Page 57 of Chasing Benedict
“He’s still trying to force me into marriage. Before we left London, he delivered an ultimatum. If I don’t choose a bride, he will have Dr. Pruett testify to my insanity. I’ll be committed to Bedlam.”
“No,” Alex insisted. “We won’t let that happen. He won’t touch you, and neither will Cynthia.”
Ben sighed. “I’m tired, Alex. I thought I could carry it all on my own, but it’s too much.”
“Let me help you. Me, Aubrey, and Nick. We can help.”
Ben nodded but offered no verbal response. They sat together for a long while. Alex held him without speaking, allowing Ben to experience everything he was feeling. He knew better than anyone how far a good cry could go toward purging one of grief or sadness.
Once Ben was ready, Alex helped him to his feet. “Come. You are finished with your treatments. I’m ordering you to spend the rest of the day resting and taking your mind off everything. It will all be waiting for us tomorrow.”
“Orderingme?”
Alex smiled. “What good is this title unless I can throw my weight around a bit? I’m the earl, this is my house, and my word is law.”
“Fine,” Ben grumbled. “But you made me a promise yesterday. Tonight, I demand you deliver.”
Alex tugged on Ben’s sodden shirt, pulling him close. “Why wait until tonight?”
Ben’s gaze fell to Alex’s lips. “I need to wash. I’m drenched in sweat.”
Alex backed toward the door, pulling Ben along with him. “I’ll wait.”
They made a beeline for Alex’s chambers. Once inside, Alex dismissed Hamond, who was busy tidying the room. While Ben made use of the washstand, Alex made quick work of his clothes, the loose fit of his casual morning coat making it easy to achieve the task without help. By the time Ben emerged from the washroom, nude and smelling of sandalwood soap, Alex was lying in bed with a bottle of oil waiting conveniently at his side.
Ben’s cock was already erect, standing high and bobbing with every step as he approached. Alex took himself in hand and stroked, simply enjoying the sight of Ben and anticipating what was to come. Ben came onto the bed and prowled toward him, arms caging Alex in. Their lips met in a slow, hypnotizing dance, tongues gently pushing and probing, soft pants racing between them. Ben laid between his legs, nudging his cock against Alex’s and sending a moan through his chest. He arched into Ben, one hand slipping down to cup a taut, firm bottom cheek to urge him closer.
Ben released his lips, kissing his way down Alex’s neck, then back up to his ear. Alex’s eyes rolled back into his head as Ben nibbled and licked, finding the places that made his cock twitch and strain with need.
In a move so fast it took Alex’s breath away, Ben rolled, reversing their position so that he lay on his back. Alex stared down at Ben as he reached for the oil and placed it in his hands.
“Ben,” Alex whispered with a shake of his head. “Are you sure? I … I still haven’t told you the last of it. There’s something—”
“I don’t care,” Ben protested. “I’ve laid myself bare, and no matter what happens between us, I won’t regret it. Aubrey became my confidant after you left, but only because I trusted him. He was there when no one else was.”
“WhenIwasn’t there,” Alex lamented.
“That doesn’t matter either, not anymore. You were always the person I trusted most, and despite all that’s happened, I still do. I trust you with the parts of me I could never give to anyone else—and I don’t only mean physically.”
Alex felt a rush of acute euphoria. Ben was saying all the things he’d wanted to hear. Even if he hadn’t yet spoken those three, sweet words, Alex would accept what he was given. It was enough for now.
He leaned down to kiss Ben’s cheek, then opened the vial of oil. Ben widened his legs and lifted his knees as Alex gripped his cock in one hand and used the other to explore the crevice of his arse. Ben stiffened when Alex’s finger pressed against his anus, gaining less than an inch through the tight sphincter.
“Keep going,” Ben said when Alex paused. “It’s been a long time, but I want this. I’m ready.”
“Not yet,” Alex chided. “But you will be.”
Ben took a deep breath, the rigidity of his body easing as Alex pushed deeper. He took his time, just as Ben had with him, sinking one finger as deep as possible and working Ben’s cock to keep him relaxed enough to take a second. Ben groaned, his hand joining Alex’s on his cock. They stroked together, the preliminary leak of Ben’s seed trickling down their knuckles.
“More,” Ben demanded as Alex thrust and curled the two fingers, reluctant to give too much. “Now, Alex. Give me more.”
“Careful,” Alex murmured, slowly adding a third finger. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Fuck,” Ben groaned as Alex added more oil, pushing his fingers deeper and finding his pleasure spot. “Nothing about this hurts. It’s … Christ, that’s good.”
Alex’s lips twitched with a smile. “That’s good to hear.”
“Shut up and give me your cock.”
