Restrained, page 16
Matthew was just getting up the courage to slide his hand down and under the waistband of Robert’s trousers when they were interrupted by a knock on the door.
Robert cursed under his breath and went to answer. The host was on the other side, holding a traveling case. “Supposed to deliver this to you, sir.”
Robert was going to protest when he heard Matthew speak up behind him. “Thank you.”
Robert pulled a coin from his pocket and took the case, closing the door firmly behind the man.
“That’s Uncle Teddy’s,” Matthew explained. “He must want us to know he knows we won’t be back soon.”
That sounded like Ted. Robert chuckled and opened the case. There were three neatly folded cravats on top, and hidden underneath was a picnic lunch of sandwiches, a bottle of wine, a few apples, a small bottle of oil, and a handful of shortbread wrapped in a tea-towel. Robert took out the oil. “I don’t know if I should be pleased or mortified that Ted knows what I want to do right now.”
“Mortified,” Matthew said without hesitation, “but it would still be foolish to waste it.”
Robert put the bottle on the nightstand and pulled off his coat. When he turned back, Matthew was removing his shirt. Robert leaned against the bedpost to admire the slim back he’d seen before as Matthew bent to remove his trousers, revealing the smooth, round arse that had been tempting him in his dreams, the strong thighs and shapely calves. His to enjoy, Robert thought, his precious boy.
Matthew turned and saw Robert admiring him. He smiled and crossed the room slowly, giving Robert plenty of time to admire the muscles of his chest and the beautiful cock that was already becoming hard. Robert opened his arms, and Matthew came to him at once, resting against his chest and kissing him lightly along the collar of his shirt. Robert ran his hands over Matthew’s back and enjoyed the feel of Matthew’s lips brushing along his skin. Robert let his hands slide lower, cupping and squeezing Matthew’s arse as the boy continued to kiss his chest, completely comfortable naked while Robert was clothed.
But Robert decided he wasn’t comfortable clothed anymore. He pressed a kiss to Matthew’s hair, then pulled back and grabbed the hem of his shirt. Before he could pull it free of his trousers, Matthew’s hands were there, tugging the shirt up and sliding underneath it to caress Robert’s chest. As Robert pulled the shirt over his head, Matthew’s gentle hands dropped to the fastenings of Robert’s trousers and began undoing them. Robert tossed his shirt on the floor and placed his hands behind his head, out of the way, to allow Matthew to do whatever he pleased.
Matthew got the buttons undone quickly and in no time at all had Robert’s cock free, which he paused to stroke and tease the tip with his thumb. Robert’s first thought was of seeing him kneeling before Balford, and guilt washed over him. Matthew looked worried as Robert’s cock softened in his hands, and he began to stroke again, leaning forward and watching for any sign that Robert liked or didn’t like something, clearly thinking he’d been the cause. Not at all like what he’d done with Balford, Robert realized, too gentle and too eager. Maybe this was what he had done with the fool Percy, although Percy wasn’t here and Robert was. Then everything was pushed out of his mind at the sensation of Matthew’s warm, wet tongue along the underside of his cock. Robert gasped and let his hands fall to Matthew’s hair, tangling in the curls.
Matthew looked up and smiled at him. “You liked that?” he whispered when he’d pulled his mouth away.
“I liked all of it.” He twined his fingers in Matthew’s hair, rubbing his scalp. “And I love you.”
“I love you so much, Robert.” Matthew leaned back on his heels and looked up at Robert. “And now there’s nothing I have to dread, nothing terrible.”
Robert understood. “We can make plans. Fencing maybe. I ought to warn you, I haven’t practiced since I was in school, but I did like it then. Or riding. Or anything you like. And the offer of a position still stands.” Robert smiled. Such a strange conversation to be having with a naked young man while his own trousers were around his ankles. He shifted his weight so he could kick them off completely. “But first, the bed.”
Matthew got to his feet in one smooth motion, letting Robert admire his flexibility. He’d known Matthew wasn’t the sort to be clumsy, but he was quite glad he’d nearly been knocked over by him those first times they’d met.
As Matthew turned towards the bed, he started biting his lip again in the way Robert found so attractive. “At Hensley House, that night,” Matthew whispered, “you said you only wanted the marks of your hands on me. I’d like that.”
Robert swallowed. Matthew had asked so sweetly, but he knew what he’d asked for. Robert brought his hand down on that shapely arse, making a sharp sound and leaving a red print behind. Matthew’s hips snapped forward then pressed back, looking for more. Robert could see the boy’s cock had snapped to attention at the slap. He brought his hand down again, and Matthew made a small sound that went straight through Robert.
“Grab the bedposts. Don’t move.”
Matthew obeyed at once, pushing his hips back into the perfect position to receive whatever Robert would give him. Robert brought his hand down hard, watching the firm globes turn pink, hearing Matthew moaning under him. He could see Matthew’s shadow against the wall, his cock seeming to get harder with every smack. It wasn’t until he stopped that Robert heard the words in Matthew’s moans.
“More, please Robert. Please more.”
He wanted to oblige the boy, but he was so hard it was almost painful. He fumbled for the bottle of oil he’d left by the bed. He slicked his fingers and ran one down the valley in the center of Matthew’s beautiful arse. Mathew stopped moaning and made another sound, softer but lewder. Robert slid his finger inside and listened as Matthew gasped and pressed back.
“Please, Robert, please.”
Robert slid another finger in, and then the sounds Matthew made were too much, and he pulled his fingers out. Matthew whimpered, but Robert barely heard as he ran his slick fingers over his own cock then eased himself into Matthew. He leaned against the boy’s back and kissed his shoulder. Matthew leaned back so he could press against Robert’s chest. Robert wrapped his arms around Matthew, using one hand to play with his nipples and the other, still slick with oil, to rub Matthew’s cock in time to his thrusts against Matthew’s heated arse. Matthew’s moans were soft, but Robert could still hear them, his name over and over. And then, “My Robert.”
Robert pulled Matthew closer and spent into him, clinging to Matthew as his body trembled against him. He kept stroking Matthew’s cock until he felt the warm spend over his hand. Matthew collapsed back against him.
Robert held Matthew close for a moment then gave him a small push towards the bed. Matthew climbed on top of the covers and stretched out on his side, watching Robert as he crossed the room and found the washbasin and picture of water. He dampened a cloth and brought it over to clean them both up, then nestled under the covers beside Matthew. “Will Ted be looking for you?”
Mathew shook his head, his curls brushing against Robert’s chest. “He knows where I am. We can sleep for a while.”
“Good.” Robert kissed the top of Matthew’s head then drifted off to sleep.
Chapter 16
***
WHEN ROBERT WOKE UP FROM HIS NAP, his first thought was to be annoyed. How could he have slept when he didn’t know where Matthew was? Then his sleep-muddled brain registered that there was an arm draped over his waist and soft hair brushing against his chest. It hadn’t been a dream. He’d found Matthew, and the boy had forgiven him. He rolled over just enough to be able to look at his lover. Matthew had stayed. He hadn’t run from him. He hadn’t been shocked. He knew all about Robert, all about what he liked, and he’d stayed, and now he was sleeping beside him, one arm wrapped around Robert. Robert let his hand drop and stroked the soft curls.
Matthew snuggled closer, then his eyelashes fluttered and finally he opened his eyes and looked around blearily. “You’re here.” He reached up and ran his hand along Robert’s cheek.
“So are you,” Robert said with a smile.
“But I didn’t leave.”
“No, you didn’t. And I am so glad. And so sorry that I did.” He brushed his lips against Matthew’s hand. “There’s wine on the table there, if you’d like some.”
Matthew made a contented sound that made Robert want to stay under the covers with his boy nestled beside him. But it wasn’t even noon yet, so he pulled himself out of bed and went to fetch the wine Ted had sent them. Matthew followed close enough that Robert could feel his presence but slightly back, as if he were afraid to be in the way. Robert poured the wine and waited until the boy—no could say his boy now if he wanted—until his boy came to get a glass. He slid an arm around Matthew’s waist, holding him close for a second before letting him go so he could drink.
Matthew went to the travel bag and began unpacking the rest of the food and laying it out on the table. Robert watched him for a moment then went to find his coat. It was best he get the questions he should have asked over with now. The will was right where he’d left it. He pulled it out of the pocket and brought it to the table.
When Matthew finished setting out the food, Robert asked, “Have you ever seen this?” He wrapped his arms loosely around Matthew, holding out the will out in front of them both for inspection.
“You mean to read? No.” Matthew took the papers and leaned back against Robert’s chest to peruse them. “Wait. This says ‘Edward Greensleigh leaves his share of Greensleigh Enterprises to Theodore Hodgson with the understanding that it will be passed on to his nephew Matthew Greensleigh.’ Uncle Neddy left everything to Uncle Teddy? But he didn’t get it. Father...” He let the paper fall from his hands. Robert watched it land on the table. “That’s why you left. You thought I knew.”
“Ted is my friend. But I shouldn’t have just left. I should have stayed and asked you what you knew. And I should have known that you wouldn’t do anything so underhanded. I’m sorry.”
Matthew sniffed. Robert had the feeling he was going to start crying again. He tightened his arms around Matthew and waited. Matthew stayed stiff and still for a few breaths, then he turned and rested his head against Robert’s chest. Robert felt warm tears against his skin and held Matthew as tight and close as he could.
“I thought it was because...because of what we did. Of what you let me do.”
Whatever Jim had said to Lionel about him—and knowing Jim, there had been quite a lot said—he deserved worse if he’d let Matthew believe that. He tightened his hold on his boy and wiped away what tears he could see with his thumb. “In a way, it was, although not how you think. You’re the first man I’ve ever offered myself like that, and it terrified me that I loved you so much I was willing to. When I had that second of doubt, I was scared that I’d given everything to the wrong man, and I ran. And I shouldn’t have. You had far more reason to be frightened than I, and you were so brave. Can you forgive me?”
Matthew nestled closer. He seemed to want to say something, but couldn’t find any words. Then Robert felt the small nod of his head.
“Thank you, dearest. I’ll make certain you never regret trusting me.”
Matthew smiled. “I know I won’t.”
Robert dropped a soft kiss on Matthew’s hair then drew him over to the table. “Shall we eat some of this?” He sat and pulled Matthew onto his lap. Matthew leaned against him and took the sandwich he offered. “Now we can start to plan. There’s the will to be dealt with.”
“Uncle Teddy should have a say in that.”
“I agree. We’ll bring it over to him after we eat and see what he wants done.”
Matthew took a large bite of his sandwich and Robert realized he wanted to say something but was stalling for time. He waited patiently, taking small bites of his own sandwich so Matthew would not realize he was waiting while letting him swallow quickly if he needed to answer.
Matthew finally said, “You said you had never offered yourself to someone, does that mean you’d...” He trailed off and started picking at a crust.
Robert understood and tried to sound as unconcerned as possible as he answered. “I’d done it before, but it had always been someone else’s idea. I’d never offered to, never wanted to offer, but I was younger, and I thought... I thought if I did that for them, they might do what I wanted. And then I was too always ashamed to ask for what I wanted.”
“Then why did you... with me... I mean, you don’t have to do anything for me to want...”
Robert put his sandwich down on the table so he could hold Matthew with both hands. “I did it because I want to do everything with you, in and out of bed. And I thought I might enjoy it with you, being completely yours, and I did. As for the other part...” He slid his hand up to press the still-pink skin of Matthew’s arse. “When I have you back at my townhouse, I intend to find out what you think of paddles and whips and ropes and that corset.” He slid his hand around to caress Matthew’s semi-hard cock. “This seems interested at least. The corset, hmm? That soft black leather encasing your skin while I try…what? A flogger perhaps on that lovely bottom of yours.” He could tell from the way Matthew’s cock hardened in his hand that he’d hit upon a fantasy they would be both be sharing soon. He kissed the spot behind Matthew’s ear. “Now eat, and we’ll get dressed and bring Ted the will. Then the three of us can decide what to do about it.”
Matthew finished his sandwich in silence, but Robert saw a little furrow between his brows. He hoped he hadn’t done anything to upset him. But Matthew stayed nestled against him while they ate, then slid off Robert’s lap but didn’t move towards his clothes. He picked up the will and began reading it again.
“Something interesting?”
“Curious,” Matthew answered. He folded the will without elaborating and left it on the table before gathering his clothes.
When they arrived at the shop, there was one customer, a very pretty woman of about thirty with a fashionable pelisse and a stack of books that made both Matthew and Robert feel obliged to run forward and offer to help her carry them.
“Very kind of you gentlemen, but I can manage.”
“She’s bought more than this at one go,” Uncle Teddy said. “Miss Bently, allow me to present my nephew, Matthew Greensleigh, and an old friend, Sir Robert Farnsdale.”
Miss Bently was not at all what Matthew had expected. From Uncle Teddy’s grin, he could tell he knew that. “Very pleased to meet you.”
“You’re the one who’s been helping Mr. Hodgson shelve books? I can’t see this one helping.” She inclined her chin to indicate Robert. “Greensleigh, hmm? Any relation to the one that co-owned this place?”
“My uncle.”
She nodded. “I thought there was a resemblance.” She turned to Robert. “You’re trouble, but not for me, I think. And perhaps not for long. I’ll see you when I’ve finished with these, Mr. Hodgson.”
“I’ll be looking for you by Thursday then.”
Miss Bently smiled and made for the door with her books. She paused until Robert took the hint and opened it for her.
Uncle Ted laughed as Robert closed the door. “Not what you expected at all, eh, boys? What if I told you she’s how I met your friend Rosamond?”
“She worked for Rosamond?” Robert asked, sounding more shocked than Matthew felt.
“Of course not, and good thing you waited until she was halfway down the street to say that. Her aim isn’t particularly good, but there were some very heavy books there. Her sister. Although she is shocking in her own way; she writes for three different newspapers. But it seems there’s more interesting news here. I take it the two of you managed to actually talk to each other?”
Robert smiled. “We did. And I take full responsibility for being the idiot that prevented it from happening sooner.”
“As you should. And the basket was properly consumed? I see from your blushing that it was. Never thought I’d see you blush, Robert. It’s quite becoming.”
Robert cleared his throat, although he realized he couldn’t be too upset. Ted was clearly enjoying himself, and from the pleased look on Matthew’s face, Robert assumed it was something that didn’t happen often enough, at least not since Ed. But they still had a purpose. “We do have something to discuss with you, privately if possible.”
“I wish you’d said something when Miss Bently was here, then we could have gone upstairs and asked her to mind the store for a little while. She doesn’t mind, as she takes it as a chance to read all the books she’s too much of a lady to purchase, some of which the pair of you might like, now that I think of it. But we can use the backroom. I can leave the door open and hear if someone comes in.”
“If you don’t mind,” Robert said.
“It sounds serious. We’d best get it over with then.”
In the backroom, Matthew went to get the tea kettle and a plate of biscuits.
Ted sat at the table. “If he’s bringing tea, then it’s something more serious than the two of you.”
Robert pulled out the will. “It’s this.”
“Ah, the infamous will that’s caused so much trouble. And it concerns me?”
Robert nodded. “It’s Ed’s will.”
Ted went slightly pale and he clutched at the teacup Matthew handed him. “Is it now? I thought it was odd he didn’t have one. He was always so careful. I take it you think I should read it?”
Robert handed it over. He and Matthew sat quietly while Ted read it twice then put it down on the table and stroked the signature. “You say Sir Hector had this all along?”
