James (Hot Footman Secrets Book 1) Read online

  Nuzzling Fred with his lips and tongue, James felt free and safe for the first time in his life. It couldn’t be real. It couldn’t last. But he had to savor it. Pulling his mouth away from Fred, he lapped up the drops of cream and licked the tip of Fred’s cock.

  “Thank you, sir,” Fred whispered.

  James smiled. “I don’t get off bossing people around.”

  Fred nodded. “The point isn’t that you need to. It’s that I can let you have all the power and control. Unless you like getting orders in here from me. Some men prefer it.”

  Shaking his head negatively, James grabbed Fred’s firm ass cheeks as his tongue plundered that mouth that had given him so many orders in the army. Exhaustion finally took them both as they held each other.

  James woke to his employer’s hand working his cock, coated with that grease.

  “Colonel, please,” James had no idea what time it was.

  “Fred. Say it,” Fred said.

  “We can’t do this every day, all day. We can’t.” James tried to stop Fred’s hand but the ache in him was too far gone. If Fred didn’t finish him off, James would have to do it himself.

  “We can. We can grab a bath then I can suck you off,” Fred suggested.

  “I couldn’t. You don’t understand. I can’t belong here.” James’ hips betrayed him, thrusting into Fred’s hand.

  “You do. We belong together. Last night proved it.” Fred kissed James, silencing him before he could argue further.

  The pressure built inside of him and James came as his body shuddered. A few seconds later, he knew he had to do something. Flipping Fred on his back, James pinned his boss down.

  “This is attraction. Powerful and undeniable but it doesn’t change the world. When we can steal an hour or two, fine, maybe. But we can’t play house.” James sucked Fred’s cock before there was an argument.

  Fred moaned and thrust into James’ mouth. It wasn’t just a ploy to stop a conversation; James wanted this last night as well. Licking and teasing that thick cock that so easily could’ve been damaged beyond use by the shell that took Fred’s leg.

  Even with that thought, James still wanted to be here in bed with Fred. How could they really stop? They could do this when the desire grew too strong but had to be master and servant in all appearances to the world.

  “I can’t last. Please, James. My admiral,” Fred said.

  James tongued the tip of Fred’s cock until he came. Swallowing every drop, James moaned and sucked that member clean.

  “Fuck me again. Please,” Fred said.

  “No time.” James looked at the clock. “I have to wake the men and show them how to work a breakfast.”

  Fred shook his head. “A quick bath together after. It’ll take no time.” Fred grabbed James’s hard cock. The desire didn’t seem to wane.

  “Fast. You better cooperate. Follow orders.” James slid into Fred’s ass and moaned.

  “Yes, Admiral,” Fred teased.

  Two thrusts and James decided to see how much Fred trusted him. James pulled Fred to the edge of the bed while James planted his feet on the floor. Carefully he gathered Fred in his arms while still deep inside of him. He lifted Fred and gravity pulled Fred farther onto his thick cock.

  “Please, sir.” Fred tried to kiss James.

  “Not now. I have to watch where I’m going.” James walked Fred to the bathroom and leaned Fred’s back against the wall. Fred put his leg down to help balance them as James thrust harder and faster.

  Fred looked James in the eye. The mutual passion was undeniable. James couldn’t face the truth so openly and buried himself in kissing Fred as he fucked him. It was over too fast as Fred came and James followed right after.

  The men stood there for a moment panting and kissing to drag it out. Finally, James found his strength and pulled out as Fred braced himself on the wall.

  “Sorry.” James scooped Fred up and put him in the bathtub, then started up the water.

  “Get in here,” Fred said.

  “We need soap and a cloth.” James retrieved the essentials and eased into the hot water.

  As Fred washed his butler, James realized he hadn’t set out clothing or anything for the day.

  “Stop thinking.” Fred kissed him.

  “We must think. We must cover for these glitches in routine. We must be convincing.” James took the cloth and ran it over Fred’s chest.

  He’d taken pleasure in seeing his boss naked before. But now he could wantonly scrub Fred’s body.

  “We’ve done nothing wrong. We’re the bosses. Don’t let them question you or accuse you of anything.” Fred traced his fingers down the scars on James’ neck and shoulders.

  “Lucky it wasn’t my face,” James quipped.

  “You’d still be the handsomest man in this house.” Fred dropped kisses over the scars.

  James pushed Fred away. “We can’t play house. I’m not your mistress.”

  “James. You know this is more than sex.” Fred leaned back on his side of the tub.

  “There are limits on what it can be.” James didn’t want to argue details.

  “Societal limits. No limits here in private. The world has rules but the war showed they change in a blink.”

  “Then they come back,” James said.

  “If you weren’t my butler, I’d feel the same. That’s how I know it’s not about convenience. I wanted you every day of that war. There were too many people around, men packed in like rats. You kissed me first,” he reminded James.

  “I know.” James stood up and dried off first.

  “If there weren’t people around, we both know what would’ve happened after that kiss,” Fred added.

  “I know. I dreamed about it for the rest of the war. You’re taking a risk. So am I. This set up is one risk. Sex is another big one.” James lifted Fred from the bath, carefully balancing him on the floor to ensure his footing was secure before fetching a towel.

  “I won’t let anyone arrest you. I’d take you to America first.” Fred held onto James tightly.

  “And leave these footmen? Break your promise to them? Our promise? You’re in up to your neck. It’s not just about you and me.” James went about setting out Fred’s clothing while the colonel dried off.

  When he turned back, James saw a smug smile on Fred’s face.

  “What? You don’t care about all of this?” James asked.

  Fred chuckled. “I do care. So do you. I don’t want to leave here. I want to stay forever with you. Help lots of men move on from here. I also really enjoy you performing your valet duties naked.”

  James looked down and shook his head. “You’ll make me lose my head.”

  Fred was as addictive as James had feared. Hopefully they could find some balance to the lust and duty they shared.

  Chapter Nine

  Three weeks of sex with James had Fred looking on the brighter side of things. His stump healed a bit more and he didn’t even mind that it’d taken two men to get him on a horse for a practice ride. He’d had a few such practices and only fell off once.

  “They’re pulling up now,” James announced in the library.

  Fred nodded and grabbed his cane.

  James had kept the professional distance firmly in place. In private, James kept the focus on sex but all Fred had to do was call him Admiral and James was hard as a rock.

  There were only four guests but all three cars had been sent.

  Fred welcome his old army buddy Ted Lyons and Ted’s lover Philip Hagwood. They’d gone into business after the war and traveled most of the time. Philip had been married previously and his wife died in childbirth.

  Next was Nigel Waterford. Rich and eccentric, he made a ton of money during the war growing his manufacturing interests. In his late forties when the war started, he was too old for the call up but had made sure veterans got first crack at jobs in his factories.

  Last out was Curtis Hemley, a cousin who Fred always had a lot in common with. Curtis fought
in the war under Fred so he knew James. He’d since gone into the diplomatic service and spent a lot of time in America.

  “Nice place, cousin,” Curtis said.

  “Father wanted me out of town and the way. The war only gave him a reason so it didn’t look like charity,” Fred said.

  James was making valet assignments and making sure the footmen brought in the luggage.

  “You earned it. Your father toured the hospitals and some of the safer trenches. He knew what you did. If my gas blindness hadn’t worn off, I’d probably be here with you living off family money and useless.”

  “I’m nearly useless but the livestock are more than meeting expectations. And if I need to up and run, I’ll visit you on one of your American trips.” Fred led the way inside.

  “Your valets will show you to your rooms,” Riggs announced.

  “Yes, You can rest and meet us for luncheon in the dining room,” Fred said.

  “Actually, I’d fancy a ride. So much travel makes me glad to be back in the country. You have horses?” Curtis asked.

  “We do. I’ll ride out with you,” Fred said. “James, have the grooms ready two horses.”

  “Are you sure, sir?” James asked.

  “Yes, I promise I’ll take it slow. I’m still getting my proper balance on a horse again,” Fred explained.

  James nodded and left.

  “He’s from the war. Right?” Curtis asked.

  Fred nodded. “He’s not for hire.”

  Curtis smiled. “Well, I should go and change into my riding clothes. Meet you back here?”

  “Yes.” Fred proceeded to the stairs.

  Fred felt stronger seated on a horse. If he forgot his leg and shifted too much one way, he’d fall over. If he kept his back straight and thighs tight, he’d manage.

  Charles held the horse for Curtis as he hopped on. The gas blindness he’d suffered had terrified the family. So many men never recovered. Curtis was lucky. He was fit as ever.

  “Your man isn’t coming with us?” Curtis asked.

  “Why?” Fred replied.

  “I think he should saddle up.” Curtis nodded to Charles.

  Fred gave a nod to Charles as well.

  “I won’t fall. Riggs is too concerned,” Fred said softly when Charles had gone to fetch another horse.

  Curtis smiled. “I’m sure but if you fall or I fall, we have someone to send for help. Looks like very hilly and wooded country around here.”

  “I haven’t touched the gardens or the undeveloped lands so it is unknown. Charles won’t want you feeling sorry for him.” Fred squared his shoulders and hoped it’d be a quick ride.

  “I don’t. I’ve seen much worse than a missing eye. You should get him a patch. He’d be a handsome pirate.” Curtis smiled.

  “You know the doctors. Fresh air to heal. The area looks like it suffered a bit of infection. I’m always fighting with this stump to scar up properly. I might not last the whole ride.” Fred had to be honest with family.

  “Go back now. It’s fine. I’ll ride out with Charles. I just need a little air and exercise like when we were kids. I miss England sometimes.”

  “No, I need to practice,” Fred replied.

  Charles walked out with a horse and mounted it. “Ready, sir.”

  Fred set the pace.

  “You’re healing well, Charles?” Curtis asked.

  Charles looked to Fred. “Yes, sir. Thank you.”

  “I had a case of gas blindness. I was lucky. I was telling my cousin you’d be a dashing pirate if you wanted to sport an eye patch.” Curtis fell back to ride by Charles.

  Fred knew partly it was so he didn’t feel pressured to ride on faster. Then again, Curtis was a flirt.

  “I’ve thought about a patch. I don’t think that’d help me get a job as a footman, though. They have to be perfect. Being a groom is fine with me. I like the animals and the quiet,” Charles said.

  “You drive as well. Do you enjoy that?” Curtis asked.

  Charles nodded. “Yes, sir. Around here no one sees me or they’ve already seen me, so it’s not such a shock.”

  “That’s the best part of big cities—no one looks twice. They’re about their own business. Wear a patch and people will just know you’re a veteran. Gets you respect.” Curtis said.

  Fred turned and shot his cousin a look.

  “Thank you for the advice, sir,” Charles said.

  The horse hit a bit of uneven ground and swayed. Fred caught himself and stayed on but his back had a twinge of pain.

  “You like it up here? Or do you prefer traveling?” Curtis asked.

  “He’s not talking to me, Charles,” Fred said.

  “I don’t know, sir. Traveling with the war wasn’t my favorite. Grew up in the slums of London. Traveling for business might be fun without people trying to kill you,” Charles said.

  “Business good, Curtis?” Fred asked.

  “Business is good. We need to maintain good diplomatic relations with our allies to avoid another war. Germany is bitter. America is nice,” Curtis admitted.

  “You wouldn’t move there,” Fred said.

  “I wouldn’t mind it for the right reasons. Less chance of jail there. I don’t mind splitting my time. Family is all here.” Curtis moved up next to Fred. “Your back hurting you?’

  “I’ll be fine,” Fred said.

  “Go in and rest before luncheon. You have to play host then and for tea, plus dinner. Your leg won’t heal if you overdo it,” Curtis said.

  “I can ride back with you, sir,” Charles said.

  “No, stay with our guest. We haven’t come that far. I’ll go back and rest.” Fred knew when he wasn’t needed. Curtis had an eye for Charles.

  Fred rode back and found James watching out the window.

  “Worried?” Fred asked.

  James looked around. “You have a taxing day or two ahead. This was unnecessary.”

  Fred smiled. “Curtis is my cousin. He’s got an eye for Charles. I’ll make sure I warn the gentlemen again about not making moves or expecting things. Curtis is family. He can stay whenever he likes.”

  “Yes, sir. I’m concerned for you. Charles had fifty confirmed kills in the war. He was good with a gun and hand to hand combat. He can handle Curtis. He’s quiet but tougher than he looks.”

  “Because you see the missing eye first. Curtis suggested a patch. We should get one for him if the doctor thinks the wound is ready.” Fred headed for the stairs.

  James came along. “There’s no need to change for lunch. Wait for dinner.”

  Fred sighed. “I’m not going to insult my guests. I’ll change into the right outfit for everything. Or do you think you can’t resist me?”

  A slight smile brightened James’ usually calm face. “I will strive to do so, sir.”

  “Don’t try too hard. I need to be off my feet for a bit anyway. My back isn’t a fan of being on horseback right now. You want me to rest, right?” Fred asked.

  “You will rest your back.” James nodded. “Perhaps we should call the doctor and have your wound checked on. Then we can have Charles’s eye socket looked at as well.”

  “Now? When the guests leave would be better,” Fred agreed.

  “Yes, sir. One of the drivers mentioned they thought they saw Harry hanging around the train station. He might still be around. I’m sorry to share bad news,” James said.

  “All we can do is keep an eye out. If he tells people about us, he’s admitting his own preference and the police will put him in jail. We can say he molested another footman. It’s his own delusion.” Fred nodded.

  “You’re been thinking about it?” James asked.

  “I have. I will use my power for good if I have to.” Fred winked at James. “Admiral.”

  The dinner went well with only one spill. Fred was starting to relax as they sat enjoying a glass of fine port. James had made sure Fred stretched out his back and rested well before lunch and again when he needed to change for dinner.


  A scuffle in the hall made James open the door.

  Harry bolted in. “Now I’ve seen your faces. Your secret is out.”

  Charles tackled Harry and dragged him back. James pushed them into the hall and decked Harry hard as he could.

  “He’s out. Take him to the servants’ hall and tie him up good. The colonel and I will want a word with him. Good catch,” James said.

  “Yes, sir.” Charles nodded.

  Thomas rushed up to help Charles carry the unconscious man.

  “Sorry about that, sir.” James returned.

  “It’s under control?” Fred asked.

  “Yes, sir.” James nodded.

  “He’s feisty. Why didn’t we meet him?” Nigel asked.

  “He quit when we tried to train him as a groom,” James said.

  Fred shook his head. “He was in trouble for being too aggressive. As you know, this isn’t a brothel. We’re looking to arrange work for men who are in our situation personally. They could use a bit of protection and can discreetly help in your affairs. But we won’t tolerate aggressive sexual predators from the high class or servants.”

  “And he busted in here to threaten you?” Curtis asked.

  “We’ll handle it,” Fred replied.

  “I like spirit. I want to meet him. Can he valet?” Nigel asked.

  “He was trained, yes. But you can’t trust him not to go after the other staff,” James warned.

  “I want to meet him.” Nigel smirked.

  Philip cleared his throat. “Well, we’re for bed. Lovely day, Colonel. See you in the morning.”

  He and his lover left the room.

  Curtis stood. “I want to see this.”

  The party descended to the servants’ hall. Charles stood from where he’d been posted as guard. “We have him tied up in the butler’s sitting room.”

  James led the way and opened the door. Harry sat tied to a chair, seething.

  “Harry the former footman, Nigel Waterford.” Fred introduced them.

  Nigel smiled. “Strapping young man. War hero?”

  “He served,” James confirmed.

  “Are you sure this isn’t shell shock? Some men act out differently,” Nigel said.