Simply Pleasure by Kate Pearce Page A

to face, my cock deep inside you?”
    â€œ Yes .”
    Peter still didn’t move. “I want to be your partner in all things, your business and your bed.” He hesitated. “I know this is hard for you—the thought of a man fucking you, owning you, but that’s not what I want. I just want to occasionally share your bed instead of it all being about what you want.”
    â€œI understand.” Val bit down on his lower lip. “I—think I can do that.”
    â€œAnd in return I swear that I won’t let myself drown in the oblivion of opium again. It’s going to be damned hard at first, but if you can offer me a compromise such as this, I can offer you my loyalty and my assurance that I will do anything in my power to make you proud of me and be worthy of the trust you offer me.”
    â€œI’ve always been proud of you.”
    â€œLiar.”
    â€œNo, I’ve always admired your ability to be honest about what you want.” Val sighed. “I’m not very good at admitting I need anyone, but in this instance I will repay your honesty with my own. There is nothing I would like more than to have you as my friend and my partner in this new business venture.”
    â€œAnd?” Peter’s arms were trembling from the strain of holding himself away from Val.
    â€œAnd here, in the darkness, and in this bed, I can admit I want you as my lover too.”
    Peter eased back his hips. “But?”
    â€œForgive me if I fail to show you that—I desire you sometimes.” He arched his back and brought one shaking hand down to wrap around his cock. “Now, please fuck me. I need you.”
    Peter let out his breath and allowed himself to thrust forward and then retreat in a punishing rhythm that left Val gasping and reaching for him. Peter pressed deep one last time and held himself still as his seed pumped out in long, pulsing waves that left him feeling drained and trembling, his teeth clenched so hard he thought his jaw might be broken.
    Before he could draw a decent breath, Val sat up and flipped him onto his stomach, his wet fingers seeking Peter’s arsehole. His cock followed, pushing in and out in a quick frenzy that had Peter writhing on the sheets and groaning Val’s name with every stabbing stroke.
    Val climaxed and collapsed over Peter’s back, his breathing harried, his body so relaxed that he clung to Peter like a vine. They stayed like that for a long while before Val eased himself out and rolled away.
    Peter fetched a bowl of water and soap, and they washed themselves and each other until the sheets were damp and they both smelled of lavender. Peter picked up Val’s necklace and put it back around his neck. They crawled under the covers and curled up together, Val on his back and Peter against his side.
    â€œAre you sure that you don’t want to go with Captain Ford?” Val murmured.
    â€œPerhaps someday in the future I will travel with him, but I need to understand the nature of this business before I can go anywhere and make it profitable. I’ll move into the upstairs apartment in the building straightaway. I promise that as soon as I’m able, I’ll return all the money I stole from your father.”
    â€œThat would be good of you.”
    â€œIt’s the least I can do and you know it.” Peter rested a hand on Val’s chest. “Was he angry about you buying the shipping company?”
    â€œMore resigned than angry. He’s learned to accept that I’ll never be the son he truly wanted.”
    There was a thread of exhaustion in Val’s voice that matched how Peter felt. As the silence lengthened, Val’s breathing changed and became slower and more regular until Peter realized he’d gone to sleep. With one last kiss, Peter eased himself away and got out of bed. Seeing as it was his last night under the Marquess of Stratham’s roof, he’d better not be found naked