Page 83 of Too Many Beds

From the corner of his eye, he saw someone approaching, wearing the white mask and the uniform of a Napoleonic soldier, but at a higher rank than the one Evan had been requested to wear. He didn’t think it was a coincidence.

The soldier stopped in front of Evan. “I have received very good news about your conduct, Captain. Such high standards deserve a reward.”

He hadn’t seen what Jeremiah had been wearing earlier, but knowing he was dressed as a commanding officer made his cock harden to full salute.

“I have already been dedicated to my duties, sir. If you are so inclined, would you like to see my abilities firsthand?”

“Best not to rely on secondary sources, when I can see with my own eyes, and touch with my own hands. No matter how trustworthy my informants are.”

He wanted Jeremiah’s hands on him so badly he could burst, and George and Clive must’ve sung his praises. “I put myself at your disposal.”

Evan was an experienced man, liked to think he was a well-versed and considerate lover but in the presence of Jeremiah he felt like a virgin who was about to be schooled. Part of him thought he should be appalled but the rest of him wanted to obey. He’d loved his experience at Crofton Hall so far, but this was why he was here, to spend the night in the Earl of Crofton’s bed, and as he might only get one shot at it, he would relish every minute.

“Then fall into step, Captain, and we’ll discuss your reward.”

Jeremiah didn’t say another word to him until he opened a door to reveal a large bedroom, the biggest Evan had seen so far, with a glorious four-poster bed to match.

“I do have some rules for people who enter my private rooms, Evan. And before we become better acquainted, I expect you to agree to them.”

At this point, there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t say if it meant Jeremiah would fuck him.

“Of course.”

Jeremiah took off his mask and threw it to the side. “Off with yours. I want to see your face as we talk.”

Evan didn’t want to do much talking but he removed his mask and Jeremiah flung it in the direction of his own.

“A word of advice, you must not let your cock make promises which you may come to regret.” Jeremiah chuckled. “You are a trusting soul, more than I realised. You are lucky my rules are there to ensure my lover’s pleasure and prevent misconceptions.”

Evan would have never considered himself too trusting but Jeremiah was right in that he was allowing his desperation to forge his path.

“But I wouldn’t be here if your reputation was that of a bastard. Trusting you to treat me well is not a poor choice based on nothing.”

Jeremiah fixed him with a look that made Evan snap his mouth shut—now was not the time to argue.

“As pleased as I am to hear that you feel me worthy of such trust, you will listen carefully. Understand?”

“Yes, sir.”

Jeremiah smirked and Evan was delighted he’d pleased him. “Good boy. Now there’s nothing arduous or terrible. I merely expect you to do as you are told, but if I ask you to do something you do not wish to do because it makes you uncomfortable, or if I hurt you, you make it clear and I will stop. Agreed?”

He could do that, although the mention of pain made him a little wary. “Yes sir. May I speak?”

“Go on.”

“I’m not a fan of pain.” He waited to hear the response.

“Then I will not inflict it.” He held Evan’s hand. “Tonight is all about enjoyment and delight. Which is why you need to say if it stops being so.”

“I will. Thank you.” Jeremiah was more than living up to his reputation and he hadn’t even started yet.

“Now I’m satisfied you understand my rules, we can begin. Strip down then present yourself on all fours in the centre of the bed so I can confirm your condition.”

Despite every instinct to remove his clothes as fast as he could, Evan knew he would entertain Jeremiah far more if he put on a show.

Carefully, he unfastened each button of the dress uniform’s jacket, working down from the high neck to his waist. Jeremiah sat in a wingback chair, watching, his smouldering gaze full of promise. Next were his boots and socks, leaving him in his undershirt and trousers—something he hoped would please Jeremiah further.

He lowered his braces over his shoulders and hitched his thumbs into the waistband of his trousers, either side of the fly.