Auction Action© 2017 by Andrew Grey

 

All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without permission in writing from the publisher.

 

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

 

For more information contact:

Riverdale Avenue Books

5676 Riverdale Avenue

Riverdale, NY 10471.

 

www.riverdaleavebooks.com

 

Design by www.formatting4U.com

Cover by Scott Carpenter

 

Digital ISBN: 978-1-62601-403-9

First edition published by All Romance Ebooks 2011

Second Edition November 2017

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter One

 

“Good morning, Holloway Antiques,” Frederick said as he answered the old-fashioned rotary phone that sat on the Louis XIV table. He was using it as a desk at the moment. “How may I help you?” He’d been about to close for the day and had almost let it ring, but that simply wasn’t in his nature.

“Frederick, I’m so glad I caught you,” the woman on the line said, in such a frantic tone he didn’t recognize the voice. “This is Saundra Garlock, and I need your assistance right away.” Frantic was an understatement. Frederick had known Saundra for many years, and he’d never known her to be anything other than a lady who was always in control of everything. “I need to speak with you on an urgent matter. I’m calling from my car and I’ll be at your shop in ten minutes if Hudson can somehow get through this traffic.” She sounded frazzled and definitely off her game.

“I’ll wait for you. Please tell Hudson not to worry on my account and instruct him to park in the loading zone out front. I’ll give him the pass.” Even as he said the words, Frederick was looking around the shop and immediately realizing that it was not ready for a visit from Saundra. “I’ll look for you.”

“You’re a good young man,” she said, and disconnected.

Frederick placed the phone in the cradle and immediately sprang into action. His shop was located in a fashionable neighborhood in Milwaukee. When he’d opened it eight years earlier, the neighborhood was just beginning to gentrify, and now it was filled with city-living yuppies and empty-nesters, and the one thing they had in common was disposable income.

The space his shop occupied was only 20 by 20 feet with a small storage area in the back. He’d originally taken the space because it was all he could afford, and had intended to either move to a larger store or expand, but as the business grew, so did the reputation for the quirky little store with some of the finest French antiques in town. The store’s reputation and its size suited Frederick perfectly. At 4’8” and less than 100 pounds, he’d never needed much physical space.

Slipping off his desk chair, Frederick walked through the store, picking up a Sevres vase and a pair of brass Napoleonic candlesticks as he moved. He placed both inside the case along the side wall, adjusting other items so they didn’t look cramped, and closed the door. He also removed the painting from the display easel and carried it into the back room. Setting it aside, he picked up the Napoleonic-era portrait he’d just purchased, and while he hadn’t had a chance to have it cleaned yet, he knew it would catch Saundra’s eye. After placing it on the easel, he stood in the back room and set up his stepstool, beginning the careful process of moving plastic tubs around until he found the one he wanted.

Opening the lid, he pulled out an Animalier bronze of a tiger that he’d just purchased and placed it on the table in the very center of the store. There was no way Saundra could miss it. Frederick had learned on her first visit to his shop that she did not like to be sold on anything. She had her own ideas, and no one was going to change her mind, but that didn’t stop Frederick from strategically placing items to make sure she saw them. Next he found a Royal Sevres swan and placed it with the tiger before pulling the back-room curtain closed and standing in the middle of his shop. The walls were covered with paintings from just above the furniture to the ceiling. When you only had 400 square feet, you had to use every bit of available space. The few pieces of furniture were expensive examples of the cabinetmaker’s art, and they served as both inventory and display. Everything in the shop was for sale, including the table he was using as a desk and the chair behind it.

Frederick had just finished dressing the store when he saw Saundra’s limousine pull up to the curb. Hudson opened the back door for her, and she glided from the vehicle to his front door, her ermine coat floating above the sidewalk as she practically floated into the shop. Saundra was the very definition of poise and elegance. Jet black hair, perfectly quaffed and flawless makeup that took ten years off her actual 60 or so. With her wide eyes and full lips, there was no doubt she turned heads when she was younger. Saundra still did. “Frederick,” she said as the door closed, holding out her hands so they could be taken. “The shop looks amazing,” she said after he’d kissed her on the cheek, standing on tiptoe to do it. “I love the bronze,” she commented, looking more closely at the tiger ready to pounce on his prey.

“There are no flaws and the patina is perfectly original,” Frederick said proudly as Saundra’s attention wandered away to the other items in the shop. “That portrait needs to be cleaned,” she commented as she stopped in front of the easel. “I would assume that your completing that work would be included in the price.”

“Of course,” Frederick said evenly.

“All right, let’s get the preliminaries out of the way. I’ll take the tiger, the swan and the portrait, just like you knew I would. And now I’d like to ask you to lock the door so we won’t be interrupted.” This was an unusual request, but Frederick flipped the sign to Closed before locking the door. “As I said, I need a favor. There’s a charity auction at the Union Club. One of the members left their art collection to the club, and they decided to hold a private auction for their members.” She opened her pocketbook and pulled out an envelope, handing it to him. “This is an invitation to the auction, and I would like you to go. There’s an item up for auction that I wish to buy, but I do not want anyone to know I am the purchaser.”

Frederick nodded. He’d often acted as purchaser’s agent for a number of his wealthier clients at the various auctions around town. “What is it you would like me to bid on?”

She again went to her handbag and handed Frederick an envelope. “The details are inside. Cocktails begin an hour before, because they want to get everyone liquored up prior to the sale. Most of the stuff is simply ghastly. Arlene had dreadful taste, but I have been trying to purchase this painting from the old bat for over a decade.” Her eyes blazed for a few seconds and then faded. “I will go up to a million for it.”

Frederick refused to whistle and instead nodded his head. “When is the auction?”

“That’s the favor, cocktails begin in an hour,” Saundra explained before stepping toward the desk. “I know it’s an imposition,” Saundra added as she pulled out her checkbook. Frederick sat down and made up her receipt. Once he handed it to her, she wrote the check and gave it to him.

“Saundra, this is too much,” Frederick explained lightly, handing her back the check.

“No, it’s not. This is an imposition, and I appreciate your help, dear boy.” She stepped toward the door, and Frederick hurried around to unlock it. “I’ll send a car to your home to pick you up.” She glided out without asking for his address, giving Frederick an air kiss while Hudson opened her door, and she disappeared inside the limousine. Frederick watched the huge vehicle glide away from the curb before going inside to close the store for the night. Frederick picked up the check and allowed himself a smile. She’d added $5,000 to the amount for his trouble, and Frederick shook his head as he turned out the lights.

Closing the store didn’t take long, and Frederick hurried to his Ford Focus and drove home as quickly as traffic would allow. He needed to get changed and be ready when Saundra’s car arrived. Somehow, Frederick managed to clean up and change into his tuxedo as well as find his proper overcoat before his doorbell rang. Frederick hated being rushed, but it couldn’t be helped, and he remembered the invitation from Saundra before leaving the house. He climbed into the back of the car, enjoying the luxury.

Frederick had to admit, it seemed pretty amazing to be riding in the back of a limousine, but Saundra never did anything by halves. And she knew as well as Frederick did that he would have called attention to himself if he were to pull up to the Union Club in his car. “Mrs. Garlock said I was to wait for you,” were the only words the driver said to him the entire ride.

The driver navigated the streets like the professional he was, pulling under the portico and holding the door open. Frederick thanked him and went inside. Handing his invitation to the doorman, he was escorted inside.

Frederick found himself in the grand ballroom, where more diamonds and gowns glittered than at the Academy Awards. Everyone was dressed to the nines, and Frederick felt a bit out of place. Servers wandered through the room with glasses of champagne, and Frederick lifted a glass, standing off to one side watching the spectacle. He had to remind himself that he was here to do a job and secure the item Saundra wanted, so he wandered over to the items on offer and slowly perused each one, listening for snippets of conversation. If there was one thing Frederick knew how to do, it was scope out an auction room. He knew it was the kiss of death to be too obvious, so he looked at all the works on offer before checking out the portrait Saundra wanted. He had to agree with her, it was the only truly top-quality item on offer, and he admired it without looking too long.

“That’s what we’re here for,” he heard someone say from behind him, and he saw a tall and stunning figure with the face of the Marlboro man, and what appeared to be the body of a Greek god, in a tuxedo. The guy he was speaking to was tall and thin, and he looked like some twink kid with blue hair.

“Really,” the kid whined. “Can’t we just leave and go dance?” He actually began to gyrate his hips slightly, and it wouldn’t have surprised Frederick to hear the kid whine, “I’m horny.”

“You didn’t have to come with me,” Greek God said in his rich, deep voice, and Frederick sipped from his glass so he wouldn’t appear to be listening.

“You said this would be fun. It’s just a bunch of old people.” Twink Boy pouted, setting down his glass and grabbing two more from the tray, downing first one, then the other in a gulp. “Well, that was as fun as it gets, can we go now?”

Frederick felt laughter coming on, so he backed away out of earshot, but to where he could still watch people looking at the painting. He also got the added bonus of being able to watch Greek God and Twink Boy carry on an argument until the boy stormed away in a huff and left the room. For a second, Frederick felt sorry for Greek God and followed him with his eyes until he felt another set of eyes staring at him. As he shifted his gaze toward the painting, he saw Greek God staring deeply at him. Frederick knew when he was being mentally undressed, and turnabout was definitely fair play.

Fredrick stared back for a few seconds—never one to back away from a challenge—until Greek God’s tuxedo lay in a mental heap on the floor. Greek God looked away, and Frederick turned and moved through the room. It hardly mattered where Greek God was looking. Besides, Frederick figured that he was probably looking for an easy good time, now that his likely sure thing for the evening had flounced off, but a mental undressing was all Greek God was going to get from him.

“Frederick,” Saundra called as she approached, and he pushed his mental drama from his mind. “Scoping out the competition?”

“Of course,” he answered, and they traded cheek kisses. She moved on to work the room while Frederick continued to watch who was paying attention to what. Of particular note was the fact that Greek God was still scoping him out. It was then he realized he’d been a bit foolish and Greek God had simply identified his interest. He could deal with that. Frederick knew auctions and he knew how to win, and he fully intended to within Saundra’s limits.

“Ladies and gentlemen.” The announcer’s voice floated through the room, and all eyes shifted to a small stage at one end of the room. “Good evening and welcome. We are going to start the auction in just a few minutes. I’d like to draw your attention to the terms that are printed in your catalogs this evening.”

The first painting was brought up and placed on the easel behind the gentleman speaking. “Our first item is ready.” The man described the painting and then began calling for bids. Thankfully he had a light manner and didn’t make it sound like a Texas cattle auction, the way many auction houses did. The item sold and Frederick watched who it went to, making a mental note of the amount paid and who did the buying.

Item after item was sold, and Frederick quickly got an idea of who the big spenders were and how they were bidding. Greek God hadn’t bought anything.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is the last lot of the evening. Portrait of a Lady, by Steven Jennings. Can I have an opening bid of $50,000?” A man in front nodded, and the bidding began… $75,000? 100,000?”. Greek God bid $125,000, and Frederick immediately bid $150,000. The bids climbed, and every time Greek God bid, Frederick immediately topped him. $250,000, $300,000. Frederick had the bid, and the auctioneer called for final bids. Greek God bid $325,000 and threw a smug look in Frederick’s direction, raising his glass.

Frederick nodded, and the auctioneer began once again calling for final bids. “Five hundred thousand,” Frederick said forcefully without raising his voice, and he saw Greek God choke on the champagne he was drinking. The auctioneer called for final bids one last time, and no one said anything.

“Sold!” the auctioneer said with a huge smile, and everyone in the room began to applaud politely, many turning to look at Frederick, who simply nodded to acknowledge the applause before drinking the last of the bubbly from his glass. “Take that, Greek God,” he said with his eyes before making his way to the cashier. In the envelope with the instructions had been a black credit card with his name on it. He simply handed it to the cashier, signed his name, and it was done. He collected the painting, which had been wrapped and properly boxed. Carrying it out the door, he saw Greek God staring at him. He nodded to him as the driver opened the door, and Frederick got inside, the car pulling away from the curb and winding through traffic to Frederick’s home.

“You can leave the painting with me, and I will take it to Mrs. Garlock,” the driver explained. Frederick wasn’t about to do that without specific word from Saundra. On cue, the phone in the car rang, and the driver answered it before transferring it through the speakers.

“You were brilliant, Frederick, thank you. Leave the painting in the car, and Cedrick will take it from there. If there’s any place you wish to go, tell Cedrick. The car and driver are yours for the evening.”

“Thank you, Saundra,” he said with a smile.

“You’re welcome, dear boy.” She hung up, and Frederick asked Cedrick to take him home.

“I need to change and then have some fun,” he told the driver, and Cedrick nodded, pulling up in front of Frederick’s home. He got out and hurried inside, walking up the stairs. Changing out of his tuxedo, Frederick pulled on a black T-shirt and tight leather pants and boots. He may have been small, but he knew in these clothes he was absolutely eye-catching. He’d done well, and tonight he wanted to be noticed.

Leaving the house, Frederick got back into the limousine and gave the driver the address of his favorite bar. One thing was for sure, when he arrived in this vehicle, he was definitely going to be noticed.

The ride didn’t take long, and Cedrick pulled up to the curb. Frederick got out, and Cedrick handed him a card with a phone number on it, which he shoved into the pocket of his pants before walking toward the club. One thing Frederick had discovered a long time ago was that regardless of how tall you were in reality, if you acted as though you were six feet tall, that was how people treated you. And tonight Frederick walked into the club as though he owned the world.

Once inside, he sauntered up to the bar and climbed onto a stool. When the bartender overlooked, him Frederick simply grabbed the man’s leather harness and pulled the startled bartender down to eye level. He said nothing and simply glared into the other man’s eyes until he heard him moan softly. “That’s what I thought. Bring me a martini and I’ll think about it.” Frederick released him, and the bartender couldn’t move fast enough to get his drink.

Frederick turned around, checking out the room, meeting the eyes of anyone and everyone. It wasn’t long before he owned the room and he knew all the boys were talking about him. Turning back toward the bar, Frederick finished his drink and ordered another. When his drink arrived, Frederick turned around once again and found himself looking into Greek God’s eyes.

“You know, what you did wasn’t particularly fair,” the man said, and Frederick let his eyes wander over the man’s painted-on jeans that left nothing to the imagination and the T-shirt that clung to his wide chest like a second skin.

“If you go into battle unprepared, you deserve to lose,” Frederick explained levelly before raising his glass and sipping his martini. He expected Greek God to get upset or storm away, but what Frederick saw in those deep brown eyes and the subtle way his stance widened was interest. Frederick kept that realization as well as his own gut-thumping desire off his face. If he wanted to remain in control, and he definitely did, then Greek God had to make the first move, or at least the correct first move.

 

Chapter Two

 

“So you like to win,” Duncan replied, his throat suddenly very dry. He hadn’t expected the small man to be so forceful or to dominate a place like this so completely. He’d seen him at the auction and the man obviously knew how to read a situation and do what it took to come out on top. He’d already seen that in action.

“Doesn’t everyone?” The small man simply looked at him, and Duncan had to stop his body from automatically shivering under his penetrating gaze. He loved strong men because Duncan himself was strong, and weakness was something he had a tough time dealing with.

“And what does it mean to win?” Duncan asked. He would normally have signaled the bartender for a drink, but he couldn’t take his eyes off the man in front of him. He fascinated Duncan, and Duncan had a deep fear that if he did, the man’s attention would shift, and Duncan didn’t want that to happen.

“That depends where the battle is,” the small man replied and then lifted his martini glass to his red, full lips. Duncan blinked and he knew the other man had seen it because he nodded slightly before setting the glass back on the bar. He obviously was giving nothing away. Duncan hoped he’d say something more, but the man simply continued looking at Duncan like he was dinner for a hungry lion.

Duncan shifted slightly. The way the small man continued to look at him was unnerving and Duncan knew he should look away, but he couldn’t. There was something behind those eyes, a spark of desire, or the recognition of something Duncan was definitely missing. “Take the auction, then.”

The small man nodded. “That was business, and winning there meant getting what my client wanted.”

Duncan took a deep breath and slowly released it. “So you weren’t buying the painting for yourself?” A stab of excitement raced through Duncan’s body, fueled by that bit of knowledge, and built on top of the deep longing that kept running up and down his spine, driven by something primal.

“No. I was purchasing for a client.” The small man began to turn away, and that was the last thing Duncan wanted for so many fucking reasons.

“Would it be possible to get your client’s name? I’d like to see about purchasing the painting.”

The man’s eyes darkened. “No. That’s strictly confidential, and I’m not here to talk business tonight. At least not that kind of business.” The leer was back, and the offer or threat inherent in those words cut through Duncan’s inhibitions like a knife.

The painting was very important to him, but he knew he wasn’t going to get anywhere further on that subject, at least not tonight. “I’m Duncan Prescott,” he said, holding out his hand. The other man stared at it before shaking, but did not offer his name. “What do I call you?”

The other man had picked up his glass, and he set it back on the bar, pausing for an inordinately long time. “Sir.”

Duncan shivered. God damn, there was something about this guy that pushed all his buttons. He may have been small, and that he definitely was, but other than in physical appearance, there was nothing small about this man. “Okay, Sir, but can I ask for your name?”

“You can ask all you want for just about anything, but that does not mean I’m going to give it to you.” Sir’s voice resonated deep inside him.

Duncan shivered again, and without taking his eyes off Sir, he motioned to the bartender. Sir shook his head and lifted his glass off the bar, holding it up to Duncan’s lips. Duncan never drank martinis, but he sipped from the rim. The alcohol bit and the vermouth cloyed at his throat, but beneath it he could taste a hint of Sir, and it made his dick instantly as hard as steel. The glass slipped away, and Sir drank the remainder before getting up. As Sir walked toward the door, Duncan knew he had a decision to make. He followed without really thinking twice. After less than ten minutes, Sir had gotten hold of something inside of him. He wasn’t sure if that was good or bad, but he intended to find out.

Outside, a limousine pulled up and Sir got inside. Duncan hesitated for a second as the door stood open. He knew it wouldn’t remain so for long, so he got inside the car. The door closed behind him, and Duncan stared at Sir for some indication of what would happen, but Sir simply motioned to the driver and the car began to move.

He said nothing to him, nothing at all, the entire ride. Duncan began to squirm slightly and wondered if this had been such a good idea, but Sir sat still and stared out the front window. Eventually the car stopped, and after a few seconds the door in Sir’s side of the car opened, and he got out. The door didn’t close, and Duncan slid across the seat, getting out of the car. After Sir said something to the driver, he walked up toward a small, but immaculate home, and Duncan followed.

Inside, he looked around, and Sir simply stood, feet apart, in the hallway, looking at him. “What do you want?” he asked levelly and reasonably. Duncan wished he had an answer, but simply lowered his eyes. “I asked a question,” he said with more force.

“I want you,” he finally answered, and Sir stepped closer. Duncan reached out for him, and Sir stopped moving.

“What about the kid you were with at the auction?” Sir asked, his eyes drilling, and Duncan could tell he was looking for any sort of lie or avoidance.

“A mistake,” Duncan answered truthfully. Troy had been a huge mistake from the day they’d met. All Troy was interested in was having a good time with as many people as possible. He almost tried to explain that Troy was a friend, but he was more like a trick that Duncan had tried to make last too long.

Sir moved closer, and Duncan remained still as one of his hands wound behind Duncan’s neck, pulling his head down forcefully. Sir kissed him with such force that Duncan’s knees nearly buckled. Sir’s lips took charge, possessing Duncan’s while sucking on his tongue. Sir nipped lightly, then soothed before nipping again, and by the time it ended Duncan would have sworn he’d seen God.

“Go upstairs, take a shower, and dry yourself. In ten minutes I want to see you naked, bent over the bed in the room directly across the hall from the bathroom,” Sir said with the same tone that someone would use to give driving directions, but Duncan heard a slight edge to the man’s voice and he turned and climbed the steps.

At the top of the stairs, Duncan saw the open bathroom door and stepped inside. Starting the shower, he stripped off his clothes, folded them, and stepped under the spray, closing the curtain. He kept expecting the door to open, and he hoped Sir would join him. For some reason, he knew that would not happen, but he still wished.

Reaching for the soap, Duncan began washing himself. His legs shook and his cock was rock hard, standing at rigid attention. Soaping his hands, Duncan wrapped them around himself, stroking a few times before forcing himself to stop. After cleaning himself up everywhere, Duncan stepped out of the shower and toweled dry. Hanging up the towel, he checked his watch. One minute to go, Duncan made sure the bathroom was clean and walked across the hall. Leaning across the side of the bed, he waited. “I must be nuts,” Duncan told himself as he thought about what he was doing, and he nearly got back up.

Footsteps behind him almost made him jump. Duncan lifted his head to look at Sir. A hand landed on his ass, the smack reverberating through the room. Duncan nearly cried out, but swallowed the sound before it could escape. “Nice,” he heard Sir say, then a warm hand caressed over his butt. “Keep your head down.”

“Yes, Sir,” Duncan responded, placing his hand on the mattress. Sir’s hands made long, slow strokes up his back and then down over his ass.

“Very good,” Sir crooned as his hands slid to Duncan’s inner thighs, and he spread his legs farther apart. “Leave your hands where they are and do not move. No matter what I do, you are to remain perfectly still. Is that understood?”

“Yes, Sir,” Duncan answered, already vibrating with excitement at the prospect of Sir’s touch.

“Good,” Sir said, and his hands stroked over Duncan’s cheeks, spreading them far apart. Warm breath skimmed over his hole, and Duncan’s breath caught in his chest. “You liked that,” Sir almost sang, and then did it again before skimming the skin with his fingers. Duncan shivered once again, a small moan escaping. Sir’s fingers skimmed over his opening, teasing the skin, and Duncan’s head felt as though it were going to explode—and all Sir had done was touch him. But it felt as though he knew exactly how he wanted and needed to be touched. A snick made Duncan tense, and then a lubed finger circled his opening before pressing inside.

“Fuck,” Duncan said under his breath, and Sir slid his other hand between Duncan’s legs, fingers wrapping around his cock, holding tight but not moving.

“I know exactly what you want,” Sir crooned, his finger curling slightly, and Duncan swore he saw stars, “and I’ll give it to you when I feel you’re ready.” The finger slipped from inside him, and Duncan groaned as Sir’s hand drew away. “Climb on the bed and roll over.”

Duncan moved slowly and did as he was told, his eyes meeting Sir’s, and he watched as the smaller man slowly began to undress. Sir may not have been big, but he had a set of abs to die for, and as the pants slid down Sir’s legs, Duncan saw that everything was not exactly proportional. Holy Christ! “Spread your legs and hold them still.”

Duncan complied, watching every movement Sir made as he climbed onto the bed, even as he rolled on a condom. Duncan’s mouth watered as Sir settled between his legs. He could feel his heart pound as Sir settled over him. To Duncan’s surprise, Sir moved closer and kissed him, hard, taking complete possession of his mouth, and Duncan wanted it. “Please, Sir,” Duncan mumbled, and he felt Sir breach his body. Duncan’s eyes rolled back as Sir sank into him without stopping, slowly filling him completely. The burn was exquisite, and Duncan reveled in every sensation as his ass stretched to accommodate Sir’s hardness.

Sir locked their eyes together and leaned over him as he began to move. This was no slow seduction that built gradually. Sir fucked him with near complete abandon, driving into his body with surprising force. Duncan could feel Sir’s eyes drilling into him with the same intensity as his mammoth cock. “Fuck me, Sir!”

Sir drove deep and stilled. “This is what you needed, isn’t it? You needed to be fucked by someone who knows exactly how you want it.”

“God yes!” Duncan clutched at the bedding as he was fucked into the middle of next week. Hard and raw, just what Duncan needed, that’s what Sir gave him without being told and with barely a word being spoken between them. It almost felt as though Sir could read his mind.

“You don’t come until I tell you,” Sir instructed, and Duncan nodded. There was no way he could speak. Hell, he could barely breathe as Sir’s cock dragged over the spot inside him with each and every amazingly accurate stroke. Duncan wanted to come, but he needed to please Sir more, and after a while he felt himself shifting to a state of euphoric bliss that had his mind floating. Nothing like this had ever happened to him before. Duncan had had plenty of sex, even rough, demanding sex, but no one had ever done this to him before.

“Please, Sir,” Duncan begged, wanting to come so badly and yet not wanting this feeling to ever end.

“You aren’t ready yet,” Sir told him through clenched teeth, and Duncan grunted a note of pleasure knowing he was having an effect on Sir. A hand smacked one cheek of his ass and then the other, the sound echoing through the room. Duncan grunted with each one, but Sir kept fucking him, never missing a beat, and Duncan was too far gone. Smack followed on smack, each becoming firmer, and Duncan registered in his hazy mind a warmth spreading from his ass through his entire body. “Now—” smack, “—you’re—” smack, “—ready,” Sir gritted out. “Come for me right now.” The last word was punctuated by a deep thrust and a hard smack on each ass cheek that Sir soothed with his hand. The change in the touch combined with the fucking of a lifetime sent Duncan’s mind reeling, and he came without being touched, his entire body throbbing through his tsunami-intense orgasm.

Duncan floated for a long time as wave after wave of endorphins rushed through his body and mind, taking him to a place he’d never been before. When he opened his eyes, Sir had slipped from his body and the condom was gone. He was sitting next to Duncan on the bed, lightly rubbing his chest and crooning soft words to him. “You’re okay, just relax and breathe,” Sir said in a voice completely foreign to him: soft, sweet, and intensely caring. “Deep breaths,” he said as he stroked Duncan’s cheek like a baby. “Don’t try to move.”

“What happened?” Duncan asked and tried to sit up anyway, and his head spun.

“The experience was so intense for you that your body needs a few minutes to process everything that’s going on. Just give it a few minutes and you’ll be just fine.” Somehow, Duncan doubted that was the case, but he laid back and closed his eyes, letting the floaty feeling take over again. Sir kept stroking his skin lightly and slowly, and Duncan felt the sensation of clouds leave him and he drifted back into himself.

“Wow,” Duncan murmured when he opened his eyes once again. Sir reached to the bedside table and grabbed a towel. After wiping Duncan carefully, Sir threw the towel on the floor. “What the hell happened to me?”

“You know what happened,” Sir told him. “It was what your eyes said you wanted at the bar, so I gave it to you.” Sir settled on the bed next to him and the light clicked out. “Close your eyes and sleep,” he said softly in Duncan’s ear, and Duncan complied. His mind threatened to try to ask a million questions, but he didn’t have the energy. Sir lay behind him, his chest pressed to Duncan’s back, an arm protectively around his waist.

Duncan remembered nothing more until he woke in the morning to light streaming through the windows. Sir still held him tight, but as soon as Duncan stirred, he heard Sir’s voice. “How are you feeling this morning?”

Duncan realized a number of things. His ass was sore both inside and out, but in the best way possible. He also felt like all the cobwebs had been removed from his mind and everything seemed crisp and clear. Duncan wanted to roll over and kiss Sir, but he didn’t know if it was allowed, so he lay where he was and let the other man take the lead. “Wonderful,” Duncan answered, and he heard Sir chuckle slightly. He hoped for some sort of repeat from last night, but the covers lowered and he felt the bed shake slightly as Sir’s weight shifted. Rolling over, he watched Sir move around the room. Dark hair, tanned skin, everything in perfect proportion—well, nearly everything anyway.

Sir shrugged on a thin robe, tying it closed around his waist before leaving the room. Duncan then heard water running and he figured it was time to go. He’d been given one of the most amazing nights of his life, but it was obvious that Sir didn’t want him to stay. As he was gathering his clothes, Sir walked back in the room and sat on the edge of the bed. Duncan could feel Sir watching him and he wanted to sit next to him and kiss him. A realization struck him that he wanted Sir to hold him like he had the entire night. There was this feeling from deep inside him that nothing could hurt him as long as Sir was there, and Duncan hadn’t felt that in a very long time. Once he was dressed, Sir stood up and walked to him, eyes once again boring deep into Duncan. Sir reached around his neck, tugging Duncan down for another deep, intense kiss that almost had Duncan begging to stay. The kiss ended slowly, like both of them knew that was the end, and both wanted it to last. Once Sir’s lips stopped sucking on Duncan’s, he felt his lower lips slide back into place and the pressure on the back of his neck lessen.

Standing up, Duncan had no idea what to say. Sir nodded slightly, and Duncan turned and descended the stairs, walking through the hallway and out the front door. As soon as it closed behind him, Duncan felt as though he’d just let go of something important, but it was too late now. Taking a steadying breath, Duncan pulled out his phone and called a cab. Luckily there was one in the area and he didn’t have to wait very long.

Opening the back door, Duncan got inside. “Cudahy Towers,” he told the driver, and the car pulled away. Everyone in town knew the location of that posh and coveted address. Sunday morning traffic was light, and Duncan arrived home rather quickly, almost too quickly. He paid the driver and strode into the building, taking the elevator almost to the top floor. Getting out, Duncan unlocked his door and walked inside, the door closing the only sound he heard.

Duncan showered and changed clothes before wandering through the condominium, wondering what he should do. He had a million friends he could call, although most of them would probably still be in bed, and that held little appeal. Instead, he found himself dragging a chair over to the corner windows with their view of Lake Michigan and the city as it sprawled toward the northern suburbs. As he sat, he couldn’t stop his mind from wondering what Sir was doing right now. He didn’t even know his real name, and yet he was almost all he could think about. Sir was also the only connection he had to the painting that he’d started out to purchase, and he had to track down that portrait before it disappeared for another 20 years. He knew where he could start, because others at the club would probably know who Sir was.

Picking up the phone, Duncan said to hell with it and called Ryan.

“Why in hell are you calling at this hour?”

“Good morning to you too,” Duncan quipped. He knew it was all bluster. He and Ryan had been roommates at Madison, and from experience he knew Ryan was already up, probably in more ways than one.

“This better be good,” Ryan told him, and Duncan explained what had happened the night before, leaving out a few things, but Ryan got the idea. “Jesus, it sounds like you hit the jackpot. But you don’t know his name?”

“Nope,” Duncan answered.

“And you want to find him?” Ryan was clearly awake now, and Duncan heard a male voice in the background behind his friend, followed by loud slurping. Yup, Ryan was definitely up.

“Yes. He’s the only link I have to the painting,” Duncan explained, and even to him the words sounded hollow. On the other side of the line, Duncan heard a small, swallowed moan.

“I have to go, but are you really looking for the painting…or the man?” A long moan came through the phone and then the call disconnected. Even in midst of blowjob, Ryan had hit the nail on the head.

 

 

Chapter Three

 

Frederick stood in his tiny back room, the painting Saundra had bought from him resting on an easel as he carefully worked to clean it. During the week, the store was usually quite quiet, and this Thursday was no exception. The actual cleaning wasn’t particularly demanding, it simply took time, and over the last few days he’d had enough to nearly finish the job. The old varnish had been removed, and thankfully the painting hadn’t needed any touch-ups, so now Frederick was checking it over before adding a single fresh coat of varnish to the surface. Where the painting had been dull, it was now as vibrant as Frederick, and ultimately Saundra, had hoped.

The bell on his door rang, and Frederick set aside his tools. Wiping his hands, he took the two steps into the store and saw Duncan standing just inside his door. Frederick had not been able to get him out of his mind, though he’d tried. “Good afternoon, Duncan, what can I help you with?” He made sure his question had a slight edge and he saw the other man tense, just like he had that evening in Frederick’s bed when he’d first touched him.

Frederick saw Duncan swallow. “I was looking for you.” At least he was honest. This was not the first time a man he’d taken to bed had tracked him to his store. But this was the first time he was pleased it had happened. Now he needed to decide what he wanted to do about it. Standing near the doorway to the back room, Frederick slowly stepped toward Duncan, locking eyes with the other man. Waiting.

“Why?” Frederick stopped just out of Duncan’s reach, setting the cloth on his desk blotter. “Were you really looking for me, or an angle on the painting from the auction? Because if it’s the latter, you can turn around and go now to save us both time.” Duncan shifted from foot to foot, running a hand along the back of his neck. “Duncan, you will always tell me the truth,” Frederick said with more of Sir’s edge.

“I can’t stop thinking about you and the way you made me feel,” Duncan blurted out, and Frederick knew the courage it had taken Duncan to say that. A lot of men denied what they needed because they thought it wrong or bad. Frederick pulled one of the chairs away from the wall and set it near the table he was using as a desk.

“Sit,” Frederick said before sitting in his own chair. He watched as Duncan sat down on the very edge of the chair like he was about to bolt at any second. “We’re going to talk, since you took the trouble to track me down.” Duncan settled back a little farther in the chair. “Let me guess, you don’t usually submit to guys the way you did to me and it has you a little freaked?”

Duncan’s eyes widened. “Kind of, I guess. I’ve been with strong guys before, but you made me fly and feel things I didn’t think were possible, and I felt like you could sort of read my mind.” Duncan squirmed in the chair.

“I wasn’t reading your mind, just your body. It was telling me exactly what you wanted, and I gave it to you.”

“Is it like that with everyone you’re with?” Duncan asked, and Frederick knew that was the real heart of the issue.

Frederick stood up and slowly walked around the desk, Duncan watching every move he made. Rarely had Frederick met a man so responsive to him. Yes, he was a damned good Dom, and he loved making his partners come apart in absolute bliss, but there was possibly something more with Duncan. “No, it certainly is not. If that was your way of asking if something special happened when we were together, then the answer is yes. What you felt went both ways; it has to with what happened between us.”

“Oh.” Duncan seemed relieved, but Frederick was still wary.

“You still haven’t told me the real reason you’re here. Because if all you wanted was another fuck, you probably would have been looking at the club where you found me the first time rather than here. So, does this have anything to do with the painting from the auction? Because I’ve already told you I cannot reveal who my client was.” Frederick made sure his voice had a sense of finality to it.

“I should never have asked you that. It wasn’t right. But I was a bit desperate. That portrait is a picture of my great-aunt. My family has a great deal of money, and almost every cent of it can be traced back to her in one way or another. It was Bernadette, who had the business sense, not her husband Charles or my grandfather Herbert. They took credit for it, but Bernadette is the reason this city has Prescott Park and the Prescott wing at the children’s hospital.”

“So what does that have to do with that painting?” Frederick asked, expecting some sob story.

“Great-Uncle Charlie wanted a portrait of his wife, but Bernadette refused to sit for one, so he commissioned an artist to sit in the park and wait for Bernadette to take her daily constitutional, as she called it. Over several weeks, the artist, Steven Jennings, completed a number of sketches, and Great-Uncle Charles commissioned a painting for her. The artist completed it, as you saw the other night. Great-Aunt Bernadette never saw her portrait. Great-Uncle Charlie died apparently just after it was completed, and Jennings sold it to someone else once he heard about Great-Uncle Charlie’s death.” Despite his best efforts, Frederick was becoming drawn to Duncan’s story, the same way the man himself was capturing his attention. “The family wasn’t even aware of the portrait until about 20 years ago when we saw it in a sale catalog, but unfortunately that was after the sale and the bidder wished to remain anonymous. Apparently the buyer was Arlene Hunt, which makes sense, because she knew who it was. Great-Aunt Bernadette had put her father out of business once, so she probably saw owning the portrait as some sort of revenge. We knew it existed and we’d seen pictures of it, but no one in my family had actually laid eyes on it until I saw it the other night at the auction…and I lost it because my family are fools. I’ve convinced them to free up additional funds, but it’s probably too late.” Frederick could hear Duncan’s failure in his voice.

“The next time I speak to my client, I’ll mention your interest, but I cannot guarantee anything. This client is a collector of the artist. I can’t do anything more for you than that.” That was the most that Frederick could promise, and he knew it wasn’t much.

“I know,” Duncan said standing up. “It’s my own fault I didn’t get the painting at the auction.”

Frederick scoffed and moved closer to Duncan. “No, you were up against someone with far superior skills. I’m afraid you didn’t stand a chance at all. I am not at liberty to discuss any details, but I was not anywhere near my limit.” Duncan swallowed and stared into Frederick’s eyes. “I only tell you that so you don’t beat yourself up too badly.” Frederick saw the intensity in Duncan’s eyes shift and he knew exactly what the other man was thinking. Duncan’s body language had shifted, and Frederick could almost feel him thrumming with energy.

“Thank you, Sir,” Duncan said, desire thickening his voice, and Frederick got a sudden vision of Duncan naked bent over his desk. Damn, that was quite a sight. He would have loved nothing more than to make it come true, but he still had work to do. “Can I see you again?”

Frederick thought it over for a few seconds. He was almost certain he was going to regret this. “All right,” Frederick answered. “There’s a small Italian restaurant near my house called Marino’s. I’ll meet you there at 7:00 this evening, but I make no promises beyond dinner.”

“Fair enough,” Duncan answered with a smile. “I’ll see you at 7:00, and I appreciate what you did.” Duncan exited the store, leaving Frederick wondering exactly what he’d done. However, he didn’t have a lot of time to dwell on it. He needed to finish the painting so he could send it over to Saundra. She hadn’t called about it yet, but he had no doubt she would do just that or she’d drop by unannounced and then talk his ear off while she wondered why Frederick hadn’t finished yet. Stepping into the back room, Frederick got back to work, spending the next hour finishing the last of the cleaning so that tomorrow he could varnish, and once it was dry, he’d be done.

Frederick had a few customers in the afternoon, and, as he expected, Saundra called just before closing. “I have it cleaned and I need to varnish it. Once the painting’s done, I’ll have it sent right over.”

“I know that, Dear Boy. I wanted to thank you for handling the auction for me. I consider it a special favor.”

Frederick smiled. “Well, you’re welcome.” Frederick figured if he were going to ask her about the painting, now was as good a time as any. “The gentleman bidding against you was Duncan Prescott and…”

“Yes. He would, and I saw the way you outmaneuvered him at the auction. That was brilliant.” She sounded so pleased.

“So you know why he wanted the portrait?” Frederick asked.

“I assume for the same reason I did, to get back at Arlene Hunt. That woman made herself a thorn in the Prescott family’s side for years, almost as much as mine.” Saundra even sounded vindictive.

“I don’t think that’s the reason, but he stopped by the store today and asked about the purchaser of the painting. He knows I was acting as an agent for someone, but I did not and would not tell him it was you. However, he asked me to pass on a message. He would like to purchase the painting if you’re willing to sell.” For some reason, he didn’t know why, Frederick did not tell Saundra what Duncan had told him. If she didn’t know who the portrait was, then that was Duncan’s story to tell not his.

“I don’t think I am, but I’ll think about it, Dear Boy.” Frederick heard the clink of ice in glasses and realized it must have been the cocktail hour. “This message wouldn’t have anything to do with the handsome man you went home with would it?”

“Saundra,” Frederick did his best to sound shocked, “I never took you for a gossip.”

“Please,” she began, obviously smiling. “At my age, hearing about other people’s exploits is the only fun I have left. I don’t think I have the bait to lure young, handsome men anymore.”

“I can’t believe you grilled your driver about where I went.” Frederick was beginning to feel a little violated, even though he should have expected it. Saundra was notorious for wanting to know anything juicy.

“I didn’t, Dear Boy, but when he got back earlier than I expected, he explained that he dropped you off at your home with a nice, handsome, young man, and now I’m wondering if that young man wouldn’t be Duncan Prescott.” More tinkling of ice followed, and he swore he heard her sip her drink and sigh softly.

“Saundra, this is not an appropriate conversation, but I was with Duncan Prescott. We met after the auction at a club downtown. He’s an interesting man, but I’m like a doctor—client confidentiality is assured. It always has been.” Frederick let a touch of Sir’s commanding tone sneak into his voice.

Saundra snickered on the other end of the line. “If that’s the way you speak to him, Dear Boy, no wonder he’s interested.” It sounded like she was giggling, and before Frederick could say anything, she’d hung up the phone and he was left gaping at a dead line. Frederick hung up the phone and stared at it, wondering about the surreal conversation he’d just had. Getting up from his chair, Frederick turned off the lights, closed the shop, and drove home. He needed to change and get ready to meet Duncan.

At home, Frederick was tempted to dress as Duncan had seen him at the club. That would probably be a little much, but he did wear a pair of black leather pants with a white shirt and, of course, the boots. Yes, he was having dinner with Duncan, but he wanted him to know who was in charge.

Frederick arrived early and had the server show him to the table, where he ordered a martini and waited for Duncan, who arrived almost exactly on time, and Frederick stood up as Duncan approached. Frederick knew the second Duncan saw him because he nearly skipped a step and almost tripped over the leg of a chair. Frederick smiled to himself as Duncan got his balance and continued walking toward the table. Frederick waited for Duncan and then sat back down, fixing Duncan in his gaze.

“Should I call you Sir tonight?”

Frederick almost pounced on Duncan, ready to give him a lesson in respect, but the young man was serious, and Frederick realized he liked being asked. “No. I’m Frederick.” Their server approached and handed them each a menu, taking Duncan’s drink order before leaving them alone. “I spoke with my client and I told them your offer, and they said they would think about it. That’s all I can tell you.” Frederick wanted to get any hint of business out of the way, because he very much wanting this evening to be about pleasure.

Duncan’s drink arrived and the server took their orders before leaving them alone once again. “Have you been with a lot of other men?” Duncan asked, and Frederick hit him with a steely gaze.

“I did not slide down the birth canal knowing how to make another man forget his name.” Frederick sipped his drink. “Relax, you’re trying too hard. What do you do for a living?” Frederick asked, and set his glass on the table, giving Duncan his full attention.

“I manage my family’s money. I went to college and majored in finance and spent some time working as a stockbroker and investment advisor after I graduated. I developed a good record and showed some real talent, and eventually I began handling the investments for the Prescott Foundation. My father runs the foundation, but I manage the day-to-day operations by making sure our money is properly put to work. The more we make, the more we’re able to use to support a number of charitable programs, like the children’s hospital.”

“Do you like it?” Frederick asked, because he hadn’t heard any passion in his voice.

Duncan shrugged. “I’m good at it and I help keep the foundation profitable so it can continue helping people.”

“But that isn’t what you’re passionate about,” Frederick supplied. “What really makes you happy?”

Duncan sighed and gulped his drink. “I wish I knew. My family has always had money, so I never wanted for anything materially. Between trust funds and old family money, no one in my family will ever have to work a day in their lives, and we’re all used to getting exactly what we want,” Duncan explained, and Frederick arched his eyebrows. Money itself didn’t particularly impress him. Frederick had worked hard all his life and he’d done very well for himself. He had people with more money than he’d ever see in his life walk into his shop on a regular basis, and truthfully, they never seemed happier than he was. In fact, some of them were downright miserable.

“So what is it you want?” Frederick asked as their server brought their salads, setting a small plate in front of each of them before stepping away. “You can have almost anything for the asking, but what do you want? What is it you dream of late at night when you’re alone with your thoughts?”

Duncan chewed his bite of salad and set down his fork. “For the last few days, it’s been you. Every time I close my eyes you come into my dreams, and that hasn’t happened before.

Frederick chuckled, “That’s just the lust talking.” Frederick hoped it really wasn’t, but that was the obvious answer after their last encounter. Duncan shook his head, and Frederick steeled his gaze in warning. He saw Duncan swallow hard. “Remember, you always tell me the truth,” he said commandingly, in Sir’s “broach no argument” tone.

“As I said, I never wanted for anything, but that didn’t mean I got what I wanted. A nanny raised my brother, sister, and me, and my parents flew around the world for the family foundation. When we were old enough, we were all sent to the finest schools and given all the appropriate toys and gifts. For my 16th birthday, I received a new car along with my driver’s license. It was delivered by the car dealership because my mother and father were in Switzerland at the time. Back then I didn’t have to words for it, but I do now. What I really wanted was some of my parents’ time and attention. Instead, I got things.”

“You haven’t answered my question,” Frederick prompted before taking a small bite of his salad.

“I know.” Duncan ate a little more before putting down his fork. “If you’d have asked me a week ago, I would probably have answered you differently, but now I sort of think the picture has come into focus. If I could have anything, I’d like one person in my life who loves me for me.” Duncan sounded sincere.

“That’s quite a revelation,” Frederick said, trying to keep his natural skepticism out of his voice.

“Yes and no. I’ve spent years talking to a therapist, but it took meeting someone like you to bring things into focus,” Duncan said with a smile on his face. “I’m not some kid who believes in fairy tales and an easy happily ever after, but I know what I want and I go after it.”

“And I take it what you want is me?” Frederick wasn’t buying it totally—not that he wasn’t interested in Duncan, because he certainly was. He’d felt the connection between them, and he’d spent a lot of time thinking about the man sitting across the table from him with the excited smile on his face. He wouldn’t be human if he couldn’t admit that the man’s body was a temple he could worship at for the rest of his life, but what Duncan seemed to be offering was too good and too wrapped up in a nice, neat bow for his suspicious nature.

“I’m not asking for a wedding ring or a lifetime commitment, but a chance to see where this leads.” Frederick had little doubt that Duncan was sincere.

“You really think you want to do this?” Frederick asked sternly. “This is really what you want?” Duncan swallowed and nodded his head once. “Then let’s finish our meal and we’ll go somewhere much more private where we can talk.” Frederick was already feeling the energy and anticipation rising in his blood. Duncan’s body language told Frederick he was feeling it too.

They finished their salads, and the server brought their dinners. They didn’t talk a lot, but Frederick could see the effect he was having on Duncan simply by watching his face. Duncan’s eyes were dilated like a cat’s, wide and ready for anything. Duncan had ordered a pasta dish that appeared to be delicious, if the things he was doing with his tongue were any indication.

Frederick leaned over the table, lowering his voice, but keeping the intensity just below the surface. “Are you playing with me, boy?” Frederick growled softly.

Duncan jumped and his fork hit the plate.

“You’re going to pay for that later, you know.” Frederick took a bite of his veal, eyes locked onto Duncan. “It’s always best not to poke the bear.”

Frederick saw Duncan’s mouth open and then close as he shivered with excitement. Frederick wanted to smile, but kept it off his face. With only a few words, he could already sense that Duncan was approaching the edge. “Eat. You’re going to need your strength.”

Frederick settled back in his seat and watched as Duncan shook. He knew the anticipation was about to tear him apart. Once they had finished their entrees, the server asked if they’d like dessert. Frederick looked over the menu, but took pity on Duncan when he groaned just under his breath. Asking for the check instead, Frederick paid for dinner and led Duncan outside. “Follow me to the house,” he instructed, and Duncan nodded.

Frederick drove the short distance to his house as the raw power from Duncan’s Ferrari pulsed behind him. Frederick parked in his usual spot, and Duncan pulled in behind, shutting off the engine. Frederick eyed the bright yellow car, and an image of Duncan bent over the hood, naked, flashed in his mind. Damn, he needed to get into the house before his imagination got the better of him.

Unlocking the door, he left it open and waited for Duncan in the living room. Frederick heard him walk inside, and the door closed quietly. “Come sit down,” Frederick said, and Duncan walked into the living room, sitting in the chair closest to him.

“Before you say anything,” Duncan began, “I am an adult and I know my own mind.”

Frederick leaned forward, making a spinning motion with his finger. Duncan looked at him, confused, before standing and turning around. “You need to learn to talk less and listen more,” Frederick said as he brought his hand down on Duncan’s ass once. “Now turn around,” Frederick added, and Duncan did so before sitting down once again. “You need to listen. I do not take any relationship lightly, especially the kind you seem to want. We must talk to one another and we must trust one another. I am not looking for a slave. If I were, I’d be after someone like the twink you were with at the auction. And I’m not.”

Duncan nodded his head once, and Frederick waited. “I understand,” Duncan finally said.

“Good. There are times I will ask for your opinion or input, and now is one of those times. Are there things you particularly hate? This is about making you feel good, not bad. I do not believe in humiliation, and what we do together will be done in private. I do not do public displays. If that’s what you want, I’m sure there are plenty of men who will be more than happy to accommodate you at The Room.”

Frederick saw Duncan shiver slightly. “No. I’m not public property. As for things I hate, I don’t like clamps and stuff like that. Bodily fluids don’t do anything for me either, if you know what I mean?” Frederick did. “I promise to tell you if there’s something that bothers me.”

“Good.” Frederick leaned closer, his face very close to Duncan’s. “One more thing you need to know. I do not share. If I find out you’ve been hanging around Twink Boy, he’s probably going to have a black eye and you are going to have a set of very blue balls. Do I make myself clear?”

“Does that go for you too?” Duncan asked. The question was valid, but Frederick curled his lips slightly anyway.

“The rules apply to me as well as you. I will never ask you to commit to something that I’m not willing to commit to myself.”

“Good, because for the record I don’t share either.” Duncan sounded determined, and Frederick liked that they were on the same page, at least on that particular issue. “Have you had longer-term relationships?”

Frederick shook his head. “This is going to be a learning experience for both of us.” Frederick could already sense deep inside him how right this was. The feeling startled him a little because he’d always been able to hide his own doubts behind his exterior. It seemed he wouldn’t be able to do that with Duncan. This man was going to see who he really was, but Frederick was going to get to know Duncan as well, and that prospect was fascinating indeed. “Bring over the stool,” Frederick said pointing to the ottoman in front of the sofa. “Then take off your pants and dress shirt. When I come back, I want to see you sitting in only your underwear on that stool.”

Frederick got up and left the room, walking up the stairs. He could hear Duncan moving in the other room. In his bedroom, Frederick opened a small drawer and pulled out what he was looking for. Stopping for a bottle of lube on his way out, Frederick slowly descended the stairs. He heard no movement, and when he stepped into the living room he saw Duncan sitting exactly where he had told him. Damn, the man was gorgeous: strong chest, bright eyes, thick legs shaking with excitement. If that wasn’t enough, Duncan’s briefs were tented almost to the breaking point.

Duncan watched every move Frederick made as he stalked closer. Standing in front of Duncan, Frederick handed him the plug he’d brought down. “I want you to see and feel it before it goes inside you,” Frederick explained, and Duncan ran his hand over it, looking questioningly at Frederick. “It’s a little bigger than you would have thought, but I want you to try it... for me.”

“Okay,” Duncan said handing it back to Frederick.

“Do you want me to insert it?” Frederick asked, and his heart jumped when Duncan stood up and leaned forward, placing his chest on the ottoman. “Fuck, that’s beautiful,” Frederick moaned as he slowly pulled the cotton fabric from Duncan’s firm round butt and down to his ankles. “Spread your legs,” Frederick coaxed, and Duncan’s crack parted, presenting Frederick with an amazing view of Duncan’s smooth hole. As he slowly stroked with his fingers, Frederick’s cock throbbed in his leather pants as Duncan throbbed for him. Kneeling on the floor between Duncan’s legs, Frederick slid his hands up the back of Duncan’s thighs before running the tip of his tongue over Duncan’s puckered skin.

“Jesus Christ!” Duncan cried, and he arched his back, but didn’t pull away and kept his lower body still.

As a reward for his control, Frederick probed deeper, Duncan’s musky flavor bursting on his tongue. This was the true taste of Duncan, and to Frederick it was damn near ambrosia. In a few seconds, Duncan writhed under him, making a steady stream of sounds that drove Frederick on. Moving back, Frederick took the plug from Duncan, lubing it liberally before slowly pressing it into his body. “Breathe for me,” Frederick coaxed as he slowly worked the plug into Duncan’s ass.

Rubbing the spot at the base of Duncan’s back, he could feel him relax, and the plug seated. Duncan continued making deep guttural sounds, and Frederick pulled his underwear back up his legs. “Pull them up and sit back down on the stool.” Duncan groaned but did as he instructed. Frederick waited until he was seated before standing in front of Duncan.

“I love that you have my plug inside you,” Frederick said as he took Duncan’s cheeks in his hands, kissing him hard, possessively, letting the man know he was his, because everything inside Frederick was screaming that very message. Stepping back again, Frederick slowly stripped off his shirt, letting Duncan watch and wonder what would happen next. “You look incredible, you know that? Your legs are shaking for me, aren’t they?”

“Yes,” Duncan answered.

“Yes what?” Frederick corrected lightly.

“Yes, Frederick, my Frederick.” Duncan answered. He’d been going for Sir, but that answer was better than anything he could ever have hoped to get.

Stepping away, Frederick walked behind Duncan’s back. “Look forward,” he said softly and then opened the buttons of his own shirt, taking it off and letting it fall to the floor. Moving right behind Duncan, he pressed his chest to Duncan’s strong back, his hands sliding around Duncan’s sides and along his powerful chest. Duncan rested back against him and groaned loudly. The sounds only increased when Frederick’s hands found Duncan’s nipples, flicking the buds lightly until they pebbled. “You like that?” Duncan nodded as Frederick’s hands reached around to him. “No. Hold onto the edge of the ottoman.

“Okay,” Duncan answered breathlessly, and Frederick slid his hands over Duncan’s skin as muscles twitched just below the surface.

“I can feel how much you like this,” Frederick crooned into Duncan’s ear. “I bet your ass is clenching and throbbing around my plug, isn’t it?” Frederick ran his hands down Duncan’s stomach, and his entire body stiffened before he returned them to Duncan’s chest.

“Yes,” Duncan admitted his voice trembling.

Frederick teased Duncan again, his fingers skimming just above the waistband of the underwear that was barely controlling Duncan’s cock. “I know what you want, and what I want is for you to keep holding into the ottoman and concentrate on what my plug is doing to your beautiful, tight little hole. You can barely think of anything else, because every time you move, it reminds you it’s there, touching you deep inside.” Frederick let his hands slide beneath the waistband, and Duncan hissed with excitement. Frederick lifted the band and settled it beneath Duncan’s balls. He heard Duncan breathe a small sigh, and then Frederick fanned his fingers lightly over the skin at the base. Duncan tried to buck to get more sensation. “Do that again and I’ll go back upstairs and leave you sitting here for the rest of the evening,” Frederick chastised. “Do you understand?”

“Yes, Frederick,” Duncan answered breathlessly, and Frederick cupped Duncan’s balls in one hand, rolling them with his fingers as the hairless, shaved skin caressed his hand.

“Did you do this for me?” he asked continuing to lightly touch Duncan’s smooth-everywhere skin.

“Uh-huh,” Duncan gasped.

“I like it,” Frederick whispered in Duncan’s ear as he wrapped his hand around Duncan’s shaft, moving it slowly along the length. “And I like touching you and listening to you moan for me.” Frederick stroked a little harder, and Duncan gave him one of those moans, louder and more urgent than the others.

“You can’t come until I tell you, so just relax and let me touch you. I want to feel how wonderfully amazing you are.” Frederick sucked on Duncan’s ear, and he groaned again. Frederick felt Duncan shift on the stool and he moaned again, probably as the plug moved inside him. “That’s it, move that tight butt of yours. You’re becoming so worked up you don’t know where to concentrate. My plug in your hole reminds you of me, and my hand on your cock feels so good. You want both at the same time but don’t dare move.”

“Yes,” Duncan hissed between clenched teeth.

“You’re balancing on the edge of a knife right now, aren’t you?” Frederick hissed into Duncan’s ear, as his own desire for Duncan began to eat away at his control. “If I stroke you just a little harder you’ll come and you know it.” Duncan nodded, and Frederick sucked at the base of Duncan’s neck, making sure he left a mark.

“Has anyone ever been able to read you like this, give you just enough to build the pleasure higher and higher before releasing it?” Frederick continued stroking and he could hear Duncan’s breathing becoming ragged. He knew he was teetering on the absolute edge of his control, trying desperately not to come until Frederick said.

One of the things that Frederick felt very strongly about was that exercises like this were to help them both learn control, but his job was to see that Duncan didn’t fail. Small success built on small success led to what he hoped was a relationship built on passion and trust. Someday he hoped he could add love to that list, but he knew that took time. “Come for me, Duncan. Show me just how magnificent you are when you completely lose it for me.”

Duncan’s entire body stiffened, and Frederick felt Duncan throb in his hand as he cried out and shot hard on his own chest and stomach. The sounds he made filled the room, and when he began to move, the plug moved too, and Duncan began coming again, yelling at the top of his lungs. “That’s it,” Frederick said on Duncan’s ear. “Let yourself go, I have you.”

Frederick held Duncan tight as he came apart in his arms, shaking, crying and gasping for breath. “I have you, let it all go.” Frederick wondered for a minute just what he’d brought to the surface when Duncan’s breathing evened out and Frederick felt him lean back against him.

“That was hot, Duncan. You were hot,” Frederick reassured even as he moved away. “I want you to lie on your stomach,” Frederick let a touch of his own pent up desire show in his voice, and Duncan moved, leaning over the stool, his cotton-clad ass in the air.

Unable to wait any longer, Frederick pulled Duncan’s underwear off as he removed his shoes. Frederick peeled off his own pants before stepping between Duncan’s legs, his cock throbbing with every step. Tapping the plug that filled Duncan’s ass, he heard him moan softly. Frederick pulled the plug slightly, twisting it, and Duncan groaned again between clenched teeth.

“Take it out, I want you!” Duncan demanded, and Frederick smacked Duncan’s ass for his impertinence before tugging on the plug, Duncan’s body opening like a flower around the latex and then closing again as he pulled the plug free. Dropping the plug on the floor, Frederick reached for the condom he’d gotten with the lube and rolled it down his pulsing shaft before settling between Duncan’s legs and plunging into his body.

He couldn’t take any more. Frederick groaned chest-deep as Duncan’s heat surrounded him. “Fuck, you feel good,” Frederick gasped.

“So do you,” Duncan said pushing back against him. “Fuck me, Freddie!”

Frederick pulled completely out of Duncan’s body, plunging back inside, the cool from the air contrasting with the searing heat of Duncan’s body. Frederick repeated the motion before driving deep into Duncan’s body, listening to the deep moans his lover made. Again and again he drove into Duncan, joining them together. He wasn’t sure how much he could take, so he grabbed onto Duncan’s hips, tugging him up and back before fucking him with total abandon. He lost track of himself as his entire focus shifted to Duncan. Frederick’s back tingled and his legs shook as he turned into a fuck machine, driving them both to the top of a cliff that loomed in front of both of them. Frederick could hear Duncan crying out, pushing him further toward the precipice. Frederick couldn’t speak; all he could do was suck air and snap his hips.

The tingling began at the base of his spine and spread throughout his entire body. At first Frederick wasn’t sure what was happening, but as his legs shook, his balls tightened and his entire body become rigid as he gasped for breath and came in waves over and over, feeling it throughout his entire body as he poured himself into Duncan.

Frederick collapsed onto Duncan’s back, his head resting on Duncan’s shoulder blade as he gasped for breath. Never in his life had he come so close to completely losing control. He could barely remember anything except the overwhelming sensations of being inside Duncan.

Slowly, he lifted himself off Duncan’s back and stood, his head spinning slightly. “Did I hurt you?” he asked Duncan, who slowly stood, turning to Frederick with a huge smile. Frederick took that as a no. Once he could get his legs to work, Frederick gathered up his things while Duncan did the same, and led the way upstairs. Thankfully, they didn’t talk. Frederick wasn’t sure he had the energy to anyway. Frederick set his clothes and things aside before climbing beneath the covers, saving a place for Duncan, who disappeared into the bathroom.

When he returned a few minutes later, Frederick patted the bed, and Duncan climbed in next to him. They immediately moved together, legs entwining. Frederick held Duncan tightly as they kissed gently, languidly, the touches now soft and tender in complete contrast to their highly energetic coupling. Frederick closed his eyes, fully intending to open them again, but his body had other ideas.

 

 

Chapter Four

 

“Duncan, could you come down to the store?” Frederick asked almost as soon as he answered his phone. Duncan looked at the calendar sitting on his desk at the Prescott Foundation offices. It appeared to be clear for the rest of the day.

“Okay.” He wondered just what his inventive lover had in mind. He’d never called him so urgently before, and Duncan found he was already on his feet and walking toward his door before he’d even thought about it. Frederick didn’t play games, or at least he hadn’t over the past few weeks. They’d talked a lot, fucked even more, and Duncan was beginning to realize just how much Frederick had worked his way into his heart. Those nights he spent alone at his apartment seemed interminable, while those he spent in Frederick’s bed flew by in seconds.

“Heading out?” his father asked as he passed him in the hallway.

“Yes. All the transactions we talked about are complete and the money transferred for all approved projects. I’ll see you on Monday.” Duncan had already pressed the button for the elevator.

“You’re coming to dinner on Sunday.” It wasn’t a question.

“I’ll ask Frederick,” Duncan responded, wishing the elevator doors would open.

“You know how I feel about that,” his father said, his eyes narrowing.

A few weeks earlier, Duncan would have capitulated. “It doesn’t matter how you feel, Dad. It’s how I feel that counts. So you have a choice. Either Frederick and I come to dinner and both you and Mom give him a chance, or neither of us will be there. It’s no skin off my nose.”

“Now see here,” his father said gruffly.

“I’m happy, Dad, truly happy, and that means more to me than you do.” The elevator arrived and the doors opened, but Duncan didn’t get in. “I was raised by nannies and rarely saw either you or Mom, so don’t get all upset because we aren’t best friends. That’s your problem. I have someone in my life, and either you accept both of us or neither of us.” The elevator doors started to close and Duncan placed his hand over the sensor to get them to open again. “You can call me after you talk to Mom. Right now I have places to be.” Duncan shrugged and stepped into the elevator letting the doors close behind him.

Duncan rode down to the parking level, striding to his sports car before zooming toward Frederick’s shop. When he arrived, his luck held, and Duncan was able to pull the Ferrari up right in front of the store. The store looked open, but Duncan saw that the closed sign had been turned facing out on the door. Getting out, he saw Frederick unlock the door to allow him inside.

“So, dear boy, is this the young man you were telling me about?” a regal older woman asked from where she was seated near Frederick’s desk.

“Saundra, this is Duncan Prescott. Duncan, you probably know Saundra Garlock,” Frederick said as he refilled her teacup. Duncan stepped forward and took her dainty hand in his.

“We know of each other, I believe,” Saundra began, setting down her cup with practiced ease, “but we’ve never been able to chat.” She motioned toward a chair, and Duncan sat, taking a teacup from Frederick. “My dear boy here tells me that you know how to be discreet.” She picked up her cup once again, looking at both of them. “He also tells me that you are interested in the Jennings painting I purchased a few weeks ago.”

So she was Frederick’s client, the grand dame of Milwaukee society. His Frederick was certainly full of surprises. “Yes, ma’am, I am.” Duncan admitted, peering at Frederick over his teacup, still wondering what was going on.

“He’s knows me well enough to know that I’m not interested in selling the portrait, but he came up with a brilliant idea and I have agreed—on one condition, which I’ll get to in a minute. I have agreed to let Frederick arrange to have a single canvas print made of the portrait. And if I ever decide to sell, I will of course give you first option.”

“What’s your condition?” Duncan asked, wondering if he was being played.

“You have to tell me why this is important enough for Frederick to ask.” Duncan saw her eyes dancing with curiosity that she hid with elegant grace behind her teacup.

Duncan held her gaze as he told her about his great-aunt. “I know you want her because she was one of the few portraits Jennings ever did, but I want her because she’s my relative.”

Saundra set her cup on the table. “She never knew about the portrait?”

“As far as we can tell, no,” Duncan set down his cup as well. “We found out about it purely by accident. The painting was meant as an act of love, and no one knew about it except the giver, who passed away before the gift could be given. And to be clear, the Prescott Foundation would buy the painting, but I really want it for my cousin. Bernadette is not only named after my great-aunt, but she looks amazingly like her.” Duncan sat on the edge of his chair. “My cousin is the sweetest, kindest person I have ever known, and she’ll never have the mental capabilities to advance beyond about 14. She has been told the story of her namesake many times, and it would mean a great deal to her to have the portrait.”

Duncan stood up and moved closer to Saundra, taking her hand in his. “So I will take you up on your generous offer and gladly have a print made of the portrait. It will mean the world to my cousin.” Duncan leaned forward and carefully placed a kiss on her cheek. “Thank you so very much.” Duncan stepped back and watched as Saundra blinked a few times before standing up, her back as straight as a ramrod.

“You’re welcome, young man,” she said before turning to Frederick and nodding. “I’ll contact you about next month’s auction.”

“Of course,” Frederick replied as he walked around the desk and held the door for her. Duncan wandered through the tiny shop, giving them some privacy, turning around when he heard the shop door close. He saw Frederick lock the door before pulling the shade in the window.

“Aren’t we leaving too?” Duncan asked as he saw Frederick prowl toward him, and his throat immediately went dry. Frederick didn’t say anything, which meant that “Sir” was making an appearance. After that first night, Duncan had refused to call Frederick “Sir,” and in fact had taken to calling him Freddie during sex, which he knew drove Frederick nuts, but he didn’t care. In his mind, though, he still called that part of his lover Sir, but only to himself.

“Go in the back,” Frederick told him, and Duncan pushed the curtain aside and stepped into the small space. “You have until I return to get naked.” The curtain fell back into place, and Duncan began shedding his clothes. He could hear Frederick’s footsteps out front and moved faster as he heard them approach. He’d been half hard for most of his visit, but he was pulsating now, and by the time he’d stripped down and Frederick pushed back the curtain, he was throbbing and panting for breath.

Frederick’s hand touched his chest and pressed backward. Duncan moved until he reached the wall. Frederick’s hand moved lightly down his chest and stomach before wrapping around his cock and squeezing, holding him tight. “I want you to reach over your head. There’s a peg in the wall. Hold it and don’t let go,” Frederick told him before his tongue flicked around one of Duncan’s nipples. “You’re not to move. If you do, I will stop and leave you where you are.” Frederick had never done that, and Duncan knew it was just his way, although he also knew his lover never made idle threats.

Fredrick sucked on one of his nipples, and Duncan did his best to stand as still as possible. Frederick knew they were sensitive and he loved to make Duncan squirm, which was not hard for his lover to do. Every time Frederick touched him, it felt right and perfect. The smallest touch in a public place could make him wish they were home alone. “Freddie,” Duncan whined, and Frederick smiled up at him before kissing a line down his stomach. Duncan’s cock jumped as Frederick’s lips got close to it, and he honestly tried not to whimper.

“I’m going to taste you, and you’re going to let me and keep that beautiful ass against the wall until I’m ready for it.” Duncan shivered like he always did at Frederick’s commanding tone, and the way he knew what Duncan wanted without him ever having to ask. Granted, some things were obvious, but Frederick picked up on the subtle things and turned them into something special. Duncan’s legs began to shake with excitement as Frederick cupped his balls, tongue licking along his shaft. Once he was good and wet, Frederick blew on his skin, and Duncan thumped his head back against the wall, forgetting it was there as he shivered.

Without warning, Frederick took him deep, sucking his cock hard, and Duncan groaned and whimpered, trying to suppress the nearly overwhelming urge to thrust his hips. Duncan knew that Frederick was in charge and he liked it that way. Frederick was responsible for the pleasure of both of them, and he always delivered in spectacular fashion. Frederick made these small noises while he sucked him, and Duncan watched as his cock disappeared between Frederick’s lips. Damn, that looked good, and Duncan had to close his eyes or he was going to come already just from the amazing sight.

“Turn around,” Frederick said after he’d let Duncan slip from his lips. “Keep your hands on the peg and stretch your arms, knees against the wall.” Duncan complied, knowing his butt stuck out, which was Frederick’s intention. “Perfect,” his lover crooned, and he stroked Duncan’s butt, fingers lightly grazing his hole. “I know what you want.”

“Uh-huh,” Duncan said, “but can I ask something,” Duncan said breathlessly, even as one of Frederick’s fingers slid inside him. “You didn’t have to talk to Saundra.”

“No, I didn’t,” Frederick said as a second finger joined the first, scissoring inside him, and Duncan’s head fell backward from the sensation, but he held tight, knowing if he let go, he’d fall to the floor and disappoint Frederick. The fingers slipped away, and Duncan heard a package tear open. That sound made his heart race and his mouth go completely dry. “I called Saundra for one specific reason.” Duncan felt Frederick’s cock press to his hole, but go no further. “I love you,” Frederick whispered in Duncan’s ear, and the shiver that started with those words intensified as Frederick plunged into his body, joining them together in one swift, sure movement.

“Oh fuck, you love me?” Duncan gasped, his mind and body instantly overloading.

Frederick pulled out and held still, just pressing at his opening. “Yes, I love you, Duncan. I’ve been in love with you for a while, but I realized how much when you told Saundra the reason for wanting the painting.” Frederick thrust into him and held still, his hips pressed to Duncan’s ass, chest tight to Duncan’s back, the skin-on-skin contact amazing.

“I don’t think now is a good time to talk about my cousin,” Duncan gritted out trying to push her from his mind.

“I agree,” Frederick said, thrusting deep and hard, ramming into him with incredible force. “But I still love you so very much,” Frederick kept moving inside him as he continued pouring declarations of love into Duncan’s ears. Duncan tried to say something in return, but when Frederick adjusted his angle slightly, Duncan forgot his name, let alone any other coherent thought. He felt Frederick’s hands dig into his hips as he fucked him halfway to heaven. Duncan held on to the peg for dear life as his head lolled back and his eyes began to cross. He gave himself completely into his lover’s expert hands. He felt when Frederick’s rhythm began to falter, and then he felt him still and throb inside him.

Frederick remained joined with him as he reached to Duncan’s cock and began stroking. “I love you, Duncan Prescott, and I want you to come for me.” Duncan dropped his head back against Frederick’s shoulder and held on as waves of pleasure built inside his body. He didn’t have to do anything. Frederick already knew him so well that with just the right touch Duncan was soon coming over Frederick’s hand, gasping for air, with his eyes clamped shut for fear they would fly out of his head.

Duncan felt Frederick slip from his body even as he was still coming, and once the sensation passed, Duncan hung against the wall, completely drained of all energy, straining for breath. “I love you too,” he gasped, and felt Frederick’s hands soothe over his skin before helping him stand. Duncan turned around and pulled Frederick to him, holding his lover tight. “I love you, Freddie.”

“I love you,” Frederick whispered as he held him back. How long they stood like that Duncan didn’t know or care. “We should get dressed and get you home where we can make love in a proper bed.”

Duncan found the strength to stand unaided and they began to pull their clothes back on. Once they were dressed, Duncan’s phone began to ring. It was his mother inviting them both to Sunday dinner. “Are you up for it?” Duncan asked Frederick, smiling that his father had truly gotten his message.

“I’ll go anywhere with you,” Frederick told him. “And while we’re making plans, there’s an auction in Chicago next month that Saundra wishes me to attend for her. Do you want to go with me? It should be quite interesting.”

“As long as the action after the auction is as interesting as the sale room,” Duncan quipped.

Duncan jumped when Frederick lightly smacked his butt. “I think I can guarantee that.”

 

 

About the Author

 

Andrew Grey is the only male author to receive the Romance Writers of America Centennial Award, for having published 100 novels, and the only M/M author to do so.

He grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation. Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing). He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

 

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