by K. Sterling
“You should drink more.” Ash whispered shakily. Ned grinned rakishly.
“I intend to.” Ned drawled. Ash fell back against his seat. Heat exploded within him and his erection was instantly painful. Ned stared at him for several moments before he smiled teasingly. “Aren’t you going to eat?” His eyes flicked to Ash’s plate then back to his. Ash shook his head slowly, dazed and aching as he held onto the arms of his chair.
“I’m not hungry.” Ash mumbled. Ned shrugged and cut into his ham.
“Suit yourself. I’m going to eat. I need to keep up my strength.” He winked as he chewed.
Ash frowned at his plate. He shifted in his seat, trying to get comfortable and picked up his fork. Somehow, he managed to finish his breakfast and drink two cups of tea. When Ash was done, he looked up at Ned and he smiled in approval as he stood. As if in a trance, Ash stood and followed him to the study.
The door shut and Ash turned to find Ned leaning against the panels. Ned was staring at him with such heat and hunger it made Ash quake. Lust roared within him and he felt his body moving toward Ned. Ned groaned and he rushed at Ash. As soon as their bodies connected, Ned was trying to push Ash’s coat over his shoulders. It was cut too tight and he gave up. Ned's hands closed around Ash’s face and their mouths slid and clung as their breathing became urgent. Ash clawed at Ned’s back, fisting his hands in his coat. He was probably wrinkling it terribly but he was beyond caring. He was so hard and desperate to feel Ned against him. He couldn’t get close enough and he growled in frustration as he ground his hips against him. Suddenly, Ned’s hands were at Ash’s waist, working at the buttons of his breeches. Overwhelming need slammed into Ash and his hands started to shake. I’m going to lose control. I can’t take him here. Not like this. Ash pulled back and grabbed Ned’s hands as he tried to catch his breath.
“I think we need to slow down, Ned. We’re going too fast.” Ash tried to calm his breathing. “This is all so new and I don’t want you to have any regrets.” Ned shook his head and tried to shake Ash’s hands away. Ash ducked his head and found Ned’s eyes. They flashed and Ned forced Ash backward. Caught off guard, Ash let Ned push him against the bookshelf. Ned grabbed Ash’s lapels.
“I wish you’d stop saying that! Why don’t you understand? It’s not new, Ash! It’s been here forever, waiting for us. I’m never going to regret this. And there’s no going back.” Ned’s hands gripped the shelves next to Ash’s head. He lowered his head and rubbed his lips against Ash’s cheek. “I’ll never be able to look at you and not remember what you did to me with that beautiful, wicked tongue of yours.” He ground his hips and Ash could feel Ned’s erection, hard and large against his thigh. Ash groaned and whispered Ned’s name as he felt him slipping the buttons of his breeches open. “I swear, I could still taste you when I woke up this morning. I had to bring myself off, I got so hard thinking about how good it was when you came in my mouth. But now it’s gone and I can’t taste you anymore. I need it back, Ash.” His voice was so hot against Ash’s cheek. Ned let his mouth slide until it found Ash’s. His tongue slid into Ash’s mouth and tangled with his. Ash felt Ned’s hand slip into his breeches and close around his cock. He pulled his head back as gasped as his eyes locked with Ned’s.
“It’s too good, Ned!” Ash moaned. Ned nodded as he freed Ash’s rigid length. Ash shut his eyes and took a shuddering breath as Ned started to stroke. He licked his lips as he tried to make his mouth work. “Not just what you’re doing now. Though this is very, very, very good…” Ash’s voice broke as Ned’s lips tugged at his earlobe. “I’ve been so unhappy for so long. I knew this would never happen. Now, it’s happening and I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to ruin this, Ned.” Ash confessed. Ned made shushing sounds against Ash’s ear before he dropped to his knees. He started lapping up the length of Ash’s cock as he stared up at him.
“It’s happening, Ash. Just let it happen.” Ned’s tongue swirled around the head and Ash let his head fall back against the books behind him. “Stop thinking too much. I promise I want this as much as you do. Maybe more.” Ned whispered before his lips closed around Ash.
Ash shook his head as Ned started sucking. He couldn’t want it more. Ash needed it. He needed it like air or water. After all that had happened the night before, Ash knew he’d crave Ned like a drug, that he’d never get enough.
It didn’t take long. Ned’s mouth was demanding; sucking and licking relentlessly. His hands stroked, squeezed and scratched; Ash’s cock, his sack, his thighs, his ass. Whenever he raised his head he begged Ash to thrust into his mouth and to come for him. When Ash came, it destroyed him. It started at the balls of his feet and deep within his chest. His entire body felt like it was being pulled into his groin. It was as if Ned was sucking Ash’s soul from him. He had to clamp his hand over his mouth to keep from screaming out when he felt his body arch just before his nerves exploded and his bones turned to liquid. Ash was helpless to stop his body as it slid to the floor.
He collapsed against the shelf and reached for Ned, who was still kneeling between his legs. His hands slid into Ned’s hair and he pulled his mouth against his and kissed him drunkenly. Ash’s limbs felt like they were made out of warm wax. Not quite liquid, but not solid. His tongue seemed to be the only thing that worked. It slid against and around Ned’s lazily, seeking out every trace of his juices on his tongue and in his mouth. He let his head fall back and he found Ned’s eyes.
“Stand up, Ned.” Ash commanded. Ned’s eyes flashed and he jumped to his feet. Ash looked up at him and licked his lips in anticipation. “Open your trousers.” Ash growled. Ned’s hands shook as he swiftly dealt with the buttons at the falls. A moment later, his hard, beautiful cock was free and hovered just before Ash’s face. Ash reached for Ned’s ass and guided him closer as he stared up at him. “Take my mouth.” He whispered the words against the head of Ned’s throbbing erection before his lips closed around it.
Ash heard Ned groan as he started to suck, his head moved forward and back slowly as he pushed against Ned’s ass. Ned grabbed the shelf and started flexing his hips slowly. Ash moaned around his cock in approval and let his hands roam, gliding all over Ned’s ass and thighs. He loved the way the muscles clenched and stretched beneath his hands as Ned started to thrust faster. Ash used his tongue to caress Ned’s cock as it stroked in and out of his mouth and he closed his lips tight around him. He sucked as hard as he could as Ned continued to rock his hips against Ash’s mouth.
Ned’s trousers slid down his legs and he became urgent. His hand closed around Ash’s head and he held him as he drove faster, careful not to press too hard against the back of Ash’s throat. Ash swallowed, using the muscles of his throat to stroke Ned’s cock and he hissed. Ned’s head fell back and he hung on to the shelf as his body started to shake. Ash wrapped his arms around Ned’s thighs and pulled him in as deep as he could and kept swallowing. Ned clenched his teeth as a scream tried to tear from his throat and Ash felt heat flood his mouth and the tart sweetness of Ned’s seed washed over his tongue. Ash moaned in delight as he drank greedily and Ned chanted his name as he sagged against the shelves. Ash kept sucking, trying to force more from Ned’s cock and he whimpered. Ash didn't want to stop, he wanted Ned to keep coming and he wanted to keep drinking him in.
“Enough!” Ned gasped and he slid his fingers into Ash’s mouth to relieve the pressure and pry his mouth open. He slid out and dropped to the floor, panting and laughing. Ned let his body slide until he was laying down and he rested his head on Ash’s thigh. “Jesus.” He sighed as he reached for Ash’s hand.
“I’m happy, Ned.” Ash whispered. Ned smiled. “And tired.” Ash mumbled. Ned nodded and his head turned toward Ash.
“No more holding back, Ash. Just let it happen.” Ned said as he pulled Ash’s hand to his lips. Ash felt his lips turn down.
“Ned… I don’t want to hold back anymore. I want to give you everything, and I will. But I still think we should t
ake the physical part slow.” He saw that Ned was about to protest and he pressed his hand over his mouth. Ned’s eyes flared and Ash couldn't keep from smiling. “I love that you’re so curious and open. God, I love it! But some of the things you want to try could hurt if we rush. We both have a lot to learn and you might not like everything.” Ash looked at him pointedly. Ned blinked up at him. Ash was tempted to keep his hand where it was. Ned moaned impatiently. Ash raised his hand and Ned opened his mouth to speak. Ash couldn’t help himself. He let his hand fall before Ned could get a word out. Ned’s eyes narrowed and Ash laughed. It felt amazing. Ned licked his hand and Ash raised it and pressed it to his cheek.
“No.” Ned argued. “I want us to do what feels right in the moment. You won’t hurt me. I don't want anything to come between us anymore. I want to lock you in my room and do everything in that book, twice. All I can think about is having you inside of me and being inside of you and I just can’t see how that won’t be incredible, Ash.” Ned’s eyes searched his and Ash could only nod. Every time Ash caught his breath mentally, Ned would steal it from him. Every time he thought he couldn’t love or want Ned more, he proved him wrong. “Tonight, you’ll do whatever you want to me and you’ll show me how to please you. Along the way, I’ll try things I think I might like. It should be a ripping good time.” Ned declared. Ash had to clench his jaw to keep from smiling. He raised a brow as he looked down at Ned.
“A ripping good time?” He said slowly. Ned cringed.
“That was a poor choice of words. But you know what I mean. It’ll be smashing.” Ned grinned mischievously as Ash shook his head.
“Not better.” Ash grumbled. Ned’s lips twisted as he thought.
“Cracking?” Ned offered. Ash shook his head again.
“Definitely not.” Ash said. Ned bit his lip as he considered.
“Banging?” Ned tried.
“Stop.”
Chapter 10
Ash paced as he waited for Ned. It’s going to happen tonight. He shivered as anticipation and desire raced through him. Ned had been right. Whatever happened, whatever they wanted, it would be good. Ash was just a little worried about where Ned would lead them if he let him take over. It could be good. Or it could be bad. Very, very bad. But even that would be good. Ash smiled as his mind started imagining the possibilities.
He felt heat against the back of his neck and turned to see Ned leaning against the door staring at him. A soft smile hung about Ned’s lips and Ash felt his chest tighten. Everything within him felt like it was being pulled toward Ned. Everything within him loved Ned. And he loved everything about Ned.
“You look quite serious and it’s taking every bit of control I have not to jump up and down on that bed like a child.” Ned said as he moved forward.
That was why he loved Ned. Ned was always relaxed and charming. He was smooth and seductive yet he had a childlike exuberance and optimism. He was always smiling and could find something to laugh about. Ned was intelligent and witty and unfailingly kind. And, God, he was so beautiful. Ash ached over Ned’s beauty. Ned was everything to Ash.
Once again, the doubts that had attacked Ash that morning came hurling back at him. Ned was so open and trusting and curious, Ash had to make sure he made this good for Ned. Ash wanted Ned to need him the way he needed Ned. He wanted Ned to burn with him. His eyes went to the scotch on the dresser.
“I think we need a drink.” Ash said as he crossed the room. He ran his hands down the front of his robe, they were sweating and his heart was starting to race. Ash saw that his hand shook as he reached for the decanter. He squeezed his hand shut for a moment and took a deep breath before he grabbed the scotch. He poured two drinks and turned to find Ned standing behind him. He pressed the glass into Ned’s hand and raised his to his lips. Without thinking he downed it in one long gulp. Ash shut his eyes as he waited for the burning to subside. When he opened his eyes, Ned was staring and he had a brow raised in confusion.
“You look like you’re preparing for a fist fight.” Ned said as he raised his glass in salute and knocked it back. He grimaced for a moment and then smiled teasingly at Ash as he handed him the glass.
“Another.” Ash said as he turned to pour. He didn’t want to get sick but being drunk had always helped in the past.
“This should be fun.” Ned said softly as he took his drink. Ash sighed as he pushed a hand though his hair.
“Sorry. I’m just getting really nervous. Whenever I… I’ve always been pretty drunk and relaxed. I thought it would help.” Ash admitted. Ned grinned as he took a long swallow of his scotch before he set it down. He stepped close and took Ash’s face in his hands.
“You’re thinking too much.” He said softly as he lowered his lips to Ash’s. They brushed against his slowly and need curled through Ash. He felt the tension leaving his body as Ned’s tongue traced his lips. “That’s better.” Ned whispered. He raised his head and looked around the room. His eyes found the oil by the bed. He released Ash and crossed the room. He picked it up and raised a brow at Ash.
“It helps.” Ash said. Ned blinked a few times before he looked back at the bottle.
“How?” He asked as he screwed the top off and smelled it. He looked up at Ash expectantly. Ash knew he was turning red, he could feel his face getting hot. Ned’s head tilted as his curiosity piqued.
“Umm…” Ash was struggling. He cringed. “Lubrication?” His voice was strained. Ned looked thoughtful.
“Ah. That’s important?” He asked as he dabbed a little oil onto a finger and tasted it. He shrugged as he closed it and looked back at Ash. Ash nodded jerkily.
“I think so.” He whispered. Ned crossed the room and reached for his drink.
“I just assumed a lot of saliva was involved.” Ned winked as he finished his drink. Ash swallowed the rest of his and watched as Ned started searching around the room again.
“I suppose that could work but I think we’d dry ourselves out before we made enough.” He said. Ned smiled and nodded as he flipped the pillows up on the bed then turned and scanned the room. “What are you looking for?” Ash asked. Ned turned to him.
“You said you had something that you use to ‘simulate it’.” He said as he fell onto the bed. Ned rested on his elbow and crossed his ankles. He stared at Ash expectantly. Ash froze. The only part of his body that moved was his eye lids. They blinked rapidly for several moments. His brain refused to help him.
“Right… And you want to see it.” Ash croaked. His hands were slick again and his heart was pounding wildly. He’d hidden the wooden cock for so long, the idea of actually showing it to anyone, even Ned was almost bizarre. It was inconceivable. Ned looked at Ash as if he’d grown extra ears.
“Did you seriously think I wouldn’t?” He asked incredulously.
Ash frowned. Why didn't it occur to him? Probably because he hadn't even thought about the wooden cock since he’d kissed Ned. When he’d reached into his bag for the oil it didn’t even cross his mind. Now, it was embarrassing. The idea of Ned seeing it and knowing he’d used it on himself made him almost sick. He shook his head softly.
“I don’t think we’ll need it.” He prayed that would work. Ned held his hand out and open.
“Let’s see it.” He said impatiently.
Ash thought about arguing but he knew that would only make Ned more intent. He felt his shoulders sag and he turned to get the bag. Ash looked back and saw that Ned’s neck was craning as he tried to see around him. He scowled at Ned as he bent down for the bag. He set it on the table and reached inside. Ash took a deep breath as he pulled the wooden cock out. He turned and extended his arm toward Ned as he walked to the bed. Ned’s brows pulled together when he saw it. Ash set it on his palm and Ned frowned as his hand closed around it. He sat up and stared at it as he turned it in his hands.
“It’s not very big.” Ned said as he looked up. Ash felt the tension leave his body. There was no judgement in Ned’s eyes. Only
curiosity. He laughed softly as he sat next to Ned.
“I think it would be considered average.” Ash argued. Ned nodded and smiled.
“True. We are rather lucky.” He leaned back on his elbow and continued to study the wooden cock.
“We might not think so later.” Ash teased as he leaned back on his elbows next to him. Ned grinned and pressed a kiss to Ash’s cheek.
“Where did you get this?” Ned asked as he made a stabbing motion with the cock as if it was a toy sword. Ash bit the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling.
“I made it.” He said and Ned’s face swung to his. He looked shocked. Ash couldn’t stop himself from grinning. “You thought I walked into a shop and bought it?” Ned’s face went blank for a moment.
“I suppose not. But I can’t picture you making it either.” He stared at the wooden cock a little harder and Ash knew he was trying to imagine it.
“I had a lot of long nights in my tent during the war.” He explained. A lot of nights thinking of Ned and a lot of frustration. Ned nodded thoughtfully.
“Weren’t you afraid of someone hearing or seeing you use it?” He asked. Ash laughed. Ned looked up in surprise.
“I never used it out there. It took years to get it soft enough and I never had any desire to. War can be very boring but the last thing it is is arousing.” Ash could feel the scotch making his body loose and his eyes started clinging to Ned’s lips.
“So you travel with this and use it when you’re alone?” Ned looked at Ash and his eyes were dark. Ned was getting aroused at the idea of Ash using it. It was making Ash aroused knowing that it was having such an effect on him. Ash shook his head as he pressed his finger to Ned’s collar bone and traced it.
“I keep it with me but I’ve only ever used it here.” Ash’s voice was low and deep. Ned’s lips tilted and Ash felt his erection swelling.