Evernight Publishing

www.evernightpublishing.com

Copyright© 2013 Marie Medina

ISBN:

978-1-77130-266-1

Cover Artist: Sour Cherry Designs

Editor: Karyn White

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this
copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or
reproduced electronically or in print without written permission,
except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are
fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or
persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION

To Howard, who wanted to see Theodore get his happy
ending as much as I did.

ALL MINE

Tales of the Highwaymen, 3

Marie Medina

Copyright © 2013

Chapter One

Theodore ignored Gerard and Jacob as he ran out of the house.

He’d explain everything to them once he knew what was going on
himself.

“I have to do what?” he yelled at Nicholas as he caught up

with him.

Nicholas turned a flirtatious smile his way. “Fall in love with

me.” He shrugged. “I’m not worried, given the way you responded to
that kiss.” He winked and raked his dark hair off his forehead.

“Having a physical reaction to a kiss and falling in love with

someone are not in the same league at all.” Theodore struggled to
catch his breath. “You’re being far too flippant about this. I can’t
believe that’s the only way.”

“Go ask your godmother, if you can get her to stay in one

place long enough.” Nicholas stopped and took several deep breaths.
“It’s wonderful to be outside again. Do I need to explain it all one
more time?”

Theodore glared at him.
“My, that’s a serious look. All right, here it is. I rejected your

dear godmother Maeva because I don’t like women. At all, in case
that kiss didn’t drive the point home. She got angry, and I told her to
stop haunting me. That only made things worse, so she turned me into
a ghost, as she put it, though really she simply took away my body
and bound me to the house. Pretty sure you do have to die to be a
ghost, but arguing the point probably would have resulted in my real
death, so I let it go.” He paused, stretching his arms over his head, and
then linked his hands on the back of his neck. “With me?”

Theodore nodded curtly.
“So, she bound me to the lovely family estate.” He unlinked

his fingers and gestured to the manor behind them. “My family fled in
terror.” He laughed. “And she’s right. I should thank her because we
did hate each other. Most of the time, anyway. I was alone, just sort of
floating around, until Gerard moved in. Then, the waiting began. But
that’s over now.”

“You think so?”
“She told me I would regain my life when the right man came

along. Touching him long enough would restore my body, which is
why I held on so tight. Couldn’t have you getting away until you
could at least see me. His kiss would free me from my prison here.”
He took two steps closer, lowering his voice. “And his love will
restore my life completely.” He held up his wrist, revealing a tattoo of
a black heart.

“What’s that?”
“The mark of her curse. I’ll know it’s lifted when this mark

disappears.”

“You’re free from the house now, but you said inside you

were bound to me as a result.”

He nodded with a grin. “Indeed. Have to keep touching you to

stay solid and warm, and if you roam too far I’ll find you eventually.
So you’re stuck with me.”

“Like hell I am!”
Nicholas put his hand on Theodore’s shoulder. “You don’t get

it, do you? I am literally bound to you. You can’t get away from me.
You could be miles away, but I’d be able to come to you with a
thought. We’re connected now.”

Theodore swatted his hand away. “And what gave you the

right to drag me into this?”

Nicholas looked annoyed for a moment, but he soon smiled

again. “You aren’t flattered? I only get one chance at this. If you don’t
love me, I’ll be in this limbo until you die, and then I’ll die, too.”

“No, I’m not flattered. Not in the slightest.” Theodore actually

was flattered the handsome, sexy man who kissed like a devil and an
angel in the same breath wanted him, but his anger at being dragged
into his godmother’s curse made that easy to ignore, at least for the
moment. He didn’t know how long his resolve could truly last against
the silver-tongued charmer and his dark, flashing eyes.

“You have the most beautiful blue eyes,” Nicholas said.
Theodore jerked to attention and realized he’d been staring for

quite some time. His face flamed as he turned away.

“Don’t be embarrassed. I’ve been watching you ever since that

day I saw you staring at my portrait and recognized you. I think we
met at the palace a couple of times. I like your hair shorter.” He
reached out and toyed with a blond strand. “You seem different now.”

Theodore stepped out of his reach, waving his hand away but

not looking at him. “I’ve been through a lot.” Why did the man have
to keep touching him? He groaned inwardly when he realized the
circumstances of the curse were only going to make Nicholas’s
flirtatious and clingy behavior worse.

Nicholas laughed. “So I’ve heard.”
“Have you?” He turned back to Nicholas.
“Yes. Gerard talks about you a lot, but I’d rather not talk about

him at all. I’m the jealous type.”

“And you have the right to be jealous regarding me?”
“You keep mentioning rights. I certainly don’t need your

permission.”

“You most certainly didn’t ask my permission before you

touched me, before you kissed me.”

“You’ll forgive me one day.”
“You sound mighty sure.” Theodore didn’t hide his scorn, as

he thought the man’s confidence unfounded.

Nicholas finally sobered. “I am. I didn’t make this decision

lightly.” Then his smile returned. “It’s such a heady experience
though, having a body again. I’ll try to control myself and not get too
giddy.”

Theodore hesitated. He could understand that, even excuse

Nicholas’s enthusiasm, but he didn’t want to give too much ground.
Nicholas could say he’d thought this through, that he hadn’t chosen
Theodore on a whim, but why should he believe this man he barely
knew?

“All right. I would appreciate that.” He glanced at the manor

and nodded at Gerard, who stood in the doorway with Jacob right
behind him. “Let me explain what’s happening. Then we’ll go.”

As Theodore crossed the lawn, Nicholas called, “Can’t wait to

get me alone, can you?”

Theodore groaned and didn’t answer. Having a sorceress as

his godmother had been exciting for most of his life, but he finally
saw why everyone else was so wary of her. Lately her actions had
caused him nothing but trouble.
****

Nicholas walked into the dark bedroom. He’d faded so much

that his footsteps didn’t sound on the floor at all. Theodore had been
civil enough, but he hadn’t been very talkative the rest of the day.
He’d gone to bed early, claiming to be tired as he showed Nicholas to
the spare bedroom. But Nicholas knew Theodore was attracted to him
and wanted to get away from him because he kept slipping and letting
that attraction show.

As he stood by the bed and looked down at Theodore,

Nicholas finally admitted that he could see why Theodore was angry.
He hadn’t been given a choice. Yet angry as Nicholas was at Maeva
for what she’d done to him, he knew he could trust what she’d said.
He’d been railing at her just after the curse took full effect, and she’d
calmed her own anger briefly and told him she could already see the
future and how happy he would be. One day. Then she’d laughed and
told him to be patient, tossing in her reassurance that he would know
when the right man came along.

He certainly hadn’t expected the right man to be her spoiled

godson. But seeing Theodore again that day with Gerard and
watching him stare up at the portrait had piqued Nicholas in an
indescribable way. He’d remembered Theodore as rather dull, vain,
and shallow, but the man who’d sold his estate and given all the
money to Gerard to help the poor was a vastly different person from
the one Nicholas remembered. Nicholas had been angry when a
highwayman had moved into his family home, but then he’d been
pleased once he realized that Gerard wasn’t robbing others for his
own profit but rather to aid the poor in the kingdom. He’d briefly
wondered if Gerard might be the one he’d been waiting for, especially
since he liked men and was sexy as hell, but Nicholas had concluded
eventually that all he actually felt for him was admiration and respect.

Theodore, however, he admired for many reasons other than

his charitable acts. The tall, leanly muscled man with golden hair and
ethereal blue eyes made him ache. Nicholas had been thinking about
him almost every moment for weeks. And now that he’d taken that

final step, he had his chance. He wasn’t going to let Theodore shut
him out simply because he was miffed about the circumstances.

Nicholas lifted the covers, barely able to grab them at the

moment, and slipped into bed with Theodore. The instant his hand
slid over the man’s back, warmth flooded him, and he felt himself
solidifying again. He moved closer but resisted the urge to press
against Theodore. He knew that would get him turned out of the bed
before he could even make his case.

Theodore stiffened. After what felt like an eternity, he rolled

over to look at Nicholas.

“You’ve got to be kidding.”
Nicholas shifted his hand to Theodore’s arm. “Sorry. I was

fading, getting cold. That’s been the worst part these past two years,
the cold.”

Theodore didn’t move. “That’s a long time. I can’t believe she

left you like that. She usually relents after a few days.”

“She didn’t with me. Apparently, her curse changed my

destiny for the better, so she left me to wait.”

“For the better?” Theodore laughed, but the sound held no

mirth. “Ridiculous!”

Nicholas rubbed Theodore’s arm. “Not the way I see it. I’m in

bed with a man I admire and have no choice but to keep touching him.
It’s almost a fantasy actually.”

Theodore kept his eyes fixed on the ceiling. “And what

exactly do you admire?”

“What you did when you joined Gerard. You changed

everything. No one in this kingdom will ever want for anything for
years to come. I was busy admiring your handsome face, but that act
was what held my attention.”

“I still don’t feel like I’ve really made up for all the years of

inaction.”

“Now that’s the kind of statement I find ridiculous.”
Theodore finally looked at him. “I can’t help how I feel.”
Nicholas smiled and propped himself up on one elbow so he

was looking down into Theodore’s face. “Your feelings seem to be
constantly conflicted. About a lot of things.”

Theodore looked away. “Can we make a deal? Will you let me

work out those conflicts on my own?”

Nicholas ran his hand up Theodore’s arm and let it glide over

his neck before turning Theodore’s face toward him. “I can try, but
it’s hard not to push a little when I see you like this.”

“You’re pushing more than a little,” Theodore said softly,

licking his lips.

Nicholas had to bite his own lip to keep from kissing him. “I

see something I want hovering just out of my reach.”

The look in Theodore’s eyes told him he wouldn’t be rejected

if he closed those inches between them, but before he could act
Theodore rolled over, facing away from him.

“We should sleep. It’s been a long day.”
Nicholas looked at Theodore’s back and pulled his hand away,

feeling the man’s defenses locking down. He had to be patient. “All
right. I’ll try not to wake you, but I’ll probably stir if I get cold.”

Theodore turned slightly and took Nicholas’s hand. He placed

it on his side and let his rest on top of it briefly. Then he drew it away,
crossing his arms over his chest. “I don’t mind. It’s better to just keep
it there. I’ll get used to it, and that way you can rest better and won’t
risk waking me.”

And you like me touching you. Nicholas kept that thought to

himself. “Thank you.” He settled on the bed, though he doubted either
of them would fall asleep for quite some time. He closed his eyes
anyway, focusing on the sound of Theodore’s breathing until it
became deep and rhythmic.
****

Theodore finished saddling his horse and walked over to

Nicholas. “Here. You’ll need this.”

Nicholas laughed as he took the mask. “What do I need this

for? We aren’t going out to rob anyone. We’re going to deliver this
food, right? You, Gerard, and Jacob haven’t robbed anyone since you
sold your manor.”

“We still wear masks any time we are on a run. It’s kind of a

game. Before, the authorities and others, including the king, who
knew what Gerard was actually doing with the stolen money enjoyed
pretending they didn’t know who he was and that they couldn’t catch
him. Now, they still enjoy pretending they don’t know exactly who
their benefactors are.” He tied his own mask on, and then he wrapped
a black scarf over his hair and put his hat on. “It’s hard for some to
take charity. Many are very grateful and do what they can down the

road to pay us back in some way. Others have mixed feelings about it.
Imagine not being able to provide for your family and having some
condescending noble show up at your door offering to do it for you.”

Nicholas nodded. “I understand. It’s a good idea.”
Theodore wanted to tell Nicholas that he was far easier to talk

to when he was being serious, but he knew the comment would only
snap him out of his serious mood and encourage his advances. “It’s
also fun,” he added. “The children love watching for us, pretending to
run away and then following along beside us.”

“Most of the nobles around here are anything but, so the

children need a hero or two.” Nicholas donned the mask and fixed
Theodore with an intense stare. “How does it look?” he asked in a low
voice.

The mask looked incredibly sexy, but Theodore wasn’t about

to say that. “Fine. You should try to stay out of sight anyway, unless
you feel like explaining where you’ve been to everyone.”

Nicholas frowned. “I’m not concerned.”
His tone told Theodore that frown had nothing to do with the

cautionary statement. Nicholas was irked Theodore hadn’t
complimented him. Tension had been building between them all
morning. Theodore had woken up with Nicholas pressed close against
his back. He’d pulled away hurriedly when he felt the man’s cock
pressing against his ass, apparently hurting his feelings. Nicholas had
been trying to get his attention all morning, like a neglected child.
Theodore knew he’d probably been lonely the past two years, but he
didn’t like being pressured.

“We should probably head out,” Theodore said.
“Right. One last thing though. I’m sorry I have to do this,

but…”

“What are you sorry fo—”
Nicholas stopped the question with a searing kiss. He backed

Theodore against a beam in the small barn and pressed his entire body
against Theodore’s. His hot, hungry mouth had Theodore aching in
moments and opening to the assault. The heated clash of their tongues
and the feel of Nicholas’s cock against his thigh stirred his own
desire. Nicholas shifted, rubbing his groin over Theodore’s.

He laughed seductively as he pulled away. “There. That ought

to keep me solid until we’re done.” He stepped back, straightening his
clothes as if the air weren’t electrified with lust.

“You bastard.” Theodore’s anger rose immediately. “Do you

always win people over by toying with them for your own
amusement?”

Nicholas smiled. “Oh, did you want to continue? I’ll finish

you off right now, if you wish.” He actually knelt down in front of
Theodore and reached out to touch him.

Theodore jerked away. “The next time you need to touch me,

just ask. This doesn’t have to a constant sexual game.”

“I’m not playing a game, Theodore.”
Theodore rolled his eyes and adjusted his pants. He managed

to get up into his saddle with only the slightest discomfort. “You’re
getting back at me for jerking away from you this morning, for not
flirting with you over breakfast, and for not telling you how damned
sexy you look in that mask.”

Nicholas walked over to him, his hand extended, but he

stopped short of touching him. “I don’t mean for it to seem like a
game, but if that’s the way it feels to you, then let’s put an end to it.
Stop being so hostile to me. I made a decision for you, and that makes
you unhappy and angry. Fine. But don’t push me away because your
pride has been bruised or your sensibilities offended.”

Theodore studied the reins in his hand for half a minute.

“We’ll talk about this later. I need to think, and your constant chatter
makes that difficult.” He turned his horse in the direction of the door.
“Let’s just go.”

He waited outside, almost thinking Nicholas wouldn’t come

with him now, but then he came out.

“Fine,” Nicholas said. “I’m sure this delivery is more

important than our bickering.”

Theodore only nodded, as he didn’t know what to say. Should

he apologize? He knew he’d hurt Nicholas’s feelings yet again, but
his own feelings had been hurt by the way Nicholas had toyed with
him moments earlier, purposely teasing him just enough to leave him
wanting.

“So, where are we headed? I’m still relearning my way

around,” Nicholas said.

His words were a bit curt, but still Theodore was grateful for

the effort. He gave a slight smile. “Down Street. Just a couple of
miles.”

They rode side-by-side at a moderate pace, Nicholas sullenly

silent and Theodore silently wishing he had the man’s way with
words, as he simply couldn’t find the right ones no matter how fast
his mind raced. The ache in his groin had somehow moved up to his
heart, where he felt it twice as much.

Chapter Two

“Coming!” Nicholas called out as he made his way to the

door. He flung it open, and Gerard smiled at him.

“Well, hello. Is the lady of the house in?”
Nicholas laughed, even though the sight of Gerard caused him

a twinge of jealousy. He had a hard time forgetting the day Theodore
had confessed his feelings for Gerard, despite the fact he’d been
promising at the time to never act on them.

“He’s next door mending a cabinet hinge or something for our

neighbor. He should return soon.” Nicholas stepped aside. “Come in.”

Gerard nodded and entered, removing his hat and cloak and

throwing them in a chair. “How are you? Is he being a good boy or a
stubborn ass?”

“He’s being very nice, considering I tricked him in a way.”
Gerard chuckled and walked into the sitting room. “He’ll

come around. He blushed furiously and fumbled over his words as he
explained everything to us. You had him flustered as hell. It was quite
amusing to see him reacting that way.” He seated himself on the long
couch.

Nicholas sat across from Gerard. “Really? He wasn’t just

angry?”

Gerard shook his head. “You definitely have his fire lit, but

he’s still very proud and, like I said, stubborn. Recent events humbled
him considerably, and he came out a better man, but he hates feeling
like he’s powerless, like he has no choice.”

“I don’t want him to feel that way. I want to convince him this

all happened for a reason.”

“He’s definitely attracted to you, but his pride is getting in the

way. It may take time.”

“I know. I’ve already waited two years. It’s hard to be patient

when I know he wants this, too.” Every moment spent with Theodore
was full of temptation, the urge to touch him or express his feelings
always there.

“It’s been a week, and it’s a challenge to live in such close

quarters with someone you’re attracted to. Has he softened any?”

Nicholas shrugged. “Perhaps. We share a bed, but that’s so I

won’t fade or get too cold. It’s frustrating. I know he likes me there,
likes me touching him, but he simply faces the wall and either tells

me to go to sleep or pretends to be asleep. I kissed him one day before
we went on a run, and we had a fight. I’ve backed off, but it’s driving
me crazy.”

“I’m sure it’s affecting him, too. Do you want me to talk to

him?”

Much as he wanted to ask for that help, Nicholas shook his

head. Dragging Gerard into this wouldn’t be fair to Theodore or
Gerard. “No. It’s the pressure that keeps pushing him away.” He sat
back and let a breath out slowly. “I’m just going to have to wait.”

“Have to wait for what?” Theodore asked as he entered the

room.

“For you to fall madly in love with him and ravish him

senseless,” Gerard said.

Nicholas couldn’t stop his jaw from dropping as he gaped at

Gerard. When Theodore laughed, he really didn’t know what to think,
as Theodore would have snapped at him for giving that kind of
answer.

“You can’t fool me, you know,” Theodore said to Gerard,

leaving Nicholas feeling ignored. He had yet to give Nicholas more
than a glance and was now grinning almost flirtatiously at Gerard.
“You’re only on his side so I’ll never try to tear you from Jacob’s
arms.”

Gerard laughed, too. “Perhaps.” He stood and gave Theodore

a list. “Here’s the schedule for next week. We’re going to raise a barn
three days from now as well.”

“We’ll be there,” Theodore said. Glancing at the list, he

started to speak, but a knock sounded at the door. “That Jacob?” He
headed for the door.

“I doubt it. I left him at home.”
Nicholas cleared his throat, trying his best not to sound

jealous. Gerard and Theodore joked together so easily, and that still
bothered him. “So was he so good-natured because of you or because
he’s not so averse to the idea anymore?” he asked quietly.

“There’s no need to be jealous of me, Nicholas. Having

someone else here probably relieves the tension a bit. It’s hard to get
him to relax at times.”

“I know. Hurts though to see him smile and laugh with other

people when with me he only manages a distant politeness when we
aren’t arguing.”

Gerard patted him on the back. “It’s all going to work out.

Theodore will come—”

A woman’s voice cut him off. “So many handsome men in

one place and not a one of them likes women. Fate’s been an
insufferable bitch lately.”
****

Theodore sighed in exasperation. “Perhaps you could get to

the point, since you insisted on coming in,” he said to Maeva. He
hadn’t even wanted to talk to her, but she’d frozen the door in place
when he’d tried to slam it in her face.

“All right, darling, all right.” She smiled at them all. “I have

an announcement and an invitation to extend to all of you.”

“All of us?” Gerard asked.
“Yes, dear. I’m getting married! Our engagement party is in

two days at the palace.”

“The palace?” Theodore asked.
“Yes. I’m marrying the king.”
“What?” Theodore and Gerard both said.
Nicholas rose and bowed, smiling, though Theodore thought

his expression of pleasure more sarcastic than genuine.
“Congratulations. Perhaps he can make you behave.”

She laughed and narrowed her eyes at Nicholas. “Not likely.”

She looked at him and Gerard. “Yes, my lads, I’ll be your queen in
about two months.” She poked Theodore. “Which will make us
cousins, so you’ll have to give me twice as much affection and
attention.”

“You’re the king’s mistress?” Gerard said. “I should have

guessed. He was so secretive.”

“I’m his fiancée now, so watch it, you bad boy.”
She turned to face Theodore. “Aren’t you going to say

anything? Are you that angry with me?”

He took her hand. His whole life, this woman had loved him

more than his own mother did, and in a way he’d loved her as if she
were his mother. Kissing her hand, he said, “I’m glad to see you
happy, but I am frustrated with you.”

“Because of the portrait? I destroyed it, I promise. And in my

defense, I created that portrait to grant your wish.”

“A wish that was very selfish and should never have been

granted.” In the past few months he’d realized that he’d gotten most

of his bad qualities from Maeva, his selfishness and shallowness, his
impatience and lack of both manners and consideration for others. But
how could he tell her that, knowing all of her indulgence had been out
of love?

“Nothing has turned out so bad. Adam and Eloise are happy

here. Jacob certainly seems happy with Gerard. And, if all of the ‘bad’
things hadn’t happened, would you ever have sold your estate and
joined Gerard? No.” She pointed at Nicholas. “He’d still be trapped,
and you’d still be alone.”

Theodore dropped her hand and crossed his arms. “We were

lucky with Adam, Eloise, and Jacob. My selfishness cost all three of
them a lot, and I am thankful every day the three of them found
happiness here. Nicholas is completely different. You could have set
him free at any time! I wasn’t going to say it, but you leave me no
choice. I’ve changed toward you because I really see you now. I see
that all of my selfishness came from you! I learned it by watching you
get your way all the time by not giving a damn how your desires or
your actions affected other people! I love you, Maeva, but I don’t like
you at all right now. What you did to Nicholas infuriates me!”

Maeva backed away, fanning herself in an affected way.

“Lord, you’ve got him running hot these days,” she said to Nicholas
as she grabbed his wrist. She frowned when she pushed his sleeve
back and saw the black heart. “Still there? I thought for sure that fiery
speech would count as a confession of love.”

Theodore could take no more, especially when he saw the mix

of anger, mortification, and fear on Nicholas’s face. He grabbed her
wrist and twisted to make her release Nicholas, jerking her away.

“Don’t ever touch him again! I didn’t want to hurt your

feelings, but damn it, that’s the only thing that helped me. If Eloise
and Adam and Gerard hadn’t made it quite clear what they thought of
me and my actions, I would still be exactly like you, hurting others
and floating through life gaily but never really living it or doing
anyone the slightest bit of good!”

She appeared to be holding back both tears and angry words as

she stared into his eyes. Jerking her wrist away, she turned to Gerard.
“The king will still expect you at the party. I’ll leave you alone, all of
you, so please don’t skip it because of me.” She extended her arm.
“Do you mind, Gerard? My carriage is across the street.”

Gerard hesitated, but then he took her arm. “Of course.” He

nodded to both men. “I’ll just be a moment.”

They exited quickly, leaving Theodore alone with Nicholas

and an uncomfortable silence.

“Thank you,” Nicholas said softly. “I’m man enough to admit

I’m still a little afraid of her.”

“I’m sorry I lost my temper like that.” He didn’t want

Nicholas thinking he had issues with his temper. Then he frowned.
Why should it matter? He knew the answer, and it made him uneasy.

“It was a very passionate display. Rather sexy, actually.”
Theodore met his gaze. “Sexy? If you say so.”
Nicholas nodded and stepped closer. “No pressure. I promise.”

He leaned forward and gently kissed Theodore. Sighing, he smiled.
“Okay, maybe a little pressure,” he added before deepening the kiss.

Theodore’s heart still raced after his outburst, and the sweet

kiss only made it thud louder in his ears. He reached up and touched
Nicholas’s cheek, caressing it a moment before pulling away.

“Too much?” Nicholas asked.
Not enough. Theodore bit his lip, trying to gather his thoughts.

“It’s fine. You haven’t done anything wrong.”

“Except want more than you’re ready to give.” Nicholas

stepped back. “We’re still getting to know each other. I know that. I
simply couldn’t let that speech go unrewarded. No one’s ever
defended me before.”

“I couldn’t hold it in when I saw her touch you.” He paused,

the words soaking in for both of them. “Nicholas, I—”

“I’d never have believed it!” Gerard exclaimed as he came

bursting back into the house. “I think that woman actually has
feelings! You’ve made quite a discovery, Theodore!”

He cleared his throat. “Maybe.”
“I agree with Gerard,” Nicholas said. “You definitely

discovered something today.” He gave a slight smile and nod before
walking out of the room.

Gerard raised one eyebrow when Theodore looked back at

him. “Was I interrupting something? I guess I should’ve made myself
scarce.”

“It’s fine. We were talking.”
“Uh-huh. Well, I’ll let you two get back to that.” He grabbed

his hat and cloak. “Have fun,” he added with a grin.

Theodore stood in the hallway, listening to Nicholas moving

around upstairs. Not only had he lost his nerve, but he also wasn’t
even sure what he’d been on the verge of saying before Gerard had
come in. He laughed, realizing he didn’t know whether to be grateful
for the interruption or not.
****

Theodore watched Nicholas hand the young woman in the

pink dress off to an eager young man. Nicholas looked after her
longingly before making his way over to Theodore.

“Was that Betina?” He could hardly believe the willowy,

ethereal creature moving onto the dance floor was Nicholas’s sister.
The last time Theodore had glimpsed her, she had been a foot and a
half shorter and hiding behind her mother’s arm at parties.

“Yes. She nearly fainted, but she was very pleased to see me.

She’s engaged to the man she’s dancing with, the tutor to the royal
grandchildren, I believe she said.” Nicholas smiled happily for a
moment before his face fell. “According to her, my parents left when
they heard I was here.”

“Why?”
“My mother claimed fear and my father anger at the shame I

brought the family when I drove them from their home. Who could
really say?” He stepped outside into the garden.

Theodore followed and stood at his side. “I’m sorry.”
“We never got along, so it’s no loss. Betina’s the only one I

cared about.”

“My family is pretending I’m not even here.”
Nicholas echoed Theodore’s sympathetic words. “I’m sorry.

How can they be angry about you doing so much good?”

“The only things they think of as good are new fashions and

new ways to show how superior they are.” He gave a faint smile as
their eyes met. “They aren’t truly any kind of loss for me either.”

A familiar voice caught Theodore’s ear, and he turned as

Nicholas was about to speak. He saw Eloise giving a gentleman a
piece of her mind. He also saw her backing closer to the edge of the
dais they stood on, the gentleman in question not seeming to want to
back down. Dashing over, he managed to catch her as she fell
backwards, very nearly hitting her head on a birdbath. She’d likely
have been knocked out cold if he hadn’t been there.

Theodore got her to her feet and let Nicholas take her in hand

while he reached up and jerked the man who’d been harassing her
down onto the lawn.

“There seems to be some issue with your hearing. This very

patient lady has told me off more than once, and I know she does not
mince words.”

“A misunderstanding, truly.”
“A very lewd proposition,” Eloise said, coming forward

shakily. She managed a smile. “Truly.”

“Apologize, before I go get this lady’s husband, at which point

someone will need to come to your rescue very quickly if you want to
live another day.”

“I’m quite sorry, Mrs.—?” the man said.
“Mrs. Goddard.”
The man paled a bit. “Oh. The big fellow from the other

world?” he whispered.

“Yes,” she whispered back.
“My apologies. I didn’t know you were married.”
She laughed. “You must not have been paying attention the

three times I told you.”

Theodore signaled a guard, who came forward right away.

“This man is leaving.”

“Yes, sir.” He took the protesting gentleman away.
Theodore smiled, glad to see selling his estate and forsaking

most of society hadn’t affected his authority at the palace. He felt
awkward though as he turned back to Eloise. They hadn’t actually
spoken since the last time she’d given him a piece of her mind.

Nicholas kissed her hand, and then they both faced Theodore.

“So this is the charming woman you had kidnapped by masked
scoundrels?” Nicholas shook his head. “Oh dear. Though I can see
why you wanted to win her love through a heroic rescue.”

“Thank you, Theodore,” she said with a genuine smile. “Adam

would have punched him and made a scene. You were quite dignified
and heroic.”

“You’re welcome. How have you been?” he asked, noticing

Nicholas still held her hand.

“Well. And I’m glad you caught me.” She rubbed her

stomach. “I have to be extra careful now.”

“A baby?” he asked. When she nodded, he added,

“Congratulations to you both. It’ll be a happy, blessed child, and
Adam will be a far better father than I ever could have been.”

Nicholas kissed her hand again. “Stop reminding me you used

to be engaged. I’m getting jealous.”

“Then stop trying to make me jealous by fawning all over my

former fiancée.”

“Oh, let him. It’ll make Adam jealous.” She turned to

Nicholas. “Would you escort me to him? I’d like to continue our
chat.”

“Certainly.”
They both smiled too broadly as they walked away.
“Fabulous,” Theodore murmured.
He’d been embarrassed enough explaining exactly how his

engagement to Eloise had ended. Gerard had joked about it enough
Nicholas had insisted on hearing everything. More and more each
day, he wished he could only be the man he was now, but at the same
time his current friends admired him because he had changed so
much. Would Nicholas regret his choice down the road as he learned
more about Theodore? The fear had been plaguing him ever since his
fight with Maeva.

He wandered out into the hedge maze, looking at the flowers

and listening to the fountains. The farther he walked, the more they
drowned out the chatter from the party. Nicholas got under his skin
more each day. He’d woken up tangled in the man’s arms that
morning, and he’d stayed until Nicholas stirred. Nicholas hadn’t
mentioned it, but Theodore was sure he’d noticed.

Theodore sat on the edge of a fountain and stared down into

the water. He’d been fixated on Nicholas’s tattoo for the past two
days as he contemplated his own feelings. Lust, he knew he felt that.
Nicholas annoyed him, sometimes infuriated him, very often confused
him, but he also made him laugh and smile fairly often the past two
days. He’d caught himself checking the tattoo many times a day, as if
it might fade or change color and magically confirm that his growing
feelings weren’t imaginary. So much depended on his heart because
of the curse, he worried that he couldn’t trust his conflicted feelings.

“There you are.”
Strong hands gripped his shoulders, and Theodore saw

Nicholas reflected behind him.

“I expected you to be gone longer.”
Nicholas laughed. “Did you?” He leaned over. “I couldn’t stay

away, and I’m glad we have some privacy.”

“Really?”
“Yes, Eloise had a suggestion I rather liked.”
Theodore realized right then that Eloise hadn’t been telling

Nicholas humiliating stories. She was obviously in league with
Gerard, who had been teasing him mercilessly earlier. He turned to
protest, but he had no chance when Nicholas’s lips collided with his.
Before he could extricate himself, Nicholas had his hand at the laces
of Theodore’s trousers. The conniving man stroked him as his tongue
plunged deeper, and Theodore groaned.

“You seem to like this idea as well,” Nicholas whispered

against his lips as he quickly freed Theodore’s cock.

Theodore stiffened when the night air hit his heated skin.

“Someone will see us!” he hissed.

“Glad that’s your only objection.”
Theodore wanted to lose himself in the bliss of Nicholas

stroking him, but they couldn’t do this in the king’s garden. “How
does this … fit into your plan … mmm, of not pressuring me?” He’d
been unable to keep the pleased sound from crossing his lips.

“I’m about to relieve quite a bit of pressure. Just give me

time,” Nicholas whispered against Theodore’s ear before kissing his
neck.

His cock jerked in Nicholas’s hand, causing him to groan

again while Nicholas laughed softly. His eyes closed when he felt
Nicholas wrap his lips around his cock. Nicholas caressed his balls as
his tongue played along the soft underside, bringing Theodore right to
the edge. He gave in finally, unwilling to keep denying himself. He
grasped Nicholas’s head and guided his movements. Nicholas held to
his hips, seeming to welcome the action and moaning, which only
made Theodore burn for release even more.

Nicholas let his cock slide down his throat and brought his

tongue to massage the base, and Theodore came with a cry. His hand
tightened in Nicholas’s hair, and he opened his mouth to sing praises
to the man’s seductive powers, but without warning, Nicholas pulled
away and pushed him into the fountain.

Theodore flailed about for a moment and then finally managed

to get to his knees. He was glad the water rose to just above his waist,
as a small crowd had emerged from the direction of the palace.

“We heard a cry. Are you all right?” one man asked.
“Yes. I just,” he took a deep breath and wiped water off his

face, “fell.”

Nicholas ran the back of his hand over his mouth, a smile

almost discernible on his lips, as he came forward. “Let me help you.
I came as soon as I heard your cry.”

Theodore noticed the telltale dampness on Nicholas’s trouser

legs. “Seems you did,” he said, though only loud enough for Nicholas
to hear.

Nicholas glanced down and then jumped into the fountain,

pretending Theodore was some kind of invalid who couldn’t take a
step alone.

“No worries. We’re all simply glad to see you unharmed.”
“You’re going to pay for that,” Theodore whispered, as he

barely managed to tuck himself in and adjust his trousers.

“Would you have preferred being caught?”
He sighed. “Just get me home.” Part of him wanted to laugh,

and another part wanted to throttle Nicholas. He tried not to think
about what the rest of him wanted to do.

Chapter Three

Nicholas found Theodore reclining on the couch in the sitting

room reading a book. He’d been dour the whole way home and hadn’t
said much since they’d arrived. Nicholas stopped beside the couch,
but Theodore didn’t look up.

“So you’re going to stay up all night simply to avoid me?”
“I felt like reading.”
“It’s late. The sun will be up in about four hours.”
“I’m not tired.”
“No, you’re angry about what I did.”
“I’m not angry. You didn’t have that many choices. It seemed

to work, at least.”

“That only leaves one other possibility.”
Theodore closed his book. “And what is that?”
“You don’t want to finish what we started.”
“I’d like to go a little slower than public exposure,” he said in

a scoffing tone as he sat up.

“You enjoyed it. Lots of people could attest to that.”
He threw his book on the table. “And why would I want to

finish anything with someone who would throw it back in my face
like that?”

Nicholas ran a hand over his eyes, thinking. “I didn’t meant it

like that, but I can’t help that it gets harder every day to understand
your hesitation. Or your fear, I should say. What else could it be?”
His sexual and emotional frustration fueled his words, but he knew he
was right.

Theodore’s face flamed red. “I’m not afraid of anything.”
“You had something to say two days ago before Gerard

interrupted us, and you’ve had lots of chances since then to say it.”

“I’m not sure what I was even going to say. I reacted to the

situation, and I—”

“Forget it!” Nicholas turned and stormed from the room and

headed upstairs. How could Theodore deny he’d been about to
confess his growing feelings? Did he think Nicholas was a green boy?
“I’ll sleep in the spare room so you don’t have to keep hiding down
here.”

“Nicholas, stop! This is absurd.”

“Is it?” He didn’t care how absurd it might be—he’d grown

sick of Theodore’s lukewarm behavior.

“Yes, there’s no reason for you to sleep alone. You’ll start to

fade and get cold, and—”

“There’s no reason to sleep with you when all you’ll do is

ignore me and tell me we’ll talk tomorrow. It’s colder sleeping with
you than it will be sleeping alone.”

He heard Theodore stop on the stairs. Pausing at the door to

the other bedroom, he turned and watched the shadow on the wall,
which was cast by the light at the bottom of the stairs. He watched it
recede as Theodore walked back down the stairs. When he heard the
front door slam, he went into the spare room and slammed that door
in retaliation. He shivered for a moment, even though he couldn’t
really feel the cold yet.
****

Theodore had had about enough of Nicholas’s revenge. The

exasperating bastard had spent three days walking around shirtless,
his pants riding low on his hips. He’d made every effort to show off
his muscles and pointedly ignore Theodore at the barn raising, which
had been all the more noticeable when Gerard didn’t say one word
about it. He’d also taken to touching Theodore in increasingly more
teasing ways every time he needed to do so to maintain his solidity.
But his current actions qualified as the very last straw.

They’d gone out to make a delivery, and now Nicholas had

spent ten minutes flirting with one of the magistrate’s assistants. The
young man seemed interested in nothing more than a roll in the hay,
but that didn’t make what Nicholas was doing all right. He didn’t
have the right to toy with another person’s feelings. Theodore tried
not to let his frustration show, but everyone they’d talked to seemed
to know something wasn’t right between the two men. More than one
matron had kissed him on the cheek and patted him on the arm with a
look of sympathy and understanding.

Theodore had been unable to sleep more than an hour or so at

a time since Nicholas had moved to the spare bedroom. He didn’t like
being alone, and it angered him that Nicholas insisted on punishing
himself in such a way to get at Theodore. Every morning, Nicholas
had faded so much, Theodore didn’t even know he was in the room
until the man touched him. Whereas before Nicholas had always been
ready to talk any time their eyes met, now he hardly said anything to

Theodore. He’d tried to start both mundane and serious conversations
with Nicholas, but it hadn’t worked.

When Nicholas reached out and stroked the other man’s arm,

Theodore excused himself hurriedly and strode over to him. He’d now
had so much more than enough.

He clapped his hand firmly on Nicholas’s shoulder. “We need

to go.”

Nicholas glanced at him. “What’s so important?”
“A private matter. Let’s go.”
Nicholas laughed. “I see.” He bowed his head to the other

man. “Sorry to end this so soon. Perhaps another time?”

“You name it. I’ll be around.” The man smiled at Nicholas,

then gave a slight nod to Theodore, sobering slightly under his glare,
before walking away.

“You look perturbed. Whatever could the matter be?”
“We’re going home.”
Nicholas licked his lips slowly and came so close they almost

touched. “When your eyes flash like that, how can I resist?”

Theodore turned away and quickly mounted his horse. “Let’s

go. Now!”

Nicholas swung onto his horse. “Very well. No need for a

scene.”

Theodore spurred his horse to a run, not trusting himself at all.

If they stayed any longer, he’d be pulling Nicholas off his horse and
giving the townspeople quite a shock.
****

Nicholas laughed to himself as he walked into the house. He’d

taken his time, both riding home and putting his horse away. He’d
enjoyed watching the moon rise and imagining Theodore having to
wait for him. That look in his eyes earlier had made Nicholas’s blood
race. The bottom floor appeared to be deserted. He placed his hat and
cloak on the table and began unlacing his shirt. Silence surrounded
him, and he frowned when he saw that no lamps or candles had been
lit. Moving up the stairs, he listened closely.

“Theodore?”
No answer.
He sighed. Had he left? Put his horse away and walked

somewhere? Surely he hadn’t been that angry. Or had he? Had
Nicholas pushed him too far, pushed him away completely? He

looked down at his wrist. The chill on his skin and the continued
presence of the mark showed that, no matter how much he had gotten
to Theodore, he hadn’t reached his heart yet.

A hand reached out of the darkness and wrapped around his

wrist when he reached the top of the stairs. Nicholas was forced up
against the wall, strong hands braced against his shoulders. Moonlight
shone down on the two men through the window, and Theodore
locked him with an unreadable stare. They were both breathing
heavily, the cloud of anger, frustration, and sexual tension thick
between them.

Theodore reached up and pulled Nicholas’s mask up and off.

He ran his thumb over Nicholas’s lips and pressed against him.
Nicholas tried not to react when he felt Theodore’s cock against his
leg, but still a tremor ran through him.

“This is what you want?” Theodore asked.
Nicholas ran his hands over Theodore’s hips. “I believe this is

how we met, but in reverse. Of course I want it.”

“And if this is all I can ever offer?”
Nicholas closed his eyes. He couldn’t mean that. He simply

couldn’t. Nicholas knew Theodore cared for him, but if he started an
argument now, he might ruin everything. The mark on his arm was all
the evidence Theodore would need to prove he didn’t love Nicholas
and just thinking of Theodore pointing it out hurt enough already. He
opened his eyes, nodding, surrendering.

“I still want it, even if it’s all I can ever have.”
Theodore kissed him then, keeping him pinned against the

wall. Gentle as the kiss was, Nicholas still felt it as a claiming.
Theodore slowly took possession of him with every swipe of his
tongue. How could Theodore say he might never be able to offer more
than sex and then kiss him like this? Nicholas ran his hands over
Theodore’s ass, pulling him tighter against his body. The man would
probably drive him mad, but Nicholas would revel in every moment.

Theodore backed up and then drew Nicholas close as they

stumbled into the bedroom. Theodore finished unlacing Nicholas’s
shirt and pulled it off, running his hands all over his chest once it was
bare.

“You’ve been touching me for three days, jerking away every

time I tried to touch you,” Theodore said.

“I was hurt.” Nicholas ran his hands under Theodore’s shirt,

lifting it over his head and off. “Angry.” His thumbs teased
Theodore’s nipples, which hardened instantly. “Confused.”

Theodore didn’t respond, and Nicholas knew then fear truly

was holding Theodore back. Nicholas stepped back and slid his pants
down, letting them fall to the floor and bending just enough to jerk his
boots off and remove his pants. He stroked himself and moved
forward to invite Theodore to touch him.

“You’ve never done this before,” he whispered as he brought

Theodore’s fingers to his cock. Theodore kept his eyes lowered as his
fingers caressed Nicholas.

Finally, Theodore nodded. Then he tightened his grip, stroking

and twisting his wrist just right.

Nicholas gasped. “Could have fooled me.” He leaned forward

and kissed Theodore’s shoulder. “Take your trousers off. I’ll be two
seconds.”

Nicholas hurried out into the hallway and then into the

bathroom. He fumbled at the water basin and found the tin of rose
salve. He rushed back to the bedroom and found Theodore sitting on
the bed, completely naked. He was bigger than Nicholas, his cock
long and thick. Nicholas almost groaned at the memory of sucking
him a few nights ago. Even then he’d been imagining how good the
man would feel inside of him.

Nicholas set the salve aside and moved in to kiss Theodore.

He’d thought he would need to coax him out of his shell, but
Theodore surprised him by pouncing right away, throwing him to the
bed and capturing his mouth in a scorching kiss. Theodore actually
held him down by his wrists, pressing him into the mattress. Nicholas
sighed, which only made Theodore deepen the kiss. Nicholas
reconsidered his feelings about dominating men as Theodore
straddled him and rubbed his cock against him. His own cock ached
as Theodore nuzzled his neck and kissed his way down his body,
nipping and sucking at his skin. Nicholas could feel him shaking, and
he rose up on his elbows to watch as Theodore neared his cock.

Theodore teased him with a loose stroke up and down, then

licked the head, before beginning a slow, swirling suck. Nicholas
arched up as he watched the head of his cock disappear past
Theodore’s lips. He cried out when Theodore took more and ran his

tongue along the underside. Theodore sucked and stroked, and
Nicholas had to pull him away.

“You were about to make me explode,” he whispered against

the panting man’s lips. “But I want you inside me when that
happens.”

Nicholas reached for the salve and reclined on the bed. He

opened the tin and began preparing himself, rubbing the salve against
his pucker. He watched Theodore, whose eyes were focused on his
ass. He rubbed slowly, then began to slide his finger in and out of his
hole, and finally he added a second one, scissoring them a little to
stretch himself. He could have lost himself in Theodore’s hungry
look. He sat up slightly and rubbed a little salve on Theodore’s cock,
delighting in the small gasp Theodore gave and the way his cock
jerked. Theodore rested his cheek against Nicholas’s hair as he
pushed him onto his back.

“Had to be sure I was ready. You’re so damn big,” he

whispered in Theodore’s ear with a flirtatious laugh.

Theodore rubbed his cock over the crack of Nicholas’s ass. “I

don’t want to hurt you. Tell me if I do it wrong or—”

Nicholas silenced him with a kiss and looked into his eyes.

“You won’t hurt me. I know it.” He held Theodore’s gaze, wanting to
be sure the double meaning was clear.

Theodore stopped breathing for a moment, then looked down,

seeming both nervous and frightened. He fingered Nicholas, guiding
his cock to his entrance. Theodore slid into him, just the head of his
cock at first. He moved back and forth, shaking above Nicholas. He
delved deeper, moving so slowly he had Nicholas ready to scream by
the time he’d fit his whole length inside him.

Theodore finally looked back into his eyes, and Nicholas

decided to rescue him.

“Just take me,” he growled, grabbing the back of Theodore’s

neck and crushing their lips together.

The mad plunge of tongues echoed the rhythm of their bodies

slapping together. Nicholas’s cock remained trapped between their
bodies, and the friction soon became the sweetest torture. He wrapped
his legs around Theodore’s body to keep him as close as possible. He
tried to guide Theodore’s hips, but he found his lover needed no help.
They fit together exquisitely. They began to moan at the same time,
and Nicholas came hard, tightening his grip as his body jerked

beneath Theodore. He felt the hot splash of cum between them, and a
thrill raced through him when Theodore bit and then sucked his
bottom lip before spilling into him with a final, hard thrust.

Theodore collapsed onto him and buried his face in his neck.

Nicholas wrapped his arms around him and massaged his back. He
sighed and twisted his head to breathe a little easier, but then his
breath left him completely when he pushed his hair off his forehead.
The black heart was gone. He blinked several times, and then he slid
his arm beneath the pillow.

He refused to ruin this moment with either a confrontation or

unnecessary pressure. Theodore loved him, and that was all he
needed. He turned his head back and placed a soft kiss to Theodore’s
forehead. I love you, too.

“I didn’t even realize how much I needed that,” Theodore said

as he rolled off of Nicholas. He lay on his side, rising on his elbow. “I
was afraid. I’m sorry.”

“There’s no reason to be sorry.”
“Yes, there is. I wasn’t very kind to you. I deserved a little

punishment.”

“We both were in the wrong. Many times. Let’s leave it at

that.”

Theodore nodded and rose from the bed.
Nicholas watched him clean himself off and get ready for bed.

He slipped out of bed while Theodore had his back turned. He crossed
his arms over his chest to hide the absence of the heart, his mind
racing. Saying “I love you” was completely different and so much
less complicated than saying “I know you love me, and here’s the
proof.” He would have to wait for Theodore to realize it himself and
find the words. But how long would that be? And how would he feel
about Nicholas keeping this from him? He closed the bathroom door
and leaned against it, trying not to let this moment of happiness slip
from his fingers.

Once he’d cleaned up, he made sure the sleeve of his

nightshirt was buttoned securely, pushing back the nervousness. As he
slipped back into bed and felt Theodore’s arm slide over his chest, he
focused on that above all else.

Chapter Four

Theodore didn’t appreciate the smug smile on Gerard’s face,

but he refused to let it dampen his good mood.

“So tell me,” Gerard said as he urged his horse to fall in line

next to Theodore’s. “If you’ve really fallen for Nicholas, why are you
here talking to me instead of at home getting tied to the bedposts?”

The image momentarily distracted him, but he soon focused

again. “I woke up early and couldn’t get back to sleep. I knew you’d
be out for your morning ride.”

Gerard rolled his eyes. “There are better things to do when

you wake up beside a new lover.”

Theodore ignored the comment. “I wanted to tell you.” He

took a steadying breath. “And I was nervous.”

“Nervous?”
He nodded. “I didn’t tell him. Last night, I mean. He didn’t

pressure me, and somehow I couldn’t man up.”

“I doubt he would say you didn’t man up. The fact that you

aren’t giving details and that you wouldn’t look me in the eye when
you told me are confirmation that all needs were … met.”

Theodore cleared his throat. “Yes, they were. He was very

understanding.”

“Ah, yes. Your first time.”
Theodore rolled his eyes this time. “Let’s not discuss that

aspect.”

“No regrets then? You’ve made the right decision?” Gerard

continued grinning at him.

“No regrets. It felt … right.”
Gerard looked off into the distance for a moment. “Did he say

he loved you? Did he seem to want to?”

“I was rather harsh with him last night. I think he worried he

might scare me off.”

Gerard nodded. “Possibly.”
“I was afraid I couldn’t love him. I was angry with Maeva and

the situation. Now, I’m scared to tell him.”

“It’s pretty obvious he feels the same way. I see no reason for

any anxiety.”

“I keep telling myself that. I told him last night I couldn’t

promise him anything beyond sex, but I think we both knew
differently once we began.”

Gerard turned to him with a surprisingly serious look on his

face. “He was still asleep, right?”

Theodore nodded.
“You might want to get home, then.”
“Why?”
“Won’t he feel different? Won’t his tattoo be gone now? It

seems he’ll know something has changed.”

Theodore hadn’t thought about that, but now he wondered. “I

guess it will, though with Maeva, you can never tell. It might not go
away until I say the words. He might still be cursed right now.” He
didn’t like the idea of Nicholas waking up cold and alone, and
possibly fading because Theodore was too far away.

“Wouldn’t you rather tell him than let him wake up alone and

see the tattoo gone?”

Theodore tightened his grip on the reins as he watched the sun

rising higher over the horizon. He felt foolish now for leaving the
house at all, though he did feel more sure of himself after talking to
Gerard. “Damn it! I haven’t done anything right in this relationship.”

Gerard laughed. “I don’t think anything will matter once

you’re back in his arms. Now, go! Please. I have my own demanding
paramour to wake up.”

He finally laughed. “Well, I won’t keep you from him then.”
Gerard grinned. “You couldn’t if you tried.”
Theodore turned his horse and began riding home. He didn’t

get very far though before he met another rider.

“I was looking for you. I hardly got any sleep the last few

nights,” Maeva said when he stopped beside her.

“That so?” His anger had faded, but he still resented what

she’d done to Nicholas. However, he’d never known her to willingly
be out of bed this early, so she likely had been brooding over what
he’d said.

She nodded. “I thought about what you said. You could be

right.”

“I could be?” He didn’t want to get his hopes up, but if he

pushed enough he might actually get something close to an apology.

Sighing, she met his gaze. “Fine. You were right. I’m sorry

my actions caused you harm. I deserved everything you said to me.”
She reached over to touch his cheek. “I probably wouldn’t have
listened to anyone else.”

He held her hand to his face for a moment and then squeezed

it in his. “Then I’m glad I had the nerve to say what I said.”

She drew her hand away and nodded. “Aloysius knew

something was wrong. I’d been thinking about the curse. It was a
terrible thing, but once it took effect, Nicholas’s future did alter. I saw
great happiness, but I had no idea it would be with you. I’m glad it is.
I’ve always wanted you to find love. That’s why I granted your wish
with the portrait. I never imagined trying to make you happy might
hurt you or others. I suppose I only thought of how alike we were,
how much fun we had when we were together.”

“I know you always indulged my whims because you loved

me.” Happy as he was to hear Maeva admit all these things and sound
genuinely contrite, he couldn’t help gazing down the road as his mind
kept drifting to Nicholas.

She smiled. “Somewhere you need to be?”
“What do you think?” he replied, smiling back at her.
“Ah, will my wicked curse be broken soon?”
He took a deep breath and patted his horse. “I think it already

has been.” He spurred his horse on, promising himself he wouldn’t
stop again no matter whom he encountered.
****

Nicholas stared at the note he’d found on Theodore’s pillow,

then at his wrist again. The morning after they’d made love for the
first time, and Theodore had risen at dawn to go meet Gerard. He told
himself it didn’t matter, but thinking about the two men laughing and
talking together shot a pain through his heart. He knew he had no
reason to be jealous though. After a moment he managed to smile,
remembering how wonderful it had been to sleep in Theodore’s arms.

“Nicholas?”
He turned on the bed and stood. “That didn’t take long.”
Theodore smiled. “No. I only wanted to tell him something.”

He moved to Nicholas’s side quickly and kissed him. “I thought I
might make it back before you woke up. I’m sorry.”

Nicholas shrugged. What could have been so urgent? “It’s

fine. It must have been important.”

Theodore cupped his cheek. “It was. Very important.”
Nicholas searched his face. Was it going to be this easy? “Can

you tell me?”

“I think I should.” He wrapped his hand around Nicholas’s

wrist and then ran his thumb under the material of his nightshirt. “I
realized something last night.”

“When?” He couldn’t help stiffening as Theodore’s thumb

caressed the spot he’d been staring at moments earlier.

Theodore lifted Nicholas’s hand and drew it to rest over his

heart. Nicholas could feel it pounding as hard as his own was.

“When you were teaching me how to make love to you.”
“You didn’t need me to teach you anything,” Nicholas

whispered, starting to tremble.

Theodore held him closer. “You’re shaking. Why?”
“I don’t even know.”
“You’re very warm.” Theodore touched the side of his face

and then began to rub Nicholas’s wrist again. “Are you sure? Perhaps
you know what I realized.”

Nicholas let Theodore look at his wrist. Theodore traced his

fingers slowly over the tender, now flawless skin before meeting
Nicholas’s gaze.

“How long has it been gone?”
“It was there when I came home. I noticed that it was gone

right before we went to bed.”

Theodore winced slightly. “I wish you’d told me.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I didn’t make it easy for you. Because of what I

said when you came home, I thought you wouldn’t believe me. I can’t
blame you for not telling me when I was too scared to say the words.”

“Say them now.” Nicholas snaked his arms around Theodore’s

neck. “Please.”

Theodore licked his lips and swallowed. Then he caressed

Nicholas’s cheek and ran his fingers into his hair. “I love you.”

Nicholas tightened his grip. “I love you, too.”
Theodore laughed, still sounding nervous and looking down

for a moment. “Guess you don’t need to touch me constantly from
now on.”

“Oh no. Now I’ll need it more than ever.” He jerked

Theodore’s head back up and kissed him with all the joy bursting out
of his heart.

When they finally parted, Theodore looked so happy Nicholas

couldn’t help laughing. “You see? I was right to be so confident. Am I
forgiven for dragging you into this, as you put it?”

“Yes, you are. Seems you knew what was best for me.”
“In a way. But actually I just knew what was best for me.”
“A stubborn man who ignored his true feelings until he

couldn’t stand it any longer?”

He pulled Theodore toward the bed with him. “I wouldn’t

have you any other way,” he said as he pushed him down and climbed
on top of him.
****

Theodore slipped his hand into Nicholas’s as they left Gerard

and Jacob talking with Adam at the inn. Nicholas liked public
displays of affection, and the small squeeze he gave Theodore’s hand
made Theodore all the more anxious to get home. They’d walked
though, instead of bringing the horses, so it would take them about ten
minutes to get back to the house. As much as he still annoyed
Theodore at times, Nicholas proved very easy to love, which made
Theodore all the more eager to express that love every waking
moment.

Nicholas, it seemed, sensed Theodore’s need. Once they were

away from the bustle and activity of the inn, he pulled Theodore down
a dark alley. Their lips met as soon as they were safely hidden in the
shadows. Nicholas began to stroke Theodore right away, getting him
hard in a matter of seconds.

“What do you think you’re doing?” he whispered in

Nicholas’s ear. He had no intention of stopping him, but he couldn’t
resist teasing his lover.

“Living dangerously. Wandering down dark alleys in the

hopes of being ravished by an infamous highwayman.” He pulled
Theodore deeper into the shadows. “Don’t tell me you don’t need it,
too. You could never fool me.”

Theodore reached for Nicholas and stroked his cock. When

Nicholas groaned, he unbuttoned his trousers to free his hard member.
“This is quite a prize.” He knelt and began to tease the head of
Nicholas’s cock with brief licks and brushes of his lips. He held

Nicholas still and engulfed the whole length, pumping him with his
mouth four times. Then he drew back and looked up. “Turn around.”

The command came out as more of a growl than he’d

intended, but Nicholas’s cock jerked in response, making Theodore
smile. The desire in Nicholas’s eyes got him even harder. He freed his
own cock as he watched Nicholas slowly turn and brace himself
against the wall. He stood and lowered Nicholas’s pants just enough
to grant himself access. He licked his fingers and slid two into
Nicholas a little at a time, working him roughly.

“I love it like this,” Nicholas said on a moan.
“I know.” Theodore spit on his hand and rubbed the saliva

over his cock to ease his entry. He spread Nicholas and entered him
gradually. Leaning forward, he feathered kisses over his neck as he
reached around to stroke his cock. “You’re so damn hard.”

Nicholas’s breath came in gasps as he thrust back to meet

Theodore’s movements. He became even more vocal as Theodore
increased his pace. He beat one fist against the bricks and groaned as
he came, spilling his hot seed over Theodore’s hand. Theodore felt
Nicholas’s channel tighten deliciously, and he thrust home one final
time, jerking Nicholas back by his hair enough to kiss him and glory
in his sighs and moans of pleasure. His own orgasm and the heady
kiss left him dizzy and elated.

They both shook, shifting their weight to the wall to stay

upright.

“We ought to do this more often,” Theodore whispered,

licking Nicholas’s ear.

Nicholas turned in his arms. “Those wicked eyes could make

any man stand and deliver.”

Theodore chuckled. “Wicked? I thought they were beautiful.

Your words, I believe.”

“That, too, but they always look wicked to me these days.” He

pulled Theodore into another searing kiss.

“Mmmm. Perhaps we’d better get home.” He nibbled

Nicholas’s lip. “My thoughts are indeed turning rather wicked.”

He pulled Nicholas to the back of the alley and out, leading

him to the edge of the woods so they could head home but avoid
being seen by anyone walking to the inn. They didn’t make it home
until an hour later, as Nicholas wouldn’t stop fondling him and had to

be taught a lesson against the trunk of a tree, and even then Theodore
couldn’t wait to get him upstairs and throw him down onto the bed.

“I love you,” Theodore said as he climbed on top of him.
“I knew you would the moment we touched. I love you, too.

I’m glad you were the one destined to free me.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” Theodore barely got the words out as

their lips came together again in a tender kiss that said far more than
any words ever could have.

The End

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Other Books by Marie Medina:

www.evernightpublishing.com/marie-medina

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