Sean’s breathing was still slow and even, and Bash couldn’t help smiling with a certain amount of smugness. No doubt Sean was worn out from their exertions and with good reason. Bash wasn’t certain he’d ever managed that many orgasms in a night before, not even when he’d a randy teenager drooling over bodybuilder magazines and an illicit copy of Playgirl he’d swiped from a female schoolmate.
He debated getting up and heading into the bathroom, but it was far easier to roll his hips, and he drew in a breath at the pleasurable slide of his cock against Sean’s ass. Sean murmured something Bash didn’t catch, but when he pressed back against Bash’s erection, Bash took it as an encouraging sign. Moving his hand lower, he found Sean was already hard as well, so he curled his fingers around him and stroked Sean slowly and deliberately.
Sean spoke again, and this time Bash heard the soft word. “Yes…”
They moved together easily, with none of the overwhelming hunger or desperation of their couplings during the night. This was different, and Bash didn’t hurry, letting the pleasure build slowly, enjoying a sense of connection he’d never experienced with any lover before. When he felt Sean’s breathing hitch and knew Sean was close, he bit down at the junction of his neck and shoulder, relishing the way Sean arched, Bash’s name on his lips as he came, his cock pulsing in Bash’s hand as Bash stroked him through his release.
“Mmm…” Sean murmured in contentment, then pressed back, grinding against Bash’s cock. Bash was so close, it didn’t take much, and he cried out as his orgasm hit, warm waves of pleasure flowing through him then slowly ebbing away.
Drawing in a deep breath, he leaned forward, pressing his lips against the bite mark. “Good morning,” he said, and he felt as well as heard Sean’s low chuckle.
“If you are auditioning for a job as my alarm clock, you’re hired,” Sean said, turning his head and smiling at Bash over his shoulder. Then he sighed. “But that means the day has started, doesn’t it?”
“It does,” Bash said, reluctant to be about his duties. That, too, was an entirely new feeling, but he couldn’t bring himself to care when he felt so damned good. But then his stomach rumbled, and he laughed softly. “As much as I would like to remain like this for the next year or two, I believe we missed both lunch and dinner yesterday, and I, for one, would very much like a shower.”
“I agree wholeheartedly.” Sean rolled over and pressed a quick kiss to Bash’s lips, and then he threw back the covers and rose to his feet. He stretched his arms over his head. “I’d ask if you were coming, but we’ve already taken care of that, so… want to join me in the shower?”
Bash chuckled as he got out of bed and stalked toward Sean with a predatory gait. “I’d like that. And maybe, if you’re lucky, you’ll come with me.”
As it turned out, their shower took quite some time, but they were finally driven out when Sean’s stomach began to growl as well. Bash loaned Sean clean clothing, which was large on him through the chest and shoulders, but Sean didn’t seem to mind. They dressed quickly and then made their way toward the dining room.
As usual, there was a buffet laid out, and Bash picked up a plate at one end, gesturing for Sean to follow. “Nick employs a small household staff, but we all help when we’re here,” he explained, then pointed at a pan of warm, fragrant pastries. “For instance, I’d know these cinnamon rolls anywhere. My buddy Greg is a hell of a baker.”
“That’s egalitarian of you,” Sean remarked, helping himself to one of the rolls. “What’s your unexpected talent? I mean, one you haven’t shown me yet.”
Bash grinned. “I’m a first-rate dishwasher,” he said, only half joking. “Other than that, I’m good with electronics. I help the techies out from time to time.”
They made their way to a table, and Bash glanced around, unsurprised to see everyone in the room had their eyes on Sean. While Sean was as drop-dead gorgeous as ever, Bash knew it was more because he was an unfamiliar face, and newcomers to the island were rare creatures indeed. But no one would press for information; not only were they too polite for that, they were all quite aware that people were entitled to their privacy. Sometimes, new members of Fortress had secrets they wanted to leave behind.
They began to eat, and Sean told him about Nick’s request that he join Fortress.
“Are you considering it?” Bash asked, trying to keep his tone casual. He was surprised to realize how much Sean’s answer meant to him.
Sean smiled, his gaze warm. “I think it’s safe to say I’m favorably disposed to the thought,” he replied, leaning across the table and putting his hand over Bash’s. “Of course it will depend upon the benefits package.”
“We’ll have to negotiate,” Bash said, but he returned the smile. The thought of having Sean in his life — and in his bed — was incredibly appealing. He’d never considered himself the type of man who wanted a relationship; in his line of work, it was dangerous. But it was more than just the incredible sex that drew him to Sean. There was a sense of rightness between them, and Bash wanted the chance to explore what it meant, and what it could become.
They’d nearly finished their meal — and Bash was contemplating whether he should offer Sean a tour of the island or simply invite him back to bed — when Nick walked into the room. It wasn’t unusual for the head of Fortress to eat with his people, but the way Nick’s forehead was creased in concern made Bash tense in alarm. Something must have happened, and he wasn’t surprised when Nick approached their table.
“I take it neither of you has watched the news this morning?” Nick asked.
Bash frowned and shook his head. “What’s happened?”
The dining room had televisions mounted near the ceilings in all four corners, though none of them were on at the moment, which wasn’t unusual. Fortress dealt in bad news, and few of them wanted to confront it first thing in the morning. Nick took out his cell phone and brought up an app, and a moment later, all four of the televisions flared to life, displaying an English language Middle Eastern news channel. A “Breaking News” banner was crawling along the bottom of the screen, and Bash heard Sean draw in a startled breath at the sight of his own face displayed prominently.
“As we have been reporting, the kingdom of Akkadia has issued an alert to world law enforcement concerning the whereabouts of Crown Prince Mishaan bin Fahd bin Faisal Al Rasheed, also known as Dr. Sean Grimaldi. The location of the Prince isn’t known at this time, and no ransom demands have been received. He was last seen in Akkadia. Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of the Crown Prince is encouraged to contact Interpol or the nearest Akkadian embassy or consulate.”
Bash glanced at Sean, noting the frown on his face. “What does this mean?” he asked, returning his gaze to Nick. “Why would the king do such a thing? And why wouldn’t Mansur stop it?”
“I doubt Mansur could have stopped Faisal, and I suspect the king is frantic to have Sean back.” Nick sat in one of the empty chairs, pulling up something else on his phone. “As to why a missing persons report? Faisal can’t say Seanescapedfrom the palace, no matter that it’s the truth. He may even believe you were a kidnapper, Sebastian. Which means it is a very good thing they never identified you, or Faisal would be out for your blood.”
Sean sighed and rubbed his forehead. “This all seems so ridiculous to me. I’ve never thought in dynastic terms, and I don’t wish to do so. But Faisal has made certain I can’t return to my normal life, hasn’t he? My only option would be to create some kind of international scene by saying I was being held prisoner. But who would believe me?”
“I’m afraid that’s my own conclusion as well,” Nick replied. “Since they released your English identity, even if you avoided the issue of if you left the country willingly, you’ll be hounded by the press and publicity seekers. Of course, that could be part of Faisal’s plan. If he believes you escaped, he would want to use any means at his disposal to drive you back to Akkadia.”
Bash could see Sean’s distress, and he reached out, taking Sean’s hand and squeezing it supportively. “You’re safe here. No one can get to you. You have time to see what the fallout is and figure out what you want to do.”
Sean managed a slight smile, but Bash couldn’t blame him for being upset over what Faisal had done. Bash would have been furious if his own options had been stripped from him so callously and completely, and he was outraged on Sean’s behalf.
