Page 18 of Club Royal: Calendar Collection

Patrick

Kieren led Patrick to the car at Bagshot Park, the home Patrick’s parents shared with them. It was big enough that they could go without seeing each other for weeks if they didn’t search each other out occasionally.

“Where are we going?” Patrick asked.

“It’s a surprise,” his husband said, winking at him.

Gone was the stubborn, glacial bodyguard he’d first met—okay, maybe the stubborn part was still there—and in its place was an amazingly selfless man who would do anything for anyone if they asked.

Especially driving in a car. Ever since his family died in a plane crash, any type of travelling was hard for Kieren, but he sucked it up and dealt with it each time.

Patrick slid into the car and allowed Kieren to close the door before rounding to the other side and slipping in beside him. He took his hand and threaded their fingers together, smiling across at him.

“You spoil me.”

Kieren smirked. “You deserve it.”

They talked about anything and everything as the driver took them through the streets and into London. When they pulled up outside the Barbican. Patrick knew exactly what this was and beamed.

“The London Symphony Orchestra?”

Kieren nodded. “I thought, as it is Piano Month and Classical Music Month according to George, we’d visit one of your favourite pastimes. But in person.”

“I haven’t been to one of these in years.” They climbed out of the car when Jade opened the door for them. Nina was just in front of them, both of them guarding them as always.

“You should be up there playing with them as far as I’m concerned.” Kieren took his hand and led him forward.

Patrick huffed a laugh. “It would’ve been nice, but I have so many other things I’m happy doing now. The music lessons for the kids are going really well. And from the feedback I’ve been given, the students are more settled in school, too.”

“What you’ve created is amazing, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

The manager of the Barbican came to them when they entered. “Prince Patrick, Prince Kieren, we are so honoured to have you here tonight. If there is anything you need, anything at all, please let one of the staff members know, and we will arrange it.”

Patrick held out his hand for him to shake. “We are quite all right, thank you. Just the wonderful music is more than enough for me.”

“You’re very kind. Can I get you some refreshments?”

“Water would be great, thanks.”

“Anything for you, Prince Kieren?”

Patrick watched as Kieren pursed his lips, a sign that he was uncomfortable, which he understood to be about being called a prince. He wasn’t used to it yet. It would take time, but he’d be fine.

“Water is good for me, too, thanks,” Kieren said.

“Tina will show you to your seats.” The manager waved his hand towards a steward waiting patiently beside him.

“Thank you. Lead the way, Tina,” Patrick said, earning a blush from the young girl.

“This way, Your Highnesses.”

They followed Tina up two flights of small stairs and through a door onto a balcony area that was sparsely accommodated. Only half a dozen people sat there, several glancing at them as they entered.

“This way, Your Highnesses,” Tina repeated. “We have you on the closest side with the best view.”

“Thank you, Tina. We appreciate your help.”

“Your water will arrive shortly. Do you need anything else?”

Kieren shook his head. “We’re okay now. Thank you.”

Tina curtseyed and left, and they settled into their seats, Nina and Jade sitting behind them. The view was amazing. He would be able to see everything from there. His hands were shaking, and his stomach somersaulted. He was so excited.

“You’re like a little kid in a sweet shop.” Kieren chuckled, and Patrick backhanded his shoulder.

“Shut up.”

“I’m glad you like the surprise.”

Patrick glanced at him and leaned forward to kiss him chastely. “I do.”

The memory of having said those words in a different setting warmed his heart. This man was his husband, and he would never let him go.

A different steward came in with their waters and curtsied on their way out.

“That’s still weird,” Kieren said.

Patrick chuckled. “You’ll eventually get used to it.” The lights lowered, and he inhaled, trying to calm his nerves.

Kieren slid his arm around his back, and Patrick leant into him, but as the music started, he moved forward until his arms rested on the edge of the balcony, eyes fixed on the many musicians who made such beautiful melodies.

He lost himself in the sounds, closing his eyes during one emotional section, and when the final note rang through the building, a collective holding of breaths was palpable until everyone rose to clap. It was exquisite.

Patrick took several minutes to breathe, bringing himself down from the high that music was to him. “Oh, my. That was…” He shook his head, unable to find the words.

“Whatever word is ten thousand times higher than amazing,” Kieren finished for him.

“Exactly.”

Kieren pulled him into his chest, pressing his lips to his head. “I have one more surprise for you.” He glanced at Jade, who nodded back. “Come with me.”

They followed Jade out of the door, Nina behind them. They descended the stairs until they met the manager once more.

“This way, Your Highnesses. Everyone is gone.”

Patrick frowned at Kieren. “What?”

Kieren put his finger to his mouth, and Patrick linked his hands, his thumbs twirling around each other as he waited to see what was going on. They came to a door, and the manager went through, beckoning them forward. He gasped when he saw the stage, right there in front of him.

“You can go on stage, sweetheart,” Kieren said.

Patrick stepped onto the stage, an area he had once wanted to play on.

He looked out towards the audience, seeing no one in the seats—that was what the manager must’ve meant.

Wandering around the space, he paused at the violin section and again looked out.

When he’d been sitting on the balcony, the stage had seemed so small, and now that he was on the stage, the audience appeared bigger.

It almost surrounded him. So many captive audience members.

“Here,” Kieren said, making him jump.

Patrick grasped what Kieren handed him before even understanding what it was. “No, I can’t.” He tried to hand his violin back.

“Yes, you can. They want you to.”

‘They’ were the orchestra, who filed back onto the stage and took their seats.

One musician brought another chair with them and placed it next to his.

He smiled at Patrick, hope shining in the man’s eyes.

Patrick lowered his head, taking a few breaths.

This used to be his dream. Could he really sit there and join in with something he had never trained for?

He wouldn’t be able to keep up. But he so wanted to.

Meeting Kieren’s gaze, he nodded once and walked around to take the seat.

“It will be an honour to play alongside you, Your Highness,” the man who’d brought the chair said.

Patrick smiled, the nerves getting the better of his manners.

“We’ll try Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5,” the conductor said.

Music appeared before him, and he raised his violin. He took one final breath before losing himself in the opening sounds. And when it was his turn to join in, he flew.

He lost track of how many they played, but eventually, the conductor stopped them. Exhilaration flowed through Patrick. He’d played at the Barbican, and he hadn’t messed up.

“You were sensational, Your Highness. Absolutely amazing,” the man beside him said.

“Thank you. You were all… beyond words. To do this day in, day out is a feat. I know that. But you are truly wonderful. Thank you all for allowing me to join you.”

He tried to speak with as many of them as he could, but eventually they had to leave. He promised to return at some point, and then Kieren led him off the stage and back through the building to where the car waited.

“Oh my god, Kieren. That was… Thank you so much.”

“I have a way you can thank me.” Kieren smirked and climbed into the car, leaving a stunned Patrick standing beside it before Nina gently nudged him forward.

“That wasn’t kind.”

Kieren

Once they were back in their room at home, Patrick grabbed Kieren and dragged him towards the bedroom.

“I believe I have some thanking to do,” he said.

“You do, and I have an examination to do.”

Patrick’s legs banged against the bed, and he dropped to his butt, bouncing a few times. “What?”

Kieren began undressing him, kissing every piece of skin as he exposed it. “Wait and see.”

“More surprises?” Patrick gasped, arching up towards him.

“Yes.”

“But I thought I was in charge in the bedroom.”

Kieren chuckled against Patrick’s stomach. “Not today.”

Patrick’s breathy moans and melting body were exactly what Kieren wanted.

When his husband was naked beneath him, he pulled back, caressing his hands across the tanned skin.

Since they had been working out together every day, Patrick had developed a healthy set of muscles, and Kieren loved the look.

He loved him no matter what, but it made him look healthier, which he knew Patrick liked.

“Go further up the bed. Head on the pillow.”

“Yes, Sir.” Patrick grinned and scooted himself backwards.

“Spread your legs,” Kieren rasped, his cock already pushing towards the ceiling, seeking its home.

With Patrick spread out, Kieren took a moment to enjoy watching him. Then he reached for the drawer next to them and fetched the lube. He wasted no time, slicking his fingers and pressing them against Patrick’s hole.

“Did you know,” he said as he slid one in, “that it’s also,” he slid back out, “Prostate Health Month this month?”

Patrick groaned as Kieren slid in two fingers. “Where are you…getting all this from?”