Revolutionary Temptation

by Silvia Violet

  Jack licked the tip of Eli’s prick and dipped his tongue into the slit.

  “Fuck, that’s good.” Would Jack keep going or push him away?

  Eli opened his eyes and looked down. “You really want to do this?”

  Jack nodded. “Don’t make me think. I just want to feel.”

  Eli sighed. “Me too.”

  Jack drew his tongue along the underside of Eli’s cock, and Eli groaned.

  “Stay silent or I’ll stop.”

  The command in Jack’s tone made Eli harden even more. He’d keep silent no matter what. He might never get Jack on his knees again.

  Jack drew Eli’s cock into his mouth, sucking eagerly. Eli couldn’t look away. He needed to watch Jack finally give in to what they both wanted. He’d wondered how much—if any—experience Jack had, but there was no way in hell this was his first time taking a man into his mouth. Jack knew exactly how to make Eli— Oh, sweet Jesus!

  “More. Please more.” He whispered the words, unable to remain silent.

  Jack looked up at him and smiled around Eli’s cock.

  Eli slid his hands into Jack’s hair, fighting an urge to hold him still so he could thrust deep into his mouth.

  Jack didn’t protest his touch. Instead, he took Eli deeper. Holy God, his mouth was so hot, so… Jack swallowed around his cock, and Eli jerked, driving himself deeper. He’d planned to seduce Jack after they tracked down Stephens, but this was beyond anything he’d dreamed. He’d thought Jack might give him a rough tumble, slake his lust in Eli’s ass, then send him home. But Jack on his knees like this, serving Eli with undisguised pleasure, was more than he could’ve ever hoped for.

  Jack held Eli’s hips and looked up at him. Then he did some indescribable thing with his tongue as he slid up and down Eli’s cock.

  “Again,” Eli whispered.

  Jack pulled back. “You’ve got to be quiet.”

  “Can’t help it.”

  Jack took Eli back down his throat, humming around him until Eli lost it, thrusting into Jack’s mouth, tilting Jack’s head so he could take Eli all the way down.

  “Fuck! So close.” He tried to keep quiet, but he didn’t know how he’d succeed.

  Jack reached into Eli’s breeches, sliding a hand between his legs. When his fingers brushed Eli’s fundament, nothing could’ve held him back. Jack swallowed his prick until his nose brushed Eli’s pubic bone.

  Eli’s balls tightened. “Christ!”

  He tried to push Jack’s shoulders to let him know he was about to blow, but Jack either didn’t understand or didn’t care, because he held tight to Eli’s hips and kept sucking.

  Eli bit down on his hand as he began to spend. He thrust against Jack’s lips again and again until he wrung himself dry.

  Eli pulled his hand away from his mouth as he sagged against the wall. Blood ran from where he’d bitten deep.

  Jack’s eyes widened. “Jesus, Eli. You hurt yourself.”

  Eli stared at the wound. He couldn’t even feel it yet. “I didn’t think you wanted me to shout the stable down.”

  Jack frowned. “I suppose not, but we should bandage that.”

  Eli nodded, unable to form any more words.

  Jack shifted to one side, obviously trying to take his weight off his left leg as he jerked his cravat off and wound it around Eli’s hand. “There. That will help stop the bleeding.”

  “Thank you.”

  Jack nodded and then tried to stand. He slipped and gasped as he fell into the straw, catching himself on his hands. “Fucking leg,” he muttered.

  Eli was a beast to have let him kneel so long. He held out his uninjured hand and helped Jack get to his feet and prop himself against the stall door. Jack needed to rest his leg, but Eli had no intention of letting him walk away unsatisfied. When he pulled Jack close, he felt dampness on the front of Jack’s breeches. He looked up. “You spent?”

  “I did,” Jack mumbled as he looked away.

  “I love that.”

  Jack stared at him like he was crazy. “That I have no control?”

  “That sucking my cock made you go off.”

  “It’s been a long time.”

  Eli smiled. “I can fix that. Let’s take care of the horses, then we’ll sneak up to your room, and I’ll show you just how talented I am.”

  “No!”

  The sound echoed in the empty stable, and Jack cringed. So much for being quiet.

  “You can come home with me, then. I live alone.”

  Jack’s eyes were wide, his cheeks flushed. “Absolutely not. This wasn’t… We can’t…”

  “So this was a one-time thing?” Eli asked.

  Jack scrubbed his hand over his face. “This should never have happened.”

  “Oh, really?” Eli was furious. Jack had loved sucking him off. “I’m not the one who—”

  “No, I take responsibility. I let this happen.”

  Eli laid a hand on Jack’s arm. “If you didn’t keep everything so buttoned up, you might not—”

  Jack shook him off. “You have no idea—”

  “That’s right. I don’t. All I have are guesses and instincts, and my instincts say someone hurt you or frightened you and—”

  “You know what frightens me? Hanging as a sodomite.” Jack pushed open the stall door and walked away.

  Tears stung Eli’s eyes, but he brushed them away, determined not to waste them on someone as unfeeling as Jack. He fastened his breeches, straightened the rest of his clothes, and caught up with Jack as he reached the tack room.

  Jack whirled around, glaring at him. “I said—”

  “I need to tend to my horse.”

  “I’ll see that she’s brushed and rewarded for her service tonight.”

  Eli wanted to punch him for his sanctimonious tone. “There’s also the little matter of the traitor in the woods. How do you intend to handle that?”

  “I appreciate your assistance this evening. I will take this information to headquarters and see that the spy is dealt with.”

  “How?”

  “I…”

  As Eli had suspected. “You have no idea.”

  “Constance and I will decide what’s best.”

  “I can help. I have a pass to reenter the city.”

  Jack shook his head. “Good night, Mr. Ashfield.”

  “Oh, so we’re back to that, are we? And it’s morning, by the way.” He gestured toward the stable door. The horizon was turning pink and orange with dawn’s light.

  “Then you’d best go home.”

  “So that’s it? I’m too much of a temptation, so you’re done with me?”

  “Keep your voice down.”

  Eli didn’t give a fuck that he was shouting. “I wish you the best of luck with your endeavors.”

  He’d flirted, he’d pushed, but he’d not been the one to initiate their first kiss, and he sure as hell hadn’t been the aggressor when they reached the stable tonight. So why did he feel like he’d ruined everything? If Jack convinced Constance not to include him in their work, he might also lose his chance to move in the best society. He refused to let that happen. Jack might’ve rejected him as a lover, but the man would not damage Eli’s plans for the future. Eli would get what he wanted, and Jack could take himself to the pits of hell.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Eli spent a few fitful hours trying to sleep. Finally he gave up, changed out of the clothes he’d never taken off after his middle-of-the-night excursion, and dressed for the day. He was glad the inn where he took his meals wasn’t crowded that morning. He was in no mood for conversation.

  “Rough night?” the innkeeper asked.

  “You could say that.”

  The man poured him a measure of whiskey. “Hair of the dog what bit ya. No better cure.”

  Eli took the glass, drained it, and set it back down. There was no point in explaining he hadn’t actually been drinking the night before. The whiskey was the first warmth he’d felt since Jack had rejected hi
m so soundly.

  The bookshop had a steady stream of customers throughout the day, some for books and others for the tea secreted in the storeroom. Eli listened halfheartedly to his customers’ chatter, but none of them said anything of particular interest, not that Eli really cared. There was no reason to collect information now unless it was for personal benefit.

  In the early afternoon, a servant arrived with a message. This time he recognized the livery as Constance’s. Was this a dismissal or an invitation? He stared at the letter for several moments before he realized the man was still there.

  “I’m to wait for a reply, sir.”

  “Oh, of course. Just one moment.”

  Eli stepped into his office and cracked the seal.

  Mr. Ashfield,

  I would be honored if you would take tea with me this afternoon. Please give my man your reply.

  Yours affectionately,

  Constance Sullivan

  Eli smiled as he wrote a return message, letting Constance know he’d be more than happy to join her.

  When the messenger was on his way, Eli contemplated what to wear. Certainly not the somber outfit he’d chosen that morning. He could not allow Jack to think their altercation had affected him in the least. He would be as charming and cheerful as always, even if he longed to take the man down a notch or two for his imperious attitude.

  He has every right to be afraid of getting caught.

  True, but he should not have led me on.

  Eli made a sound of disgust at that thought. He was hardly a missish maiden. But Jack needed to own his desires and not take his angst out on Eli.

  Not everyone is as passionate as you.

  Jack is nowhere near as cold as he pretends to be. That was evident last night.

  You can’t force him to be something he isn’t.

  No, but I can make him regret his choices.

  Is that wise?

  Eli hated it when his conscience grew priggish. If he’d intended to act wisely, he would never have kissed Jack in the first place.

  ***

  When Eli arrived, one of Constance’s servants showed him into the parlor where she and Jack were seated. A tray filled with bite-sized sweets and an ornate silver teapot sat on the table.

  Eli gave a low bow. “Good afternoon. I would inquire after your health, but you are so obviously well.”

  “You really are too much,” Constance said.

  “Is it to be a small party today?”

  “Yes, just the three of us. I have things to say that aren’t for the public ear.” Her tone betrayed her annoyance.

  So this wasn’t to be a party. Were he and Jack going to be chastised for not working well together? That would be interesting.

  “That will be all,” Constance said to the footman.

  He bowed and exited, leaving the three of them alone.

  “Please sit.”

  Eli did as Constance asked. Her voice was sharper than he’d ever heard it.

  “Jack tells me you made a significant discovery yesterday.”

  “We did.”

  “He sent word to our mutual contact and plans to leave today to meet him.”

  “He indicated to me that he would be traveling to headquarters.”

  “Did he?” She raised a brow.

  “I counseled him that it would be best if I accompanied him, since I have a pass allowing my return to the city. He dismissed me.”

  Constance raised her brows. “And you didn’t argue?”

  “He made himself very clear.”

  “I don’t have any patience for lovers’ quarrels endangering the work we are doing here.”

  Jack sputtered and dabbed at his mouth with his napkin.

  Eli wasn’t shocked in the least that she knew.

  “We aren’t—”

  Constance held up a hand, ending Jack’s attempt at protest. “I do not care what you do with each other or with anyone else, unless it affects our mission. If the two of you cannot work together, then I’ve wasted my time, and I’ll need to find some more amenable recruits.”

  “I—” Eli cut himself off when Constance glared at him.

  “I will be informed whenever you learn something of note. Neither of you will take unnecessary risks, and personal feelings will not come into account in how we handle our business. Have I made myself clear?”

  “Yes,” Eli answered. He liked Constance more every time he saw her.

  Jack scowled, obviously not taking the rebuke well. “I answer to my superior officers, and while I was—”

  “You were sent here to be trained by me. I can’t do that if you won’t listen.”

  Jack’s shoulders slumped, his military bearing and righteous anger deserting him. “How did you know?”

  “About you two?”

  He nodded.

  “The same way I learn most things—by watching carefully.”

  “Who else knows?”

  “No one, and I couldn’t be certain until your reaction confirmed it.”

  Jack dropped his head into his hands and exhaled harshly.

  “I am hardly interested in turning you in to the law,” Constance said.

  “Someone else will be.”

  “They’d have to find you out, and I’d pit their word against mine.”

  Eli cleared his throat.

  “Yes?” Constance asked.

  “Mr. West, the skills that Constance and I have are not common. You really mustn’t think you’ve given yourself away. I will endeavor not to impinge further on your reputation.”

  Jack wouldn’t look at him. “My contact is expecting me. May I take my leave?”

  Constance shook her head. “Eli goes with you.”

  Eli couldn’t resist smiling over this triumph. “Surely you won’t reject Constance’s counsel.”

  “No. Eli should stay here for his own protection.”

  Eli’d had enough. “You’re not protecting me. You’re protecting yourself from what will happen if you spend more time alone with me.” They shouldn’t have this argument in front of Constance, but the words were out there, and Eli wasn’t taking them back.

  “Your assistance is unnecessary,” Jack said.

  So he was just going to ignore Eli’s tirade? Fine. “How do you plan to get back into the city?”

  “I’ll avoid the guards.”

  “And when you’re arrested, what would you like me to say on your behalf?” Eli asked.

  “There are ways around the guards.”

  “Yes, but those involve luck. There is no need to take that risk when we have access to passes.”

  “Enough,” Constance snapped. “Jack, you will take Eli and stop letting personal grievances affect the integrity of our mission.”

  “How do I explain his presence?”

  “I’m the one with the papers. I’ll be explaining your presence.”

  “And what will you say?”

  “That you’re my servant.” Wouldn’t that feel lovely?

  Jack sputtered. “Your servant?”

  “Can you think of a better way to handle things?”

  Jack remained silent.

  “You only need the pretense until you’re in rebel territory,” Constance said. “Then you can be yourself again. On leave, recovering from your injury. You can say you ran into an old friend and traveled together.”

  Jack shook his head. “I don’t like this.”

  He was going to acquiesce, though. Eli could see the signs. He no longer held himself stiff like all his muscles were tense, and his tone was softer.

  “On your own you’ll be more vulnerable,” Constance said. “With Eli, no one will seriously question you.”

  “The moment we’re through to rebel territory—”

  “It will be your turn to protect me,” Eli said.

  Jack snorted.

  “Or leave me by the wayside, or tell them to cast me in prison. Whatever you like.”

  Jack scowled at him. “I would never see harm d
one to a man who is in my care.”

  “That was said in jest. I did not mean to insult your honor.”

  “How quickly can you be ready to go?” Jack asked. “I’ve asked my contact to meet me at an inn a ways outside Morristown in order to avoid soldiers who would recognize me. He expects me first thing tomorrow.”

  Eli frowned. “You planned to travel the distance today?”

  “Yes.”

  “You know how foolish it would be to travel in the dark. Don’t you remember what we encountered last night? We’ll leave in the morning. Your contact will wait for us.”

  “We can’t be certain of that.”

  “We can’t be certain of anything. That’s no reason to act the fool. The road is too dangerous in the dark.”

  “And you’re an expert on danger?”

  “I’m apparently more aware of it than you are.”

  Jack huffed. “This is going to be the longest ride of my life.”

  He was quite adorable when he was pouting.

  “Eli, arrive here at eight o’clock tomorrow morning, ready to escort Jack out of town.”

  “Yes, madam.” He rose. “Good day to you both.”

  “And to you,” Constance said. Jack said nothing.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Jack’s heart pounded wildly as he and Eli approached the inn where they would meet Major Tallmadge, in part from the spirited ride, but also from watching Eli atop his mount. Where had Eli learned to ride so skillfully? The way he moved with his horse was truly beautiful.

  Memories of kneeling before Eli, of tasting him, of drinking down his seed, made Jack’s head swim, and he gripped the reins harder. A night together at an inn held far too many temptations, but Eli had yet to forgive Jack for treating him cruelly after giving in to his desires. Jack should apologize, but it was best they remained distant.

  Eli dismounted in the inn’s yard, and Jack followed suit. A servant took their horses, and they entered. More tables than could fit comfortably were crowded into the room, which was noisy and hazy with smoke.

  “My friend and I require rooms for the evening,” Eli announced to the innkeeper.

  He used the officious tone of a man who expected everyone to do his bidding with speed and precision, but he tempered it with his alluring smile, which made people long to please him.