The Case of the Voracious Vintner

by Tara Lain

  Bo tried to smile; it probably came off like a death rictus.

  “First, let me impress upon you the need for absolute secrecy. Even if you don’t enjoy the group, by entering through these doors you’re still agreeing to confidentiality.”

  Both Bo and Jeremy nodded.

  “Okay, ready?” He looked a little edgy. He threw the doors open with ceremony and announced, “Welcome to the Dionysian Mysteries Society of the central coast.”

  Ezra stepped aside and left them to the voracious gaze of a roomful of people in various states of undress. Bo recognized some of them, including Ezra’s wife, Marybeth, clad in a floral kimono with what appeared to be a G-string under it, her opulence overflowing its tiny coverage. She waggled her fingers. Reclining on a chaise by the wall lay Genevieve Renders wearing lace panties and nothing f-ing else. On the far other side of the room, naturally, stood Randy Renders, wearing a jockstrap with a gun belt and holster improbably buckled over it, leaning on the shoulder of an unknown blonde. He put his fingers between his lips and whistled. “Lookin’ good there, guys.”

  Most of the remaining twenty or so people were unknown to Bo. Was it better to focus on people he knew for information or those he didn’t? Probably the latter.

  Marybeth rose, came up, and took Jeremy’s arm. “Let me get you both a drink? We actually have things besides wine.” She giggled.

  Jeremy gave her the teeth. “Like what, dear?”

  “There’s a pitcher of margaritas.”

  “Yum.”

  She looked at Bo, who smiled more tightly. “I better stick to wine.”

  Everything jiggled as Marybeth led them to the wine cart in the dining room. By the time they came back, people had found other sources of amusement, and serious foreplay had broken out, one couple having made it all the way to oral. Watching proved some uncomfortable combination of sexy and embarrassing.

  Marybeth said, “So make yourselves comfy, guys. With each other or—someone else.” She fluttered her lashes invitingly.

  Jeremy said, “That’s a most kindly suggestion, ma’am. But we really do like boys best.”

  “Oh sigh, what a waste of pulchritude, but I’ll enjoy watching.”

  Bo looked up and frowned. “Uh, darlin’, I’m wondering why there’s a noose in the middle of the ceiling?”

  She giggled again. “Some of our members like a little asphyxiation play.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Well, I’ve never tried it myself, but I guess the feeling of almost choking can be sexy, especially for guys. Ezra’s really into it.” She lowered her voice. “He comes every time, at his age!” Another giggle.

  Jeremy leaned down and whispered, “I’m so glad you told us. We were a little worried there for a minute.”

  She cackled and slapped his arm. “Oh, you.”

  “Are we going to get to see him do it? I’ve never seen that kind of, uh, play.”

  She frowned and then seemed to force it away. “Uh, no, he’s kind of cooled on the whole thing.” She sashayed back to her couch and reclined.

  They found an empty couch and sat, sinking into some kisses hot enough to keep anyone watching entertained. In a nuzzling break, Jeremy whispered, “Let’s see if we can corner a couple of pigeons and ask some questions. I’d like to know where the jealousies were.”

  “We better do it before this turns into an orgy and people quit talking altogether.”

  “Okay, you go to the john, and I’ll get more wine and see who I attract.”

  As Jeremy rose and walked toward the bar cart, every face turned to stare—drool might be the better word—except those fully buried in genitals. Bo tried to look confident when he got up, knowing his make-out session had inspired a lot of swelling in the nether regions, the sight of which he hoped might loosen a tongue or two. He found a bathroom in the hall and slipped inside, grateful nobody had claimed it for a bedroom.

  His current state of, um, fullness made peeing difficult, so he sat on the toilet lid. What a weird situation. Who knew people did things like this? Back in college some pretty raunchy things had occurred in his fraternity house, but those paled by comparison.

  Get on with it. He got up, washed his hands, and wiped a little water on his face, then unlocked the door and—

  Whoa! The door burst open, and Gen Renders of the lace panties hurled into the small room. “Oooh, looky what I found.” She pressed her bare chest against him, which, if he’d been attracted to women, would probably have been a turn-on since she had perky breasts. As it was, he backed the short space to the wall, almost tripping over the toilet. She chuckled. “Bo, who knew you were packing all this firepower?” Her hands performed a thorough examination of his crotch, and the small head definitely liked the attention no matter what gender did the stroking. “I’d love to see this on display.”

  He gently pushed her hands away. “Most kind, ma’am, but I must tell you, uh, Jeremy’s feeling a little under the weather, so we may not be staying. Perhaps another time.”

  “Oooh, he doesn’t look under the weather. He looks delicious.”

  “I agree.” Bo managed to edge his way around the perimeter of the room to the door, and Genevieve pressed against him the whole way. He looked out and saw the rope again. “Uh, Gen, we were hoping to get to see Ezra doing the hanging thing before we go.” He whispered, “Does it really give you a giant erection?” There. Did that sound raunchy enough?

  She raised her eyes and purred. “In your case, I’d love to see that.” Her brows pulled together. “But actually, we’re kind of off that strangling shit.”

  “Oh? Why? I thought it sounded kind of, uh, kinky.” He chuckled and hoped it didn’t seen forced.

  “One of our members got a little, uh, carried away a while back. People freaked.”

  “I guess that could be scary.”

  She glanced at him. “Scary. Yeah.”

  Bo saw Jeremy across the room, chatting up a buxom woman Bo didn’t know. He pressed his hand against his mouth in exaggerated shock, then laughed.

  Gen followed Bo’s gaze and growled, “He looks pretty fine to me.”

  “He’s a trooper, that boy.”

  “So you’ve been gay all along and we never knew.”

  “Yes. I’m really embarrassed not to have been more forthcoming, but where I come from, men are more reserved about such things.”

  “Did your family know?”

  “I’m ashamed to say, no.”

  She ran her hands up his chest. “You sure you aren’t bisexual? Maybe that’s why you never wanted to declare your major, so to speak?” She shared her throaty laugh.

  “I know. That’s the hell of it. I’m really gay, but until I met Jeremy, I guess I never cared enough to come out.”

  “You two are cute.”

  Across the room, Jeremy waved.

  Bo waved back. “I think my guy wants me.”

  “Hell, he’s not the only one.” She grinned up at him. “Think about a little show-and-tell before you go, okay?”

  “I’ll ask him.” He smiled to cover his hard swallow. Escorting Gen partway, he waited while she settled on a couch; then he hurried to Jeremy, who slid his arms around Bo’s neck and pressed against him.

  Jeremy nuzzled his ear. “Did you find out anything interesting?”

  “Interesting but not definitive.”

  Jeremy sighed. “I sure hope O’Hara can make something out of the bits and pieces we’ve got.”

  “I’m getting a lot of pressure to put on a show.”

  “Me too.” Jeremy laughed.

  “I hate to say this, but I’m afraid if we don’t come through, they may not invite us back.”

  Jeremy’s beautiful blue eyes twinkled. “I think all they want is a glimpse of that Tyrannosaurus Rex in your pants. I’m up for sucking, if you’re willing to receive.”

  Am I? “I’m never averse to your lips on my cock, darlin’. That’d be plumb foolish.”

  “Well, all righty, then.
” He kissed Bo gently. “Let’s go in the dining room and see how long it takes them to notice.”

  Bo sucked a huge breath. “Okay. I guess.” He laughed nervously.

  “All you have to do is close your eyes and pretend they’re not here.”

  “I’ll try.”

  Jeremy took his hand and led him into the dining room, where a few people sucked and even fucked, but it was relatively quiet. A sturdy table in the middle of the room provided a handy exhibition spot. Jeremy pointed. “Your throne, my darling.”

  Bo plopped his butt on the edge of the table, being tall enough to do it easily. Jeremy found a big footstool and two cushions and placed his miniedifice on the floor in front of Bo. Already, people had started to notice, and a few gathered around. Holy cow in the pasture. Bo squeezed his eyes shut.

  He didn’t watch Jeremy slowly lower his fly, but he could feel it. They’d agreed to go commando, so the breeze on his privates communicated the action. As Jeremy peeled his fly apart and pulled out his penis, Bo heard the soft gasps from a couple of people. At least they were getting their money’s worth.

  He cracked open his eyes, realized at least ten or fifteen people were watching, and squeezed them shut again. Then Jeremy’s hot mouth slid over his cold cock. Oh sweet mother.

  Someone in the audience moaned, and so did Bo as Jeremy slid up and down Bo’s shaft, nuzzling his balls on each pass. Bo wouldn’t last long at this rate. How embarrassing would it be to orgasm in front of these people?

  Somebody yelled, “Yeah, suck him!”

  A woman nearby said to someone else, “I’ve never seen a guy do it to a guy. Damn, it’s so hot! I might have to watch some gay porn.”

  Another woman whispered back, “Do you think we can get them to fuck? That would be amazing.”

  Bo’s brain was ripped between trying to ignore the racy comments and trying to surrender to the amazing feelings.

  “What the hell are you guys doing?” A woman’s voice yelled, but it sounded like it came from the living room. A door slammed.

  Bo’s eyes flew open, and Jeremy’s lips paused, then slid off. The watchers had all frozen and stared toward the front door.

  Some voices murmured, but the woman’s voice got louder. “Haven’t you got the tiniest shred of respect for the dead? He’s not even cold and you all are back at it?”

  Somebody said, “Come on, Sage, be fair.”

  Wow, it’s Sage. Jeremy started to turn toward the door, but Bo stopped him. Bo put both feet on the floor. All around them, the club members looked at each other uncomfortably.

  Sage was shrieking now, and it sounded like several people were trying to calm her, which only seemed to make her louder. “Fair? You talk about fair? Get your hands off me! For fuck’s sake, you let him kill himself, dump his body like the trash, and go back to fucking in a matter of days? What’s wrong with you? What kind of people treat their friend that way?”

  By now a few watchers were taking furtive glances toward Bo and Jeremy. Did they all know Ottersen had been dumped at Hill Top? Had they blamed Jeremy on purpose?

  Bo slid his phone from his pocket and hit speed dial. Shit and fans might just be in close proximity soon.

  Ezra yelled, “Will someone shut that bitch up?”

  A voice said “Hello?”

  “Need help,” Bo whispered, then dropped the phone into the front of his pants. Come on, Tyrannosaurus Rex, cover the evidence. Bo grabbed Jeremy by the hair. When he turned, Bo signaled, Suck.

  His eyes widened, he grabbed Bo’s penis and shoved it in his mouth, sucking like there was no tomorrow.

  Bo didn’t want to believe his own neighbors would throw him and Jeremy into the river, but damn, evidence seemed to be to the contrary. “Oh yeah. Oh God!” He bounced his hips, threw his head back, and generally acted like he didn’t know or care what Sage had been talking about. Bo didn’t close his eyes since he needed to move fast if someone decided to grab them, but he kept them narrow. “Oh man, you’re so good. You’re amazing.”

  Jeremy pulled his lips back for a moment and wailed, “I love your cock. It’s the best thing I’ve ever had in my mouth. I want to suck it forever.”

  That was nice, even if he did wail it like a porn star.

  Around them, a few people looked uneasy, but more were riveted on the action. That didn’t mean they wouldn’t put one of them in that noose the minute they stopped, so like Scheherazade, they’d better keep weaving tales, because also like the fabled storyteller, if they quit, they could well be dead.

  Chapter Thirty-three

  DAMN. DESPITE the stress, Bo’s cock seemed interested in coming, which would make him a lot less impressive visually. He pulled Jeremy’s hair again and got the big eyes staring at him.

  “Your lips are like heaven, baby, and I want to love you into next week.”

  Jeremy tossed his hair like a pole dancer. “Yes! Do it. Do it.” He rose, still thrashing his head, and began to unzip his skintight leather pants.

  A quick peek at the group revealed if someone like Ezra tried to stop them now, he’d likely be lynched. Riveted eyes watched the slow striptease. Meanwhile, Sage seemed gone. Hopefully not permanently.

  The only thing that could pull the watchers’ eyes from Jeremy’s flashing hair was the sight of his world-class ass being revealed inch by breathtaking inch. He seemed to have purposely leaned forward and parted his legs enough to give a clear view of his balls showcased between muscular thighs. Through Bo’s narrowed eyes, everyone appeared transfixed, the men with seeming envy and the women—well, drooling was on tap.

  With a hip waggle, Jeremy shook the pants farther down. He bent forward slowly, giving the onlookers a better view of his butt. Several people moaned—loudly.

  A soft thunking sound caught Bo’s attention, but it didn’t seem to be anything threatening, and Jeremy’s antics still enthralled the group, who stared glassy-eyed, riveted on Jeremy’s amazing assets.

  A woman drawled, “Oh my God.”

  Bo smiled, but then Ezra’s voice came from behind him and off to the side. “What the hell? Why hasn’t someone gotten hold of these guys?”

  It might have been Randy who said, “Seriously? You won’t get anyone to help you until after they’re done. Hell, I’d kind of like to see it myself. Plus I’m not sure they even heard. Don’t go off half-cocked, man.” He laughed. Definitely Randy. He said, “You should pardon the pun. Seriously, if these guys disappear, lots of people will notice. Not like… you know.”

  “And what option have we got?”

  “Shit, I don’t know.”

  “They wouldn’t have told anyone where they were going. We don’t have to worry.”

  Sweet mother! Keeping his cock hard enough to be riveting was Bo’s primary challenge, right after figuring out how to keep both of them alive.

  Someone gasped, and Bo realized Jeremy was caressing himself. Theatrically. Bo joined the performance. “Oh God, you’re so hot.” He used his best performance voice, but that didn’t make it any less true. Despite the considerable distraction, he had to think. There were at least twenty people in this room who seemed to have reacted to what Sage had yelled. Would they go along with Ezra, and if so, could he and Jeremy find some way to escape? Hell, he’d like to stay alive to be with Jeremy, but if it came to a choice, protecting Jeremy was all he cared about.

  Wrapping his hand around Jeremy’s so they were jacking him off together, Bo glanced at the part of the room he could see. A door out at back of the dining room probably led to the kitchen, that probably had a back door to the outside. A lot of probablies. He and Jeremy were young and fast. Could they escape the whole Dionysian pack? It could come down to trying. Nobody seemed to be coming to save them.

  Bo leaned over Jeremy’s back, wrapped his arm around his waist. The crowd was going crazy, yelling obscene encouragement. Bo threw his head back and yelled, “Are you going to come?” He leaned close to Bo’s ear and said loudly, “Come for me, baby,” then whisper
ed, “When I pat your butt, run for the door and try to get outside.”

  Raising up, he grabbed a handful of Jeremy’s hair, dragged his head back, leaned forward, and kissed him.

  Some woman yelled, “Oh my God! They’re killing me.”

  Just as long as they don’t kill us.

  Bo took a breath and slapped Jeremy’s right buttcheek. Before the lookers could realize it wasn’t just a passionate move, Jeremy dragged up his pants and ran like a rabbit.

  Bo heard gasps as he took off behind Jeremy and made it through the dining room door with no signs of pursuit. Damn! He was in a weird space like a butler’s pantry or a scullery. He saw Jeremy disappear through the door at the end of it and ran at full speed after him. Thank God, the kitchen.

  Jeremy stood at the back door, yanking on the door handle, but it wasn’t opening. Bo grabbed a kitchen towel, wrapped it on his fist, and smashed the glass in the window, then reached through to open the door just as footsteps sounded behind him. Bo pushed the door open and shoved Jeremy. “Go!”

  Spying a frying pan on the counter, Bo grabbed it and spun, brandishing it at Ezra and some big guy he didn’t recognize. “Get the hell away from us.”

  Ezra raised his hands. “Come on, Bo, what’s up? Why are you running?”

  “Because I heard what you said. I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I’ll be damned if I’m letting anybody hurt Jeremy. All we wanted to do was have some fun.”

  “Of course, Bo. I don’t know what you think you heard, but Jeremy’s long gone by now, so you don’t have to worry about him.”

  Suddenly a wire wrapped around Bo’s throat and a voice said, “Got him.”

  WHERE IS he? Oh God, where is he?

  Jeremy huddled under the low-hanging tree branches and stared at the back door of the cabin so hard his eyes burned. I know Bo wants me to run, but—I can’t. I can’t leave him behind. For a second he frowned. Is that because he risked his life to save me in New York? He made a soft snorting sound. No, it’s because I love him more than my own life. Don’t be a dumbass.