Page 7 of A Winter Redemption

Ketho stopped, raising an eyebrow.

Why am I so jumpy?

Perhaps it was the uncertainty of the situation. Or the fear of looking like a fool. “I am not some child that needs help from their nanny to undress,” Jarne said, trying to calm his tone.

“You had a nanny to undress you?”

“Well…yes… Of course,” Jarne said. “It’s completely normal.”

“For some. How old were you when you stopped needing help undressing?” Ketho asked, voice teasing. He kept his voice gentle and light as if he was trying to calm Jarne. But Jarne was an adult, and he didn’t need to be coddled or calmed.

“It was many years ago.” He didn’t mention that Sasha’s valet still helped him dress sometimes. Not every day. Jarne could handle his usual clothing himself. But for special occasions and functions, Sasha’s valet assisted him. “I am perfectly capable of undressing myself.”

“Fine. But first…” Ketho raised his hands and cupped Jarne’s face, bringing their lips together.

Jarne froze at the kiss. Ketho stroked his cheeks with surprisingly rough fingers, lips moving carefully against Jarne’s. Then Ketho slipped his tongue into Jarne’s mouth.

For a moment, Jarne remained completely still. Then, bit by bit, Jarne relaxed. His fingers released the buttons of his shirt. His shoulders unclenched.

Tender. That was the word to describe the kiss. Tender.

So different from how Sasha kissed, which was always quick and succinct. Like something to be done quickly before moving on. Never this soft exploration of mouths. Ketho’s fingers drifted downwards, teasing Jarne’s jawline, neck, and base of his throat; all the while, his mouth and tongue moved against Jarne’s, tantalising and teasing.

Hesitantly, Jarne wrapped his arms around Ketho, hands slipping beneath his jacket, pressing against soft, warm skin as he lost himself in the simple art of kissing. The remaining tension melted from his body.

Finally, they broke apart.

“Now you can continue undressing,” Ketho said, voice husky. “But slower this time. Please.” Ketho sat on the bed, reclining as he gazed up at Jarne. “Undress like you are revealing yourself to me.”

Jarne undid his shirt, slower as requested, although he really didn’t see the point. But when he glanced at Ketho, the heated look in his eyes made him feel wanted. Desired. So he continued unhurried.

Had Sasha ever looked at him like that? If he had, Jarne couldn’t remember it.

Which he supposed made sense. Jarne was just a means to an end for Sasha. He’d set his eyes on Jarne’s younger brother to get into the family. Then he’d gone after Jarne, the older and more talented perfume alchemist, to propel himself into the inner circle. He’d never truly cared for or desired Jarne. And that thought left him feeling cold.

Jarne folded his shirt and placed it on the chair. He took a moment to push his thoughts away before turning back to Ketho.

“Will you take your breeches off for me?” Ketho asked, reclining on the bed.

“What about you?” Jarne gestured to the still-dressed Ketho.

“Me?” Ketho placed a hand on his chest. “You desire to see me undressed?” He rose to his feet, graceful like a cat. “If you’d like,” he said, voice full of teasing seduction.

The jacket slid from Ketho’s shoulders, and Ketho tossed it carelessly onto the floor. Jarne’s gaze roamed Ketho’s toned chest and shoulders. Jarne hungered to smell Ketho’s skin. Ketho undid his boots and kicked them off. They thudded on the wooden floor.

Then, without breaking Jarne’s gaze, Ketho’s hands slid downwards, over his stomach, and teased at the buttons of his breeches. “You want me to remove this?” Ketho undid the first button. Then he paused, a finger circling the next. “Is that your wish?”

“Yes,” Jarne said, voice deep and rough.

Jarne suddenly understood why Ketho told him to slow down. Each inch of skin Ketho revealed tantalised and drew out Jarne’s desire. Ketho undid the next button, revealing curls of dark grey.

Ketho undid two more buttons. Then he shimmied seductively, and the breeches slipped from his hips, revealing his cock, flushed and erect, curving slightly to the left. Ketho wrapped his hand around his shaft and stroked himself. His eyes fluttered shut.

Jarne bit back a groan, but he didn’t move. He stood frozen with arousal, uncertain of what to do next. Truth be told, it was always Sasha who’d taken the lead in their sexual encounters. He didn’t know how to be an active participant.

Ketho opened his eyes. “I want to see you,” Ketho said, still stroking his cock. “All of you.”

Jarne yanked off his boots and undid his breeches, pushing them to the floor. Ketho didn’t complain at his speed this time. Ketho released his cock and stepped towards him. Then he kissed Jarne, mouth devouring his. Not gentle like before.