Page 38 of Chasing Benedict
He drew closer to the washroom with a frown, noticing that the water was still clear and unused. However, the washstand basin had been utilized, and several damp linens were piled in the corner.
“You could have used the tub, you know,” he said, turning back to face Ben. “I would have simply used your water and called for the footmen to reheat.”
“I prefer shower-baths,” Ben replied without looking up from his book. “Honestly, Alex, with all the money you’ve inherited, one would think you might have installed one by now. Every fashionable home in London has one.”
Alex wrinkled his nose. “I’ve tried shower-baths. The water cools too fast.”
“Cold water is bracing and good for the body.”
“Right,” Alex muttered with a shake of his head.
Pulling the bell cord to ring for his valet, he entered the washroom to test the unused water. It was still adequately warm, so he had no need to send for fresh water. Annoyance lanced through him as he observed the linens haphazardly discarded near the washstand. He could only assume this small rebellion was yet another way for Ben to needle him. His behavior made no sense otherwise. Who didn’t enjoy a hot bath?
Alex pushed the bizarre conversation out of his mind as his valet arrived to help him disrobe. Through the open door he caught sight of Ben, who had stopped reading to watch as the layers of Alex’s clothes fell away. His skin broke out in gooseflesh at the slow trajectory of Ben’s gaze over every inch of his skin as it was bared. Ben’s eyes missed nothing, lingering in places that made Alex flush and fight not to squirm. When their gazes met, Ben’s unspoken promises sent blood rushing to Alex’s groin, prompting him quickly into the tub. The sooner he washed, the sooner he could climb into that bed with Ben.
With a groan, he let his head fall against the lip of the tub. He was so weak. It had only taken a lingering glance from Ben to make him forget that he’d resolved to have a conversation first.
“Is the water not to your liking, my lord?” his valet asked, hovering near the tub with a knit brow.
“The water is fine, Hammond. You may take your leave. I’ll see to myself.”
Hammond, who had been sweethearts with one of the footmen for the past five years, hardly batted an eyelash at leaving his naked master alone with Ben. He was fortunate to have a trustworthy staff and a place to bring Ben where they could act freely with one another. It had been his greatest wish during their university days, as he’d wearied of sneaking about to find places where they were safe to express their affections.
Alex had begun washing when the sound of Ben’s footsteps signaled his approach. He held something in his hand, his eyes radiating purpose and mischief. Alex sat up straight, eyes going wide as Ben crouched, bracing his arms on the edge of the tub and holding up the shining silver object. The plug was the size and shape of a small lemon, its base wide and flat. His cock twitched as he inspected it, his anus contracting in anticipation of where Ben intended to put it.
“It has been a long time for you,” Ben murmured, allowing his other hand to dip into the water. “I want you ready and relaxed.”
Swallowing past the tightness of his throat, Alex nodded. “I appreciate the forethought.”
Ben’s hand went under the water, his fingertips skimming along Alex’s belly. They trailed through the light trail of hairs leading toward Alex’s groin, then brushed the length of his stiff cock.
His breaths quickening, Alex laid back and closed his eyes. “Ben, I … I had hoped we could talk about something important.”
“Is that so?” Ben murmured, his words low and teasing as he wrapped his hand around Alex’s erection. “Very well, then. Talk.”
Alex thrust into Ben’s tight and warm fist, the callouses on his palms abrading the soft, sensitive skin. “That isn’t fair. I can hardly think when you’re doing that, let alone talk.”
“Hmm,” Ben mumbled, releasing Alex’s cock to fondle his bollocks. “Then I suppose it will have to wait. Unless … you want me to stop?”
“Don’t you dare,” Alex groaned, spreading his legs as Ben’s fingers crept past his balls, pressing and massaging.
Ben chuckled and did as he was bade, slowly working his way between Alex’s cheeks. His first finger pressed against Alex’s hole, then lightly circled with teasing strokes.
“Oil?” Ben asked.
“On the washstand,” Alex choked out.
“Good. On your hands and knees.”
Alex complied, limbs trembling as he maneuvered so that he knelt in the tub, the water lapping at his chest. He flinched when Ben touched him, a strong hand gripping one of his buttocks and moving it aside. The cool air of the washroom left him feeling exposed and vulnerable, Ben’s gaze in his most intimate of places only exacerbating the effect. But, his cock was unbearably hard, begging for stimulation and release.
The oil was warm and slick as Ben trickled it between Alex’s cheeks, and his blunt fingers followed, massaging the taut opening and offering light pressure. Alex lowered his head to the lip of the tub, staring down at the undulating beams of light cutting through the water as he did his best to open himself to the invasion. It had been so long, he’d nearly forgotten the painful pleasure of being stretched and filled, fucked toward a stunning climax. The endless nights of frigging himself to thoughts of Benedict or the images printed in his lascivious books had only ever taken the edge off. Now that he could finally have what he’d been longing for all this time, Alex wasn’t certain he would last long enough to enjoy it. He was a bundle of nerve endings, exposed and raw and ready to be set off at the slightest touch.
Benedict’s finger breached him, slicked with more of the oil. He was slow and patient, working the finger in and out and easing Alex into accepting him. Alex reached beneath himself to grip his cock, desperate for more and wanting it all so badly it hurt.
“No,” Ben commanded, his finger going still inside Alex. “Not yet. Keep your hands at the bottom of the tub or I’ll stop.”
“Bugger you, Ben,” Alex rasped.
