Aneurin Morgan gave a low growl of displeasure as he arrived to embark on the all-inclusive two-week cruise on the beautiful ship. His displeasure was not directed at the boat, the cruise or being the recipient of such a prestigious gift from his notably ancient and eminent firm of solicitors. The cruise was a reward for the successful conclusion of a particularly gruelling case and Nye felt justifiably proud of his achievement and the generous bonus. However, he was not happy to be sharing it with such an unsavoury companion. Nye ran his hand through straggly, sandy blond hair. He had been somewhat surprised to be allowed to keep his hair so long given the old-fashioned nature of his firm. However he wasn't going to tempt fate by dwelling on it. His hand then rubbed at a clean-shaven chin as he took in the magnificence of the ship before him. //Ok, so I'll share a table with the creep// Nye thought. //There's plenty of space to avoid him for the rest of the cruise.// Satisfied with his own course of action, Nye strode purposefully aboard, determined to make the most of the opportunity.
People queued to be ticked off passenger lists and Nye duly joined one such line. He could see the attractive, slim brunette who was smiling and taking names at the front of the queue he was in, but then Nye heard an almost inaudible gasp and dimly realised he'd been the one to make it. Standing to the side of the attractive woman was an even more attractive young man. The short, silver blond hair lit from behind by the sun, was like a halo. The vision was easily a few inches shorter than Nye's own six feet and slender to Nye's broad. The sculptured features looked to Nye to be the product of a master artist rather than simple nature, however, there was no doubt of their masculinity. A pristine white shirt was tucked into smart black pants. The short shirt-sleeves showed off honey-tinted skin. Nye was treated to an eyeful of how well the pants clung to the younger man's assets as he bent to retrieve a dropped passport. As the document was handed over, the beautiful face lit up in an incandescent smile and the bright blue eyes shone merrily. Nye wondered firstly whether there would be a 'no fraternising' rule and then secondly what made him think a young beauty, like the one before him, would have any interest in a man like him.
Lassiter Williams handed back a dropped passport and smiled widely at the effusive thanks. As he turned to continue directing the people in Liz's queue, his eyes met those of one of the passengers. The man exuded raw masculine power as well as being drop dead gorgeous and Lass knew he'd never been so affected by just sight alone. //Although// he mused ruefully //it's not as though I'm really that experienced in such matters. What could a great-looking guy possibly see in me?// The young man took a fortifying breath ready to meet and greet the new passenger.
"Hi, welcome aboard. My name is Liz and you are?"
"Aneurin Morgan," came the softly modulated reply. He duly shook hands with Liz, but already his eyes were moving to the young man at her side.
"Thank you, Mr Morgan," Liz smiled as she ticked off the name.
"Call me Nye," he replied, his eyes fixed on the now slightly blushing young man.
"Ok, Nye," Liz continued, completely unfazed by his behaviour. "Lass, please give Nye directions to his cabin."
As Liz quoted floor and cabin number, Lass held out a schematic of the ship to show Nye where he would be staying. Nye shamelessly took advantage to stand as close as possible and inhaled the other blond's subtle fragrance.
"I'm Nye," he said and then realised the young man already knew who he was.
"Yes I know," he was teased in return. A mischievous grin adorned the exquisite features. "I'm Lass, as I'm sure you heard. It's nice to meet you, Nye. I hope you have a great holiday with us." Lass gazed into the blue grey eyes of the other man as he extended his hand.
Nye accepted the proffered hand and then wondered who had set off the fireworks. A spark of electricity seemed to travel from their joined hands to send a jolt to his already interested libido. He was certain the attractive boy had felt it too, judging by the nonplussed look. Then he noticed the blush deepening on the high cheekbones and the passenger behind him who was now waiting impatiently for Nye to release Lass' hand.
"Sorry," he muttered.
"No problem." Lass could still feel the aftershocks from their handshake and fought hard to maintain his detached professionalism. Lass had taken advantage of the bigger man's proximity to inhale the clean, male scent and found he could easily want to spend all his time with Nye.
"Will I see you later?" Nye heard himself ask and was at a loss to know where the courage had come from. All he knew for certain was he did not want to fully relinquish the beautiful blond.
"I'll be helping serve dinner," Lass replied. "Perhaps I'll see you then."
"I look forward to it," Nye said smiling and receiving a blinding beam in return. //Who needs the sun, just pass me sunglasses and lotion right now// Nye basked happily in Lass' radiant smile before he wandered off to find his cabin.
As the last of their passengers walked away, Liz turned to regard Lass' glowing face.
"I'm glad someone's managed to cheer you up," she said nudging the slender man. "I know things have been difficult for the last few months, but things are looking up now and you deserve some fun. Nye seemed very much taken with you."
"I'm not sure, Liz," Lass demurred.
"He liked you, you liked him, just take it from there, Lass. He didn't leer or make a crass remark or treat you like a part of the ship's fittings and fixtures. At least I only tend to get the crude offers from the men."
"The men do tend to be cruder," Lass acknowledged sadly.
"A little flirting and making out would do no harm, Lass," Liz said conspiratorially.
"Liz," Lass gave a moue of mock outrage. "You shock me."
"Come on," she said dragging the unresisting blond in her wake. "If you're not already serving Nye's table I need to rearrange things so you do."
"Incorrigible," Lass muttered mournfully.
"Adorable," Liz laughed merrily.
****
Nye didn't know whether or not to be relieved that he was on a small table for four. The young married couple seemed amiable enough, but quite wrapped up in each other. That left him to focus more on Emmet, who he detested. However, he could not let that show in such an intimate setting and perhaps that was for the best. Nye hadn't been brought up to make scenes in public. Emmet seemed to think of himself as one of the firm's 'stars'. Nye was certain the brunette's mediocre performance had made little material difference to the outcome of his case, but the younger man had been quick to paint a much different picture. Being on one of the larger tables might have meant he would have let his true feelings for the other man show. He really didn't want to make small talk with strangers and he knew Emmet saw such opportunities as open offers to network. With just the young couple, there would be no work talk - he hoped. With a small table he could wish for the meal to be served quickly and he could eat and get away from the ambitious and disliked brunette. He looked up sharply with a grimace of distaste as Emmet leant back and snapped his fingers at the waiter attending the nearby table. He saw his look briefly mirrored by the older man before his features were schooled back into neutrality as the waiter turned to regard Emmet coldly.
"Your waiter will attend you in a moment...sir," he informed the impatient younger man.
Nye hid his smirk as Emmet glowered. Then his saw a shift in Emmet's dark brown eyes and his face light up as he stroked his goatee. A lascivious leer appeared and as Nye followed the other man's gaze he felt his stomach clench. Lass was approaching their table and it was clear he was to be their waiter.
"Try not to disgrace yourself any further, Emmet," Nye growled, hoping the other man wouldn't abuse the attractive blond. He had heard rumours about Emmet's behaviour towards both young men and women at his firm. Unfortunately nobody had made any formal complaints although a couple had left. Nye felt a protectiveness he couldn't explain and didn't want Lass to suffer in the same way from the bulky brunette.
"Champagne, a bottle" Emmet ordered curtly, before Lass even had time to ready his pen and paper.
"Yes, sir," Lass replied as he noted the order. "Any other drinks?"
He noted the Rioja for the couple and a bottle of water and half bottle of well-chilled Chablis for Nye. He gave Nye a brief smile as he turned to attend to the order.
"Looking to get in his pants yourself, Nye?" Emmet asked crudely.
"Don't be disgusting," Nye hissed back, glad the couple seemed to have missed the lewd suggestion. "I've heard rumours about your behaviour and I don't want to see it here," he added.
"Rumours are as insubstantial as Scotch mist," Emmet smiled smugly.
"But if you're caught in it, it leaves unmistakable evidence of its existence." Nye snapped back.
Their discussion was curtailed as Lass returned with a tray of drinks. He served the couple first, pouring the rich, ruby red wine into large balloon glasses. Next he poured some water into a tumbler with ice and set it at Nye's side. He put a small ice bucket in front of Nye that contained the Chablis. Nye nodded as Lass offered to pour. The wine was crisp and dry, just as Nye liked it and he smiled his approval, receiving a grin in return. Finally, the blond served Emmet. As Lass bent forward to place the ice bucket by him, Nye heard the muffled yelp and saw the blond jerk.
"He's very ...talented, isn't he, Nye?" Emmet gave a twisted smile.
Nye felt an immense sadness crash over him as the conspiratorial words and look that passed from Emmet to him didn't go unnoticed by Lass. He saw Lass' smile replaced by a look that was part wariness and part weariness. Emmet had succeeded in making Lass believe he was a party to Lass' mistreatment.
"Emmet," Nye snarled, trying to keep himself from erupting in his fury, "I may be forced to share a table with you, but I dislike you and have no desire to converse with you or be a part of any shabby treatment to the people who try and make our time here enjoyable."
Puzzled cerulean orbs flickered between the two bigger men. Instinctively Lass wanted to believe Nye's words. He'd been discomfited by Emmet from the moment he'd seen the avaricious brown eyes devour him as he'd approached the table. He'd felt nothing like that in Nye's presence. He wondered at the dynamics between the men.
"May we order now?" The voice of the young husband broke the spell between the other three men and Lass immediately became the consummate professional again. He noted the sympathetic looks from the couple and gave them one of his best smiles. He would not let their meal be ruined by Emmet.
The couple eschewed desserts and Lass watched them go over to Liz before leaving the dining room. Doing so, he passed the dessert menus to Emmet and Nye, forgetting to keep his distance from the brunette. He jerked and gasped as a hand slid between his thighs.
"Responsive little thing aren't you?" Emmet leered. "What do you say that we skip these more mundane desserts and offer me something more exotic - like you in my cabin?"
"The ship doesn't encourage liaisons between staff and passengers," Lass replied frostily. It was a rule that was frequently broken, but Lass had no desire to be anywhere near this man.
"You're not on duty all the time, pretty," Emmet persisted. "I'll make it worth your while."
"Leave the boy alone," Nye growled menacingly. He said 'no'"
"I didn't hear 'no'," Emmet replied.
"No," said Lass angrily, striding away.
Liz saw Lass becoming distressed and if the nice young couple hadn't already explained Emmet's appalling behaviour, she could have guessed at its origins. They had made a complaint regarding the treatment of Lass and requested a different table from Emmet for the duration of their voyage. Liz had noted their complaint and would ensure the captain was duly informed. She would separate Nye from him as well and ensure Lass served Nye's table for the rest of the cruise. She was certain Lass would enjoy Nye's company without Emmet there to ruin things, but for now she had a more personal way of dealing with the crass brunette. She walked purposefully to the table.
"Good evening, gentlemen," she said pasting her best professional smile on her face. "I hope you enjoyed your meal." She manoeuvred herself so Nye could see her wink as she picked up his bottle of water. To Nye's amazement, as Emmet's attention was taken by the imminent return of Lass, Liz calmly poured the water into the brunette's lap. She issued a wave of apologies to Emmet's fury, insisting the ship would clean his pants. She winked again at Nye as the still cursing brunette stormed angrily away.
"Be gentle with him," she said to the stunned blond as she nodded towards the nearing Lass. "I can be quite vengeful," she added as she moved away.
"I'm really sorry about tonight, Lass," Nye said sorrowfully.
"Are you and he...together?" Lass asked dubiously.
"He and I were sent on this cruise by our company. Look, is there somewhere you and I can talk away from here?" Nye pleaded.
"My shift ends in 15 minutes," Lass said checking his watch.
Nye unconsciously held his breath as a pair of bright blue eyes seemed to bore into his very soul. The smile he then received had his breath rushing out of his lungs and he struggled to return it with one of his own, feeling ridiculously pleased with himself.
****
Aneurin stood outside the dining room gazing at the ocean. He'd already waited 10 extra minutes, but was prepared to wait another 10 if necessary. However, he breathed a sigh of relief as he saw Lass walk towards him. He could see the younger blond's tiredness in the slump of the shoulders but there was a smile for him that seemed genuine enough.
"Thank you for giving me this opportunity to explain," Nye said sincerely. "Would you do me the honour of coming to my cabin?" Once again Nye became the object of intense scrutiny and again he was pleased to feel he had passed an important test as Lass nodded.
"Just to talk?" the younger blond clarified.
"I give you my word," Nye said seriously.
The two men walked companionably to Nye's cabin with Lass explaining about the amenities aboard the cruise ship. When they reached Nye's room he ushered Lass to his settee and went to his mini bar.
"Will you have a drink with me?" he asked.
"What are you having?" Lass asked with interest, happy to learn a little about the older man.
"Scotch," Nye said and laughed at the wrinkled nose Lass gave him in return. "Try it with lemonade," he continued. He poured himself a reasonable measure and then a smaller one, diluted with lemonade for his guest. "Cheers," he said, handing Lass his drink.
"Cheers," Lass echoed. He sipped at the drink and smiled at Nye to show the drink was palatable.
"So," Nye said sitting next, but not too close, to Lass, "I'm a solicitor and I recently concluded a very difficult case. This cruise is my firm's reward for a job well done and it was well done even if I do say so myself," Nye explained. "Unfortunately, Emmet managed to convince the partners that he made a more significant contribution than he did and he was included on the cruise. He is not a friend nor am I 'with him' in any way, shape or form. I'm sorry he treated you the way he did, but that seems par for the course for Emmet. Personally, I can't stand the man. And you?" Nye added quietly.
"My mother and sister moved down here to Southampton as I was finishing Uni," Lass said. "I stayed to do a Masters in Tourism. Then my sister lost her job and my mum took ill. Fortunately, I had just about finished my studies. I took any work I could: fast food chains, small restaurants, bar staff, anything to keep money coming in. Finally my sister got another job and my mum is fit and well again and a friend mentioned a job on board a cruise ship. He made it sound wonderful: travel, meeting people, more practical experience. It sounded idyllic. What he didn't mention was people like Emmet. He wasn't the first to treat me that way and I'm sure he won't be the last. Some people seem to think we're...available, you know? We're either part of the ship's provisions to be bought or raving nymphomaniacs. I haven't even had a chance to have a steady boyfriend."
Lost in his reverie, Lass didn't even notice his slip, but Nye latched to it like a drowning man would clutch at a straw. The beautiful young man had most definitely said 'boy' friend and not 'girl' friend.
"My friend didn't even stay," Lass continued. "He remained for two more weeks after I arrived and then was gone. Liz has been a good friend, but ...I'm lonely and I don't want to just jump into bed with someone. I want a friend before a lover." He gazed sadly at the older man.
"Will you let me be your friend, Lass?" Nye asked. "I'd like things to go further, if and when you're ready, but I would count it a privilege to be your friend."
"I'd like that, Nye," Lass said, a smile lifting the corners of the full, pink lips. He glanced at his watch. "I'm sorry, but I'm working breakfast shift and really need to get some sleep."
"I'll walk you to your room," Nye said decisively as he stood.
"Really, there's no need..." Lass began.
"I'd like to, Lass, please," Nye entreated.
"Ok then. Sure," Lass agreed.
The two men walked through mostly silent corridors to reach Lass' quarters. At his door, Lass shuffled as though now reluctant to part from the older man.
"I'll...um... see you at breakfast then," he said shyly.
"Absolutely," Nye confirmed. "Are you working till the same time tomorrow?" he asked.
"I'm afraid so," Lass nodded.
"May I see you tomorrow night?" Nye asked.
"Yes," Lass said quietly.
Feeling suddenly brave, Nye allowed his hand to caress a soft, smooth cheek.
"Please, may I kiss you goodnight?"
At the barely-there nod of acquiescence, Nye moved a little closer and brushed his lips tentatively across those of the younger man. At the soft sigh, he wrapped an arm around the lithe form to draw Lass close and kissed more firmly, thrilling when slender arms reached to drape over his shoulders. As the men parted they smiled.
"Goodnight, Nye. Sleep well."
"Goodnight to you, Lass. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow."
Nye watched until Lass closed his cabin door before returning to his own. He slept more soundly than he had in weeks, a beautiful young blond featuring in most of his dreams.
****
Nye was delighted to find that Lass served his table at breakfast and to find he was now on a larger table with no Emmet in sight. He saw Liz give him a knowing wink and realised it was her job to arrange seating and who served at the tables as a beaming Lass came over to check people found what they needed from the buffet breakfast and take away used dishes .He gave her a wide grin which she acknowledged with a tilt of her head. As breakfast finished, Nye tugged surreptitiously at Lass' hand to urge the younger man to follow him out onto the deck. Nye quickly checked they were unobserved and gave Lass a gentle, tender kiss, basking in the radiant smile bestowed upon him.
"Morning, Lass," he said. "I greeted Lass the waiter at breakfast. Now I'm greeting the Lass who is a special friend."
"Morning, Nye," Lass whispered shyly, a pink blush staining perfect cheekbones. "That's really nice, thank you."
Nye pulled the unresisting young man into his arms for another kiss, a little longer and a little harder, but still tender.
"That's to keep me going until this evening," Nye whispered. "You'll be sharing yourself with so many others today that I'll be feeling very neglected."
"Then you'll just have to take part in some of the activities," Lass giggled. The musical sound was one that Nye decided he wanted to hear on a regular basis.
"I don't know..." Nye demurred.
"I do," Lass said decisively. He jotted quickly on a piece of paper and handed it to Nye. "Forget you're a hotshot solicitor," he whispered. "Here you're just Nye, out to have a good time. These are the activities I'll be involved in. I'd really like to see you during the day," he added bashfully.
Nye gripped the paper and gazed into turquoise depths. If the boy's smile outshone the sun, then his eyes were more beautiful and fathomless than the ocean they travelled. He nodded.
"I'll see you later," he promised.
His reward was a blinding smile that immediately lifted his spirits and banished any doubts he had made the wrong decision by opting to participate as Lass had asked of him.
As the men separated, neither noticed dark, angry eyes that had witnessed the second kiss.
That evening, when Lass' shift finished, the two men returned to Nye's room. They sat, chatted, listened to music and shared some chilled Chardonnay. It was relaxed and romantic and the men found themselves moving closer and closer as the time passed. Finally they sat entwined in each other's arms. Nye paid homage to the beauty he held. He kept his kisses gentle and reverent, relishing the soft, breathy moans from the younger blond. He groaned at the mewl of loss when they parted to breathe and pressed their lips back together, He slid his tongue into Lass' mouth and explored it leisurely. He learnt about the ridges at the roof, the smooth teeth and the silky inner cheeks and then suckled pleasurably at Lass' equally slick and agile muscle. He resolutely kept his hands above Lass' waist. He stroked the soft skin of the young man's back and slid them round to caress the small nubs he found on Lass' chest with his thumbs. Nye found himself longing to see and taste the alluring pebbled peaks.
Lass' hands had been doing their own exploring. He had traced the muscles of Nye's back, up to powerful shoulders and then round to discover the smattering of chest hair that fascinated him. He mimicked Nye's touches to his nipples and was pleased to note Nye seemed to appreciate the caress. Lass found himself longing to see and explore this unknown territory.
"I have a day off tomorrow," Lass panted as they nestled closely together. "We'll be pulling into our first port Vigo, Spain. "Would you... would you be interested in spending time ashore with me?"
"I would love to," Nye smiled kissing the top of golden silk. Lass' hair was softer and finer than his and already Nye was addicted to how it felt. He held the younger man for several more minutes before he felt Lass shift.
"I'd better be going," Lass said sadly.
Nye debated asking Lass to stay but decided it was too soon. They had quickly become friends and were enjoying a gentle courtship. He didn't want to ruin things by moving too fast. He couldn't remember the last time he had dated or wooed, but for the sake of this beautiful boy he would take all the time it needed.
"You could stay if you wished," Nye decided to say, not wanting Lass to misunderstand his intention. "I would even offer to sleep on the couch. I won't pressure you into anything you don't feel ready for, Lass. I promise."
"Thank you, Nye, but I think I should go back to my cabin tonight," Lass' heart soared. Nye was a man of his word, one in whom he could place his trust.
They walked back to Lass' cabin holding hands. At his door, this time it was Lass who took the lead. He pulled Nye down for a goodnight kiss. He dipped his tongue into the older man's mouth and felt a surge of power at the moan. He delved deeper, lightly caressing the warm, wet cavern. He felt Nye's arms wrap around him and heard another moan and dimly registered that he had made that sound. Slowly, reluctantly, they pulled apart, panting softly.
"Goodnight, Nye. Meet me at 8.00 for breakfast?"
"Goodnight, love," Nye whispered, not noticing the slip. "I'll be there."
Nye almost skipped back to his cabin, his heart lighter than in many years
Lass closed his door leaning on it for support. //He called me 'love'//he thought. The young man went to bed and slept more soundly than he had for a long time. A tall, sandy haired man played a major part in his dreams.
In another cabin, dark eyes gazed malevolently at the picture captured on a mobile phone. A picture of two blonds kissing.
The next day was idyllic from Nye's perspective. When Lass and he went ashore, the younger man knew the area. He took the older man to smaller, more unusual gift shops and quiet caf? bars. He was taken around a small art gallery where he bought two paintings, one as a present for Lass. They had found a street artist and Nye had insisted they sit for him so he had a unique memento of their day. They drank coffee in the morning and chilled white wine in the afternoon. The day had been simple, inexpensive and the most pleasurable day Nye could remember for a long, long time.
The two men returned to Nye's cabin happy and tired. They kissed and gently touched, this time Lass removed his shirt and Nye gasped at the beauty before him. Lass' chest was the same honey colour Nye had seen from the short-sleeved shirts. The younger man's areola were two large dark discs centred by small dark nipples. Nye licked his lips and began to kiss carefully down Lass' jaw. He nibbled gently along the golden collarbone before kissing down to Lass' breast. He licked the coffee areola to a moan and a convulsive grasp of his hair from the other blond. Nye carefully rolled one cinnamon nub between his fingers as he sucked tenderly on the other before switching sides.
Lass whimpered his pleasure holding tightly to Nye's hair, instinctively pressing his chest to the older man's mouth. It felt heavenly. He groaned as Nye relinquished his breasts then gasped as Nye removed his own shirt. The chest was dusted with dark gold hair and Lass couldn't resist stroking the soft fur. Nye's aureoles were smaller and a dark pink and his nipples thicker and a pink brown. Glancing shyly at the other man and receiving an encouraging nod, Lass carefully lapped at one nub then the other. The pleasured sound from Nye's lips emboldened Lass further. He felt himself moved to lie over the broader form, between strong thighs, and then continued to suckle blissfully.
They continue to gently trade kisses and touches until Nye realised Lass' weight was getting heavier and the kisses and touches more erratic. Lass had begun to suck at one of his peaked nipples, but the oral caresses seemed to have stopped, leaving the taut teat in moist heat. All too quickly, he heard the even breathing that told him Lass had succumbed to tiredness and was asleep. Smiling, Nye carefully manoeuvred the young man to lie in his bed. He removed Lass' sandals and the belt to his jeans, but left him wearing his pants. Stripping down to his tight black boxers, Nye slid into the bed behind its sleeping occupant and cuddled Lass close. He had joined Lass in dreams within moments.
****
Light tickled at Lass' eyelids and the drowsy blond shuffled to try and avoid its attentions. He instantly realised he wasn't in bed alone. At the feel of the warm, hard body behind him, his eyes flew open as his mind replayed the events of the previous evening. He didn't remember going to bed and he knew that Nye must have taken care of him. He could feel he was still in his jeans and he smiled. Nye had kept to his promise. He had allowed Lass to dictate the speed of their developing relationship. Lass knew he wanted to go further with the other blond. He knew he was falling hard for the attractive older man and he fervently prayed that Nye had similar feelings.
"Morning, love," a sleep-roughened voice rasped in Lass' ear and the sound seemed to go straight to Lass' groin and tingles spread throughout his body. He turned to gaze at the rumpled man in whose loving arms he lay.
"Morning," he replied and pressed their lips together. He found himself rolled to lie on top of Nye, between the older man's legs, as Nye's tongue reacquainted itself with every nuance of Lass' sweet mouth. He smiled happily into the darker blue grey eyes of the other man as Nye's hands slid with proprietary ease to cup each of Lass' nether cheeks through the soft, worn denim.
"How quickly do you have to go?" Nye asked as Lass glanced at the alarm clock His hands roamed over the naked skin of Lass' back and down to knead the alluring globes. He bit back a groan as he saw Lass' eyes lose some of their sparkle.
"I'm on duty in just over an hour," came the reply, "and I need to shower, shave and generally make myself presentable. Sorry, love."
The word 'love' slipping from those perfect pink lips made up a little for losing the beauty in his arms. With a resigned smile Nye kissed Lass and rolled them to their sides. He gazed deep into azure depths and felt he could float in them forever. He stroked a cheek roughened by stubble that was barely visible.
"I'll walk you to your cabin. Will you spend tonight with me?"
"Yes," Lass breathed. "I'd like that, Nye."
In another cabin, the same dark eyes glittered at the additions to the single photograph. They now included two more kissing shots and one of the men walking hand-in hand. A cold laugh broke the room's silence.
****
Nye made an effort to join in some of the shipboard activities that Lass held. He blushed at the sight of a grinning Liz watching him, but refused to be put off. He remained as close as possible to the younger man all day. He could hardly wait for Lass' shift to end. As Lass joined him outside the dining room, Nye laughingly swept the smaller man into his arms and swung him around. As he lowered Lass protectively in the circle of his arms, he kissed him leisurely. Both men were blissfully oblivious to their private moment being recorded by an unseen hand. Nye's arm draped companionably over Lass' shoulder as they made their way to Nye's cabin.
Once inside Nye locked his door, drawing Lass back into his embrace and kissing him tenderly. He walked Lass backwards to his bed, his kisses becoming deeper, wetter, more demanding. As Lass sat on the bed, Nye could see the kiss-bruised lips breaking into a soft smile.
"Make love with me?" Lass asked quietly, shyly.
"Always," Nye replied honestly, reverently. He watched Lass' hand begin to unbutton the white shirt. "Let me," Nye husked, "please."
Lass' hands fell away as Nye undid each button, kissing the newly exposed flesh. Once Lass' shirt was removed, Nye removed his own. He smiled at the way sapphire eyes devoured the sight of his naked chest. Nye quickly disposed of Lass' socks and shoes and his own, and then his eyes locked on the bulge at Lass' groin. His hands reached for the belt on Lass' pants, unfastening it slowly, deliberately. He noted his hand was shaking slightly as he popped the button on the black pants and pulled down the zipper. He heard Lass' soft moan as the younger man lay back, raising his hips. He pulled the pants off long, smooth limbs, leaving Lass naked apart from tight black briefs under which Nye could see the outline of his lover's erection. A damp patch appeared and hastily Nye removed his own pants. "Ok?" he asked as his hands reached for the waistband of the final barrier to Lass' full nudity. At the nod, he removed the briefs and moaned at the beauty before him. Lass' erection was the epitome of the young man himself: slender, smooth and beautiful. It was a rosy colour due to the level of arousal and cut so that the glistening head was perfectly displayed. It curved enticingly towards the toned abdomen, where liquid passion had already dripped and pooled.
"So gorgeous," Nye whispered, almost afraid to speak in case it broke the spell of the moment. "Please, baby, let me taste you."
"Yes," Lass begged.
Nye moved the lissom form into the centre of the bed and knelt between the outspread legs. He bent his head and kissed the inside of each knee. He placed open-mouthed kisses up the inside of each thigh and licked at the junction of thigh and groin. The silvery blond curls were as a silent siren call. Nye buried his face in them inhaling his mate's musk and relishing the whimpers. He held down the slim hips with strong hands and resumed his oral exploration. His teeth tugged gently at the curls causing a low moan to spill from Lass' lips. Nye laved lower, tasting the velvet sac before taking one then the other precious orb into his mouth rolling them carefully in turn. Lass' open-mouthed panting increased Nye's arousal and his shaft throbbed insistently in its cotton confines. However, Nye's concern was to make certain Lass was pleasured. To ensure that Lass enjoyed this encounter so much he'd never forget it or him.
Nye licked the base of the slender rod and then up to the flared head. He licked the pooled passion from Lass' stomach and then sucked the head of Lass' erection. His tongue probed at the slit demanding more of the intoxicating pre-come. He licked down the prominent vein and back up before resuming his sucking of the head. He glanced up at Lass' face. The younger man's eyes were closed, his face flushed and blissful. His head rolled from side to side as Nye sucked and it was the most beautiful and erotic sight Nye had ever beheld. Humming, the older man took all of Lass into his mouth and hollowed his cheeks to increase the suction. With a scream that resembled Nye's name, Lass came hard. Nye's hands stopped the younger blond from thrusting as he worked to swallow the gift of Lass' ardour. Nye drank the salty-sweet nectar, ensuring not a drop was missed, before finally allowing the sated organ to slip from his lips. He crawled over the replete form and shared a Lass-flavoured kiss with the other blond.
"I love you," Lass murmured.
"I love you, too, baby," Nye admitted, suddenly realising it was true. In just a few days, the satiated young man lying beneath him had gotten through his normal defences straight into his heart. He smiled, certain his heart was safe and vowing to cherish the gift of Lass'.
"Need to take care of you," Lass whispered, his eyes opening.
"I can wait a little longer, love," Nye said. "Kiss me."
The two men lay side-by-side kissing and caressing. Lass' hand drifted between Nye's strong thighs.
"Let me see you," he moaned. "Want to touch you."
Helping the older man remove his boxers, Lass' knelt astride Nye's knees. His mouth trailed over the lightly furred chest and nipped playfully at the dark pink nubs peeking out. He licked down to Nye's navel, tonguing the indent to groans of pleasure from the bigger man. He rimmed around the edge occasionally dipping inside before rubbing his face into the abundant dark hair at the base of the long, thick organ standing proudly before him.
"Baby," Nye husked. "Turn round. Want to taste you again."
With a small whimper, as his penis twitched at Nye's words, Lass turned to kneel over Nye's upper body.
The older man arranged his lover to his satisfaction. As he did, the small pink portal of Lass' body peeked shyly from between the parted nether cheeks. Nye gave a soft low growl. //Mine// he thought. He felt his hardness engulfed in wet heat and groaned at the sensation. Lass' hand pumped the base of his shaft whilst the younger man sucked ardently at the purpled head. In return, Nye licked at the re-filling erection above him and then he moved to mouth at the velvety sac. He used a pillow to help position his head and reached to part the golden globes. The tightly furled bud twitched as it was exposed to colder air. Nye watched mesmerised as it pulsed, opening and closing with Lass' movements; inviting him, enticing him. It was beyond his power to resist. With a deep groan, Nye pulled the cheeks closer and licked along the darker skin.
"Nye!" Lass exclaimed and jerked. He'd never been touched that way *there*.
Nye was unfazed by the movement. He gripped his mate tighter and began to alternate broad swathes with delicate laps. Slowly, inexorably he moved to his ultimate prize. Folding his tongue he jabbed at the tiny portal and both men moaned as his tongue entered the younger man. He was relentless. His tongue delved inside again and again. He could feel Lass begin to thrust back on the moist invader, trying to take the agile muscle deeper. The younger man whimpered quietly and then resumed his diligent attention to Nye's arousal. Nye could feel the tremors from the smaller body as Lass hovered on the brink of a second orgasm. Nye pulled the delectable cheeks impossibly further apart, pressing his tongue inside as far as he could and growled his pleasure.
With a wail, Lass came a second time. His body jerked and trembled as his release adorned Nye's chest. Seconds later, the bigger man's seed jetted forth as he climaxed. Nye roared Lass' name as pulse after pulse anointed the smaller blond's chest, face and hair. Finally as both men came down from their sexual highs panting, hearts thundering, Lass felt Nye kiss each cheek tenderly. He fell to the side, too spent to be able to think or speak, his body still thrumming from two intense climaxes.
Slowly, Nye rolled Lass onto his back. The older man's heart seemed to melt whilst his spent organ twitched dryly at the sight of the beautiful blond sprawled on his bed. Lass' arms and legs were wantonly spread, an image of both innocence and debauchery. Possessiveness and protectiveness surged in Nye's breast. He knew it wouldn't be easy to continue a relationship once the holiday was over. His firm was conservative, old-fashioned and elitist, but what they didn't know wouldn't harm Lass and him. He was determined they would find a way. Just so long as he could be certain it was what Lass wanted too. He crawled up the spent boy licking firstly Lass' seed then his own from the beloved body. As he reached Lass' mouth, he pushed his tongue demandingly past the swollen, glistening lips. Lass mewled at the mingling of their tastes. His arms came to wrap around Nye's neck and they spent long minutes simply kissing as they recovered.
"Share a shower with me, Lass?" Nye asked as they finally broke apart.
"Mmm," Lass murmured dreamily. "That was incredible."
"It gets better, love," Nye promised. He grinned at the way Lass' dreamy smile widened. "After the shower, will you sleep with me?" Nye asked.
"Yes," Lass agreed.
Lass could barely remain upright for their shower. He grinned lovingly at Nye. The older man washed and dried him as Lass tried to help. Soon he was back in bed, enveloped in strong arms; a warm body spooned up behind him. Lass felt a tenderness and contentment that had been missing from his life. He gave a quiet murmur of happiness and nestled back into Nye's embrace. He instinctively knew that things would be difficult for them to be a couple once the cruise was over. Lass still had to work a couple of months and it was obvious from Nye's cautiousness about their relationship that it couldn't be open. However, Lass was determined they would make it, if it was what his lover wanted too.
"Love you, Nye," he whispered as slipped into sleep.
"I love you, Baby," came the replied as the bigger man joined his exhausted lover in sated slumber.
The next couple of nights passed in the same way. The men would return to Nye's cabin, kisses and touches becoming more heated, more intimate until their mutual joy flowed again and again. As much as Nye ached to be buried in the beautiful, beloved body, he honoured his promise to let Lass dictate the speed of their relationship.
Lass, in his turn, was feeling the growing need for deeper intimacy. He'd never felt this level of desire before and it aroused and frightened and exhilarated all at the same time. He wanted this, he needed this. He'd never wanted or trusted or...loved...anyone enough to do this.
//Tonight// Lass mentally promised himself.
****
The two men spent the next day in Barcelona, simply wandering around and sight seeing and enjoying the unhurried ambience. They took in the magnificent cathedral and ate tapas at a small caf?. Wherever possible, they touched and kissed, their eyes sending unspoken messages. It took all of Nye's self control not to simply pounce on the younger blond, drag him somewhere quiet and ravish him senseless. They were now ambling back to the ship and Nye could see Lass was building up to say something. Taking a fortifying breath, to keep his wayward libido under control, he pulled Lass into a secluded alley.
"What is it, sweetheart?" he asked, concern darkening his blue eyes.
"I...I love you, Nye," Lass began and moaned softly as strong arms cradled him close.
"You don't know how much it means to me to hear those words, baby," Nye murmured against gold silk. "I love you, you know that don't you?"
The incandescent smile put the blazing sun to shame and the eyes were clearer and bluer than the open skies above them.
"I want you to love me, Nye. I...I want you to ...to claim me as yours. Make love to me?" Lass stumbled through his speech.
"I want you, baby," Nye said hoarsely. "I've wanted to claim you as mine for days. But it can't just be for the holiday. I can't reach heaven only for it to be taken away from me in a week's time. My firm isn't tolerant of 'alternative' lifestyles. But if you love me as I love you, then we can work this through. I know we'll have something really special, something worth keeping. I've never felt this way for anyone else, Lass. But it's your choice, love."
Lass gazed into darkened eyes. He didn't like the thought of a secret relationship, but Nye had worked hard to get where he was. His choice. He saw the hint of worry that Nye strove to hide and his heart melted. He loved Nye, could deny him nothing. He'd lost his heart to this man and he was willing to make this work, whatever it took.
"I would prefer to be open about our relationship, Nye," he said softly. He placed a slender finger against Nye's mouth to stop the older man from interrupting. "But my love for you is unconditional. I want there to be an 'us'. I want to be at your side once this cruise is over and my tenure here ends."
"I can't imagine my life without you in it," Nye groaned. "In a year or so I can open my own practice, get away from the firm."
"I love you, Nye," Lass murmured against Nye's lips, effectively silencing the bigger man. "Take me back to the ship and make me yours."
For a moment the two men gazed heatedly at each other before Nye pulled Lass impossibly tighter, devouring the smaller blond's mouth. He grasped tightly to Lass' slender hand and began to lead him back to the ship, unaware the scene had been silently recorded.
Back aboard ship, Nye locked his cabin door and strode purposefully to his smaller mate.
"Going to make you mine, Lass," he growled, his voice like dark liquid silk caressing the other blond's ear. He gave a feral grin at the shudder his words elicited. His hand cupped the smooth chin; he ensured Lass could see the love and desire that blazed in his eyes. "Going to bury myself so deeply inside you, there'll be no way to tell where you end and I begin. So deep inside you, you'll be able to taste me when I come. My seed, claiming you forever, baby." As he spoke, Nye had been removing the thin t-shirt and unfastening the canvas pants. All Lass now wore were small, baby blue briefs. Nye's hand cupped the enticing bulge. "Mine," he rumbled. He squeezed, engendering a small gasp as Lass instinctively bucked. He slid his hands into the underwear, one stroking satin encased steel, the other probing between taut nether cheeks. "Mine," he repeated before swinging Lass into his arms and laying him on the bed. He stripped away the tiny briefs and swooped on the hard, damp flesh that sprung free.
"Nye," Lass choked out, but was helpless to do more. Pinning Lass' hips, Nye enveloped the straining erection from root to tip immediately sucking powerfully. His nose pressed into the musk-scented nest of blond fur at the base of Lass' organ. He hummed as he hollowed his cheeks, increasing suction and was rewarded by Lass' liquid essence pouring into his ravenous maw. He swallowed repeatedly, then licked and sucked as Lass went limp. Only when satisfied the younger man had nothing left to give him, did Nye release the sated shaft. As Lass lay spent, Nye removed his own clothing. He rummaged in his locker drawer and removed the lubricant, leaving it where it would be easily accessible. Nye remembered Lass saying he'd never had a steady boyfriend. He was certain the younger man wasn't promiscuous, but with safety in mind, he pulled out a packet of condoms.
Lass watched from half-lidded eyes. He felt his body react to the sight of Nye naked. The powerful physique sent a frisson through the lithe body. He looked at the lube and condoms and saw the question in Nye's eyes.
"I was tested before coming aboard ship," Lass said quietly. "I'm clean. I haven't slept with anyone since joining the crew and I've never let anyone...." Lass stopped to take a deep breath. "I've never loved anyone enough to want to do this. If you feel the need for condoms, that's fine, but I don't plan on doing this with anyone but you ever again. I'm committed to us, Nye."
The older man listened and swallowed past a lump in his throat. He stroked the pale golden hair and he locked eyes with his brave, young lover.
"My firm insisted I was tested when I joined them. I was clean. I haven't had a real relationship since; I was too busy with my case. It's a beautiful gift you offer me. I can promise I've never been bareback with anyone. I want to make love with you and feel just you."
"I want that, Nye," Lass whispered.
Nye moved to lie alongside his young lover. They kissed and caressed, Nye's hands stroking the smooth cheeks and curves of taut buttocks, getting Lass used to his touches.
"Roll over, sweetheart," Nye whispered. He moaned softly at the sight of Lass on his stomach, honeyed limbs spread apart. The younger man looked over his shoulder smiling encouragingly.
"I'm yours, Nye," he added, to leave the older man in no doubt of his desire.
Nye pulled at a pillow and arranged it under Lass' hips, ensuring the smaller man would be able to harden again in comfort as well as raising the slim hips for Nye's delectation. The older blond took a kneeling position between the smooth limbs.
Lass sighed as Nye's strong, warm hands roamed freely over his back, across his shoulders, down his legs and kneaded his nether cheeks. The touches were a mix of soothing, arousing and possessive. He felt the older man's teeth nip gently, marking him and Lass moaned his approval. Fingers massaged at his lower back before siding lower to his buttocks. Then, as Nye leant over the supine form, Lass' hips were pulled back and guided to press against Nye's erection and the younger man mewled softly. Nye's hardness nestled in the cleft between Lass' cheeks and the slighter blond whimpered as his body screamed its need. Instinctively, Lass hips rose as his cheeks were parted and his hidden opening exposed. Lass wriggled as he was teased, fingers probing gently before cool gel made Lass start.
Nye blanketed his smaller lover, nuzzling to make Lass turn to face him. His tongue plundered the willing mouth as a single lubricated finger slid to breach virginal flesh, pushing past the protective, muscular ring. The moan Nye swallowed was not one of pain and so the older man pumped his finger: in ...out ...in ...out. He pressed a hand to Lass' lower back as he inserted a second finger. This time he concentrated on encouraging his mate to open and stretch, taking care not to move to fast or too roughly. He could feel Lass relaxing and his heart soared. He reached under the slender hips and growled with primal triumph. Lass' flesh was hard and wet with arousal. He pulled on the resurgent erection as a third finger entered the precious body. Nye's fingers probed deeper, twisting and rotating till Lass' scream heralded the discovery of the untouched sweet spot. The bigger man's grin was wide and feral as his lover pressed back seeking more of the pleasurable sensations.
"So tight, so hot and all mine," Nye growled into a tiny ear.
Shifting his hips, Nye pressed the head of his weeping erection against the glistening and stretched portal. His knees forced Lass' thighs even wider and he pushed forward. Nye groaned as the head of his shaft was surrounded by slick, incendiary tightness. He held himself immobile as Lass became accustomed to the intrusion and then pressed further forward inch by inch until fully imbedded in the beloved body.
"All of me, baby," he panted. "You have all of me."
Lass' hand reached back and stroked at a furred thigh.
"Make me yours, Nye. Come inside me."
The words made Nye groan. He moved slowly at first, but soon became lost in mind-fracturing pleasure. He urged Lass to his knees, gripping the slim hips tightly and driving deeply into the velvet channel. He reached under the lissom body to tweak at one nipple then the other, relishing each incoherent cry that spilt from Lass' sweet lips. He began to pump relentlessly as he felt his control slip away. He moved harder, faster, deeper, his hand pulling on Lass' swollen flesh to bring his lover to a simultaneous release. He heard Lass' scream of his name and he became lost in a maelstrom of erotic ecstasy. He felt warm wetness cover his hand and the sheath that enveloped his shaft clenched and squeezed relentlessly, milking him of the last vestiges of his control. As Lass' body bucked and trembled in his climax, Nye threw back his head and roared in a mixture of primitive possession and unbridled passion. He thrust as deep as possible into the still spasming channel forcing Lass down onto to his stomach. His seed erupted, flowing deep into the unresisting body beneath him. Nye's mouth latched onto the junction of Lass' sweat damp neck and shoulder, sucking hard as his hips continued to desultorily thrust even though his organ had nothing left to give. Finally he stilled, the only sounds in the room were those of open-mouthed panting as both men recovered from intense climaxes.
Nye licked his way across Lass' shoulders, nuzzling at the nape of the smaller man's neck. As he felt his organ soften, he carefully pulled back. The hiss from his mate had his protective instincts fully alert.
"Don't move, love," he urged. "Let me get a wash cloth."
He carefully cleansed Lass' reddened entrance, relief flooding him as he saw that despite his loss of control, there was no damage to his lover. "Did I hurt you, Lass?" Nye asked worriedly.
"It's a good ache, Nye," Lass murmured. "It tells me I'm yours."
"I love you, baby," Nye groaned pulling Lass to drape over his chest, settling the younger man's head on his shoulder and cradling him close. "You are mine, Lass," he growled. "Mine forever."
"Forever," Lass whispered. "I like the sound of that."
****
The next couple of days were idyllic for the two men. Nye was happy to simply be around his young lover when Lass worked and as soon as he was free they went back to Nye's cabin. There they drank, chatted, danced and made love and neither man had ever been as content. The couple were passionately entwined when there was a knock on their door. Nye opened it to see an apologetic Liz.
"I'm sorry, Nye," she said sincerely, "but a couple of staff have taken ill and I could really use some help from Lass."
"I understand. Lass it's Liz," he shouted into the cabin to alert his young lover. Nye was disappointed as Lass immediately agreed to work an extra shift, but knew it had to be. He kissed his lover and waved them off as Liz escorted Lass back to his own quarters to change, chatting animatedly as they went.
A couple of minutes after she left Lass she spotted something on her agenda that was uncovered and hissed angrily. Certain she could rely on Lass she returned to his room but stopped just around the corner as she heard a malevolent voice she instantly recognised.
"I'll make it very easy for you to understand, pretty. Nye's firm would sack him instantly if they saw the pictures I've taken. Nice pictures of you and he all over each other. You come with me right now, to my cabin, do as I say and as I want and I'll delete them. Otherwise I send them and your boyfriend loses everything he's ever worked for. Who would employ a faggot solicitor, especially one sacked from our firm?"
Liz edged her head around the corner to see a slumped-shouldered Lass, being led by Emmet, disappearing from view. Her heart in her throat she raced back to Nye's cabin and swiftly explained what she'd seen and heard, so distressed she could barely manage to make herself understood.
As realisation swept through Nye he gave an animalistic cry of denial and disbelief before following Liz through the ship. In their haste, neither saw the pair of concerned eyes that had reacted to the cry of grief, nor the owners of those eyes trailing in their wake.
Liz used her master key to open Emmet's door and the pair dashed inside. Liz gasped and Nye growled ominously.
Lass was on his hands and knees, naked. Tears streaked his cheeks and he was shaking so hard, it was almost impossible for him to remain in position. Behind him sat Emmet, stroking himself through his open fly. His hand stopped as his eyes widened in fear at the sight of the enraged Nye.
Liz yanked at a blanket from the bed as she helped Lass to stand, trying to cover the shivering young man. She was peripherally aware of Nye striding past her to deliver a solid punch to Emmet's jaw, standing over the brunette ready to strike him again.
"Send your damn pictures, you bastard," Nye snarled furiously. "If they sack me, so be it. I love Lass and he's worth more to me than any bloody job."
As Nye raged at the stunned Emmet, he was unaware of Liz rapidly explaining the situation to the two men who had followed them into the cabin. The older man made a cursory check of Lass, who shook his head, before turning his attention to the other men in the room. He stepped forward to lay a hand on Nye's shoulder.
"I'll take charge of things from here, Mr Morgan," he said authoritatively. "I believe Mr Williams could do with your comfort."
Nye started to speak, then saw it was the ship's Captain. He registered the last of the older man's speech and, with a choked cry, moved to enfold the silently weeping Lass into his arms. Nye held the shaking form as tightly as possible, the other blond's head burrowing into the warmth and safety of the broad chest. Nye recognised the man at Liz's side as the ship's First Officer. The man gave a nod in Nye's direction before squeezing Lass' shoulder.
Lass looked up briefly from the harbour of Nye's arms. He could see the question in the eyes of the ship's second-in-command. He gave a shake of his head and nestled closer to his mate. Nye saw the relief in green eyes and the coldness in his stomach dissipated slightly.
"I believe there is a cellphone on which are some photographs taken of Mr Morgan and Mr Williams without their knowledge or consent. Where is it, Mr Emmet?" The Captain's voice was cold and clipped.
"Top drawer of the locker," Emmet said sullenly. "I think he may have broken my jaw," he added, glaring balefully in Nye's direction.
At the answer from the brunette, the First Officer immediately opened the drawer and checked. Retrieving the phone, he activated it and ran through the pictures expertly. He glanced up to see the Captain looking over with a raised eyebrow. He gave a curt nod.
"Very good," said the Captain. "Is this the only device that holds these pictures, Mr Emmet?" he continued.
"Yes," came the muttered reply.
"Mr James, please give the device to Mr Morgan. I'm sure he'll deal with it in the most appropriate manner."
Nye nodded his thanks as the phone was passed to him.
"That's my property, you can't do that," Emmet cried, his voice raised in disbelief.
"I am the Captain and, on board this ship, *I* am the law," The Captain growled in reply. "We will be docking in Ajaccio in a couple of hours. By that time, Mr Emmet, you will be packed and ready to disembark. You are no longer welcome aboard my ship and can make your own arrangements to get home. I will, of course, inform your firm as to the reason I refuse to have you on my vessel. I take a very dim view of sexual assault and harassment." He turned to fix Nye with warmer grey eyes. "I will not mention names in my initial report, Mr Morgan," he added quietly. "However, I expect your firm will want to speak to you. I will leave it to your discretion how much you tell them."
"Thank you, Captain. I appreciate your concern."
"Will Mr Williams be returning to your cabin?" the Captain asked, receiving a nod in reply. "Miss Taylor, go to the ship's doctor and have him visit Mr Williams in Mr Morgan's cabin."
"Yes, Captain," Liz said and raced from the room.
"I will have a couple of my crew stationed outside your cabin, Mr Emmet. You will remain here and be escorted off my ship when we are safely berthed.
****
As ordered by the Captain, once the ship was berthed Emmet was off the ship. In Nye's cabin Lass lay lightly sedated sleeping in their bed and the older man sat alongside him, holding tightly to a slender hand. Tears slid silently down Nye's cheeks. He'd been prepared to force Lass into a clandestine relationship; Lass had been prepared to sacrifice himself for the sake of Nye's career. Nobody had ever shown such love and selflessness for Nye before and it awed and humbled him. The thought of Emmet's depravity sent a shiver throughout the bigger frame and he stroked the warm satiny skin of Lass' shoulder, assuring himself repeatedly that his lover was safe. He made a silent vow that nothing in his life would ever come before Lass and their mutual happiness ever again. A tap at his door had Nye check Lass was sleeping peacefully before he crept away to answer it.
"Mr Morgan," the Captain nodded at Nye as he opened the door, alongside him stood Liz. "Your firm are putting a call through to the private line in my office," the older man explained. "I have not mentioned any names, I leave it to your judgment how much you tell them. Liz will stay with Lass," he said, his voice softening. "I thought you would welcome the privacy my office would offer. I'll be on hand if you have any problems."
"Thank you, Captain," Nye said sincerely. "I appreciate everything you've done."
In his office, the Captain kept a discreet distance from Nye as the blond spoke animatedly on the phone. He had offered to go into his small anteroom, but Nye had insisted he remain present. He tried to focus on his computer and not listen in, but it was clear that Nye was not happy. As he heard the phone being replaced, the Captain turned and saw Nye looking almost as angry as he had in Emmet's room and it was obvious the other man was trying to calm himself.
"Is everything ok?" he asked. "Is there anything I can help with?"
"I was speaking to one of the most senior partners," Nye growled. "He wanted more specifics than you had given to make a decision about Emmet. It turns out the partners had heard the rumours about him, but as nobody had made an official complaint, they preferred to ignore the 'insubstantial' in favour of his successful casework. However, because he has now 'sullied' the firm's good name, they will be 'dispensing with his services.'" Nye had been pacing, but now stopped and took a cleansing breath. He glowered at the Captain before resuming his tale. "They were aware of my 'preferences' before they hired me, but as I was 'discreet' it was allowed to pass. They expect me to negotiate 'suitable recompense' with Lass. But since he is the 'catalyst' for this 'debacle', it is expected that any 'association' with Lass ends with this cruise. They don't even care that he is the innocent victim," Nye ground out angrily. "Just like that, pay him off and pack him off."
The Captain grimaced sympathetically. It wasn't a surprise to him. The discussion he had with the firm gave him the distinct impression that they would want the whole incident resolved as quickly and discreetly as possible. They would want no loose ends.
"I'm sorry, Nye," he said softly.
Nye's shoulders slumped, his anger spent.
"Thanks for listening to me blow off steam, Captain," Nye said smiling wryly. "I've already made up my mind what's going to happen post-cruise."
The older man watched Nye leave and then moved to lock his door. He was still deep in thought when two arms wrapped around his waist and a warm body pressed up close. He turned round to see the gently smiling face of the First Officer and pulled the younger man's head down for a long, deep kiss.
"You heard?" the Captain asked as they broke apart for the necessity of breathing.
"Yes," the younger man said. "Do you think it'll work out?" he asked as a knowledgeable tongue licked and laved at his ear, causing him to shiver pleasurably.
"The last time I saw a man with such determination in his eyes, it was when I looked in the mirror ten years ago before coming to claim what was mine," the older man growled nipping playfully at ears and chin.
"And I've been yours ever since," came the laughing reply.
"We have a couple of more hours on duty," the Captain continued, his voice dropping in timbre. "If you're really good, I'll demonstrate some of my advanced docking techniques later."
"Aye, my Captain," the younger man murmured as he was turned towards the door with a swat to his pert rear. He gave the older man his sultriest look over his shoulder as he unlocked the door. "I'll be especially good," he purred with a mock-salute as he left.
The Captain grinned widely. //I'll just bet you will.// he thought.
Epilogue
With a contented sigh, Nye closed his legal Bundle, tying it securely. He glanced around his office. Although the room was on the small side, he'd worked hard to reach his current position as partner and was now reaping his rewards. It was later than usual for finishing with the weekend ahead, but now he was fully up to date. The last of the other partners had left fifteen minutes earlier, so unless any secretaries were working late...He pressed a speed dial number, the phone answered almost immediately.
"Who's left?" he asked without preamble.
"Just me, everyone else left over half an hour ago. Are you ready to finish?"
"Not yet," Nye said. "Come to my office."
"Yes, sir," came the reply.
Nye sat back in his chair. Within a minute there was a knock on his door.
"Enter," he said.
The door opened and with a hand on his hip and a seductive pose, Lass grinned at the older man.
"Is there something I can do for you... sir?" he husked.
"Come here," Nye directed curling a finger. He smiled as Lass entered the room, an exaggerated swing to his slim hips. As Lass came to stand at Nye's side, the bigger blond swung his chair round to face his mate. "Strip for me," he commanded softly. His smile widened as Lass obeyed instantly. "Do you know what day it is today?" he asked as he watched more and more of Lass' golden skin make its appearance until his lover stood naked before him. Lass shook his head. "Eight months ago today, we kissed for the first time," Nye said.
He stood to manoeuvre Lass between his desk and recently vacated chair. He pushed the unresisting body to lean over his cleared table. Carefully he tapped at Lass' ankles, forcing the lissom man into a wider stance. His hand fondled at already hard, damp flesh, cupping Lass' sac and rolling the precious orbs it contained. He kicked away his chair and dropped to his knees. "Happy anniversary, love." He kissed the pulsating entrance to Lass' exquisite body. He growled as he parted taut nether cheeks even wider and thrust his tongue into the pink portal that quivered with anticipation. Lass' soft cries and inarticulate mewls were music to Nye's ears. He knew he would never tire of hearing of his lover voicing his pleasure. He furled his tongue, jabbing deeply into heated velvet. He withdrew to lave at the darker skin of Lass' cleft before delving deep inside his mate once again. Repeating the process, he reached to stroke the hardness between Lass' splayed thighs.
The slighter blond moaned and panted at the dual sensations, torn between trying to thrust into the knowing hand and push back onto the moist invader. He whined his distress as the agile muscle was removed but growled and bucked as two slick fingers pressed inside him, seeking and stimulating his hidden jewel.
"Yesyesyes," Lass gasped. "You, Nye, you in me now," he pleaded as the fingers scissored inside him.
Nye had already opened his pants and slicked his aching shaft. Flowing to his feet, he turned Lass in his arms and guided the other blond to straddle