The Butcher and the Beast by Sean Michael Page A

his mouth, letting Grey’s frantic movements push it deep. It wouldn’t be long. It couldn’t be. Grey’s need was too close to the surface. He slid his good hand around, fingers sliding along Grey’s crack as his head bobbed, his suction increasing on Grey’s cock.
    Salt and heat exploded in his lips, Grey shuddering, shaking above him. Moaning, he swallowed Grey’s need down, mouth softening, but not releasing the spent cock. He pulled aftershocks and shudders from Grey before slowly coming off. Grey slumped to the sheets, lips open, eyes closed. Leaning over him, John traced Grey’s swollen lips. The man looked debauched, sexy. Damned good in his bed.
    Grey moaned, shivering for him.
    The best part of it was that Grey had done it all himself. Grey had given him the kisses, the licks, had taken his shaft into that lovely mouth without being forced. It made the man’s surrender that much more delicious.
    “We shall have to make a habit of that.”
    “Beast.” The word almost sounded fond.
    He chuckled and bent to nip at Grey’s lower lip. “You would be most disappointed if you put your mouth on any part of me and I did not respond.”
    He got no answer, barring a bare grin, a soft laugh. “You refuse to allow me a moment’s respite.”
    “My dear doctor, the last time I allowed you that you attacked me with a blade! No, I like your actions better when you must run on instinct and you let your body take what it wants, what it needs.”
    “And you argue that you are no animal?” Grey stretched, lean and pale, skin lovely, especially his mark on the dark throat.
    “Did I argue that?” He laughed, let his fingers slide over Grey’s belly. “I would argue that we are all animals, yourself included. Do not hide from yourself, Doctor. Revel in yourself. In me.”
    “You are a demon, in truth.”
    Yes, and the doctor had discovered temptation.
    “And what does that make you?” he asked, before taking Grey’s mouth with his, reminding Grey that the man had made love with this demon.
    Grey moaned, accepted his kiss, wrapping his hands around John’s shoulders. He pulled the blankets up over them, covering them in darkness as the kisses continued. After some time he gave up control of the kiss, let Grey lead it, guide it.
    The passion was abated. This was something different. Something else. It was something he had never done with anyone else and yet he tolerated it with Grey. No, not tolerated, enjoyed it.
    It was most intriguing, most fascinating.
    He might be compelled to keep this butcher.

Chapter Seven
     
     
     
    Stephen sighed at Geoff, wrapping one arm with a bandage. “You must keep the wrap and the salve on it or you will lose the arm.”
    Three weeks he had doctored the crew. Three weeks he had dealt with the worst ideas of what medicine was. Three weeks. Still, it was improving. Slowly.
    “You’ll take me arm? I knew it! Butcher!” Geoff stood, his chair going flying behind him. “I’ll not let ye.”
    “Oh, for God’s sake. Just keep the wrapping on, you great bloody fool. You have better use of it than I do.”
    There was a growl from the door. “There a problem down here?” John stood there, arms crossed, looking every inch a pirate captain.
    “Yes. Your man is going to lose his arm if he does not listen to me.” Infuriating. They were all infuriating—every last pirate down to a man. Their captain the worst of the lot.
    John glared. “Geoff. Do what the butcher tells you.”
    Geoff grumbled a “Yes, Cap’n” then stomped off, muttering about a drink.
    Chuckling, John came in, eyes sliding from Stephen’s head down to his toes and back up again, that gaze like a touch.
    “Thank you, Beast.” Stephen would not look away, not flinch. Unfortunately he could not prevent his body’s response.
    And the man knew it, damn him. John’s lips twisting into a wicked grin. “I know a way you could show your appreciation.”
    “You have no shame and I have patients.” He turned