Chapter 3

“Really, Xavier, I don’t understand,” Lucas commented, looking somewhat vexed with his friend’s determination. “You usually get bored rather fast with them. Please at least promise me he can be mine once you are done with him.”

They were talking over dinner, while Cory was tending the table quietly, trying hard to ignore the butterflies in his stomach upon hearing the masters’ conversation.

“I believe that it would be no issue for a repeat performance if you come visit us,” Xavier sipped wine from his glass, frowning. “What I do not understand,” he emphasized the ‘I’, “is why you are so keen on acquiring him.”

“I always speak my mind,” Lucas answered. “We’re not so different, you and I. We both take what we like when we like. Of course, in this case, I could never insist more than it is socially accepted. If this is your final word, I will respect it,” he added sternly while cutting the steak on his plate with measured gestures.

Cory was observing in silence. Lord Xavier was graceful to the tip of his fingers, even as he ate, while it looked like Lucas was paying too much attention to his table manners. If he didn’t know better, he would have suspected the guest to have struggled to climb the social ladder to reach his current position, as opposed to Xavier who looked blue-blooded and born to rule.

“I do not usually tell you ‘no’, you know it,” Xavier’s voice grew softer.

“Only on not so little things,” Lucas commented, looking somewhat disappointed.

“You see, I have taken quite a liking at Cory, and I would hate to part with him so soon. Plus, it is highly unusual for you to show so much interest in another human being.”

There were signs in his master’s voice, Cory wished he could read. Could there be a chip in the man’s armor? Was he nurturing more intimate feelings towards his friend? Were not they responded in kind? He was so deep in thought, that he forgot he was supposed to bring dessert. His master looked at him, his half ironic, half indulgent smile back on his lips. Lucas coughed discreetly, to draw his attention.

He murmured an apology and rushed to the kitchen to bring the two servings of mocha pots de crème, he had especially and carefully struggled with, while the masters were recovering from the sensual session from earlier. He had used the heart shape he’d found among the utensils. Somehow, his master’s choice had rung to him as romantic, so he’d wanted to please him with a proper layout, as well.

As he placed the dessert in front of the two masters, Lucas chuckled softly.

“You are always trying to seduce me with food, Xavier.”

“This is not food, my friend, this is pure delight,” Xavier commented, digging a small scoop of chocolate pudding and tasting it, half closing his eyes. “He is great as a cook, too,” he added and stared at Lucas with a meaningful look.

“That is to be expected,” the brunet waved his hand like such aspects were trivial. “They are trained to serve.” However, as he tasted his dessert, his green eyes grew a bit wider. “Well, I guess this is something...” he mused, and using his teaspoon to get another mouthful of pudding, he held it towards Cory. “Come here, Cory, have a bite, too. I suppose you deserve it. Doesn’t he, Xavier?” he challenged his friend.

Cory felt like a deer caught in the headlights. He looked at his master, feeling uncertain. Wasn’t it a breach of protocol to accept something from another master? So far, Xavier had been in charge, even in much more intimate matters, but right now, he felt as if Lucas was crossing an invisible line.

“Go ahead, Cory, let Lucas feed you,” Xavier ordered shortly, his appetite for his own dessert suddenly gone.

Cory tried to take the teaspoon from Lucas’s hand, but the man stopped him. “Not like this, Cory. You will have to take it with your mouth.”

The servant could feel his cheeks ablaze. He half closed his eyes, afraid he was going to embarrass himself. He gently took the teaspoon in his mouth and used his tongue to clean everything. He tried to straighten up right away as if he could felt his master’s eyes watching him.

Lucas grabbed him all of a sudden and placed the servant on his lap.

“It is delicious, isn’t it, Cory?” the man placed the utensil on the table so he could caress the servant’s thigh.

“Yes, Sir,” he said sheepishly.

“Do you know how it tastes better?”

He shook his head slowly, trying hard not to look at Lord Lucas, overly conscious of the hand that had slowly caressed him, now resting on his waist.

“From a pair of beautiful lips.”

He watched, not even daring to breathe, how Lucas unceremoniously dipped his fingers in the dessert. He stood there as his lips were gently painted with chocolate, and moaned softly when Lucas’s lips closed over his.

When he opened his eyes again, and Lucas gently put him down so he could stand, as well, he noticed his master was no longer in the room.

“I didn’t peg you for the jealous type,” Lucas commented while preparing to walk out the door.

Behind the door to the giant hallway, Cory listened. He knew he was not supposed to be there, as his master had clearly ordered him to his quarters while he was going to see his friend to the door.

“Jealous?” Xavier was obviously trying to keep his cool.

“You are so easily provoked.”

“You are probably doing a fine job at provoking me.”

“A simple kiss? Really, Xavier?”

Cory could not stop thinking Lucas was cruel.

“It was not a simple kiss, Lucas, and you know it,” Xavier said accusingly.

“You always invite me to partake, and I usually decline. I thought you would be happy seeing me so enthralled with your little pet.”

“I thought so, too,” Xavier’s voice dropped a few notes.

There were kissing sounds, and Cory could only picture the two beautiful men in their tight embrace.

“Why?” he heard Xavier speaking again.

“You know very well why,” Lucas said matter-of-factly. “I’d rather be your friend forever, then your lover for a day.”

“It wouldn’t be that way between us,” Xavier said softly.

“You always say that,” Lucas laughed. “But you forget that I know you very well. You burn too hot, too fast. The only reason why you still want me is because except for these little trysts, I always say ‘no’. Plus, I would be a fool to give my heart to you. You are ruthless. You step on broken hearts like it is the most natural thing in the world.”

“You’re painting me in so bad colors,” Xavier complained.

“They are your true colors,” the other stated.

“At least, let me have you once,” the master’s voice grew hotter.

His demand was received with a low chuckle. “Don’t even think about it, Xavier. No one fucks me. Not even my best friend.”

Cory hurried to reach his room. His suspicions had been confirmed and now he was starting to feel afraid that his master’s frustration and anger with being so bluntly refused by his beautiful friend was going to have a target in his puny little person.

He heard the bell ring and he knew he was summoned. He walked towards the master bedroom, with a nasty sensation curling in his belly. Lucas had commented on Xavier being ruthless with his lovers. Not that he was his master’s lover, which only meant the man could not even be bothered to have mercy while exacting punishment.

Knocking softly, he entered.

“Have you called for me, master?”

Xavier looked amazing, his pale skin a beautiful contrast against the black silk sheets. He was completely naked, in a relaxed pose, but Cory could not let his guard down. The man had been upset with what had happened over dinner, and there were not going to be pleasantries being exchanged between the two of them before going to bed.

“I must have you know, Cory, that my appetite is quite difficult to quench. Especially I require service before bedtime.”

He gestured for the young servant to approach, and Cory’s eyes traveled the harmonious, worthy of a statue, body, to rest atop the erection the man was sporting.