The Captain and the Prime Minister

by Catherine Curzon

  “So… I have the army to thank for you?”

  “And lifting toddlers!” Tom laughed gently. “Funny thing is, we’ve seen each others’ chests before, but never close up. Never like this.” Tom didn’t hold back now and unbuttoned Alex’s shirt, never pausing until all the buttons were open. He swept the fabric of Alex’s shirt aside and stroked him from the base of his neck down to his stomach, where Tom rested his palm over Alex’s navel. “Alex, you’re so hot.”

  “I’m not at all…” he murmured, shaking his head. “But you’re sweet to say it.”

  “Of course you are.” Tom leaned forward and kissed Alex, trailing his hands over Alex’s chest. He stroked both nipples, then, sensing that Alex approved, tweaked them. The reaction was instantaneous and about as far from the ‘collected, unflappable statesman’ version of Alex Hart as it was possible to get. Alex’s back arched again and he gave the most impossibly erotic groan that Tom had ever heard, his hand flying up to Tom’s shoulder as he did.

  “Alex…” Tom broke from the kiss then ran his lips down Alex’s neck to his chest. He kissed around Alex’s nipple then asked, “Can I kiss you here?” He didn’t feel he could plunge in—it seemed too intimate to do without asking.

  Alex nodded, looking down at him with something like wonder when he whispered, “Yes.”

  So Tom took the hot, hard nub between his lips, teasing it with his tongue as he stroked Alex’s back. Quite by instinct, Tom suspected, Alex’s fingers suddenly tightened, grasping his bottom. He just about managed to whisper an apology before another moan stole the words, but for Tom, no apology was needed.

  Tom moved across to Alex’s other nipple, nibbling a little now.

  “God, that’s good,” he breathed, his other hand grasping at Tom’s back. “Oh God, Tom…”

  Tom would’ve happily kissed his way down Alex’s torso, but he held back. This seemed to be having the desired effect for now as it was, if the little shivers and groans of pleasure were anything to go by. So Tom went on, giving Alex all the time he needed to enjoy sensations that he hadn’t felt for years.

  “What can I do”—he gasped—“for you, Tom? I want to make you happy…”

  Tom decided to be honest. He could’ve said kissing is fine, but he needed Alex to know that he wanted him. And was willing to wait. “Is it…is it too much if you unzip me? I understand if it’s a no at the moment, though.”

  “No, it’s not a no. I want to.” He combed his fingers through Tom’s hair. “It might take me a little longer to dare to ask the same, though, is that okay?”

  “Ask when you’re ready.” Tom rolled Alex’s nipples between his fingers, admiring the view of the near-shirtless politician. “If it’s too much, and you’re happy staying on the sofa, that’s fine, but…would you be more comfortable in bed?”

  Clearly battling to form any sort of coherent thought thanks to Tom’s dexterous fingers, Alex took a moment to consider that before he asked almost timidly, “Would you mind if we went to bed?”

  “Not at all. Your place or mine?”

  “Mine’s bigger—the bed, I mean!” Alex laughed then, and it seemed as though some of the nervous tension deserted him when he did. “I’m only talking about beds.”

  “But you’re certainly not small, Alex. I am very much looking forward to unwrapping your present!” Tom leaned forward and kissed him, then said, “Your bed, then.”

  “I’m sorry I’m making you wait,” Alex told him, brushing another soft kiss to his lips. “I’m just…this is wonderful, Tom, honestly.”

  “You’re right, it is wonderful.” Tom kissed him as he rose from Alex’s lap. The kiss didn’t end until both men were on their feet, but before they could make their way from the room, Alex reached for Tom again, bringing him close for another kiss.

  They kissed their way along the corridor to Alex’s bedroom. By the time they reached the door, Tom’s shirt had vanished completely, but he didn’t care.

  On the threshold Alex paused, glancing back at the bed, but there was no reticence in his expression, only happiness.

  “So… I hope you won’t sleep along the bottom of the bed tonight?”

  “And not just because you don’t want me to tickle your feet again?” Tom toyed with the button at the top of his trousers.

  “Oh, you were merciless.” Alex chuckled. “I probably shouldn’t admit it, but I was so aware of you that night. In my bed, but not.”

  “I didn’t think I’d sleep being so close to you!” Tom held Alex’s hand. “But I will tonight, though. I want you to hold me while I sleep.”

  Alex studied Tom’s face then lifted his hand kissed it with such tenderness that it almost stole his breath. “I promise not to let you go.”

  “You’ve got such lovely arms for hugging.” Tom stroked Alex’s bare forearms again. Firm, strong, masculine.

  “Good for carrying the shopping,” Alex said teasingly, then he drew Tom into his arms and held him, as gentle now as they had been heated before.

  Tom stroked his hands through Alex’s hair, nuzzling his neck and breathing him in. The scent of him, and the moment itself.

  “Come to bed?” Alex eventually whispered, kissing Tom’s cheek.

  Tom nodded. “Have me,” he replied. As soon as he said it he saw Alex’s expression change, the faint suggestion of timidity returning. Had Alex taken that as an invitation to ravish him? Or maybe even a command?

  “However you’d like to,” Tom added, and brushed the pad of his thumb across Alex’s lips.

  “You’re very sweet.” Alex took his hand and together they walked toward the bed. “And very patient.”

  Tom stopped, resting his knee on the bed. “Would you like me to undress for you?”

  The reply was a nod, though Alex’s expression was still a far too appealing mixture of desire and bewildered wonder, which was hardly a surprise. The man had been widowed three years ago and married to the same woman for a decade before that. This was hardly territory he was familiar with. Yet he seemed to be more than keen to navigate it.

  “Lie down, get comfy,” Tom whispered. So Alex, a picture of semi-debauched decency, settled against the pillows. He stretched his legs out before himself and crossed them at the ankle, then pillowed his hands behind his head. Less a prime minister, perhaps, more a decadent emperor.

  Tom’s breath hitched at the sight. Was he really worthy of a man like Alex?

  “You’re so handsome,” Tom said. And he felt embarrassed, presumptuous. Did he belong in this man’s bed?

  “And you’re perfect, Tom, in case I hadn’t mentioned it.” He smiled. “You really are.”

  “If you’re sure.” Tom’s gaze didn’t leave Alex’s as he slowly drew down the zip on his jeans and edged them down his hips. He pushed them down farther and farther until all he was left with was his shorts, then paused, his thumb under the waistband. Tom’s erection was all too obvious now with only his thin shorts to restrain it. “Would you like me to…?”

  Alex followed the path of Tom’s hand, then swept back up to his eyes. “Would you like to?”

  How long had it been since Alex had last seen another man’s erection? “I would, but only if you’d like me to.”

  Has he ever seen another man’s erection? Maybe he’s never done any of this before at all.

  “I’d like you to,” he whispered.

  Tom nodded. They couldn’t go back from here. But could they have gone back from him kissing Alex’s neck the other evening? “Just so you know, you’re the most wonderful man I’ve ever known.”

  And Tom pulled down his shorts. He kicked them away and, with one hand awkwardly combing back his hair, newly naked, Tom stood before his lover.

  Alex held out his hand to Tom and asked, “Come here?”

  Tom took his hand and climbed onto the bed. Aware of every inch of his own body and Alex’s, Tom lay down beside him. “I’m not too scary, then!”

  “I’ve never done this before.” And perhaps, now it
had been said, those last shreds of timidity might fall away. “I wanted to, but… Can I touch you?”

  “There’s nothing I want more.”

  Alex kissed him almost reverentially, stroking his hand down Tom’s torso. When his fingers reached Tom’s stomach his touch lingered. As he dropped his lips to Tom’s shoulder, he finally let his elegant fingers encircle his erection. Tom tried to stop his hips from rising up off the bed. It was the most erotic touch he’d ever felt, and he sighed as he caressed the line of Alex’s jaw.

  And Alex, it seemed, was getting more confident with every passing second. He eased Tom back onto the bed, dotting heated kisses along his shoulder, nuzzling at his throat and nibbling at his earlobe. All the time Alex’s hand was moving, his wrist jerking against Tom’s body.

  Tom moaned, his pleasure building by the moment. He slipped his arm around Alex’s waist, underneath his opened shirt, and stroked his skin, matching Alex’s rhythm. He wanted to feel Alex’s warmth and closeness as they lay together. In reply, Alex’s fingers grew tighter, the movement of his hand faster and his kisses, when their mouths met again, were filled with a delicious heat.

  Even if Tom was more experienced when it came to men, it had been a long time since he’d been to bed with anyone like this. Alex seemed to respond to Tom’s every moan and every buck of his hips, and Tom sighed, “I’m on the edge… Oh, Alex, you’re amazing!”

  Experience didn’t come into it when a man had Alex’s inspiration, it seemed, and Alex ducked his head to Tom’s chest. He drew Tom’s nipple between his lips and grazed it with his teeth, then circled it with the tip of his tongue. All the time his hand moved, driving Tom on.

  Murmuring his lover’s name, Tom slipped his hands up to Alex’s shoulders, holding on as his climax rocked through his body. There was nothing in his mind beside desire and pleasure and Alex. He gazed at Alex through half-open eyes as his climax wore itself away through Tom’s trembling limbs.

  Alex’s smile was soft, his gaze tender, and he whispered, “Was that all right, darling?”

  “Yes…” Tom stroked Alex’s hair. He looked so sexy all ruffled up. “Just…just want to lie here and look at you.”

  He kissed the tip of Tom’s nose. “Sounds perfect.”

  So in the soft light, Tom gazed at Alex, at those large blue eyes and his gentle smile, and that ruffled hair. And at the tempting view of his chest that showed through his opened shirt.

  How long had they both wanted this? And how long had they not dared to say? Thank God for that shoulder massage.

  Tom raised an eyebrow. “Are you going to wear this shirt all night?”

  “I don’t usually go to bed in my shirt and trousers,” Alex told him with a smile. He sat up and stroked his hand along Tom’s arm. “Do you mind if I lose a few more layers?”

  “Fine by me! I’ll give you a hand.” Tom tidied himself up, then kissed the base of Alex’s neck. He traveled his lips toward Alex’s shirt-clad shoulder and slowly edged the fabric away. With a trembling breath, Alex tipped his head back. He rolled his broad shoulders, the shirt sliding down over his biceps.

  Tom chased the shirt with kisses, his lips at last brushing Alex’s arms. They were so strong, so sculpted, like the arms of a classical statue hewn from marble.

  It took only the slightest movement to send Alex’s shirt whispering onto the bed and there was that little smile again, playful and affectionate.

  “I don’t suppose you fancy helping with the trousers too?”

  Tom couldn’t imagine what it had taken Alex to ask him that question. He nodded and said, “It’d be an honor.”

  Tom feathered his lips against Alex’s neck as he unfastened Alex’s trousers with all the care he could muster. He could hardly fail to be aware of his lover’s erection, but he knew this was one step at a time and they’d already taken a lot of steps tonight. More than he could have expected or hoped for. When Alex lifted his hips and slid his tailored trousers down and off, Tom could sense his apprehension, but he hid it by asking, “Will I do?”

  Tom’s breath caught in his throat at the sight of Alex, clothed only in his shorts. He took Alex’s hand and entwined their fingers. “You are so handsome, I…” Raising their joined hands to his lips, he whispered, “I’m so happy this has happened, Alex. You can’t imagine how much I…”

  “I can,” Alex admitted. “The difference is, you were brave enough to do something about it.”

  “I wasn’t brave, I was reckless.” Tom smiled at him. “I could’ve lost everything, could’ve ruined everything.”

  “Maybe you sensed that wasn’t likely to happen?” He drew the covers over them and took Tom into his arms again, every movement gentle. “It’s not as if we don’t know each other pretty well already, after all. Perhaps I wasn’t as good at hiding how I felt as I thought I was.”

  Tom cupped Alex’s face. “I really care about you, Alex. And I suppose, over the years—you care about me too?”

  “We’ve done the most difficult part first—we’ve found out if we can live together.” Alex kissed the side of Tom’s hand. “I didn’t think I’d ever get past losing Gill and I don’t know if I ever would if I’d been on my own, but…I wasn’t on my own. And me and you and the twins, we’ve made it through, all of us together. And I don’t know exactly when it happened, but one evening we were watching TV and I suddenly realized— Tom’s wonderful. And I can never tell him.”

  Tom sighed. “Did you think I wouldn’t want to know? Oh, Alex, I’ve had this crush on you and it just seemed so impossible. I mean…you’re into guys, too, and I didn’t know. The way you touch me—it’s just so perfect. You’re so perfect.”

  “I thought you’d laugh at me and worse still, I was worried that you might leave.” Alex smiled and set his watch aside. “But we already know all of each other’s annoying little foibles—you know that I rant at Newsnight, can’t cook and leave ties and cufflinks wherever I happen to drop them, and so far you haven’t throttled me.”

  “I love it when you come in and take off your tie and your cufflinks. It’s like a nightly striptease.” Tom chuckled. “And you know my irritating habits. I fidget, my hair keeps falling into my face, I always sit in the armchair which should really be your seat…”

  “Now you’ve moved into my bed too!” Alex drew Tom to his chest and hugged him. “And you’re absolutely lovely to cuddle.”

  Tom moaned with happiness. “Your arms—how are your arms so amazing?”

  “I always thought they were a bit chunky, but I’ll take amazing instead.” And they could hardly be closer than they were, their bodies pressed tightly together, legs entwined.

  “I’ve always liked your arms.” Tom grinned at him. “Is that a terrible thing to admit to? You come home, roll up your sleeves and I just stare at them and think, Now those are a pair of arms. Manly arms.”

  “Consider them at your disposal.” He kissed Tom’s nose. “Whenever you need them.”

  Tom blinked up at him. “I need them now,” he whispered. With another kiss, lingering and deep, Alex tightened his embrace, holding Tom safe in the arms he adored.

  Chapter Twelve

  When Tom awoke the next morning, he was still in Alex’s arms. He lay there for a while, just enjoying the sensation of being held by him, and the deep sense of peace he felt as they lay there together. He could tell by the steady rhythm of Alex’s breathing that he was still sleeping and sensed his lover waking as the rhythm changed, but his embrace went on. Eventually Alex moved just a little, just enough to rest his cheek on Tom’s hair, peaceful and tender.

  “Morning,” Tom whispered. He stroked Alex’s bare arm from his shoulder down to his wrist.

  “Hello,” Alex murmured. His lips brushed Tom’s forehead and he asked, “Did you sleep all right?”

  Tom nodded. Alex looked adorable, his features all soft from sleep, his hair tousled and his eyelids heavy. “And you?”

  “Wonderfully.” He smiled and said, “You’re impossibl
e to let go.”

  Then never let me go.

  But Tom couldn’t say that. Not yet. If he ever could. He stroked Alex down the side of his body, stopping at the top of his shorts where he rested his hand at his waist. When Alex was ready, they’d go as far as he wanted. For now, this was more than he had dared to dream of. Tom was in Alex’s arms, in his bed. And he was naked.

  And unless Alex wasn’t paying attention, surely he hadn’t missed Tom’s erection.

  Tom giggled as he lifted the covers to look down. Alex’s chest caught his eye first, but there it was, Captain Southwell’s morning salute. “What can I say? I’m keen!”

  “You certainly are,” Alex agreed, following his gaze. “So, Captain, what can I do about that?”

  “Would you like to help me sort it out?” Tom pillowed his arm behind his head and closed his other hand around his erection. He gave it a stroke, while forcing himself to ignore the maddening hardness of Alex’s erection that pressed against him.

  Alex drew his fingertip down Tom’s chest and murmured, “I’d love to.” He closed his hand over Tom’s, letting him lead. “I could get used to waking up like this.”

  Alex’s large, square hand was surprisingly gentle and Tom was glad to lead the way. He kissed along Alex’s jaw then whispered, “When you’re ready for me to touch you, do you want to do it like this? You can show me what you like, how you want to be touched.”

  “It’s been a long time since anyone touched me,” he said, his smile rather bashful again. “But I’d like to do that. And I think we’d both enjoy it. And if I do anything wrong, or there’s anything I should do differently, will you tell me?”

  “Yes. You’ve done everything right so far, though.” Tom grinned at him. “You’ve got such a lovely grip, by the way. Just right.”

  “Last night, I know I sort of… God, I don’t know how to say it.” He kissed Tom’s cheek and whispered against his ear, “If you’d rather be… I sort of kissed you into the pillows like you were Scarlett O’Hara, didn’t I?”