“I didn’t cheat.”
Sebastian gave him a pointed look that lacked severity.
“I improvised.”
“Declaring the race after you’d already started and before I had my coat off is not improvising, it’s cheating. Pray tell, out of curiosity, what does the winner get?”
“You.” Colton dragged a finger over the Osbaldiston knot of Sebastian’s cravat.
“I’ll concede you may have won.”
Colton chuckled. “I thought I cheated.”
Sebastian shook his head. “A very genius improvisation.” He crooked his finger. “Come and collect your prize.”
Colton hooked his finger in the knot and loosened it. Unwinding the cravat, Colton met Sebastian’s gaze. “I have to unwrap my prize.” He tossed the white cotton aside. He leaned in and flicked his tongue across the salty skin.
“Oh no. You won. You shouldn’t have to do anything. I’ll unwrap your prize.” Sebastian pressed Colton’s shoulders into the mattress and straddled his hips. Sebastian pulled off his coat and waistcoat. He lifted the lawn shirt over his head and dropped it over the edge of the bed. The sunlight coming in from the parted curtains highlighted his magnificent chest. Sleekly toned with only a bit of hair. The tops of his hipbones jutted out and narrowed into a V down to his groin.
Colton had heard Sebastian claim he was out of shape once. If this was out of shape, he’d have loved to see what Sebastian looked like when he was in the RSR. It didn’t seem possible to look any better than he did now. “You have your prize, but what else do you want?” Sebastian asked.
“I want you in me.” Colton ran his hands down Sebastian’s chest to his stomach, exploring each hill and valley. The skin rippled under his fingers, and Sebastian tipped his head backward with a soft hum.
“Then you shall have me.” He flexed his shoulders and peered down at Colton through his hair, his midnight eyes half-lidded. He quivered once more and pressed his hands on top of Colton’s. “Let me do everything.” Sebastian diverted Colton’s questing hands and began to work on Colton’s cravat. Once he got it off, he held each end of the cloth in front of him. “Should I tie your hands together?”
A shiver rippled through Colton, but he shook his head. If he had his hands tied, he couldn’t use them. Of course, that was the purpose. In some ways the thought thrilled him, but in others he didn’t like the idea of being at anyone’s mercy. Even Sebastian’s.
Working on the buttons of Colton’s coat, Sebastian grinned. “Another time then.” He unfastened the waistcoat and untied the shirt. “Up.” He scooted back on Colton’s thighs and helped Colton sit. The garments on Colton’s upper body joined Sebastian’s on the floor. Once his chest was bare, Sebastian urged him onto his back again. “You’re amazing, sweeting.” He swirled his finger around Colton’s nipple.
Goose bumps rose on Colton’s skin, and he wiggled, trying to shrug the touch off.
“Oh ho ho. Someone’s ticklish.” Sebastian dug his fingers into Colton’s armpits.
Laughing and bucking, Colton tried to dislodge Sebastian. “St…st…stop it.” Colton laughed until his lungs burned. He twisted to the side and pulled his arms into his chest, trying to block Sebastian’s efforts, but Sebastian stayed with him. It was maddening but exhilarating. Colton’s cock hardened even as he strained to catch his breath.
Finally, Sebastian let up. He too was laughing. He dropped his hands on the mattress beside Colton’s head, and the humor faded. His eyes dilated and he dipped down, brushing his lips across Colton’s.
Seized by the intensity, Colton returned the kiss. He wrapped his arms around Sebastian’s back and let the passion bleed into him. The only thing that came close to this mind-numbing, tingling pleasure was being on horseback. It was like running through a meadow with the wind in his face, whipping through his hair. Colton rubbed Sebastian’s back and savored his lips. He’d never get enough of this man.
Sebastian sat up. He slid backward off Colton, putting his feet on the ground, but kept his chest so close the heat of his body seeped into Colton. He kissed his way down Colton’s stomach.
Colton tensed but held the gaze. He was thoroughly captured and could not look away if his life depended on it. His body liked the proximity of Sebastian’s mouth. He arched his back slightly.
Burrowing his chin against Colton’s erection, Sebastian unhooked the falls of his consort’s trousers.
Colton hissed at the pressure. His testicles drew closer, and his thigh muscles tightened. The look Sebastian bestowed on him as he dragged the fabric off Colton’s hips intensified everything. Sebastian’s lips caressed every inch of skin the trousers and smallclothes revealed as they were removed.
Freeing Colton’s cock, Sebastian left a wet trail all the way to the tip with his tongue. He pulled the trousers down to Colton’s ankles. Grabbing the heel of Colton’s boot, Sebastian tugged. It came off, and he repeated the process with the other until Colton lay completely naked. Sebastian toed off his own boots and shucked his trousers before returning to the bed with his erection bobbing free.
Struck again by the size of him, Colton reached for him only to have Sebastian bat his hand away.
Grabbing Colton’s ankles, Sebastian put his knee on the bed. “Move back a little and put your knees up for me.”
Colton moved until his head was at the headboard and was rewarded for it by a kiss to his inner thigh.
Climbing onto the mattress, Sebastian lay on his stomach between Colton’s open legs. Colton’s position made him vulnerable, and self-consciousness reared its head.
Sebastian chuckled. “Relax.” He flicked his tongue across Colton’s testicles.
“Oh dust.”
Doing it again, Sebastian gripped Colton’s cock. He squeezed and pumped while his mouth went to work down below. He laved and sucked. The feeling was amazing. It almost tickled, but not quite. Not enough to make Colton laugh or move away. He wanted to move closer. To hold Sebastian’s head there. Shutting his eyes, Colton luxuriated in the new sensations, but too soon the caress ended.
Sebastian crawled up Colton’s body and captured his lips. The salty taste of Sebastian’s tongue and the way he rolled Colton to the side and moved against him made Colton’s breath quicken. Sebastian gripped Colton’s arse cheeks and rocked. Their cocks slid together as their tongues did, adding just enough pressure. Spots of moisture squished between them but did nothing to make them slide together easier. Sebastian’s fingertips traced the crease of Colton’s arse.
Colton didn’t recall Sebastian getting lube, but the ease of which his fingers glided said he had. He brushed across Colton’s hole once then returned to push against it. He pressed a digit inside Colton’s arse a little before retreating and plunging again.
Stiffening, Colton broke their kiss.
“Shh…” Sebastian scooted down, eye level with Colton’s cock, and covered it with his mouth.
“Ahh…” The pressure of Sebastian’s invading finger and the intense pleasure of Colton’s cock down his throat shocked him. It ratcheted up the intensity. With each thrust of his finger, Sebastian plunged down on Colton’s cock, taking it to the back of his throat. He continued the assault until Colton thought his body would fly apart.
When the pleasure was too much, Sebastian added another finger.
Colton balanced on the hard edge of gratification and not quite pain. No, definitely not pain, but pressure. It was maddening and exhilarating. Every time he thought he could go no further, Sebastian added another finger. Scissoring them, thrusting them in and out.
Colton shoved forward into Sebastian’s mouth and back on his fingers. He’d lost count of how many fingers were in him. The intensity swept him away, until he was one big ball of sensation, his testicles so tight and his buttocks so tense. Galaxy, he was going to lose his mind.
Releasing him, Sebastian panted.
A loud groan of frustration escaped Colton. He too began to pant, so close to release he ached. He was ready
to beg and plead.
Resting his face against Colton’s hip, Sebastian continued to finger his arsehole. “I’m going to fuck you, sweeting. Any objections?” He kissed Colton’s oversensitive skin, and his hot breath fanned over the area.
Colton shook his head. He didn’t care what Sebastian did as long as he did it soon. His legs trembled. The hand he petted Sebastian’s head with shook.
The bed dipped and swayed as Sebastian got to his knees.
Colton groaned at the loss of Sebastian’s fingers. His body all but shouted come back, as his arsehole clenched and unclenched.
From the headboard dispenser Sebastian collected a glob of lube in his hand and wrapped it around his dick. As he stroked, his head lulled backward and the tendons in his neck strained. His body quaked. He was mesmerizing. Beautiful. He let go of his cock and got more lube. Tapping Colton’s hip, Sebastian situated himself between Colton’s legs.
“Raise your knees for me again.” His voice rumbled much lower than normal.
Colton lifted his knees and gripped his cock. He caressed it, needing the sensation.
Sebastian bent between Colton’s outspread legs and propped himself over Colton on one arm. Staring into Colton’s eyes, Sebastian pushed the tip of his cock slowly in.
The intrusion bordered on discomfort, but it soothed a deep-down ache at the same time. The sting and the pleasure coalesced together. By the time Sebastian began to move, Colton couldn’t catch his breath. He continued to pump his cock. The friction took his mind away from the awkwardness of penetration, and the penetration kept him on the knife’s edge of climax. Over and over the sensations climbed and ebbed.
Sweat beaded on Sebastian’s forehead and upper lip. He dropped his head to Colton’s chest and kissed, impeding the movement of Colton’s hand. Sebastian’s hips met Colton’s arse as Sebastian ground into him. He whispered encouragement, how good it felt, how long he’d waited for Colton. The ecstasy built and built. There was no pain now. Only bliss.
With his eyes squeezed shut, Sebastian reared up.
Together like this, Colton could almost believe Sebastian loved him. Colton would cherish this always, but it made him want more. He wanted to win Sebastian’s love. And he would…there was simply no other choice.
With one final thrust, Sebastian groaned and froze. The strain on his face was both horrible and lovely.
As Colton watched his consort’s face contort in cataclysmic delight, his own orgasm descended upon him. Semen ran over his hand and splashed his stomach. He cried out as wave after wave of pleasure bombarded him, until there was nothing left but the heavy-limbed, contented afterglow.
Sebastian moved to lie next to him. He tangled his fingers in Colton’s and squeezed. “What is it about you that makes me lose every ounce of finesse I’ve ever had?” he gasped out.
“I’m just irresistible I guess.” Colton grinned and turned his head to meet Sebastian’s gaze.
Laughing, Sebastian rolled to his side. “You are that, scamp.”
Sebastian sat up, kissed Colton and slid off the bed. The way he moved was so fluid and graceful. The view wasn’t bad either.
Wait. What was that? Colton sat up. Below Sebastian’s right arse cheek about four inches down was a mark.
“Do you have any plans for this evening?” Sebastian started to turn, but Colton stopped him.
Ignoring the semen dripping down his groin, Colton bent closer.
“What are you doing?” Sebastian peered over his shoulder, trying to turn.
It was a birthmark. Not just any birthmark, but a Regelence birthmark. In the shape of a rose. Colton let go of his consort and lifted his right arm to compare. Yes, the marks were identical. Why was it on Sebastian’s thigh?
“What? Why are you frowning?”
“I thought you were conceived naturally.”
“What?”
Colton pointed. “You have a Regelence birthmark.”
“It’s not a Regelence birthmark. I was conceived and born naturally. I had a mother.”
“But it’s the same exact shape as mine. It’s just in the wrong spot.”
“Which is why it’s not a Regelence birthmark. It’s a weird coincidence. Now then…what plans do you have for tonight? I got a message from Rourke before we went riding, and he has a lead on the whereabouts of one of our old team members.”
How had Sebastian gotten a birthmark in the shape of a rose? Colton stood and walked around behind Sebastian, or tried too. Sebastian caught his arm.
Sebastian’s jaw tightened, and he sighed. “Colton, it’s not a Regelence birthmark.”
It was. But how? He’d known Sebastian had a mother. His story was a bit of a fairy tale. He was baseborn, but due to his record in the military he’d gained the attention of Giles Hastings. It wasn’t unheard of because military men were well admired in their society. Cony’s sire had been a commander in the Regelence Navy. Sebastian’s rank alone had made him eligible to a peer of the realm.
Sebastian tipped Colton’s chin up and kissed him. “You’re dripping on the floor.”
Colton glanced at his body. Semen ran down his legs, headed for his ankles.
“Blast.” He jogged to the washroom.
Good galaxy, of late his thoughts resembled a parliamentary debate—loud, busy and only a step above Bedlam. Sebastian ran a hand down his face and leaned back on the sofa. Then again, some of the chaos could be contributed to his current surroundings. A gaming hell was no place to sort one’s thoughts out, but home was even worse at the moment. Because Colton was there, and Colton—lovely as he may be—was a distraction.
Something poked Sebastian in the chest.
Sebastian glanced down. A round blue chalk mark marred his gray waistcoat. Frowning, he raised his head. It was like waking from a dream. Cigar and pipe smoke hung heavy in the air, and the sound of pool balls clacking together melded with voices and laughter. When had Rourke gotten so close? Had Rourke asked him something?
Rourke stood a couple feet away with a smirk on his face and a pool stick in his hand. “If you are going to sit there and brood, you might as well go home.”
“Not sure why he’s here anyway. If I had Colton to play with, I wouldn’t be here.” Julian leaned over the table and took a shot. Balls clacked and scattered, but none dropped into pockets. “Bloody hell. I’m awful at this tonight. I think I need another pint.” He strolled around the table, leaned on it in front of Sebastian and looked at Rourke. “A fight?”
“Nah.” Rourke shook his head. “He’s proving a point.”
Sebastian groaned and rolled his eyes. “You’re both bottleheads.”
They ignored him. “What point?” Julian asked.
“That he can still do what he wants and won’t answer to anyone, even a consort.” Rourke turned toward the table and studied the balls. “That’s my guess, anyway.”
“Your guess is wrong,” Sebastian mumbled. Cripes, they were busybodies. “I just needed some space.”
Rourke leaned over the table but glanced at Sebastian. “After only one day of marriage?” He took his shot, and the six ball zoomed to the right side pocket and fell in.
“Bloody hell!” Julian shoved his stick at Sebastian. “Hold this damn thing.” He strode off toward the front of the gaming hell.
Rourke chuckled. “Bring me a pint too.” He smirked at Sebastian. “Seriously, why are you here? I could’ve offered Benny the job just as easily as you could.” And, point in fact, he had. Rourke had seen Benny at the door—Benny guarded the front door of this particular gaming hell—invited him to join them on his break and offered him a job—which Benny accepted—all before Sebastian had arrived.
Sebastian shrugged and grabbed the pool stick with both hands, put it between his feet and rested the weight of his upper body on it. He should be on his way home, but he was a bloody coward. Not only did Colton ask too many questions—damn that stupid birthmark anyway—but Sebastian found himself wanting to spend every waking moment with Co
lton, and that was unacceptable. He sighed. “I needed some time alone to think.”
“What’s to think about? He’s not like Giles, you know.”
Sebastian suppressed a wince. Leave it to Rourke to pick up on what Sebastian himself hadn’t wanted to voice even in his head. “I know that.” He did, and it scared him witless. Colton was everything Giles wanted to be but never quite measured up to. Colton was the real deal. What you saw was what you got. He was honest, loyal, sophisticated, handsome, cultured… Giles would’ve hated Colton. His jealousy would’ve gotten the better of him. Sebastian grinned, then sobered.
The sinuses in his forehead clogged up, and his palms grew damp. He hated feeling out of control. He hadn’t felt this way since he was ten…when his whole life had turned upside down.
“Seb?” Rourke crouched in front of him and shook his shoulder. “Are you sure you’re feeling all right?”
“Yeah. Sure.”
Rourke raised his brows as if to say yeah right.
“We didn’t quarrel.”
Rourke nodded, but his narrowed eyes said he didn’t believe it. He sat on the sofa next to Seb. He too gripped his pool stick with both hands and used it to slouch. “You’re terrible company tonight.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Sebastian rolled his eyes and leaned back in his seat. He set the stick aside, balancing it against the arm of the sofa.
“With you in this mood, I see why Colton kicked you out of the house.” Rourke smirked, seemingly on the verge of laughter.
Sebastian glared. “He didn’t kick me out.”
“Ah, so you ran. I hate to be the one to break it to you, but it’s too late to run.”
“What in the devil are you blathering about?”
“You’re trying to escape, and it won’t do you any good. You, my friend, are in love. And…” Rourke gave a mock shudder, “…much as I pity you for it, I’m happy for you. Now go home.”
A pain started behind Sebastian’s right eye. Was Rourke correct? Was that why he was here? Was he running? Colton could become his entire life if Sebastian would let him. Giles’s betrayal had hurt, but going through the same thing with Colton would destroy Sebastian. Oh, bloody hell. He was already in love with Colton. When had it happened? Panic tried to take hold of Sebastian, but he wrestled it under control.
My Regelence Rake Page 22