forty he was devastating. It was odd to think back on their younger years. They were such different people now. Patrick was no longer the lean, graceful beauty. Oh, he was still beautiful and graceful, but he was no longer lean. He’d become a solid wall of muscle, with broad shoulders and biceps nearly as big around as Marcus’s thighs had been back in the day. Then again at eighteen, Patrick hadn’t been wielding a sword nearly as tall as he was all day long. The effect on his muscles was mouthwatering, and now Patrick was the bigger of the two of them.
“Would you like some help?” The laughter had finally subsided into chuckles.
“I would not.” Marcus went down another step, putting him eye level with the trapdoor.
“Do you intend to go all the way to the bottom on your… er, bottom?” That set off a whole other round of laughter.
Perhaps a fortnight in nothing but a kilt.
A hand landed on each of his thighs, and the laughter ceased. “Marcus, don’t be a stubborn arse. Let me help you.”
“I’ve got it.” He descended another step, and Patrick’s face was only a foot from his. He stared at Marcus with a look so serious and… pitying. Though Patrick would protest that. Still, it made Marcus’s stomach clench. Dust, he hated not being able to do the things he used to take for granted. That damned fire had robbed him of so much. “Now that I’ve a wall to help steady me, I’ll be fine.”
Patrick stared at him for a moment, then instead of moving back, he leaned forward. His lips touched Marcus’s in a soft caress. The warmth of lips was directly contrasted with the cool air surrounding them as his long blond hair formed a curtain around them. Moving back only a fraction, Patrick stared into his eyes.
“What?”
Patrick shook his head. “I love you, you stubborn dust for brains.”
“Ah, such a romantic.” Bless Patrick, he always knew what to do to make things better, more tolerable if not easier.
After pressing a grinning kiss to his lips, Patrick started to move back, but Marcus didn’t let him. His legs might not work, but there was nothing wrong with his hands. He let go of his cane, vaguely aware of it clanking its way down a stair or two, and caught Patrick behind the neck to keep him from retreating. He sealed his lips to his consort’s, saying everything he didn’t dare say aloud for fear it would be snatched from him like everything else in his life. He licked the seam of Patrick’s lips, asking for entrance. He got it and then some.
Patrick leaned forward, resting his hands on the steps and surged into Marcus’s mouth like a conqueror. The aggression was unusual for him, but Marcus didn’t mind. He was still just so happy Patrick was alive and unhurt. Threading his fingers through the overlong mane, Marcus met Patrick stroke for stroke, caress for caress. The vapor of hot breath spread around them. Their tongues dueled, and despite the chill in the air and pain in his leg, Marcus’s cock began to stir. His arousal became a slow burn in his groin and lower abdomen with no hurry to gain completion. He wanted to ride the wave and savor his consort. Or at least he thought he did, until Patrick had him almost flat on his back and his back began to protest.
Breaking the kiss, Marcus let his hand slide forward to touch Patrick’s cheek. The stubble tickled his fingers and snagged the few strands of platinum that had come forward with Marcus’s movement. “Get me my cane, and let’s go home.”
Standing upright, Patrick beamed at him. “That sounds like a wonderful idea, but I have a problem.”
“What?”
Patrick looked down.
Marcus did too, and his brain started to protest and overrule his body. Patrick had a very impressive erection tenting his kilt. Marcus looked to the heavens. God bless whomever invented kilts. Just knowing there was nothing beneath and he could just reach up and grab a handful…. Ah.
“I have an idea.” Patrick turned to get Marcus’s cane. He gave it to him and extended his hand. “How about I give you a piggyback ride. Your legs will hide my problem.”
Damn him. Marcus knew exactly what he was doing, but he was too ready to be home and out of the cold to care. “Fine.” He took Patrick’s hand and let himself be pulled to his feet.
Once Marcus was settled on