Chapter Twenty

Wentworth Park’s stables.

 

He’d done a lot of thinking in the last few hours, and he’d made some decisions. Unfortunately, putting them into practice was easier said than done. He was procrastinating. Sebastian was hanging out in the barn with the horses instead of going inside and seeing his consort.

Cowardice, thy name is Sebastian.

He sighed and petted Apollonia’s nose where it rested on his shoulder. He loved horse noses. So soft and velvety.

In the last forty-five minutes he’d gained a new appreciation for Colton’s baby pain in the arse. She’d gotten so excited when she saw Sebastian, he couldn’t help but go to her. One thing led to another, and she’d coaxed him into letting her out like Colton always did. “Come on, pest. Let’s put you back in your stall. I’ve got to go grovel to your human daddy. Maybe you can put in a good word for me tomorrow?”

He gave Max one last pat and shrugged Apollonia’s head off his shoulder. He turned, caught her halter and led her to the empty space next to Apollo. She seemed to be doing fine away from her mother. Unlike a lot of foals, she’d really bonded with her father and he with her. Sebastian opened the stall for her.

She went inside, turned around and licked his hand as he was shutting the gate.

“I can’t believe you did that. At least you didn’t try to eat my hair today, I suppose.” Sebastian headed out of the stables and into the cold night air. The snow whipped around, blowing furiously. The ground would be covered by morning. Brrr… Huddled in his coat, he hurried to the mansion.

The door opened for him, and Berkley greeted him. “Good evening, my lord.”

“Good evening, Berkley. Don’t disturb me unless it involves fire or death.”

“Very well, my lord. Have a good evening.”

Sebastian put away his coat and gloves and headed up the stairs. Admittedly, he took each step a little slower than normal. He had no idea what to say to Colton. An apology was definitely in order. He should’ve never stormed off like he had. But how did you go about imparting information that could ruin you and the person you were telling?

Making it to his door, he hesitated. Would Colton be asleep? Would he be furious if he was awake? Sebastian cracked the door open, unsure of what he’d find.

Colton sat on the edge of the bed staring out the window at the blizzard. “Hi,” he said without looking at Sebastian.

Sebastian relaxed a little. “Hi. How was your evening?”

“It would’ve been better if you’d come with me. I missed you.”

Oh thank galaxy, Colton wasn’t mad. Sebastian closed the door and crossed the room. “I’m sorry I left.”

“About that…” Colton didn’t turn away from the window. “I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have read your correspondence. It was none of my business.”

Sebastian breathed a sigh of relief. He could do this. “I agree. You shouldn’t have, but you aren’t the only one at fault. I should’ve told you my suspicions about Plume and about my meeting with Leith.” Wanting—no, needing—the physical contact with Colton, Sebastian toed off his boots, shrugged out of his evening coat and crawled onto the bed.

Colton’s posture relaxed. He glanced over his shoulder. A slow, hesitant grin eased onto his face. “Thank you.”

Sitting down on the bed, Sebastian put his legs on either side of Colton’s and wrapped his arms around him. Colton’s warmth bled into him, dispelling Sebastian’s fears even more. “What for?” He closed his eyes and inhaled the scent of his consort. Resting his chin on Colton’s shoulder, Sebastian enjoyed the warm hard body in his arms. He wanted to keep this for eternity.

“For being understanding. For forgiving me. I don’t want a typical ton marriage, Sebastian.” Colton stood and turned to face him, the distance between them like a chasm at the moment.

Colton had given him the perfect opening. All he had to do was reach out and take it. He plunged in with both feet. “Me either.”

Giving no indication of hearing, Colton paced in front of the bed. “If that’s all you’re interested in, then we should call it quits now because I can’t— What did you say?”

“I said me either. I’ve had that, and it did nothing but make me miserable.” Sebastian couldn’t go through it again. Which meant he needed to get his secrets out in the open and deal with them. It wasn’t fair to Colton, especially when it was something Sebastian himself wouldn’t tolerate. He would not abide secrets in their relationship. Not significant ones that could impact both of them anyway.

Stopping a few feet away, just out of reach, Colton smiled and shoved Sebastian.

Gasping, Sebastian fell onto the bed. What the—?

Colton came down on top of him and plastered his lips to Sebastian’s. He was wild, his hands everywhere, stripping Sebastian of clothes.

Oh yes. Oh no. They needed to talk, not fuck.

Sucking on Sebastian’s tongue, Colton skimmed a hand down Sebastian’s chest to his groin. His lips red and moist, Colton rose and stared down at Sebastian. The look sent Sebastian’s heart pounding and blood rushing to all the right places.

Sebastian was a goner. He did some tugging on clothes of his own. He got Colton’s shirt over his head as Colton removed his. It took some effort, but they helped one another until they were both naked to the waist down. They were on fire. When Colton grabbed the falls of Sebastian’s pants, Sebastian caught his hands. “Slow down.” Sebastian panted. He needed to stop this and tell Colton about his past.

“Yes.” Colton didn’t slow down in the least. In his haste to open Sebastian’s trousers, a button flew off.

Sebastian rolled them until he lay on top. “Colton, I have to tell you—”

Colton bit his neck.

“Ahhh…” A current of pleasure arced through Sebastian. They could talk afterward. He ground his hard prick into Colton’s hip. Sebastian felt like a green boy with his first lover every time with Colton, fumbling, grunting and uncoordinated. Not entirely a bad thing but a little disconcerting.

He rolled to Colton’s side. Both their trouser-encased legs hung off the side of the bed. Colton still had his boots on.

Sebastian opened Colton’s trousers. Colton reached for them too. When Sebastian chuckled and batted Colton’s hands out of the way, Colton tried to help by lifting into the touch. Groaning, Sebastian gave in and ripped at the fabric. Colton’s cock came free already moist at the tip.

Was there anything more exciting than being wanted so desperately? It was empowering and inspiring. Sebastian’s cock was so hard he ached, and his heart raced. His hands were shaky and his breath uneven. He shoved Colton’s pants down his hips. Colton was so beautiful, his muscles almost as firm as his prick.

Sebastian slid off the bed and shimmied out of his trousers. Naked, he climbed back on the mattress and got some lube from the dispenser. He couldn’t wait.

“Roll onto your stomach.” Coating his cock with the warm slick liquid, he stared at the luscious backside Colton presented. Sebastian couldn’t help himself. Bending, he sank his teeth into one round cheek.

Colton started and groaned. He scooted backward until his boots hit the floor, and he lay across the bed with his pants around his knees.

Nuzzling the base of his spine and stroking his cock, Sebastian slipped two fingers into Colton’s tight hole.

Colton’s muscles rippled as he pushed back, impaling himself further. “Yes.”

Sebastian worked his fingers in, watching them glide in Colton and out. Sebastian had to squeeze his cock to keep from coming. Throwing his head back and staring at the ceiling, he composed himself. He counted to ten until the need to climax subsided. When he got himself under control, he pressed the tip of his cock into that tiny rosy hole, using his fingers to stretch as he entered.

Colton stiffened and clamped down on his cock and fingers.

“Shh… Easy, sweeting.”

Colton nodded and pushed back.

“Oh bugger.” The grip around Sebastian’s dick sent shivers up his spine. He pressed his groin to his consort’s arse and draped his body over Colton’s. Bracing his hands next to Colton’s sides, Sebastian kissed Colton’s shoulder blades while taking little stabs with his hips.

Sebastian rocked, sawing in and out until Colton grunted and bucked beneath Sebastian. It was too much. Sebastian tried to hold back, but there was no use. He stood up and thrust into Colton’s willing body as fast as he could and came so hard he grew dizzy.

He braced himself to keep from falling on Colton. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—”

Colton stood and turned around. Pressing his lips against Sebastian’s, Colton urged Sebastian to the bed. They kissed for several long moments.

Breaking the kiss, Colton tipped his head toward the lube. “Get me some.”

Bonelessly, Sebastian tried to reach the dispenser. Blasted thing was too far away. Colton’s hands landed on Sebastian’s thighs and shoved him up the bed until he got several dollops of lube on his palm.

Colton pulled Sebastian back to him and scooped the lube from Sebastian’s hand. Sebastian should help, but it was like the energy had been sucked right out of him.

Fortunately, Colton didn’t seem to mind. He slicked up his dick. And galaxy, what a sight. The engorged head of his cock poked out of his fist on each stroke. Sebastian pulled his feet onto the bed. Oh bugger, he still had his stockings on.

Colton needed no other cooperation. He sank into Sebastian’s arse with one smooth stroke. He gripped Sebastian’s hips and threw his head back. The corded muscles in Colton’s neck strained as he fucked Sebastian, racing toward his own orgasm.

The hot brand in Sebastian’s arse was both exciting and overwhelming. If he hadn’t just climaxed, he’d have gotten hard again. The pleasure was mind-numbing regardless. And watching Colton’s face contort in pleasure was even more rewarding. “That’s it.”

Lowering his chin, Colton met Sebastian’s gaze. Colton’s eyes widened a split second before he closed them again. His body tensed, but he kept thrusting. A low growl escaped his throat, and he froze.

Finally, Colton pulled out of him and flopped onto his back next to Sebastian. The warm trickle of fluid slid down Sebastian’s arse.

Fingers tickled his hand then Colton gripped it.

Sebastian squeezed and caressed with his thumb. Rolling his head to the side, he smiled at Colton.

Colton smiled back.

Sebastian was so at peace at the moment he doubted anything could bother him. Rolling to his side, he touched Colton’s clean-shaven cheek. “I need to tell you something.”

“Okay.” Colton nuzzled into the touch, rubbing against Sebastian’s hand like a cat.

“Colton, I’m—”

“Milord?” Berkley interrupted.

Sebastian growled. Hadn’t he said he didn’t want to be disturbed? “Berkley, something better be on fire.”

“It is, my lord. The stables are on fire.”

 

Panic hit Colton so hard, if he’d been on his feet, it would’ve knocked him off them. Springing from the bed, he stumbled and his vision whited out for a moment. Without waiting for it to fully clear, he jerked his trousers up and grabbed his shirt.

“Colton, wait.” Sebastian hopped around trying to get his pants on. Something crashed to the floor, but Colton didn’t wait around to see what.

The horses. Colton had to get to the horses.

Bloody hell. Apollonia is in those stables. She was just a baby. Colton barreled out the door and down the stairs. He took four steps at a time until he reached the bottom.

Servants raced about the foyer like a mad swarm of bees. Shouts echoed along with a dull roar. An orange glow came from the open front door. Snow—or was it ash?—blew inside, whirling around the undulating knot of people screeching and carrying on.

“Get outside! Get hoses, buckets and anything that will hold water.” Afraid of what he’d find, Colton shoved his way through the crowd and out the door. Please don’t let it be a big fire.

It was huge. Horses darted around the front lawn with their heads and tails high. Max skirted a stableboy trying to catch him. Dazz had run to the paddock and was whinnying to be let inside. A few other horses dashed away from the fire and staff, but no Apollonia and no Apollo.

Colton sprinted toward the barn. The blizzard wind slapped him in the face.

Someone grabbed his arm. “No. My lord, it’s too dangerous,” one of the stableboys pleaded.

Shrugging him off, Colton yelled over his shoulder, “Round up the horses. Calm them and check them for injury.” The barn door stood open, clear of flames. The roar of the fire drowned out the shouts of the servants and agitated sounds of the horses. Ten yards from the blaze the heat grew so intense Colton stumbled back. It dried his eyes and blasted his cheeks. He threw his arm in front of his face. “Apollo! Apollonia!”

A distressed whinny answered him. There was movement within the black plumes of smoke.

“Colton,” Sebastian shouted.

Holding his breath, Colton dashed toward the barn as fast as he could. The heat inside was nearly unbearable. Sweat poured down his face, and the smoke stung his eyes. It was so painful he couldn’t help but cry out.

Apollo paced back and forth in the aisle in front of Apollonia’s stall. His ears were flattened against his head and his eyes wild. He whinnied and squealed at Apollonia, who was still in the stall, and pawed the ground. His gate hung on to the wall by one hinge, the wood busted through in several places. He’d stayed for Apollonia.

Colton’s heart sank. He had to get all three of them out of here. “It’s okay, boy. I’m here. We’re gonna get her out.” The smoke and soot invaded Colton’s throat, scorching his lungs. He coughed, and his eyes watered. He could barely see through the tears. The heat bombarded his body, drenching him in sweat.

Apollo turned back toward the door, snorting and throwing his head wildly.

Ignoring him for the moment, Colton dashed to Apollonia’s stall.

Her eyes darted around erratically, and her ears were pinned back. She whined, and it sounded like a scream. Running at the gate, she tried to get out.

“Shhh…” He opened the gate and leapt out of the way, expecting her to bolt from the stables, but she didn’t. She plowed into him, nearly spilling him to the ground, and snorted. She butted him with her head in an attempt to bury her face under his arm. Poor baby. “It’s going to be okay, hoyden.”

Apollo began rearing and whinnying louder.

Coughing, Colton clutched his chest, but the spasms persisted. Oh, it hurt.

Flames raged across the open door, creating a wall of fire. A loud crack resounded over the roar, and sparks rained down on them. The beams overhead crackled and began to buckle.

Pulling his shirt up over his nose and mouth, Colton hurried back to Apollonia’s stall, grabbed her lead rope and clipped it to her halter. “Please follow me.” He had no doubt Apollo would go through the fire for him, but Apollonia? He’d never been so scared in his life.

The smoke pressed down on him, and the waves of heat distorted his view. Colton coughed continuously despite having covered his face. His limbs weighed a ton. Lethargy beat at him. Time was running out. The heat was too intense. Holding the rope, he made his way to Apollo.

Apollonia tugged against the rope, trying to back away from the fire. Oh galaxy, no.

“Come on, baby. You have to trust me.” He coughed so hard he could barely talk.

Apollo sneezed and thrashed his head around. His muscles flinched, looking as if they moved separately from his skin.

Still holding the rope, Colton made his way to Apollo’s side. He tried to whisper encouragement but couldn’t do so over his hacking. Hoping Apollo understood, Colton held his hand out. If he didn’t get them out of here now, he wasn’t going to be awake to get them out. Lack of oxygen was taking its toll, and he couldn’t catch a deep enough breath. He should be crawling to avoid so much of the smoke, but he couldn’t get them all out if he were on the ground. “Shhh… Boy. Calm. Down,” he choked out.

Apollo settled, putting his nose in Colton’s hand. That’s right. You have to trust me, old friend. Grabbing a handful of mane, Colton attempted to haul himself onto Apollo’s back and missed. The normally easy task was hampered by the stallion prancing around and Colton’s lethargy.

It took three tries, but when Colton finally got on the horse, Apollo seemed to be waiting for instructions.

Crack, pop. A beam exploded and crashed to the floor behind them.

Apollo reared again, and Colton struggled to hold on. He slid sideways. He endeavored to reel Apollonia in by her lead rope, but she dug her heels in. Oh, please… Please. Colton couldn’t wait any longer. Turning Apollo, taking him as far back into the barn as he could, he positioned the rope so Apollonia wouldn’t get tangled in it.

She’d followed when they moved and stood next to him. He reached out and petted her face. “Come on, baby.” Please. He had no doubt Apollo would do as he was instructed, even through his fear, but— “Ha!” He kicked Apollo in the flanks and leaned over his back. “Ha!”

There was a soft tug on the rope as Apollo bolted toward the door and the wall of flames in front of it.

“Ha,” Colton yelled again and dug his heels in.

Apollo never even paused. He ran at the fire.

Colton white-knuckled the rope in his hand, ducked his head, closed his eyes and prayed.

The roar of the fire, the popping and cracking, blared around him. His burning lungs ceased to hurt, and his senses sharpened. The scorching temperature seared his body, and pain lanced through the hand holding the rope. Cold air washed over Colton like a bucket of ice water and stole his breath. His heart hammered, and Apollo’s gait evened out as he hit his stride. It was like flying.

Colton began coughing and couldn’t stop. A cacophony of noise surrounded them. Shouts. Voices. Sebastian screaming his name. Apollo was still galloping.

“Whoa, bo—” Coughing, Colton picked up his hand and glanced at it as Apollo slowed. He un-fisted it.

The rope was gone, and in its place was bloody, serrated skin. Crimson trickled down his palm and landed on his thigh. Splat. Splat. Splat. It spread out on the sooty tan fabric in jagged circles. His hand was empty, his connection to Apollonia gone. Noooo… He stared at the hand until tears concealed it from sight.

Apollo finally stopped, and Colton leaned over and vomited.

In the next moment, Colton was jerked off of Apollo’s back. Falling.

“Colton! Sweeting? Say something.”

Colton clung to Sebastian. Clawed at him really. He had to make the pain in his heart go away. Another series of coughs racked his body. Safe. He was safe. Apollo was safe, but— This is my fault. He should’ve left her with her mother.

Sebastian pulled back, looking him over.

Colton dove into Sebastian’s arms. It was safer there. He needed the support, love and security.

Rubbing Colton’s back, Sebastian kissed his temple. “We’re not done with this, but we have things to do. Go calm Apollonia down so you can check her out, and I’ll take a look at Apollo. The rest of the horses seem to be okay. All of the staff is fine. Galaxy, I’ve never been so glad there are no rooms over the stables.”

“What?” Colton pulled back and studied Sebastian’s face. “What did you say?”

“I said—”

Colton turned and searched the grounds.

Apollonia ran in circles several yards from the fire, with her rope dragging the ground and three stableboys chasing her. She sneezed, shaking her head. Black smudges marred her beautiful sorrel coat.

A sob escaped Colton’s throat and turned into another coughing fit. The weight in his chest dissolved, and his knees buckled. Oh galaxy, thank you! His baby was okay.

Strong arms wrapped around his waist. “Are you okay?”

Colton turned back to his consort, grabbed him by the face and kissed him. “I’ve never been better.”