Chapter 9

Ran wasn’t in the mood for the house party. He was never in the mood but it was a necessary evil. If he wanted someone clean, white, preppy and in his early thirties, like Niall, the party at the house in Belgravia was his best bet. Ran didn’t care if his partner for the weekend was a high-end escort or a high society slut. If Ran stayed drunk and could trick just a small part of his brain into playing along, it was a little like having Niall for a few nights.

His gin and tonic grew warm as he watched Albemarle Street. He was in a tuxedo and ready to head out but he had no desire to leave his room. He definitely wasn’t in the mood for another generic Niall substitute. He wanted Icarus but he’d vanished completely. Ran tried to convince himself it was for the best. Finding Icarus would have made his life more complicated and uncomfortable. He fantasized very briefly about finding Icarus and saving him then keeping him close to Gallahide, so he’d be there when Ran needed him. His stomach turned after a few seconds and he dismissed the idea entirely. It would feel like cheating and living a weird double life but somehow, he knew Niall would approve.

“I’m getting too old for this and I’d really like to settle down,” he murmured then washed down a curse with his drink. He didn’t even like gin but Niall drank gin and tonics before dinner. Ran always craved the taste of them as he dressed to go out and it became a ritual. He raised the glass and glared at it. He was just a little less than a year from turning forty and he suffered through gin and tonics because he was trapped in a sexless marriage with his sister’s husband. “It’s not ideal, wee Ranulf,” he scolded and he heard his father’s voice then smirked. He’d said those words to Ran a thousand times and just before he passed. He was the only man who could look down on Ran. He was the only one tall enough but his character was as unimpeachable as God’s, in Ran’s mind. As far as he knew, Ran’s father had only ever made one bad decision but it was turning out to be monumental. He married Susan Baldwin during Ran’s first year at Oxford. She was the daughter of a wealthy and prominent Irishman who owned a newspaper and a small chain of department stores. Susan died just two years later in an accident while on a ski trip with her lover and left Ranulf Senior with two twelve year old stepchildren. Isla and Simon were already cruel, jealous and spiteful but they became more secretive and dependent on each other after their mother died. Ran reminded himself that it had to be traumatic to lose their mother and find themselves alone in a large household with strangers. He lost his mother when he was seventeen and it was devastating despite having a loving father and a household full of staff that felt like family. Unfortunately, Isla and Simon only seemed to get worse, as they matured. And then there was Isla’s catastrophic marriage… A tap at the door pulled Ran from his thoughts and he was grateful as he went to get it. He didn’t need to feel more frustrated and disappointed.

“This came for you, my lord,” a bellboy said as he handed Ran a long, slender box. It was white and completely blank and Ran’s heart raced as he thanked him then shut the door. He opened the box and his nerves flared. A blank white card rested on tissue paper and he cheered under his breath as he read quickly.

Lord Lachlan

A car is waiting. If you get inside it will take you wherever you’d like to go. You can give the driver an address or you can wear this.

Ran dropped the card and brushed back the tissue and a wicked grin spread across his face as his fingers traced a silk blindfold. He tucked it in his pocket and dropped the box on his way to the door. He whistled cheerfully in the lift then winked at the doorman on his way out, completely dismissing the dark mood he was in before the blindfold. A driver waited next to a Jaguar limo and lowered his head in greeting.

“For me?” Ran asked as the driver opened the door.

“Good evening, Lord Lachlan,” he said and Ran felt a bit nervous as he ducked into the backseat.

“It could be,” he replied as the door shut behind him. He checked the cabin of the car as he reclined but it was empty. A bottle of champagne chilled in a bucket and the privacy barrier was up as Ran pulled the blindfold from his pocket and put it on. The other door opened and Ran felt the air move and heard someone sit next to him before the door closed again.

“Thank you for joining me,” Icarus whispered and goosebumps spilled down Ran’s back as the front of his trousers became tighter. He shifted in his seat and leaned toward the sound of his voice.

“I’ve missed you. Where have you been?” He asked but there was only silence. Ran rolled his eyes beneath the black silk. “Kiss me, then,” he demanded and he only had to wait a moment before Icarus’ lips pressed against his. Ran growled softly as his tongue traced before he sucked on Icarus’ lip. “I looked for you. I thought I was truly going mad,” he confessed and Icarus’ lips were gone. The ice slid in the bucket and Ran heard a soft fizz before a champagne flute was pressed into his hand.

“Drink this, please,” Icarus said softly.

“Lad,” Ran complained heavily. “I’m not going to run and I’m not going to give you any trouble.”

“Please,” Icarus repeated and Ran’s tongue pushed against the inside of his cheek. He hoped some of his trust would be returned but, clearly, he was mistaken. “For our safety,” Icarus added and Ran understood. Icarus didn’t want Ran to know how far they were traveling and it would be easier to move him without alerting the driver. Icarus could make Ran appear drunk but willing and he wouldn’t have to keep the blindfold on if he was drugged. Ran wouldn’t remember enough later.

“I’m a fool, that’s for sure,” Ran declared as he raised his glass in salute then drained it in three large gulps.

“Thank you,” Icarus said as he took the glass then curled his hand around Ran’s. He held it and they sat in silence as the sounds of the city outside the car became a distorted swirl. Ran’s head became heavy and his limbs were too long. It was all smudgy and dark but the moon reflected off their dress shoes as they shuffled and crashed. Icarus’ hands were sad as they undressed Ran.

“How long has it been?” Ran said as his eyes focused and the ceiling of the boathouse came into view. His hands were tied again and Ran sighed as he raised his head.

“Hours. Are you hungry?” Icarus asked as he waited at the foot of the bed. He was wearing his mask but he was naked and his knees were pulled up and his arms were crossed over them. Ran’s teeth scraped over his lip and his mouth watered.

“I’m hungry,” he replied huskily then jerked his head. “Get over here,” he ordered. Icarus hesitated for a moment then slowly crawled to Ran and kissed him. Their lips clung and the mask was cool as it pressed against Ran’s brow.

“You’re not mad?” He breathed and Ran shrugged.

“It seems I’ll forgive a lot, if there’s a tight, willing arse in it for me,” he said then winced. “I really am just like my father,” he murmured and Icarus smothered a snorting laugh. Ran’s brow rose as he tried to make out the color of his eyes. The window to Ran’s right was covered and the boathouse’s wide, wooden doors were shut to keep the daylight out. He could easily swear he knew Icarus but his brain kept turning him into Niall. But Niall was incredibly modest and deeply restrained. It was almost laughable, the thought of him tying anyone up and casually stripping down to his skin as he waited for them to regain consciousness… But it is ridiculously hot. And that scar. Ran would know if Niall had been injured like that, it would have come up at some point, during their six years together. He shook his head to clear it and decided his energy was better spent enjoying Icarus, Ran would convince him to reveal himself and his intentions later. Maybe. “You’d better feed me something, I’m starving,” he teased and Icarus shivered as he rose then carefully slid his knee over Ran’s chest. “Aye, come closer,” Ran encouraged but he was shaking and his voice was deep and broke as lust slammed into him. Icarus scooted higher and Ran would have wrapped his hands around his warm, tight ass and feasted. “Dear God, how I’ve craved the taste of you,” he confided then whimpered in agonized delight as Icarus pressed his hands against the brick wall behind the headboard and gently planted his knees next to Ran’s shoulders. Ran’s eyes swept upwards, over the tight ridges of his abs, his chest as it rose and fell rapidly and Icarus’ light beard. His lips were swollen and red and glistened as he panted and watched Ran. It was the most erotically sublime moment of his life. He was nearly in tears as he opened his mouth wide and wrapped his lips around Icarus’ shaft. He sucked and Icarus moaned so softly, it made the hair on Ran’s arms stand. Icarus rolled his hips cautiously and a loud, long ecstatic groan poured from Ran and there was a hint of a plea at the end as he prayed for him to let go and ride his face. It took him a moment and several imploring grunts from Ran but Icarus finally relaxed and gave in and it was glorious. His breath hissed in and out of his teeth as he thrust until the neatly trimmed hairs at the base of his cock tickled Ran’s nose and he gagged rapturously around Icarus’ length as he swallowed it.

“Stop!” Icarus squeaked as he pulled his hips back and Ran pouted loudly as his lips chased after the head. “Too close,” he huffed as he turned and swung his leg over and Ran’s head fell to the side as he adored his view of Icarus’ backside. He dove for Ran’s cock and he covered it with his hands and lips as he licked, lapped and stroked frantically. Ran had to crane his neck forward to reach and he growled in protest as the tip of his tongue traced the cleft of Icarus’ ass. Icarus gasped then slid back and Ran’s eyes rolled euphorically as he sucked at the sweet, tight puckered flesh around his hole. He drilled with his tongue and Icarus muffled a sob as he took Ran deep into his throat. The pressure became too intense and Ran gulped for air as desire and heat swelled.

“Now, Icarus. Ride me now,” he begged and Icarus nodded drunkenly as he pushed off the mattress and reached for a condom. He fumbled a bit as he hurried then quickly coated Ran with lube. He climbed over Ran’s thighs and for just a little while, the world was a brighter, more magical place as Icarus reached behind him and carefully sat. Ran’s eyes widened in stunned bliss as his erection pressed into Icarus’ clenching heat. Actual tears pooled in his eyes as it disappeared between Icarus’ firm, round cheeks before he rose then dropped quickly. “Fuck me, that’s beautiful,” he sighed as he bucked in time with Icarus. “Just come back before you’ve finished. I want you to spill yourself all over my tongue,” he said and Icarus nodded but he was too busy bouncing like he was trying to break himself. “Fuck, fuck, fuck!” Ran cried as his head fell back and lolled on the pillows. The slick clap of his ass as it slapped against Ran’s pelvis and Icarus’ frantic pants and pleas filled the air and it was spiritual, how good it felt. The pleasure wasn’t the usual, predictable curling tickle that began in his cock and built strength until it drowned out Ran’s brain and turned him into an animal. He still felt like an animal but the tickle happened in his chest and his stomach too, he was happy and the dash of giddiness was refreshing. It had been so long since sex was fun and not a valve for the pressure and frustration or loaded with guilt and self-resentment.

“God!” Icarus breathed as he stopped and his chest heaved as he pulled himself off Ran’s shaft. He turned and dove toward him then scrambled to the headboard and Ran strained to reach with his mouth.

“Give it to me!” He demanded and opened wide just as Icarus rose on his knees and aimed his cock at Ran’s lips. Cum splashed on Ran’s cheek and beard before the head found his tongue. He sucked and groaned and the pleasure in his chest and groin became overwhelming as Icarus’ release flooded his mouth and spread through him, making Ran lighter and happier as the pleasure in his groin made his eyes roll. Icarus tasted divine as he shivered and jerked and chanted Ran’s name. It was too much. “I’m about to come so hard,” he babbled as his head rolled back.

“Wait!” Icarus dropped and sat on his heels then fell on Ran’s stomach as he snatched the condom off his cock.

“Holy shite,” Ran moaned then jumped and his shoulders came off the bed as Icarus’ lips locked around his length and he sucked. His nerves snapped and his mouth stretched as his eyes rolled. “Icarus!” He screamed and cum poured from the head as Icarus pumped Ran’s shaft, greedily claiming every drop as he sucked and licked loudly. “Enough! Enough, please!” Ran cried and his legs kicked as he became sensitive. Icarus made a disgruntled sound as he released him then flopped onto his side and shifted until his head was on Ran’s chest. Ran’s lips twisted thoughtfully as he looked at his hands. He wanted to hold the lad and feel him in his arms. “Is this still necessary?” He asked and Icarus didn’t hesitate before he nodded. Ran sighed as he decided it was probably for the best. He didn’t need to know what that felt like, his heart was already a mess. “My mother always threatened to tie me down to keep me out of trouble,” he murmured then laughed softly as he kissed Icarus’ hair and there was a quiet chuckle.

“Tell me,” he sighed as rubbed his jaw and lips against Ran’s chest and wreaked havoc on his concentration. Icarus’ hands bathed Ran, they searched and clung to his skin as he waited. Ran bit down on his lip hard as heat stirred in his groin. He wasn’t sure if he could focus well enough but it might distract them so they had a little more time to recover.

“She couldn’t bring herself to even raise her voice and you couldn’t tell her I wasn’t the perfect little lad and lord. But one time, I was sure I was in hot water because she caught me in the servants’ wing and accused me of fooling with the maids,” he said and Icarus looked shocked as he raised his head but Ran hushed him as he stretched his neck so he could kiss him.

“I was fifteen and just got my first car. There was a young footman… God, was I arse over ears in love with him,” he confessed and Icarus snorted as he kissed Ran’s collarbone. “It took me two days to work up the courage to knock on his door and tell him I had a car and nothing better to do than drive him into town if he ever needed a lift.” There was another snort from Icarus at the thought of a young Lord Lachlan offering to play chauffeur to a footman. Ran sighed as he remembered. “Ah, but he was gorgeous. I didn’t make it to his door. My mother came around the corner and I turned to run but she ordered me to stay put. She was wagging her finger at me, scolding me for abusing my rank and warning me that young girls agree to do things with men who have more power than them out of fear, not real consent. I was so appalled at the whole idea, I forgot half the house was pretending they didn’t have their ears pressed to their doors and told her I wasn’t looking for a maid, that I was there for a lad. My brain caught up with me a moment later and I thought that was it. I thought she’d start bawling and my father would find out and I’d never see Gallahide again,” he said and Icarus rested his chin on Ran’s chest as he waited breathlessly. “She had to take a moment but then she shook her head and grabbed hold of my ear so she could drag me in front of my father. It was the most humiliating three minutes of my life! Not only was I shitting bricks because I was about to come out to him but I had to bend down so she could keep hold of my ear as we made our way downstairs and into the study. I still have a kink in my neck from that afternoon,” he complained. “She pushed me in front of my father and I thought that was it, I thought I was done. But he listened then nearly put his finger through my chest. ‘I dunna care which hole ye hide yer dick in at night but ye’ll not mistreat me staff, wee Ranulf,’ he said. I promised him I’d never abuse my rank and he told me to go about my business but keep it to myself,” Ran said and Icarus looked impressed.

“Your mother?”

“It didn’t make a bit of difference. I was still her perfect boy,” Ran said and he missed both of his parents dearly but the ache was just a little sharper as he thought of her. His father was everything to Ran. He was the man Ran tried to be when he woke up each morning and every day was spent trying to live up to his memory. But Ran’s mother was the finest woman who ever existed and she knew how to soothe his fears and made him invincible. “She told me that as long as I was loved and sorted out how to give her grandchildren, she’d be happy,” he stated and there was a tight gasp from Icarus as he flinched.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered and Ran shrugged.

“I promised her I’d do my best to find a good boy to settle down with and get him pregnant,” he laughed.

“Did the footman find out?” Icarus asked shakily and Ran hummed as he rubbed his cheek against his hair to comfort him. He wasn’t sure how, but he could feel that Icarus wanted to cry or run again.

“It definitely got back to him. I wasn’t sure if he knew until I came home from university, after I’d grown six inches and shed my baby fat. I spent a lot of time in his bed,” he recalled and Icarus’ lips pulled tight as he glared up at him. “He was the only one!” Ran swore as he shifted his hips and used his legs and thighs to lift and scoot Icarus so he was on top of him. “We had a very convenient arrangement until he went on to work someplace else. My father was right and I’ve never looked at any of the staff once they were mine, that’s a boy’s game. My father didn’t care who I loved as long as I loved Gallahide first and I do my best to live up to that.”

“You do,” Icarus breathed and Ran grinned.

“I do but we’re not in Gallahide and I’ve got a more urgent matter to deal with at the moment. Would you mind giving me a hand?” He asked and Icarus pretended to be put out and rolled his eyes as he reached for a condom.

“I suppose,” he muttered then rode Ran until their bodies gave out. Ran found more stories to tell and Icarus laughed softly, hummed and whispered tiny replies until he became taut and restless. “Please drink this,” Icarus begged as he offered Ran a glass. The light outside became harder and Ran tried to argue as time slipped away from him.

“We don’t have to play this game. Let me help you!” He insisted but Icarus waited as his eyes pled with Ran. “This is absolute horse shite,” Ran grumbled but he drank like a clod then complained as everything became heavy and slow and his heart felt a little colder and there were new cracks in it when he woke up in his room at Brown’s.