⋆⭒˚SOᗩKᕮᗪ Iᑎ Tᕼᕮ ᑎᕮOᑎ GᒪOᗯS⋆⭒˚

Ryan doesn’t greet you at the door when you let yourself in like you hoped he would. But you get your answer swiftly after pulling your boots off. The tell-tale sign of yelling and cursing down the hall means he’s still streaming. Rolling your eyes, you make your way to the bedroom, swallowing down the lump of disappointment. 

Your feet halt at the open door. He’s rearranged his room since the last time you were over. Tucked in the corner of the room is his gaming setup, where he currently resides. Your eyes linger over his large hands, gripping the controller tight. He curses under his breath, and you hear laughter in his headset. 

“Fuck you, Justin!” he yells, raising his middle finger to the webcam. Silver refracts off the LED lights, capturing your attention back to his thick fingers adorned in rings. Without warning, your thighs clench together as your pussy throbs. Those magical fingers of his. A smirk curls your lips. He’s painted them red and pink. On his ring finger is an outline of a white heart. So he did remember. 

“You keep my girlfriend’s name out of your lips!” Ryan slams down the controller and pushes himself away from the desk. You love it when he gets all riled up. You step into the room to shut the door quietly behind you. Ryan glances in your direction briefly, his eyes shimmering a rage-fueled fire beneath. 

“Start up the next round, Rick.” So he’s not going to stop anytime soon. Glancing around, you spot a new ottoman across the walk-in closet. It’s situated on the same wall as his desk, a few meters out of frame.

You plop down on the edge of the seat, positioning yourself to face Ryan. His gaze flicks over to you as you untuck your sweater from the denim skirt. 

“Vin, I swear to God-” he starts, but his words lose meaning when you lift your sweater, exposing your lace bra. He licks his lips, and his eyes narrow, making his brown eyes transform into onyx. Emboldened by his display of vengeful desire, you discard your sweater and bra swiftly. You catch the soft gasp before he feigns a coughing fit. Wasting no time, your thumbs brush over your pebbled nipples, biting down on your lip to circumvent the pain as you alternate, pinching and circling the sensitive bud. The thought of using nipple clamps has you groaning. 

Ryan slams down the controller, “I gotta take a piss.” Your eyes jolt open when fingers grip your jaw. “I know what you are doing, princess, so please don’t stop. When the boys get off, your ass is mine.” 

Ryan storms out of the room, leaving you dizzy and breathless. After a few calming breaths, you stand, unfastening the button and zipper of the skirt. The garment drops to the floor, and then you kick it over to where your sweater and bra had landed by the desk. Mischief curls your lips at the crumbled-up fabric. Just as you lean down to roll off your socks, you find yourself shoved against the wall. Pain sears through your shoulder blades and back, but it instantly dulls as your brain kicks into overdrive. Ryan devours your lips with his. He licks at your bottom lip and you open for him,im but he pulls away. About to protest, a hand clamps over your mouth as the other hand gazes down your side.

“You like playing this game, huh?” His voice is thick and raspy, drenched in desperate desire. 

Ryan knocks your legs out wide with his foot; and then his hand lowers to cup your covered sex. 

“Let’s play.” 

Suddenly, his fingers slip underneath the fabric and between your folds. His one finger is a delicious tease your body craves. And just as quickly as he thrusts it inside you, he pulls it out. Feigning a whine backfires when your eyes bug wide. He pops the moist digit into his mouth–the same one he flipped off Justin–with an obscene sound. He’s winding you up, and it’s working. With an audible pop, he pulls the finger from his lips and leans over you. 

“I want your juices seeping into every last stitch of those goddamn panties. And if the boys hear you, you will be punished. Got it?” The hand over your mouth lowers to rest of the base of your throat. “I understand, sir.” You flash him a wicked grin, thrilled with the idea of getting caught. 

You settle back down on the ottoman bac,k straight up against the wall. You tilt your hips and spread your legs wide, exposing yourself to him. Ryan huffs in frustration, eyes hazy with lust. But as soon as the headphones are back on, he is locked back into his game. 

Leaning back, you shut your eyes and take a few deep breaths to drown out Ryan’s grunts and curses. Slowly, your fingertips caress your cheeks, massaging in small circles, melting the tension away. Next, you explore your breasts with a feather-light touch alternating between rubbing and pinching your nipples. 

A surprised gasp catches in your throat. Rolling the sensitive bud between two fingers has your clit throbbing. Desperation washes over you as your other hand slides between your thighs, hastily rubbing your clit in tandem with teasing your nipples. Fuck! Screwing your eyes tight, you bite down on your lip hard to keep from screaming as you climax.

“Fuck fuck fuck!” His curses pierce through the pounding heartbeat in your ears. Crash! Your eyes jolt open following the loud noise. His chair has slammed into his bed. Your gaze scans over to Ryan, who’s standing tall, shoulders heaving up and down in what you call ‘gamer’s frenzy.’ 

“Get bent, Justin!” he sneers. Something glints in his eye,s and his face softens. “No, but seriously, enjoy your night with Shae. Girlfriend? Yeah, maybe I should text her. Alright, alright…” His cheeks redden at the proposal. 

You feel a goofy grin spread across your face when your eyes meet. His demeanor shifts as his eyes roam over your naked body. In a flash, he’s between your legs. So close to you, he can hear Vinny and Rick bickering in the headphones. Ryan presses one thick finger to his lips. Nodding, your gaze follows his lower down your body. 

“You next, old man?” Ryan chuckles, hooking his fingers into the waistband of your panties. “ Can’t stay up past your bedtime. How cute.” Rick grumbles and curses Ryan’s name. Vinny laughs in the background. 

“Just you and me, Vin,” he adds, rolling your panties down your legs and discarding the fabric haphazardly. “Go take a piss, I’m getting something to eat.” Your jaw drops when Ryan adjusts the mic on his headset and leans in. His breath is hot against your drenched folds. “Fucking finally,” he mutters.

Ryan presses his tongue flat to your engorged and overstimulated clit. Your head rolls back with a thud. Instantly, your hands find purchase in his scalp, pulling him closer to you. His moan vibrates against your clit, catapulting you closer to another climax. 

“Jesus… Ryan,” you pant, trembling legs threatening to close around his head. “Fuck.. don’t…” your words melt into another moan as he licks and sucks at your clit. Wet sounds and a muffled voice pull you from your lusty haze. Boldly, you look down between your legs to find Ryan staring up at you. His brown eyes darken to almost onyx as his tongue darts in and out of your hole. 

A mischievous glint flashes in his eyes before plunging a thick ringed finger into your pussy. He rams into you with such force it takes your breath away. You love it when he’s rough with you. Takes his frustrations out of you. Uses you for his stress relief. 

Your body slackens against the wall while his tongue and finger assault you in pleasure. Ryan’s gaze is fixed on you, unwavering even when Vinny returns and says, “Why does it sound like you’re eating pussy?” Ryan chuckles against your clit, and it throws you ever the edge. “Come on, baby,” he growls. “Give it to me.” 

Your body tenses and trembles, and despite the ringing in your ears, you hear Vinny add, “Enjoy your dinner, I’m outta here. Fucking weirdo.”

Ryan huffs another laugh before removing his fingers from inside you and licking them clean. “Divine,” he groans, wiping his chin with the back of his hand.

 He looks you over again with dark intent in his eyes. Abruptly, his gaze is torn from you when his phone buzzes. With his back turned you hastily dive your fingers between your slick folds, desperately trying to finger yourself fast enough to come again. Sweat pools at your brow while you thrust in and out, curving your fingers just right to hit the spongy sweet spot within. Pressure builds in your core while your eyes remain fixed on Ryan typing away on his phone, completely oblivious to your debauchery. Your lashes flutter, and your vision softens as you teeter on the edge of the precipice of pleasure. 

You hear the phone slam down before your brain can register what happens next. Your hand is pulled from inside you. Ryan crouches before you, popping the moist digits into his mouth. His warm mouth and tongue licking and sucking on your fingers tosses you over the edge. He moans, wrapping the other hand around your neck. When he applies a small amount of pressure at your pulse points, you let out a silent scream as your pussy clenches around nothing. He sucks off your fingers one last time with an audible pop. A smug smirk plays on his face when he releases the hold around your neck. Your chest heaves with every breath of air into your lungs, pushing your breasts further into his face. 

His large hands wrap around your middle, locking you in place as he licks and sucks at your pebbled nipple. “All…mine,” he growls against the sensitive flesh. When he nips at your breast, the pain shoots straight to your clit.

“Oh fuck,” you groan, head rolling back and eyes fluttering close. 

Suddenly, a shriek overtakes you as a hand shoves you onto the ottoman flat on your stomach. Next, hands grip at your hips, pulling your ass up into the air. 

“Naughty! Girls! Don’t! Come!” Ryan yells, accentuating each word with a smack to your ass. 

Pleasureable pain spreads over your ass cheeks. You want more. So you wiggle your butt and giggle, hoping to entice him to smack you more. Ryan starts to turn away from you, and you open your mouth to sass back, to taunt him to hurt you more. Without warning, the words on the tip of your tongue get stuffed back into your throat when Ryan shoves your red panties into your mouth. 

“Hmmphhh,” you grunt, jutting out your lip to pout. 

Ryan smiles a devilish smirk and then boops you on the nose. “You’ve been too much of a distraction, honey.” Ryan tsks, turning away from you to rummage through the nearby closet. Anger and frustration flash over you, daring you to push yourself up to sit. In the middle of the precarious position, Ryan storms over to you and shoves you back onto the ottoman, knocking the breath from your lungs.

In an instant, he grabs your wrists and binds them behind you in leather cuffs. In your hand, he places a bell that you know from past experiences you drop to signal ‘red’. With the bell secure in your hand you thrash and grunt, your curses muffled by the soaking wet fabric between your teeth. 

“Ha! Ha!” he laughs in your face. Your cheeks flame red as crimson, and he looks like he might spit in your face. The fleeting thought makes your pussy fluttering. But you huff instead when he walks away. 

“Fuck!” Ryan curses, slamming his fists onto the desk. “You!” he seethes, rushing over to you. His hand clamps around your jaw, forcing you to look up at him. “Fucking bitch, made me lose this round to Vinny…” His face is so close you can smell the beer on his breath. “...TO VINNY!”  he spits in your face the salvia running down your chin. His brown eyes flash a fury of onyx. 

“Your. Ass. Is. Mine,” he growls, squeezing your jaw hard before letting go. 

You let out a muffled shriek when your body undulates forward from the momentum of the smack on your ass. Your pounding heartbeat steadies only slightly after hearing the wheels of his desk chair roll forward, and Ryan mutters something unintelligible in his headset. 

Your shoulders and hips ache from the precarious position Ryan has you bound in, so you roll your shoulders back and tighten your core to lift your neck to release some of the pressure. You’re not sure how long he will keep you like this. Secretly, you love being used by him.

Sweat moistens your brow and rolls down your sore back, making you shiver and squirm. Widening your knees, you rest your belly onto the tops of your thighs as if in some complex child’s pose. You thank a higher power that you had your hot yoga practice earlier that morning. 

On a deep exhale, your body and mind relax into a submissive state. Focused on your steady breathing, you drown out Ryan’s shouts and curses. Finally, at ease, your eyelids flutter closed, and drool spills past your lips, but you don’t have a single care in your meditative state. After a few heartbeats, your body melts deeper into tranquility… then all of a sudden…

Large hands grip your hips, pulling you to your knees with a yelp. Ryan’s painted fingernails dig deep into the delicate skin, where you’ll find delicious bruises tomorrow. 

“Fuck you…Viiin,” Ryan groans loudly, slamming his hard cock into your tight asshole. Despite screaming through the gag and the pain, Ryan doesn’t let up, only thrusting faster. Tears start to stream down your face when he doubles his efforts. You lurch forward, pressing your cheek against the leather, when two fingers spread your still-soaking folds and come to press against your clit. Pressure builds in your core with every deep thrust pushing you closer to the edge. All at once, the sensation dulls as Ryan withdraws, leaving a you whimpering mess.

“Alright, Vin, I’ll set up the last round,” he says a little breathlessly before smacking your sore ass, causing you to yelp once more. You expect even more pain to fuel your adrenaline into overdrive, but only a numb sting remains. Shifting back into a more comfortable position by widening your bent knees feels better, but it unexpectedly adds a slight amount of pressure to your lower abdomen, which makes your pussy throb.

Desperation consumes your thoughts when you curse “Fmmkh!” and wiggle your body enticingly. Huffing and puffing against the soddened fabric, you break down and start to beg.

“Pheassee, Rymnnn! Pheassee!”

“I gotta wrap this up.” You hear Ryan chuckle to himself. “My girl is a little tied up at the moment and needs me.” Your heartbeat skyrockets at the mention of your name. You and Ryan have only been together for a little while, and still, every time he says your name, your heart skips a beat. 

“Mayyybeee…” his voice pitches higher with saccharine playfulness. He huffs another laugh, “Good night, man, later.” 

The moment the headset rests on his desk, the air in the room shifts. He’s done playing nice, and you made him end his stream early. Streams of incoherent babbling filter from your stuffed mouth as he approaches you. With all your remaining strength, you try to free yourself from the binds, but it’s no use as your limbs have all but gone numb. 

The only warning you get this time is the rustling of denim and the clanking of his belt onto the floor before he shoves his cock into your ass deep and relentless. 

“Is. This. What. You. Wanted,” he seethes, slamming into your ass over and over and over again. 

“Yeshh! Yeshh! Yeeeesh!” Saliva dribbles down your chin and pools onto the ottoman. Warmth spreads through your body as Ryan leans over you, forcing you to curl further into yourself. He makes you feel so small beneath him. One hand slides between your folds while the other pulls the gag from your mouth before resting against your neck. The hand at your throat angles your head back slightly, and he presses firmly onto your pulse points. The other hand mercilessly fucks you in rhythm with his cock. 

Completely overwhelmed by the needy sounds coming from Ryan’s mouth between the soft kisses to your spine that make you shutter- you have no other choice than to give in. Your toes curl when he tightens the grip on your throat. A silent scream spills from your parted lips as the most intense orgasm crashes over you, leaving you a spasming mess. 

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” Ryan curses, releasing rope after rope of hot cum into your ass. Your pussy clenches around his fingers as he fucks you through your orgasm. Simultaneously you squirt all over the ottoman as his cum leaks out of you. 

“Holy fuck,” he curses in amazement. “I didn’t know you could do that!”

“Neither did I,” you giggle softly, your cheeks reddening with embarrassment.

“You are amazing,” he beams with pride while unlocking the cuffs and taking the bell. Next, he kisses your wrists. 

“Thank you,” you add sleepily as you come down for your post-orgasmic high. 

Ryan gently pulls you into an embrace, carrying you to the en suite bathroom. He sets you down on the lid of the toilet as he runs the bath, adding in your favorite bath foam. Your eyes light up when you see a small bucket of champagne and a heart-shaped box of chocolates on the counter. Ryan adds rose petals to the bath water and lights the candles on the ledge. 

“Happy Valentine’s Day, my love,” he whispers into your ear as he sets you into the water. Instantly, the warm water soothes your sore muscles. The scent of the bath foam awakens your senses. Ryan sets up the tray in the middle of the tub and places the chocolates and two flutes of champagne on it before settling in. 

“To us,” he raises his glass to you. 

“Forever and always.” You smile back, clinking your glass to his. 

royal readers

@deathblacksmoke @mysticdoodlez @sitkowski @collapsedglasshouses @sorrowsofsilence @dominuslunae @latenightmusiclover

"Let's go go go!" Mia squeals pulling you back to reality. It's been ages since you've been back to your hometown, a place you never imagined you'd ever return to. Nostalgia and grief tighten your chest for a moment, but when Mia starts squirming in your grasp, you push it down and bury it within.

"Where do you want to go first," your voice wavers just slightly. Mia points to the large building off to the side away from the main campus quad.

Of course— the sports complex.

Your late husband was a sports agent for a metropolitan hockey team from the other side of the country. The day after you graduated high school you were out of the small town and off to the furthest city you could go. After your hand me down car broke down on the interstate and a bus ticket later, you made it to the big city and never looked back. You and your husband raised your daughters in ice rinks and city lights.

There's a rush of cool air when the arena doors automatically open. "Mama look!" Mia points at the ice rink. I'm not sure if we're allowed in here. You bite at your lip, mind racing over a thousand excuses when Mia tugs you forward. Turning the corner the ice comes into view and Mia screeches. "Mama ice! Ice!"

"Shhh," you shush Mia. There's someone on the skating. He's dressed head to toe in black. His back muscles flex under the strain as he lines up the shot. There's a loud cracking sound when the stick makes contact with the ice. Your mouth pops open as you take in his grace, pure muscle and flexibility.

"Goal!!!" Mia shrills.

"Shhh Mia!" you snap.

"Sorry mama."

The man on the ice whips his head in your direction quickly assessing you and your daughter and then, to your disbelief a wide grin spreads across his face. He waves and then shouts, "Hi!" There's a boyish charm that lights up his face. Mia waves back and then unsurprising she shouts out her name to him. So much for stranger danger. Mia is your husband's daughter in social situations. You smile down at her, wishing you had the same unabashed confidence. She makes you more outgoing which you are grateful for.

As the man skates away, you prepare a multitude of excuses ready to scoop Mia up and leave. Your body tenses as he approaches yet the smile on his face contradicts the thoughts in your head. Still your body is ready to bolt.

"W-we were just leaving," you blurt out, your hand hovering near Mia's side.

"You can stay," he smiles, gesturing you to follow him to the player's bench. "I'm just practicing and camp doesn't start until tomorrow."

You sit down on the bench and Mia follows, no glass between you and him. He leans against the wooden edge and then digs in his pocket. "Here," he offers Mia the puck with the biggest smile. He's so close you feel his body heat and pure energy. You imagine what he must have been like on the ice with his team—all muscle and speed. Suddenly your thoughts derail to him nuzzling your inner thigh with his mustache, inching closer and closer to your—

"The name's Nick," his baritone voice shatters your lusty daydream. Nick extends his hand and you take it. His grasp is firm and comforting yet—

Time slows as your gaze softens to his brown eyes. The same ones you saw countless times in the halls of your high school. Your hometown's hockey hero. Nick put the city's name on the map—an NHL prospect. He was fifteen when you first met. It was your final year yet somehow he was locker partners with you. Some miscalculation at placed a freshman in the senior wing which was very abnormal even for your small school. His presence made the halls much more crowded, but you didn't mind. Nick was always kind to you.

"W-we went to the same high school," you blurt out pulling your hand away.

His eyes widen in recognition, "Locker buddies?" And then he smiles the biggest grin, pink heating his cheeks. "I had to biggest crush on you. You were the prettiest girl in the hall." Your smile falters a little, mind reeling at his admission. An NHL legend. And the girl that abandoned her small town for the big city.

"Mama! I have to peeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!" Mia exclaims suddenly bored with the hockey puck. You turn to mind her bouncing the puck up and down on the bench and making it neigh like a horse.

"Of course."

"Bathrooms are by the entrance and a family restroom is just down the hall."

"Thank you," you say as you help Mia up from the bench. A part of you wants to reach out and touch him again, but you don't want to make a it weird.

"You should come by tomorrow for camp, and bring Mia," Nick adds lowering his hand to Mia so she can high five it. Mia bonks her hand against his palm instead. He chuckles, eyes crinkling at the corners. Mia smiles back. It's the most endearing experience so you capture it into your mind.

"We'd love to!"

As we exit—Mia babbling in your arms at the shiny trophies— you round the corner to the main entrance, nearly slamming into someone.

"Oh sorry!" you adjust your balance and Mia just giggles thinking it's the funniest thing ever.

"It was my fault," he says, his brown eyes assess you and your daughter. He tips his black baseball cap that reads WOMEN'S SOCCER and that's when you notice his name on his jacket: DAVIS. He's taller than Nick and leaner. For the briefest second you wonder if he and Nick work out together…

"Hey Coach! Ready for the new year? Think your team will get the champaign cup three years in a row?" A deep voice calls. Davis, lifts his head in the direction of the voice and smiles, his white teeth dazzling.

"Hey Ryan, good to see you." Then he turns to you and adds, "Have a good day, ma'am."

You shift Mia on your hip and thank him quickly. The urge to turn and look back tugs at you, but still frazzled from awkward encounter, you and Mia speed walk to the exit.

"I'm fine mom," your oldest daughter huffs, fingers flitting away on her phone. She hadn't left the couch, let alone put her phone down when you told her you and Mia were going to the rink again. "Seriously, go have fun with the old guys." Your gut churns at her comment, as Nick, although retired, is much younger than you.

"Ready!" Mia announces with her unicorn stuffie in one hand and her sequin backpack in the other. Dressed in black leggings and a cream colored zipped sweater, also with a unicorn on it, she ready for the chilly ice rink. Your chest tightens at the thought of your late husband seeing her at the rink. Mia was only a few months old before he passed. He would have been ecstatic! You could imagine him lifting her in the air twirling her around until she couldn't stop giggling.

As you approach the rink your heartbeat pounds faster and faster.

"Yay!" Mia shrieks when the sports complex comes into view. You practice the internal script in your head of introducing yourself and Mia, hoping Nick won't bring up your past. The familiar sounds of slap shots and cheers rings through as you and Mia make your way into the rink. On the ice are a dozen or so kids and teen in different colored jerseys. Mia is too awestruck to make a peep when you two sit at the players bench.

"Who do we have here?" A bigger man skates in smiling at Mia. And then it hits you: A moment of weakness during the darkest time in your grief. A impulsive stop to the bar after dropping your daughters off at your parents'. A few drinks, a kind smile, a hotel room with a stranger. No names. You two never went passed kissing on the couch. Tears stained your cheeks, guilt and shame tightened your throat. He stopped, brought you a bottle of water, and listened.

Besides your therapist, he was the only one you told about your husband's accident. Despite the heavy heart, he helped you feel human again.

"Skates!" Mia shrieks, jumping up and down tearing you from your moment of despair. You plaster on a small smile hoping he doesn't remember you.

"Ryan," he says extending his hand to you and you take it. Ryan. The moment you say your name there's a flash of something in his brown eyes like he wants to say something, but instead he smiles brightly and shifts his gaze to your daughter.

"So this must be Mia! Nick would not stop yapping about you." Mia giggles bashfully as Ryan hops over boards. He crouches down in front of her and asks if she would like to skate too.

"Mama please pleaaaaase!"

"Of course, Mia. Have fun!"

With practiced ease, Ryan helps Mia into her skate and then she snatches her unicorn stuffie. Your stomach does somersaults when Ryan lifts her up over the boards and onto the ice. Your heart has other plans that you aren't ready for so you sit back and take a few deep breaths. You focus on Mia's laughter and Ryan's dazzling smile.

"Hey, how're you holding up?" Nick's unexpected question makes your heart jolt. He must have noticed your reaction when he quickly adds, "Sorry, just wanted to check in on you. First time seeing your daughter on the ice?"

"Yeah," you say a little breathless. "I wasn't sure if Mia would follow in her older sisters footsteps."

"Oh yeah? She played hockey?"

Your mind races with all the words you want to say yet you clench your jaw tight conjuring up your practiced sentence.

"She skated ever since she was little, but high school was a lot for her so she had to quit."

Nick looks crestfallen, but he offers a small smile. "She is welcome here anytime."

You're about to add that she wouldn't step foot in another rink, but you barely manage a thank you instead. You swallow down the tears that threaten to water your eyes when Nick is called back on the ice.

You busy yourself with watching Mia and Ryan, her high pitched laughter catching your attention. You don't know how much time has passed when Nick blows the whistle.

"Fall in!" He calls out and the skaters quickly line up on the ice. It's a sight to behold, Nick's usual kind eyes flash stern and commanding on the ice. It makes your heart flutter. "Good work everyone! See you tomorrow!" With that, the ice clears quickly.

Ryan guides Mia back to you. "Weeee!" Mia shouts as Ryan lifts her over the boards.

"She's a natural," Ryan says as he climbs over too. You're about to help Mia when Ryan kneels down and begins to untie her laces.

"Thank you," you say shyly, not used to all of this attention. For the last few years you've just been in survival mode.

"It's no problem. Will you be coming the rest of the week?"Ryan asks as he helps Mia into her sneakers.

"Please mama, pleeeeeeeease!"

You can't help but smile your heart blooming at the sight of Mia grinning. "Sounds like a yes to me!"

The next few days fly by in a blur of heartfelt tears, belly laughs, subtle glances. Mia has taken to Nick and Ryan soaking up all of their attention. On the last day, Nick blows the whistle and the kids disperse yet Ryan remains with Mia.

Nick skates over to you with flush cheeks and his hair damp with sweat.

"So I was uh…" Nick swallows and his eyes don't quite meet yours. Your heartbeat skyrockets. Is hockey legend Nick Folio nervous?

"Yes?"

You lean forward slightly and notice Nick bracing the wooden frame.

He clears his throat visibly nervous, "I was wondering if you'd like to come to my place tomorrow?" He pauses and looks up. His cheeks deepen to crimson. "S-sorry for short notice. You must be bu-"

You cut in, "I'd love to."

His shoulders relax and you rest a hand on his.

"The girls haven't had a sleepover at their grandparent's since the move so I'm sure they'd love it."

"Awesome, cool." Nick's huffs a laugh and grins. "I've never been so nervous in my life. Even around reporters and other hockey legends."

"Liar!" you laugh. "I'm more nervous than you. I'm not even sure what I'm doing here." You gesture to the rink. In the corner of you vision you spot Ryan and Mia.

Suddenly, Nick twines his fingers with yours. "Well I'm glad you're here." His words diffuse the  imposterous feeling in your chest.

Your heartbeat pounds in your ears and a random and insane thought pops into your brain. You loosen your grip on Nick's hand but don't pull away as you prepare yourself for rejection. You cast your eyes to floor toeing at crumbs on the floor. "So um.. I have something crazy to ask you." Nick squeezes your hand. The warmth of his hand soothes you instantly.

"Could Ryan join us?" Your voice is barely above a whisper. There's a tense silence for a few heartbeats until Nick exhales deeply.

"How'd you know?" he asks. Curiosity lilts his voice where hurt or anger should be. His patience gives you the courage to meet his gaze. His brown eyes are soft and searching.

"You two aren't as subtle as you think. H-how long have you…" the question dies in the back of your throat when his eyes flash something like sadness.

Nick squeezes your hand tighter, more sure.

"A few years in secret." His gaze drifts away from yours as he continues. "We took it a step further after I retired, but no one knows." He sighs again and this time he relaxes. "You're the first one.. the first one to say anything." He pulls his hand away to run it through his hair considering. "I-I hope this doesn't-"

"It changes nothing." You say with certainty reaching for his hand again. "I'd love to come if you'll have me."

"Of course," Nick chuckles. "We've both been chatting about you… uh… since you stumbled into the rink with Mia." Nick looks down at your hands together turning your entwined hands over. His thumb brushes over the lightened skin where your wedding ring used to be. "We didn't know if you'd be interested… and… we've never done anything…" Nick exhales loudly through his lips and looks up at you.

"You've brought so much light to our rink these past few days I knew I wanted to take my chance." Nick grins looking over his shoulder to Ryan. "He's gonna be so pissed I got to you first." Slowly Nick lifts your hand to his lips and presses feather light kisses to each knuckle.

"See you tomorrow," he promises with a wink.

After dropping off your daughters you rush around getting ready hoping to distract yourself from the inevitable breakdown. The moment the water sprays on you from the shower head, you fall apart crying until you have no tears left. Once you finish washing, you feel lighter having left your anxiety (at least for the moment) behind in the shower stall.

The doorbell rings tearing your focus from applying tinted lip balm. You glance down at your phone at the counter.

Have fun tonight! your daughter texts you and then sends a selfie with her and Mia eating ice cream.

Joy and relief tug at your heart as you clutch your phone to your chest. It's going to be okay.

"Hey!" Nick says offering you a bouquet of fresh wildflowers. "You look stunning."

"Thank you," you saying taking the bouquet. "Let me put these in water and grab my purse. You can come in if you'd like."

Nick follows you into your home, his warm and heady cologne trailing close behind you. Once in the kitchen you set down the flowers on the counter and turn to the cabinet. You reach up on your tip toes from the pastel pink vase, barely touching the bottom of the ceramic.

"Let me," Nick says stepping in behind you. He's so close almost touching you. With ease he grabs the vase and quickly fills it in the sink. You finally let out the breath you'd been holding as Nick sets flowers in the vase.

"Thank you," you can barely muster a whisper of gratitude at his affection. You catch the curve of his lips and then feel your cheeks heat quickly looking up into his brown eyes. He steps into your space, hands caging in around you. Nick leans in to whisper, "I don't think I'm gonna be able to wait…" he trails off pressing feather light kisses to your neck. "…until have dinner." Each kiss sends heat to your core. Without thinking you wrap your arms around his neck.

"Then don't," your voice wavers a little as you restore your confidence. His soft brown eyes dilate and you pull him into a heated kiss. Suddenly, Nick hoists you onto the counter and then deepens the kiss slipping his tongue between your lips.

"You sure?" Nick asks when you both finally come up for air.

"Yes."

"Thank God," Nick huffs a laugh, stepping out of the embrace. "Just making out has me so hard I have no idea if I'd survive just sitting across from you at dinner. I'd probably have to drag you to the bathroom."

"Maybe next time. But right now I need Nick Folio in my bed."

Nick grins and grabs his phone from his back pocket and quickly sends a text.

Nick slowly undresses you leaving you breathless and bare on your bed. He teasingly takes his time unbuttoning his shirt and stepping out of his pants and boxers. Then in a flash he crawls over you capturing your lips in a searing kiss. He tastes sweet like the honey whiskey and it has you craving more.

Your hands fist in his hair tugging him closer. You lick into his lips and he moans into your mouth. Tongues explore while his hand slips down your slide and pushing your leg out wide.

"I'm out of practice Nick," you say a little breathless. "I'm not fragile. If you don't start touching me then I will."

Your hand releases Nick's hair, but he's too fast. Nick snatches your wrist and pins to it the pillow. His pupils dilate and nostrils flare.

"Not happening," he growls. With new found urgency Nick slips his fingers into you. Your velvet walls welcome him in easily.

"Told you," you smirk seeing the surprise and satisfaction flash over his features. "I've been dreaming of this night the moment for a while."

"I'll give you a night you'll never forget."

The moment his tongue presses against your clit your brain short circuits. Despite the light pressure of Nick's hands on your thighs your hips tilt grinding against his face.

"Fuck!" you accidently curse. Your eyes jolt open wide and hands clasp around your mouth. Nick looks up from between your legs a questioning eyebrow raised.

You start to laugh at yourself and then Nick pulls back slightly. A soft smile brightens his brown eyes.

"Sorry, old habit from having kids. I did a crappy job when I was younger with my oldest. She swore like a sailor in preschool. She came home with notes nearly every day about it."

Nick starts laughing with you—a deep belly laugh that makes your heart bloom with joy and you vow to hear it everyday. When you both catch your breath you continue. "I'm doing better with Mia, but I have a feeling the longer she's around you I'm doomed."

Nick's eyes widen and mouth drops open in fake shock. "Me? You mean Ryan. I am a gentleman. My mama raised me right."

An image of Nick driving Mia to school flashes in your mind. His bright smile and Mia's melodic laugh. Warmth wraps around your fragile heart and comforts you.

When your gazes softens back to Nick you find him adoration and love. And then your pussy throbs reminding you that he's still between your legs.

You file away the memory and the heartfelt emotions allowing the confidence and empowerment to wash over you.

Nick must notice the change. His eyes darken and leans forward as if he's waiting for a command.

"You should never keep a lady waiting," your voice comes out strong. You glance down over your body and Nick's eyes track yours. He licks his lips, but waits. He flicks his gaze to yours. You nod slightly. You barely have time to relax into the pillows before Nick is licking and sucking at your folds.

"Don't hide from me. I want to hear how I make you feel."

Permission and acceptance. Suddenly the wall around your heart cracks at the same time your body lets go. You let out a low moan and your hips tilt up for more friction.

"Atta girl," Nick praises. He slips a finger between your folds and your stomach clenches and then relaxes. "Breathe I got you."

He takes his time inching deeper and deeper until he curves his finger just right.

"Oh!" you suck in a gasp. And then his lips are back on clit. Your back arches off the bed and your hands find purchase on his strands. Mutual moans filter through the room as his tongue presses against your clit while his finger brushes over the sweet spot inside you.

"Oh my god, Nick!"

He quickens his pace as you screw your eyes shut. And then you remember to breathe. Instantly your body releases the built up tension and warmth washes over your body. Your brain feels fuzzy and legs feel heavy that you barely notice the slickness between your thigh. Nick groans laps his tongue over your overstimulated clit making you jolt.

"M'good… need more… I want your dick," you blurt out. Nick starts to line himself up. "I wanna be on top."

A devilish smirk curves his plump lips. "You sure?"

"Yes, Nick," you smile yet shake your head. "I had a hysterectomy years ago."

"Ok cool, sorry I…" Nick trails off.

"It's ok. I appreciate your concern but if we don't start fucking I'm going to combust."

"Yes ma'am."

Nick lays down and then helps you settle atop him. His pierced cock stretches you, the metal gliding against your slick walls adding friction.

"Oh wow," is all you can muster as you sink lower and back up to find a good rhythm. Nick grips your hips helping stay steady as quickens the pace.

Clawing at Nick's chest, your head throws back, lashes fluttering letting your hips rock faster. Finally giving into the warm sensation building in your core. Suddenly warm lips press against yours swallowing the yelp of surprise.

"You look so good on top of him. That's also my favorite place to be." Ryan's husky voice wraps around you as you come down from your orgasm.

Ryan helps you off of Nick and that's when you realize Ryan is now very naked. He's bigger and a little more hairier in all the right places. You lay down beside Nick catching your breath. Ryan straddles Nick, licking and sucking his softening cock. His tongue teases the metal piercings in Nick's cock.

"Fuck Ryan," Nick hisses. Ryan chuckles deeply shaking his ass teasingly in Nick's face. Without warning, Nick smacks Ryan's cheek and then the other. Ryan groans popping off of Nick's now thickening cock. Nick spreads Ryan's cheeks wide and licks from his perineum to his hole.

Ryan curses and Nick smacks his ass again. "That's what you get for shaking your ass in my face." Ryan huffs a laugh and does it again. Nick opens his mouth wider and takes Ryan's rigid cock into his mouth.

Soon enough Nick is hard again and Ryan looks over at you. Lust darkens his eyes and flushes his cheeks. Even in the precarious position, love and tenderness emanates from them. Heat blooms low in your belly again and your hand finds its way between you legs.

"Go ahead and touch yourself." Ryan permits and turns back to Nick's erect cock.

Nick hums and sighs when Ryan finally takes his cock in his mouth. Your gaze softens as you watch these two men please each other sync. They soft moans beckon you to join them in their reverie and soon you fingers find their way inside your still slick pussy. In tandem you work yourself to their pace, one hand rubbing your clit while the other strokes the sweet spot inside you.

"I-I'm close," you cry out.

Ryan glances over at you and his jaw drops letting Nick's angry cock fall from his mouth. Nick whimpers yet his curiosity gets the better of him and he pulls away from Ryan's dick. Your back arches off the bed and eyes flutter close as europhia rushes through your body. Exhaling the biggest breath ever in your life, you sink into the mattress all warm and floaty feeling.

"Here," Nick's voice rasps and you peek to see who he's talking to.

Ryan and Nick stand at the edge of the bed. Nick pats the comforter before him. Intrigue sparks energizing you to move although a little sluggish as your body reboots up. You crawl to the end of the bed watching Nick stroke himself.

"Lay down," Nick commands softly and you obey. Ryan crawls onto the bed between your legs. Arousal heats your core and your pussy throbs still despite all of the attention.

"This ok?" he asks, realization dawns on you on what is about to happen next.

"Hell yes," you grin and then open your mouth wide.

Ryan lifts your hips slightly and he and Nick enter you at the same time. You close your eyes and empty your mind to focus on the pleasure. Every thrust of Ryan's hips sends Nick's cock further into your throat until you gag.

"Oh shit, sorry," Nick mutters and starts to withdraw until the head of his pierced cock is the . Oh hell no. Your eyes burst open and your grab at his legs urging him to stay.

Through wet lashes you peer up at him pleading.

"Ok," Nick says softly and he slowly slides back onto your mouth. You suck in a breath through your nose almost biting down on Nick as Ryan lifts and bends your legs out wide.

"Betterrr," Ryan purrs sliding his thick cock into your cunt. You loosen your grip on Nick's legs but keep your hands there to rest, to ground you.

"That's it baby, use me," Ryan grunts as your pussy clenches around him. Your nails dig into Nick's thick thighs and he hisses out a curse. Nick thrusts harder into your throat, his metal piercings drag against the inside of your mouth as he throbs in your wet heat. The coil in your core snaps and you let out a muffled scream as your body trembles and white stars burst behind your eye lids.

The guys curse in sync, your body flops boneless on the bed as they withdraw from you so quick you barely register the warm liquid splashing all over your chest and tummy. Cautiously opening your eyes you find Ryan staring down at you.

"Goddamn," he whispers amazed. You follow his gaze finding your torso a Jackson Pollock of cum. You should be grossed out, but instead something primal stirs within you urging you to scoop the mixture of release on your finger. Ryan watches with rapt attention as you pop the digit in your mouth and suck. At the same time, Nick returns and stops dead in his tracks.

"Damn… I didn't know you could get any hotter," Nick whispers. You huff a laugh, propping yourself up on your elbows. Slowly, you drag your fingers through the cum on your chest and then extend your hand out to Nick.

"I'm forty and flirty Nick, not dead," you tease. A blush paints his cheeks and reddens the tips of his ears. The package of wet wipes falls to his side as Nick falls to his knees.

"However, bringing a hockey legend to his knees might be my favorite new thing."

Eagerly he pops your fingers into his mouth, loudly licks and sucking. At the same time, Ryan presses kisses to your thighs and tummy. With a contented sigh, you let the two men clean you up. At some point they get a little distracted and start kissing but you don't mind. Soon enough, Ryan pulls you up invites you to join.

"We.. should," Nick struggles to get out words before you and Ryan kiss him senseless.

"…shower."

"Fine," you sigh, letting Ryan help you up.

"I'll throw the bedding in the wash and join you," Ryan says. "And order some food. Italian good?"

"Fuck yes," Nick high fives Ryan. "Call Salvatore and he'll toss in a bottle of wine or two." Nick pecks a kiss to Ryan's cheek and then entwines his fingers with yours.

"Thank you," you say and then press a soft kiss to his lips.

Nick is gentle when he washes you with soft praises and tender kisses. He takes his time when he scrubs your scalp something you rarely have the time for. A moan slips from your lips when you finally rinse in the warm water.

Cool air rushes in when Ryan joins in. It's a little cramped but the guys don't seem to mind.

Ryan halts Nick's washing. "Let me."

Ryan tenderly washes Nick as you finish your hair routine. You catch a glimpse of sadness flicker in Ryan's eyes before he puts on a smile and hands Nick the wash cloth. You tell yourself you'll ask him later about it. As the water cools, you're about to shoo the guys after they've finished rinsing. Too busy kissing and spray fighting each other. If they don't leave you consider going yourself as your hair as already started to dry.

"Not so fast," Nick says coyly pulling you into the water. You shriek under the cold water only to be silenced by a Nick's plump lips. Ryan comes in behind you pressing you firmly into Nick. Ryan grabs your chin and guides you to his mouth slipping his tongue between your lips. You moan into his mouth and deepen the kiss. Your shared body heat can only keep you warm for so long.

You shiver and then add a little breathless, "Food."

"Fine," Nick huffs and Ryan shakes his head and then smacks the back of Nick's head as he steps out of the shower.

"What was that for?" Nick scowls at Ryan rubbing the back of his head.

"For being an idiot. An idiot I love." Ryan steps out of the shower and kisses the spot he smacked.

Ryan hands you a towel and quickly dries off, wrapping the towel around his waist just like Nick.

"We will grab food and find a movie to watch." Ryan leans down and kisses your cheek.

"Take your time," Nick smiles and kisses your other cheek.

Later, you descend the steps in comfy pajamas and your favorite slippers. You follow the scent of cheese and fruity wine to the living room where you find Nick and Ryan snuggled up on the couch. Food and wine scatter over the coffee table. The couch is stuffed with extra pillows and blankets.

"Take a seat!" the pair says in unison, patting the cushion between them.

"Jinks!" Nick yells.

"What are you, eight?" Ryan scoffs.

"Yes," Nick beams a wild grin. "But you love me."

"Regrettably," Ryan mumbles and Nick clutches his chest in fake surprise. Between them you can't stop laughing.

"Please!" you hiccup-cough-laugh. "I just want to eat." After wiping away your tears, you take a few deep breaths to steady your diaphragm. Then you reach for a plate. Nick pours you a glass of wine.

Ryan starts the first episode of Heated Rivalry. It doesn't take long for the wine and good food to warm your insides. By the end of episode two you're feeling a little sleepy. You nuzzle against Nick's neck and then press a kiss to his jaw. He turns and captures your lips. Your hands snake under his shirt grazing over his toned chest. When you finally part for air, Ryan hooks your chin with his finger. He trails kisses from your jaw to the corner of your lips.

"Let's go to bed," Ryan offers. You nod and Nick is already on his feet gathering the food. Ryan leads you to the en suite bathroom to brush your teeth. By the time you finish your simplified nighttime skincare routine, Ryan and Nick are beckoning you to bed.

"How'd I get so lucky," you smile at both of them.

When you wake you find strong arms wrapped around you. Nick is snoring softly his warm breath on your neck. Early morning sun filters through the sheer curtains and the scent of frying bacon fills your lungs making your stomach growl.

Mom brain then reminds you of your daughters and that you should probably check your phone, but Nick's arms tighten around you and for just a moment you relax in his embrace. Soon your eyes grow heavy as his rhythmic snoring lulls you back to sleep.

Gentle knocking finally stirs you and Nick. Then Ryan opens the door and walks in the room juggling plates of food in his arms. Beside you Nick scrubs his face with his hands and then runs a hands a through his hair.

"Good morning," Ryan greets you both.

"Morning," your voice comes out raspy from sleep.

"You never cooked breakfast for me!" Nick crosses his arms over his bare chest and pouts. The sheets pool around his hips when he sits up and it pulls your gaze back to him. You bite your lip wondering if you could sneak a peek of him under the blanket.

Your face must give away your thoughts because Nick catches you staring and lifts the blanket showing of his morning wood. Instantly blushing you turn away tugging the covers tighter against you.

"Sorry I have to be serious for a second," Ryan says solemnly as he hands you your plate of food. "I couldn't sleep so I made us breakfast."

When Ryan finishes serving breakfast, he settles cross-legged in the middle of the bed.

"I wanted to tell you both as soon as I knew because you both are important to me,"

Ryan glances at Nick and then to you. He holds your gaze for a heartbeat longer. "I know we haven't known each other long, but you've etched yourself in my heart along with Mia and Olivia."

You set your food down on the night stand and reach out for Ryan's hand. "I've accepted a traveling nurses position. It's my turn to see the world," he turns to Nick and he smiles softly.

Love and heartbreak fill the empty space between us. You squeeze Ryan's hand in reassurance.

"Nick you've always known my heart has wanted so much more. I thought I wanted the big city and the sports job,but these last few years have been so tough on the both of us." Ryan scoots in closer so we are all touching knee to knee. "The university job has been fun, but it's-"

"I know." Nick cuts in. "I've known for a while and you've been so patient with me and with us."

"I don't start until the new year so we have to time ok?"

"Time to make some memories," you pull them both in closer and then kiss Ryan and then Nick.

Ryan crawls off the bed and you take the opportunity to shove off the covers and settle between Nick's legs. His erect cock twitches, a bead of precum glistening on the tip. Ryan comes in behind you and the next few hours blur as you share your body with the two men who love you.

4 YEARS LATER

"Mom!" Olivia calls you from the bathroom. You find her in the middle of straightening her hair. She's dressed in a sage green midi dress that slits on the side. It makes her look so grown up. Light make up and her signature winged liner color her features. To your surprise she let's her freckles shine through her foundation. You see so much of yourself in her.

"Can you make sure I got the back?" Olivia hands you the straightener. You wish she'd embrace her natural hair texture, but that's a battle you know you'll lose. Maybe someday.

"Are you excited?"

"Yeah, oh I invited Max," Olivia says nonchalantly not even bothering to look up from her phone. Sadness tightens your chest. Nick is away at hockey camp a few hours away. You were hoping that you and Nick would be able to sit down and talk with her and Mia about settling down. The past few years had been a whirlwind of school and hockey practice with Mia. Olivia found her niche in computer science and secured a job in the city.

Though all of this, you had to prioritize time with Nick and Ryan when each of them were home. Ryan still travels around the world while Nick stays a little more local volunteering as assistant coaches to high school and collegiate teams. The hockey camp has expanded to three locations spearheaded by retired hockey stars.

"You look great!"

"Thanks mom!" Olivia turns and gives you a quick squeeze before rushing out of the door.

You make your way through the house as people arrive, leading friends and relatives to the kitchen for food and to the tables outside for gifts. Your parents and in laws adore Nick. Your father is still his biggest fan. Thankfully, he has calmed down a lot after all these years. Outside, Mia is swimming with friends. When she's not on ice she's in water.

As the sun sets, the party dies down with it. Mia and Olivia and their friends are sitting around the fire as their pap tells them ghost stories. You start cleaning up the tables. Behind you someone clears their throat tearing you from the audiobook in your one wireless earbud. With a start, you turn and your heart leaps in your chest.

"Nick?" You drop the empty cup you were holding and run to him. You wrap your arms around his neck and he holds you tight.

"I drove as fast as I could," he whispers and kisses your temple.

Nick steps out of the embrace and grabs your hand. He leads you passed the fire pit and to the flower garden. Nick helped you revive your sanctuary of bursting blossoming shrubs and vibrant sunset colored flowers that circled a small koi pond. Surrounded by family and flowers Nick suddenly gets down on one knee.

"Will you marry me?"

"Yes! Finally yes!"

Applause and cheers and Olivia's 'about damn time!' fill the summer air. Nick grabs you and pulls you into fierce kiss. The cheers crescendo as you deepen the kiss.

"I love you Nick Folio."

"I love you and your family so much." Nick seals his promise to you and your daughters with a kiss.

He paces along the windows lining the council chamber until doors finally fly open. The five who make up his council file into the room, and the solemn looks that are painted across their faces tell him that whatever they have to say will not please him. He has become quite good at reading their expressions by now. Nicholas had sat with his father whenever he held council for as long as he could remember. Many faces had changed, but a few core members had remained trusted and loyal. Since his father had left for the northern border the throne - and with that the council - had been his duty.

Being the eldest and only son of the King had come with many advantages, but the duties he had never imagined he'd have to shoulder are starting to wear on him. And only the company of his most trusted companion has made the last few years bearable. He can't remember how many years have passed by now. The winters come and go and with every season that passes the war looks more troublesome and his companions bed becomes more inviting. He knows that the council judges him - not for engaging with another man - but for the fact that it is his royal guard out of all men.

He had hoped and prayed that his affections would pass to another, but none of it had helped. And really who is he to stand in the way of fate?

Who is he to argue against what has been the easiest decision he has made in years?

Between the terrible things he had to decide in recent years, this had been a pleasant distraction. Knowing that when the doors to his knights chambers close he is nothing but a man had probably saved his life. Behind those doors he does not have to think about the countless men he sent into certain death, or the widows and orphans they leave behind. No - here he is just Nicholas, and he is loved not by thousands but only by one. One who waits for him now behind those closed doors.

His attention returns to the present and the council before him when one of the members clears their throat.

"Yes?" he asks, hoping that they haven't noticed his mental absence.

"Are you well, your highness?" the master of coin asks, her eyebrow quirked suspiciously.

"Of course. The last report still weighs heavily on me." he replies vaguely.

She eyes him for a moment longer before she eventually nods, seemingly accepting his excuse.

The council discusses the usual points. The same litanies of fallen knights, officers and soldiers, the same awfully high numbers of civilians that have suffered in the path of the fighting. To his surprise, there have been more casualties on the enemies side than on theirs. Knowing that more people have passed because of this terrible conflict still makes his chest feels so very tight.

It feels terrible to be happy that more men of the enemies side have perished. But for once they have the upper hand, for once this war does not feel like a constant uphill battle.

"This victory has given us an opening. Our best strategists have devised a plan that could turn the tide in our favour for good." the master of war explains.

Nicholas feels himself perk up at that.

"A covert operation that will take a small group of our best behind enemy lines. A precise strike into their very heart. If it is even half as successful as we have planned -" the old man's words trail off, but they all know what he's trying to tell them.

Perhaps Nicholas should question this plan more, but if they can end the fighting now so many unnecessary deaths could be prevented. He can barely fathom the total number of dead anymore. The numbers that reach him are mostly the members of either sides military. He does not want to imagine how many civilians have already given their lives.

"What do you need?" he asks.

"Everything has been arranged already. You just have to sign the order." the war master continues, "If you wish to read over the plans I can arrange for them to be brought to your chambers before nightfall."

Nicholas nods, "Make it so. I wish to know which poor souls we are condemning."

A surprisingly positive sounding murmur races through the room.

"Very well. I will send a messenger."

The meeting concludes only a while later.

As soon as Nicholas' presences is not required anymore, he makes his way through the castle towards the chambers of his beloved.

He needs the reprieve his embrace gives him now more than ever.

The stairs feel endless today. He can't climb them fast enough.

His heart pounds in his chest by the time he finally reaches the doors to his chambers. For once, he knocks on the heavy wooden door.

Despite the thickness of it, he can hear shuffling and rustling behind it. Perhaps his beloved knight had rested for some time.

The door opens a few moments later.

Noah's hair is unkempt, strewn all over his head. He's a vision like this with his still sleepy eyes and soft features.

"My prince." he says with a soft smile, "You've returned to me."

Nicholas feels his chest warm pleasantly, "Of course. I said I would come as soon as the council is done."

Noah's lips curl into a smile, "I know. It just feels like I've been waiting for hours."

"I'm sorry." Nicholas says softly, bringing his hand towards the knights cheek, "Let me make it up to you?"

Noah leans into his touch, closing his eyes for a brief moment. He draws in a deep breath before he sighs. Nicholas feels the warmth of his breath spread across his skin. If they linger here too long everyone will be witness to their union.

He steps forward, quietly urging Noah into the privacy of the room behind him.

As soon as they're somewhat out of sight, Noah's hand comes to rest at the small of his back. The door falls shut behind them and as soon as it does, Nicholas allows himself to relax.

His title does not matter here.

When he's with Noah he is just Nicholas.

He feels awfully overdressed with Noah standing in front of him in nothing but his linen shirt and breeches. The ties that keep the neckline in place had been undone a while ago. If anyone else were present he'd be thoroughly indecent.

Nicholas feels his hand dancing along his side, a careful attempt to keep him here in the present moment.

"Was the council meeting so terrible, dear?" Noah asks softly.

He shakes his head, "There have been some big decisions. If they work out - the war may be over before the end of the year."

Noah's face lights up, "Really?"

"We may have peace by spring."

"More importantly." Noah adds quickly, "We may be free to do whatever we want by spring."

He pulls Nicholas closer against him, effortlessly bringing his lips to the edge of his jaw.

"When your father returns, and you don't have to deal with all of these politics anymore we can finally make our escape into the country."

They've both dreamt of this day for so long. Nicholas almost doesn't want to believe that it's finally within his reach. This dream of a quiet life far away from the court and its politics had kept him upright at times. To think that he may soon be able to leave all of this behind feels too much like fantasy.

"I have dug through the properties the crown has access to. There's a little estate near the mountains. Nothing but fields around it. The village is within walking distance." Noah continues, "Perhaps you should stage a visit soon to inspect it."

"Of course I will need my royal guard to accompany me." Nicholas adds softly, brining his own hand towards Noah's waist, "I trust your judgement, love."

"And my judgement says we should take our time to inspect the property. Make sure that it really is fit to be the home of a prince."

Nicholas lets out a breathy sort of laugh, "Whatever would I do without you. I think you may be the most devoted knight out of all of them."

"I would hope that I am the one who is most devoted to you." Noah replies so softly, "Will you let me prove my dedication to you?"

His voice is barely above a whisper now. The volume weighed down by the clearly evident desire on his face. It always burns so brightly in his chest. Noah has never been afraid to show his affections and desires - unlike Nicholas who had needed time and patient dedication to understand that the things he felt were good and wanted.

"Let me show you that not just my oath binds me to you." Noah whispers then, and Nicholas swears that he can feel the insides of his chest melt.

He lets Noah lead him towards the plush bed.

The highest knight at the court of course has to be accommodated accordingly. The chambers his beloved had been given upon his promotion were adjacent to his own to assure that Noah could come to his aid even in the depths of night. The proximity also meant that Noah had been awarded luxuries that were perhaps a little above his station.

The chambers had been furnished with comfortable furniture, beautiful tapestries and plenty of space for the collection of tomes Noah had amassed already. All at Nicholas' order.

Nicholas sinks down on the comfortable duvet.

Noah's warm hands come to rest upon his still tense shoulders.

"They'll keep talking about how you were the one who brought us this peace. They'll sing your praise for years and years." Noah says, as he begins to work his hands across the tensed muscle, "Your name will be made eternal."

Nicholas lets his eyes fall shut in anticipation and moment later he feels Noah's lips pressing against the edge of his jaw. The faint graze of teeth against his skin makes his head swim with need for him. He feels Noah shift and when he opens his eyes, the other man kneels in front of him. The warm hands of his knight come to rest upon his thighs.

He watches silently as Noah begins to undo the laces of his boots. Noah takes his time with it, carefully loosening the laces and buckles until he can slip each boot off his feet. He places them at the foot of the bed, before his hands reach for the fastenings of Nicholas' breeches. Nicholas leans back, making his work a little easier.

Noah always takes his times with this.

His movements are slow and methodical as he undresses Nicholas. Every inch of bared skin is welcomed with a barely there kisses. The whispered praise that falls from his lips wraps around the remnants of his conscious thoughts until Nicholas finds himself lulled into a warm and comfortable haze. If he would not know better he would call it witchery.

In his haze, he barely notices that Noah has undressed himself too. He only finds himself back in the present when he is manoeuvred towards the head of the bed. He allows Noah to manipulate his body until he can fit comfortably between his thighs. He has long stopped feelings ashamed of how exposed he is to the other mans eyes when they meet like this. At first, he had shied away from him, trying to hide himself and failing miserably. Now he longs for the feeling of his lovers eyes skating across his frame. Nicholas sighs as the calloused hands drift up the sides of his body, they linger here and there where his body is marred by scars of his few combat exposures. They're nothing compared to ones that decorate his companions frame of course, but he knows that Noah sees every single one as a personal failure on his side. Reminders of the times he could not protect him well enough.

"You mustn't worry so much." he says quietly, "I only carry the scars because you came to save me before our enemies could do more harm."

"Still." Noah replies just as quietly, "They shouldn't have come this close to you in the first place."

"I know they will never get another chance. I know that you will never let it happen again. And once were away from the capital and a year or two have passed no one will think of us as different. We'll just be the odd ones who live on the outskirts of the village." Nicholas soothes, once again bringing his hand towards the side of his lovers face, "The only thing you'll have to protect us from will be rats and mice."

Noah smiles then and Nicholas feels his insides melt for good.

Every line and crease in his face reminds him of the years they have already spent together and the ones that yet to come. There is not another person in this world or another that could fill him with this much love and comfort.

He guides Noah down towards his lips.

The sweet and gentle kiss is quickly replaced by something more base - more carnal. Nicholas' hands twist into his hair, desperate to keep him as close as he can. He feels Noah grind down against him. He's already hard and leaking and Nicholas knows that it won't be long before he'll breathe desperate words against his skin.

Nicholas shifts his free hand down to the small of Noah's back.

"Let me feel you, love." Nicholas sighs, "I've been waiting all day."

Noah's teeth graze against his collarbone.

"Then I won't make you for much longer." he whispers in return.

Noah marks his way down his chest with gentle kisses. Nicholas gasps when he reaches the sensitive spots on his belly. For once Noah does not linger here to tease him more. Instead he moves lower still, pressing his lips against either side of his hips.

Nicholas lets his eyes fall shut when he feels the others hand wrap around his length. The callouses always feel divine against the soft skin of his cock.

"How do you want me?" Noah asks, lips barely lifting from his skin.

"Inside. Please."

"Inside, hm? How could I ever say no to you my darling."

The hand had previously rested against his waist now wanders lower between his parted thighs. He waits for the brush of his fingers against his entrance. And when it finally comes, Nicholas feels his breath catch in his throat. The tips of his fingers slide across his skin so effortlessly. Noah's fingers leave him a few times to gather more of the liquid that has gathered at the head of his cock. Nicholas' head sinks deeper into the soft pillow as Noah's fingers sink into him. It won't take Noah long to prepare him, it never does.

Before long Noah sits up, allowing Nicholas to see all of him again. He can't help but marvel at his beloveds figure. All of his fighting and practicing has shaped his body into something out of mythology. Broad shoulders, hands that have been calloused by reins and sword hilts, thighs that have marched for days upon days. He could - and has - spend hours admiring him.

Noahs hand drift across his thighs for a moment, before they find a comfortable position. Before he even gets to say something, Noah carefully moves his legs so that they rest around his waist. And just a heartbeat later he feels the blunt head of Noah's cock pressing against his entrance. He gasps when Noah pushes deeper into him. His hands scramble up towards his sides for some kind of purchase and security. As he sinks into him, Noah rests his body over his. The world behind him blurs out of view and for the moment, they're the only thing that exists.

The slow rhythm Noah sets only makes his thoughts dissolve faster. Noah buries his face against the side of his neck, his breath hot against this skin. The coil in his tummy is already wound so tightly.

"My love." Noah sighs against his skin, "You feel divine my love."

Nicholas trails one of his hands down the length of Noah's arm until he can lace their fingers together. He pulls their joined hands towards his lips, allowing him to press a kiss to the back of Noahs.

"I can't wait to have you all to myself." He continues, "We'll have all the time in the world."

He presses another kiss to his hand, "You won't have to sneak back into your room anymore."

Noah lets out a breathy laugh, "No I won't. If anyone ever wants me to leave your bed again they'll have to drag me away."

Noah leans down to kiss him once again. He stays close when he picks up his rhythm again. This time, he moves with more ambition. His goal clearly being to push Nicholas towards his climax. He shifts again, setting himself upright once more. Noah wraps his hand around Nicholas' cock working him in time with his thrusts. His gasps and moans become breathier with every stroke of his length.

Nicholas gives himself over to the pleasure.

The blissful warmth that washes over him drags him along with it like the ocean tide. Noahs ministrations don't cease, no matter how breathless the sounds that fall from him become. He knows that Noah will continue until his own climax has washed over him. A few moments later Noah stills and he feels his release spill inside of him. The gasp that falls from him is silenced by another kiss from Noah.

They lie in comfortable silence for a long while, still joined by their hands. The fire that crackles at the other end of the room being the only sound besides their quiet breathing and occasional whispered exchanges.

He knows that miles and miles away the soldiers are still fighting this devastating war, but in this moment he cannot bring himself to worry. The plan they have will work out, he knows it deep in his heart - if only because he has now latched onto this vision of a future with his beloved.

"You know -" Noah says, sounding almost a little hesitant, "Nothing will keep us in the estate your family owns. We could simply disappear and no one would be the wiser."

"Disappear even more?"

"As far away from any of this as we can. No thrones, no orders, no oaths but the one I hold to you."

"The one we hold to each other." Nicholas corrects.

Noah hums in agreement.

It is just between them for the moment. No one else needs to know that the oath his knight has sworn to him encompasses so much more than that over every other knight. And no one needs to know that his prince has sworn his own oath in return.

To protect, to love and to cherish in this life or the next.

Suddenly, hands wrap themselves around your waist causing the plate to slip. A startled squeal bursts from your lips as the soapy water splashes onto your favorite shirt. A tornado of emotions swirl in your belly but when Noah presses his lips against your neck—the storm calms. He nuzzles in deeper, his hips push you flush to the counter, and then start to rock back and forth. His lips ghost against your cheek teasingly. The apology melting away as Noah shifts slightly and that's when you feel something hard press against your ass.

His cage.

A devilish thought drifts into your mind. "Is my cute boy feeling desperate and needy?"

"Mhm," Noah whines against your neck. His fingernails dig deep into the soft flesh. He knows what buttons to press to please you, the things you like that no one else does. He plays this game every time, the little brat he is; all for the shred of hope you'll give in. You bite down on the moan that threatens to slip. Noah hasn't earned your pleasure yet.

In one smooth motion your hips push back garnering you just enough space to twirl around to break his hold on you. You grab up his wrists and shove them onto his chest. He averts his gaze, his pretty brown eyes glued to the floor. A smile curves on your lips as a blush blooms over his cheeks and neck.

"Nah uh," you tsk. "Not time to play yet. While I finish cleaning up the kitchen why don't you shower and wash your pretty little self for me, hm?" Noah pouts jutting out his lower lip but complies with a huff.

You make quick work of the kitchen and set up the living room for a movie. After dimming the lights, you add extra pillows and blankets to the sofa.

By the time Noah walks into the living room, you've also changed into leggings and an oversized band tee. Nestled in the corner of the couch you take in the sight of him in only gray joggers, the outline of his cage tenting the thin fabric. You weren't sure if he would keep it on. You don't have strict rules about it as chastity is more for him than you. He craves the challenge and has mentioned on more than one occasion he has better orgasms because of it.

"You kept it on?" you ask as he settles down beside you. He swiftly lifts the blanket and then your legs, scooting closer before resting them on his lap.

He starts to rub you legs ignoring your question with another question, "What movie did you pick?"

You tense but his hands continue gently massaging up your leg. You turn on the tv and Noah's moans fill the room. On the screen is a video he sent you while on tour. Alone in a hotel room he edged himself for you, stroking and stopping, over and over again.

You hiss the moment Noah's fingernail dig into your skin. His breath quickens but eyes remain fixed on the screen. For a heartbeat you watch and wait to see if he curses you out and storms to his room. His grip on you lightens and you take the chance to slide onto the floor between his legs.

"Remember when you filmed this?" Your fingertips tease at the waistband of his joggers. Goosebumps pebble the skin on his hips. Despite his attention elsewhere, Noah gets the hint and stands so you can pull his jogger down. He's bare from the waist down in seconds, his clothes kicked out of the way. The leaking tip locked in the matte black cock cage demands your attention but you ignore it. Instead you press feather light kisses to Noah's inner thigh, nibbling on the skin free of ink.

"How long have you been locked up?" you mutter, lips ghosting the silicone cage.

"Five days," he huffs, the moans in the background practically drown out his words. Five whole days. Self imposed and all for you. Such a good boy. "Haven't touched myself at all while on tour," he whines, his cheeks turning flush with frustration.

"Yeah?" your voice turns to a taunt as your thumb brushes over his tip. His hips jolt at the touch. "Aw are you sensitive and needy," you coo. "My pretty boy horny and desperate?"

"Yes!" he pleads a little breathless.

"Do you want me to make you feel good?" you pitch your voice a little higher to taunt him more.

"Yes, please! Please!" Noah's hips start to tilt.

With your eyes fixed on his still leaking tip, you suck a finger into your mouth coating it in saliva. Your gaze scans upwards before gently inserting it into his hole. Noah mewls softly as you slow inch your finger in deeper.

He's sunken deeper against the couch, lips red and swollen, and his brown eyes are misty. His tattooed chest rises and falls quickly. His abdomen flexes with every swipe of your finger over his prostate. Your other hand rests gently on his thigh where his hand comes to cover yours. It's comforting that despite the consensual torment you're putting him through right now he finds safety and trust with you.

Your gaze lowers to find his tip leaking more fluid forming a small puddle onto the floor. Out of nowhere your name falls from his lips jolting you back from your focused haze. He tenses, one of the signs of his oncoming orgasm. Gently you remove your finger from his hole. He cries out at the loss as the Noah on the screen curses through yet another orgasm.

Tucked into your blouse you pull the necklace where his key hangs. Noah's dark eyes track your movements; pupils dilated with need. His hand pulls yours to his cage and together you unlock it. Noah groans loudly almost painfully as you remove the chastity device with care.

Gathering a glob of saliva, you spit into your palm before stroking Noah hard. His hands tangle in your strands shoving you onto his angry erect cock. You make quick work of swallowing him down until you gag.

Noah yanks at your roots pulling you almost off and that's when you tighten your lips around him, bobbing up and down in time with every shunt of Noah's hips. Your fingers curl to grip his thighs which will leave bruises later— a colorful reminder of this moment he'll never forget.

Above you, Noah's curse melts into a moan of your name so softly you almost miss it. Sucking him further into your mouth he instantly shoots his hot cum down your throat which you swallow with pride.

"Goddamn," Noah sighs satisfied, sinking back onto the couch.

You rise to stand and then lean over to whisper in his ear, "Happy birthday my sweet Noah."

dividers by @saradika-graphics<3

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