Chapter 34

My stomach had twisted into knots after seeing my father—Mr. Benjamin. My belly fluttered as I rubbed my sore elbow. He still brought back all my old fears, and yet I'd been able to confront him. Without completely breaking down, I had actually been able to stand up to him—hell, I'd even hit him—before Tareth had swept in like a damn wildfire bent on total destruction.

His attitude when he'd first realized it was me had nearly gutted me. But, it was his total disregard for me as his son that had buoyed my courage to finally have my say, to demand if he knew what Barrett's 'service contract' truly entailed. I was surprised he wanted to try to talk as we were leaving.

Well, no, that's not exactly true. That he called me son, surprised me. It must have nearly ravaged his throat to get the word out; I wonder if it left a sour taste in his mouth. Him wanting to talk, to make amends, could only mean he wanted something from me—namely to get back into Ash and Tareth's good graces. I knew, I knew, that's why he wanted to speak with me.

Yet, the little boy cowering inside me still responded to his plea. He wanted to hope, to believe, there could be some reconciliation between us. The man I'd become knew that wasn't going to happen. That's why I'd just said farewell to him as Mr. Benjamin. Because the man I was now knew he'd never have a father.

"Kye?" Ash's voice snapped me from my thoughts. "Are you all right?"

I had already started nodding automatically as we paused in front of the doors to the Tranquil Tide. My nod turned into a shake. "I—no... I don't really know."

He chuffed. "That's perfectly understandable. You need time to think. It was rather... fraught with emotion in there. Just keep in mind you can talk to me, no matter what. As well as your brother."

"Yes," Tareth added. "I know it wasn't easy for you, to see him again, and for him to treat you like that. Just know, it's not you. It's him and his greed that made him that way."

I nodded as we came to the door of the Tranquil Tide. Tareth hesitated on the threshold. "I'll just be taking my leave now, my lord," Tareth said, taking a step back.

Ash frowned back at him. "Where are you heading?"

"Um, I need to find supper and head back to the wagon. I left my bedroll—"

"Nonsense. You will eat with us, and I have rented out the rest of the rooms here. You will take one," Ash stated simply. My brother gaped at him, although I wasn't surprised at all. I'd already seen how much Ash already treated us more as family, but Tareth was still slightly nervous around the Sterling brothers. Ash smiled at him. "Reth, you are more than just one of my stable masters now. You are Kye's brother. He is now my family, which means you are too. And you are staying with us here and having supper with us as well."

Tareth's nerves eased slightly as he grinned. "Yes, sir. I'd enjoy that, sir."

"Good, now let's eat."

Liam led the way into the ground floor tavern area of the Tranquil Tide. He found a table in the back corner, away from the main crowd; yet even so, several of the men called greetings out to us. I settled in a corner chair next to Tareth and Ash after draping my cloak over the back. I held my tender elbow gingerly as everyone else moved around me to sit, keeping it from getting bumped. I was sure it was going to be bruised from its impact with my father's jaw. The four of us had barely sat down before the innkeeper himself came over to greet us.

"My lords." He bowed as he offered a warm welcome. "It is an honor to have you stay with us. I hope you find your rooms acceptable—"

"I am sure they will be perfect, Mr. Hue," Ash offered the obviously nervous man a wide smile.

Mr. Hue wrung his hands. "We just weren't expecting your lordships to stay here as you usually stay at the Rose. It's much more suitable for men of your, uh, station."

I swallowed down the laughter that wanted to bubble out. It almost sounded as if the poor man were trying to talk Ash into leaving, just because he was afraid his rooms wouldn't be opulent enough for a viscount.

Ash held up a hand, and Liam chuckled. "Mr. Hue, please don't trouble yourself on our behalf. While, yes, we have previously stayed at the Elite Rose because my stable master's father owns it, the man has recently fallen in our esteem and we have withdrawn our patronage from Mr. Benjamin. The Tranquil Tide has always been good to any of my men who wished a room when others were unavailable at the Rose, and I respect their opinions."

The man's thin face beamed. "Ah, very well, sir. You are very welcome anytime you wish, of course. We, uh, we are simply used to, uh, more humble guests."

"That's quite all right, Mr. Hue. We need nothing more than a good meal and a bed to rest our heads on."

I admired how Ash set the man at ease.

"I'll be right back with some wine, and Layla will bring you my wife's special meat pie."

"I am sure it will be delicious," Ash continued to compliment as the man backed away, bowing profusely.

The man disappeared. He was barely gone when a huge man thumped up to the table. My eyes widened at his long beard and disheveled appearance, yet it was mostly the way he plopped himself down at the table as if he owned it that surprised me.

I darted wary looks at the others, wondering what they would say to the intruder, but Ash only nodded at him, while Liam clasped his forearm in greeting. Tareth said nothing; he didn't seem surprised at the man's arrival either.

"Captain, good to see you. Glad you could join us," Liam stated.

Oh. The captain. This must be the captain of the cargo ship. He did have a rather weathered and suntanned face under the scruff.

"Aye, good to see ye, my lords." He greeted Ash and Liam with hearty hand clasps. He gave Tareth a curt nod, obviously recognizing him, before his eyes fell on me. "And who might you be? Ain't never seen ye with the viscount before."

My mouth opened, but nothing came out.

The captain bellowed a laugh. "A right quiet one, I see. And rather pretty too."

Ash bristled and I ducked my head. "Captain, this is my consort," Ash cut in, sensing my unease in the abrasive man's presence. "Kye has never been to Trienza before."

"Consort? Ye've finally found some 'un good enough for ye, eh?"

"More like I hope I am good enough for him," Ash chuckled, eliciting laughter from the rest of the table. I felt my neck heat up—good enough for him?

Several wine bottles were delivered to the table, and Liam set about pouring as the captain's demeanor settled into a more serious tone.

"Me men will be ready when ye arrive tonight," he said conspiratorially, as I silently watched.

"Good," Ash said, taking a long sip of the wine.

"I jus' hope the weather holds. Looks like rain is set to blow up southeasterly, I reckon."

"Yes, let us pray the Gods are merciful and hold the rain 'til morning. Liam, did you take care of the Rusty Anchor?"

The steward nodded. "Yes, I gave them a hefty sum to open their casks on your tab. Word has already spread about your generous gift. I suspect most of the dockside will be empty within the hour. I've also spoken with the sheriff, so he knows our plans."

"Perfect. We'll meet an hour past moonrise."

Tareth shifted in his seat, obviously unsure if he was allowed to speak. Ash lifted his brow in query.

"Um, I was just wondering when you'd like me to head back to the wagons? I had intended to stay there, so I'd already be in place—"

Liam waved a dismissing hand. "The wagons are already taken care of. Marcus and the others have that well in hand. If you don't mind, I'd rather you stayed here, with Kye so I can accompany Lord Ashton at the docks."

I frowned when Ash shot at glare at his steward. "We already discussed this. I don't want Kye left alone."

I quirked an eyebrow at him. What did he think was going to happen to me? If anyone was in danger, it was him. He was the one who stormed through Barrett's home that night, disrupting the marquis's plans.

"Yes, I know, which is why I'm leaving Reth the task of watching him. He'll be secure in the inn, you'll be out in the open," Liam argued.

In the open? Oh, Gods. I sucked in a breath. Liam was right; it would be the perfect time for Barrett to attack, if the marquis found out what they were doing.

"Yes. Yes, you should go with Ash," I rushed out, speaking for the first time at the table. "Tareth can stay with me. Ash needs you with him."

I need you with him, I wanted to add. The man was an excellent marksman, and I wanted him there to protect Ash.

Liam grinned at me, nodding his approval. "See?"

"Ahh, ye lad does speak!" the captain guffawed.

"Fine," Ash finally ground out.

"Aye, right well then." The captain slapped the table, jostling our drinks as he stood. His voice was louder now, as he made a show of leaving. "I'll be seein' ye after ye wagons arrive in the morn."

"Right so, captain," Ash said emphatically, raising his glass in a small toast. "Fare thee well until the morrow."

"Aye, ye as well, me lord."

I carefully kept my head down, peering into my glass so I didn't betray their little charade meant to distract any listeners. Our dinner arrived shortly after the captain left. Talk after that was light and easy, and I found myself forgetting my father's harsh words.

As we all eventually headed up the stairs, I winced as Liam bumped my elbow when he passed me in the narrow hall to his own room. They all turned to me with a frown.

"Why are you holding your arm like that?" Ash demanded.

"I hit it, that's all. It's just a little sore."

"Hit it on what?" Ash was already pulling up my sleeve to take a look at my arm.

I looked up, catching Tareth eyeing me with a questioning grin. I think he knew what I'd hit it on.

"Uh, my father's chin?"

The moment of stunned silence was broken by a staccato of laughter from Liam, who patted me on the back. Tareth and Ash were laughing as well.

"I knew something had happened!" Tareth slapped his leg.

"Damn, Kye." Liam choked out brokenly amid his chortles.

"I hadn't meant to. He'd just—I was so angry—" I kept breaking off my thoughts. "I just—reacted."

"He deserved more than just a hit in the jaw," Ash assured me. "I would have liked to landed my own jab."

"I almost did myself," Tareth admitted. "I'm glad you smacked him one."

"I suspect you got in a much bigger strike, Ash," Liam mused. "To his purse."

"Aye," Tareth agreed. "That will hurt him the most. If he's smart, he'll close up, take what he has, and go settle elsewhere."

Liam looked at the keys Mr. Hue had handed him before coming up. He held up a key with a blue ribbon on it.
"Mr. Hue said you have the blue one. I have the white, and Tareth, this is yours." He held out a key marked with a red ribbon.

I looked up to see that each the doors were painted with small boats, each matching the color of the key. Ash opened our door, while Tareth opened the one across the hall. Liam disappeared into the room next to Tareth's as we said our good nights. Ash closed the door behind us as I peered around the small room.

It was cozy, with a comfortable, if small, looking bed. Several vases of wildflowers dotted the room. A wash stand and desk stood in the corner, and I noticed our trunk resting next to a small wardrobe. I crouched next to it, flipping open the lid to find it empty.

I looked up at Ash, questioningly, and he just grinned as he yanked his shirttails from his trousers. "I believe Mr. Hue had one of his housemaids unpack it, even though I told him it was unnecessary since we weren't staying long. I fear I have unduly agitated the poor man."

"He's just worried about upsetting you, you being such a powerful man and all," I threw back over my shoulder.

"Well, I've told him several times he can stop."

I rolled my eyes. I knew exactly how Mr. Hue felt—trying to please a noble, yet not knowing exactly how to do it, constantly worried about messing up and getting punished. Well, Mr. Hue might not get punished exactly, but he still worried about the repercussions if he didn't please the viscount.

"He's not going to stop." I turned to the wardrobe to hunt for my nightshirt. I finally found it in one of the drawers and turned back to Ash. "He needs to—"

Oh. Ash was already shirtless, standing at the washbasin running a damp cloth over those sinful muscles to wipe away the dust and sweat of the day. After rubbing his chest, he attempted to reach over his shoulder to his back.

"Let me." I was behind him in an instant. Taking the cloth, I rinsed it in the cool water before sliding it over his shoulder blades and down the hard planes of his back. droplets of water ran down that golden skin, sliding along the taunt ridges of muscle to his waistband.

"I... I think I... might be getting... uh, your trousers a little wet." I let my finger follow one water trail to where it disappeared beneath the fabric at the hollow of his back.

"Hmm, maybe I should take them off. So they don't get too wet," Ash suggested huskily as he fumbled with the buttons.

"I—I think that is—is a good idea." I stayed behind him, out of his vision, as I watched him unfasten his trousers. I waited almost breathlessly for them to slide away. I'd seen him naked before, mostly only in glimpses as he climbed in or out of our bed. I'd always felt a little shy watching him, as if I wasn't allowed to.

Of course, this was just... just helping him wash, right? He needed help, right? I swallowed thickly as the black fabric encasing those thick thighs slid away, revealing his most delectable ass. I watched muscles in his thighs twitch under my scrutiny, causing his firm round cheeks to tighten.

"W-would you like me to—to continue w-washing your back?"

Ash braced his hands on the washstand as if he were struggling to stay upright. "Please."

I walked to the bowl and dipped the cloth. Ash lifted his head to meet my eyes; his were heavy-lidded, smoldering, his fingers nearly white where they clutched the stand. As I wrung out the rag, I cut my eyes lower, a tiny smile tipping the corner of my mouth at the sight of his hard erection.

I caused that, I grinned to myself. I had him practically quivering with need, as he'd done to me before. I slowly dragged the cloth down his spine, ghosting over each firm globe, and down the back of each thigh. I swiped slowly back up the outside to the tantalizing v at his hipbone before sweeping across to the other hip and down the outside of the other leg. When I reached the bottom, I circled his heel and made my way up the inside of his thigh.

A small moan escaped Ash's lips as I slid slipped down his crease to gently fondle—I mean, clean—his heavy sacs. I rose, dropping the rag back in the bowl to rinse it once more.

"You look a little tired, sir," I teased, walking around to face him, "perhaps you need help with the rest?"

"Mirde, dulcine enferni, pleci," Ash muttered under his breath. I loved when he slipped into that exotic Tenjenyo language. I hated when Barrett used it, as it was always degrading. He used it to curse at me. But not Ash. When Ash spoke it, it was mesmerizing, because no matter what he said, he was calling me his sweet love. "Aye, yes, please."

I grabbed up the cloth, not bothering to wring it out much, and pressed it to his chest. Water ran out in scintillating paths down his ribs, through the dark trail leading to his groin. The water curled around the base before dripping over his balls. I followed the rivulets as they snaked down his thigh, dropping to my knees in front of him.

I saw one hand drifting to grab his cock, ready to stroke himself to finish. He was so on edge he was shaking. I batted away his hand, playfully. "I'm not finished. You said you needed help, didn't you?"

He groaned loudly. "Kyyyye, please."

I leaned forward, engulfing him whole, and he nearly collapsed.

"Fuck! You're going to kill me!"

I grinned around his cock, humming my amusement at his torture. He was at my mercy, my control. It was so... exciting, so heady, taking control of our lovemaking like this. Ash had been very careful, very slow and cautious about making sure I was ready, that I was comfortable with any intimacy between us. He'd always been in careful control.

But now I was. And I knew then exactly what I wanted, what I needed, to erase the last of Barrett's defilement and replace it with love and passion.

When I released Ash from the warmth of my mouth, he groaned a protest. He immediately reached to finish, probably thinking I didn't want take him so far that I'd have to swallow. I pushed his hand away and stood. I shoved gently at his chest. His eyes widened as I backed him to the bed.

His dark eyes glittered, apparently intrigued by my little show of force, as he watched me slowly undress. This was harder than I expected, and my hands started to shake. I still hated the way my body looked, thin and scarred as it was. I ducked my head slightly, allowing me to hide a little behind my golden strands from that heated gaze.

"My beautiful stubborn amari," Ash whispered, knowing exactly what to say to temper my doubts.

With a fortifying breath, I peeked up at him, half my face hidden in a curtain of gold, and I smirked.

"Gods, Kye..." Ash groaned, and my own body perked up even more.

I had my shirt off, and shoved the oversized pants off my narrow hips without even undoing the belt. Ash was beckoning me to join him. "Come. Come up here and come with me."

I sly smile crept across my lips. "Not exactly what I had in mind."

Ash frowned as I crawled up on the bed, stopping between his thighs to admire his cock, slick with my saliva and the precum leaking from the slit. I gave one last lick over his balls and up his throbbing erection before I crawled over his chest. He had flopped on his back and was reaching up to pull me down with him, but I grabbed his forearms and pressed them to the side.

Ash's brows arched briefly with an amused smile. Holding his arms down, I tentatively kissed down his chest. I'd never been in control like this and it was both scary and thrilling. I reached behind me, stroking him as I spread his natural slick with my thumb. He groaned again, his eyes fluttering shut. He even started to lift his arms as if he were dying to grab me yet stopped, letting me continue to press him into the mattress.

I abruptly realized he could easily have flipped me over, dominated my body, taking away any sense of control, of choice. Ash was most certainly strong enough, more confident, and sure of himself to take what he wanted, when he wanted it.

But he hadn't. He never had.

A surge of emotion, raw and unhindered, rushed through me as I stared down at the man under me. He had given over all control to me. And he'd been doing it all along, even when he seemed to be dominating me, when I needed him to be in control, to possess me. I hadn't realized it, but I was actually in charge even then. I could stop him with just one word. I could have him on his knees with a simple look. He let me own him, just as he owned me.

I was the one with the power. Ash had handed it over to me long ago, and I was just now realizing it. Gods, I loved this man! I swooped forward, claiming a heated kiss, devouring him, before sitting back and lifting up.

Ash was panting heavily, still shocked by my display of dominance. His eyes were closed, his mouth open in ecstasy. So he didn't realize what I was planning until I lowered myself over his thick hardness. There was only a slight burn as I pressed down, his slick was easing the way.

Ash bolted up when he realized what I was doing, trying to grab at my waist, my shoulders, anything to halt my progression. "Kye! No! I don't want to hurt you. We have no—"

I pushed back on his arms. It was a bit more of a fight this time, as he was obviously worried about causing me pain. Yet, he allowed me to press him back. "No. I want this. I need to claim you. To finish making you mine."

Ash flopped back, his chest heaving with the effort to maintain control. "I'm already yours, amari."

I knew he could easily have stopped me, made me bend to his will with his massive body and strength. Yet, he didn't. He continued to lay still under me, even though his body was now tense with the effort not to move, not to thrust.

I sat back slightly, letting the slight burn ease me open. I could feel the throbbing of his cock, pumping more precum, pulsing with anticipation, as I slowly lowered myself down. There was a bit of discomfort at the thickness and fullness. As I adjusted and slowly rocked my hips, I felt something I'd never experienced before after being penetrated.

Pleasure.

Oh Gods! My head dropped back as I rocked my hips, Ash's hard cock brushed up against something inside me, causing a jolt of euphoria, of bliss, so strong I almost exploded. Oh fucking hell. I had to feel that again. And again. And again. Yes!

I was so focused on myself, finding my own intoxicating rapture, that when I finally looked down at Ash I could tell by the grimace on his face that he was fighting back his own orgasm. For me. His hands were fisted in the sheets, and he kept his hips as still as possible. His minute rocking told me how much he was fighting to take control.

Gods, he looked fucking incredible.

"Ash..." I breathed, and he looked up at me immediately. "Please... please... take..."

He surged up, grasping my arms with a nearly feral look in his eyes. "Are you sure, dulchine? Because I need you so badly right now."

I nodded, because I was done being in control. I just wanted him to take over, so I didn't need to think. And immediately Ash flipped us over, so I was on my back and he was thrusting gently into me. Oh, damn! That new angle hit that spot... oh! Fuck.

I was ready to burst, but I was determined to let Ash find his pleasure first. That had been my plan when I'd started this whole seduction.

Sweat dripped down Ash's tense face. He looked to be in even more pain when I looked up at him. Was I hurting him? Gods, the pleasure he was giving me couldn't be hurting him, could it?

"Ash...?" I lifted my hand to his cheek, cupping it.

"Gods, Kye, I don't think I can hold back much longer. Can I come?"

He... he was asking me? Oh, Gods, he was still giving me control over him. And I was torturing both of us. I grabbed my own leaking hardness. "Yes! Yes, Ash, please! Come with me."

The guttural shout that ripped from his chest as I felt his hot seed bathe my insides had me falling over the edge of my own orgasm within three more strokes. The hot splatters of my own release decorated my chest and belly, as well as Ash's when he collapsed on top of me.

I barely felt him roll away and climb off the bed, my body was boneless, a liquid puddle in the middle of the bed. I jumped slightly at the cool rag on my belly as Ash carefully cleaned up our mess both on my chest and between my thighs. The cloth ended up on the floor as Ash climbed back in bed next to me, curling in around my outstretched body.

"Thank you," he whispered in my ear before softly kissing the spot right behind it and down the side of my neck.

"Thank me? For what? I should be thanking you." I twisted slightly to look over my shoulder at him.

"For giving me such a wonderful gift," he murmured between kisses.

"Gift?"

"The gift of yourself. I know you've been struggling, fighting Barrett's influence over you is hard, yet you've been so strong, willing to fight."

I bit my lip. I wasn't sure how true that was. Yes, I was fighting to find myself after Barrett had broken me, but I didn't think I would ever really feel strong. "You've given me a gift too."

He nuzzled sleepily against my neck. "Hmmm, what's that?"

"Control." I felt him pause before he resumed scattering small kisses on my shoulder.

"Control?"

"Yes, I've never had any control over my own life. And you gave me control over yours, over us."

Ash tugged me closer, which I didn't think was possible. "Oh, teh dulchine, have you not noticed?"

"What?" I frowned.

"You have controlled me ever since you dropped of exhaustion in my study. You own me. I'm yours."

I smiled into the pillow. "And I'm yours."

I felt his breaths slowly even out against my shoulder. I knew he'd have to rise in the next few hours. He had work to do, and I knew I would always have to share him with his duties as a viscount.

But at least I had him for now.