton had never seen before stood in the parlor too. The new man was about Colton’s height, six foot two, with brown hair and a friendly smile. He must be Mr. Towers. The priest was the same one who’d presided over Aiden’s wedding. He was tall and thin with a hawklike nose, silver hair and side whiskers. He always looked mean until he smiled. Fortunately, he almost always smiled. He was a nice man.

“Have the two of you chosen your witnesses?” Father Adams asked.

Witnesses? Colton didn’t even know if the wedding band he’d ordered this morning was here. Oh no. What if it was the wrong size? He had no idea what size ring Sebastian wore.

“Yes. Rourke will stand up with me.” Sebastian smiled at Colton. “Who’d you choose?”

Was Rourke one of the people who thought Sebastian was insane for marrying him? Colton wouldn’t have thought so, but… Colton glanced at the duke. He stood conversing with Mr. Towers, Aiden and Nate.

“Colton?” Sebastian frowned.

“I don’t know. I didn’t think to ask anyone.” He raised his brows at his family, hoping one of them would agree.

“Me. I’ll do it.” Muffin ran forward, her pretty pink ruffled dress rustling with her movement. “I’ll be Colton’s best man.”

Everyone chuckled.

Rexley put his hand on her shoulder. “How about we both stand up with Colton? Colton, is that all right with you?”

He wanted to say thank you and tell his brother and niece it would be an honor, but all he could do was nod.

“Good. If everyone will indulge me…please follow me. And before any of you give me that look again, I am aware you all think I’m a candidate for Bedlam.” Sebastian turned and guided them out of the parlor.

No one had disputed the fact they thought Sebastian crazy. Colton’s heart beat so rapidly his temples throbbed. He glanced up at Sebastian to ask him if he felt as his friends did, but Thomas was handing out coats to everyone. “What’s going on?”

Rexley sidled up beside him, holding Muffin’s hand in one of his and Trouble’s in the other. “I’ve got the ring you ordered in my pocket. I meant to give it to you upstairs, but I forgot.”

“Thank you.” Colton shrugged into his coat and took Sebastian’s arm again. He must’ve gripped Sebastian’s arm harder than he thought because Sebastian looked down at him.

“If you don’t want to have the ceremony in the stables, we don’t have to. I just thought you’d like that. I don’t care if everyone else thinks it’s odd, but if it bothers you, we’ll conduct the ceremony in the parlor.”

Colton stared at him in shock. The pressure in his chest loosened, and once again he found himself laughing. This was going to be the perfect wedding after all.

 

 

Whoever invented morning coats should be drawn and quartered. Sebastian could only catch glimpses of Colton’s delectable arse as he climbed the stairs. Silly tails hid entirely too much. And what was the point of walking behind someone if you couldn’t watch their arse? Assuming they had a nice arse of course. He would not want to be stuck behind, say…Lord Filbert. That man had the bottom the size of a small— Suffice it to say his arse was rather large.

“Which door?” Colton asked as he stepped onto the landing. The breathless excitement was enchanting.

“Third left.” Sebastian vaguely remembered his first tour of Wentworth Park. If recollection served, he too had been enraptured. Unfortunately, the demands of marriage had quickly overpowered the thrill of the estate.

He should show Colton their sitting room first, which was the fourth door, but Sebastian was done with the tour. He’d waited long enough. He’d gotten married in a stable, with Colton’s pesky little filly trying to nibble on the sleeve of his morning coat, and Muffin asking Rexley every two minutes until she got sidetracked by the horses if she could hand Colton the ring. Even Garrett, Colton’s nephew, added his two cents in the form of happy babbling when Payton and his consort Simon had joined them via televid. The atmosphere had been relaxed, fun, probably a bit improper and definitely in poor taste in the eyes of society, but it had been absolutely perfect. And now? The part of the day he’d been waiting for.

Colton opened the door and stepped in.

“Welcome to your new room.” Sebastian closed the door behind him.

The fire in the fireplace glowed throughout the room. It made the place cozy and romantic.

“I love it.” Colton walked past the big cherrywood sleigh bed, dragging his hand along the midnight-blue duvet, and stopped at the window. He brushed the heavy curtains aside, letting the remaining sunlight flood the room.

Throwing up his hand to shield his eyes, Sebastian blinked against the glare. It took several moments for his eyes to adjust.

The setting sun radiated across Colton’s high cheekbones and strong chin. Stunning. The utter stillness shouted his self-control and confidence. He had such a proud, regal bearing. Perhaps because he resembled their king. Standing there, he could’ve been a classical statue. Beautiful, graceful, but strong and unyielding. Sebastian had always thought of Colton as untouchable, but now he made Sebastian ache in all the right places.

He’d been half hard since they’d started their tour over an hour ago. Sebastian’s footsteps thumped on the dark wood floor then muffled on the rug as he moved behind Colton. “The back of the house has a better view.”

“This is the opposite view I’ve had most of my life.”

Sebastian wrapped his arms around Colton’s waist and inhaled deeply. He smelled of fresh, clean air and evergreens. He was the same height as Sebastian, which made it easy to look over his shoulder. His height would also come in handy for other things too. Other things Sebastian intended to do shortly.

“Is that a good thing?” Sebastian rested his chin next to Colton’s ear.

Colton stiffened. “It’s just an observation.”

A frisson of unease trickled through Sebastian. He’d never seduced an innocent before. Should he let go? Before he could decide, Colton sighed and slouched into him. Thank galaxy. Sebastian picked at Colton’s cravat, loosening it. He had such a strong jawline. A tempting neck. “Are you nervous?”

Colton shook his head and rested it back on Sebastian’s shoulder. “Well, perhaps a little.”

Was that a freckle just below his ear? Untying the neckcloth, Sebastian gave in to temptation and closed his mouth over the long tendon in Colton’s neck. He grazed the skin with his teeth as he tugged the cravat off and dropped it to the floor.

Colton shivered against him and let out a soft, guttural moan.

The sound vibrated through Sebastian. He slid his hands inside Colton’s coat and along the taut muscles of Colton’s abdomen covered by his waistcoat. Sebastian unfastened one button of the waistcoat then another.

Canting his hips back, Colton nestled himself against Sebastian’s groin, pressing into Sebastian’s erection. Oh yesss…

Humming his approval, Sebastian pushed forward. The pressure on his cock sent a thrill of excitement through him. It seemed like forever he’d been waiting for this. Had it only been the other night he’d had Colton restless in his arms and straining for release? Sebastian slipped both the coat and waistcoat off, moving back enough to let the clothes fall between them.

Colton touched his thigh, tentatively at first, and dragged his hand up to Sebastian’s erection.

Sebastian bit back a groan at the pleasure. Like a magnetic force was at play, he ran his fingers up to Colton’s shoulders. He tugged the ties holding his shirt closed and revealed the reddish, purple bruise. My mark. Sebastian’s cock bucked against Colton’s hand.

Sebastian licked a line down Colton’s neck and bit his shoulder. Dust, he had to get this man naked. He wanted to see more of what he’d seen last night. Fumbling with Colton’s shirt, Sebastian untucked it from his pants.

Colton gripped Sebastian’s arms and turned his head slightly. His sweet, warm breath fanned across Sebastian’s face. “It’s still daylight.”

“Yes, it is.” Grinning, Sebastian kissed Colton’s jaw right below his ear, and Colton’s racing pulse thrummed against his lips. Sebastian kissed him again and rubbed his hands up and down Colton’s arms, trying to soothe and comfort. “Is that a problem?”

Colton shook his head, dislodging Sebastian’s attempt at nuzzling. “No.” He faced Sebastian and tugged at Sebastian’s morning coat, shoving it off his shoulders. “You have too many clothes on.”

“You too.” Sebastian got his arms free of his coat and started on his cravat. It came off in no time, and he tore at his waistcoat. A button sailed across the room, landing on the wood floor and rolling under the bed.

“Yes.” Colton nodded and hastily undressed. He jerked his shirt over his head. He was even lovelier than last night. Once again the firelight added a rosy glow to his skin and shadowed his muscles. His lean body flexed with his every breath as he stood there watching Sebastian watch him. Down the center of Colton’s chest was the faintest line of dark hair that grew darker and thicker until it disappeared beneath the waistband of his trousers.

Colton tugged Sebastian’s shirt over his head.

After that, clothes flew in every direction. Sebastian pulled off one boot and tossed it over his shoulder. Something crashed behind him, but he didn’t care. He removed the other and gave it the same treatment. Once his stockings were off, he helped Colton with his boots. “Sit down.”

Dropping to the edge of the bed, Colton grabbed one boot and Sebastian pried off the other. The stockings came next, thrown somewhere behind him. They froze, both in only their trousers, staring at one another, Colton on the bed, Sebastian kneeling in front of him.

With a trembling hand Colton touched Sebastian’s cheek and leaned forward. The caress trickled along Sebastian’s jaw, over his chin and back up again. With his eyes half-mast, Colton followed his gaze with his fingers.

Closing his eyes, Sebastian turned his face into Colton’s palm and kissed the center. Sebastian couldn’t remember ever being touched like this. He should move them along, get things back on track, but he couldn’t tear himself away from the sensation. Gads, where had his self-control gone? He was much more accomplished than this at seduction. He always took charge and gave his partners what they wanted. So why wasn’t he now? What was different?

“I’ve wanted to touch you for so long. I can’t believe I finally get to.” Colton’s voice was barely above a whisper. The tone more than the words went straight to Sebastian’s head.

Sebastian wasn’t used to being worshiped this way. It was uncomfortable and addicting all at the same time.

Colton tilted his head. A soft smile played over his lips.

“You may touch me any time you want. Any way you want.” Sebastian blinked and stared into sherry-colored eyes. Eyes he could gladly drown in. Was that him sighing like a love-struck adolescent? “But first…” He dropped back on his haunches and unbuttoned Colton’s trousers. “Let’s get these off.”

Colton stood, and Sebastian eased his trousers and smallclothes over his hips. Sebastian inched the fabric down over sharp hipbones and a defined lower abdomen that made a perfect V where it angled down to his groin. And his cock… It was beautiful with a slight curve toward his belly. His thighs were all hard muscle and thick. Sebastian dragged the trousers down until Colton could step free of them. The statue analogy had been right on the mark. Colton was a work of art.

“Exquisite.” With one hand Sebastian drew the back of his knuckles up the velvety ridge of Colton’s erection and cupped his testicles with the other. Colton’s legs trembled and his cock flexed. “Absolutely exquisite.”

Colton’s hand clenched at his sides, and his stomach rose with a shuddered breath. Sebastian wanted nothing more than to take the head of his cock into his mouth and see if it tasted as good as it looked, but if he did, he didn’t know if he’d be able to stop. Instead, he wrapped his hand around the hard flesh and got to his feet.

Colton looped his arms around Sebastian’s neck. “I’m glad you think so.” The flirt nipped his chin and thrust into Sebastian’s hand. The smooth glide of warm skin pushed through his grip. “Your turn.” Colton slipped his hand down Sebastian’s shoulder and his arm to wind their fingers together. He backpedaled to the bed, taking Sebastian along with him. Colton crawled onto the mattress and scooted backward onto his knees, giving Sebastian no choice but to follow. When Sebastian’s knees hit the edge, Colton stopped. He reached for the falls on Sebastian’s trousers, and a flash of uncertainty crossed Colton’s face. He swallowed hard.

The mix between virgin and seducer was extremely enticing. Sebastian wasn’t sure what he’d expected of an innocent, but this wasn’t it. Of course he should have. Colton never did anything by half measures. He’d always had a passionate nature. He was going to be a natural at this.

Sebastian brushed Colton’s hands aside and unfastened himself. “Remember what I said.”

Colton stared up at him.

Sebastian’s heart raced. Oh those eyes. They drew him in and held him captive.

Shaking his head slowly, Colton whispered, “I don’t want to muck this up.”

“You can’t possibly muck this up. Do whatever feels right. As I said before, you may do anything you like. I’m at your mercy.” And Sebastian couldn’t think of anywhere he wanted to be more at the moment. He shucked his trousers and his smallclothes.

Colton gasped, the look of wonder on his face laced with desire.

Sebastian smiled. He was used to the surprise. He was not a small man by anyone’s measure. Some of his partners in the past had been reluctant to continue after seeing how well-endowed he truly was.

Colton, however, didn’t seem to have any reservations. He wrapped a hand around Sebastian’s cock. A wicked gleam lit his eyes, and he tugged, leading Sebastian by his dick. “Come here.”

With pleasure. Sebastian’s patience came to an end. He had to do some touching of his own. Climbing onto the bed, he faced Colton. Their mouths met as he took Colton in hand. Together they fumbled and stroked until they ended up with Sebastian sitting on the bed and Colton straddling his legs.

Nipping his chin again, Colton soothed it with a quick peck. A soft smile flitted across his face, and he planted his hands in the middle of Sebastian’s chest and shoved.

Sebastian fell on his back with a bounce.

“I always knew you’d be this beautiful.” Colton explored Sebastian’s chest, working down his stomach and back up.

Not only did the way he rubbed over Sebastian’s skin feel wonderful, but the sheer enjoyment on Colton’s face was mesmerizing.

Colton paused in his slow, mind-numbing caresses, fell to Sebastian’s side and propped himself on his elbow. “Tell me how to make you feel good. I’m not entirely certain I know what to do, but I take direction well. I want to please you.” His gaze strayed to Sebastian’s lips, and he toyed with the ends of Sebastian’s hair along the side of his neck. It tickled but was also relaxing. It made Sebastian want to close his eyes and bask in the pleasure.

“You? Take direction well?” Sebastian chuckled. “You most certainly do not. You absolutely hate being told what to do.”

“I’ll make an exception this once.”

Where had that deep gravelly voice come from? Sebastian gave thanks he was lying down at the moment because he was certain he’d melt into a boneless puddle otherwise. First, Colton had defended him at the auction and now this. No one had ever asked him what he wanted. Instead they informed him what they liked. “Everything about you pleases me.”

“Good.” Colton pressed his hand against the side of Sebastian’s head, bringing him forward, and covered his mouth with his. He probed with his tongue momentarily before sliding down his body, kissing his way lower and lower.

Sebastian hissed at the feel of warm lips tickling his stomach. He knew exactly where this was headed and wanted the same thing himself. “Colton, turn around.”

A pair of languid eyes peered up at him from above his lower stomach. Colton’s lips were already red and swollen. He was the very picture of debauchery. He widened his eyes as what Sebastian wanted dawned on him. He turned himself around as Sebastian rolled to his side.

Gripping the narrow hips, Sebastian pulled them forward until the tip of Colton’s dick touched his lips. He stuck out his tongue, and warm heat closed around the head of his cock. He froze when all he wanted to do was grab the back of Colton’s head and surge forward. “Bloody hell.”

Colton half-moaned half-chuckled, sending vibrations up the length of Sebastian’s cock. He released Sebastian only to take him in his mouth again. Several times Colton repeated the action.

Lost in a haze of pleasure, Sebastian squeezed Colton’s arse and dragged him forward. He sucked Colton between his lips and slid the heated flesh all the way to the back of his throat, showing Colton by example what to do. The salty-sweet taste of precome infused his mouth and made him want more.

The slow, teasing kiss on his own cock continued. Colton didn’t manage to go more than halfway, but he was a quick study and used his hand to compensate.

Sebastian’s testicles drew up more, and his cock throbbed. Fingernails raked over his arse cheeks, making him sensitive to the air. Had anything ever felt so good? A finger teased his crease, slowly working its way toward his arsehole.

Sebastian closed his eyes in bliss. Dust, he loved a finger up the arse while being blown. Please, he silently pleaded.

The tickling caress continued for several seconds, just grazing the place he wanted it most, and disappeared entirely. More precome flitted across his tongue and then the finger was back, slick now, pushing inside him. Sebastian groaned around Colton’s cock.

Sebastian pushed back on the questing digit, wondering how much more he could take. Just the idea of what Colton was doing had him ready to blow. Sebastian released the lovely dick from his mouth and panted. He couldn’t even speak it felt so good. This was his seduction. He was supposed to be sweeping his new consort off his feet, and here he was reduced to gasps and grunts.

Colton kissed his cock, swiping the top of his tongue across the tip, and sat up, his finger still in Sebastian’s arse. He too was breathing hard. A nice pink flush had washed up around his shoulders and chest. His hair was in disarray, his beautiful eyes dazed. He sat there for several seconds, his chest muscles flexing with every breath. A line of perspiration trickled down the center of Colton’s chest, and Sebastian wanted to catch it on his tongue. He moved to do just that when Colton shoved Sebastian onto his back and pushed his legs apart with Colton’s free hand. Colton’s finger sank deeper only to pull back and plunge in again, his attention glued to his actions.

A moan forced its way out of Sebastian’s throat as he clenched his arse. He needed to take charge. To get up and make love to his consort. Colton deserved to be worshiped and coddled.

Sebastian stared at Colton’s mesmerized profile and reveled in the attention he bestowed. What was the matter with him? Good heavens, he had not bottomed in years. It was just expected that he’d take charge. His reputation was no exaggeration. He was an accomplished lover and good at seduction. He was in his element controlling how things went, and at the moment he wanted nothing more than for Colton to fuck him senseless. What was wrong with him?

“Tell me what to do,” Colton whispered and ran his free hand over Sebastian’s lower abdomen. He bent and placed a kiss below Sebastian’s navel, raking his fingers through the dark hair above Sebastian’s cock. “I don’t know what you expect of me.” Tilting his head, Colton rested his cheek against Sebastian’s hip, but his attention never strayed from Sebastian’s face.

The pressure in his arse increased, and he realized Colton had added another finger. Sebastian touched Colton’s cheek. He couldn’t not. Why had it taken him so long to realize what a gem he had? He’d worked so hard to escape Colton’s attentions, and for the life of him he could not come up with one good reason as to why. “You’re doing wonderfully, sweeting. All I want is for you to be you.” Because that was enough. It was more than he’d ever had. “What do you want?”

Bloody hell, Colton was so beautiful he almost hurt one’s eyes. That must be why Sebastian’s eyes were watery. Sebastian blinked and continued to stroke Colton’s cheek. It was smooth and soft. The image of Colton when he was determined to have his way, with his set jaw and determined brow, flashed into Sebastian’s head, and he grinned. How could something hard and unyielding be soft?

“I want…” The rosy flush on Colton’s chest spread up to his cheeks even as he continued to finger Sebastian’s arse.

Now he’s blushing? Sebastian chuckled and crooked his finger. “Come here.” It was time he wrested control back. Time to become the seducer instead of the seduced.

Removing his hand, Colton crawled forward in a move that would make a practiced courtesan envious.

Sebastian growled and bit down on Colton’s shoulder when it came into reach.

Colton shivered against him. The sound ripped from him was the sexiest thing Sebastian had ever heard. He had to have Colton. Now. Rolling to his side and taking Colton with him, Sebastian held his hand under the discreet lube dispenser on the side of the headboard. Once he had a decent amount of the warmed substance in his hand, he wrapped it around Colton’s cock.

Colton’s caressing hands and innocent kisses on his neck and chest ceased. He arched into Sebastian’s hand and threw his head back. The tendons in his neck strained, and his Adam’s apple bobbed. His skin glistened.

Sebastian’s sweet, innocent, provocative consort needed no further assistance. Colton rolled them back to their original position and spread Sebastian’s legs. He gathered some of the lube from Sebastian’s hand and rubbed it on Sebastian. Seizing his cock from Sebastian’s grasp, Colton pressed the head against Sebastian and sank slowly inside.

With a gasp and wide eyes, Colton braced himself with his hands on each side of Sebastian’s chest. “Sebastian?” His voice came out in a strangled murmur.

Sebastian moaned and fought letting his eyes roll back in his head. Bloody hell, it felt better than he’d remembered. Sex toys were no substitute for a flesh-and-blood man. Bringing his knees up, Sebastian cupped the gorgeous face, looking down at him in awe, and dragged Colton forward for a kiss. The movement sent Colton’s cock deeper inside him, and they both cried out. “Move, sweeting.”

“Like this?” Colton bucked forward, keeping his upper body off Sebastian’s.

Sebastian longed to pull that lovely firm chest against his own, but he rued messing up the delicious angle of penetration. “Just like that.” His stomach quivered and his cock ached for stimulation. He pushed into Colton’s every thrust, hurrying him up a bit.

In no time, Colton had a nice rhythm, driving them both toward climax. The sounds leaking from his mouth were nearly as exciting as the movement of his hips.

Sebastian wanted to see Colton. Watch him. Memorize the way he looked in this exact moment.

Colton’s thrusts sped up and faltered. “I—I— Oh dust.” He froze, his pelvis mashing into Sebastian’s arse, cried out and came. Colton’s eyes snapped shut. The muscles in his shoulders and stomach strained. Even with his face contorted in ecstasy he was beautiful.

Sebastian’s muscles clenched, and heat rose up his body. The pressure and passion built. He gripped his own cock and began stroking, racing for completion.

Colton collapsed over him for a moment, panting, sweat dripping down his temples onto Sebastian’s neck. Abruptly, he scooted down the bed. His cock came free with a gush of semen.

Shoving Sebastian’s hand away, Colton grabbed Sebastian’s cock. Instead of stroking like Sebastian expected, Colton took the head into his mouth and used his hand as he had earlier. It was awkward and nowhere near as good as Sebastian’s own hand, but it didn’t seem to matter.

Sebastian’s vision whited out. Every sensation coalesced in his testicles and exploded forth. He vaguely registered the sound of gagging. When his mind finally caught up with his body and the last remnants of pleasure trickled to a stop, he realized he had his hands buried in Colton’s hair. “Bugger.” He opened his palms and jerked them up. “Colton? Are you all right?”

With watery eyes, Colton gave him a crooked grin. A smear of semen dabbed his chin. Clearing his throat, he nodded. He lay down and rested his head on Sebastian’s hip, his nose and chin nearly touching Sebastian’s spent cock, and closed his eyes. The soft smile never left his face.

A strange ache started in Sebastian’s chest as he brushed the hair off his new consort’s forehead with an unsteady hand. What in the galaxy just happened? He’d never experienced anything like that before. Deep down he’d known Colton would be this passionate, but Sebastian had never imagined Colton would take command of the situation and grab hold with both hands. Their first time together exceeded Sebastian’s preconceived notions, but it also confused him.

Sebastian had lost all sense of control. His stomach grew queasy. This marriage was supposed to have been a way to save Colton, but Sebastian suddenly felt as if he was the one who needed saving.