Heath leaned back, peering into Kane’s vivid blue eyes and saw the truth. He was right, this was him, and he wouldn’t look back. As if wanting to solidify his resolve, Heath took Kane’s lips in another passionate kiss.
CHAPTER10
Kane had been angry when Heath had questioned his whereabouts. But, when Heath had expressed his fear that something had happened to him, Kane had let his emotions take over. The building sexual frustration had made him cling to Heath when he had kissed him. A kiss that he would never forget.
Kneeling in front of Heath and taking his cock had been exhilarating. In the past, most of the time, Kane had done the deed out of reciprocation to his partner. This time was different. The only thing foremost in Kane’s mind was proving to Heath that they belonged together, showing him there was nothing wrong with being with a man.
Now they were kissing again, their tongues lapping over the other, each trying to take control. Heath was inexperienced, but Kane let him take the lead, allowing him to explore to his heart’s content. His hands roamed up and down Kane’s spine, making his hair stand on end. Lord, he wanted to have them both naked in bed so he could give Heath the attention he deserved.
As they continued their exploration, Kane felt Heath’s hand go down to his tented trousers. Even though he had made Heath come, Kane still had a painful erection. With a few quick motions, Heath had his trousers down and wrapped his hand around Kane’s cock. Stars burst in front of his eyes. Heath took Kane’s moan into his mouth as his hand pumped on Kane’s cock.
“You don’t have to do this,” Kane said.
“I want to. You made me feel good, and now it’s your turn.”
With that, Heath tightened his grip, increasing his pace until Kane couldn’t stop the explosion. He grunted as he rocked into Heath’s hand, unashamed of the pleasure he found. All the while their lips worked against each other, the intensity of their joining so great that Kane playfully bit on Heath’s tongue.
The pressure built in Kane’s balls. He was close, but he wanted it to last longer. A few more strokes and Kane was ready. He broke the kiss and sighed.
“Look at what you do to me, Heath. Look.”
They peered down as Heath rubbed his engorged cock one last time before Kane’s white release burst forth, soaking Heath’s hand. Kane looked back at Heath, who had an enormous grin on his face. It was an adorable look that made Kane wish he could wake up to that smile every day for the rest of his life.
“That was a pleasant turn of events,” Kane said.
Heath didn’t answer for a few moments. “I’m sorry for being rude earlier.” He focused on Kane. “For questioning you that way. It was uncalled for. I have no right to know your business.”
“I understand.” Kane rubbed his nose against Heath’s. “You were concerned. Besides, I like that you worry about me.”
They took a few minutes to clean up before attempting to return to their usual routine, but nothing would be normal after what they just shared. Already Kane knew what he felt for Heath was unlike anything he’d experienced before. Years ago, he’d fancied himself in love, but those emotions paled compared to what he felt with Heath.
“I was helping Caroline last night.” It wasn’t a complete lie. Kane had been at the docks, keeping an eye on Willy Graham’s ship, and he had not been disappointed. Around ten o’clock, Monsieur Duvall had shown up. He and Graham had had a long discussion before parting ways, but nothing had gone aboard the ship. Kane had followed Duvall to a place called The Painted Pony. When he had entered, Kane had discovered it was a brothel, but from the outside, it looked like any other tavern.
“You don’t have to tell me what you were doing.” Heath’s answer brought him around to the present.
“I don’t want you to worry.”
“She is a friend?”
Kane heard the slight unease in Heath’s voice. “Yes, and only a friend.” He leaned in to give Heath a kiss. “The only person I want to be with is you.” And he meant it.
That afternoon, they rode out to the brewery to speak with the foreman overseeing the repairs. Hayes had written that the new masher would be delivered in the next week, and he had recruited several men to work at the brewery. Kane was glad he could aid Heath in making the brewery a reality. It was as if fate had meant for him to come to Dover.
* * *
During the next days, they fell into a rhythm. When Kane wasn’t instructing Heath, they spent the days going to the brewery or Heath attended to other business or social obligations. Kane lent a hand with the local business with the farmers when Heath was busy. He was supposed to be the estate manager, so he was happy to oblige. Seeing Heath succeed made Kane proud. Wasn’t his success also Kane’s since he was instructing Heath? But it wasn’t just that. At times Kane felt like they were a proper couple, sharing each other’s highs and lows.
Some nights Heath would lay his head on Kane’s lap and talk about his day or voice his frustration over an issue, and Kane would offer advice. Since that fateful day in the study, Kane had not pushed advancing their relationship in the physical sense. It was new, and Kane wanted to take things slow. It was enough that they spent the evenings together, though during the day, they would exchange a tender caress when no one was looking.
One morning, about a week later, Kane received a letter from Caroline asking him to come at his earliest convenience. Thankfully, Heath and Jasper were scheduled to tour a factory to see about investing in it so Kane was free.
He rode into town that afternoon to find Caroline in her classroom, but she was not alone. Four girls sat with her. They were idly chatting until he appeared, then the girls quieted. Caroline introduced Kane as her friend and a fellow teacher.
“These young ladies know the students who have gone missing,” Caroline explained. “I thought it might be useful to see if they know anything. Mr. Badgely is helping me find your friends.”
Kane gave them a friendly smile. “Hello, girls. Miss Hearst is correct. I am trying to do all in my power to get your friends back.”
“Where did they go?” One girl, about thirteen with red curls, asked.