by Josie Dennis
“Not so different from Graham there,” he muttered.
He finished eating and left the room. A quiet evening spent in front of the fire seemed to be in the offing. The wind buffeted the tall, leaded windows of the parlor. He shuddered at the sound. It seemed to enhance his loneliness tonight. He poured himself a glass of brandy and took a long sip. The liquor burned pleasantly down his throat and warmed his belly. Closing his eyes, he let his head fall against the back of the chair. A knock at the door brought him out of his melancholy.
“Come,” he said without much enthusiasm.
His butler opened the door and bowed. “Lord Weston, sir.”
Colin straightened as Graham strode into the room. His hair was windswept and his cheeks ruddy, but it was the wide smile on his face that took Colin aback. It was fresh and wild and full of excitement. He hadn’t seen such an expression on Graham’s face in ages.
“Graham!” He stood, setting his drink down on the table beside the chair. “I wasn’t expecting you.”
“Never say you’re turning me back out into the cold.”
Colin laughed. “Hardly.” He crossed to doorway and shook his hand. “Not expecting you doesn’t mean I’m not pleased to see you.”
Graham nodded and removed his coat. The butler took it and looked at Colin for instruction.
“Prepare Lord Weston’s usual guest room, Mason.”
The butler bowed his head and left them, closing the door behind him. Colin poured a drink for Graham and held out the glass. “Do tell me what has you rapping on my door in the dead of night.”
Graham laughed, flicking his golden-streaked hair back from his face. His dark Hawk eyes sparkled. “I have been invited to the infamous Hawk roost, Colin.”
Colin blinked. “Hawksfell Manor?”
Graham arched a brow. “You’ve heard of it?”
“It’s infamous, Graham. You just said so yourself.”
“So I did.” He shrugged and settled into the chair Colin had just vacated. “The esteemed earl’s man-of-affairs sent me a missive extending an invitation from the man himself.”
Colin sat across from him. “Why?”
“Apparently the earl has dedicated himself to saving wayward Hawks.” He laughed. “His man tracked me down, no doubt due to my scandalous behavior.”
Colin leveled a look at him. “Scandalous to a Hawk? Not if half of what I’ve heard of your extended family is true.”
“All is true, I’m afraid.” Graham winked. “You’ve seen me firsthand, Colin. At my worst.”
There was a thread of something beneath Graham’s teasing tone. Was it regret or embarrassment? Colin didn’t believe so.
“When is this auspicious visit?” he asked Graham.
“I responded that the earl is to expect me in two days’ time.”
“I’m sure you’ll have a fine time getting to know the earl and his family.”
“His family?”
“Do you truly not know?”
“Know what?”
“The earl married over the summer. There are a few Hawk cousins about now, as well. Along with a half-brother he hadn’t known he’d had.”
A frown passed over Graham’s face. “He has a family.”
“As do you, if you think about it. You’re a Hawk.”
“Yes, yes.” Graham nodded absently. “Maybe I should reconsider.”
“Why?”
“I thought this would be a lark, Colin. I’d heard about the earl’s staff, paid to serve his dark desires with enthusiasm and discretion.”
Colin nodded. “I’d heard that, too. For years, actually.”
“Then it’s true.” He smiled again. “Then we must take the earl up on his offer and play a few games with his staff.”
Colin grew quiet for a moment. “If you wish,” he finally said.
Graham tilted his head. “Come now, Colin. Never say you’re not up to a bit of fun.”
Colin found a smile. “With you? Always.”
Something flared in Graham’s eyes, a heat that Colin felt echoed in his belly. Desire was clear on his handsome face, that need that was never silent for long. His Hawk lust was rising, and Colin couldn’t help but respond.
“I’ve missed you, Colin,” Graham said, surprising him. “It’s deuced quiet at Weston.”
Colin didn’t point out that he’d invited him to stay here just last week. They both knew it. He’d thought Graham would want to fuck one of the maids again, but the expression he wore said something more. Something elemental that Colin couldn’t deny.
“When do you leave for Hawksfell Manor?” he asked, his voice low.
Graham reached out and stroked a strong hand over Colin’s thigh. “When do we leave, you mean?” At Colin’s nod, he smiled. “Tomorrow would suffice.”
Colin swallowed thickly. “I’ll be ready.”
Graham’s eyes ran over him, and Colin couldn’t keep himself from reacting. “Ready?” His low laugh was like a caress. “Oh, I hope so.”
Colin stood, unable and unwilling to disguise the erection tenting his trousers. “Shall I ring for a maid?”
“Not yet.” Graham stepped closer. “Maybe later.”
“A footman, then?”
Graham shook his head and brought his mouth to his. “Just kiss me, Colin.”
They’d never kissed. Not once. Colin pressed his lips to Graham and tasted him. He sucked on his tongue and caught Graham’s groan. His hands were firm on Colin’s ass, and he felt Graham’s long hard cock against his belly. Yes, they’d pleased each other before but they had never shared only each other’s company.
Colin pulled back, his heart racing as he read the desire on Graham’s face again. “Upstairs?” he managed to ask.
Graham smiled.
* * * *
Graham followed Colin up the grand staircase to his rooms. His country house was really quite comfortable, and Graham had spent many pleasant nights under its well-maintained roof. But tonight felt different. He had to come here tonight, after passing too many lonely days at Weston Park. He’d been seized with the need to see his friend.
Though he’d asked for it, Colin’s kiss had been a surprise. It was sweet and hot, just like his best friend. His cock pounded in his trousers, and he doubted they would need to add some servant to the mix tonight. No. Tonight he wanted Colin.
His stay at Weston Park had been beyond dull. His great aunt and uncle were as quiet as the grave, bringing to mind the inevitability of their leaving him as his parents had. Truth was, he didn’t even know if his mother and father were still alive. It felt strange to consider being truly alone in the world.
Colin stopped in front of his door and arched a dark brow. Graham needed him tonight, and not just because his cursed Hawk cock was hard and ready. He wanted a connection along with release, and who better to find that with than his best friend?
“Proceed,” Graham urged. “I fear I’m about to split my trouser seams.”
Colin smiled, losing that apparent doubt Graham had glimpsed in his blue eyes. In fact, he seemed as ready to go as Graham was himself. They disrobed and again Graham was struck by Colin’s masculine beauty. He’d had men before, in their mouths or their asses, but it had been for a quick release. At the back of his mind a thought teased him. This felt like more, and he couldn’t have that. This was what it was, and he would take what Colin wanted to give and please him in return.
He shed his clothes, letting them drop to the floor. His cock was hard and throbbing now, his every muscle tense. Colin hissed in a breath, and Graham met his eyes. They burned hot, an electric blue flame. Was there something else there as well?
“Colin…”
Colin stepped closer, shaking his head. “Conversation can wait, Graham.”
Graham gave a shaky nod. “Let the game commence, then.”
Colin blinked then nodded. Graham wrapped his arms around him, kissing his lips again. Colin’s cock was stiff, hard and thick against his belly. His ass was firm
and tight, and when he slipped a finger into his hole, Colin moaned softly.
Graham brought his mouth to Colin’s ear. “I want to fuck you, Colin.”
Colin trembled, his body warm against his. “Fuck me.”
They managed to make it to the bed, crawling on their knees until they were in perfect position. Colin was in front of him, arching upright to grab on to Graham’s shoulders. Graham let his hands run over his muscled chest, down his ridged belly, until he grasped Colin’s cock. A bead of liquid was on the head, but it wasn’t enough.
“Cream?” he rasped, nibbling on Colin’s ear.
“Drawer in the bedside table,” Colin whispered back.
Graham nodded. He remembered now. They’d taken one of the maids at the same time and Colin had eased into her ass with the aid of a floral-scented cream. He gave Colin’s neck a nip, earning a throaty laugh from his friend, and made for the table. The little jar was inside, and Graham put a generous amount on his fingers.
He came back to Colin, holding him with one arm around his chest as he drove two fingers into his ass. Colin moaned again.
“I can’t go easy tonight, I’m afraid,” Graham said.
Colin nodded again. “Please, Graham.”
Moving his fingers faster now, Graham felt him relax. He positioned his cock between his taut cheeks. The friction was delicious, and he couldn’t wait to get inside him. He withdrew his fingers and eased the head of his cock at his hole. Closing his eyes, he pushed inside.
“Graham!” Colin pressed back, taking all of him.
Graham grunted something, he wasn’t sure, then began to thrust. He prided himself on the fact that a benefit of his Hawk curse was that he could fuck forever, but tonight he was dangerously close to climax after a few strokes. Clenching his jaw tight, he held on to Colin and moved faster. It was heaven and he could feel himself beginning to lose his lauded control. He vaguely heard Colin’s shouts of pleasure before he exploded inside him. They shook together, Graham trembling until he was spent.
Graham withdrew, and they collapsed on the bed as they had at the inn, but Colin was still tense. Opening one eye, he saw that he hadn’t come. Well, of course he hadn’t. Graham had taken everything and given nothing. That went against his rules.
“Come here,” he said.
Colin turned, coming to his knees as he faced him. He sat back on his heels and brushed his black hair off his brow. His eyes still held that heat.
“What?”
Graham tilted his chin toward Colin’s raging erection. Colin flushed then held himself.
“No,” Graham said, coming closer. “Let me.”
He took Colin’s cock in his mouth, easing up and down with the care he should have taken when he’d fucked him. Cupping Colin’s balls, he teased and licked before finally engulfing him in his mouth once more. Colin shouted his name again then came with a great shudder.
Colin fell back, a smile of bliss on his handsome face. “Capital,” he murmured.
Graham stretched out beside him. “That was a fun romp, to be sure.”
Colin stiffened and Graham cast him a glance. His brow was knit, and then he smiled. “Cracking good.”
Graham was seized with the need to say something more, but for the life of him he couldn’t think of a blessed thing. He’d never felt tongue-tied around Colin, so he pushed aside his unease and stretched out on his back. He pillowed his head on his hands.
“So you’ll come to Hawksfell Manor with me?” he asked.
After a moment, Colin mirrored his posture. “If you truly wish it.”
Graham couldn’t meet his gaze, but he nodded. “I do.”
“Then we shall have great fun in the Hawks’ roost.”
Graham released a breath he hadn’t been aware he’d been holding. He knew they would rouse themselves after a few minutes. Perhaps Colin would ring for a maid to join them later. Perhaps they would just retire to the fire in the parlor downstairs. It didn’t matter how they spent the rest of the evening, really.
All that mattered was that they never discuss what they’d just shared or how unsettled it made Graham feel.
Chapter 3
“Do cease vexing me, Cabot.” Lily took a breath as she straightened Lady Hawksfell’s chamber. “I have work to do.”
“But another Hawk arrives today, Lily. Surely you’re curious.”
Lily shook her head and faced the footman. “And why should I be?”
Cabot winked. “I saw how you eyed the earl’s brother a few months back. I bet you wanted to see if the Hawk curse was true.”
Lily swallowed a retort. She had indeed wondered just that. Any of that business with the earl and his staff occurred well before she’d come here, and her mind had lots of time to wander here at the manor. She wasn’t going to entertain those rumors with Cabot, though.
“You need to stop talking about the earl and his relatives, Cabot. You’re going to get sacked.”
Cabot stepped closer. “It’s all true, you know. Even your precious Mosley has had a taste of the Hawk lusts.”
Lily tamped down her reaction to the notion of the handsome chauffeur with that latest Hawk relative to come to the manor. She didn’t quite know what men could do together, but she couldn’t ignore the fact that the notion got her juices flowing and her blood hot.
“You’re thinking about it, aren’t you?” Cabot laughed. “I can see it, Lily. Your pretty white skin is flushed a lovely pink.”
“Get out of the countess’s room and leave me be, Cabot,” she bit out.
Cabot shrugged one shoulder of his meticulously-kept livery jacket. “Fine, then. I just wanted you to prepare yourself for the earl’s newest visitor.”
He finally left her to her thoughts. Lily couldn’t ignore the truth in some of Cabot’s words. She had been thinking about the Hawk arriving today. There was little doubt he would be frightfully handsome. Blessed and cursed, the Hawks were. Within her earshot, Lady Hawksfell and Mr. Crowley had teased the earl about opening the manor to yet another one, but even Lily knew the earl felt an obligation. According to Cabot’s well-formed and mobile mouth, ever since the earl married he’d invited many Hawks to his home. She didn’t know what drove him, but it wasn’t her place to wonder was it?
She left the countess’s room and headed back down to the servants’ hall. As she entered the common room, Mrs. Holmes stopped her.
“Guests, Lily.” Mrs. Holmes smoothed her apron and patted her hair. “The earl’s cousin is approaching on the drive.”
Lily mimicked the housekeeper’s motions and straightened her appearance by touch. She was needed out front on the drive with the other servants to welcome their newest visitor. “Yes, Mrs. Holmes.”
Mrs. Holmes flashed a quick smile then shook her head. “I daresay there are more Hawks in Yorkshire than heather on the moors.”
With that, the older woman left Lily to hurry up and out the front door. An impressive motor approached, the late afternoon sun glinting off the fenders. Lily found her place next to the earl’s valet, Grayson. She idly noted he looked as finely turned out as Cabot and the other footman ever were. His gaze was fixed forward and his posture stiff. She mirrored his stance, grateful for the perpetuation of propriety in the sight line of both Mrs. Holmes and Mr. Carstairs, the butler. She valued this position and wouldn’t let Cabot’s teasing or her own foolish worries put it in jeopardy.
The sun was bright on this side of the house, thank goodness. There was little breeze, so it felt more crisp than cold on this November afternoon. She watched with deference but not much interest as the motor came to a quiet stop and the chauffeur stepped out. Yes, she was safe here at Hawksfell Manor. There was nothing or no one to change that situation. That resolve slipped as one of the prettiest men she’d ever seen stepped out onto the drive.
He had dark hair, perhaps as dark as the earl’s, but that was where the comparison ended. This couldn’t be the new Hawk! His features were finely wrought, and he was tall and well-bui
lt, but not nearly as large a man as all the Hawks she’d seen. His coat was of fine gray wool and spanned broad shoulders. He moved with grace as he straightened, flashing a polite smile at the assembled servants. Lily’s heart gave a flutter as his blue eyes ran over her. She caught his gaze and saw that his smile didn’t show in his eyes. No. In fact, he looked quite reserved. Sad, almost. She bit her lip and his brows rose. Oh, he was a risk she didn’t need to take.
“Ah, the fine manor and its staff,” said a deep voice.
Lily turned her attention to the large man stepping out behind the pretty one. Her heart increased its palpitations. Oh, this man in the long black coat was the Hawk most certainly. Those chiseled cheeks, that cleft chin, marked him as the earl’s cousin. His hair was sun streaked instead of dark and brushed carelessly back from his forehead, but there was no mistaking the dark Hawk eyes set in his breathtakingly handsome face. Her fluttering heart dropped clear to her stomach.
She gasped, drawing his attention as well. He threw a cheeky grin in her direction, and she saw that he smiled with his entire being. He was apparently as carefree as his companion was reserved. The contrast between the two virile men caused her breath to catch. Her body tingled, and her corset suddenly felt too tight. Despite the chill, beads of sweat popped out on her chest as she flushed.
“Welcome to Hawksfell Manor, my lord,” Carstairs said with a bow. “I am Carstairs, the butler.”
This new Hawk mimicked his bow, and Lily saw Mrs. Holmes hide a smile behind her hand. He was a charmer to be sure, and apparently no woman was immune.
“Graham Hawk, Mr. Carstairs,” he said. “Viscount Weston, actually. And this is my good friend Mr. Spencer.”
The butler bowed to the viscount’s friend. “The earl awaits you in his study. Will your chauffeur be staying at the manor?”
