Page 9 of Beyond the Darkness (Basic Instincts #3)

“Huh?” Hudson was not one of those guys who forget a man as soon as he’s blown his load. He ran his hand along the back of the sofa and stroked Luke’s head. His hair was slightly damp. “I’d remember you.”

“No, no. Not like this. It was about three years ago. Do you remember doing a run in the play 2:22? I was in London visiting a mate and he dragged me to your press night. I wasn’t covering the show for the Chronicle, but I tagged along anyway.

The after party was packed and we were briefly introduced. ”

“I remember the play all right, even the press night. But I’m sorry. I really don’t remember meeting you.”

“There’s no reason you should. We barely shook hands before the publicity guys whisked you off to speak to far more important people. I was one of about sixty in that room. But I remember you all right. Hudson Rhodes, the big American movie star.”

Hudson laughed. “I think you’re taking the piss now. That’s what you say here, isn’t it? Taking the piss.”

“Indeed, we do. But I’m not. I was pretty knocked out in those few seconds. I’ve met big stars before and I’m very rarely starstruck, but there was something about you that resonated. An indefinable charisma.”

“Oh, come on. You really are taking the piss.”

Luke laughed. “It’s true.”

“I’m not even famous. Not really. Especially not over here.”

“Don’t be so modest. I’ve seen you in loads of things. Not theatre, but TV. You’ve got a pretty impressive résumé of British film and drama these days.”

Hudson shrugged. He had always found it embarrassing to talk about himself and his achievements. A trait he hadn’t found in many other people in his profession. “I like working over here. I get more job offers here, too.”

“Do you live here permanently these days?”

“No, New York. But I’m rarely there. My brother is staying in my place while I’m away. He might as well move in full-time.”

“Especially if the play goes to London.”

“We’ll see.”

He glanced at Luke’s beautiful uncut cock. Even soft, it was mightily impressive, lying against his silky-smooth balls. His pubic hair was neatly trimmed above it. Hudson was pleased to note he hadn’t completely shaved his pubes off like a lot of modern guys did.

“Maybe we should have dinner, before the food you brought spoils.”

Luke turned and kissed him on the mouth. “Now that we’ve both had our appetisers.”

Luke stood first, allowing Hudson to steal a glance at his fine ass.

It was as hot as everything else about him.

His cheeks were high and pert, the lower curve coated in a fine layer of dark hair.

He hoped Luke would allow him to explore that much further sometime.

Then he pulled up his pants, covering the gorgeous peach.

“Awww,” Hudson complained dramatically. “That spoils it.”

Luke flashed a look over his shoulder. “I thought you wanted to eat.”

“I do. Your ass.”

He laughed and picked up Hudson’s jeans, tossing them playfully at him. “Maybe for dessert, eh?”

Hudson loved the way Luke watched him as he got dressed, his desire clear in every glance. They came together again to kiss and Hudson copped a feel of that fine ass before heading to the kitchen.

The apartment was too small for a proper dining table, so he set two places at the breakfast counter and refreshed their glasses.

“If I’d been more prepared, I would have cooked something myself,” he said, getting the hot food from the oven.

“After everything else you’ve been through today, I don’t think it’s out of order to cheat. You like to cook?”

“Hmm.” He brushed against Luke’s back to reach the upper cupboard where the plates were kept.

“That’s why I chose this apartment rather than a hotel.

I wanted a kitchen to cook in. There isn’t really time during rehearsals but once the play is running, I plan to make all my own meals here.

It’s a nice way to relax before a show. Do you cook? ”

“I can make pasta and stir through a jar of sauce, if that counts. I don’t really have the time for much else, and when I do, it’s never worth the effort it takes to shop, prepare and cook from scratch. Especially for one. I’m hopeless in the kitchen anyway.”

They set about opening the cartons. The smells made Hudson’s stomach rumble. If it only tasted half as good it would be fantastic. “Let me repay you for all of this by making you a meal one night. Something special.”

“Deal,” Luke said. “I’ll even bring the condoms.”

Hudson loved the way Luke laughed, with a huge smile that illuminated his otherwise serious face. Something inside Hudson flipped at the sight of it.

There was pasta with meatballs in an ultra-rich sauce, garlic bread, salad and a side dish of roasted peppers and red onions.

“This is delicious,” Hudson said after the first mouthful. “You’ll have to tell me where this place is.”

“It’s not that far from here. A five-minute walk. I usually dine in the restaurant, but knew they did takeaway food, which was ideal for tonight.”

“You sound like an expert on the city. You’ll have to give me some tips for places I can check out. I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface.”

“I’ll show you around when you have the time.”

Hudson tasted the tomato sauce. It was even richer than he’d imagined. “What else do you do for fun? Besides eating out and theatre.”

“I think I’ve already told you. I spend what little time off I have at home. Just enjoying the beach, watching movies. I try to get to the gym two or three times a week.”

“What kind of movies are you into? Art house stuff?”

“Well, yes, but only for work. When I’m relaxing, I like to watch pure trash. Escapist stuff, you know. Action, horror. That’s why I was a bit starstruck that time I saw you in London.”

“Because of the trash I’ve made?”

They chuckled together.

“That makes it sound worse than it is,” Luke said. “I’m a bit of a horror movie buff. I especially love all the old stuff, especially slasher movies. Actually, one of your old movies is one of my favourites.”

Hudson froze with the fork halfway to his mouth, his mouth suddenly dry. “Oh, yeah. Which one?”

“I doubt you remember much about it. It was so long ago. But it’s called Red Hills Massacre. The one with Baby Face—the killer.”

That motherfucking film. Hudson lost his appetite.