Ash has spent his whole life hating himself and running from the truth. He tried like hell to kill himself during the war but failed.
Easygoing, puckish natured, incredibly intelligent and blatantly sensual, Ned was Ash’s greatest source of joy and torment.
Everything changes when Ash’s secret is revealed. Elston Abbey, Ned’s home and Ash’s childhood safe haven will never be the same.
“Would you like to kiss me?†Ned's voice was smooth and low. It curled through Ash and he felt his body rising from the chair.
“Oh, God, yes!†He whispered as he stepped toward him.
Ned pushed from the table and Ash stopped just before their bodies touched. He knew his body was shaking but he couldn’t feel it. He was just a pounding heart and a painfully throbbing cock. And lips. His lips felt like they were on fire. Ash inhaled and the smell of Ned flooded him. Bergamot, citrus, tea and scotch. It was heaven and his mouth watered. They were almost the same height and he could feel Ned’s breath against his lips. He was afraid to move, to touch him. He didn’t want it to end and he was sure that as soon as any part of his body touched Ned’s he’d wake up. Or die. He took a deep breath and it shuddered through him. “Ned, you have no idea…†His voice broke and he felt his eyes watering. He saw Ned swallow and his lips curved gently. They were so close Ash could almost feel it against his lips.
“I swear, I do, Ash.†Ned whispered. The words were hot and moist and Ash licked his lips. He tasted them and his erection throbbed. Ned’s pupils dilated and his head tilted forward. Ash held his breath and he felt Ned’s warm, soft lips brush against his. They dragged slowly from side to side and heat spilled through Ash. He raised his chin up and down just enough to make their lips part and cling. Ned’s hand fell tentatively on his shoulder and Ash groaned when he felt Ned’s tongue slide along his lips. He raised his hand to cradle Ned’s jaw but it shook and hovered in the air next to his face. Ash felt Ned’s hand press against his, guiding his hand to his face. As soon as it connected with his skin, need exploded within Ash. He growled and angled his head as he opened his lips and his tongue slid against Ned’s. He tasted like scotch and something crisp and it made Ash’s head spin. His tongue was everywhere in Ned’s mouth, trying to learn every new texture and taste. He felt Ned’s hand squeeze his shoulder and pull him closer.
Their bodies connected and Ned sighed into his mouth. It made Ash desperate. He pushed his hand into Ned’s hair and he moaned in delight when he felt the cool, silk soft strands around his fingers. His hands started moving; from Ned’s hair to his face, his arm, his neck, his chest, his back… Ash was still too afraid to touch him below the waist and he tried to keep his groin from touching Ned’s. He didn’t want to lose control and maul him or spill himself in his pants. Ned’s hand was under his coat and fisted in his shirt, locking Ash against him as their tongues dueled...