The Duke of Tremont

Chapter 22

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“Justin! Justin!” Timothy hunched over out of breath as he caught up to the blond.

Justin turned to the young man; “hello Tim,” he replied with a smile as he shifted his art supplies in his arms, “my goodness, what is so important that you ran out of breath to catch up to me?”

Timothy ducked his head shyly for a moment; “Molly said you were going to the garden to paint. I just wondered if you needed help carrying anything,” he indicated the armful of art supplies Justin was juggling.

“Um, well sure,” Justin eyed Timothy in confusion for a moment, “I suppose I could use a hand.”

Timothy grabbed his easel and paint case; “lead the way,” he replied with a disarming smile that reminded Justin of Brian.

When Justin found the spot where he wanted to paint, he directed Timothy on where to set his easel and then addressed the young man; “well, thanks so much for your help.”

“Perhaps I could remain out here and keep you company while you paint?” Timothy asked.

Justin frowned slightly; “I’m not very good company when I’m creating Tim. I should think it would be very boring for you.”

“I brought a book,” Timothy produced a small book from under his tunic; “I could read and then when you are finished I’ll help you back inside with your things.”

Feeling a bit unsettled as to the boy’s sudden attention Justin tried to think of an argument, but could not stand to disappoint the eager eyes that were trained upon him, “well, if that is what you wish to do I will not stop you.”

“Wonderful,” replied the young man as he settled himself against a nearby tree; “you won’t even know I’m here.”

Justin tried to concentrate on his canvas and capturing the beauty of the garden and it‘s spring blooms, but found his eyes kept wandering to the young man who was obviously engrossed in his book. Justin studied Tim for a moment, noting the similarities between the boy and his father and uncle. He had the same slim, but firm build; of course he still had a bit of the teenage gawkiness to grow out of. He projected that the boy would not fill out as much as Jon, who was just a tad bit bulkier than his younger brother. The hair was the same as well as the basic facial structure that seemed to be traits carried by all he Kinney men. Tim had his father’s brown eyes though. So far Brian’s hazel eyes were unique only to him. Justin did not think he had ever seen such eyes as his lover’s.

“What are you reading?” He asked Tim, who immediately looked up and smiled, giving Justin his full attention.

“You may not know it; it is the Sonnets of Bellwether.”

“Ah, I know it well. I love his work, I am surprised you know of it; he is fairly obscure.”

Timothy practically beamed from Justin‘s approval; “My tutor back at the capitol had me read “Love Hath Forsaken Me,” and then I knew I had to read more,” Tim spoke with enthusiasm.

“Yes, I know what you mean,” Justin continued and soon he and Tim were engrossed in a very lively discussion about literature, Justin’s canvas all but forgotten.

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Brian and Jonathan were on horseback, returning from an inspection of some of the new army companies that had arrived along with the spring weather. They were on their way back to the stables when Brian glanced over to the gardens and stopped his horse.

Sitting sided by side under a tree were Justin and Timothy. They appeared to be reading to one another from a book, trading it back and forth. Justin’s easel, canvas and paints were set up ready to use, but had obviously been forgotten by the boy.

Jonathan rode up beside his brother and took in the scene as well; “they seem to be getting along well,” he commented.

Brian surveyed the scene a moment more, tongue in cheek; “have you ever thought that perhaps Tim is fey?” He finally asked.

Jonathan stared for a moment, unable to speak. He let his gaze wander back to his second oldest son and watched as he casually touched Justin’s shoulder while the two laughed about something. “I suppose, somewhere in the back of my mind, it has occurred to me,” he answered his brother honestly.

“Does that bother you?” Brian asked, finally taking his eyes off his lover and nephew to gage his brother’s reaction.

Jonathan met Brian’s gaze evenly; “perhaps a little, but only because it makes his life a little more complicated. I have seen all you have suffered and I do not wish that on my children.”

“Having understanding parents will make all the difference Jon,” Brian replied softly.

“How did you know?” Jonathan asked as he inclined his head in the direction of Justin and Timothy.

“I have always wondered, but I knew for sure the day our mother was here; after our talk,” Brian paused for a moment; “Justin came looking for me and found me in the training arena. Well, let’s just say he offered some much needed comfort,” Brian grinned shyly at his brother. “After we were done and I was getting dressed I saw Tim sneaking out. I believe he was watching the whole time.”

“Brian, I don’t know what to say. I’m appalled that he would do such a thing. I shall have a talk with him as soon as possible.”

“No, please don’t.”

“I will not have any son of mine skulking about, intruding on other people’s private moments,” huffed Jonathan.

“Jon, he is only just barely seventeen. He has always been so shy and quiet; I’ll bet he has had no sexual experience at all. It’s not as if Justin and I chose the most private spot. I’m willing to bet that once Tim realized what was happening that he knew he should leave. I’m also willing to bet that he even tried to make himself, but I’m sure it was simply too fascinating.” Brian smiled at Jon and patted his shoulder as he let his gaze wander back over to the two boys under the tree. “What I am more concerned about is that he thinks he is in love with Justin.”

“What?!” Jonathan asked horrified.

Brian nodded; “I’ve been watching him. The boy is positively smitten.”

“But he knows that you and he are together; how close you are. Certainly he cannot think he has a chance? What does Justin say about it?”

“I don’t think Justin even realizes,” Brian replied with a small half smile.

Jonathan looked indignant; “well, brother, don’t you think you should tell him? I don’t want my love struck son making an idiot of himself with your lover.”

Brian laughed out loud; “I am not getting involved at all. This is between Justin and Tim. They are men, young yes, but men just the same. This is something they need to solve on their own. I merely think of it as part of growing up.’

Timothy stood and held out his hand to Justin. The other man took it letting his friend pull him up. Tim spoke and Justin smiled his radiant smile at him.

“You trust Justin so?” Asked Jonathan.

“With my life and all of my heart,” replied Brian as he watched the boys gather Justin’s art supplies to head back to the castle.

“I hope you’re right,” muttered Jon as he watched his son place a hand on the small of Justin’s back as he guided them both to the castle. He sighed, knowing Brian was right. The two would have to sort this out themselves. All he could do was be there to pick up the pieces of his son’s soon to be broken heart.

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Over the next few weeks Timothy’s crush on Justin became apparent to everyone but Justin it seemed. The young blond continued to be a good friend to Timothy for they both had a lot in common, sharing a love of books, art and music.

Hunter, disgusted by his brother’s blatant displays exploded one night, as he sat with Molly on his father’s balcony. The rest of the family was right inside, having just finished an intimate meal in Jonathan’s apartment. “Why does Justin say nothing to him? It would save a lot of trouble if he would just tell Tim to bug off!”

“I don’t think he even realizes;” spoke Molly in a soothing tone.

“How could he not?” Snorted Hunter. “Tim is acting like a fool; I’m surprised Uncle Brian hasn’t nipped it in the bud.”

“Justin is fairly naïve, Hunter,” replied Molly; “Brian is the only man that has ever been in his life. I’m sure he just thinks that Tim’s attentions are that of a very good friend. I overheard Lindsay telling Deb that Brian is staying out of it. He thinks Tim and Justin need to sort it out themselves.”

“Well I hope Justin sorts it out quickly before my brother makes an even bigger ass of himself!”

“Let us forget our brothers for now, Hunter,” Molly stood and took Hunter’s hand, leading him to the railing of the balcony.

Hunter looked down upon her golden curls and shining face, and after sneaking a look to make sure they weren’t being watched at the moment leaned down to steal a small kiss, “forget who?” He breathed out softly.

“I can’t remember;” smiled Molly as she gazed back into his eyes.

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“Justin, chess tomorrow night?” Timothy asked as Brian and Justin were leaving Jonathan’s apartments.

“Yes, of course. How about you come to our rooms this time?” The two had taken to playing chess together on the evenings that Brian, Jonathan and generals of the armies had planning and strategy meetings regarding the upcoming campaign in Balybonne. Though both boys would be fighting, neither one were interested in the inner workings of the war.

“Good night Timothy,” spoke Brian as he eyed his nephew.

“Oh, yes, good night, Uncle;” his nephew replied stiffly, not even daring to look into Brian’s eyes.

The door closed behind them leaving Justin and Brian to make their way down the corridor to their own rooms. Justin wrapped an arm around Brian’s waist and leaned his head upon his shoulder; “Brian?”

“Yes?”

“Do you think…?” Justin trailed off with a troubled look on his face.

Brian stopped and looked down at his lover; “do I think what?”

Justin simply shook his head for a moment; “never mind, it’s nothing.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, positive,” Justin smiled up at him.

“All right then, come let us hurry. I’m feeling very anxious to get to bed tonight,” he kissed the top of Justin’s head and led him quickly toward their rooms.

“When are you not anxious to go to bed My Lord?” Justin retorted softly earning himself a pinch on the rear.

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Justin and Timothy sat across from each other in front of the fire, the chess board in between them. Two goblets of red wine and a plate of bread and cheese sat near them as Justin stared at the board contemplating his next move.

Timothy’s eyes drank in Justin and the way he looked in the soft glow of the fire. His new found friendship with the man had only made him want him more, for not only was Justin beautiful, but he was kind and intelligent as well.

Timothy had convinced himself that it was only a matter of time before Justin realized he felt the same way. He knew that his uncle was just a passing fancy for Justin. Brian was surely too old for the blond and he would soon want someone young and virile like he himself was.

Justin looked up, “staring at me will not make me decide on my next move any faster,” he teased his friend.

“I can’t help but stare at you,” replied Tim softly, and then threw a hand over his mouth as he realized what he had just let slip.

“What did you say?” Asked Justin.

Timothy stood and took up his goblet of wine drinking it down in one long gulp; “I said I can’t help but stare at you,” he replied gathering up his courage; “I think you are beautiful.”

Justin stood as well, backing a few paces away from the other boy, “I don’t understand.”

Timothy stepped forward into Justin’s space; “don’t you?” He whispered as he reached up a hand and ran a gentle finger down Justin’s face; “I love you Jus.”

Justin stared in shock for a moment and then pulled away, turning his back on the younger boy; “I think you should leave now Tim.”

Timothy moved around in front of Justin; “no, please don’t say that Jus. I know you feel the same. I know it!”

He tried to reach for Justin again, but the other man moved back again; “Timothy stop this now! I’m flattered, I really am, but surely you know it is Brian that I love. He is my heart and soul. There will never be anyone but him for me. I don’t want to hurt you, but you must forget this nonsense.”

Timothy would not be swayed; “how can I forget you Justin? You are my everything. Please say you love me; please!”

“Stop!” Cried Justin. “Please go Tim! Just go!” Justin pulled away from the younger man and moved to the window to look out; hoping that if he ignored him Tim would finally leave.

A dark expression crossed Timothy’s face and he stalked across the room moving behind the blond. He gripped Justin’s shoulders and leaned into his ear; “I saw you with him,” he whispered softly; “that night in the arena.”

Justin sucked in a horrified breath at the words; “you saw us?” He questioned in a small voice. He knew he needed to send Tim away now, but another part of him wanted to hear where the young man was going with this.

“I saw it all. It was so beautiful Jus;” Tim spoke quietly again; “they way you controlled him, you were so gentle, yet strong, and then when you tongued him there. It made me lose my seed just to watch it.”

“Stop, please,” Justin whimpered, but did nothing to actually make the boy go. He was ashamed that he was hard now, thinking of that night with Brian; listening to Tim recount it. It was the one and only time Justin had made love to Brian like that and it was his favorite fantasy.

“I can’t stop,” spoke Tim in a strangled whisper; “I want you Jus. You make me ache. I’ve never been with a man before and I want you to be my first. I want you to do to me all those things you did to my uncle that night. I want you to be inside me,” he dropped to his knees and nuzzled Justin’s crotch; “please be my first Justin, please!”

Justin reached down and pulled Tim to his feet. He stared at the young man for a long moment, seeing a younger version of his lover. He was hard at the thought of taking this boy, of commanding his body and taking his virginity as Brian had done with him so many months ago.

Timothy took Justin’s moment of indecision as an opportunity and pulled the other man to him crashing his lips down upon Justin’s. Justin was shocked for a moment and then let himself relax into the kiss before the realization hit him that this was all wrong. This was not Brian, and he knew all he wanted was Brian.

He pushed Timothy away from him; “I’m sorry Timothy, but I can’t. I can’t be what you want.”

“I felt you kiss me back Justin, I felt your need for me. I know you want me!” The boy cried out as he lunged for Justin again, backing him up against the window using his bigger frame to pin him there. He leaned down to kiss Justin’s neck and grab for his cock; “love you Jus, want you.”

“I said no!” Justin yelled as he pushed Timothy violently away from him. Timothy held Justin tightly and they both fell, Justin swearing loudly as he hit his head on the corner of a table.

“What on earth is going on here?” Bellowed a voice from the door and Timothy let out a strangled whimper as his father and uncle stood surveying the scene; “Timothy William Albert Kinney,” Jonathan spoke again; “please explain yourself at once.”

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