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It was a pale May day and the gardens of Wecester had been carefully prepared to receive guests. Kurt Marko was known in society as a man of tawdry tastes who loved to show off his money. His parties were always ostentatious, and he always made sure that the most important representatives of nobility and finance were present. Even more so, his stepson's wedding had to exceed all expectations in terms of pomp and wealth.

Obviously the count was aware of the rumours circulating about him. Kurt had not been born noble, but he had managed to climb the social ladder by marrying a disgraced widow.

But Kurt wasn't a man of etiquette and didn't care what people said about him behind his back, as long as they continued to cajole and fear him in public.

What interested him most was that no one, count, marquis or duke, had the courage to refuse his invitations. It was the outward form of the power he had amassed, and of which he was very proud.

"I must confess, Count, that a wedding was the last thing I expected. - Duchess Frost was one of the few members of the nobility with whom Kurt had peaceful relations. The woman was intelligent, free of malice, and direct enough not to fall into the etiquette that bored Kurt so much. - Above all, not so soon."

The woman was sitting on one of the balconies overlooking the park, sipping a glass of champagne with little elegant touches. The attention of both was at that moment reserved for the bride and groom, who had taken shelter in the shade of the huge chestnut trees that adorned the gardens of the estate.

Kurt thought they were a nice couple, certainly aesthetic. His stepson looked younger than ever, dressed in a dark suit that set off his very pale skin and red lips. If it hadn't been for the wheelchair, Kurt thought wickedly, Charles' life would have been much more troublesome for him. He had been the designated heir before life had struck him, and he could have very soon supplanted Kurt, and thus Cain, as head of the family, inheriting the money his father had left him along with his titles.

Unfortunately, an unpleasant accident had left Charles an invalid and a useless Alpha, and so his guardianship had passed under the wings of his stepfather even after he came of age. No one would have ever thought that the young man would marry, but Kurt had managed to find him a partner who could look after him and help him with the chores that Charles could no longer do on his own. It really had been a brilliant idea. Kurt had secured guardianship of Xavier's fortune for life, without the burden of caring for the boy.

"My dear Duchess... I must confess that the news came as a surprise to me too. I was sure it would take Charles much longer to recover psychologically from what has happened to him. Erik is not noble, but their affection is so sincere that I could not refrain from giving them my blessing."

Emma smiled, still raising her glass to her lips, but it was clear that her curiosity was not exhausted.

"I'm happy to say that affection also binds him to something quite nice."

Kurt nodded. Etiquette probably dictated the use of such vanilla words, for no one in their right mind would ever be able to define Erik Lehnsherr as something quite nice... Kurt looked up at his son's groom, who was still standing beside his consort, Charles, like a silent sentry.

Kurt had spared no expense for this wedding, and Erik's suit was also exquisitely tailored. The man was a few years older than Charles and much taller, even if his husband had been able to walk. Kurt's first impression of him was that he wasn't an Omega at all. There were no curves or softness, just rippling muscles and long limbs that made him look like a glittering panther.

Kurt had thought that the two of them would have made a wonderful couple, destined to produce many beautiful puppies, if Charles had not been completely paralysed from the waist down and Erik completely sterile. But as it was, with all their flaws, they remained a perfect couple. Maybe not a glittering one, but certainly one destined to last.

"But, and here I hope you will appreciate my sincerity, many wonder about the outcome of the wedding night..."

"My dear Duchess... I hope you understand that it is not my intention to discuss what an Alpha does with his Omega in the privacy of their bedroom. They will find their way and love will make up for what is lacking, like any couple of lovebirds in the world..."

"Of course, my dear Count. Everyone knows that love opens many doors... even the most hidden ones..."

Kurt had no idea what the woman's last sentence meant, but he doubted that it was anything other than the usual cliché used to end a now sterile discussion.

The man turned towards the entrance of the villa and said goodbye to the woman with a formal smile.

He had other things to worry about now.

"You don't have to stay."

Erik watched in amazement as his husband moved his chair towards the huge double bed that took up most of the room they had been allocated.

Charles had just finished his nightly routine and, dressed in comfortable flannel pyjamas, rolled the chair towards the bed..

It was the so-called awkward moment. The one where, if it had been a normal working day for Erik, someone would have said something and they would have quickly moved on to discussing the details.

Charles, however, did not seem inclined to do so. Since they had retired and lost their audience, Charles had stopped looking at Erik and had done everything he could to keep them from getting too close, conveying so much discomfort that Erik had felt sorry for him. It couldn't have been easy to live a youth and then a whole life without a part of yourself. Erik didn't even want to try to understand how his new husband might feel. He didn't expect to be able to. He was a grown man with a beautiful, fully functioning body. He wasn't free either, but his chains were of a different kind.

Erik had thought that Charles just needed to get used to the idea and so he'd given him some space, but as the evening went on there had been no improvement.

Charles had insisted that the usual servants take care of his nightly routine. Then he had retired to his study, leaving Erik alone, and when he had emerged a few hours later, he had only moved to go to bed and end the day.

It was the first sentence Charles had spoken to Erik since they had been alone.

"I'm your husband. Where should I go?"

Charles' beautiful lips curled into a bitter smile and the man turned his chair slightly to finally meet Erik's eyes.

"You are. But it's not what you want. Besides, how could I blame you..." Charles raised his arms as if to indicate himself and his chair. - We both know this is an arranged marriage. I don't want to know what my stepfather has promised you to convince you, but I can assure you that we will not be forced to recite, even when we are alone. I will gladly spare you and myself. But now I am very tired and would like to sleep. You can spend the night in what used to be my room before the wedding. Good night, Erik."

There was really nothing more to say. Charles' speech had been frank and absolutely true, at least the part that had been revealed to the boy. Erik watched Charles move to the bed and had to force himself to stay still as the other man swayed as if he were going to fall at any moment, to keep himself from helping him. His husband's dignity would not allow it.

Once Charles was reduced to a shapeless mass under the sheets, Erik slipped out of the room, but was too upset to follow his example. He needed some fresh air first.

Kurt couldn’t remember the last time he had slept a full night. He had become insomniac over the years and rarely stopped wandering around his house late at night.

At night, every object, every knick-knack, every piece of furniture sang to him of its ownership and Kurt took great pleasure in sifting through his vast possessions.

It was a little quirk, and Kurt realised that it was something completely childish, like kids who endlessly counted their toy cars just to enjoy the sight of them when they were all neatly lined up. But no one was awake to see him, and it was the only moment of weakness he allowed himself.

It wasn't just the pleasure of his wealth that kept him awake that night. Despite the sappy words he had uttered earlier in the day, he was genuinely curious to see how Charles would handle his wedding night. In Kurt's opinion, Charles had been an unusual Alpha even before his accident. When he'd manifested himself, Kurt hadn't really believed that this skinny, frail and shy child was an Alpha who could oust him and his son from his parents' legacy. It had been a difficult time for Kurt, full of worry.

Charles' accident had truly changed the Markos' lives for the better. Kurt wasn't as casual about it as his son Cain, who talked about it openly in public, but he couldn't really blame his son. Their lives were safe because Charles was an invalid.

That was why he had tried to make sure that the boy was cared for all his life, not locked away in one of those hospitals that specialised in illnesses like Charles'.

Erik, according to Kurt, was his compensation for Charles' unfortunate fate.

Having completed his usual tour of the house, Kurt decided to smoke a cigarette on the large balcony. The images of Erik and Charles together continued to haunt him. How would Charles have done it? He was paralysed from the waist down. Kurt had read the medical reports and it was clear that his stepson would never be able to lead an active sex life. He would never be able to claim an Omega, tie a knot or father a child. Charles was completely numb.

Sure, Kurt had thought there might be alternatives, but he doubted that a boy as reserved as his stepson could become so exploratory in bed. So he had chosen Erik of all people. It was another favour he had done for Charles. Kurt really hoped he was useful.

When he saw Erik on the terrace, leaning lazily against a marble wall, he understood that his wedding night had brought some difficulties.

"I didn't expect to find you here."

Erik gasped, startled. He hadn't even noticed his presence. The boy moved away from the wall and straightened his back, assuming the posture Kurt had seen him in the first time. It was such a spontaneous movement that it almost seemed like a conditioned reflex. Kurt guessed it was one of the first steps in his training.  On the other hand, when it came to choosing his future son-in-law, he turned to the professionals.

"He doesn't want me in his room. He says he prefers to sleep alone."

Kurt nodded his head. It was understandable. If the opposite had happened, he would have been even more astonished. Charles had always been a boy used to beautiful things. His whole life had been immersed in wealth and the things that wealth could give him. Now, however, the prospect of beauty seen from another height surely made it more bitter.

The thought of having a husband like Erik must have been frustrating for Charles, a constant reminder that the accident had changed him profoundly. Kurt couldn't help but feel a small pang of satisfaction.

"You have to be patient. Not much time has passed since the accident. Charles is still getting over it...- He walked over to a mini-bar and took a glass for himself and one for the boy. - Besides, you don't have much of a choice, do you?"

He handed the young man his glass and watched as he reached out in his tailored suit to take it without getting too close. He hadn't changed yet and Kurt took a moment to admire him again. He had certainly made a good choice.

"No sir."

Kurt smiled. At least he was well educated. He watched him drink the contents of his glass in one gulp, admired the long expanse of his throat as it arched back, and didn't feel the slightest bit guilty. Erik's profession exposed him to the eyes of others. The boy had to be used to it.

"Since Charles doesn't seem to appreciate what life has given him... -  Kurt put down his glass, took a long step towards the other man and placed the palm of one hand on his cheek, his thumb sliding up to caress his lower lip. Erik was completely still and looked at him, but he didn't seem particularly upset by the gesture. After all, it must have been part of his habit. - I think you'll be unemployed for a long time. But that doesn't mean that my money will be given away, don't you think?"

Erik nodded, not flinching at the touch, but not even moving to meet it. Kurt studied him thoughtfully. The idea had obviously not come to him so suddenly. He had been thinking about it for a long time. In his heart, he would have avoided doing it on their wedding night, but basically it was just a kind of prejudice. Charles had decided to leave his husband alone on their first night. That fact wouldn't have disappeared if Kurt hadn't taken advantage of it.

That evening, he was extremely pleased with himself and thought he was damn right he deserved a prize.

"Shaw guaranteed you're clean..."

"We test every 26 days, sir."

Kurt smiled before choosing a wicker chair to sit in.

"I think it'll be good if you kneel for me tonight. We don't want to wrinkle your nice groom's suit, do we? Come on, darling, come and earn your handsome wages."

Kurt hadn't expected the boy to resist, but he hadn't counted on the easy fluidity with which he filled the few steps that separated them, bowing between his open legs. The practiced grace with which he performed the simple preparatory gestures spoke of years of training and experience that made Kurt happy again with the choice he had made.

Kurt was no longer a young man, but the boy's icy gaze and pose sent a flash of pleasure through his cock that he hadn't felt in a long time. He had been married to Sharon for years and could confidently say that he had never felt such intense arousal for his wife. Fucking Sharon had been a duty, then the woman had drowned in her bottles and he had been able to spare himself that onerous task. He had fucked whores in his life, men and women, but none of them had ever turned him on so much without even touching him.

He took Erik's head, the smooth neck muscles offering no resistance, and pressed it against his clothed crotch. He felt the boy move, crushing his nose against his cock and exploring it with his lips through the soft fabric of his party trousers. The idea of being licked, with careful cat-like movements, and lying like that, his trousers soaked with the saliva of his son's mate, was more exciting than he had thought.

Too much to think he could resist for long.

"Take it out."

Erik lifted his head and Kurt felt the boy's slender fingers tracing the seams of his trousers and reaching for the buttons at his crotch. The boy worked with delicate but decisive movements, without getting lost in useless frills. He had obviously learned to do everything he was told.

That was a pretty good quality.

The cold air made him shiver slightly as his cock was pulled out of his underwear. Erik stood still now, rocking on his heels, waiting for further orders.

Kurt smiled.

"Now suck it, but slowly. I don't want to finish too soon."

Once again the order was carried out immediately, as if the boy had been waiting for nothing else. Once again the execution was perfect. Erik grabbed the base of his member and began to lick it delicately, first at the base and then slowly moving up the shaft, alternating brushes of his lips, with open-mouthed kisses, delicately pressing the curves of his cock with his lips, with slow licks and finally using the flat of his tongue to lap the entire length from the base to the tip, then playing with touches of the nose, the chin, as if he was about to take it into his mouth at any moment, but then changing his mind along the way and starting again from the beginning.

Kurt moaned in satisfaction. Erik knew how to tease a man, how to bring him slowly to the climax, then come back and start again, building up tension in Kurt's lower abdomen. Always so close, always so far.

But now the tension was too great. He reached out and took the boy by the neck, holding him still while Erik slowly and convincingly ran his tongue over the head of his cock, not yet sucking, but always seeming to be on the verge of doing so, looking at him with those icy eyes, waiting for a sign.

"That's enough... - the excitement was so high now that it was almost painful. - ..take it in your mouth and suck, boy. Show me how good you can be."

Kurt was too excited to be sure, but he thought the glimmer of a smile crossed Erik's lips before he twitched against the head of his cock and let it slide slowly into his mouth, swallowing it inch by inch, making him feel the pressure of his warm mouth on every bit of skin, every vein of his cock, as he effortlessly took it all into his mouth, burying his nose in the curls of his crotch. Erik swallowed loudly and inhaled sharply through his nose, sending shivers of excitement through Kurt's body and making his toes curl. God... he had never had a blowjob like that.

"Oh yeah... - Kurt moved his hands from Erik's neck to his head, encouraging him. - You're a really good cocksucker, son. Shaw was right about you. Definitely the best..."

Encouraged, Erik began to move his head backwards, sucking every inch of skin as he brought his cock up to his head and then took it back into his mouth with a smooth, fast thrust that made Kurt see stars and he couldn't help but scream.

The boy began to pick up a punishing pace, pausing every now and then to give Kurt's balls the same treatment, then starting to suck again at a faster rate. Kurt could feel his arousal increasing and he could no longer submit to the other's rhythm. He needed to come like he had never wanted to before in his life.

He grabbed Erik's hair and began actively fucking his mouth, not caring about choking him or letting him breathe. All that mattered to him now was his journey to the climax and he didn't care about anything else.

To his pleasure, he felt Erik's neck give way and his throat relax as the boy gave him the reins and allowed him to fuck his throat to completion.

Kurt growled and quickened his pace, planting his feet firmly on the floor to allow himself the final hard thrusts. The boy would have trouble speaking the next day but Kurt didn't care. He didn't care about anything anymore. In his mind it lasted an eternity. In reality, a few thrusts were enough to be overwhelmed by the most intense orgasm he could remember. Erik continued to suck him, swallowing everything he gave him.

When he had recovered from the post-orgasmic haze, Erik had cleaned him with gentle strokes of his tongue, so as not to overstimulate him, and had politely tucked his cock into his expensive trousers.

If anyone had seen them at that moment, they might have looked like two well-dressed gentlemen exchanging pleasantries on a balcony. Erik was completely impassive, while Kurt was breathing heavily, still convulsed with pleasure.

"I think... - Kurt sat down in the chair and ran a hand through his hair. - I think you should go to bed. Your husband will need you tomorrow."

Erik stood up as gracefully as he had knelt, brushing his trousers.

"Good night, sir."

Kurt watched him go. He guessed his knees must have hurt after his serve, but nothing about Erik's walk betrayed any discomfort. He was perfect and poised, as always. Kurt wondered if the boy would move as easily after having his cock up his ass.

He smiled to himself. This was a great idea.

"Erik... - The boy had almost crossed the threshold when he stopped and fixed him with a blank stare. -... I believe the work with your husband will be long and you will need help. I will meet you in my office every evening to discuss the details. Is that okay?"

Erik's eyebrow quivered, but he had the good sense to stop halfway. Kurt had had a great orgasm, but even that wouldn't make him tolerate this kind of rudeness.

"Yes, sir."

Kurt registered the boy's hoarse, used voice and smiled in satisfaction.

"Good boy."

The next morning, Charles' mood had not improved, but Erik managed to persuade him to go for a walk in the park.

Charles was strange. Erik could obviously understand the reason for his behaviour. Charles had been in control all his life. He had been rich. He had been able to live his life the way he wanted to. Now he found himself tied to a metal contraption that couldn't take him anywhere and that needed outside help to move most of the time, with a self-imposed husband and a life without prospects.

Erik's life had no prospects either. He was never used to thinking about the future. His life unfolded lazily, day after day, tackling one task after another with the sole aim of getting to the end of the day. Once he had had prospects and needs, but Shaw had taught him how dangerous they were. Erik hadn't got it at first, he'd made mistakes and been punished. Then something changed his life forever and Erik realised there was something worth fighting for.

His latest mission was unlike anything Erik had ever done before. But the principle could have been the same, just as his goal could have been the same: to make it to the evening.

The Markos' money was generous and he no longer had to worry about expenses and maintenance. He could save a lot during this mission.

If he had to put up with his husband's contempt, Erik had certainly put up with worse.

"He must be terribly boring for you."

Charles was a man of few words, but he always knew how to get to the point. He certainly didn't have any communication problems.

Erik stopped next to the pram and tried to put on a reassuring smile.

"I'm walking with my husband in a beautiful park. You must think that my life before coming here was exceptionally eventful if you're afraid I'm bored."

Charles chuckled.

"That's a very diplomatic answer, but I'm afraid I'm not wrong in my assessment. - Charles turned the chair slightly towards him and looked at him up and down. - You don't have to do this. I just wanted you to know."

Erik stopped himself from snorting. Charles was certainly not the type to inspire sympathy. Erik understood why Kurt had decided to buy him a husband. Charles was downright scary most of the time. The chances of someone spontaneously approaching all the clouds he brought with him were decidedly slim.

He looked for something they could do together. It usually worked, a harmless activity that avoided forced conversation and allowed time to get to know each other.

Then he saw it. In the distance, under a tree, was a chessboard.

It was something Erik had never used in his work. His clients hardly wanted to play with him. But perhaps Charles would be interested, and the game was the perfect way to pass the time without too much embarrassment.

It was worth a try. He didn't even know if Charles knew how to play or if he liked playing.

"Do you play?"

Charles followed his gaze to the board and Erik saw a flash of surprise on his husband's face. He had managed to surprise him.

"Actually, yes. I think I'm the only one in this house who knows this game. My father taught me. He built this chessboard for me. He thought I spent too much time cooped up in the library and he wanted me to get out in the sun. So he built it in the park so that I could do something I liked in the open air."

Charles' father must have been very different from Kurt Marko. Erik imagined the boy missed him terribly.

"Want to play a game?"

Charles had a dreamy look, still lost in memories of him.

"Yes... I'd like to. I don't know if I should tell you, but I'm pretty good."

Erik smiled and walked towards the board with measured steps, allowing Charles to keep up with his pace.

"I hope so. Otherwise it wouldn't be any fun for either of us."

It was a good idea.

Charles was a little nervous at first, but after the first few moves he relaxed and concentrated on the game. Erik had been cautious at first, determined to let him win, but then he realised that his husband was definitely good and didn't need any help to get him into difficulties. When he lost the first game, Erik decided it was no longer time to be nice and started playing to win.

When he won the second game, Erik got his first look of respect from his husband and found it decidedly pleasant. Charles was much more relaxed and for the first time Erik saw in his eyes a spark of enthusiasm that had been completely absent when they had exchanged their vows.

He let Charles carefully put the pieces back in place, ready to start again.

"My stepfather told me you are sterile. How did that happen?"

Erik smiled as he put his queen in a defensive position. Charles' penchant for inconvenient truths was somewhat amusing.

"I was born this way."

It wasn't true. Erik hadn't been sterile all his life. It had been an accident, but he didn't want to tell Charles. No one knew except Shaw, and so Erik wanted to keep it a secret. Talking about his accident would also mean talking about something Erik had sworn not to tell anyone.

"Oh..."

"Were you expecting a sad story?"

Charles let out a deep chuckle.

"Actually, yes. I'm surprised you're telling it so lightly."

Erik shrugged and sat back.

"It's who I am. It won't change depending on how I take it. So I've learned to accept it."

Charles' face darkened and Erik realised that maybe he had gone too far.

"Sometimes it's not easy."

"I know, but..."

A sudden sound of footsteps made him close his mouth. He hadn't expected to have company at that moment. Charles followed his gaze and they both saw a tall, stocky man emerge from a passageway in the hedge surrounding the villa.

He was well dressed, well gloved and wore a pompous black top hat that gave him the appearance and bellicose expression of an overweight penguin.

Erik had no idea who he was. If he had been a guest at their wedding, he had not had the opportunity to meet him. Judging by Charles' body language, he must not have been on the best of terms with his husband. Charles put his hands on the wheels of his chair, as if he wanted to leave immediately.

The man noticed Charles' annoyance, but it only seemed to increase his desire to get closer, as his pace quickened.

"Oh... what a nice surprise. The two honeymooners in intimacy. - The man stopped in front of the chessboard, extremely amused. Up close, Erik could see how much he resembled Kurt in features and stocky build. - I came to see how your wedding night went, little brother. Did you have fun?"

"Good morning, Cain. It's always a sorrow to see you."

Cain laughed good-naturedly, but it was clear that he hadn't finished his sentence.

"So... how did it go, Charlie? I guess you still have to get over your tiredness. - Cain seemed to have noticed Erik's presence only now, because he turned towards him. - I don't think anyone has introduced us. I'm Cain Marko, Kurt's son. As Charlie's husband here, I guess you could almost call me a brother."

"Erik Lehnsherr."

Erik would have avoided shaking Cain's hand, but it seemed a rude gesture not to greet his husband's half-brother, so he forced himself to grasp the wet and slimy palm, which gave a decidedly unpleasant sensation. He thought the contact would be brief and to the point, a mere formality, but instead Cain squeezed hard, with no intention of letting go, and Erik found himself pulled towards the other man's face, his voice whispering in his ear.

"My brother has many qualities, but I believe he lacks the most important of them all. White weddings have always made me feel sorry, so feel free to knock on my bedroom door if you fancy a good dose of cock. I can give you one for free. The family has to stick together and help in cases like this."

Erik didn't know whether to be embarrassed or outraged. He was used to this kind of talk, his virtue was certainly not in danger, but in this way... in front of Charles... it seemed excessive even to him.

The only thing he could think of was to get as far away from Cain as possible, but the man tightened his grip on his hand, with the firm intention of keeping him where he was. Now he looked at him brazenly, as if he were a piece of meat he couldn't decide how to cook, and Erik found it damn hard to resist the urge to make a fist of his free hand and unload it on that ugly mug.

Meanwhile, the other felt he had something else to say.

"But I must compliment you, Charlie. You have really good taste in men. Where did you find him? I'm proud of you, little brother. That's a brave choice. It must be very frustrating for you. But if it helps, I'm willing to do your duty and let you watch."

Erik saw the man lean towards him in an unmistakable gesture. Oh God... was he really going to kiss him just to prove that he could? What kind of family had he ended up in?

"If you touch him again, I'll kill you."

Cain stopped in mid-air, much to Erik's relief.

"What did you say, Charlie?"

"You understood. - Charles was deadly serious and his words were cold blades. It must have been unusual, because Cain was now staring at him as if he had grown a second head. - He's my husband and you're not allowed to touch him. In fact, you shouldn't be allowed to touch anyone, because you're disgusting, Cain, and you always have been. But you can continue to play the game of who has the biggest dick with the others, but not with me, and especially not with my husband. Am I clear?"

The cruel smile that curved Cain's lips showed that the man was enjoying himself for some reason that Erik couldn't understand. Erik was aware that he was witnessing a fight in which he was involved, but only as an object of contention. There was a current of the unsaid that split the air and spoke of past guilt and crimes of which Erik knew nothing and from which he was completely excluded.

"Charlie, Charlie... there's no need to get so angry. I'm glad to see you haven't lost your claws along with your legs..." - Slowly Cain released his grip and took a step back, looking at them with sincere evaluation. Then he had to decide that it was pointless to continue, at least for the moment. - But I don't want to disturb your... intimacy any further. See you at lunch, little brother."

Erik watched him leave, not sure what had just happened. Charles' expression remained wild until his brother disappeared into the same hole he had come from. Then he let out a long sigh, as if trying to calm himself, and began to put the chess pieces back in their places with quick, nervous movements.

"I think we're done for today. I'm starting to feel cold. - Erik started to get up, but Charles stopped him with a raised hand. - I don't want to keep you from enjoying the beautiful weather because of my thermoregulation problems. I can go back in alone."

Erik watched him slide away, his arms stiff as he pushed the wheels of his chair, and knew the quiet moment was over.

Erik always knew where he stood in a relationship. Commercial, personal, friendly. His job was to read people and understand what they wanted from him. Charles was an exception. The man was a complete contradiction. He didn't want him around, but he had defended him against his brother, like any husband would.

So what?

Erik wondered for the first time how Charles would see the nature of his husband's relationship with Kurt Marko and how much he knew about it. He was probably completely in the dark.

If Erik had ever been ashamed of his work, it had been when he was too young to remember it.

Shaw had washed away his shame as well as his freedom. He now saw his profession as a way of life, like many others. He hadn't decided anything, of course. His choices had been taken away from him, as had his sense of shame.

But as he watched Charles roll away without even turning, he felt guilty and uncomfortable in a way he hadn't felt in a long time.

Kurt had endured a terrible day.

Cain had returned home. Kurt loved his son, but the boy had always been a problem.

His return, exactly one day after his half-brother's wedding, was to expose the strained relationship between the two to the public. Kurt and Cain had been born into a world where good manners were of no use, sometimes even harmful, and had ended up in one where appearances were the most important thing.

Kurt had conformed. Cain had not.

Like when they were children, he had immediately gone to argue with his brother, and in a public place, like a beggar of the worst kind.

Kurt had a headache. These chores were extremely tedious and frustrating. Sometimes he felt like buying his son a house on the other side of the world and keeping him there until Sharon died and he had the real power to dispose of the Xavier fortune.

Charles was now out of the picture. He would just have to be patient and wait.

In the meantime, his son had to be rendered harmless. But Kurt had no idea what to do.

Someone knocked on the door of his study. Two soft, silent shots.

"Come in."

Kurt smiled as Erik Lehnsherr slipped in, as quiet as a cat. It was just what he needed to ease his headache.

"I see your husband kicked you out tonight too..."

Erik shrugged his shoulders as if it were a trivial matter. Indeed, he would have had to have amazing powers to change a husband in a single day.

"He didn't, but he didn't even invite me, so..."

"...you didn't force yourself on him.- Erik nodded slowly. - That's a good strategy. Charles can be very stubborn when he wants to be."

Kurt went back to the liquor cabinet. It was useful to establish a routine, to explain to the boy that the time for useless chatter was over. Kurt would have preferred to arrive at a moment when Erik would comply with his wishes without having to pretend that it was always random.

The boy was dressed in a simple grey jumpsuit, rather shapeless and frankly ugly. Kurt doubted that Erik had ever chosen such an outfit for his hourly job. It was as if he was trying to diminish his attractiveness, and Kurt thought that was rather stupid, since he was trying to seduce his husband.

Again Erik took the glass without saying anything and drank it down. Kurt thought maybe Erik was trying to numb himself to make what came next easier, but Kurt didn't really care. He didn't need to get inside his head to get his satisfaction.

"I think you'd better take those clothes off. They're really unflattering."

"I was ready for bed."

Kurt smiled again.

"But I don't think you're too tired yet, are you?"

Erik looked at him for a long time, then shook his head. Kurt noticed that he had lost some of his confidence from yesterday.

"No, sir."

"Very well. Then may I hope that you will do as I ask?"

Erik nodded again and then quickly pulled the grey sweatshirt over his head. His movements had none of the uncertainty that had come from his voice a few moments before. Kurt imagined that undressing in front of other men was such a part of his life that it had become a conditioned reflex, like his heart beating or his lungs expanding to breathe.

After folding the sweatshirt neatly and placing it on a low table, Erik slipped his thumbs into the elastic of his shapeless trousers and pressed down hard, bending forward with his legs straight to expose himself completely. Definitely another move in his repertoire. Kurt thought it would be nice to force him into that position, motionless, his ass exposed, ready for the taking. Maybe another time.

The man wasn't wearing any underwear, so as he slowly stood up and moved his long legs out of his trousers, Kurt took a moment to admire him. He really was a fine specimen. Firm muscles, smooth skin and a slim waist that emphasised the breadth of his shoulders and the delicious curve of his ass. If Charles had been alpha enough to dispose of his assets, he would have been a lucky man. In which case, Kurt was more than happy to plunder some of his fortune.

Erik remained motionless in the middle of the room, completely naked, his gaze slowly dropping to frame Kurt's now visibly tense groin as he waited. He probably expected the man to ask him for a blow job like the night before, but Kurt definitely had other plans.

"Lie face down on my desk. Arms up. Hold on to the edges."

Erik quickly took up his position, tilting his head to the side and pressing his cheek against the cool surface of the fine wood. The scent of the Omega's skin had grown stronger now, permeating the room completely. It was an unusual scent for an Omega, as everything about Erik was unusual. Sour instead of sweet, with notes of sandalwood and patchouli giving it a touch of the exotic, which somehow made Kurt's pheromones even more aroused.

He had many things in mind for this evening, but Kurt soon forgot them as, once he was immersed in that warm and yielding body, every idea evaporated in favour of rough and brutal thrusts that almost lifted Erik's body off the desk with each stroke, bringing him to an orgasm in such a short time that he hadn't experienced it since his youth.

All the while Erik remained still, relaxed, his legs dangling in the air like those of a rag doll. By the time Kurt's knot was untied and they were allowed to separate, the boy's breathing had returned to normal, as if he had just been out for a walk in the park rather than a rough, demanding fuck.

Kurt, on the other hand, was flushed, sweating profusely and breathing heavily.

"Get dressed and take a shower. Hide the suit. We don't want your husband to smell another Alpha in your room, do we?"

Erik struggled to get up from the desk and hobbled towards his clothes. Kurt was sure that he hadn't really hurt him during sex. It took more than that to hurt an Omega and Erik had been a prostitute for several years. He must have been used to it. But Kurt's ego was tickled by the sight of him limping and he thought his gait was part of a show for his own use.

"I don't think he'll ever come into my room... - Erik paused, where Kurt still saw the uncertainty he had captured when the boy entered his study. That too was short-lived. - But I will. Thank you, sir."

"Very well. - Kurt slowly straightened his trousers and poured himself another dose of Scotch. This time he didn't feel the need to serve the boy as well. It wasn't part of the ritual. - I'll be waiting for you tomorrow night, here as usual. Good night, Erik."

Erik, who had finished dressing, walked away quickly, maintaining his limping gait.

"Good night, sir."

The hallways were always colder when he returned to his room from the study late at night.

Erik wrapped himself in the grey sweatshirt he was wearing and quickened his pace, eager to close himself off in his safe space, wash the smell of sex from his skin and try to fall into the sleep of the righteous. Compared to his previous life, he practised his profession less than he was. When he worked for Shaw, it was common to be called upon several times a day.

In his younger days, when Shaw had just finished training him, he was the most sought after Omega in the entire brothel. It was nothing to take credit for. Young things always attracted a certain amount of interest. Shaw was a methodical and uncompromising master who knew how to punish rebellion and misbehaviour. Erik had been a tough nut to crack before he conformed. The punishments could be exquisitely physical or more subtle, such as selecting clients from among the most miserable and vicious and then leaving him drugged and at their mercy. Erik had resisted anyway, then the accident had happened and Shaw had gained something that would bind Erik to him forever.

From that point of view, the only daily contact with Marko should have seemed almost like a holiday to him. Still, he was nervous, but he couldn't quite put his finger on why he was so restless.

A sudden movement at the end of the corridor made him stop. It was strange that a servant was still here at this hour. Erik had never met anyone on his returns.

The figure was in the shadows, but so small that it took Erik a while to realise who it was.

"Charles?"

Erik watched as his husband pushed his chair out of the shadows. He was still in his pyjamas and had a thick blanket on his immobile legs. He must have just got out of bed, because his hair was dishevelled and his cheeks were flushed, as if he had been exercising. But that was obviously impossible. His room must have been exceptionally hot. Charles had problems with thermoregulation because of his paralysis, and the fire in his room was never turned off, not even at night.

Erik had always found that rather unhealthy.

Charles came forward, but he looked strangely uncomfortable, as if he hadn't expected to find him there.

"I was thirsty. I was going to the kitchen..."

Erik nodded, hoping very much that he wouldn't be asked the same question, because he wasn't really prepared for an excuse for being there, dressed like that. Besides, he hadn't been able to wash yet and his smell might have given him away.

"I could have brought it to you..."

"You're my husband, Erik, not my servant.-  Charles must have realised that his tone had been rather sharp, because he corrected himself immediately. - I can look after myself. You should go to bed. You look particularly pale tonight."

"I was just going..."

Charles smiled.

"Then I won't keep you any longer. Good night, Erik."

Erik felt extremely inadequate. Charles was so elusive. Erik always felt they were getting nowhere.

"Good night, Charles.

At the beginning of the month, Kurt had to go on a business trip. His absence, initially thought to be a matter of a few days, became longer and longer until it was a month.

Erik was happy with the distance from the head of the family. Since he didn't have to serve Kurt every night, his life had become more like that of a normal person. For Erik it was a completely new situation. He had joined Sebastian Shaw's entourage at the age of fourteen and couldn't really remember a time when he wasn't allowed to work. Every day was the same for him.

Perhaps only once had he been ill enough for Shaw to let him rest for a whole week. But he had been tied to a bed until he had recovered. He couldn't really say it had been a happy time.

Instead, he was now almost free to do what he wanted. Erik was happy.

Things weren't bad with Charles. They played chess almost every day. Charles also agreed to let Erik help him with his physiotherapy. A few evenings it had even happened that the Englishman invited him up to his room for a drink.

Erik had hoped that something would happen that evening, but Charles had just had a drink, sat by the fire and talked about general things, and then said goodbye for the night.

But as time went on, Erik noticed that his husband's mood was getting worse every day. Charles seemed nervous and angry most of the time, for no apparent reason. Erik thought it unlikely that it was the lack of his stepfather, as their relationship had always been bad and Charles had always spoken very badly about Kurt.

A second hypothesis was that Cain's behaviour was partly responsible for Charles' bad mood. The man, without his father's controlling presence, had become much more annoying. There was no breakfast or dinner without Cain commenting on his brother's life or making jokes about Charles' non-existent sexual prowess.

Charles often reacted violently or sarcastically these days, but Erik couldn't blame him for his husband's nervousness. Charles' outbursts seemed more like a consequence than a cause.

Erik did not know what to do. It seemed to him that he was witnessing conflicts from which he was decidedly excluded. Besides, Charles couldn't stand him and Cain talking to each other, and Erik tried to please him as much as possible.

Until one night he got an unwelcome surprise.

That evening, Charles had complained of tiredness, which prevented him from spending their usual evening in front of the fireplace, and had called an early night, leaving Erik with plenty of free time.

He had taken the opportunity to shower and get ready in his usual nightwear when he heard two knocks on the door of his room.

Opening the door, the last person he expected to see appeared.

Cain had an unpleasant look on his face that reminded Erik so much of the first day he met him. The man didn't even wait for Erik to open the door all the way before he confidently stepped forward and pushed him aside to enter, as if he owned the place.

Erik was so taken aback that he was unable to put up any resistance.

"Good evening, brother-in-law."

Cain was unusually happy as he looked curiously at the bed and then turned to Erik, giving his figure the same attention as the rest of the room.

"You'll have to excuse me, but I don't think it's appropriate for anyone other than my husband to come into my room."

Cain's smile widened, if that was possible.

"You are absolutely right, but it is my opinion that this applies to real husbands and not whores. Am I wrong?"

Erk's pallor must have been so obvious that the man simply chuckled and shook his hand, as if to play down what he had just said.

"My father told me everything just before he left. That explains a lot. I've always wondered how someone like Charlie could capture someone like you. Now I have the answer. Or am I wrong?"

Erik saw the man sitting heavily on his bed and realised that it was ridiculous to think of denying it. He just hoped that Cain had kept this information to himself and hadn't gone to provoke his brother again.

"No, sir."

The answer must have been satisfactory because the man straightened his back and patted the spot on the bed next to him with one hand.

At that moment Erik hated Kurt for confiding in his son, but in the end Cain wasn't entirely wrong. He was a whore, paid well to be there. It was part of his job.

He walked over and sat down next to the man, putting his hands stupidly in his lap, not knowing what to do with them. Cain moved quickly, putting an arm around his shoulders and his other hand on a knee. There was the same hunger in his eyes as there had been that day in the park.

"My father has given me a detailed account of your little arrangement, and since I don't think little Charlie is using your services, I thought you could keep me company."

Erik watched as Cain's hand slowly moved up from his knee, caressing his inner thigh until it reached his groin, and then he relaxed his legs, as he had learned to do, spreading his knees and giving him room to manoeuvre. There was really no point in resisting, even though he found Cain far more unpleasant than Kurt ever could have been.

"What do you do with men?"

"Everything, sir."

Cain's finger had found his hole, covered by his thin trousers, and he had begun to explore it in lazy circles. The contact was uncomfortable and rough, but Erik tried not to show his discomfort.

The answer must have been the right one because Cain smiled lewdly and pushed him down onto the bed with the flat of his hand. Erik felt the man's stubby hands fumble with the elastic of his trousers and pull them roughly to the floor, leaving him naked from the waist down.

"No underwear. You're a practical boy, aren't you?"

It was part of the kind of chatter that customers used to get excited about without wanting a real answer, so Erik remained silent and still, his eyes fixed on the ceiling, but Cain didn't seem to mind his silence as he immediately did his utmost to remove the top of the suit Erik was wearing, leaving him completely naked.

"When I said that Charlie has excellent taste in men, I wasn't wrong... My father chose you right? - Cain ran both palms over the skin of Erik's bare chest, concentrating on the nipples, which he began to play with with his fingers, squeezing and twisting. - You auditioned with him, didn't you? You sucked his cock to prove you were worthy of the Xavier fortune?"

"Yes, sir."

It wasn't true. Kurt had only checked that he was pleasant to look at naked and that he didn't have any embarrassing deformities to show off in high society. Shaw had done the rest.

But Cain seemed turned on by the thought, and Erik was good at understanding what might arouse his clients. The more excited they were, the sooner it would end. Erik had learnt that it was always good to speed things up, especially in the first few sessions.

Unfortunately, Cain didn't seem to be the kind of man who could get things done without keeping his mouth shut. The brother-in-law spread his knees and positioned himself between his open thighs. The man's face was so wickedly amused that Erik had the urge to close his eyes and turn his head to the side, but Cain wouldn't let him. So he watched as the man penetrated him with two fingers, spreading him roughly.

"I didn't think you were still that tight..." Erik covered his face with his arm to hide his incredulous expression. This man was really ridiculous. He let out a completely fake moan as the man found his way to his prostate and pumped even harder. It was unlikely that he would get hard, after all it was part of Sebastian's training. His boss had repeatedly told Erik that it was inappropriate for a whore to enjoy his work. Those who paid wanted enough theatre to feel wanted, but not too much that they could indulge their every desire. It was strictly forbidden for a whore to desire. - You like it, don't you? It's really a shame that a cock worshipper like you ended up with someone who can't use his own. But fortunately we are a big family with many willing to help. You should be grateful."

Erik didn't feel very grateful at the moment. Usually the word gratitude came up when customers were about to ask Erik to do something for them to show it. It was quite common behaviour, and until then Cain had seemed very ordinary. Erik wondered what the man's fetish was, certain that he would soon find out.

When he did, Erik could say with certainty that he hadn't expected it. Clients like Cain tended to enjoy whippings and spankings or playing with ropes, gags and vibrators. Instead, to Erik's horror, he now had his brother-in-law with his face buried in his pussy, eating him out as if his life depended on it. Erik shifted nervously as small shivers of pleasure ran up his spine, but Cain's hands caught his thighs in an iron grip that was sure to leave bruises, and pulled his thighs over his shoulders, trapping him in a position that left him open and wide under the blows of that demanding tongue that pushed into him with voracity and enthusiasm. God, Erik couldn't remember the last time someone had done this to him. It was probably Shaw. None of his clients were willing to put their tongue inside a whore. Many were disgusted at the mere thought of it. It was something that was asked of him, but he was hardly the recipient of it.

Instead, Cain seemed to take undoubted pleasure in it, judging by the moans that came from his mouth.

Cain took his time opening it with his tongue and fingers and Erik could feel himself getting wet and his cock beginning to take shape despite his best efforts to remain impassive. The brother-in-law must have noticed the change because he reached out and began to masturbate him, with slow and precise strokes, in the same rhythm as those who were penetrating him.

Erik let out a helpless moan and Cain chuckled.

The man raised his head and looked at him, his mouth shiny and dirty with his cum, and Erik tried to compose himself, biting his lips.

Under other circumstances he would have let it continue. There was no shame in enjoying it under the hands of the customers who wanted it. It wasn't appreciated, but it wasn't formally forbidden. Shaw preferred that Erik just enjoyed himself with him, but Shaw wasn't there and he gave the man with him exactly what he wanted. There was nothing wrong with that.

But this was Cain and Erik understood what was wrong with what was happening. Charles hated Cain. His husband would not have tolerated the fact that Erik was with the person he hated most in the world.

If it had been Kurt, Erik wouldn't have felt this way, but this was Cain and he couldn't help but think that he was betraying his husband in the most terrible way.

His role had required him to agree to sleep with him, but his mind hated that he was experiencing pleasure. It should have been mechanical and the bastard should have made it easy.

Instead, Cain had to complicate everything.

"Did Charles do it to you? - Erik pursed his lips and Cain chuckled. - Did my brother lick you? Did he make you come on his fingers? I bet not... little Charlie was always so shy. He wouldn't know what to do with someone like you."

These two must have had a lot of problems as children. Theirs was a constant competition, even when it came to making a whore come.

"No."

It was an ambiguous answer and Cain certainly decided to interpret it in a way that was favourable to him.

The man stood up and sat back down on the bed, next to Erik, who noticed that the man had pulled his trousers and underwear down just below his thighs. His cock was perfectly erect, red and quite angry, and of considerable size. This man had far too many faults to fit into one body.

"Come on, darling. I want your ass in my hands... right now..."

Erik found it particularly difficult to sit up. He had never felt uncomfortable in his life and he knew he wasn't. His posture and movements should be fluid, elegant, natural. Instead, he almost limped as he stood and approached the other man, fully aware of the hands guiding his hips into his lap and the fact that he was completely naked next to a man who hadn't even taken off his jacket. .

It wasn't supposed to be humiliating, but it was, for reasons Erik couldn't quite put his finger on.

Cain was particularly annoying, but he had known many like him. He closed his eyes and did what he had to do. It was just work. Nothing more. Instead, all he wanted to do right now was get far away.

Well, there was only one way to reach his goal.

He grabbed the man's cock behind him, aligned it with his entrance and thrust, taking it completely inside him.

The man grunted from behind him and put his hands on his hips.

He had only one way to make this end quickly and then he began to move, picking up speed with each movement and thrusting hard. There was a hint of pleasure every time he came down on the man, but Erik tried to ignore it. He just needed to bring his client to orgasm and then maybe he would be done.

"Yeah... ride my cock, bitch..."

Shut up... the man should have shut up!

Cain began to move. His groin met his with each descent, with a backlash that sent even more pleasure through his nerves. Erik hated it, but he couldn't stop his body from responding. For the first time in a long time he wasn't in control and it was fucking shocking.

Cain slid his hands from his hips to his chest and began to rub his nipples, making them hard and erect. Erik stifled another moan, but a rush of wetness flooded him with new pleasure and curse... his hips moved vigorously, no longer to seek the pleasure of others, but to seek his own.

"You like it, don't you? - Erik felt one of the man's hands leave his chest and wrap around his now clearly engorged erection, beginning to massage it vigorously. - "I'm sure Kurt has got you used to doing all the work himself, right? You wouldn't even say that about a man his age, but I bet all you had to do for him was spread your legs and wait for him to find satisfaction."

Erik wanted to respond but Cain pushed back, changing the angle and God... it was perfect. Pleasure began to build in his stomach and Erik couldn't help but lean his head back, resting on Cain's shoulder. Moans were now flowing from his lips and there was no way he could stop himself from letting them out.

"Don't shut up... I like to hear you... Your hole is crushing me... as if you couldn't live without my cock. Is that true? You like it when I fill you. - Cain's lips reached the neck and teeth began to work the sensitive skin around the bundle of nerves that should have borne the mark of his Alpha. Charles hadn't released him properly at their wedding. Besides, Charles wasn't interested in him like that. Maybe he wasn't interested in him, maybe he didn't even like him. Maybe he understood what Erik was and saw it as part of his humiliation. - Maybe you want little Charlie to be part of our games, right? - The teeth traced the flesh without hurting. Erik felt so close to the edge. - That he would suck you while I fucked you. Charlie could swallow you with his red mouth. I bet you dream about him at night. I could ask him. Would you like that?"

"No."

Cain laughed loudly and increased the speed of his hand, bringing Erik dangerously close.
"Liar.. Come on, tighten that hole and come for me..."

Erik tried to bite his lips again and pull away from Cain's, but the man pushed harder, biting him on the left side of his neck and Erik felt himself swept away by the power of his orgasm.
When he came to, Cain was squeezing him convulsively, his cock deep inside him, shooting thick loads of sticky cum.

"If Charlie hadn't married you, I'd have been a good customer in your brothel, you know? You would have cost me a bit more..." Cain took his face and turned it towards him, running a finger over his lips and playing with them, opening them and caressing them. Erik just wanted her to go away and let him sleep. - It's better this way. We'll have a lot of fun, you and I..."

Erik felt the knot loosen and moved away, afraid that the man would come to kiss him, but his legs couldn't hold him and he slipped to the floor, staying on his knees. Cain looked at him, smiling, his wet cock resting on the fabric of his trousers.

"Now clean it. - Cain patted his fly, as if it were necessary to specify what. - Clean it well and you can go to bed."

Erik walked over and put both hands on his dressed knees. His balance was still a little shaky and he needed both hands to support himself. The man didn't help him, but stroked Erik's head, dipping his fingers into his hair. Erik lapped the man's cock with his tongue, lips and mouth, sucking and swallowing the semen that was still on the man's skin, which also flowed between his legs, and placing it in his underwear before closing the fly and making the man return to the way he was before he sat on the bed.

Cain continued to stroke his hair as he finished, his face satisfied and content.

"Go to bed now, darling. - Erik remained on his knees while Cain stood up and looked graciously at himself in the mirror. - I think we could meet with the cadence you reserved for my father. Tomorrow evening you could wait for me naked..."

"Your father recommended not to do it in my room... he didn't want the smell of another Alpha to linger..."

Cain smiled again.

"My father is always so sensible. But I think you are quite capable of cleaning up after yourself. - Cain looked around. - This is Charlie's old room, you know? There is something very satisfying about fucking you right where he slept as a child, you know?"

Erik thought Cain's obsession with Charles was strange, even for two half-brothers, but it was not up to him to decide how to resolve their issues.

He did not lift his head and remained looking at the floor until Cain reached the door.

"See you tomorrow night..."

Erik waited until he heard the sound of the door closing and then rushed into the bathroom. He was so anxious to get the strange smell off his skin that he didn't even wait for the water to heat up before plunging into the rush of icy water.

Fortunately, Kurt returned after a week.

Erik didn't think he would be grateful when he saw the shiny black car taking his master back to the villa.

Managing Cain had been much more problematic than managing Kurt. At least the older man had the right to take him only after Charles had gone to bed and to erase the traces afterwards.

Cain, unlike his father, seemed unable to do anything other than seize every opportunity to take him almost in front of Charles. In those seven days, Cain had forced him to serve him in every public place his imagination could suggest, especially those where Charles was most likely to pass.

Erik still hadn't decided whether Cain was more excited by his annoyed look or by the fact that they might get caught. Once Cain had made him give him a blowjob while Erik waited for Charles at their chessboard in the park. Charles was coming, and Erik had been forced to use all his skill to blow up his brother-in-law before his husband appeared on the path. Cain had been very amused to see Erik almost gagging to get him cleaned up quickly and had greeted Charles with a wider than usual smile as he left.

But now Kurt was back and at least Charles would be safe from compromising situations.

His husband must have noticed something, because his attitude had become much more reserved that week, and Erik had almost lost all the progress he had made before.

The Markos were the most unusual father and son duo Erik had ever met. Erik could understand Charles' sullen attitude. It must not have been pleasant to spend most of your childhood in such company. Charles was a student before the accident took his legs. During one of their chess games, Charles had told Erik that he had gone to college and graduated. He had plans for the future. He wanted to become a professor and leave this place forever. The accident had condemned him to return to the one place in the world he hated. Erik understood.

Erik had never had such dreams. At first, the first few months he had been brought to Shaw, he had tried to run away. But the man had excellent methods of persuasion and Erik's rebellion had lasted a few years. Then he had given in and learned to obey. Since then, the future had simply disappeared.

It was sad to think that the life that was unbearable for Charles was the happiest Erik had lived since the age of 14. He lived with a husband who didn't want him and was repeatedly raped by his father-in-law and brother-in-law. But he was free to move around the compound whenever he wanted. He was free to wash when he wanted, eat when he wanted and what he wanted. At night he could go to bed and sleep. He was even free to play chess outdoors.

Compared to his life before, it might seem like paradise.

The toll he owed Kurt or Cain... was nothing compared to living with Shaw. Then he could see Charles and save money. His mother would never have tolerated the thought. But his mother was not with him and Erik had learned to free himself from the morals of his childhood.

He hadn't expected Kurt to summon him the same evening he arrived.

He thought the man had something to do after being away for so long. Evidently, Erik was wrong, because a maid promptly knocked on his door and announced that the count was expecting him in his study.

The message was all too clear.

Kurt was glad to be back.

He couldn't bear to be too far away from home, especially knowing that Cain had returned home.

He didn't like the idea of having his two boys under the same roof alone. Cain and Charles had never gotten along, and the character of his son, whom he loved in spite of everything, was moody and childish. Kurt regreted telling him the nature of Charles' marriage. Cain would have used the news to his advantage, and he wasn't the kind of man to keep a secret for long.

That's why he had asked to see Erik that very night.

When he heard the knock, he was amazed at how quick the boy had been. His ego was tickled with a rush of excitement at the thought that his son-in-law was eager to see him. Had he missed him?

But it wasn't Erik at the door.

"What are you doing here?"

Cain smiled good-naturedly and approached so that his father would let him pass.

"Can't a son say hello to his father after such a long absence?"

Kurt just raised an eyebrow and Cain laughed. They both knew that the reason for the boy's interest had nothing to do with his father's love.

"You came back early."

"That makes me understand that you didn't miss me at all..."

Cain laughed again and served them both a generous dose of whiskey, taken from his father's special reserve.

"Of course... in fact, I thank you for allowing me to ease my suffering during this long week. You could have warned me of this news beforehand and allowed me to enjoy the whole month, but I understand that a busy man cannot really think of everything. "

Kurt wasn't entirely sure he agreed with that idea.

"I hope your joy hasn't made you uncautious."

Cain sighed. They had already had this discussion on the phone. Cain didn't understand why Charles had to be kept in the dark. He was a big boy. He could also come to terms with the fact that an invalid like himself had little chance of finding a husband, and that having a prostitute fill that role could have remarkably pleasant aspects.

"I did. Your dear Charles slept soundly and peacefully."

Kurt decided it was time to address the elephant in the room.

"Now that we've said hello, are you going to tell me why you're here, Cain?"

Cain's smile became more pronounced.

"I just wanted to know if you were going to call him tonight. Otherwise I could visit him myself... if you're too tired."

Kurt looked at him thoughtfully. Was he really asking him to give up his shift this evening? And where would they have ended up? Would they have rolled the dice, day after day?

Another knock on the door prevented Kurt from answering.

"Come in."

He didn't have to open the door to find out who it was. But when Erik appeared at the entrance, Kurt was much less happy than when he had been waiting for him. The boy entered with his usual smooth and confident stride and immediately closed the door behind him.

Only then did he realise that Kurt wasn't alone.

Kurt was used to seeing his son-in-law cold and collected. There hadn't been a time when Erik had shown any emotion during their meetings and even before that, when he had been in Shaw's brothel. Shaw had often praised this quality in his subjects. They were programmed to do their job without any emotional involvement. Shaw had trained them long and hard to achieve this result and was very proud of it. Erik was his best creation.

Kurt had to give the man credit, and he hadn't really found any reason to disagree.

However, the moment Erik noticed Cain's presence, the boy took on a look that could only be described as unhappy. Kurt wondered for the umpteenth time what had happened in the week since he had given Cain the all-clear, and whether it had been the right decision.

Unfortunately, he couldn't go back.

"Sit down, Erik. Cain came by to say hello, but I think he'll find something to do and leave us soon".

Cain didn't seem to get the hint though, as he sat down more comfortably on the sofa he was occupying and motioned for the boy to sit next to him. Erik obeyed, but his body was nervously stiff and he did not lean back as he took his seat next to his brother-in-law.

Cain didn't care in the least about his state of mind and put an arm around his shoulders, pulling him close. Erik looked at Kurt, but when he realised that the man wasn't going to do anything, he tried to relax, with little success.

"You know. I think my dad had some plans for tonight that I'm blatantly interfering with. I'm pretty sure he wanted to fuck you as soon as you walked in the door, you know? - Kurt's scowl deepened and Cain burst out laughing. Erik remained impassive, his gaze carefully glued to the floor. - But before I leave you to your private pleasures, father, I think you and I have a few things to clear up. And I'm glad you've joined us, Erik."

"What would those things be?"

"Well... father. I hope you weren't naive enough to think that I would accept everything going back to the way it was before, right? You're free to fuck him whenever you want and I'm stuck with a case of blue balls."

Kurt folded his arms across his chest and looked at his son. He had to imagine that things would change somehow.

"And what do you suggest?"

Cain smiled and tightened his grip on Erik's shoulder, who shifted nervously in his seat.

"Of course I want to share, Father. But I will give you the first choice and make do with the rest of the time. That seems like a good suggestion. Unless you are generous tonight and let me join in."

Kurt's eyes widened in surprise. Was Cain really suggesting that they fuck together? Not that Kurt hadn't already. Sharing a whore wasn't even the craziest thing he'd ever done. But this was his son, for Christ's sake.

"My father doesn't seem to be convinced. - Cain shook Erik's shoulder slightly to get his attention. - I really think we need to give him something to think about, darling. Now answer me this: have you ever been with two men at the same time?"

Erik looked at Cain, then at Kurt, as if waiting for the man to answer.

"Yes."

"And did you like it?"

Erik smiled tightly. Kurt was sure that if he had been free to react as he wished, the boy would have beaten his son by now.

"Yes."

Of course it was the standard answer of a whore. It didn't really matter what he thought.

"You should see him, Daddy..." - Cain stroked Erik's hair slowly, as he might have done with the family dog. - He's so cute when he has an orgasm. It would be nice with your cock in his mouth and mine in his ass. You'd like that, wouldn't you, Erik?"

Erik pursed his lips and then nervously ran his tongue over them. Kurt realised that it must have been a very busy week for his son-in-law.

"Yes."

"Okay. I think we'd better discuss this in private, Cain. You can go back to your room now. Erik and I have something to talk about."

Cain poutted the way he used to when he was denied a new toy as a child, but made no further protest.

"As you wish, father. -  Kurt watched as his son removed his hand from Erik's shoulder, finger by finger. The boy let out a long sigh, as if he had lifted a weight too great for his bone structure. But Cain wasn't finished yet, for before he stood up he put his mouth close to Erik's ear. - I'll leave you to your business. I hope you don't intend to postpone ours, otherwise my passion would grow so uncontrollably that I would have a hard time controlling myself on decidedly more public occasions. - Erik looked at him and Kurt saw a flash of intense horror pass through those pale eyes. The boy quickly regained his composure, but Cain wasn't done yet. - I'll wait for you in your room, later. Remember, I like to find you naked when I come in."

"I will remember that, sir."

They both watched the boy leave, almost dancing, and then the studio fell silent again.

"How was your week really, boy?"

Erik looked at him intently, but when he decided to speak, his voice had its usual controlled tone.

"It was... difficult..."

Kurt nodded. He could understand the difficulty.

"Does Charles suspect anything?"

Erik shook his head and put his hands in his lap, lost in staring at them.

"If he does, he hides it very well. But we were very close to him finding out."

"Good. I will try to speak to my son. It is important that Charles knows nothing of our affairs."

Erik nodded vigorously. They were obviously thinking the same thing.

"May I go back to my room, sir?"

Kurt looked at him in surprise. Surely he hadn't called him here to discuss Cain or Charles.

"I'd say no, son. I'd really prefer you to suck me now."

Erik remained still for a long minute, then stood up nimbly, like a robot that had just been reset, and knelt between his legs, waiting for the man to say what he wanted.

Kurt unbuckled his belt and grabbed the boy's head.

"You can take it out with your mouth and then suck it. No teasing tonight, boy. I want it smooth and quick."

Kurt tilted his head back, trying to relax and regain his composure. As Erik's teeth tugged gently at the zip of his trousers, Kurt found himself staring into those icy eyes, thinking what it would have been like if the boy had been naked, on his knees, his legs spread, someone else's hands holding his hips. Maybe he would have moaned as he sucked him and his throat would have wrapped around his cock like a custom-made glove. And when his orgasm shocked him, he would allow him to come on his face, contorted by his pleasure. Damn Cain!

Kurt felt his erection pressing hard against the cotton of his underwear. He hadn't liked the idea at first, but he had to admit that it had more than one attraction.

Charles was dressed for bed and joined Erik in front of the fireplace in what should have been their room. Of course, they had never slept in it together. Every night Erik retired to the room that had been Charles', as he had been asked to do on the night of their wedding.

Charles had expected that sooner or later Erik would ask him to share their bed again. But Erik had never done so, and Charles had wondered what his answer would be if he were to ask.

That evening Charles noticed that his husband was different.

Erik was sitting looking at the fire and did not seem to want to engage in conversation. Charles had learned that Erik liked to use these moments of solitude to make arguments that would help him to understand his companion better. It was a subtle but persistent strategy that reflected her husband's character.

He never asked directly. He liked to go around things without being too aggressive, as if Charles were something fragile that should not be shaken too much for fear of breaking.

It was an extraordinarily sweet thought. If Charles had been a different person, he might even have thought it might work, but unfortunately his accident had turned him into a resentful and vindictive person, and this hypothesis really had no room to become reality.

"I see you are tired. You don't have to stay. You can go to bed if you like."

Every time she pushed him away, Charles saw a flash of sadness on her husband's face. Tonight was no exception, but Erik seemed to get the hint almost immediately.

"I'm sorry. But I don't think I'm feeling very well."

Charles watched as he stood up and smoothed the creases from his rumpled trousers. Then Erik gave him a barely there smile and walked towards the exit.

"Good night, Erik."

"Good night, Charles."

Charles waited for the man to close the door and picked up his woollen blanket. When he was sure that the man's footsteps had disappeared down the corridor, he pushed his chair towards the door and walked out.

Kurt's study had been his father's. Charles had spent whole afternoons there as a child, watching his father work and literally devouring every book in his vast library. It was nice because his father, when he came out of the fog of his studies, would take an interest in Charles' reading and they would often comment on it together. Then time would pass and the man would realise he was late. Then he would dust his son's hair with his big hand and go back to work. Charles lived only for that moment. His father's hand running through his hair.

Kurt was definitely the last person who deserved to inherit a place so dear to his father. Charles had always hated him for that. He cared little for the space he shared in his mother's bed, but this study... it was as if it had contaminated the only place Charles had ever been happy.

But knowing the room so well gave him a not inconsiderable advantage.

Charles entered through a small side door and walked confidently to the mirror, which seemed to be the only piece of furniture in the room. His father did not like to meet people, so he had planned a hidden exit from his study where he could sneak away and avoid unwanted visitors. Charles doubted Kurt knew that the mirror could be turned into a door, or that it was two-way. Sitting comfortably next to it, Charles had a wide view of his stepfather's entire study. 

Kurt was at his desk, reading some letters, but his distraction leaked through every time he looked at the large grandfather clock above the sofa.

Everyone was on edge that night.

Then Charles saw the door open without knocking and Cain enter the room. His half-brother was the epitome of happiness. His stepfather less so.

Cain made his way to the sofa and sat down, also keeping an eye on the clock.

In fact, only one person was missing. The big guest.

At exactly eight o'clock, two sharp knocks announced that someone else had arrived. Charles heard Kurt's icy voice inviting whoever it was in and Erik slipped into the room. 

Charles noticed that his husband had changed into a grey suit that he had seen him wearing when he ran in the park. It had a very unflattering cut, with a large elastic waistband that gave him the appearance of a shapeless sack, but Erik managed to look good even bundled up in that suit.

Kurt studied him for a long time, arranging the papers that littered his desk. Cain, on the other hand, stood up, almost giddy with joy, and walked over to him, grabbing him by the shoulders and dragging him close to the couch.

While Kurt was shadowy and distant, Cain seemed unable to contain his joy.

"We've been looking forward to you, darling..."

Cain almost tore the shapeless grey sweatshirt off, pulled it over Erik's head and threw him far across the room. Erik let him have it, but then let his arms fall to his sides, sluggishly. Cain did not seem to be bothered by the boy's posture, for he began to run his palms along the boy's shoulders, with almost tender touches.

Kurt got up at that moment and went to the liquor table, where he carefully mixed a clear powder into a glass of water. The man waited for the water in the glass to clear, then carefully took the glass and held it in front of his son-in-law, who exchanged a sad look with him.

"It may be easier for you. Drink it, boy."

Erik did not seem thrilled, but did as he was told. Cain watched him the whole time, trying to catch a drop as it escaped his brother-in-law's mouth and trickled slowly down his throat. Erik let out a muffled groan as Cain's teeth sank into his skin.

"It will take effect in a few minutes. I think you can finish undressing in the meantime."

Erik nodded slowly. He had not said a word since he had entered. Charles pulled his chair closer to the glass as his husband, without realising it, pulled his trousers off his long legs and stood completely naked in the middle of the room. There was still no trace of excitement in him.

Charles could imagine the contents of the glass Erik had just drunk. It had never happened before that Kurt or Cain had used aphrodisiacs during their sessions. Surely they had other ideas for this evening.

Cain wasted no time. He usually talked a lot during sex, but this evening was different. His trousers were already quite stretched. Charles saw the two men take their places, one in front, the other behind, and put their arms around Erik. Erik's eyes were locked with Kurt's. It was clear from his body language that he tolerated the father a little more than the son. Charles could only agree.

Kurt's trouser tent was slightly less prominent than Cain's, who was currently running his hands appreciatively over Erik's entire torso, lingering on his nipples.

"I think my father still has some doubts. Why don't you try and convince him? I know you know very practical methods. Don't you?"

Charles watched as Erik slid to his knees and, with practiced gestures, unzipped Kurt's trousers. The man's cock was still half hard, but Erik handled it with firm movements, giving it a few strokes and then grabbing it with one hand to bring it to his mouth.

Kurt let out a choked moan and his excitement leapt, finding a home in Erik's hot mouth, and Charles sighed with him and began to undo his trousers.

During the day, when he was aware of Erik's attention, he avoided pausing to watch his husband. Charles had done so, of course, when he had joined him at the altar and realised he was marrying a very attractive man. But nothing compared to the sight of his naked body, bent over, his powerful thighs flexed almost to the floor, and that sculpted torso whose proportions looked like something out of a statue or a Renaissance painting. 

"Easy, darling... - Cain had removed his trousers and was now kneeling behind Erik, stroking his back. - We don't want the fun to end too soon, do we, daddy? And your mouth is a real vacuum cleaner, but you know how to play with it, don't you? - Erik immediately pulled the cock out of his mouth and began to wash it with his tongue, holding it tightly at the base. Kurt let out a louder moan and ran both hands through the hair of the man kneeling between his legs. Charles saw him sway, as if struggling to keep his balance. - Good boy..."

Cain looked at his father's lost face for a moment, then ran his hands down Erik's back to the dimples that adorned his ass. It must have been the man's favourite part because his hands explored every inch of skin on those firm buttocks and then parted them, exposing Erik's orifice. It was pink, turgid and wet. Cain played with it with one finger, sliding it between the buttocks and then touching the hole with lazy circles. Cain brought his fingers to his mouth and sucked them briefly, savouring the taste, then penetrated with a smooth finger.

Erik gurgled, Kurt's cock still deep in his throat, and then moved his hips to meet the finger as his cock swelled between his legs. The aphrodisiac was beginning to work. 

Cain must have noticed immediately because he added another finger and reached his other hand to Erik's cock, slowly massaging it and drawing another moan from the boy.

Cain stopped masturbating him to take out a bottle of lube. The smell was too sweet, almost nauseating, but Cain decided not to be stingy with it and smeared a lot of it on the crack of Erik's ass, then began to drag his greasy fingers to the already wet opening and pushed in vigorously, lubricating and opening it carefully. Erik moaned again, loudly. By now his arousal was so obvious that his skin had turned a deep pink, as if you could see his veins carrying blood at an accelerated rate.

Kurt moved at that moment, disturbed by the interruption of his blowjob. The man grabbed his son-in-law's head, roughly grabbed his hair and brutally led him back to his work. The man seemed very close.

Cain had a victorious smile on his face. The man opened Erik's cheeks again, admiring his work, then suddenly opened them wider with his tongue, rewarded with a long, desperate moan.

Before he rested his mouth on his prize. Cain glanced for a moment at the large, full-length mirror at the end of the room and his smile became even more smug.

Charles wrapped his hand around his now fully erect cock and began to slowly stroke himself, his eyes fixed on the scene before him.

As he felt Erik's inner muscles close in on his tongue, Cain realised that the boy was almost at the limit and that this might spoil his plans for the evening. 

He grabbed the boy's hair tightly and almost pulled him away from his father's throbbing erection. Both men groaned in frustration and turned to look at him, Kurt angry, Erik almost desperate. This was exactly where he had planned to take them.

Cain smiled.

"Sorry, but I didn't want to finish too soon. I have a few things in mind for tonight. For you. - Cain pulled out a small metal hoop and slid it to the base of his brother-in-law's cock. -...I have a present for you to keep you going until the end. It might get annoying when you are no longer aroused. You, on the other hand, father, should sit on that comfortable couch."

Kurt wanted to shout at his son that he had never delegated him to decide for him, but Cain had the air of someone who knew exactly what he wanted and decided to humour him, albeit with the angriest frown in the world.

Then he sat down, his trousers still down and his cock painfully erect.

Cain helped Erik up from the uncomfortable kneeling position he had maintained until then and accompanied him to his father, letting him climb onto his lap.

Kurt could tell that the boy's cold had definitely melted away. He had been rather against Cain's idea of drugging him. The pleasure of a whore had never been interesting to Kurt, but now he had to admit that Erik's appearance, dirty, hot and trembling, was definitely arousing.

There was always something to learn from life.

With a fluid movement, Erik moved, grabbing the tip of his cock and aligning it with his ass. As the boy came down on him, wet, hot and tight, with one thrust, Kurt screamed and grabbed his hips roughly, determined to kill anyone who interrupted his climb to orgasm.

" Get moving, boy!"

Erik levered himself up on his knees to obey the command, and neither of them noticed that the younger man, who was close to Erik's back, stood up, also aligning his cock and thrusting hard until Erik's clear eyes opened in an almost pained expression. Kurt looked at the boy again, wondering why the hell he had stopped, ready to scold him again, until he felt his son's member slide next to his own, completely wedged in the pussy of the man who had begun to ride him.

Erik's body was now a statue of salt as the man convulsively bit his lips, not showing whether it was in pleasure or pain.

Kurt had been with prostitutes before. He had shared them with other men, but he had never done anything like this. It was something he had only seen in pornographic films.

Soon the need became almost unbearable. He heard Cain grunting behind Erik's broad torso and then the son began to move, looking at his father to encourage him to feel his rhythm and follow.

So the two men began to thrust together, rocking into the tight, hot hole and enjoying the pressure of their cocks pressing against each other.

Erik remained completely still, his head down on his chest and his eyes closed, while his knees opened up on Kurt's legs, giving the two men more room to manoeuvre.

Then the rhythm picked up, hands joining on the boy's hips as the two men thrust like mad, and Erik lost all the composure he had shown since they had known him, with hoarse, desperate cries each time they penetrated him deeply, filling the room with incoherent moans.

In the darkness of the hidden room, Charles's hand became faster, following the speed of the thrusts inside Erik's body, and the boy began to bite his lips, overcome by the extremely exciting sight that was unfolding before his eyes.

Then Erik cried out.

"Sir... please... please... I cannot resist any longer... please..."

Cain's laughter erupted loudly and the man grabbed the circle that still surrounded the base of Erik's cock.

"Since you ask so nicely..."

Cain removed the ring with a sure hand and threw it across the room. Then he resumed fucking, hard and fast, pulling Kurt into his rhythm, his mouth on Erik's neck, who was now leaning heavily against him, as if he had no strength left and was on the verge of fainting.

When Erik came, all three men stopped in their positions. Kurt saw his suit flooded with streams of his son-in-law's slimy orgasm and then Erik's muscles surrounded him in a grip of pleasure and he too lost track of what was going on around him, lost in one of the most overwhelming orgasms he could remember.

Erik swayed and collapsed on top of him, almost unconscious, allowing Kurt to finally look into his son's eyes.

Cain smiled breathlessly and stroked Erik's sweaty back as he withdrew from him with a final moan of pleasure.

"I told you, father, it would be worth it..."

Kurt closed his eyes and breathed in the smell of sex that now permeated the room. It had been great, but perhaps he was too old for this kind of entertainment.

In the room, in the dark, Charles came with a restrained moan, milking himself for the duration of his orgasm.

In the mirror, as he cleaned himself, he saw Cain and Kurt move Erik's unconscious body onto the couch and cover it with a blanket. 

Once dressed, the two men approached the crystal mini-bar for one last celebratory drink.

Charles wiped his hand, zipped up his trousers and moved his chair towards the exit.

This performance had given him an idea. But to realise it, he needed someone's help.

After that night, when he had taken him to the sofa in the study, Kurt showed that he preferred to see Erik alone. Cain's personality was so overwhelming that even his father found it annoying. Erik couldn't blame him.

Cain apparently suffered no consequences from his father's decision. He simply changed the place where he summoned Erik every night.

The two seemed to be connected, though, for never once did their agendas cross.

Erik suspected that they were talking behind his back, but he didn't seem to care.

Charles always treated him with detached courtesy, but there was no sign of improvement on his part. The two of them talked, played chess, but every evening Charles changed his clothes with the help of his servants and bade him good night, leaving Erik free for the others.

Erik had come to the conclusion that this would never change.

Perhaps Charles knew? Did he know that Erik was a prostitute? Was that why he wanted nothing to do with him?

Not even during the long hours at Shaw's brothel had Erik ever felt so uncomfortable.

He was really quite stupid. How could he feel guilty about cheating on a man who had never treated him that way?

Kurt wasn't there that night. He was at a work meeting.

Erik only had one thing left to do, but he really didn't feel like it. That evening he wished he could go back to bed and have a long, dreamless sleep. Then maybe something would change the next day.

Erik knocked on the door of Charles' half brother. The usual two sharp shots. Since Kurt had stopped attending their meetings, studying had become off-limits, so Cain had started meeting him in his bedroom.

Cain's voice roared from inside and Erik entered.

The man was already waiting for him on the bed, but for once he was fully dressed. On the free side of the bed, Erik saw that a blindfold and a pair of handcuffs were neatly arranged.

Erik was so lost in observing the new toys that he didn't notice Cain sneaking up behind him until he felt hands on his shoulders. Erik was used to controlling his mind and body, but he couldn't stop himself from shuddering. If Cain had been a client of Shaw's brothel, he would have asked to referred the man to someone else a long time ago. In this situation, however, he had agreed to take the full package. It was the price of his new-found well-being.

"We had an addition. My dad thinks you're a bit too intense to share anymore. But I liked it. I liked it a lot. So I found someone who wanted to have fun with us."

Erik looked around. The room was empty except for him and Cain.

"He'll come later. - Cain took the jacket off his shoulders and removed his shirt as well. Erik hadn't felt like changing that night. He hadn't felt like it since he'd realised that clothing had no influence on his buyers' decisions. - But he's a bit shy and needs the right atmosphere".

Cain took Erik's wrists and joined them behind his back. Erik felt the cold metal of the cuffs against his skin, then the blindfold fell over his eyes and Erik sank into darkness.

The other man had just finished undressing him completely when the sound of the door informed Erik that their visitor had arrived.

Who was he? Erik knew he shouldn't worry about that. He was paid to obey and it didn't matter what his clients wanted. But the question stung him like an angry hornet. Was he a guest in the villa? One of Cain's friends? And if the former, could he have spoken to Charles?

Erik breathed heavily through his nose. Damn it, why did he care so much about Charles?

He wasn't really his husband. Erik was just someone Charles' stepfather had chosen for him. Charles had never really wanted him, not even in his own bed.

It was ridiculous that he cared so much for this man.

Maybe Erik felt that way because he thought the younger man was a victim, just like himself.

Cain chuckled and Erik jumped. He was lost in his thoughts about him and didn't even notice that the man must have entered by now. Where was he now? Was he looking at him?

"Today I think our friend just wants to watch. So, darling... - Erik jerked when Cain gave him a loud slap on his bottom, but he didn't rebel when the man led him by the shoulders until his knees touched what should have been the edge of the bed. - Bend over the bed and let's give him the real show."

Erik swayed, the hands behind his back preventing him from moving as he should, but Cain gently helped him onto his stomach. Then the man spread his legs and Erik felt him fumble with the lubricant, cold and wet against his warm skin. Then the tip of Cain's wet cock, or the other for all he knew, touched him and Erik prepared to welcome it, breathing deeply.

Despite the blindfold, Erik closed his eyes and pressed his face against the covers.

So it all began.

The presence of the other man became a constant in Erik's meetings with his brother-in-law.
Erik was never free to see or touch him, as handcuffs and blindfolds became routine equipment for each session.

At first the man just stared. Erik heard his breathing accelerate, so different from Cain's grunts, but he never had a chance to hear his voice.

Then the mysterious visitor began to touch him, during intercourse with Cain. Erik could understand that Cain's friend was obsessed with his mouth and back, over which he often ran soft, non-calloused hands. The touches became persistent, but the man never asked for more.

Erik expected that sooner or later he would at least ask him to suck him, but it never happened. There were fingers tracing his lips, or hands with large palms massaging his back, but nothing more.

Until one evening, when he found himself on the lap of someone other than Cain, he was suddenly asked to sit on an erect cock and ride its owner.

So he began to move, feeling the skin of his knees rub against the fabric of the green sofa in Cain's room.

His brother-in-law was standing behind him and his words said he was having a great time.

Erik was convinced that the man was masturbating furiously as he watched the muscles of Erik's thighs contract with every rise that made him ride on top of his friend.

The man, on the other hand, was completely silent, but a few muffled moans had convinced Erik that he was biting himself to keep his mouth from making those sounds. Why the hell would he do that? Cain had never shown that kind of consideration, for himself or anyone else.
Finally a long moan escaped the mouth of the man in front of him and Erik, encouraged, decided to increase the pace of his movements. He was tired and surely he would have to satisfy Cain later. It was always good to finish quickly.

Then suddenly the blindfold loosened. Erik felt the tension in the back of his head disappear and then the blackness slipped from his eyes as his husband's red, sweaty face appeared before him.

Erik froze, Charles' cock halfway inside him as his heart skipped a beat.

Charles.

Charles who was an invalid.

Charles paralysed from the waist down.

Charles who rejected him because he couldn't possibly have an active sex life.

Charles whose rock hard cock was half inside him.

Erik heard Cain laughing behind him.

Now he understood the blindfold, he understood the handcuffs, he even understood the darkness.

Charles and Cain had always agreed. What was this? Some sick game to make fun of a prostitute?

Charles, who hadn't said a word, now looked at him as if the ground had opened up beneath his feet and he was about to sink to the centre of the earth.

All Erik knew was that he didn't want Charles to say a word. He didn't want to hear any excuses. He didn't want him to have to worry about comforting him. Erik was a prostitute and he did not need excuses. After all, Charles was using him for what his services had been paid for. He was fine. He had to be that way from the start.

Erik moved down and took Charles's cock completely inside him again and saw his husband's eyes open wide. Perhaps embarrassment would prevent him from coming, and for a few moments Erik relished the idea. It was the only strength he had left deep inside. But then he decided that it wasn't right and that, for the first time since he had been there, he was really doing his duty. He couldn't afford to ruin it.

So he closed his eyes, leaving the other man free to do what he wanted without the weight of his gaze, and began to move again, hard and fast, as if he were filled with excitement and couldn't help but take that cock again and again.

When Charles came, Erik heard a real cry escape his husband's lips and was able to enjoy his broken expression as he watched him with half-closed eyes.

When Charles's head fell back and the man lay boneless on the green couch, Erik struggled to get up from his knees, his cum dripping slowly down his thigh, walked over to Cain and held out his arms for him to release the handcuffs.

The man did as he asked without comment and Erik was grateful. He wasn't in the mood for sarcasm at the moment.

Then he dressed roughly and left the room without looking at either of them.

The next day he made a phone call.

For the next few days Erik stayed in his room.

He no longer attended family meals, went to the park or sought his husband's company in any way.

He just stayed in his room, sitting stiffly on the bed with his packed suitcase at his feet.

His boss hadn't been happy about this, but Erik had expected a lot more anger. He suspected that Sebastian had regretted the contract he had signed, or had thought about earning more, and now he was more than happy that he was coming back to him.

Erik didn't know what to think, but the matter was out of his hands. He just had to wait.

The black car arrived on the following Tuesday morning, exactly a week after Erik had discovered the truth.

When they knocked on his door, Erik was ready for it six days earlier. A waiter escorted him to the front door. Sebastian was already there with Kurt. There was no sign of Cain, but Erik hadn't expected that. Of course, there was no sign of Charles either.

"I'm not surprised you're back so soon. - Erik saw a pile of documents being passed from Shaw to Kurt. It was probably his divorce papers. Erik hadn't been asked to sign anything, but he hadn't, not even the ones from his wedding. - I'm surprised you lasted this long. I warned you about his temper when you bought him."

Erik left the suitcase with the valet, who promptly put it in the boot of the car. Shaw was probably trying to avoid paying the fines. He almost wanted to laugh. It all came down to this. His life depended on how much money he could make. Nothing else mattered to him.

"We won't make any claims, Mr Shaw. - Kurt was the first to take care of him. - I'm sorry you're leaving, son. I thought we struck a good balance."

Kurt hadn't asked for anything. When he heard that Erik was going back to where he came from, he hadn't come to talk to him. He hadn't tried to change his mind. He probably knew exactly what had happened and that was one of the reasons why Cain wasn't with them on the stairs.

"Get in the car, boy. We're done here."

Erik slipped between the two men and moved with his elegant stride to the back door of the car. Just before he got in, he looked up at the house he was leaving.

That's when he saw it. At the first-floor window, in what should have been their master bedroom, where Erik had never slept, Charles was watching him.

It was a look that only lasted a few seconds, but it was enough for Erik.

When Sebastian reached him, Erik slipped into the car. The car drove off and soon the Xavier estate disappeared into the horizon.

"I need to see the twins."

Sebastian chuckled and gave him a cruel look.

"I don't think that's possible. You've cost us a lot of money. But luckily you're still in demand. Your week is already booked. You won't have time to visit them."

Erik clenched his fists. He must have known that Shaw wouldn't give him a break. He was lucky there was no additional punishment.

"Please, Sebastian. I need it..."

Sebastian reached out and placed a hand heavily on his thigh, squeezing enough to hurt but not enough to make him scream.

"Get to work. If you do well in your first week, I might consider showing them to you."

Erik nodded but said nothing. The man's hand stayed exactly where it was, but he stopped squeezing.

Erik lost himself in the panorama outside the window.

He had thought that if he did a good job and became a good husband, sooner or later he could convince Shaw to let him ransom the children and take them to live with him. He was convinced that the Xaviers were his only chance to have a semblance of a normal life with his children.

They were the only family he had left. Their birth had been an accident, and Shaw had made sure it would never happen again, cutting off his ability to father. But his children were alive.
Unfortunatly, his plan hadn't worked.

Now all he had to do was wait until his body was no longer desirable, and then hope that Sebastian would let him go away with his children.

It would take longer, but Erik was getting good at waiting.

The car pulled up and Sebastian opened the door.

"Welcome home, son."