Page 16 of The Labours of Lord Perry Cavendish

“Herakles’s arms-bearer,” Jonny said, turning back to him. He smiled and added, “Could you look down at me, dearest? Into my eyes, if you please.”

Oh God.

Perry obeyed, only to regret doing so more or less immediately. He felt as though he couldn’t breathe. Jonny was so beautiful. So graceful on his knees, with his arms reaching up to Perry, offering him the ridiculous wooden stick, as though it really was a sword.

For what felt like an oddly long time, neither of them said anything. Perry’s head swam. He could barely breathe, never mind speak, and he had the strangest feeling he wasn’t the only one. The tension only eased when Jonny cleared his throat and dragged his gaze back to the mirror.

“I like this tableau,” he said hoarsely. “It would be a good composition.”

Perry’s eyes returned to their reflection, going immediately to Jonny’s arse. The fabric of his pantaloons was pulled enticingly tight against the rounded cheeks, and Perry quickly averted his gaze to his own reflection.

He’d thought he’d look like an idiot, but perhaps Jonny had woven a little bit of magic, because, while Perry didn’t feel exactly like a mighty, ancient hero, nor did he feel like a great bumbling oaf with an old green curtain round his shoulders.

For a few long moments, Perry was caught up in the picture they made. Then Jonny turned his head back to face Perry, and suddenly his face wasright there, just inches from Perry’s groin—and, oh Christ, he reallyshouldn’thave allowed that thought to pass his mind. Now his cock was hardening further, and the draping linen at the front of his drawers was no longer fully concealing it. His cock prodded rudely forward and Jonny’s eyes widened almost comically, the wooden pointer dropping from his hands and clattering to the floor.

“Good heavens,” he gasped. “Well, I see you’reallin proportion, Peregrine.”

Perry gave a sort of strangled groan. “Sorry,” he said. "It’s just that you’re—” He broke off, his face flushing with embarrassed heat, and gestured at Jonny’s kneeling form.

Understanding dawned on Jonny’s face and he chuckled softly. “Oh, you mean I’m in the perfect position to suck your cock?”

“I’m sorry,” Perry said again, utterly mortified. “I tend to get overexcited. It’s because I’ve never done—” He broke off, horrified by what he’d almost said.

Jonny blinked. “Never?”

Perry swallowed hard and shook his head.

“But you—you do want to?” Jonny asked carefully.

Perry let out a bark of laughter. “Yes.” He gave a huff of frustration. “I keep hearing about all these sodomites, tempting young men into sin, but I can’t seem to find one anywhere.”

Jonny laughed again and patted his chest. “Well, there’s one right here,” he said.

Perry stared at him, stunned. “You wouldn’t want to. With me, I mean…”

“Actually, I would,” Jonny said. “Very much so. But it's probably not a good idea…"

Perry’s chest ached with disappointment. “Oh,” he said, then added, “You’re right, I’m sure.”

Jonny sighed. “Iamright,” he said. “But I really don’t like the idea of you missing out. If you’re game for this, I am.”

Perry blinked at him. “Wh—what? Youdowant to? But you just said—” He broke off.

Jonny groaned. “I know. I was being sensible—which isn’t exactly my strongest suit, as you can probably tell by the fact it lasted about four seconds. Just tell me. Do you want this? If so, I’d be delighted to oblige you, but only if you’re willing, my dear.”

“Willing?” Perry breathed. “Of course I’m bloody willing!”

Jonny gave a shaky laugh. “All right then,” he whispered. “Well, there’s no time like the present.”

He leaned slowly forward, giving Perry every opportunity to stop him, if he wanted. But of course Perry didn’t want that. It was the last thing he wanted. Instead, he watched, mesmerised, as Jonny got close enough to rub his cheek against Perry’s crotch. And oh God, just the warmth and pressure against Perry’s aching shaft and balls was going to make Perry spill. Not to mention the blissful expression on Jonny’s face, like there wasn’t a single thing in the world he could possibly want more right now than Perry’s cock. Moaning softly, Jonny turned his head and mouthed Perry’s shaft through the thin layer of linen, dampening the fine fabric. His breath was hot and heavy—and hell, but Perry really was going to spend right here in his drawers if Jonny didn’t—

To his mingled relief and disappointment, Jonny pulled back, leaning back on his heels to meet Perry’s gaze. But now he didn’t appear amused. Now his eyes glittered with lust, and a faint flush of arousal pinkened his cheeks. “Take off your drawers and let me suck you,” he whispered. “Please, Peregrine?”

The man was pleading with him? Down on his knees and asking Perry for something that Perry would gladly give up an arm and leg to receive, if that was what Jonny demanded?

He could barely nod, never mind respond verbally to that plea, but somehow, miraculously, he managed to do both.

“God, yes,” he breathed. “Where do you want me?”