The Beginning of an End

(Welcome to the third book of the Reverse series. This is a stand-alone mxm book but has characters from the first book, and possibly the second. Happy reading and many doggos to you all. I’ll probably mess with the cover a bit more later.) 

Dropping down into one of the large wing-back chairs that littered the overly warm entry room, Hollem let out an exhausted sigh as he leaned his head back on the fabric and closed his dark grey eyes. He was nearly asleep within minutes, if only one of their newest girls would just let him be. 

Lauriette, a slightly pleasant woman of twenty-three, had stopped beside him. The strong scent of her honey blossom perfume was stifling in its over-abundance. When he didn’t hear her move away, Hollem forced his eyes open at the same time he put a fake smile across his lips. 

“Hello, Lauriette, how may I help you?” He asked, adding his gentlemanly voice to his facade, even though he wanted nothing more than to get up and walk away from her. Unfortunately, it was his job to make sure that all of the girls were taken care of and everything was finished for the day before they closed. 

The woman leaned over, showing him cleavage that he wanted nothing to do with. He was attracted to women, sure, but was quite picky. And in all honesty, he preferred some of the lads he took to bed over the women. They were always pliant and a little nervous, even if he’d bedded them previously. They always wanted to make sure that he was pleased, too. The women he took? They always wanted to use him until he was completely spent, in every way. 

They had booked me for far too many appointments today. He thought as a headache began behind his eyes and he fought himself not to run his fingers through his shoulder-length black hair with impatience. 

“You look very tired, but I was wondering if, perhaps, you would be interested in a warm bed the day?” She asked, making him bite back a frown. 

Very forward. No wonder madam Maria hired her right away. 

Sitting straight, he bowed his head slightly in respect, then offered her a small smile. “I do apologize, but I am quite worn out from my day. I believe I’ll be asleep as soon as my head touches the pillows.” 

She backed up a step when he moved to stand, a faint blush painting her cheeks. “Of course, master Hollem. Do have a good rest, you were indeed quite busy today.” 

I’m sure you were paying attention. 

It was unkind of him to think that she had been just waiting her turn to use him, but he’d become quite unkind after working in such a place for so many years. He didn’t spite the customers or workers, but he did treasure his time alone, where no one wished for his false attentions or looked upon him for guidance. 

With another slight nod of his head, Hollem dismissed himself as the front door was pulled shut and locked by one of the maids. He turned and went about checking the back door, then headed down the hall to be sure that everyone was content for the day. 

By the time he finally made his way up to his own large room on the second floor, he was ready to just fall into his bed, clothes and all. 

“Hollem!” 

Your timing is as perfect as always, madam Maria. 

Not bothering with a fake smile, Hollem turned around, releasing the door handle to his room. 

“I know you are tired, so I won’t hold you up.” The busty red-haired woman said, making him want to turn right back around and disappear. Only, his thoughts were halted when a young lad with messy brown hair, similar to his own, though a few shades lighter, stepped out from behind the woman. 

He couldn’t be older than twenty… 

The two were nearly the same height, which was slightly humorous, because madam Maria was actually quite tall for a woman at five foot seven inches or so. Hollem tilted his head slightly, lowering it just a little as he tried to meet the boy’s eyes, yet he had no luck. The young man kept his gaze on the floor, not even lifting it as madam Maria pressed a hand against the small of his back to guide him forward. 

Hollem raised his eyebrows at the woman, drawing a small smile from her. “He comes highly recommended, and we have not had a lad willing to bottom for some time. Unfortunately, we have no spare rooms right now after my having just hired Lauriette. Would it be too much to ask you to share for a short time, until I can arrange something?” 

Absolutely, it would be. 

They didn’t technically use their own rooms for their customers, but still. He needed his personal time to stay sane. She knew that he couldn’t decline her request, though. The woman had practically picked him up off of the streets where he’d been doing far less favorable things to put food in his belly. Letting slip a slight sigh, Hollem nodded and reached forward, setting his hand on the young man’s shoulder. He felt him flinch beneath his palm, but madam Maria seemed to have missed the reaction. 

He doesn’t like being touched? 

He couldn’t understand how a lad who hated being handled could come highly recommended, but he bit his tongue on his thoughts. There would be time for questions another time, when he wasn’t falling asleep on his feet. 

“His name is Amia.” She said before gesturing to him. “Amia, this is Hollem. He helps me run the business. If you ever have any trouble, whether it be with a customer or anyone else who lives here, and I am not readily available, please find him.” 

The young man nodded stiffly. Seemingly considering her job done, madam Maria dismissed herself, disappearing down the hall to leave them in an awkward silence. When the guy just stood there, Hollem released his shoulder and turned, gesturing him to follow as he finally ducked into his room. 

He already had his shirt off by the time the guy hesitantly stepped just inside. Hollem turned just in time to catch a glimpse of Amia’s eyes before he averted them to the wall to his right. 

Light brown. They almost looked  maroon for a moment. 

“There is a tub of water in the small room right there,” he said, pointing to where he was heading. “If you would like to wash after I rinse off quickly. If you are hungry or thirsty, there is a water pitcher on the nightstand, and a piece of bread from lunch. There will be nothing else available until this evening, unfortunately. The cook dislikes anyone sneaking about her kitchen while she’s asleep.” He said before walking over to the small washroom. 

He moved past Amia, feeling the young man’s eyes on him for a moment before he disappeared into the little room. The water was cold, but it honestly felt amazing. His job required him to get quite heated, several times a day, so any chance to cool himself off was a relief that he greatly welcomed. Heck, he hardly used the covers on his bed because he usually felt far too hot beneath them. 

After a quick bath, Hollem got himself out of the tub and dried off, then set his towel on the bar fastened to the wall to dry. He walked out of the room completely naked, not worried in the least about his new roommate. They were both men and both used to sex, so he didn’t think that it would matter. 

So, when he glanced sideways to tell Amia that he was free to use the water, he was surprised to see that he had turned around, giving Hollem his back as he stared at the door. The odd reaction made him stop halfway to his dresser and stare at the guy. 

“What’s wrong?” He asked. Clearly, something was bothering the man. 

“I can’t help you if you don’t talk to me.” He tried again, just earning a shrug in return. 

Frustrated and tired, Hollem walked over to his dresser and pulled on a pair of comfortable slacks, then turned around and sat down on the edge of his bed. 

“Have you been forced into this profession?” He asked. 

Hollem knew that if madam Maria knew that Amia had been given no choice, she would immediately send him on his way. She was not running a charity for scared girls or boys. She wanted people who were eager to work and knew what they were doing. She also highly disliked when people took advantage of others, and if Amia had been forced into the trade, she would definitely revoke his contract. 

When the young man shook his head, yet still didn’t look at him, Hollem sighed and fell over onto his bed. He nearly passed out right then and there, his eyes growing too heavy to keep open. 

“Well, I am glad about that fact, at least. Get some rest, you will likely need it for tomorrow, even if you have no customers yet.” He mumbled, not expecting an answer. And he didn’t get one. 

Hollem was drifting between being awake and asleep a few minutes later when he felt the bottom of his large bed depress. His mind didn’t process it enough to come to any kind of conclusion as to what had happened, and when there was no more signs of movement, he allowed himself to finally drift off into a much needed sleep.

Frustration

Waking to a bright, sun-lit room was something Hollem hadn’t done in years. Squinting at the beams of light that played over his face, he slowly rolled over to face the wall, allowing him time to adjust his eyes. When he rolled back over a minute later, he saw Amia standing by the one small window in the room, the pitch black curtain he’d fastened over it pulled aside. 

Sitting up with a yawn, he watched the guy, his focus seemingly on something outside. What is he looking at that he didn’t even hear me move? Hollem wondered as he got himself comfortable against his pillows and just watched Amia. He took in his looks calmly, moving his eyes from his near-flawless face with just a slight brush of freckles on the side of his nose, down to his slender shoulders, torso, and legs. He had a very nice body. People would pay for him, but Hollem was still hesitant to let him start. 

He would likely be the one to start the scheduling, but considering the way the guy reacted to his touch… I can’t let him start. If he so much as flinched for some of their high paying customers, they’d ask for a refund and not even touch him. They wanted someone who loved  them, not someone who was just having sex because they had to. 

“What’s your full name?” Hollem asked, finally snapping the young man out of his daze as he jerked his eyes toward him. 

When his chocolate brown stare narrowed on him, Hollem knew that he was in for a long several weeks, or days, if the guy didn’t last. As if reading his mind, Amia sent him a venomous scowl and replied. “None of your business. People only scream the first name when fucking, if they even bother to remember it.” 

Hollem bit his cheek to keep from reprimanding the guy. If he ended up staying with them, he would definitely scold him, but he wanted to see what Amia was about. 

“Alright. Why are you a prostitute when you hate people touching you?” He asked, getting straight to the point as he crossed his arms loosely over his chest. 

When he just continued to receive the man’s glare, Hollem leaned his head back and yawned again, then replied in a calm, patient voice. “I am the one who will sign you off for being capable of performing your job. You do not get to work until I deem that you can.” 

That got the young man’s attention. His jaw clenched, along with his fists at his sides, yet he still didn’t speak. Hollem tilted his head, adding a slight smirk to try and rile the man, but the gesture only made Amia practically spit with anger and spin around, forcing his attention back out the window. 

There’s a lot of hate in this guy…

“Well, if you do not want to discuss the issue now, then I’m going back to sleep.” Hollem said as he gave the man his back and pulled a blanket partially over his body, mainly trying to block out the light from hitting his face. 

Hollem was just getting back to sleep when he felt the bed depress right beside his back. His eyes snapped open beneath the blanket and he focused on what he could hear and the weight being added to the mattress. 

When the blanket was slowly lifted and a warmth pressed up against his bare back, Hollem stiffened unintentionally. He didn’t like having people in his personal bed. He hadn’t invited Amia, but he was curious as to what he was doing. Madam Maria would not have allowed him inside of the brothel with any sort of weapon, so Hollem wasn’t worried about his safety at that moment. 

When he felt Amia trying to nudge him onto his belly, he slowly allowed himself to be moved. The moment his body had finished turning, Amia straddled his lower torso and began pressing down firmly onto his back. Hollem was just opening his mouth to tell Amia to get off of him when he felt a muscle that had been nearly pulled for several days slip back into place, making an embarrassing groan slip from his parted lips. 

A dark chuckle reverberated around the room from Amia, but Hollem chose to ignore it. Good massages cost a lot of money, and while he had a decent amount saved up, he never dared to spend it. 

Another press, this time against his lower back, had him sighing. Amia sure knew what he was doing. As the guy worked all of his muscles in silence, Hollem fought to stay awake. When Amia got to the waist of the soft trousers he’d pulled on to sleep in, Hollem blinked one eye open. Amia slid his thumbs into the sides of the fabric and began pulling the pants down, exposing Hollem’s backside a second before he growled and flipped the guy off of him, pinning his body beneath him with a glare of his own on his tired face. 

“What do you think you are doing?” Hollem asked, wanting to pull his pants back up, but not trusting Amia not to react if he did so. 

The guy lay beneath him, his semi-short hair fanned out around his head against the sheets. His scowl had returned, but behind it was a haughty expression that Hollem didn’t like one bit. 

“What? I took you for a bottom.” Amia said, making Hollem squeeze his eyes shut for a few moments, fighting his normal easy control. 

When he felt like he wouldn’t strangle the guy, he moved off of him to drop down onto the bed beside his body. He immediately gave Amia his back and pulled his pants back up, then tugged the blankets up to cover his chest and face again. 

“Be quiet and go to sleep.” He grumbled. 

There was silence just long enough for Hollem to begin drifting off. “How can I get your approval to start working?” Amia asked after what felt like an hour, but couldn’t have been more than fifteen minutes. 

“Start by being quiet. I’m tired.” Hollem mumbled, keeping his eyes closed as he nuzzled into his pillow. 

Amia’s weight shifted on the bed, but Hollem kept his eyes shut and stayed still. When he felt warmth press up against his back, he opened his eyes, scowling at the blanket that covered his face. He expected Amia to try something again, but when he felt the guy just stretch, then settled in, he blew out a stressed sigh. 

“I need to work. I don’t have any money.” Amia said after a long silence. 

When Hollem didn’t respond right away, he felt a hesitant finger poke him between the shoulder blades beneath the blanket. “I don’t have any food… or other clothing.” Amia mumbled. 

Hollem still didn’t reply, because something sounded off. He could believe that Amia had no money left or clothing, but the tone of his voice was still irksome. As if he knew that he was above Hollem and was just trying to let him think that he was behaving in order to be allowed to work sooner or get things. 

“We will feed you for the time being, and there are plenty of spare clothes in the laundry area. One of the maids can find some things for you.” Hollem finally replied, making the finger poking his back pause for a moment. 

“You would feed me? Even when I’m not earning you money?” Amia asked, a hint of confusion in his voice. 

With a tired sigh, Hollem rolled over and lowered the blanket so that it only rested across his waist, leaving his legs and upper body free of its constricting heat. “Can you sweep floors? Wash dishes? Do laundry?” Hollem asked, earning a fresh glare from Amia. 

“I’m going to take that look as a yes. If you wish to eat and receive clothing, you may do chores until I allow you to start working with clients.” 

Amia groaned and rolled onto his belly, grabbing the pillow closest to him and squeezing it in a tight hug with clear frustration. “Why don’t you just watch me once? You’ll know that I’m good at what I do.” He said, making Hollem make a face at him that had Amia smirking. 

“No, thank you.” Hollem said with a dull voice, trying to portray his complete disinterest. 

I have zero intention of watching him pleasure someone else. Someone. Not someone else. 

Rolling his eyes at himself, Hollem rolled onto his back, intent on trying to get at least a little more rest. He still likely had a few hours before they opened and he was needed downstairs, but he doubted that he’d sleep much longer. Especially with Amia in his bed. 

Wait a minute. 

“Get out of my bed. There are blankets in the corner. If you’re here long enough, the madam will get you one, but I didn’t say that you could stay in mine.” He said as he turned his head to stare at Amia. 

When the guy just turned his head away on the pillow and pretended to ignore him, Hollem scowled. “Get off my bed.” 

“It’s easily big enough for both of us.” Amia said, his words slightly muffled against the pillow. 

That’s not the point. 

“Get off.” He growled. 

Amia just laughed as he rolled back to face him, a cocky grin on his face. Hollem couldn’t deny that he was handsome, and maybe a little bit cute with his faintly boyish features, and lack of facial hair, but he’d already seen enough of his attitude to not fall for his looks. 

“I already tried to get us both off, but you weren’t exactly cooperative.” He cooed, making Hollem blow on the guy’s face, rustling his hair and making him scowl. 

“Your breath stinks.” Amia said, wrinkling his nose. 

Hollem grunted, then rolled back over, giving the guy his back again. “And your attitude stinks.” 

“I could change it for you, master. Anything you’d like…” Amia whispered right up against Hollem’s ear, sending an involuntary shiver down his spine. 

This guy. 

Rolling back over abruptly, Hollem pinned the guy beneath his body and folded his arms over Amia’s chest to rest his chin on. “I told you to be quiet and go to sleep. Do you not understand English, Amia?” 

The guy beneath him rolled his eyes, then sighed. 

“Fine. I’ll shut up and go to sleep. Happy?” He said as Hollem slowly moved off of him to lie back down. 

“Ecstatic.” He said, rolling over for what felt like the hundredth time. 

When Amia got up and replaced the black curtain, dimming the light in the room, Hollem felt himself finally relax… Until the bed depressed again and a warm back pressed against his own.

“Get. Off. My. Bed.” He ground out, only to be answered by silence. 

Hollem was about to roll over and shove the guy off, but instead, he forced himself to take a few deep, calming breaths. He’s finally quiet and not trying to have sex with you. Just take it as a victory and ignore him beside you. It was hard at first, but soon sleep tugged at him, and he blissfully let it pull him under.

So Help Me

Waking up alone was comforting… until Hollem realized that Amia wasn’t in his room at all. Groaning, he pushed himself up, yawning as he took a second glance around. 

Where has that brat gone to? 

The question was already answered in his mind as Hollem got himself out of bed and started getting dressed for his evening. He was ready in about ten minutes, then slipped on his shoes and headed downstairs. 

He was a bit surprised to see Amia standing behind the bar next to Anna, their drink tender. Stopping before he set foot on the ground floor, Hollem watched them silently from the stairs. Amia had clearly cleaned himself up and borrowed some clothing from the washing room. He looked quite handsome in his white frilled shirt and black waistcoat. Hollem couldn’t see what he was wearing below his torso due to the thick wooden bar in the way, but in general, he approved of the guy’s appearance. 

As he listened to their conversation, Hollem quickly realized that she was training him on which drinks were what. It seemed that Amia already had somewhat of a knowledge on the subject, because whenever she’d ask him a question, he usually had a mostly-correct response for her. 

“Good evening, master Hollem.” 

Licking his lips once, Hollem turned his attention to Lauriette. “Good evening, Lauriette. Did you need my assistance for something?” 

When Lauriette pointedly looked down to where a certain something rested between his legs, Hollem cleared his throat, forcing her attention back up to him. “If you’ll excuse me.” He said before stepping away, not waiting for her response. 

It took all of his effort not to scratch at his skin as he felt little pinpricks from her gaze. “Amia.” He called as he got to the bar, taking the young man’s attention away from the tender. 

When their eyes met, Amia immediately gave him his now-familiar glare before turning his attention back to the drinks he was working with. 

“Anna.” Hollem called to the woman standing beside Amia. 

Unlike his ungrateful new ward, the woman ran over to where he stood before the heavy wooden bar immediately, a welcoming smile on her face. 

“Good evening, master Hollem. How many I help you?” She asked, making his tense shoulders relax a bit. 

“How long has Amia been helping you, and why is he?” he asked, honestly curious. Anna didn’t let just anyone behind her bar area. 

“Well, sir, madam found him flirting about the main greeting rooms with customers, and while he did win quite a few people’s attention, she said that he was not allowed to serve anyone without your word.” She said, a little nervous. 

Hollem nodded, offering her a small reassuring smile. “You are correct.” He said, making her return his smile with a hesitant one of her own. 

“So, I told her that I wouldn’t mind teaching him some things back here, since I need a bit of help with Mac out for a bit with his wife having a baby.” She said, earning another nod from Hollem. 

“Very well. You may have him for the day.” He said, finally earning Amia’s full attention as the man came stomping over, clearly seething about what he’d just heard. 

“What do you mean that I am to remain here all day? I can show you that I can work, then you can allow me to do my job!” He nearly shouted, calming his words to a frustrated growl when Hollem raised his hand and narrowed his eyes. 

“Clearly, you can’t do your job yet. You just yelled in a room with at least four customers sitting within earshot.” Hollem said as quietly as he could while still being sure that his words, and angry tone, reached Amia. 

Anna stepped back as Amia tugged at his hair harshly, hissing several things under his breath. 

“If I see you out from behind this bar for anything besides to relieve yourself today, consider yourself fired.” 

He could see the fury burning in Amia’s eyes as the guy grabbed a dirty glass and turned his back on him, scrubbing it nearly to the point of breaking. 

This guy…

Feelings arms suddenly wrap around his waist, Hollem sent one more stare toward Amia before changing his expression, adding a smile and warm look as he glanced over his shoulder at the shy woman hugging him from behind. 

“Hi there, Miki. How have you been?” He asked as he guided the young lady over to a sitting area. 

She frequently visited him for his services, but more recently, she’d just come to take some of his time and talk. While she was an absolutely stunning, sweet young lady of twenty-three, her husband clearly didn’t think the same. He had beaten her several times during their first year of marriage, and clearly cheated on her multiple times with many mistresses, too. 

At first, when she’d walked in asking to be loved by a nice young man, just once, he’d thought her the same as all the other loose women who just wanted to get something nicer than their husbands, or get back at them. However, as he got to know Miki, he realized that she really did just want to be cared about. 

They spoke quietly in a far corner of the room beside the low fire in the hearth. Evidently, her husband had gone on a voyage to the Americas for some time recently. She told him about how he was slowly getting better with his frustrations, and more importantly, not taking them out on her. 

Hollem was glad that the man was finally seeing value in his wife’s favor. He had known right away when he’d turned to look at her earlier, that he had calmed a little. She had only one small bruise barely peaking out from beneath the fabric of her dress, when he knew that the man had previously liked to have her sporting several bad ones. 

When she hesitantly found her way into his lap, Hollem allowed her to get comfortable. He wasn’t assigned to pay attention to anyone specific tonight, as he was just to focus mostly on observing Amia. He felt the boy’s eyes on him several times throughout the evening as he allowed Miki to snuggle against him, but could never quite catch him staring. 

It was quite a few hours later when Hollem felt Miki beginning to drift off. If he wasn’t in such a profession, he would have considered trying to steal her hand away from her husband, but he knew that he was no man that someone would want outside of his work space. He had a temper, slept with more people than he could count, and honestly didn’t care to be around anyone if given the choice. 

Miki was just a sweet girl who never really bothered him, even if she talked a lot. She never spoke negatively upon anyone, even when they deserved the slander. 

When he noticed Anna beginning to clean up around her bar area in preparation for their planned early close, Hollem gently shook Miki’s shoulder until her soft brown eyes blinked open. They always looked worried initially, but when she realized who she was with, she smiled sheepishly and carefully climbed down from his lap with a bit of help. 

“I apologize. I haven’t been sleeping all that well recently.” She said as she took a step back, allowing Hollem to stand from the chair. 

His muscles ached a bit for sitting for so long, but he’d enjoyed himself. It was rare that he got to just relax by the fire. “Not a problem. Best be on your way home, though. I believe we’re closing early this evening.” 

Miki nodded, her sleepy smile stretching her lips slightly as he leaned in to place a gentle kiss upon her cheek. “Off you go.” He whispered, pressing his fingers against her back just enough to get her heading for the door. 

“A good evening to you, Hollem.” She said when she got to the door. 

He smiled and replied. “And to you, miss.” 

After she had stepped through the door and did not return for several moments, Hollem turned and began rounding up the remaining patrons. He’d honestly forgotten that the evening was to be short, but he didn’t mind. An early closing meant an early bed time. He couldn’t wait. 

When he ushered the last person out, who always tended to be old man Carlisle with his point grey hair and one glass eye, he shut and locked the door, then started his rounds with all of the live-in workers. There were a few small complaints about this and that, but all of them were easy enough to resolve within a few minutes. 

He was just turning the corner around two in the morning to head up to his room when he felt a slim hand wrap around his wrist. He thought that it would be Lauriette, but when he turned to decline here affections, again, his mouth paused mid-way to opening and he quickly gave a nod. 

“Madam Maria. Are you in need of me?” He asked, hoping that she wasn’t, but knowing that she never sought him out for nothing. 

Her eyes drifted over to wear Anna was, but Hollem realized that Amia was no longer with her. 

“I sent him up a short while ago. What do you think of him so far?” She questioned. 

Hollem sighed and ran a hand through his hair, not really sure what she wanted to hear. Granted, he wouldn’t lie either way, but he did sometimes wish that he could. 

“Honestly, he’s an arse, but he’s… kind of handsome when he dresses well. Anna said that he was attracting quite a bit of attention from customers, hopefully all good. He does have a bit of a mouth on him, and doesn’t pay attention to those around him, but I think that’s something we can work with him on.” 

Maria nodded slowly, then reached into a slim pocket on her near-floor length gown. Hollem knew what the little red wristband she pulled out meant. 

“Give this to him and explain it, carefully. I don’t want anymore slip-ups from him.” Maria said as she handed over the wristband, then went on her way. 

Shaking his head, Hollem eyed the band he’d seen on many new employees, holding it up for a moment before turning and heading upstairs. For some reason, he didn’t want to give it to him, but keeping him from working without a solid excuse didn’t make any sense.

Stepping into his room, Hollem was a bit surprised to see Amia back at the window. His attention was focused outside, so he decided to just relieve himself before dealing with the guy. Once finished, he returned to the main part of his room to see him sitting on his bed, the shirt he’d been wearing folded neatly on the small nightstand along with his pants, leaving him in a pair of soft cut-off trousers. 

“Maria asked me to give you this.” He said, offering him the band with a blank expression. 

Amia took the item, eyeing it with a slight scrunch to his brow. “Why?” He asked after a moment. 

Hollem sighed and reached forward, taking the item to slip around Amia’s slim wrist. 

“It means, that you may flirt and accept attention from guests, but not enter any private rooms.” 

When Amia’s eyes narrowed for a few moments, then lit up, along with a rare grin, he knew that he was going to have his hands full. 

“Wait, so this means that I’m free to go about the greeting rooms now? Even the further one where people are usually… doing some things?” He asked, looking far too excited for Hollem’s liking. 

“Yes, but if I hear anything at all about you trying to sneak off to a private room or bothering guests, you’ll be right back behind the bar.” He said. 

Amia made a quiet sound of acknowledgement as he lifted his wrist, staring admiringly at the simple red band. When the guy didn’t move for nearly a solid minute, Hollem blew out an audible breath and began getting undressed for bed. He wasn’t going to waste a chance to get extra sleep. 

When he was finally ready, his eyes wandered back to Amia. He’d moved a little, having put his arm down to lean forward and stare at the band, but that was it. 

“Get off my bed. I want to sleep.” He stated as he sat down with just a simple pair of undergarments on. They were thin enough to not leave much to the imagination as Amia spared him a slight glance. 

When he still got no response from him, Hollem got beneath his blankets and began nudging the guy off with his leg. Amia didn’t seem to even notice until his backside was hitting the floor with a thud. 

“Hey!” He growled, finally diverting his attention away from the wristband for more than three seconds. And of course, it was only to glare at him. 

“I told you to get off my bed. Now go to sleep or I’ll take that away and you’ll be serving drinks for the rest of the week.” Hollem grumbled as he turned his back on Amia. “And put the damn curtain back over the window.” 

The guy growled something under his breath but finally got up and did as told. When the room went dark, Hollem sighed against his pillow and nuzzled the worn but soft fabric. 

“You like sleeping that much? I mean, you get paid to sleep with other people, yet I doubt you look so happy when getting screwed by some burly gent.” Amia said as Hollem felt his weight depress the bed near his back. 

Rolling over with a scowl firmly on his face, Hollem stared at the man who was now looking down at him with a slight quirk to his lips. 

“I do not let anyone screw me.” He growled right before shoving Amia right off his bed. 

There was a muffled curse from the guy in response, but Hollem just turned back around, intent on ignoring him. 

When the bed dipped again not a minute later, Hollem felt his blood begin to boil. Rolling over abruptly, he moved to send the guy flying again, but to his surprise, Amia swiftly dove over his hands and body, landing with a slight bounce on the bed near the wall. 

“Hey!” Hollem yelled as he pushed himself up. 

Amia was already sliding beneath his blankets, and stealing his pillow. 

“This bed is big. Why don’t you just learn to share? Besides, if you want me to make money, I need to get a good night’s sleep. I can’t exactly do that on the floor, now can I?” Amia said before giving a clearly fake yawn. 

“Why yes, you can.” Hollem growled back in response. 

He snagged Amia’s wrist and tried to move him, but the guy became dead weight, making Hollem have to turn his own body every which way to pull him toward the edge. When he’d gotten Amia’s body about halfway there, where he was partially overtop his own legs as he lifted his upper body and arm, the guy suddenly pulled himself free of Hollem’s grip and spun around, somehow managing to snag his right wrist to pin above his head while he put as much weight as he could on the left one to keep it from being moved. 

“You’re way too stubborn for your own good, Hollem.” Amia said right before Hollem yanked his right arm free of his hold and flipped them, pinning Amia beneath his body and getting them a bit stuck in the blankets. 

“How about you say that again, but to yourself?” He said with a cocky smirk that had every right to be on his face. 

Amia huffed and struggled to get free, but his efforts only resulted in them rolling over, pushing him against the wall as Hollem’s arms trapped his at his sides. 

“I prefer to be the outer body in situations such as this…” Amia mumbled, squirming awkwardly as he felt Hollem’s bare chest press against his back. 

“And I prefer some damn peace so I can sleep.” Hollem replied, earning a grunt from the guy trapped in his arms. 

Hollem waited several tense minutes for Amia to try and fight his way free again, but when all he heard were quiet snores from the young man in his arms, he realized that he’d been completely made a fool of. 

Sighing, he flopped his head down on the sheet they were lying on and forced his eyes to close, since Amia had stolen his nice pillow and he’d likely wake the brat if he tried to grab another. It just wasn’t worth it. 

This is so unfair. 

Why did you do this to me, Maria?

Cautious Idiot

The next evening had Hollem and Amia quite busy. With his break the previous night, Hollem had twice his normal appointments. Thankfully, only two of the six were completely sexual, but that still left him quite exhausted and uneager to finish the last few hours of his shift.

He’d kept tabs on Amia throughout the evening, though, and was pleasantly surprised that the guy was actually behaving himself in the socializing rooms. He greeted guests politely and allowed only simple touches or light kissing. He was almost being an angel compared to how he normally acted. That is, until Hollem was doing one of his final rounds of the night, or technically, morning, and found the young lad straddling an older patron that he didn’t quite recognize by name.

Instead of going right up to them and dragging Amia away, Hollem calmly walked into the room and took a seat in the far corner, waiving away any attention he got from entering with a tired smile. He just wished to observe. Amia had wanted to show him first hand how well he could please a guest… well, this was his chance.

Relaxing into the plush, dark red winged chair, Hollem watched the two converse for some time. He’d thought that Amia might try something right away, but the two seemed genuinely interested in sharing words, along with a few simple touches.

Does he know him?

It wouldn’t be too surprising. If Amia was popular in his previous endeavors, perhaps some of his more loyal customers wandered down to see him.

Crossing an ankle over his leg, Hollem watched as people came and went, the number of patrons in the room slowly dwindling as it neared four in the morning. He was contemplating ushering them out, but since they really weren’t doing anything much, he decided to just relax and rest his eyes until closing time.

“-llem.”

Hollem mumbled something unintelligible as he heard part of his name whisper through his fuzzy mind. Weight gently settled in his lap, then leaned against his body as warmth began to spread through his chest.

He felt something brush against him near his neck moving downward several times, but it didn’t bother him enough to push through the haze of sleep clouding his thoughts. What did begin to wake him, however, was when the soft brushes disappeared, replaced with much rougher motions going the opposite direction.

When he managed to force his eyes open, they slowly widened at what they saw… and who he saw doing it.

“Don’t get any ideas.” Amia grumbled as he worked on finishing rebuttoning Hollem’s shirt.

“Don’t get any ideas?” Hollem replied, his voice still a bit deeper than normal from having drifted off to sleep for a short time. He also didn’t feel quite right, but he couldn’t focus on that right then.

When Amia finally finished his task, then looked up at him, Hollem swallowed. The scowl the young man was leveling at him nearly made him fidget.

“That whore was starting to undress you while you slept.” He said, immediately bringing Lauriette to Hollem’s mind. None of the other women in the brothel were nearly so determined.

He glanced around the room slowly, noting that no one else was present besides him and Amia. If the younger lad hadn’t been there…

When he didn’t respond right away, Amia slipped from his lap, making Hollem lean forward to stand. Only, Amia reached forward, pushing him back down into the chair before dropping to his knees and leaning forward.

The action made Hollem jerk back in his seat further, but when Amia simply rolled his eyes and reached up, fastening the two undone buttons on Hollem’s trousers, he felt his face heat with embarrassment.

I must have been overly tired to sleep through such a thing. I had gotten such a good night’s sleep, too.

“Don’t drink anything she gives you from now on. It’s clear that you don’t have what little brains you possess about you at the moment.” Amia said as he stood, then offered him a hand with a smirk.

She did give me something to drink a few hours ago…

“Did you just call me stupid?” Hollem grumbled as he stood, ignoring Amia’s hand.

The young man stepped back, shrugging as he did so. “You took a drink from someone who clearly has an obsession with you, or at least what you’ve got between your legs. I mean, I could have just let her continue since she’d probably get bored with you after one go.”

Rubbing a hand over his suddenly overheated face, Hollem sighed and glared down at Amia. “I don’t know if that was an insult or not, with how fuzzy my mind feels right now, but I’m just going to take the safe route and think that it was.”

Amia looked taken aback for a moment before snickering. “I can show you a thing or two, if you want to hold her interest longer?” He offered, making Hollem want to punch him. He was a damn whore for god’s sake! He knew how to have sex well!

“Come on, Hollem. You’re thinking way too hard right now. Madam has already seen to locking up the place, so let’s go.” Amia grumbled as he grabbed his hand, refusing to release it as he began pulling him toward the door.

Hollem reluctantly followed him until they were at the top of the stairs, then yanked his hand out of Amia’s and groaned. He definitely didn’t feel well, but he couldn’t figure out why the drink hadn’t affected him sooner. It had been at least a few hours.

“Oh look, now you’re hard. That drink was a bit late, she should have mixed it better.” Amia said as he reached forward to poke between his legs, only to be swatted away as Hollem stalked past him.

He was uncomfortable, but it sure as hell wasn’t the first time that he’d refused to take care of himself. Amia’s footsteps followed him, a hop to his step that told Hollem that the guy would be just as annoying as he had been the morning before.

They were nearly to his room when Amia grabbed his wrist and spun him around, then shoved him against the wall right next to the door. Hollem took a moment to process what was happening, giving Amia plenty of time to slip his left hand into Hollem’s pants while his right one went up to grasp the back of his neck, jerking his head down for a rough kiss as he gripped his length and quickly began doing things Hollem’s body desperately needed, but he didn’t want. 

He crumpled to the floor, his back sliding down the wall, raising his shirt part way in the process. Amia eagerly followed him down, crowding his space as he continued his frustrating ministrations. When Amia finally leaned away, Hollem quickly tilted his head back, gasping for much needed air. His body was shaking, even through his exhaustion from his previous work earlier.

He was just about to give up and ask Amia to continue when the man’s hand slid from his trousers and he leaned back, kneeling between his spread knees with an impish grin on his face.

“Just get rid of this wristband and say that I’m free to fully work now and I’ll give you the best night of your life.”

Bastard. Damned bastard.

Grinding his teeth, Hollem shoved Amia hard, sending him stumbling backward onto the worn floor. He was an absolute chit. A brat. A kad. Sexually frustrated beyond belief, Hollem got himself to his feet and stalked into his room. His fists were tight, swinging at his sides as he stomped into his bathing room and quickly stripped out of his clothing.

His arousal ached as he climbed into the cold water that had been left for him, then sank down, causing his erection to blessedly wilt. The chill woke him up a bit, but he was still struggling to keep his wits about him for more than ten seconds at a time. He washed slowly, pausing every few moments to shake the clouds from his mind. His body was still humming with the need for pleasure but after working in a brothel for so long, he managed to ignore it and the shock of cold water thankfully rid him of what Amia’s hand had caused.

I can’t believe him. Nothing the man did made any sense to him. He was being fed and clothed for practically nothing, yet he was getting increasingly aggressive when it came to allowing him to work physically with their patrons. Leaning his head back, Hollem took in a deep breath, then slowly exhaled as his eyes drifted shut. 

It only felt like a few seconds had passed before something soft gently brushed against his cheek. He leaned over the edge of the tub slightly, trying to regain himself enough to warrant opening his eyes. Gentle fingers soon drifted through his hair, tugging on a few strands every couple of strokes, yet he swore he heard no one speaking. It was simply the gesture. 

About four minutes later his eyes finally blinked open, a blur edging his vision on either side. He looked up to see Amia retrieving something from the small counter-space by the doorway, then turning to lean over him. 

Ah, a towel. Right. I’m still sitting in the bath. 

His body was reluctant to move, but the chill from the water made Hollem push himself up just enough to lift one leg over the edge of the tub. He managed to keep his balance, but he struggled with his weight, only able to move with the help of Amia partially supporting him. 

When they finally got to the bed, Hollem didn’t hesitate to simply fall into it. He felt his legs being moved, then his body being turned slightly to make him lay normally, but he couldn’t find the will to help. Nor the want to get up just to slip on a pair of undergarments.

Amia disappeared for a short time after that, leaving Hollem to nearly fall completely asleep before he felt the bed depress beside him. Not wanting to deal with the young man’s normal attitude every time they shared sleeping arrangements, Hollem rolled himself over, swinging his right arm around the guy and sloppily pulled him against his chest. 

In some distant part of his mind he felt surprised when the body now in his arms froze for a moment, but he quickly brushed the faint worry aside when Amia chuckled quietly, then snuggled in against him, thankfully not bothering to try and bicker for once.

“Hey…” Hollem whispered as sleep began to tug him back to the darkness of his mind. 

Amia made a quiet sound and nuzzled against his bare chest, but didn’t say anything. 

“Who was that man before?” Hollem asked, feeling Amia’s body fidget in his arms for a moment before calming back down. 

“An old client.” He answered with a dull tone, his words nearly too quiet to hear in the silent room. 

Feeling like he wouldn’t get much more of an answer right then, and honestly wanting to sleep more than anything, Hollem simply grunted an acknowledgement, then allowed himself to drift off. 

(I really like doing day to day in updates lol. And it was kinda awkward writing this next to my extremely religious grandmother while visiting, but at least she doesn’t try to look at what I do lol)

A Little Something

(this one is taking a bit longer but I’m having fun figuring out their little quirks lol) 

Being awoken by a loud knock on the door didn’t bode well for Hollem’s day. He barely managed to push himself up before he heard the sound of keys jingling on the other side of it. A moment later, Madam Maria walked in, fully dressed in a beautiful black satin gown, though Hollem knew that it couldn’t have been past eight in the morning. 

“Please tell me the building is burning down so I don’t do something stupid about being woken up so damn early…” He mumbled, not even bothering to remove the arm Amia had slung around his waist as he cuddled with his head a little too close to his abdomen, still out cold right up against him. 

Maria raised an eyebrow at him, but when he just scowled back in return, she finally got to her point for waking him. “Ramond is out today with the flu…” 

Dear god. He knew what that meant, and he sure as hell didn’t want to do it. 

“It needs to get done, Hollem… and I don’t trust any of the others with my money.” She said, staring at him with narrowed eyes for a few more seconds before lowering her gaze to Amia. 

“Take him with you.” 

Hollem’s jaw dropped at that. “No!” 

His shout made Amia shift against him, making him squirm a bit. The guy slept like a rock. 

“Then don’t take him, but also don’t complain to me after you have to wheel the cart back here on your own.” She said with a raised eyebrow right before she sauntered off, not giving him a chance to reply. 

Seething, Hollem glared up at the ceiling for a short while before realizing that he had to go now or get stuck going later. Sighing, he looked down at the brat of a young man still wrapped around his waist. 

Did he want to bring him? Hell no. Did he want to pull the cart by himself? Hell no. 

“Hey Amia? Wake up.” He grumbled, pushing the guy’s head, only to watch it flop back over. 

His eyes narrowed as Amia’s left hand slowly inched its way upward along his skin. 

Even in his sleep he’s trying to get some.

“Amia, you can work today.” He said, watching the man, unsurprisingly, sit up with a bright smile. 

“Really?” He nearly squealed, making Hollem wince at the shrill sound. 

When the guy leaned in and kissed him right on the lips, he about threw him off the bed. If I don’t want to be half dead pulling all of the food back from the market myself… 

“Yes, congratulations. You get to work today. It’s a very, very important job.” Hollem said as he nudged the guy off of him and got out of bed. 

Amia was up not a second later, running about to get himself ready. “Finally! I’ll do my best, and don’t worry! My best is damn good!” He said as he yanked a shirt over his head. 

Hollem watched him scramble about for a moment before getting himself dressed. He didn’t bother for his normal slightly fancy get ups. Instead, he pulled on a worn pair of brown trousers and a clean but old lighter shirt. 

Once he had finished fastening his boots, he looked up to see Amia staring at him, a hint of caution in his eyes. “Why are you dressing like that?” He asked. He was still smiling, but it was clear that he was trying hard not to frown. 

“Get dressed in the clothing you came here in and meet me downstairs.” Hollem said, not bothering to explain as he hurried from the room. 

If he told Amia that he was going to be used as a pack mule to pull their cart of food, he would surely throw his biggest fit yet. 

When Amia stomped down the stairs about ten minutes later, Hollem knew that he was going to be dealing with an angry beast. A small one, but those usually have the sharpest claws. 

“I’m not going to be fucking anyone today, am I?” He hissed as he followed Hollem out the front door. 

Since he couldn’t really hide the large cart sitting right in front of them, he turned around and shrugged. “The brothel needs supplies.” 

It wasn’t like he wanted to go, either. 

The look on his face almost made Hollem feel guilty about tricking him. “Come on, the sooner we get this done, the sooner we can get back and hopefully sleep a bit longer.” 

That didn’t seem to improve the guy’s mood, so Hollem just kept his mouth closed and grabbed both handles of the cart. He’d tow it to the market, and Amia could help bring it back. 

They walked awkwardly spread out until the bustle of the market forced them a little closer to keep from being swept away in the current of bodies. 

The cart managed to be enough of a deterrent to keep everyone from pressing in on him, but he could see Amia struggling as they got into the heavier throngs of market-goers. He even noticed a few people glancing back at him, and one older man even turned around and was blatantly stalking him through the thick crowd. 

Why is he even interested? I swear his clothing should keep most eyes off of him.

They couldn’t exactly hide that he was pretty handsome, but the grungy clothing should have helped  deter people a little. When the guy got within several feet of Amia, Hollem licked his lips and began hauling the cart in his direction, cutting off several uneven lines of foot traffic. He got shouted at more than a couple times but he made it to Amia just in time to tug him close, making the white-haired man who was just reaching for him suddenly jump back and disappear into the crowd. 

“Pay attention.” Hollem said as he released Amia to pick up the other side of the cart he’d had to drop. “Walk in front of me.” 

Crossing his arms over his chest, Amia did as told, but not before Hollem heard him mumbled. “I should have let the guy have me. Maybe then I’d at least be allowed to do some work.” 

Biting his tongue on a response, Hollem walked silently behind Amia until they neared the vegetable vendor who normally gave them a pretty good deal since they bought in bulk. 

“Stop here.” He said as he set the cart by the booth, not turning to face the vendor until he saw Amia hesitantly come to a stop, then slowly backup until he was standing a few feet from him. 

Hollem would have just let him be, but since he’d already been followed once and nearly grabbed, he didn’t bother trying to get him to come closer with a command, and instead just snagged his arm and pulled him to his side before turning his attention to the vendor. 

He ended up buying fifty pounds of potatoes, celery, radishes, onions, carrots, corn, and several different kinds of lettuce. 

Amia refused to offer to help him load them, and he didn’t bother asking. When they were all set, he headed over to the meat vendor. He got a few large fish and some salted beef, pork, and about twenty chickens. 

He noticed Amia wandering toward the next door booth as he worked on getting everything loaded. He almost dropped a few things as he worked, but he didn’t dare take his eyes off of the guy in case he got grabbed again. 

He was just finishing loading up the pork, intent on getting the chickens next, then heading back, when he noticed Amia staring at something in the other booth. He had the very tip of his thumb between his lips, nibbling without really thinking, it seemed. Leaning closer, he realized that he was staring at a bowl of pomfret cakes. 

He wasn’t a fan of the strong sweet flavor of liquorice, which is what made up the tiny, odd black discs. Looking back up at Amia’s face, he confirmed that the guy was definitely looking at the odd treats. 

“Hey, Amia?” He called, making the young man jump. 

He nearly cracked a smile at having startled him, but forced it back as he gestured to the chicken carcasses still sitting on the vendor’s table.  

“Please finish loading these for me.” 

He was surprised when Amia didn’t argue, but sent one last longing look at the little sugary discs before turning and doing as told. While he was distracted, Hollem walked over to the booth Amia had been at and nodded to the bowl of chewy sweets. 

The man filled a small pouch with ten or so discs, then handed it over to him. Hollem gave him the money he requested for them, though he couldn’t help frown a bit at the price. Liquorice had been in high demand for some reason recently, and the supply had not been able to keep up with it. Thus, the price had inflated quite a bit. 

After tying the pouch tightly to his belt, Hollem returned to the cart. Amia was just finishing getting the chickens loaded. 

Perfect timing. 

“Can you grab one side?” He asked, drawing Amia’s attention as he sat down the last bird. 

He didn’t look like he wanted to, but he nodded anyways and grabbed one side of the cart, leaving barely an inch or so between them as they both lifted and began to slowly turn it. 

I really should make him pull it all the way back by himself. 

Even with that thought, he couldn’t find it in himself to make Amia deal with so much weight. It wouldn’t be impossible, but it would be hard. 

They made their way across the market to get some loaves of bread before finally heading back toward the brothel. They were nearly at their street when something slammed into him from the side, sending him stumbling into Amia, nearly tilting their cart over as they both fell on top of each other. 

He heard a yelp from Amia, but also felt someone’s hands grab something on his waist. The liquorice. He jumped up to chase after the person as they yanked the leather bag from his belt, snapping the thin string he’d used to tie it, but when he glanced back for just a brief second to check that Amia was getting up, he came skidding to a halt. 

“Amia?” 

The guy was still on his side in the dirt, his left leg lifted close to his chest so that he could hold his ankle. 

Having no other choice, Hollem let the thief get away with the treats and just told himself that he was glad that it wasn’t his actual money purse. Walking back to Amia, he knelt beside him and leaned over to check on his ankle. 

The moment he touched it gently, Amia hissed and pulled it away. This won’t do. He can’t help me with the cart with an injury. 

There wasn’t any room to ride in the cart, either, though. 

Pursing his lips, Hollem sighed and slowly helped Amia sit up, then turned to give him his back. “Get on. We’re almost back, so I’ll carry you the rest of the way.” 

He knew that the guy wouldn’t want to be helped, and expected to hear an earful before Amia refused to move, but he surprised him, again, and instead of arguing, climbed right up onto his back. Once his arms were firmly wrapped around his neck, Hollem carefully stood up, then grabbed the handles of the cart on either side of him and began pulling it toward the brothel. His muscles screamed as he moved up the small hill, but he refused to slow down. If he did, he doubted he would be able to get himself going again. 

By the time they got back to the front door, he was about ready to drop. Sweat dripped from his brow and his muscles felt a bit numb. It had been so long since he’d done such work, and he usually brought someone to help bring the cart back… not to ride on his back while he did it all. 

He dropped the cart right out front, then ducked inside with Amia still holding onto him like a monkey. “The supplies are back.” He said to Anna, who would get a few of their workers to unload it. 

“Can you also send someone up to my room to tend to Amia’s ankle, as well as draw a cold bath?” He said, earning a nod. “Yes sir.” 

Hollem quickly carried Amia up to their room and settled him on the edge of the bed. He had just gotten the young man’s shoe off when their house healer came up. She wasn’t professionally trained or anything, but she did love to study healing and did very well with basic sprains and broken bones. And, of course, she was also one of their whores. 

“I’ll leave him to you, I need to run back out for a few minutes.” He said as he got up, passing someone hauling up cold water for his bath. He couldn’t wait to get out of his sticky clothing, but he forced himself to head back down the stairs and out the door. 

Instead of helping unload, since there were already several people getting to the cart, he headed back down toward the market. The sun was getting higher in the sky, burning the back of his neck, spurring him to move quicker. 

When he finally got back to the booth that had the little lquorice discs, he was surprised to see only a few left in the large straw bowl. He quickly picked up the three that remained and paid the ridiculous price the man required before turning to head back to the brothel. 

For some reason, he felt nervous holding the three coin-shaped treats. He’d bought a whole purse of them earlier, at least ten discs, but now to return with only three… Granted, Amia hadn’t known that he’d gotten that many, and how many he’d return with this time, or that he’d bought any at all. But still… 

By the time he finally made it back up to his room, after seeing Maria about getting paid back for the supplies, besides the liquorice, he wasn’t surprised to see that Amia had clearly bathed. His tired eyes lifted to meet his and Hollem couldn’t help but offer him a small smile. 

He headed into the washroom and quickly rinsed the discs he had in the bowl of clean water that had been left on the counter. 

“What is that?” 

Hollem jumped, nearly dropping the liquorice when he heard Amia so close. The guy was standing next to him, barely putting weight on his injured foot as he tried to see what Hollem was now hiding in his fist. 

“Nothing.” He mumbled. “Get back to the bed. You shouldn’t be walking on that.” 

Amia didn’t seem to believe him, but he let it drop and carefully hobbled back toward the bed to lay down. Sighing, Hollem set the treats on the counter and quickly stripped out of his soaked clothing. He took a short bath, loving the chill of the water as he ran the bar of soap along his body, scrubbing away the sweat. 

By the time he got out and pulled on a pair of soft, worn pants to sleep in, Amia was snoring on his back in bed. 

Must have given him some medicine for the pain. 

Grabbing the liquorice from the counter, he walked over and sat on the bed beside Amia. It took a minute, but he managed to shift him closer to the wall, giving him just enough room to slip himself into the bed comfortably. He tossed two of the treats onto the nightstand, then held one up in the dim room to eye the design on it. All of them were stamped with a castle and owl on them. He’d heard that they do it to show its quality, but as he brought the black disc to his mouth and took sucked on it just barely, he couldn’t help but make a face at how disgusting it tasted. 

Quality my arse. 

He was about to toss it back with the other two, then get some rest, when he felt eyes on him. Without turning his head, he glanced at Amia from the corner of his eye, catching the young man licking his lips as his eyes stared longingly at the treat. 

As his tongue swiped out again, Hollem felt his stomach twist… probably from the gross taste still in his mouth. He turned a bit and slid the disc between Amia’s lips, startling him a bit. 

“It tastes disgusting. You can have it.” He mumbled before rolling over to get comfortable. 

There was silence for a moment before he heard a delighted little squeak from the guy. He closed his eyes as to the sound of Amia savoring the liquorice. When he had finished, Hollem felt warmth press against his back. 

“There’s two more on the nightstand, but eat them tonight.” He whispered, his voice already gruff with sleep. They would only get a few more hours before they had to work for the evening, so he wanted to take advantage of them, and Amia should, too. 

He wasn’t surprised in the least, though, when after a few minutes, and with Amia likely thinking that he’d gone to sleep, he felt the bed shift abruptly several times as the guy climbed over him to get to the treats. 

Instead of being annoyed, however, Hollem actually felt his lips tug up just a tiny bit as he let himself drift off. The last thing he processed before falling asleep was the bed dipping one more time and the warmth of Amia’s body returning to press against his own.

Seeing Through

The next few days were thankfully simple when it came to dealing with Amia. The guy had mellowed out a bit after receiving his treats, and he couldn’t do much sneaking about with his ankle being hurt. 

On the fourth day, Amia finally dared to ask if he could start working in the greeting rooms again. His ankle wasn’t quite done healing, but he could walk well enough if he was careful. 

To his surprise, Hollem couldn’t find a decent reason to refuse. “You can start working again, but you need to stay sitting most of the time.” 

Amia was on his feet in seconds, but he barely managed to stay upright as he tried to get himself dressed for the day. 

“Amia.” Hollem said with a raised eyebrow. 

When the guy looked over at him, Hollem stepped forward and gently grasped his waist, steadying him. “Get dressed.” He told Amia when he just stared at him funny. 

After an awkward minute of silence Amia quickly tugged on a shirt, then removed his loose trousers and undergarments. Hollem didn’t bother averting his eyes since Amia’s shirt was just long enough to cover anything, even though it was bunched up a bit around where he still gripped his bare waist. 

He could feel Amia’s muscles fidget beneath his fingertips and couldn’t help squeezing once or twice, but it was just for fun. 

When he was finished dressing, Amia nudged him away, forcing Hollem to bite back his grin as he saw the faint blush coloring Amia’s cheeks. So the guy likes being held. Of course, he had no idea as to the details, but it was nice to get at least a little bit of information from him that he hadn’t willingly tried to shove at him.

“Uh, thanks. I can get to the greeting rooms by myself.” Amia mumbled as he limped past him. 

Hollem followed the guy with his eyes until he was out the door, then got himself ready for his busy evening. He spent two hours with a redhead that thought his mind was strictly in his pants whenever she smiled at him. Mainly because that was exactly the way he knew she wanted him to act. 

The woman was all spit and little fire once he actually got to work on her, though. She lasted perhaps three minutes each time, and he could have sworn up and down that she was faking it considering how loud she was screaming. 

She loved to show him off when she had paid for his time and body. It was annoying, but the worst part about her was the fact that her husband came in on a different night to get his rocks off with at least two of their girls. 

When he had finished with the wife, he excused himself and went  up to his room to wipe his body off. She’d also put more than a few lipstick stains on his nice shirt, so once he’d changed into a clean one, he ran it down to get washed right away. 

Once that was done, he headed for the greeting rooms to check on Amia. He was just about to step inside when the same older man from last time walked out with Amia holding onto his arm to help. 

Hollem fought himself to keep from reaching forward and breaking the contact immediately. Amia knew that he wasn’t allowed to leave the rooms with anyone, and his old friend ? 

“Where are you going?” He asked, trying to keep his voice from sounding too clipped. 

Amia licked his lips nervously and pointed down the hall. “I need to relieve myself.” 

Clenching his teeth, Hollem sighed out a breath through his nose and slowly shook his head before putting on a fake smile for the man. “I’ll help you. Thank you for escorting him so far, sir.” He said before stepping forward and carefully lifting Amia into his arms. 

The guy had clearly not expected him to pick him up and squirmed for a moment before awkwardly wrapping his arms around his neck and settling down. Hollem felt his face press into his neck, but didn’t think much of it as he nodded to the man. 

“Thank you, again.” He said before turning to head down the hall to the washroom. 

Ducking inside of the small room, he carefully held Amia with one hand while closing and locking the door with the other, then set him down. Or, really, tried to. 

Why won’t he let go? 

“Amia?” Hollem questioned as he tried to see the guy’s face, but he refused to lift it from the crook of his neck. 

Confused, Hollem considered just taking Amia upstairs to talk, but it would have been awkward for both of them if they were seen walking around with him in his arms again, and he doubted that Amia wanted to walk right then. 

Relaxing the stress in his shoulders, Hollem leaned against the wall, then slid down it until his backside was resting on the floor. Amia fit decently well into his lap, though he made sure to be careful of his ankle as he moved. 

When he still got not a sound of him, Hollem leaned his head back and began to run a gentle hand up and down Amia’s back. They remained that way until Hollem realized that Amia’s breathing had evened out. 

He’s… asleep? 

Glancing sideways, he reached up with one hand and softly moved Amia’s head away from his neck just enough to see his closed eyes. Stifling a groan, Hollem thumped his head back against the wooden wall and sighed. 

He was so excited to work. What is up with this guy? 

Knowing that they couldn’t stay there all evening, Hollem carefully got himself up, hoisting Amia with a bit more effort than before since he was now dead weight. 

When he stepped out of the washroom, Hollem glanced to either side of the hall before hurrying toward the stairs. He could feel several pairs of eyes catch them from the greeting rooms, but he didn’t consider slowing. 

He did, however, stop at the bottom of the stairs as madam Maria appeared, giving him an odd look. “Hello, ma’am.” Hollem said as he adjusted Amia’s weight in his arms. 

“He said that he was going to the washroom, and he was walking with someone he told me he knew from before he came here. When I picked him up so that he wasn’t walking on his bad foot, he fell asleep almost immediately.” Hollem explained, still a little confused as to why Amia had passed out so quickly. He’d gotten a decent amount of sleep the past few days. 

Madam Maria leaned close to Amia’s head and tilted it with one hand so that she could see his face. 

“He was drugged. Someone wanted him out cold.” She said, rolling her eyes at him. “You two really know how to get into trouble.” 

She looked around for a moment, making sure that they were alone, he assumed. “Did you see who did it? This is getting a bit ridiculous. I already reprimanded Lauriette for dosing you. Which customer tried to get at my new boy?” She asked, clearly upset. 

He unconsciously hugged Amia a little closer to his chest as he shrugged. “I really don’t know. One of his old friends was leading him out of the room to help him to the washroom when I found him. I didn’t look into the room…” 

Madam Maria smacked his shoulder firmly. “It was his friend that did it, then.” She said, as if that should have been obvious to him. 

Would he really do that to someone he’s known for so long, though? And if they are old friends, then doesn’t that mean that the man was a client of his, too? 

Granted, he hadn’t exactly asked about the details of their relationship, and had honestly not wanted to know, but now it worried him. Amia was under his care until madam Maria allowed him complete freedom to work. He didn’t want anything to happen to him. 

“I will sit with him tomorrow.” Hollem said reassuringly. 

When madam Maria nodded, he bowed his head slightly and excused himself. She knew he had another client, but the woman was partial to another worker, too, so it wouldn’t be a problem. 

Once upstairs, he got Amia situated on the bed. He wasn’t quite asleep anymore, but he definitely wasn’t awake enough to be walking around. 

He slowly rolled around on the bed, his movements sluggish from whatever he’d been slipped. When he flopped onto his back and belched, Hollem rolled his eyes. 

“Very cute. I’m sure you pick up all the gentlemen with that.” He joked as he heard a light knock on the door. 

A young maid stepped inside a moment later, a small tray of food in her hands. Hollem hurried over to take it, giving his thanks before dismissing her and closing the door. He was about to turn and set the tray down on the nightstand across the room when he decided to flick the lock in place, first. 

At least that will give us some peace for a bit unless Maria needs me… or until Amia is fully awake again. 

When he turned around to go set the food down, he was greeted with a sleepy leer. 

“What?” He asked, a bit hesitant to get anywhere near the bed with the guy staring at him like he was a piece of meat. 

They held each other’s attention for a solid minute before Amia groaned and fell back against the pillows. 

“I’m so fucking horny.” He grumbled, drawing a slight grin from Hollem’s lips as he finally walked over and set the tray down. 

“It’s probably what your friend drugged you with. It should wear off in a bit.” He said as he grabbed a slice of apple from the tray. The green ones tended to be a bit sour, grown at an orchard not too far from them by the odd new magistrate, but he didn’t mind the tart flavor. It was actually pretty interesting. 

“He wouldn’t do that… Can you touch me inna… in… inappropriately?” He struggled.

Hollem raised an eyebrow at the guy splayed over his blankets. “You have two hands. Try dating one of them.” He said as he finished off his apple slice, then grabbed another. 

Amia moaned and rolled around for a moment before yawning and shaking his head on the pillow. 

“You know it feels better when someone else does it.” He slurred slightly. 

Finishing his second piece of apple, Hollem took his time chewing, then swallowed before bothering to reply. “Does it? I haven’t noticed.” 

For some reason, that statement had Amia pushing himself up, seemingly a bit more awake all of a sudden. 

“You don’t feel better when someone else touches you?” He asked as he awkwardly reached over toward the tray of food, but missed picking up an apple slice twice before Hollem huffed and handed him one. 

“No. I’d rather take care of myself than have someone else do it.” He stated simply while grabbing another piece. 

Amia didn’t look like he understood, but it was probably just the drug still messing with his head. 

At least he looks like he’s getting better by the minute. 

“You liked it when I touched you before.” Amia said after an awkward silence. 

Hollem paused mid-bite and scowled. “You mean when you forced yourself on me?” He stated. “That was just my body reacting. I’m a whore, what else would you expect as a response from someone touching my crotch?” 

He expected Amia to laugh, or make a joke at least, but when the guy just stared at him with a sad expression, Hollem fidgeted. 

“What?” He asked. 

When Amia just continued to look at him, Hollem turned and stalked off toward the washroom to relieve himself. He returned a few minutes later to find Amia snoring quietly, curled up against he wall. 

I thought he had to relieve himself, too.

Shaking his head, Hollem dropped down onto the edge of the bed and finished off the remaining apple slices and piece of bread left on the tray. He was just about to turn and get under the blankets when he felt two arms gently wrap around his waist. 

“Amia?” He asked, a hint of a warning in his tone as the guy’s right hand inched down a bit toward his undergarments. He had thought that he was asleep so he hadn’t bothered to wear anything else. 

Amia’s hand paused in its journey, its fingers curling against his bare torso. “I can make you feel better than those other people…” He mumbled against Hollem’s bare back, drawing a sigh from him as he reached down, grasping Amia’s hands with the intention of removing them… but he never quite finished the gesture. 

“What makes you say that? I don’t know you and you don’t know me. So why would you even want to touch me that way?” He asked, honestly curious. 

Amia sounded decently aware, so the drug must be dwindling in his system, yet he was still trying to get some, or at least give it. He didn’t understand. 

“You… look like you need to be loved.” He finally whispered, making Hollem’s back immediately go ram-rod straight. 

The hell is he talking about? Since when is fondling someone until they cum considering ‘being loved’? 

“I’ve had enough love , thanks.” He growled as he undid Amia’s arms from around him and dropped down onto his side, intent on ignoring the guy and going to sleep. 

“Hollem.” 

When he didn’t reply, he felt Amia nudge his back. 

“Hollem.” He said again, dragging out his name. 

After another few minutes without a response, Amia sighed and began climbing over him, nearly making Hollem throw him right off the bed. In fact, the drug seemed to still be playing with Amia a bit, because he struggled as he was trying to carefully land on the sliver of bed in front of Hollem, only to miss and slip off. 

This guy…

Reaching out abruptly, Hollem managed to snag Amia around the waist a second before he smacked into the hard wood. With a few grunts of effort, he pulled him back up. 

When he realized that he was completely out cold, and even snoring, Hollem scowled. 

“You are such a pain in the arse, without ever even being in my arse.” He grumbled as he yanked him against his chest, wrapping his arms around him so that he didn’t slip off the bed again. 

He intended to go to sleep right then, but Amia felt a bit warmer than normal… and his breathing was also a little odd. 

Damn this guy. 

Sighing, Hollem scooted back a bit, pulling Amia further onto the bed before getting comfortable. He’d stay awake, but just for a bit. And only to make sure that Amia was fine so that madam Maria wouldn’t need to be bothered.

Overdose

I’ve never seen a prostitute so excited to get people’s attention when they weren’t even getting paid. Hollem thought as he bit into a piece of bread with a bit of honey soaked into the top.

Amia was sitting across the room from him with a young woman to his left and his gentleman friend to his right. The man had his hand nearly between his legs, but after a few quick glances back at him, he knew that he wouldn’t be getting away with going any closer and decided not to push his luck.  

The woman was surprisingly more bold. Hollem hadn’t caught what she was doing at first, but when he noticed Amia squirming a little, then glancing over at him, he raised an eyebrow and ran his eyes back over the situation… only to realize that she had her hand behind him and was likely trying to touch him beneath his shirt or pants. 

Hollem uncrossed his leg over his knee and was about to stand up when Amia gave him the faintest shake of his head. Grudgingly, he leaned back in his chair and watched as Amia gingerly reached behind himself and grasped what Hollem could only assume was her wrist, then lifted up slightly before bringing it around to his front. 

She had her hand down his pants…

The thought made his hand fidget where it rested on his arm, having crossed them over his chest as he watched Amia fix the situation. 

“Excuse me, master Hollem?” 

Taking his attention away from Amia, Hollem turned his head to see Miki bashfully sitting beside him. He blinked a few times, surprised to see the young woman in a greeting room. She tended to just book his attention for herself and never dared step foot in one of their group areas besides the main entry room where they had met a few days ago. 

“Good evening, sweetheart.” He cooed with a small smile as he tugged her into his lap. 

“You are looking well. How have you been, Miki?” He asked as he brushed her bangs away from her eyes.

She got comfortable, resting her head against his chest, before answering just loud enough for only him to hear. 

“I am quite enjoying my time away from my husband, master Hollem.” 

He grinned as he ran a soothing hand along her back. “It seems like your body is, too.” He stated, only to feel a light nip on his neck from her teeth. 

This little flirt. If only her husband would actually stop seeing her as something to control and just treat her well. He would see just how lucky he was. 

Glancing toward Amia, he saw the guy look away quickly, turning his attention to his old friend. Hollem’s eyes lowered to the table, noting the full drink there. 

Bastard, I was distracted. 

Pursing his lips, he looked down at Miki. She didn’t deserve to be ignored, especially since he was sitting in one of the greeting rooms, but… He noticed Amia reaching for the drink while his friend’s smile stretched further. 

Dammit all. 

“I’m sorry, Miki, I’m actually here to observe today.” He said quickly as he set her on the seat beside him, then leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead. 

She pouted a little, but nodded after the kiss. 

“Alright. You owe me though, master.” She said as she got up and walked out of the room, likely not interested in anyone else, like usual. 

Dork. 

Shaking his head, he turned toward Amia, frowning when the guy was already mostly done with the drink. Did I not just tell him last night that we think his friend might have been behind him being drugged?   Hollem thought frustratingly as he forced himself not to stomp as he walked over and placed himself in the recently vacated spot beside Amia. 

He didn’t even bother trying to be courteous as he reached over and took the glass, then downed what was left. He caught Amia’s friend’s scowl, but he couldn’t have cared less. After licking his lips, and tasting the chalky flavor he knew was likely whatever drug the man had used, he set the glass down and turned slightly on the couch. 

“Who is your friend, Amia?” He asked with a forced, curious smile. 

Amia seemed hesitant to answer for a moment, but then shrugged and looked toward his friend, then back to Hollem. “He’s… an old client.”

Hollem leaned back in the seat and crossed his arms over his chest. “Alright.” Was all he said in response. 

Amia watched him for another moment before slowly returning his attention to his friend, who had ordered him another drink while Hollem had been distracting him. 

Hollem glanced up as one of their girls, who took turns with clients or as wait staff for the night, came into the room carrying the drink. 

  Lauriette. Why am I not surprised? 

He noticed her fidget when she saw him sitting next to Amia, then glance toward Amia’s friend, practically giving them away, before she hurried over and set the drink directly in front of Amia. 

I’ll need to tell madam Maria about this… but first. 

Reaching over, he took the new drink and swallowed a few mouthfuls. 

Yup, definitely taste the difference, though not as strongly with this one. 

It was better mixed and took some focus to taste, but it was definitely drugged, too. He lowered the glass in time to see Lauriette dart from the room. 

Hollem considered going after her right then, but that would leave Amia to his friend’s intentions. It wasn’t worth it. Besides, where would she go? Even if she left, she’d have to come back eventually, this was her job and where she lived. 

Settling in, he listened to Amia and his friend’s conversation until the man decided to leave about thirty minutes later. Thank god. He was beginning to feel that drug at work, and from the looks of it, Amia was also getting a bit weird. 

Without waiting for someone else to take their attention, Hollem got up, pausing a moment once on his feet to wait for the room to stop spinning. He then reached down and pulled Amia up beside him. 

“This is going to be another fun night.” He mumbled as he hurried Amia from the room. 

Instead of heading upstairs right away, he found his way to madam Maria’s room and knocked twice, then waited a moment, then knocked one more time. 

She appeared a second later, clearly having rushed after that third knock. When she looked them over, her lips turned down into a frown. 

“You both look like crap again.” 

Hollem chuckled, the laugh leaving him unintentionally. 

“Yes, and feel like it, too. But I saw Lauriette bringing in a drink ordered by this brat’s friend. She practically ran when she saw me drink half of it, and his friend looked pissed, too. So I believe that’s who you need to speak with about this situation.” Hollem slurred, feeling his body begin to heat uncomfortably. 

Madam Maria nodded, then ushered them to the stairs. “Alright, I’ll go check on things and see if I can get some information from Lauriette, or maybe even that new maid the magistrate had assigned to us that helps Lauriette out part time. Up to bed with both of you, though, and be careful not to wear yourselves out, I won’t call off your appointments for tomorrow, Hollem.” 

He glared at her, but his eyes just couldn’t focus enough to make it matter. 

“That won’t be an issue.” He stated as he hurried sloppily up the stairs, needing to hold the handrail most of the way. 

His palm ran along the wall as he made his way to his room, stopping once to be sure that the building wasn’t about to fall over, like it appeared to be to his blurry eyes. 

“You really are messed up. Gotta build up a resistance, old man.” Amia said as he walked by, only a little awkward on his feet. 

Hollem couldn’t believe that he hadn’t been drugged enough to not pass out already with how much he’d drunk. 

The guy disappeared into their room, only to reappear as his head stuck out of the doorway. “By the way, she hadn’t let the drug dissolve enough in the drink the first time so I could easily taste it and drink around it since it was mostly solid goo. I left a good part of it in the bottom of the glass… which you drank.” 

Hollem blinked, trying to straighten up as his mind processed what Amia was saying. 

“Then that strange lady brought out another one, which you decided to stupidly drink, too.” He said as he walked up to him, forcing Hollem to stop or risk stumbling right into the guy. 

“Now look at you. You’re about to drop but at the same time, I bet you want to hump everything in this town right now. Why the hell did you drink that? I would have done it so that you could be sure it was one of them, though I still doubt my uncle would have drugged me since he’s had me so many times and has offered me a damn good amount of money the first time he came in here to go live with him.” 

Not even going to think about that first sentence, but… 

“If he offered you all of that money, then why are you still here? I won’t even let you work.” Hollem slurred as he unintentionally stumbled forward. 

Amia barely managed to catch his weight and grunted loudly with the effort as he began to help him toward his room. 

“Not sure. Maybe I just like making your life a little less nice?” He said, earning a scowl from Hollem before he was unceremoniously shoved onto the bed. 

He groaned against his blankets, then rolled over after a minute of concentration, trying not to pass out. Amia leaned over him, undoing his shirt before yanking it over his head. Hollem’s pants were left, leaving him in a simple pair of undergarments as one of his blankets was yanked out from under him, then thrown on top of him. 

“You call being a whore, nice?” Hollem asked. 

Amia chuckled and surprisingly climbed overtop him, straddling his waist over the blankets before settling down. It was rather uncomfortable considering he was as hard as a rock, but at the same time, the weight felt good and teased him to no end. 

“I don’t mind it. It’s good pay if you’re at the right place or doing it by yourself… or allowed to work. Sometimes I get free food or clothing out of the deal, too.” Amia said as he scooted forward a bit, moving to sit on Hollem’s lower torso before tugging his own shirt up and over his head. 

Hollem didn’t bother to try holding back his eyes from taking in the guy’s body. It was damn nice, and he was horny as hell from those stupid drugs. 

“You’re looking at me like you want to eat me, Hollem.” Amia said with a leer of his own as he leaned forward, placing both of his hands on Hollem’s chest. 

His breathing sped up at the touch, but Hollem didn’t tell him to move his hands, even though he knew he should have. “Do you want to do things to me?” Amia asked with a smirk as he leaned down to press his lips against his throat. 

Hollem tilted his head back automatically, giving Amia more room. “Yes…” He slurred as he sloppily reached his hands up to grab Amia’s waist. Oh the things he wanted to do to him. 

“You know what would work just as well, Hollem?” Amia asked as he leaned back again, making Hollem move his head forward to stare at his blurry figure above him. 

“What?” He asked in a breathy tone. 

Amia looked downright naughty on top of him and for once, he fully intended to just give the guy a chance to show his skills. So, when Amia lifted his left hand, then his right, then looked at both with a raised eyebrow, Hollem squinted in confusion. 

“You can always date your left hand if your right one gets boring… or that young woman you had sitting on your lap earlier. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind helping you out. Now then, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll actually go to bed early.” Amia said before dropping onto the side of the bed closest to the wall and tugging the blanket over himself. 

Hollem laid there staring at the ceiling for what felt like an hour before he slowly turned his head toward Amia. He was facing away, so he couldn’t tell if he was asleep or not yet, but that didn’t stop him from speaking. 

“Are you jealous of her?” He asked. 

The comments about using his hands was kind of deserved, but it felt like they were just slipped in to try and hide the last thing he’d said. 

“You are jealous.” He stated as he reached forward, running his fingers along the blanket until he found Amia’s waist beneath it. 

Since he didn’t hear any protests, though he could feel that the guy’s breathing hadn’t quite evened out with sleep yet, he gently wrapped his arm around him and tugged him up against his chest. 

They remained that way for several minutes before Hollem decided to speak again. “Your breathing is speeding up, Amia… not slowing down.” He mused as he tugged him just a little bit closer. 

When he didn’t get a response, Hollem leaned forward and began pressing soft kisses to the back of his neck as his left hand slid up along his chest. It came to a rest just over his rapidly beating heart, making Hollem’s lips tilt up into a tired smile. 

He waited a minute before moving Amia onto his back and crawling over him. Even in the dark room, he could see the young man’s wide eyes and easily heard his quiet panting. 

“Tell me no, Amia.” Hollom warned as he leaned down again, running his lips along Amia’s collar bone. 

He could feel the quick rise and fall of the young man’s chest against his own in response to his actions, spurring him on. When several minutes had passed and he heard no word to halt, Hollem leaned his head back up and met Amia’s shadowed eyes. 

“I want to have sex with you because of the amount of drugs I’ve consumed…” He stated, not wanting to lie and give him any other reason. Although, it felt a little untrue, but he couldn’t put his finger on why it might. 

Amia looked away for a moment, then stared back up at him with a smile that didn’t seem all that joyful. 

“I suppose that I’ve taken in more than I could handle, as well…” 

When Amia didn’t reply again, Hollem hesitantly leaned down and covered his mouth with his own, tasting the lingering flavor of the cheap alcohol. He had planned to pull away and get down to business quickly, as to not wear either of them out for the following day, but when Amia’s arms tightly wrapped around his neck, holding him close, Hollem decided to let him take a small portion of the control. 

He’d tried to hasten things along several times during that evening in order to find some sleep, but Amia was much more of a lover than just a sex worker. He was relentless, and while he allowed Hollem to rest after they’d finished a round, he was right back on him once he’d recovered enough to be of use. 

He almost felt used, but even as the night wore on and he was awoken time and again into the morning, his body was more than eager, for once, to enjoy the warmth of the frustrating minx. He just knew that he’d come to regret it when it was time to finally wake for work…

Questionable Intentions

(It’s not a good idea to accidentally hit yourself in the head with a block of metal, then have that followed up by a headbutt from your dog in the same place. The headache is real.)

He was absolutely livid. There was no other excuse as to why his backside was throbbing so terribly besides Amia. That damned man. I’m going to kill him! Hollem thought as he tried to push himself up from where he lay on his bed. 

His memory from the previous evening and early morning got more blurry as the time had passed, but he knew that he had not given Amia permission to have him. 

The strong knock on his door had him pausing in his motions, then the sound of the handle being turned forced him to drag a blanket over his lower half. He only knew of one person who would walk into his room after simply knocking. 

“Did I not warn you two? Hollem, you look like you are about to pass out… yet, you also appear to be extremely angry.” Madam Maria said as she walked in, not hesitating to move over to the side of his bed and lean over, pressing a hand to his forehead as Hollem shifted onto his back and sighed, truly feeling terrible, though he didn’t quite feel sick. 

“Where is Amia?” He ground out through clenched teeth, trying to move his backside a little to find some sort of less painful position. 

Madam Maria’s eyes went wide, having clearly caught his minute movements with a sideways glance toward his lower half before returning her attention to his face. 

“No wonder that boy was so eager to retrieve some things around town for me earlier. How on Earth did he manage to bed you? Even drugged, I would not imagine that you offered yourself to him…” She said, her tone carrying clear surprise. 

Hollem wanted to scream, but knew it would get him nowhere. “To hell I would. I don’t allow anyone to have me in such a way. My memory is blurry, but I would never allow him to do it.” He growled. 

Madam Maria shook her head and stepped back, gesturing in front of her. “Are you able to stand?” She asked, seeming honestly worried. 

If they had only done it once, it likely wouldn’t be too bad if he could deal with the pain for a short time, but as Hollem pushed himself into a sitting position, wincing the entire time he did so, he knew that Amia had gotten carried away. 

Madam Maria watched him the entire time, her brows knitting together. “He seemed much more aware of his actions than you did.” She stated, earning a nod from Hollem. 

“I remember him mocking me because I drank the drug meant for him, while he knew not to intake the thicker part of the liquid or what was near the bottom of the glass.” He said, then added. “But as time went on, he started acting affected, too, but my mind is so hazy with the details.” 

Frowning, madam Maria reached down and pulled the blanket away, revealing the blood stains Hollem had hoped wouldn’t be there. “Drugged or not, he went too far. When he returns, I will send him up here immediately. You are to punish him how you see fit. I will also send a maid up with some medication, food, and to change the bedding. For the time being, keep from hurting yourself worse and rest.” 

He nodded, relaxing for a short time after madam Maria left before the maid appeared at his door. It took a great deal of effort just to gingerly slip to a pillow she placed on the floor for him, keeping the top blanket from his bed wrapped around his waist. 

She was thankfully silent as she worked, removing his bed linens and replacing them all with fresh ones. Once she had finished, she dismissed herself to retrieve his meal, but he declined, stating that he wasn’t hungry. So, she simply left him with a small amount of medication for pain, and a glass of water to wash it down with.

He remained on the floor after taking the medicine until a hesitant, quiet knock tapped against the door. 

“Come in.” Hollem replied as he raised his tired eyes to see who it was. 

Amia slowly stepped inside, his gaze on the floor as he gently closed the door behind him. The silence that stretched between them after the lock clicked into place made Hollem’s headache strain at his mind. 

“Come here.” 

Wisely, Amia walked over, then dropped to his knees beside Hollem, head bowed. When he didn’t respond for several minutes, Hollem licked his lips and sighed. 

“Well?” He asked. 

Amia shifted nervously and bowed his head further. 

“I have no excuse, sir.” He rasped. 

Hollem watched him as he spoke. His hands were shaking and he refused to lift his head even the slightest amount. He wanted to punish him, and he likely deserved a good beating, however…

“What happened?” He asked, needing to know the full story. His mind left too many details of their later physical encounters blank. 

Amia blew out a quiet breath and sat back on his heels, finally lifting his bloodshot eyes to Hollem. “I believe that I lost myself in the drug, but at a far later time than you. I jested about you being unwise drinking it, but even with my tolerance, it still clouded my mind in the end.” 

Hollem leaned against the bed and leveled him with a glare. “What do you remember?” He asked, his patience wearing thin as his backside began to ache worse. 

Amia frowned, seemingly noticing his discomfort, because he quickly got to his feet and reached down. “I got you some good medicine that will help stop infection… I will tell you, but please lay down and use it to help?” 

Why is he suddenly being so nice? Does he honestly feel bad, or did he do it on purpose and is just trying to spare himself being hurt in retaliation? 

Either way, he couldn’t stand sitting on the thin pillow much longer, so he reached up, taking Amia’s proffered hands. It was a struggle to get back into his bed, but the fresh sheets and extra blankets the maid had added did stem some of the pain. 

“Lie on your belly, I’ll help.” Amia said as he hurried into the small washroom, only to return with a few clothes and a small basin of water. 

Hollem was hesitant to let the guy anywhere near him again, but he could barely stomach moving his lower half much. He definitely wouldn’t be of much use doing what he knew needed to be done. 

Reluctantly, he did as told. When he felt Amia’s weight depress the bed beside him, he turned his head away. “What do you remember?” He asked again, right before he felt the moist cloth gently press against his backside. 

“I… was trying to impress you, to get you to finally let me work.” Amia replied quietly as he began wiping away the dried blood Hollem knew stained his skin. 

“The evening was going well, I thought. The drugs made me eager, but I didn’t think that I’d lose myself as time went on. I remember waking you up repeatedly, and us being quite physical… but I do not remember gaining permission, or performing what I clearly must have, on you.” He said, his words growing softer as he finished speaking. 

Hollem let his mind process Amia’s words as the man cleaned his injury. He didn’t like him touching him there at all, but he ground his teeth together and bared the pain it generated. He did not want to call one of the maids to do it.

“I deserve any punishment you wish to give me.” Amia said when Hollem had remained quiet. 

Hollem hadn’t decided on what he wanted to do about the situation yet, so he stayed silent. Amia took the hint and began applying the medicine he’d bought. It felt incredibly cold and made Hollem squirm unintentionally, drawing a surprising and abrupt chuckle from Amia. 

“You find this funny?” Hollem growled, glaring over his shoulder at the guy leaning over him. 

Amia pursed his lips to keep from laughing and quickly shook his head. 

“You wouldn’t dare, right?” Hollem said sarcastically as he slowly rolled over, then sat up. 

Amia shook his head again, but Hollem could see the smile in his eyes. 

“Just help me to the bath.” He sighed, eager to wash after having been so active the previous night. 

“Alright. The medicine might wash off, but I brought plenty.” 

He was given help without a word of complaint from Amia and once settled in the cold bath, blessedly left alone. During that time, Hollem did his best to scrub himself without shifting too much. He removed the uncomfortable layer of sweat that had built up on his skin and was extra careful when he cleaned his sore backside, but didn’t mess with the specific area the medicine was applied. 

When he’d finished, he leaned his head back and closed his eyes. I should have beaten him for doing such a thing…  It didn’t feel like very long after that thought that he was being shaken awake. 

“You don’t want to fall asleep here, Hollem.” 

Amia. 

Blinking open his eyes, Hollem saw the young man’s tired face beside him where he knelt near the tub. 

“Do you need to wash?” He asked as he allowed Amia to help him get out. 

The guy shook his head as he helped Hollem back to his bed. He’d arranged the pillows against the headboard, allowing him to relax back into them without having to lay down. 

“Thank you.” Hollem said as he tugged one of the blankets over his lap. He didn’t feel great, but he did feel much better. The medicine had somewhat numbed his injury, so that was definitely helping his mood. 

He expected Amia to head downstairs, and judging from the glances he sent toward the door, he wanted to, but something was holding him back. 

“What’s wrong? I’m not going to hit you. I… did something stupid and drank the drugs. You tried to drink around them, but clearly you got enough of the dose, too. We’ll chalk this situation up to our stupidity, and not let it happen again.” Hollem said, looking Amia directly in the eyes. 

The look on the guy’s face made him raise an eyebrow. “What’s wrong, Amia?” 

Amia licked his lips and fidgeted a little. 

“Madam Maria said that while she is investigating what happened, I am not allowed to visit with my uncle and the maid who served us is not allowed to do anything besides laundry.” 

Hollem tilted his head slightly, not really understanding what he was trying to get at. The information was appreciated, but that didn’t explain his hesitation to leave. 

“And?” He asked, when Amia didn’t speak again. 

“Why did you drink the drug?” 

Not the question I was expecting. 

“So you wouldn’t?” He answered without really thinking. 

Amia frowned at his response. “But, you could have just taken the drink away or forbid me from drinking it.” 

Hollem furrowed his brow at Amia’s words. That was true, but…

“That would have been insulting to the customer.” He said, only for Amia to tilt his head. 

“But you did it before. I’ve seen you decline drinks, even after lifting them to your lips.” 

Hollem had no reply for that. He had, in fact, declined several drinks in the past month. Most drugs people tried to slip into them had a sour scent right after being mixed, so they weren’t hard to figure out. He’d also known that Amia’s drinks were likely drugged, even without smelling them. Sighing, he leaned his head back against a pillow and shrugged, closing his eyes. 

“I guess you want me to tell you that I’m just an idiot and didn’t think of it right then?” He said calmly. 

His eyes jerked open abruptly, however, when he felt soft lips brush against his own after he’d finished speaking. 

Amia was already heading for the door when Hollem’s mind managed to process what he’d just done. His mouth couldn’t figure out how to work until after the door had been closed and he was left alone, though. 

“The hell did he just do that for?”

Client

The next evening Hollem was awake bright and early, at least considering what time he needed to be up. He’d thought that Amia hadn’t returned while he’d rested, but the folded blanket that had been in the far corner was spread out and there was a worn pillow sitting on top of the fabric. It felt odd to think that he hadn’t climbed into bed, but at the same time, Hollem was glad that he’d given him some space. 

Sitting up, he yawned once, then swung his legs around the side of the bed. Standing brought a small ache to his backside, but it was easily manageable. He quickly got dressed and ready for the evening, then headed downstairs to find madam Maria. 

He had to ask one of the serving staff where she was when he couldn’t find her after twenty minutes of searching. Evidently, she had been expecting him and was waiting in one of the private meeting rooms. When he slipped inside, his eyes widened at who he saw sitting around the table with her. I don’t know if this is a bad thing or a good thing. 

The young man he’d almost bedded and his lover were there. 

“Hello, Hollem. This is the new magistrate, Kirin, and his partner, Abel.” Madam Maria said, making Hollem’s face pale as he stood there uncomfortably, too worried to come closer. 

“Oh now, come here. That was a long bit ago and you were just doing your job, even if it was a misunderstanding.” Madam Maria said as she gestured him toward the empty chair beside her and Kirin. 

Hollem was still hesitant, but he awkwardly walked over and dropped into the seat, sitting up completely rigid. He did his best to keep his eyes off of the magistrate, and especially his lover, but he knew that it was rude to completely ignore them, too. 

Why are they here and why am I here? 

He was about to ask what they were there to discuss when he heard the door creek open behind him, drawing everyone’s attention to Amia as he slipped inside, then nudged the door shut. 

“Find a seat, Amia.” Madam Maria said. 

There were no other seats. Instead of commenting after a brief glance around the table, Amia pursed his lips, then licked them as he walked over and promptly settled straddling Hollem’s left leg. 

I am not a chair. 

Madam Maria seemed perfectly fine with his choice of seating, because she leaned forward and looked at all of them. 

“I called you all here to discuss the issue that occurred the other day.” She said, making Amia glance backward at the same time Hollem looked at him with a raised eyebrow and a frown. 

“You two can keep the physical part of the issue to yourselves, but Amia, your uncle was knowingly slipping you drugs, was he not?” She asked, narrowing her eyes on Amia when he returned his attention to her. 

He was just opening his mouth to speak when she leaned forward a little more. “Don’t lie to me. I hear everything that goes on in this place… though most of the time, that’s a curse and not a blessing.” 

Amia fidgeted, but then replied with a solemn nod. “Yes. I knew that he was trying to slip me drugs.” 

Madam Maria nodded, then continued. “And you knew this since the first time he came to visit you?” 

He nodded again, but then spoke. “That waitress was in on it, though. Each time I was brought a bad drink, it was always from her. I’d seen my uncle talking to other servers, but none of the drinks they’d brought were drugged.” 

Madam Maria laughed out loud at that. “Of course they weren’t. All of my waitstaff know that I’d have their heads if I caught them drugging anyone. It is odd, though. Lauriette needed this job badly, but now she’s risking it on drugging you repeatedly.” 

It was odd. Hollem remembered how desperate she had been, but at the same time, she took to him far too quickly and strongly, too. “She needed the job. But maybe she needed the money more?” He asked, his tone thoughtful. 

Amia leaned forward, grasping Hollem’s knee between his hands for leverage. “That could make sense. My uncle has plenty of money to slip anyone willing to do what he wants.” 

Hollem reached forward, wrapping his left arm around Amia’s middle to slowly pull him backward so that his full weight wasn’t on his knee. “He has a point. I remember him saying that his uncle had offered to pretty much buy his favor, but he had refused.” 

That got everyone’s attention, but to Hollem’s surprise, Abel, the magistrate’s lover, was the one to speak first. “Why did you decline? Are you not comfortable around your uncle? If he followed you all the way here and you were not intent on sending him away, then I can only think that he’d had your affections before?” 

Hollem felt Amia squirm beneath his arm, which he’d left lightly wrapped around his middle to keep him steady. 

“Yes, we shared… physical attentions, but I am most definitely not attracted to him.” Amia replied, earning a raised eyebrow from madam Maria. 

“I highly doubt that you have been attracted to most of your clients while working as a prostitute, yet you have one you know and have spent time with offering you financial safety in return for some attention. It seems strange to decline such an offer.” She said. 

Hollem was curious, too, as to why Amia had declined the offer. Most whores dreamed of the day that someone would take them away from their life and treat them well. Perhaps it was Amia’s dream, too, but not with his uncle? 

Amia was quiet for a few moments as he thought over her words. When he spoke, he did so with a shrug of his shoulders. “I don’t think that he’s willing to provide the safety I want in such a situation.” 

His response drew a frown to Hollem’s lips, catching madam Maria’s attention unintentionally. She raised an eyebrow at him but he disregarded it. 

“Alright. I’m glad that you declined his offer, if that’s your reasoning. I must say that I agree with you, too. If he is willing to try and drug you, whether by using someone else or with his own hand, I do not want you around him.” 

Amia tilted his head, likely about to speak, when madam Maria lifted a hand to silence him. 

“You are one of my own, now. If you are uncomfortable around someone, I want you nowhere near them any longer. That is it.” She stated with finality before turning her attention to the magistrate and his love. 

“Now then, I do believe that Lauriette and Amia’s uncle aren’t the only ones in on this issue. You gave me a new maid a while ago, and while she’s been working somewhat well, she still doesn’t make me feel like I should trust her.” 

Kirin nodded as he leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms over his chest. As if on cue, Abel grasped onto his left arm with a hand, clearly not even thinking about the gesture, since he was completely focused on the conversation. For some reason, Hollem’s own hand slid slightly beneath Amia’s shirt to press against his belly and nudge him the slightest bit further into his lap. 

“She is a nasty one. You’ve been doing a wonderful job keeping an eye on her though, madam. We appreciate your help with this punishment.” Kirin said, earning a wave of madam Maria’s hand in response. 

“It is quite alright. I needed another basic worker and you pulled through. She doesn’t look half bad when she’s not scowling, too.” 

Abel chuckled. “I’m glad she’s finally being useful instead of stalking after lord Rule.” 

Lord Rule? Was that what she was accused of to be sent here? Stalking? 

“Oh yes, I remember you telling me of those things she did. Poor boy got pretty badly hurt.” Madam Maria said, earning a nod from both Kirin and Abel. 

“The two lords have been looking after him a bit too well, and refuse to let him wander much, but I can’t blame them. I might have tied Abel down more than a few times when he’d gotten hurt…” Kirin mumbled, ending his sentence quietly, likely considering that he was the magistrate and shouldn’t be talking about subduing anyone in such a manner. 

“Anyways, I’d like for you to keep a close eye on her, as well as Amia’s uncle and Lauriette. I think Matilda is sitting behind this somehow, but I don’t want to give away that we’re looking at her, too. I also want to find a motive, because as it stands, we have nothing but her scheming past to link her to this.” Kirin said. 

Hollem couldn’t really see how Matilda had messed up while with them, but her history definitely didn’t sit well with him from what little he’d heard of it. He wanted her nowhere near Amia, that was for sure. 

“Don’t hurt him, Hollem.” 

Blinking, Hollem relaxed his tense arm around Amia’s waist and looked away from madam Maria’s awkward stare. 

“Lauriette has a thing for Hollem, though.” Amia said, clearly ignoring Hollem’s too-tight arm around his waist. 

Madam Maria raised an eyebrow, but didn’t seem too happy. “She does, but at the same time, I’m confused as to why. Again, she joined us because she desperately needed the money. She is barely allowed to take clients because she is so new, yet she’s risking her job by causing problems with both of you.” 

Sighing, Kirin nodded, then stood from the table. Abel followed him up, the look in his eyes reminding Hollem of a puppy that was waiting quietly for its master’s attention. “We’ll come back in a few days to see how things are going but until then, please be sure to stay away from your uncle, Amia. And if either of you get drugged again, contact me immediately.” 

Amia slipped from his lap, allowing Hollem to stand and offer a hand for Kirin to shake. “Alright.” He said with a small smile. 

“Madam Maria?” Kirin said as he turned his attention to her after releasing Hollem’s hand. 

It didn’t seem like he needed to tell her anything, because as she stood, she began speaking. “You want me to send Matilda out on more errands to see if her influence dwindles and the issues come to a halt or change?” 

Kirin smirked and nodded as he settled a hand on Abel’s hair gently. “Yes. If anything changes, please let me know.” 

Madam Maria grinned and nodded. “We will. Would you two like a personal room while you’re here?” She asked, raising an eyebrow at their random touches. 

Kirin looked ready to accept her offer immediately, but Abel just chuckled and shook his head. “One of our elderly friends is visiting and she does not give us much time to be alone together, but we will manage. She returns to her home in a few days.” 

“A few days? She has outstayed her welcome by more than three weeks already.” Kirin said, exasperated. 

Abel just leaned up and pressed a kiss to his scowling lips. “She is going to the market this afternoon, so if we make haste, we will have plenty of time. You know how she likes to dawdle over every little thing there.” 

The look on Kirin’s face when Abel whispered that to him told everyone in the room what was on his mind as he grabbed Abel’s hand tightly and practically ran out the door. 

“Well, they were a bundle of horny nerves.” Madam Maria said as she walked around the table, watching him and Amia with a knowing smile. 

Hollem looked away, then awkwardly stepped toward the door. “Amia.” Madam Maria called as the younger man began following Hollem out. 

He paused and turned, making Hollem hesitate with his hand on the door handle. 

“How would you like a client for the evening?” 

No! 

Amia ran over to madam Maria and grabbed her hands, nearly hopping with excited. “Really!” He shouted. The smile on his face was disconcerting, though Hollem wasn’t sure why it would be. He’s finally getting his shot to prove himself to madam, since he’d clearly proven himself to Hollem, whether he would have admitted it out loud or not. 

“Yes, really. We have a new client today that’s requested a cute boy, and since Hollem isn’t exactly cute and doesn’t bottom…” 

Amia frowned, looking back at him for a moment, then returned his attention to madam Maria. “What do you mean? He’s really cute.” 

I’m… not sure if that was a compliment or insult. 

“Well, maybe if he got rid of the beard. Then he’d be adorable.” Amia added, making Hollem roll his eyes and absentmindedly scratch the dark scruff on his chin. 

Nothing’s wrong with my beard and I don’t want to look cute. He thought as he turned and practically stomped out of the room. For some reason, his mood just continued to sour as he worked through his evening appointments. It took twice the amount of effort to force himself into the person his clients wanted to have in bed. 

By the time he was finally finished with his last appointment, Amia had already been sent up to bed. He’d kept tabs on him whenever he’d seen him, but when he had disappeared for roughly an hour… Shaking his head, Hollem locked up the building and checked on all of the employees before heading up to bed. It was close to nine in the morning when he pushed the door to his room open. 

Amia? 

The guy was sitting on his bed, his shirt off as he leaned forward in thought, arms balance on his knees. 

“Amia?” Hollem questioned as he gently shut the door, then walked over to stand in front of him. 

Amia’s head snapped up, then he jumped to his feet, only to stumble a little. Hollem grabbed his shoulders to steady him, but didn’t release them once Amia was standing fine. 

“What are you doing up so late?” He asked curiously. He should have been asleep a while ago. 

Instead of replying, Amia slid his hand into one of Hollem’s, removing it from his shoulder in the process before tugging him toward the washroom. “I had them make you a bath, but the water has long since gone cold.” He said quietly. 

They stopped beside the bathtub, but Hollem didn’t let Amia turn around to leave. His arms wrapped around his chest and tugged him back against his own. When his nose dipped down to the crook of Amia’s neck, the scent of someone else filled his senses. 

“…you didn’t bathe.” He stated simply, already frustrated with that fact, though he knew he shouldn’t have been. It wasn’t very common to bathe so often, but he tended to do so a lot because of his profession. 

“I wanted you to do it first.” Amia said quietly. 

Hollem sighed as he slid his hands down along Amia’s belly. They slipped into his loose trousers without hesitation, making the guy shudder against him. Instead of grasping the increasingly hard item in Amia’s pants, Hollem just calmly slid the clothing from his hips until it pooled around his ankles. 

They remained that way until Amia relaxed back against Hollem’s chest and sighed, nuzzling his cheek against his rough beard. 

“I’m sorry.” 

Hollem lifted his hands from Amia’s hips to settled one against his belly and the other beneath his chin, tilting it up so that their mouths could meet in a hesitant brush of lips. 

Everything had become increasingly muddled in his mind since Amia had showed up like a stray dog at his doorstep. A frustratingly cocky, annoying, touchy, stray dog. 

Why am I so mad that someone else had him? 

He couldn’t argue with himself anymore that he was pissed, because his mood had gotten worse and worse over the evening and early morning after hearing that Amia had a client. And now, smelling another man on him…

“I hope you have energy left over.” He said as he quickly removed his clothing and stepped into the bath, then lifted Amia inside with him. They barely fit with Amia sitting nearly completely on top of him, but he’d be damned if he wasn’t going to scrub the guy’s body until it was red… but before that. He was going to touch him every single place that other man had, and that may or may not involve splashing a good amount of water out of the tub over the next hour or so.

Tips

The next several days were hectic, to say the least. Most of Hollem’s time was spent making up hours with clients and Amia was not happy about it. 

“He’s already back in his work room? He only just got out! I’ve been waiting on him like a nurse these past few days with how much he’s been working.” He complained, frowning at madam Maria’s simple raised eyebrow. 

“He’s doing his job, Amia, unlike a certain lad standing in front of me, complaining.” 

Amia scowled, bristling like a stray cat. “I’ve been doing what you’ve been telling me to, but why can’t I get another client? I did well, right? He even came back and asked for me, but you declined him.” 

Madam Maria sighed, setting down the piece of paper she had been reading to look up at him. “You are damn lucky Hollem didn’t notice the bruises that man left on you, Amia. Of course I declined him a second meeting. One reason was because of those bruises, and the other was because you either let him do such a thing, or didn’t report it when he went against your will and hurt you in such a way.” 

Amia looked away for only a moment before his narrowed gaze returned to the mistress. “I know that we have several workers here that become bruised by clients sometimes.” He stated, holding his head a little higher. 

Instead of replying right away, madam Maria set her paper down and stood up from her desk. Walking around it, she easily looked down on him with the added height she got from her heeled shoes. 

“I will only say this once, so heed my words carefully. Yes, there are some of my workers that I trust to handle difficult customers, but under no circumstances, what so ever, will you ever be one of them. Am I making myself clear, Amia?” 

He wanted to argue, because at his old job, he’d been the one to handle most of the more dominant clients, but he bit his tongue at the last second, then took a few more moments to calm down before he replied with a nod. “Yes ma’am.” 

“Good, now that that’s taken care of. Tonight you’ll be serving guests as a waiter and if your help is needed behind the bar, there, too. Lauriette and Matilda are both on an errand this evening, so you shouldn’t run into them.”

Amia couldn’t help frowning, but nodded. When she didn’t say anymore and just returned to her desk, he turned and started for the door, only to here her call him when he reached for the handle. 

“By the way, you may keep all of the tips you garner tonight, so do your best. They can get quite hefty if you can get a good amount of drink into the patrons.” 

His face lit up at what she said, actually making him eager to work hard at the simple job. 

“By the way, Hollem loves fried eggs and ham.” She added, making Amia pause his previous thoughts. 

“What? Why would that matter?” He stuttered out, rubbing a hand against the back of his neck without realizing it. 

Madam Maria smiled and shook her head slowly, lifting a hand to point one perfectly manicured finger at him. “I run a house of love, lad. It might never be reciprocated, and most of it sure as hell isn’t pure, but you, Amia… The moment you saw my Hollem you wanted him. You hid it well, and very quickly, but I know what I saw and I’m sure that’s why you started driving him mad right after you two met.” 

Amia couldn’t find any words to say in response. Did he love Hollem? His dick was amazing and he knew how to use it incredibly well. He also was the most handsome man he’d laid his eyes on, and gotten laid by, since he could remember. 

Do I love him? 

“Now now, don’t overthink things. You need to focus on doing well tonight, so be on your way, Amia. And if you wish before you head up to bed, you can slip the cook a coin or two and he might just make you two a nice meal of your choice if you ask politely.” 

He wasn’t sure what to add to that and after a moment, she shooed him away. Not wanting to linger amid the awkward silence, Amia hurried from the room and got an apron from behind the bar. 

His shift didn’t exactly go as planned, considering his mind was elsewhere due to madam Maria’s words and he was fumbling with drinks and tripping himself over and over, but somehow, the patrons tipped him higher than he’d ever seen. It could have been that he never did actually spill a drink, managing to catch whatever he dropped before it could hit the ground, even while tripping, but he definitely didn’t complain. 

By the time he finished his shift, his pockets were quite heavy. He couldn’t keep the grin off his face as he returned his apron to the shelf behind the bar and hurried into the kitchen. 

The chef was cleaning up, considering it was getting close to closing and the bouncer responsible for clearing out the last few patrons and checking on the girls when Hollem wasn’t available was already walking about, so Amia hurried to fish out two coins from his pocket and offer them up. 

“Could you please make me something?” 

He wasn’t sure the guy would do it since he was just looking from him, to the coins, then back to him with narrowed eyes. Thankfully though, after a few awkward moments, he took the two items and shoved them into his pocket, then reached up for one of his drying frying pans. 

“What’ll it be?” He asked in a tired tone. 

Not wanting to keep him waiting, Amia quickly replied. “Fried eggs and ham, please.” 

The guy’s hand froze as he reached for some butter, his head turning to look back at him with a raised eyebrow. 

“…did master Hollem send you down here to get supper?” He asked. 

Amia was surprised that the man knew what Hollem liked, but then he realized that he shouldn’t be. 

“Yes, sir. He’s been very tired recently and I’m just ending my shift.” Amia said, not feeling a need to tell him that it was his idea to get the food. Or, well, madam Maria’s, but it was his money paying for the cook to make it. 

The older man simply grunted and turned back to the stove. He was quite quick and knew exactly what he was doing, moving about the kitchen without any issue. Amia did his best to stay out of the way. 

His stomach was rumbling loudly from the smell by the time the food was done. It looked absolutely delicious, too, and there was definitely enough for him and Hollem to eat as much as they’d like. The moment it was all piled onto a plate and two forks were handed to him, he ran from the kitchen, yelling his thanks before he headed straight upstairs. 

Without bothering to knock, Amia pushed the door open and slid inside the room, then nudged it closed with his foot. He was just about to open his mouth and say something when he noticed that Hollem was asleep in their bed. 

The candle on the nightstand was still lit, though, so he must have drifted off and forgotten about it. 

Not the best idea. 

Walking over, he set the large plate down on the wooden surface, then stepped back to sit down on the edge of the bed. Hollem was deliciously without a shirt, but the different marks marring his skin didn’t sit well with him. 

Licking his lips, Amia leaned down to press them against the faint bruises. Each one got a kiss, but right before he could press his mouth to the last one just above Hollem’s abdomen, his head was gently lifted and guided upward. When his lips met Hollem’s, he didn’t hesitate to kiss him back. He was hungry for the food he’d brought, but he was also starving for the man lying before him. 

They quickly removed each other’s remaining clothing as Amia positioned himself above Hollem. The man was ready the moment his undergarments came off, so Amia gladly sank down onto him with a content sigh. He knew that Hollem was exhausted, so he decided to do all of the work for him and just watched eagerly as the man’s face quickly showed how pleased he was as his head tilted back and he moaned loudly. 

There was no time wasted in the exchange, and soon enough, both of them were absolutely spent. Hollem ended up pushing himself back to sit against the wall the bed was tucked against, then pulling Amia into his naked lap. The simple skin on skin contact had A stirring between his legs again already, but when Hollem carefully pulled the little nightstand next to the bed and offered Amia a fork, he smiled and, after stealing one final kiss, accepted the utensil and began eating. 

They remained comfortably silent as they ate. It was a bit awkward for Hollem to eat since he had to use his left hand with him in his lap, but Amia was quite happy that he was allowed to stay cuddled against him as they enjoyed their meal. 

“Get some rest, Amia.” 

Blinking open his eyes, Amia realized that he’d fallen asleep against Hollem at some point. He tried to sit up, but his body refused to listen. He was also tucked into their bed, so instead, he did his best to blink the sleep from his blurry vision in order to see what Hollem was doing. 

He found him standing by the window, fastening the little curtain up to block out the morning sun. 

“You aren’t leaving already, are you?” He asked, his voice rough with sleep. 

Hollem smiled and shook his head, then leaned over and blew out the dwindling candle before climbing into bed and scooting under the blankets so that he could pull Amia into his arms. 

“Leave early and give up on sleep?” He said against Amia’s ear before nibbling it a little. 

Amia gave out a quiet audible sigh as he snuggled in closer, then chuckled a bit. 

“My bad, you would never get up early if you could sleep more.”

He heard Hollem give a faint sound of agreement, then silence took over. Pretty soon, he could hear Hollem’s breathing even out and the soft brush of his breath as it ghosted over his hair in even increments.

Right before he drifted off, himself, Amia remembered what madam Maria had told him. His mind started going off in all different directions concerning how he could possibly love Hollem, but he quickly put a stop to the thoughts and made himself focus by counting each breath the man took. He fell asleep not too long afterward, his own breathing matching Hollem’s nearly perfectly.

Planning

(Thanks for your patience <3)

“You’re scaring me, Amia. Since when are you so excited about fetching the day’s food? And pulling the cart, no less.” Hollem asked as he walked alongside the other man. 

He had made such a big deal out of doing the task before, and had even hurt himself in the process. Yet he was adamant about doing it that morning. 

“Just fill it up already. I swear we’ve passed at least six vendors we normally buy produce from already.” Amia said, drawing a slight grin from Hollem before he could hide it. 

“I saw that. You’re totally messing with me right now.” Amia grumbled, dropping the cart so that he could turn toward Hollem and cross his arms. 

“Why don’t you do it if you think it’s fun to pull the cart around in this heat?” He said. 

Hollem couldn’t keep from chuckling. Amia looked like a small child throwing a temper tantrum because he had to do some menial chore. Granted, the cart was heavy, even empty, but with the wheels on the back of it, it surely wouldn’t wear someone out so quickly. 

“There might be a piece licorice at the end of this terrible day if you work hard.” Hollem said with a raised eyebrow. 

Amia rolled his eyes, but picked up the two wooden handles for the cart anyways and began walking again. 

“Yeah, right. I know that the two vendors that have it are sold out. We passed them both.” 

Because I bought them all earlier before I came back to get you for this errand. 

It had drained a good chunk of his savings for the week, but he was starting to like seeing Amia smile more than he wanted to admit. He could definitely make him happy by using his body, but for some reason, he wanted to find other methods, too. 

I think my mind is sick. 

“Why are you just staring at me? If you walk that way, you’re going to trip or bump into someone.” Amia said, snapping Hollem out of his thoughts just in time to return his attention to where he was going… which was nearly right into a large man pulling a small cart of cow manure.  

He stopped just time to keep himself clean, but he could hear Amia snickering to his right and cut the guy a sideways glance.

“Oh come on. That would have been hilarious. I should have let you walk into it.” He said. 

Should I eat all of those treats I bought? Hollem asked himself as he glared down at the dusty ground. 

“Oh, don’t be like that. You know I love you.” Amia said as he set down the cart and leaned over, pressing a quick kiss to Hollem’s cheek before picking the handles back up and starting to walk again. 

Does he have any idea what he just said? Was that a mistake? 

Hurrying after him, Hollem split his attention between where they were going and Amia’s expressions and body language, but the guy didn’t seem uneasy at all. 

Had he actually meant that? 

That question was buzzing around his head as they finally stopped at several different produce stands to buy what was on the list madam Maria had given them from the head chef. The cart soon got weighed down to the point that Amia was actually struggling a little. 

I can see you holding back showing that it’s taking a lot of effort to move that. Why don’t you just ask for help?

Of course, he knew that he wouldn’t. He’d complain that he had to do it, but he wouldn’t ask to split the work. 

Amia was panting hard by the time they got to the fishmonger by the docks, and once their purchase was loaded up, the look on his face told Hollem that he was now honestly dreading pulling the cart back uphill toward the brothel. 

Shaking his head, he decided to give the guy a break and grabbed one of the handles. “Come on, let’s head back.” 

Amia gave a relieved sigh and was just reaching for the handle when he paused, turning his head slowly as if he were watching something. 

Curious, Hollem let go of the one he was holding and followed his gaze. Lauriette? He knew that she had no errand work today and was supposed to be with Matilda cleaning the bed linens…

“Are you surprised to see Lauriette out and about? And at the rat poison dealer, no less.” Amia asked, not a hint of enthusiasm in his voice. 

Clucking his tongue once in distaste, Hollem shook his head and grabbed hold of the handle he had previously held. 

“Let’s get back and talk to madam Maria. If I’m not mistaken, that rat poison is not being bought to handle the rat problem we don’t have.” He said as Amia hurried to pick up his handle and they turned the cart around. 

He knew that she shouldn’t be able to obtain the poison if she didn’t have a letter from the owner of the establishment, meaning madam Maria, but a simple handwritten letter was easy to forge. 

The moment they got back Hollem had Amia stay with the cart to help unload it, much to his frustration, and headed straight for madam Maria’s office. He liked being around the man, but the poison was a big deal, and madam Maria didn’t need to hear the same thing from two mouths. 

He knocked once, then opened the door and stepped inside. Madam Maria sat behind her desk, a large stack of papers before her that she was clearly in the middle of reading. 

“What is it, Hollem? I’m quite busy for once.” She said with a raised eyebrow and a lack of patience. 

Hollem hurried over to the table and pulled out a chair, taking a seat as he started talking. 

“Amia and I were at the market and saw Lauriette at the poison dealer.” 

Madam Maria didn’t respond right away and instead looking down and licked her lips in thought. 

“We have no rodent problem… Was Amia’s uncle with her, by chance? I know that she wasn’t supposed to be out on an errand today, either.” She said. 

Hollem shook his head. “No, he wasn’t with her from what we could see. The market was quite busy, though. He could have been somewhere nearby and we would have been none the wiser.” He replied. 

“I’m assuming that you two headed back here right away when you saw her buying it to tell me, so she has not returned yet?” Madam Maria asked. 

Hollem nodded, glancing over her shoulder briefly out of reflex. 

“She might be back by now. I’m worried that she’s going to hide that poison before we get a chance to catch it.” He said. 

Madam Maria nodded, crossing her arms on her desk to lean forward. “That, or she’s going to give it to Matilda or Amia’s uncle. Either way, I want you to wait outside for her. Bring that poison, Hollem.” 

Nodding, Hollem quickly got up and excused himself. The cart was nearly unloaded by the time he stepped back outside, and conveniently enough, he could see Lauriette walking toward them in the distance. 

When she was close enough to notice him, she simply smiled and stopped right in front of him.

“Good morning, Hollem.” She greeted, almost as if she knew that he was there specifically for her. 

When she lifted her hand to try and touch his chest, he stepped aside and offered a forced smile. 

“Hello, Lauriette, I’ve been told to ask you something.” He said, his words making her tilt her head slightly. 

“What would that be, Hollem?” She asked. 

You’re faking being clueless. No one goes to get rat poison illegally and doesn’t worry about getting caught. 

“What were you buying at the rat poison dealer earlier?” He asked, getting straight to the point. He was also watching her expression, and she didn’t disappoint. 

It definitely wasn’t intentional, but she let her surprise slip for a second before covering it up with a confused smile. 

“I don’t understand, Hollem. What reason would I need to procure rat poison? We do not have a rat problem.” She said. “Perhaps it was another person who looked similar to me?” 

Now I know that you are lying. You are far too vain to ever compare yourself to another. 

“I am quite sure that you were specifically identified. Would you please empty your pockets, madam?” He asked with false patience. 

She seemed a little surprised, but did as told. There was very little in them, and none of it was remotely close to being rat poison. Hollem was just opening his mouth to tell her to slip off her shoes when Matilda appeared beside them and grabbed Lauriette’s elbow. 

“There you are. Where did you go? We have mounds of laundry to clean and you suddenly disappeared. Come now, let’s get to work.” She said, hurrying lauriette toward the door. 

Hollem scowled and reached for Lauriette, but she surprisingly stopped on her own and turned toward him. “One moment, madam.” She said as she quickly slipped off her shoes, then picked them up to turn them upside down. 

You’ve got it hidden somewhere else, then. 

Unable to legally search any other places, especially in broad daylight… and honestly not wishing to, Hollem nodded for her to follow Matilda inside. She gave him a quick bow and after slipping her shoes back on, hurried after the other woman. 

“She either slipped it to my uncle before getting here, or is hiding it somewhere neither of us want to look.” Amia said, making Hollem jump when he suddenly appeared beside him. 

The uncle made the most sense, but either way, he needed to report it to madam Maria. 

“Go ahead and get back to bed. I’ll be up in a few minutes.” He said, mussing up Amia’s hair enough to make him swat at him and spit a few foul words before running back inside. 

Cute. 

The guy would be relentless when he made it upstairs… and he was starting to look forward to when he got so wound up. 

Licking his lips, Hollem returned to Madam Maria’s office and slipped inside. She glanced up at him, but didn’t speak, since it was obvious that he had come to report to her. 

“She did not have it on her anywhere I could search. My money would be on her having passed it off to Amia’s uncle, though Matilda came out to get her specifically and tried to interrupt my search…” 

Madam Maria nodded, rubbing her chin as she thought through her next words. What she said a few moments later wasn’t what Hollem had expected, though. 

“Come evening, take your little trouble maker lad and head for the magistrate’s place to report what happened. It shouldn’t take you more than a day, but the person I normally send out for messages is currently busy with another task outside of the brothel.” 

Furrowing his brow, Hollem was about to argue that he was the main bouncer in case things got out of hand, but she waved off his concern. 

“Don’t worry. I’m training a new man so it will be a good test.” 

A new guy?

“Besides, I can do the morning check, so with him trained up, that will give you more time to rest after busy nights.” 

He would definitely appreciate that. 

“Alright. I assume I’m not scheduled for anyone this evening, then?” He asked, getting a shake of madam Maria’s head in response. 

“And I’ll keep an eye on Matilda and Lauriette until you’re back. Amia’s uncle will not be allowed on the premises while you are away, too.” She said, giving Hollem at least a little reassurance that things won’t get bad while he and Amia were gone. 

“Alright. I’m going to head back upstairs and pack some things, then get some sleep.” He said, turning to leave. 

“Hollem, you and I both know that you are going to bed that lad until both of you are too exhausted to move. Just don’t wear yourselves out, it’s a long ride to the magistrate’s home and I doubt he wishes to ride in a saddle with a raw backside.” She said before making a shewing gesture with her hand, dismissing him. 

Grumbling under his breath, Hollem rolled his eyes at the door and exited. Amia would verbally beat him for refusing to bed him, but madam Maria had a point. 

Maybe just once… or twice. 

By the time he started up the stairs, he knew that Amia would love him today, but hate him tomorrow. 

I think I’m getting addicted to him. 

And that was saying something for a whore who had sex with plenty of beautiful and sweet young men and women for a living. 

At least I have all of those candies. I’ll probably need them all for tomorrow…

Talk Back

“I’m going to kill you.” 

I am unsurprised by this statement. Hollem thought as he awkwardly finished walking the horse they would be taking over to Amia. 

It wasn’t exactly entirely his fault that the guy was limping slightly. Amia had asked, continuously, to make love throughout the evening and early morning. He’d tried to warn Amia that they had to head somewhere come morning, but the young man would hear none of it. 

“You could have at least said that we’d be riding a horse! And for the entire damned day!” He shouted, making Hollem wince as they drew curious eyes from those who worked at the stable they were renting the horse from. 

They’d originally planned to take two, but madam Maria wasn’t the best at preparing for things, especially when they were so sudden. 

“You gave me little chance.” Hollem replied, though he knew that he deserved to be yelled at. 

Amia’s face was turning red as he stomped over and snatched the reigns from Hollem’s hand, then shook them at him. 

“You couldn’t say; Amia, we’re riding a horse tomorrow?” He ground out, making Hollem flinch a little. “Maybe I shouldn’t fuck you into next year so that you wouldn’t be miserable for the entirety of the trip?” 

I should have found more candy. 

But then again, Amia had only eaten a few pieces before realizing that they weren’t going to stop the pulsing ache Hollem had left in his rear. He’d nearly thrown the little disks at him, but had thought better of it at the last second, deciding instead to stash the remainder of them away for when they returned. 

Rubbing nervously at the back of his neck, Hollem licked his lips and looked down at his boots. He’d already apologized, though he knew that it wasn’t enough. He’d let himself get carried away and hadn’t bothered to tell Amia what was going to happen come morning because he knew that he’d likely cut their activities short. 

“You know what? You will be going on your own. I don’t care if I’m supposed to accompany you or not. You deserve to deal with this task by yourself.” Amia said as he threw the reigns at Hollem and stomped back inside. 

Madam Maria will laugh herself to death if she finds out what has happened. 

Giving a frustrated sigh, Hollem looked toward one of the stable workers, noticing that he quickly looked away. I know you were listening in. Walking up to him, he offered the horse’s reigns back. 

“Do you have a carriage available to rent, by chance?” It was going to cost him a damn good bit of his weekly salary, but he knew that Amia wouldn’t come if he had to ride the horse, and he couldn’t blame him. 

The way the man’s face lit up as he took the reigns told Hollem that he was indeed going to regret last night’s decision. 

“Absolutely, sir. We happen to have just one left.” The young man said with an enthusiasm that Hollem definitely didn’t share. 

The fee to rent the carriage, along with the two horses mandatory to pull it, nearly made him dizzy. The little bit of coin madam Maria had given him for the one simple horse did little to help. 

The next time I let myself think with the wrong head I’m going to shoot myself in the foot. Literally. 

Reluctantly, he handed over most of the coins in his pocket and told the man to have the carriage ready for him in twenty minutes. Running back to the brothel, he ducked inside and hurried to their room, taking out some of his spare money and adding Amia’s pack he’d thrown on the bed to his own, before heading back downstairs to find him. 

The guy was already standing behind the bar area, serving a drink to a patron, even though he wasn’t scheduled to work. 

“Amia. Let’s go.” He said, his voice stern as he nodded toward the door. 

When Amia just ignored him, he scowled, biting his tongue due to all the curious eyes on them. Hefting the sack he was bringing with him over his shoulder a little higher, he walked around the bar and grabbed Amia’s wrist. 

“We’re leaving, and you have no say in the matter. Now don’t make a scene and let’s go.” He growled as quietly as he could. 

He wanted to tell him that he’d rented them an actual carriage so that he didn’t have to ride a horse, but the guy was already getting under his skin with him starting to work right away, and ignoring him, when they should be on their way to the magistrate’s already. 

“Let go of me!” Amia snarled quietly as he did his best to pull away from him. 

You’re not getting away from me, brat. It helped that he was easily a good twenty or thirty pounds heavier than Amia, though it was mostly all muscle and a few extra inches to his height. 

“We were given a task and we are going to complete it. We. Meaning both of us.” He said as he pulled Amia out of the building and toward the renting stables. 

“I will not ride a horse!” Amia said as he yanked particularly hard on his arm, trying his best to free himself, though Hollem wouldn’t have it. 

When they were close to the stables, Hollem yanked Amia into a nearby alley and stepped into his space. “We are not riding a horse, so just behave and let’s go. We’re already behind as it is.” 

Before Amia could reply he was being pulled back out of the alley and toward a waiting carriage. Thankfully, the vehicle at least looked in good shape and both of the horses hitched to it were clearly well taken care of. 

When they finally stopped beside it, Hollem watched Amia’s face turn from anger to confusion before looking up at him. “We were riding that little horse…” He said, clearly not understanding how the brown mare from before had transformed into a horse-drawn carriage. 

“Well, now we’re riding this. Can you get up or do I need to lift you?” He said, sarcasm clear in his tone. 

He got a glare from Amia before the lad started climbing up, but then stopped and looked over his shoulder. “I left my things up in our room.” 

“I got them already.” Hollem said.

Amia looked like he was about to scold him, likely for possibly stealing his things if he hadn’t ended up going, but Hollem just rolled his eyes skyward and walked forward, shoving Amia’s backside to send him stumbling into the carriage. 

He tossed their bag in afterward, then climbed up to the slightly padded driver’s seat. Before he could even get them on their way, however, Amia was sliding onto the bench seat beside him. Hollem didn’t look at him right away and instead grabbed the reigns so that they could finally start on their journey. 

“Why didn’t you just tell me that you got a carriage? But wait, you’d said madam Maria only gave you money for the one horse…” Amia said, confusing himself again. 

Hollem relaxed against the uncomfortable backrest and after making sure that the horses were following the road, turned his attention to Amia. 

“She did.” He said simply, then remained silent as he watched the gears turn in Amia’s head. 

He hadn’t expected the reaction he finally got when the guy figured out what he’d done. Amia jumped up, making Hollem immediately freak out, because the road definitely wasn’t the smoothest, and standing up on a carriage was not smart in any way. 

“The hell are you doing?” He yelled as he shoved the reigns into his left hand and wrapped his right arm around Amia’s waist, pulling him quickly back down. 

He landed right in Hollem’s lap, but refused to scoot off of it. 

“I need to drive, Amia.” He warned as he moved his head to the side so that he could see around him. 

Ignoring his words, Amia turned in his lap, getting comfortable before speaking. “Why did you rent this? You didn’t need me to come with you. It would have probably been a much easier trip if I wasn’t here.” 

He couldn’t argue that fact. Amia did tend to make things more complicated, or at least make him exhausted in more ways than one. 

“I guess I just wanted company.” He said with a nonchalant shrug as he refocused half of his attention where they were going. 

Amia was quiet for a few moments before he replied. “You paid likely triple what you would have for the single horse, if not more for this because I wouldn’t ride the horse.” 

No one wants to hear your logic. Hollem thought as he flicked his wrists, the reigns tapping the horses lightly to signal that he wanted them to move a little faster. 

“Did you get this carriage so that you didn’t have to go alone?” Amia asked, nudging an elbow into Hollem’s belly. 

“I just didn’t want to be uncomfortable. I rarely ride horses or travel, so being on that small horse for nearly a day there and a day back wouldn’t have been pleasant.” He said simply. 

The scoff he got from Amia in response made him scowl as he tugged the reigns to the left, turning the horses along a curve in the road. 

“Just admit it. You rented this carriage so that my amazing self, and only myself, could accompany you on this trip.” Amia said with a cocky smirk. 

Hollem considered trying to lie again, but Amia was sharper than most people. So, instead, he let his ego deflate a little and looked the guy straight in the eyes. They were so close that, if he moved forward just ever so slightly, their noses would brush together. 

“I rented this carriage so that you would come with me because I was worried that if you stayed behind, something might have happened and I wouldn’t have been there to keep you safe.” 

Amia opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out.

Hollem returned his attention to the road, noticing that Amia didn’t take his eyes off of his for nearly fifteen minutes. When he finally did, he carefully slid from his lap to sit beside him, then reached up to slip a small licorice disk between Hollem’s lips. I don’t like licorice…  Amia leaned against him afterward, then settled his head upon his shoulder and closing his eyes. 

Catching up on missed sleep. Punk.

When Amia didn’t move or speak again for a short while, Hollem grudgingly ate the unpleasant treat. For some reason, it tasted better than the ones he’d had before, though he doubted that any others would be similar… unless, perhaps, Amia offered them to him.

Careful with Words

Hollem couldn’t have been more pleased with his decision to rent the carriage. The horse would have, indeed, been an unpleasant ride for the entirety of the journey, especially with two people on its back. Not to mention a certain one would have been complaining the whole time, too. 

Not that he could have faulted Amia for it, but as he lifted his eyes to the slowly darkening sky above his head, he couldn’t help but feel relaxed. It was a little cool outside, but the sun had warmed his skin just enough to remain comfortable. 

Amia was still snoring quietly beside him, and while he desperately needed to relieve himself, he couldn’t find it in him to wake the guy so that he could move. They were nearly to the magistrate’s house, at least, and just had a few more hills left from what he was told of the directions. 

The large apple orchard madam Maria had spoken about came into view a few minutes later, the trees dotted with oddly colored green, red, and sometimes mixed, fruits. 

I’ve never seen a green apple before… He wondered as he reached up, barely managing to grab one hanging from a low branch. It snapped from its holding with little effort, falling into his palm as the horses continued on their way. 

At least it would have likely fallen before it could have been harvested. He thought as he lifted the fruit to his mouth to try a small bite. His brow scrunched at the sour taste it gave, making him think that it wasn’t ripe. 

It shouldn’t have come off the branch so easily if it wasn’t ready, though. It also looked fully formed and there were no visible issues with it…

“Let me see that.” 

Amia’s words made Hollem jump slightly, having not heard him wake up. Not really caring for the odd fruit, he handed it over right away, then watched as Amia sniffed the small portion he’d bitten off, then took a bite himself. He expected Amia to spit it out right away, but when his eyebrows rose with interest and he took another bite, Hollem frowned. 

“You actually like that? Surely it’s not ripe. You will get a stomach ache if you eat it.” He warned, earning a chuckle from Amia as the lad lifted the apple toward him slightly. 

“The magistrate brought a bushel of these the last time he visited. This one is definitely ripe, and pretty delicious.” He said, making Hollem shake his head. 

“Why would he grow an apple that is sour instead of sweet? Surely the sweet ones are preferred.” 

Amia shrugged at that before taking another bite, then promptly talking with his mouth full. “He said he wanted to see if it could be done.” 

That made no sense to him, but to each their own, he supposed. If it made the man happy to desecrate perfectly good apples and turn them into such sour things, who was he to judge? 

“They are actually quite delicious when cooked. It takes away some of the tart flavor and brings back a decent bit of the sweetness.” Amia said as he continued to work on the apple in silence. 

Hollem wasn’t sure if he wanted to ruin other food by risking cooking such an odd apple with it, but maybe he would try it when they got back if the chef was keen on the idea. He also hadn’t seen the odd apples at the brothel at all, so they must have sold out quickly and been well received. 

“Mmmphfh.” Amia said as they rounded a corner at the crest of a hill and began descending, his arm lifting to point toward a large house far back beside a forest. 

“Indeed. I agree. That must be the magistrate’s home.” Hollem said, grinning as Amia elbowed him lightly in the side. 

They took a very brief to stop relieve themselves away from the orchard before finally making their way to the house. There was only a small old woman visible when they pulled up who was sweeping away on the front porch. 

When their horses came to a stop, she lifted her head and squinted at them, her eyes narrowing on Hollem first, before giving Amia the same look. 

“Why do I feel like she’s sizing us up for a fight that we might not win?” Amia said as he slowly leaned back, hiding himself partially behind Hollem’s larger form. 

The old woman eventually turned toward the door and hobbled inside. Hollem looked at Amia, frowning before hopping down from the bench seat. Before Amia started to follow him, but Hollem turned and reached up, grasping his waist to lift him down. 

“I’m not a fragile woman, Hollem.” Amia chided, a light scowl on his face.

Instead of replying, Hollem just smiled and ruffled his hair. Amia shoved him, but it barely made Hollem sidestep before he chuckled and climbed the few stairs leading up to the door. Right as he lifted his hand to knock, Abel was pulling the door open, a wide smile on his face. 

“Hey guys, been a while. Come on in.” He said as he took a step back and to the side, gesturing for them to come inside. 

Hollem followed Amia. The first thing he noticed was that it was a pretty clean home, which was surprising considering two men lived there. Maybe the old woman is the house keeper? He thought as he saw her glaring at him standing near where the entrance to the kitchen must have been. 

“Is something amiss, ma’am?” He asked, curious as to why she seemed to dislike them already. 

The woman pursed his lips and then licked them, lifting her gaze only slightly, as if she were deep in thought. When she seemed to have decided what she would say, she lifted a… shovel? and pointed the end at him. 

Isn’t that heavy for an old lady? 

“I can’t decide which of you I should hit with this.” She said, as if it was the most normal thing to say in such a situation. 

Hollem frowned, looking sideways at Amia before stepping in front of him slightly. 

“I can assure you that we mean you no harm, ma’am.” He said awkwardly, lifting his hands a little. 

The magistrate, Kirin, walked in at that moment, shaking his head as he reached over and took the shovel from the old woman. “I would say don’t pay her any mind, but you definitely should. She’ll find another weapon soon enough, though I’m not sure which of you she’ll decide to target with it yet.” 

Hollem couldn’t believe that the woman was that aggressive, but she proved him wrong when she stuck her foot out right as Kirin walked by, heading toward the kitchen. He tripped and stumbled, but was seemingly used to such a trick because he didn’t fall and, instead, regained his balance with a frustrated sigh. 

“Will you just go back to your home, madam? I can assure you that I am not defiling your prodigy when he doesn’t wish me to.” Kirin nearly yelled.

Hollem felt his face heat slightly at the same time the old woman snagged the shovel back and smacked Kirin’s right ankle, making him curse and hop a few steps before disappearing into the kitchen. 

“I… have no interest in your prodigy?” Hollem stated hesitantly as he started side-stepping toward the kitchen, making sure that Amia was right behind him the entire time. 

The woman just rolled her eyes and stomped away, disappearing up the stairs faster than someone her age should have been able to. 

“Why is she so mean?” Hollem asked as he walked into the kitchen. 

Abel grinned and shrugged, but Kirin scowled. 

“She’ll beat you senseless if she doesn’t approve of you.” He said, making Hollem frown. 

“She’s only just met us, though.” He said as he accepted the glass of water Kirin offered him. 

He nodded, but sighed at the same time. 

“She thinks that Abel is far too good for me and that I do terrible things to him.” He said, making Abel lean over and press a kiss to his cheek. 

Hollem felt his face warm again as he glanced sideways at Amia. They had done some very terrible things the previous night that would, no doubt, get him physically reprimanded by the old woman. 

“Don’t worry too much, I’ve hidden most of the things she could use as stabbing weapons, so you just have to worry about blunt force if she decides to go after you.” Kirin said, making Hollem confused. 

“But… aren’t you the magistrate? Can’t you do something about her?” He asked as he sipped at the cool water in his glass. 

Kirin glared at Abel at that question, making the young man blush. 

“ Someone likes having her around… and lady Lelynn has enough money to pay her bail for any basic charge I could post against her a thousand times over.“ He said as he picked up a bowl of cut fruits and gestured for them to follow him. 

Hollem did so after handing Amia the remaining half of his drink. They all sat down at the dinner table. 

“So, what brings you all the way out here?” Kirin asked as he took a bite of a slice of reddish-green apple. 

Hollem eyed the fruit suspiciously but then watched as Amia took a few slices and started munching. 

“We were out getting supplies yesterday morning and saw Lauriette at the rat poison dealer. I saw her purchase something, then hurry away. When we intercepted her as she got back to the brothel, she had no extra items on her person.” 

Kirin slowly nodded, but didn’t say anything, likely sensing that he had more to say. 

“That woman that you gave us to clean, Matilda, came up right away to fetch her, as if she were waiting for her to return.” He said, drawing a raised eyebrow from Kirin and Abel, the later man leaning forward on the table with interest before he spoke. 

“She must have passed it off to someone or hidden it where it wasn’t proper to search.” Abel said, making Hollem nod as he reached for a small bundle of grapes. 

“We can return the day after tomorrow to see if we can find some clues as to where the poison has gone. Has she had any contact with your uncle, Amia? You said that he was causing trouble before, too.” Kirin asked. 

Amia quickly shook his head. 

“Not that I know of, but he could have easily found her while she was out, which she was not supposed to be, by the way. Something is definitely fishy and I would not be surprised if all three of them were involved.” 

I’m thinking the exact same thing. 

“Do you mind if we stay here for the evening?” Hollem asked as he noticed Amia yawn quietly behind his hand. 

He wouldn’t mind driving the carriage back that night, but Amia would probably fall asleep again, even though he slept at least half of the way to the magistrate’s house. He couldn’t blame him, they’d been very active the previous night. 

“That’s fine. There is a room at the top of the stairs on the left that isn’t being used right now. Just remember to lock the door. Lady Lelynn will check, I promise. If you’d like to wash beforehand, there’s a washroom right down the hall. Just pump the water into the tub, then unplug it to drain.” He said, his smile tight on his lips before taking Abel’s hand and disappearing outside. 

Hollem turned to find Amia already heading for the washroom, so he hurried to follow, especially since he heard footsteps coming down the stairs. He slipped into the room and shut the door, sighing when he didn’t hear anyone approach it from the other side. 

“I think I’m afraid of that old woman.” He muttered before turning. 

That’s a sight I’ll never get tired of seeing. 

Amia was standing by the large tub, his shirt already folded sloppily on the counter as his hands reached for the buttons on his breeches. 

Why aren’t we already back at the brothel and in my room? He questioned as he forced himself to behave. Instead of reaching for Amia, he scooted around him and began pumping the water from the spigot coming out of the wall. He’d never seen such an odd set up in a washroom, but it worked surprisingly well and no one had to carry water around to fill the tub. 

When it was at a decent level, he stopped and leaned back to sit on his heels, watching silently as Amia climbed into the tub, butt naked. Self control. That old lady will probably show up right as I reach for him… and he could use a few days to heal. I was kind of an asshole the other night. He told himself as he grabbed some soap and leaned over, dipping it in the water before lathering it into Amia’s hair. 

The guy only protested for a few seconds, until Hollem started using his nails and really worked the soap in. Amia turned slightly and leaned against the tall edge of the tub after that, sighing with his eyes closed. 

He was just reaching for a small bowl to dip in the water in order to begin washing the soap out when he heard the door open behind him, freezing his actions. The faint knocking on the floorboards every few moments told him that the old woman had found another form of weapon, but instead of cower, he straightened his shoulders and handed Amia the bowl so that he could wash out the soap before turning to address the woman. 

“Can I help you, madam? We were just washing up before heading upstairs to rest before our journey back home tomorrow.” He said, making sure to keep his body in front of Amia’s as best he could, even though the important parts were beneath the soapy water. 

The woman was quiet for a long moment as he she leaned against the large fire-poker she’s brought with her this time. 

“I expected you to both fit yourselves into that tub.” She stated simply, as if she weren’t suggesting untoward things between them. Not that she’d be wrong, but still. 

Hollem frowned and heard Amia chuckle quietly behind him. 

“We just wanted to wash up and get to bed. It’s a day’s ride back to where we live.” He said with an awkward shrug. 

Lady Lelynn pursed her pale lips and lifted her chin slightly, eyeing them for another solid minute before letting out a rather odd sounding laugh. 

“I bet you two could teach that rabbit of a lawman how to behave. All he ever does is fornicate. I swear, if Abel were a female there would be too many children in this home to feed by now!” The woman yelled, stamping the fire poker on the floor for emphasis. 

Dear god, if only she knew. 

“I’m sure that he wouldn’t do anything Abel doesn’t want…?” He said hesitantly, not sure if he wanted to give the woman a chance to continue the odd conversation. 

 “Bah! He’s got my poor prodigy brainwashed, but I’ll teach him!” She said, shaking the fire poker in the air easily with her frail-looking hand. 

When Hollem just gave her an awkward smile, she grunted and grabbed the door handle. “Try to teach him a thing or two before you two leave in the morning, I am running out of weapons.” She said before stepping out of the room and shutting the door behind her. 

Hollem slowly shook his head as Amia started laughing in earnest. 

“Shall we teach him something, hm?” He asked, only for Hollem’s carefully-heald together mask to break. He, too, began laughing uncontrollably. 

“Dear god, she’s going to beat us to death if we don’t leave before sunrise.”

Not Just Like

The next morning Hollem found himself waking with Amia curled up in his arms. He was wearing clothing, unfortunately, but they both knew that doing anything at the magistrate’s house would likely have physical consequences. 

“I’m shocked that you’re not groping me already.” Amia mumbled sleepily as he scooted even closer, making Hollem hug him tighter. 

His words made a deep rumble go through Hollem’s chest. “I prefer not to be castrated by that old woman’s shovel.” 

Amia chuckled a little as he rolled over and wrapped his own arms around Hollem’s neck, leaning in closely for a long kiss. The session lasted until both of them ran out of breath, and somehow, Hollem’s right hand had found its way down to grip Amia’s backside tightly. 

“I’d prefer you weren’t castrated, either, I like what’s in your pants… Want to leave early?” Amia asked as he reluctantly sat up, the action removing Hollem’s hand. 

He really wanted to just lay in bed and do things to Amia all day, but with that old woman lurking about, Hollem knew that doing such a thing would only end in pain. 

“Yes, we should be off. We wouldn’t want to overstay our welcome.” 

Unfortunately, they had quite a bit to tend to before the magistrate came the next day. Hopefully, the poison hadn’t caused any issues yet, and they’d find it before anyone could be harmed. 

Since they had brought very little with them, they were ready after quickly relieving themselves in the washroom downstairs and wiping their faces with the cool water set out there in a basin. 

To their surprise, the moment they stepped out onto the large front porch the older woman was standing there, shovel in hand. 

“You aren’t going to teach that evil lawman a lesson before you go?” She asked, her eyes filled with hope as she gazed up at them. 

Hollem glanced sideways at Amia and pursed his lips, shrugging a little when he returned his attention to lady Lelynn. “They are coming to our home tomorrow. We think that it would be much easier to teach them some things on our own turf instead of on theirs.” 

The woman’s eyes lit up as she grasped the shovel handle, letting the sharp end drop into the ground before her feet. “That is a splendid idea. I’ll pack them some extra things so that they can stay with you for a good while.” 

Christ. I’m going to send them back home worse than when they came… and I bet they’re going to be ecstatic. 

“That sounds like a wonderful idea, ma’am. I’ll see what I can do.” He said as he walked down the stairs with his and Amia’s bags swung over his left arm, then looked toward the stable to signal for their horses and carriage to be brought out. 

He helped Amia up once it had arrived, who thankfully didn’t protest, then hopped up after giving the old woman an awkward hug. He’d considered finding the magistrate and letting him know that they were leaving, but the man had already said that he’d head their way the next day, and if the woman’s determination was anything to go by, she’d force Kirin and Abel to go no matter what. 

The moment they were back on the road Hollem sighed, leaning his head back against the wooden wall of the carriage behind him. 

“I felt like I was being suffocated there, and we only stayed for one evening.” He said before yawning, having not slept all that great besides the last few hours. 

Amia nodded, mirroring the yawn before curling up on the uncomfortable bench and dropping his head onto Hollem’s leg. 

“I just want to get back home, fuck you till I can’t move, then either eat and pass out, or eat after I wake up.” He mumbled, drawing a bright red blush to Hollem’s face as he nearly steered the horses off the road. 

Amia snickered at the reaction his perverted words got, knowing that Hollem wasn’t one to be so forward unless he was forced to during work. 

“I like what you’ve got in your pants.” He stated nonchalantly as he rolled over onto his back, allowing him an easy view of Hollem’s burning face. 

“I like that you save energy for me after a long day of working, though I’m starting to feel jealous that you’re giving your body, and time, to other people.” He continued, drawing a quick glance downward from Hollem before he had to focus his attention back on the road. 

Amia was quiet for a long while before rolling back onto his side and wrapping his arms around Hollem’s right leg. 

“I’d really like it if you maybe… didn’t work at the brothel much longer.” He said quietly, making Hollem have to focus in order to hear him over the sound of the carriage and trotting horses. 

When Amia’s words finally sunk in, Hollem had to pull the carriage off the road a little ways into the sparse trees that lined it in order to safely gawk at the man who was pushing himself back up into a seated position. The sheepish smile he wore made Hollem all the more hesitant. 

 “Why would I ever quit? I make good money there and it’s not easy to find decent work.” 

The look he got in response to his words brought a frown to his lips. 

“Why are you upset? Why do you want me to quit working there?” He asked, not grasping the conversation. 

Amia huffed and moved closer, pressing his lips against Hollem’s with enough force to bruise. He allowed the kiss for a minute before grasping Amia’s shoulders and gently pushing him away, only for the guy to come back with twice the force. 

It took considerable effort to remove Amia from his mouth a second time. Since he still wasn’t cooperating, Hollem had to pin him to the bench seat to keep the situation from escalating again. 

“What has gotten into you, Amia? We are sitting here in broad daylight with very few trees to even block us from curious travelers, yet you are devouring my mouth as if you were starving for more than just food.” Hollem growled, more than one kind of frustrated due to Amia’s excessive fervor. 

The sound of horses drawing near had Hollem’s heart stumbling hard in his chest. Thankfully, Amia seemed to realize that getting seen wouldn’t be a good idea, either, and shoved Hollem hard enough to send them both stumbling over the edge and into the thick damp grass. 

Hollem grunted with the impact, but thankfully it was cushioned enough, and Amia only partially fell on him. 

“Get in the carriage, Hollem.” Amia ordered as he stood up and walked over, opening the door and gesturing inside with a determined leer. 

Hollem hesitated, but when Amia pointed inside and narrowed his eyes, he quickly stumbled to his feet and climbed up. He was followed in almost immediately before Amia shut and locked the small door. When Amia turned toward him with hungry eyes, Hollem swallowed hard and lifted his hands a little. 

“This really isn’t the place to do this kind of thing…” He said, though his words seemed to fall on deaf ears, because Amia easily pulled him to the floor and covered his mouth with his own. 

The kiss was hot and their bodies were both more than ready to take it further, but the fact that Amia was actually keeping his hands gripped tightly upon his shoulders and wasn’t already tearing his pants off gave Hollem pause. 

When Amia let him get in some much needed air a few moments later, Hollem reached up and slid his fingers into Amia’s hair, pulling him in for a much calmer kiss before pressing his lips to his cheek with a smile. 

“What’s wrong, Amia?” 

Amia grumbled incoherently for a few seconds as he leaned forward and wrapped his arms tightly around Hollem’s neck in a hug. 

“I don’t want to share you, but I know you need to work. We both do.” He whispered against Hollem’s neck, warming the skin there. 

Sighing to calm his overheating body, Hollem let his head rest back against the hard wood of the carriage wall and wrapped his arms gently around Amia’s back. 

“You sound like you’re in love with this dense guy.” He replied, staring up at the ceiling to try and keep his thoughts from running through his head too quickly. 

The sound of their calming breathing filled the air for several minutes before Amia hugged him a little tighter. “I’ve liked you since I first saw you. I knew that I needed to get your attention… and I suppose I did it in the wrong way at first.” 

Hollem chuckled lightly as he lifted one of his hands up to run his fingers through Amia’s soft hair. 

“It definitely got my attention, but I would have to agree… not exactly in the best way.” He replied, then added. “But I think that I can agree.” 

Amia leaned back, sitting more comfortably in Hollem’s lap. 

“Agree?” He asked, seemingly a little hesitant to assume. 

Hollem grinned and leaned forward, pressing a kiss to Amia’s forehead. 

“I don’t want to share you, either. I was so furious when you came back with those bruises, smelling like someone else, that I made madam Maria put you back behind the bar or as server.” 

Amia’s mouth dropped open at his confession, but then changed to a scowl that had Hollem glancing away for a second. 

“You!” Amia growled, making Hollem give a nervous, awkward half-smile. 

He expected the guy to smack him, at least once, but Amia just blew out a frustrated breath and grabbed the sides of his face to pull him into another kiss.  

He’s happy? 

When his hands began to go south, Hollem also realized that they really didn’t have time for this part. As much as his body was wanting it. He grabbed Amia’s wrists and lifted them, sticking his tongue. 

“As much as I’d love to do terrible things to you right now that would make lady Lelynn lock me up for the remainder of my days, we really do have to get back. We’ll talk about work and what not later, too.” Hollem said as he gently set Amia aside and got up. 

Amia pouted but followed him from the carriage, which had thankfully only been pulled a few yards here and there from the horse’s curiosity. The ride back to the brothel ended up being almost completely silent, but Hollem, for some reason, felt a lot less stress on his chest than he had earlier that morning, even though they were going into a possibly dangerous situation. He’d protect Amia, and then, hopefully get to keep him all to himself permanently.

Not All Endings

They arrived back at the brothel far later then he’d wanted. It was nearly completely dark outside by the time they had returned the horses and carriage, and walked their way back. Rain had hindered the second half of their journey and given Amia a bit of a cold because he refused to go into the carriage when he started shivering. 

Hollem wasn’t pleased, but he pushed aside his frustration with Amia’s stubbornness for the moment as they stepped inside the warm brothel. They headed straight for madam Maria’s office. The weight he hadn’t known was sitting upon his heart slid free as he laid eyes on the slightly older woman sitting behind her desk, hard at work. 

“Darn, I thought they’d get you before I got back.” He said with enough sarcasm to draw the woman’s lips up as she finished writing something, then lifted her eyes to them. 

“Glad to see that you’re still standing, too… but why does one of my cutest workers look like he’s about to come down with a rather nasty fever?” He asked, raising an eyebrow at Amia with slight disapproval. 

Hollem fidgeted, scowling when Amia stuck his tongue out at him. 

“You know his stubbornness, madam. He refused to stay inside the carriage I rented for us while I drove in the rain.” He said, making Amia grumble something unintelligible and look down at his shoes. 

Madam Maria just shook her head and gestured for them to sit in two of the chairs opposite her desk. They did as told, waiting silently until she set aside what she had been working on and gave them her full attention. 

“I’m sure you’ll be surprised to hear this, but the rat poison had been recovered minutes after you two had left.” She said, making Hollem and Amia look at each other in surprise before returning their attention to her. 

“Who had it?” Amia asked before Hollem could. 

Madam Maria leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms over her chest. “That’s the problem. A young busboy I had recently hired had it in one of his aprons.” 

Hollem rolled his eyes at the same time Amia snorted a laugh. 

“I thought the same thing, but that places the rat poison out of their hands. At least you saw Lauriette buying it, so that still allows us ample reason to keep our attention focused on her. I had to let the boy go since he had it on him without an excuse, but I also got him a job down at the dock with one of the fishmongers, at least until this situation is dealt with and I can clear his name.”

It was no surprise that madam Maria would look after a brand new employee, especially since they had clearly been wronged. Work was hard to come bye, and she knew that all too well. 

“What do you suggest we do, ma’am?” Hollem asked. 

Madam Maria was quiet for a moment before nodding toward the door behind them. “Go get yourselves settled, then set Amia up to work behind the bar for the evening.” 

Hollem nodded, but after a quick glance from Amia, he straightened in his chair and settled his hands in his lap. 

“We have another thing we’d like to discuss with you, though perhaps this is not the time for the full conversation.” He said, looking nervous in front of the madam for the first time since he’d been hired years ago. 

Madam Maria pursed her lips and looked between them, then sighed. “I have a feeling that I’m not going to like this discussion, and also, I believe that I already know what it’s about.” 

Fidgeting with his hands, Hollem looked down, then back up before opening his mouth to speak, only for madam maria to lift her hand and silence him. 

“I understand. You will work with me tonight so that I might be able to catch up on all of this paperwork. I will move your two clients for the evening, since they said they didn’t mind another if you weren’t available.” She said, sighing as she massaged her forehead. 

“Out of here for now. Both of you problematic love birds.” She said, shooing them away with her other hand. 

Neither of them wasted any time and hurried from the room. The moment the door was shut Hollem took Amia’s hand and pulled him up the stairs. 

Not a second after they’d dropped their small travel bags Amia had Hollem shoved down onto the bed, his own shirt flying over his shoulder. They were extremely busy in no time, and it was all Hollem could do to manage to keep up with Amia’s determination. 

After several hurried rounds he was left panting on his back while Amia rinsed off in the cool bath water that had been waiting for them. The guy was already clean-shaven and dressed by the time Hollem was able to lift his tired body up into a sitting position. 

Amia walked over as he lifted his head and grasped either side of his face between his hands, then leaned down for a long kiss. 

“Don’t fuck anyone else again. Do me as much as you want.” He said against Hollem’s mouth, making him lean back in order to speak. 

“You mean as much as you want?” 

He had a hint of humor to his words, so when Amia just pushed his forehead, making him flop back on the bed with a quiet grunt, Hollem just chuckled. 

“Get ready for a fun filled night sitting next to the madam.” Amia said, ending Hollem’s laughter abruptly with the realization that his normal work was canceled for the evening… and possibly forever. 

He pushed himself back up, only to see Amia disappear out the door. 

I feel like I have no choice in this matter and that it’s just happening on its own. He thought to himself with a shake of his head as he stood up, stretching his tired body. They couldn’t have been busy for more than twenty minutes or so, but Amia definitely took the energy out of him when they got into it. Not that he hadn’t desperately wanted to take the man since they’d left the magistrate’s awkward home, but perhaps a bit of rest beforehand might have been wise. 

Yawning, he made his way over to the cool bathing tub and quickly scrubbed himself clean, then changed for the odd evening he was about to have… and it sure was. It had been nearly a year since he’d actually sat down with madam Maria and helped with any kind of paperwork tasks. 

A lot of the things he was given to work on were past order forms and different receipts they’d gotten for transactions over the last year. He was given the exciting task of tallying up numbers and making sure everything was correct before they were stored in their appropriate locations. 

Please, kill me. 

“I know you’re having a lot of fun, but I suppose you can have a break and go check on your lad.” Madam Maria said quietly after several silent hours as she continued to hastily flip through a large stack of papers from their market purchases. 

Hollem didn’t need to hear another word. He jumped from his chair and was around the large desk in seconds, darting out the door to the sound of the madam’s snickering. 

He stopped briefly in the communal washroom to relieve himself, then hurried to the bar… only to find it absent of his problematic friend. 

Looking toward the tender on shift that night, Hollem caught their attention with a quick wave. 

“Where is Amia? He is still on shift, is he not?” He asked, looking around for the lad, but finding no sign of his messy hair or impish smirk. Surely he wasn’t in the greeting rooms or, if he would dare, a customer. 

The young woman nodded quickly and pointed to the front door. 

“He went to take a break a short a while ago after talking for a time with a patron. I was just about to go fetch him.” 

Hollem waved her off with a small smile. “I’ll go get him. Take care of things here.” He said, hurrying toward the front door with a hint of unease in his belly. 

The moment he stepped out into the crisp night air his attention was drawn across the street. There was a ruckus of some sort being surrounded by civilians, but as he pushed closer, he realized that it wasn’t a fight, but people dragging someone through the dimly lit street. 

“Get the hell off of me you bastards!” 

What the…?

There was no mistaking that voice. 

Hollem yelled as he surged forward at the same time the two horses hitched to the carriage reared back, then bolted straight ahead, forcing their way through the crowd and trampling several people in their path. 

Leaping upward, Hollem just barely managed to get a hold on the back of the carriage and climb up before it took a sharp turn. His right hand slipped off immediately but his left one just barley managed to hold on as his feet went flying behind him for several terrifying seconds. 

“Amia?” He shouted as he tried, unsuccessfully, to skirt around toward the door of the vehicle. 

It took him several more tries, and nearly all of his remaining energy to make it to the opening. The door seemed to have been broken in the previous struggle, because it hung partially ajar, flapping back and forth in the wind. He shoved it back with a grunt, then swing his body inside the carriage. 

He’d been ready to fight off the attackers he knew had to be there, and briefly noted the strangeness of a woman’s presence off to his right beside one of the men, but he hadn’t been ready to be distracted by the sight of Amia, unconscious and tied up on the floor, the right side of his face bloody and a dark red cloth in his mouth that had clearly been white at some point. 

The young man’s name wasn’t even able to leave his lips before Hollem felt something sharp and firm easily slip through the thin layer of his shirt, then into his flesh. A swift kick to the exact place the sword was abruptly retracted from sent him flying through the air as darkness swarmed his vision. There was nothing he could do to halt his landing, but he wouldn’t forget the man who had stabbed him… nor would he let him get away with what he had done. 

He would kill Amia’s uncle and see his love to safety if it was the last thing he did.

Setting the Stage

“Enjoying your rest from work , Hollem?” Lady Lelynn said as she calmly walked into the room, her cane thumping unpleasantly loudly on the worn wooden floor. 

She had found out where they had worked the day after he’d been stabbed. To his surprise, she’d come with the magistrate and his lover, curious and eager to see how they would be taught by him and Amia. It had been a bit ugly, from what he’d been told. He was almost thankful that he’d already been unconscious from his injuries to actually see it.  

He was just opening his mouth to reply in a cautious manner when a giant dog padded into the room. The moment it saw him its ears pulled back and its upper lip lifted in warning. 

“Um, whose dog is that?” Hollem whispered as he tried to shift back in the bed a bit further. 

The thing was absolutely massive with a wiry coat and silvery dark fur. 

Lady Lelynn glanced at the dog and nodded, patting it on the head with her free hand. 

“His name is Kite, and I am baby sitting him. He was dropped off a few days ago.” Lady Lelynn said with a smile, as if the dog couldn’t easily take down every single person in the brothel without even trying. 

“That can’t be a dog.” Hollem said simply, still in awe of its massive size… and its massive teeth. 

Lady Lelynn chuckled. “He is a wolfhound, and he is not very fond of men.” She said, her voice almost sounding excited about that little bit of information. 

“I see…” Hollem said as he glanced behind her toward the door, praying that someone would come take the crazy old woman and giant dog away. 

His prayers were thankfully answered, somewhat, before he could be eaten by the beast. The doctor who had been looking after him walked in, nodding to Lady Lelynn before giving the dog a wary look. 

“If you wouldn’t mind, madam, I need to speak with Hollem.” He said, gesturing toward the door. 

Kite growled loudly at his movement, making the man freeze in place until Lady Lelynn huffed and sauntered toward the door, only calling for Kite to follow after she was nearly out of sight. The moment the dog was gone the doctor walked to the door and shut it, allowing Hollem to breathe a little easier without that giant monstrosity staring daggers at him. 

“How are you feeling, Hollem?” The doctor asked as he began checking him. 

Hollem pursed his lips, but the doctor spoke before he could. 

“No, I will not clear you yet. You are obviously still in pain, since your breathing stutters slightly when you inhale. You got very lucky and the weapon missed your heart, but you still need to rest.” He said as he straightened back up, earning a scowl. 

“I know you want to go be the hero, but the magistrate has already gathered enough evidence to start pushing your friend’s uncle. Be patient, he’ll be returned to you.” He said, only making Hollem angrier. 

When he didn’t respond, the doctor sighed and gathered his things, then left the room, shutting the door behind himself quietly. 

Left alone, Hollem leaned back against his mound of pillows and sighed up at the ceiling. He’d been waiting for days, since he’d first woken up, to hear about Amia being freed from his uncle’s captivity. 

“What is taking so long? He is an older man with a few men, and Matilda, helping him. Surely it cannot be so hard to get Amia back to me.” He said quietly, blinking away from his thoughts as the door opened again. 

“Abel?” He said as he straightened again, scooting back to try his best to sit up. 

He couldn’t argue with the doctor, his chest did still definitely hurt. 

“How are things going? What’s happened?” He asked, needing to hear something about the situation. 

When Abel offered him a calm smile and walked over to sit on the edge of his bed, Hollem relaxed slightly. 

“We just got a permit finalized by the local authorities to help search the premises and will be bringing Lady Lelynn along, since she’s the only one who can control that giant dog, Kite. He can sniff out anyone, anywhere, and he’s not the nicest so he wouldn’t mind starting, or finishing, a fight.” Abel said with a mischievous grin. 

Hollem couldn’t hold back his smile at the young lad’s words. “You really will go find him tonight? He must be there, since you have had people watching his estate since he took him, right?” He asked. 

He knew that they hadn’t known right away that it was him, but it had been obvious enough, thank heavens, for the magistrate to post people to watch the property at all hours. 

Abel nodded. “Just wait here. We’ll bring him back.” He said as he stood up, making Hollem try to stand as well, but fail miserably. 

Lowering himself back down to the blankets, Hollem blew out a frustrated breath, earning a quiet chuckle from Abel. 

“Don’t worry. Kirin is already getting ready. I should go help out.” Abel said before leaning down to give him a careful hug. 

“I promise, we’ll bring him back. Just rest up, because I’m sure he’ll want all of your energy the moment he sees you again.” Abel said with a faint laugh before finally turning and jogging out of the room. 

Looking over his shoulder at the only small window in his entire room, Hollem pushed himself to the edge of the bed, using all of his effort to swing his legs aver its edge. The movements left him panting, but as he lifted his head, he could see torchlight flickering from below the sill. 

Get up. He told himself as he reached for the small nightstand and slowly began trying to shift his weight to his cold feet. It took several minutes, and he nearly fell twice, before he could look down on the large group of people gathered just outside of the brothel. Just seeing so many willing to help save a literal whore made his heart swell. People often looked down on those who chose his profession, even if they used them from time to time. 

We’re people, too, and Amia doesn’t deserve anything he’s been put through. He deserves to be at home in my arms, happy, warm, and always with a full stomach. 

A movement beneath him caught his attention, drawing his eyes to Kirin. The man was staring up at him in his official law enforcement uniform. Abel was beside him, staring between him and Hollem, though he knew that the lad was having trouble keeping his hungry eyes off of his lover. Next to them, Lady Lelynn stood with her arms crossed, her cane missing, but a shovel was leaning against her side. Kite panted beside her, nearly reaching her shoulders in height. 

She noticed where their attention was at and lifted her gaze to meet his. He could see the disapproval there, but he also saw the fire that burned in her sharp eyes. 

There’s a demon living in that old woman… and I almost feel bad for whoever ends up trying to threaten her. If Kite didn’t end them in seconds, she’d likely have that shovel shoved halfway down their throats before they could even consider that an old grandma could even lift such an item, let alone use it as a valid weapon. Probably would castrate them for fun, too.

Feeling his body begin to give out after a few more moments of standing, Hollem gave the group a nod and hesitant smile, then carefully lowered himself back down to the bed he would likely be bound to for several more days. It hurt to not be able to go help, but he knew that he’d be absolutely useless. 

Probably can’t even get down the stairs in one piece yet. He thought as he got comfortable and allowed his head to drop back down to the pillows. 

“Don’t worry, Hollem. I’m sending Lauriette with them.” 

Hollem’s attention jerked toward the door at hearing the madam’s words. He tried to get up again, but had no energy left for the task. 

“Get some rest. We have a plan… as well as a few back up ones. Don’t worry. They’ll bring back your overactive addict.” She said with a smirk. 

Hollem gave a weak laugh. 

“You mean overactive sex addict?” He corrected, only for her to shake her head and step back out of the door, ready to shut it. 

“No. I mean what I said. That boy only sees you now. You’re all he wants and I know that he’s been told that you were killed, or at least severely hurt, so get better faster, because I know that he’ll be all over you the second he realizes that you’ll be just fine with a bit more time.” She said, making him smile and blink back tears. 

“Now sleep, you fool. Perhaps your lad will be here when you wake up… or he’ll do the waking.” She said with a wink before turning and slowly closing the door, leaving him to his much-needed rest. 

(I think Amia wants the next PoV…)

Part of the Problem

It stinks in here. 

Amia fought to keep his eyes closed as he heard his uncle pacing around the room. He was rightfully frustrated. Ever since he’d had his group of nut jobs kidnap him, Amia had been pretending to be having a horrible allergic reaction to whatever drug they’d used to knock him out. He barely got out of bed, and to say that he’d enjoyed the few times he pretended not to be able to hold his urine, only to pee on his uncle’s expensive Persian rugs? 

Some of my best memories. I’ll cherish them forever. 

 “Why is he still so lethargic? This cannot be a simple reaction to the chloroform!” The old man yelled at, who Amia suspected, was another doctor he’d managed to sneak in through the magistrate’s growing barrier of men. 

“The fatigue and pains are normal for an overdose situation, my lord.” The man stuttered. 

He did have a bad headache, but he had a feeling that it wasn’t mainly from the drug. He hadn’t eaten since he’d been kidnapped and had barely drank. 

I’m going to stuff my face the second I get back to the brothel… just not sure if it’s going to be food first, then dick, or the other way around. 

He paused in his thoughts for a moment, then fought a smirk. 

Of course I’m going to eat Hollem first. 

“Just fix him! That damned magistrate is breathing down my neck already! I need him healthy so that I can play this off as a simple mistake.” He yelled, making Amia wish that he could roll his eyes. 

Mistake my ass. You just want my amazing self, and while I was desperate enough to give my body to you a few times before, I don’t want to anymore… and that’s my choice that I can make now, because I have Hollem and I’m worth something more than you, old man. 

He wouldn’t rely on the other man, but just having him waiting for his return was enough for him to feel more secure about his own future. He had no doubt that his uncle would try to play that he had killed him, because he’d definitely heard that he’d gotten stabbed, but unfortunately for his uncle, his horrid friend Matilda had a big mouth and had mumbled about him making it through the attack while cleaning about. 

The sound of a dog barking outside drew Amia’s attention away from his angry uncle’s yelling, but he couldn’t understand why. He had heard several over the few days he’d been captive, but this one just seemed… angry. And judging by how deep it sounded, it had to be very very big. 

I’ll give you so many treats if you can somehow rescue me, dog. 

“Who is that?” His uncle asked as he moved toward the other side of the room. 

Amia wanted to open his eyes so desperately, but if it wasn’t the right time, he’d be screwed. Literally. 

“The magistrate? Who are those people with him? They look like hooligans!” He growled as he hurried from the room. 

The moment the door was shut Amia shot up in bed, then cringed as he felt the room spin. Okay, perhaps I will eat something before doing excessive physical things to Hollem. He thought as he carefully opened one eye, then the next. 

His room was completely empty of people, giving him a rare chance to scoot to the edge of the too-big bed and swing his feet over the edge. Of course, his feet refused to hold his weight, leaving him to slowly crawl over to the window. Getting high enough to actually look out of it was a chore, but when he saw the many people standing in front of the giant mansion, and his uncle trying desperately to send them on their way, and failing to do so, Amia couldn’t help but smile. 

He noticed an older woman looking his way and lifted one hand, managing a partial wave before he lost his balance and had to grab onto the sill again. The woman scowled and pointed toward him, drawing everyone’s attention to him. The only thing that moved past his uncle, however, was what appeared to be a giant wolf. 

Please tell me that’s not what’s going to rescue me. 

It looked more interested in chasing down a deer to consume whole than helping anyone as it calmly paced toward the house. A few people pulled swords and tried to threaten it, but they backed away when it snarled a roar loud enough to make even Amia flinch from up in his room. 

When it disappeared beyond his line of sight, likely into the house considering all of the yelling he was suddenly hearing, Amia slowly turned toward the door and let his exhausted body drop to the floor. 

It was somewhat quiet for a few minutes before his door swung open, then slammed shut. Matilda? The woman looked absolutely terrified. Her dress was askew on her shoulders. Her hair was a mess, and her eyes looked like they were about to pop right out of her head. 

“That’s a good look for you.” He rasped, his throat dry since he’d barely drank anything in the past few days. 

To his surprise, Matilda completely ignored him as she stumbled on one high heel, to the washroom. That door, too, was slammed shut. Not a moment later the main door to the bedroom jarred harshly, as if something heavy had been thrown against it. 

The sound of a deep growl brought Amia’s heart up into his throat before the door shook again, then a splinter cracked down the middle. 

Dear god. I don’t want to die by that giant beast’s jaws! 

There was one final slam against the poor door before it snapped apart and one piece crashed to the floor, the other remaining one hanging crookedly by straining hinges. 

When Amia saw what was on the other side, his jaw dropped open. 

The old woman? 

“That one took a bit effort, Kite.” She told the giant dog-beast that slowly sauntered into the room. It gave him a brief, dismissing glance before turning toward the bathroom and sitting by the door, whining. 

The old woman hobbled in, making Amia’s mouth drop open further. 

“Lady Lelynn?” He asked, disbelief in his whispered words. 

The woman turned toward him, lifting a shovel to rest on her shoulder. Her glare brought an uncomfortable shiver to his body, but when she just rolled her eyes and sighed, Amia relaxed a small amount. 

“While I disagree with, likely, all of your life choices, I know someone who desperately wants you safe and home again.” She said before lifting the shovel again, then slamming it so hard against the door that Amia jumped. 

I thought it had been the dog breaking down the door! 

The massive creatures was sitting just to the side, out of the way of the shovel as it swung again. It panted eagerly, large tail wagging steadily from side to side. 

“You know, you could help me, you lazy mutt.” Lady Lelynn grumbled as she swung the shovel again, making a sharp line crack through the white door. 

The dog huffed and took a few steps back, then lunged forward. The door shattered to the sound of Matilda’s scream. 

“Go on, Kite. No one will bother you.” Lady Lelynn said as she turned toward the main entry door, drawing Amia’s attention to the entrance of the room where the magistrate now stood. 

“Oh thank god.” The man said with a heavy sigh as he hurried over to him. 

Amia tried to stand, but had no energy left for the task. Thankfully, the magistrate just grinned and easily scooped him up into his arms. 

“Don’t tell Hollem I’m carrying you like this…” He said, mostly in jest to probably try to put a smile on Amia’s face. 

“What if I like the idea of him being jealous?” He asked as he was carried from the room to the sound of terrified screaming and a creepy, calm laugh. 

The magistrate raised an eyebrow as he stepped over a twitching body with a line of blood running front its nose. 

“Believe me, he’s already eager to have you back. No need to make him jealous.” He said as Kite suddenly bounded past them, his floppy ears swinging with his lope. 

He’s got a lot of blood on him all of a sudden… 

His form disappeared around a corner a few moments later, only to be replaced by a very unwelcome face. 

“Uncle…” Amia said with narrowed, tired eyes. 

The gun the man held pointed directly at them made Amia fidget in the magistrate’s arms. He knew that the lawman had his own weapon, but his arms were currently occupied, and he wouldn’t have enough time to drop him and retrieve his gun before he got shot. 

Lady Lelynn appeared beside them a few seconds later, her arms crossed and a scowl on her chapped lips. 

“Your lover has had an unfortunate washroom incident that might require medical attention. You may wish to see to her.” She said with a raised eyebrow and enough sass to make even Amia proud. 

He wasn’t surprised when his uncle laughed. “She wasn’t my lover. You bastards are trying to steal him.” He yelled as he began squeezing the trigger of his weapon. 

The magistrate dodged to the side as the shot rang out in the hall. It was met with the loud clang of metal before deflecting into a small dresser for storage a few meters away. 

Did she just block that shot with her shovel? Who the hell is this old lady? 

The look on his uncle’s face made Amia desperately wish that he could do more than just watch the situation unfold. 

Where is that giant dog? He thought. 

Going through his recent memory, he fetched the animal’s name, then took in a deep breath. 

“Kite, you stupid mutt! Save my ass!” He yelled. 

There was silence for too long afterward. He’s gone… 

His uncle shook his head slowly and leveled his gun at lady Lelynn. The woman didn’t even flinch, but Amia knew that his uncle was a damn good shot. She’d gotten lucky once, but it was unlikely to happen again. 

“Any last words, grandma?” He asked, making lady Lelynn look up at the magistrate and point to her chest, as if to say ’ did he really just call me that’? 

The magistrate pursed his lips and shrugged before lady Lelynn stepped forward and swung her shovel from where it had been resting on her shoulder after she’d blocked the first bullet. The sharp tip of the weapon dug into the carpeting as she straightened her shoulders. 

“Do be a good boy and get on with it.” Lady Lelynn said, spurring the man on enough to scare Amia into tucking his face against the magistrate’s chest. 

His body jerked when he heard the shot ring out, but when his uncle let out a startled scream right afterward, and lady Lelynn didn’t, he slowly turned his head so that he could see what had occurred. 

Kite was standing over his uncle, who was squirming on the floor, cussing profusely. The dog had his arm between his massive jaws, bent in a very uncomfortable-looking way. 

Probably broken… good dog. 

Abel appeared a moment later and tackled his uncle, bringing forth a louder yell and a startled bark from Kite. Thankfully, the dog didn’t turn its aggression toward Abel, and instead just bit down harder on the arm already in his mouth. 

The young guy tied up his uncle faster than Amia had ever been tied up during sex by one of his clients. It was pretty damn great to watch. 

Maybe Hollem wouldn’t mind some rope fun… 

“I don’t want to know what you’re thinking with that look on your face.” Kirin mumbled as he walked past Amia’s uncle lying on the floor, being unceremoniously yanked up to his feet by Abel. 

“You’re going to have to go to a doctor before I can take you back.” The magistrate said, drawing a deep frown to Amia’s mouth. 

“No way. I was just pretending to be seriously ill. I just need a ton of food, water, and Hollem’s dick. Maybe not exactly in that order, I’m flexible.” He said with a tired smile up at Kirin, who grimaced down at him. 

“I’ll take you back, but make sure to stay there and don’t go out for several days and allow the doctor to take a look at you there. We have your uncle and a good amount of evidence against him. Also, judging from the blood trail from Kite, Matilda is injured in the washroom, but Lauriette slipped away while we were rushing in here once Kite distracted a lot of the people your uncle had waiting for us inside.” Kirin said, earning a nod and a yawn from Amia. 

“Yes ma’am. Just get me home to my whore, please. I’ll be a good boy and stay inside.” He mumbled as he laid his head against the man’s chest and closed his eyes to rest. He wouldn’t fall asleep yet… not until he was back in Hollem’s arms.

Not Quite Smart

“Finally!”

Hollem blinked blearily a couple times, trying to clear the remainder of sleep from his vision. He’d passed out soon after they’d left. The doctor still had him on some serious medication and it had knocked him out harder than he’d expected. He’d woken up recently, but hadn’t really gotten the chance to completely wake up yet. 

It was probably because of the stress, too.

When he could finally see somewhat well, his eyes widened at the sight of Amia stripping his clothing off. His shirt was already gone and the young man was hopping around sloppily trying to remove his trousers. 

“Amia?” He said, trying to get his attention. 

The guy didn’t look that great. His skin was pale and he had definitely lost a bit of weight. He really shouldn’t be jumping around. 

When he stumbled near the bed, Hollem made his tired body sit up and reached out, snagging one of Amia’s worn belt loops. “Calm down, Ami. I’m not going anywhere.” He said as he pulled the young man into his arms. 

Amia grumbled when he was forced into the hug, but after a few awkward movements he managed to get his pants off, then wrapped his arms so tightly around Hollem’s neck that he winced. 

“I missed you, too.” He said with a smile as he felt Amia nuzzle into his neck and inhale deeply. 

When his arms tightened around the guy, the feel of Amia’s ribs drew a frown to his face. 

“Need to get you something to eat.” He mumbled, releasing Amia as he felt the guy pull away abruptly. 

He was about to question what he was doing when he felt his hands suddenly go into his pants and pull out a certain something that was becoming very happy to see him. Right before he could lean down, Hollem grabbed his shoulders and held him up. 

“Not what I meant.” He said, chastising. Everything wasn’t about sex! 

Amia struggled a little, but he was clearly tired and had limited energy, because Hollem, still recovering, could easily hold him still. When he finally gave up and sat down, Hollem smiled gently and nodded toward the door. 

“I want you to go downstairs and get yourself a good meal.” He said, trying hard not to chuckle at seeing Amia’s inner conflict. The man was obvious about what he really wanted. His eyes wouldn’t stop dropping to Hollem’s lap, making him quickly tuck himself back in to try and deter him. 

“Food now. We can do other things later. I’m not going anywhere and you are definitely not leaving this building for a good while, so go on. Come back to me when your stomach is full.” 

Amia looked like a puppy that had just been kicked, but he grudgingly climbed off the bed and tugged on the pants he had kicked off. He only glanced at the shirt before shrugging and leaving the room, shutting the door a bit harder than necessary to prove the point that he was upset. 

The second he was gone, Hollem sighed and looked toward the washroom as a figure stepped out of it. Lauriette was smiling, but he knew better. She had slipped into his room while he’d been asleep earlier and none-to-kindly awoken him with a pistol to his already injured chest. 

He had already offered her all of the money that he had kept for himself before Amia arrived. Sure, there was more, but that he had saved to help Amia, if anything should ever happen to himself. The guy had wiggled his way into his bed, and at some point, his heart, and before he knew it, he had begun setting aside a little here and there for him, too. 

“Now then, shall we quickly finish our discussion before your lover returns and I need to kill him?” She said as she walked forward, crossing her arms, with the gun still in her hand. 

If I actually trusted my body right now, I’d take you down so easily. 

Biting back a stupid response, Hollem calmed himself down and waited patiently. Making a dumb move would be fatal, or at least result in another injury he really couldn’t afford. 

“I told you, I gave you all of the money I have saved for myself. I do not make what you seem to think I do.” He said, earning a scowl from Lauriette. 

“I’ve heard rumor of what some of the other highly requested whores get paid. You cannot tell me that the money you gave me was all that you had left. You are not a lavish man. There should be much more.” She said, waiving the gun along with her frustrated gestures. 

Please, just shoot yourself by mistake. 

“Well, you of all people should know not to trust rumors, especially those generated inside of a whore house.” He said, then added. “Why are you doing this, anyways? You wanted this job so badly, but as soon as Matilda came into the picture, you started acting strange and causing problems.” 

Lauriette shrugged and walked closer, holding the gun pointed at his head. “I did just want the job at first… but then I saw you.” 

Hollem frowned, remembering how much she tried to come onto him since she’d started working there. It had been constant, and when Amia came, he felt her glares and frustration as they got closer. He’d hoped that she’d just get over him. He didn’t see himself as anything special to be fought for. 

Yet here is a woman, holding a gun to your head because you would not have her. 

“Do you know how frustrating it is to always be shunned by someone? Then that little whore came along and completely tied you around his finger.” 

He couldn’t argue that, but… 

“Me not liking you has nothing to do with him.” He said as he straightened a little. 

She scoffed at his response, clearly not getting it, especially if her next words were anything to go by. “Once he’s out of the way, you’ll come around to liking me. Matilda had promised to have him out of my way if I helped her, but she failed. It’s up to you now. You can choose how I get rid of him. I can kill him when he walks back through that door, or you can dump him and I might let him go with that.” 

Doubtful. 

“You know, if you shoot that thing off in here, people will come running. Those aren’t quiet.” He said with a slightly raised eyebrow as he worked on getting his legs around the side of the bed. 

She seemed slightly surprised, but hid it quickly with a scowl. 

“I’m also not sure how you are going to get me out of here without causing a scene. If that was your intention? I won’t just be allowed to stay in this room, and people will come and go, especially the madam and doctor.” He said. 

Lauriette pursed her lips, her brows creasing with frustration. 

She clearly hadn’t thought this through, at all. Or possibly doesn’t even have the capability to do so. 

Before he could continue on his quest to confuse her enough to possibly get the gun away from her, a light knock tapped on the door, followed by the sound of it slowly creaking open. A fuzzy, large dog looked inside, its head bigger than any he’d ever seen. 

Did someone breed that thing with a bear? 

It sniffed a few times before nudging the door open, revealing no one behind it. 

It couldn’t have knocked, or opened that on its own… 

When it slowly walked over to his bed, Hollem felt his body stiffen with worry. Sure, it didn’t seem vicious, but that wasn’t saying much. Wait. This was the giant dog that I had seen earlier with that old woman. It must be a pet she keeps around to keep her company. It was an odd choice, and definitely an odd size, for a comfort animal, but he supposed that it was up to the woman what she wished to keep. 

“Hello dog… you seem friendly, I hope?” He said, hesitant to try and pet it. 

At least the dog took Lauriette’s attention away from him, making her lower the gun as her curiosity turned toward the giant dog. It flattened its ears to its head and sat down next to her, widening its eyes as she reached down with her free hand to try and pet it. 

Not too sure he looks happy to see you… 

Seemingly reading the dog correctly, it snorted a strange sneeze and opened its giant jaws before abruptly clamping them down on Lauriette’s dainty hand. The woman screamed and dropped the gun, triggering it to go off. Thankfully, the bullet sank into the lower part of his bed, and Hollem didn’t waste a second leaning over the edge and snagging the weapon and scooting away from Lauriette’s screaming form. 

Like he’d stated before, shooting the gun off would likely bring a lot of people upstairs quickly, and it sure did. Madam was the first there, quickly followed by Amia, who still had a piece of a sandwich sticking out from between his teeth. 

The magistrate was third, along with his lover, Abel. 

“No wonder lady Lelynn said she was taking Kite for a walk, then headed up the stairs with him. I thought she was just going senile.” Kirin mumbled, drawing a slight grin from his lover before he walked forward and reached over the dog. 

It pinned its ears back and growled, but Kirin just dismissed it silently and took Lauriette’s free hand, pulling it behind her back before looking down at the giant dog. 

“Good boy. I promise you a steak for dinner, so can I have her hand from your mouth?” He asked. 

Not so sure he’ll understand that. 

The look the dog gave the magistrate made even Hollem’s blood chill. 

“Fine. Two steaks and whatever extra the cook has left after closing.” He said, adjusting his offer a great deal. 

The dog seemed to think about it for a moment, then gave one last grumble before releasing Lauriette’s hand and walking out of the room. It hadn’t looked like it had done much damage when it was just holding it, but Hollem felt his stomach twist as he saw the deep gauges left from the beast’s giant teeth. 

No wonder she was so dramatic. 

The magistrate didn’t pay the damage much mind, and instead bound the woman’s hands in a pair of cuffs and started pushing her toward the door. Blood was dripping onto the wooden floor, though spurring Abel to run forward and quickly wrap a cloth around the injury. It was no proper bandage, but it would keep the floor from being stained. 

Serves her right. She’ll be tended to later. 

The moment they took her away and everyone left, including the dog, thankfully, Amia shut and locked the door. Hollem gulped as the guy turned around, his eyes furious. 

“You knew that she was here with a gun!” He yelled, stomping over to Hollem before promptly climbing over top him and pinning his shoulders down to the pillow. 

“You goddamn idiot!” He added, shoving Hollem down in frustration. 

I’m sorry, hun. I know you’re mad, but I would have done the same thing over and over again if it would keep you safe. 

“Don’t give me that look. You better tell me right now that if something like that happens again, that you’ll call for me immediately! Not send me away!” He yelled before his lower lip began to shiver slightly. 

Hollem grinned, earning a frustrated scowl before he reached up and tugged Amia down into his arms. His chest hurt a bit where the guy rested a little weight on it, but it was nothing compared to how great having him back safe in his arms felt. 

“I promise I’ll send you away every single time if it keeps you out of harms way.” He said, earning a grumble from Amia before he heard the sniffle and tuck his head beneath his neck. 

Hollem began rubbing his back slowly, allowing his eyes to close as Amia cried against him. He could use a good cry himself, but he’d save his tears for when Amia was asleep, then he’d finally let his stress out. 

“Everything is over now, though.” He whispered, only for Amia to sit up a little and shake his head. 

“Not everything. We won’t be working here for much longer. Get ready for a new job.” He said, his damp eyes full of determination. 

I don’t think I can argue. After all, I want him out of this profession immediately, too. 

“I understand. We’ll discuss it further and start looking around once you’ve got some more meat on your bones and I can walk for more than a few minutes a day. Deal?” He asked as he reached up, slipping one hand behind Amia’s head to gently guide him down into a soft kiss. 

Amia settled in after a few seconds, sighing into Hollem’s mouth. 

“We’ll need to talk to the magistrate tomorrow, too. Then probably the madam.” He mumbled after they finally broke their kiss and Amia dropped down onto the blankets beside him, only to cuddle right up against his side like a cat. 

“Yeah. I need to thank that old lady, too.” Amia added, making Hollem’s eyebrow rise. 

“Her dog was quite helpful.” He said, earning a laugh from Amia as the guy stretched out, getting comfortable. He doubted that they’d sleep, but some nice time to rest with his lover by his side sounded perfect right then. 

“You’ll understand eventually…” Amia whispered on a yawn. “But the dog wasn’t the dangerous one.”

Yourself

(Somewhat unedited. It’s 1 AM XD)

“Are you two ever going to wake up?” 

Hearing the madam’s angry voice nearby had Hollem groaning and stretching his sore body. He might not have been in great physical shape to be doing extracurricular activities the previous night, but that hadn’t stopped Amia from showing him plenty of love… and plenty of ways to make it. 

“Can we pretend it’s still yesterday?” He mumbled as he felt the body that had been glued to his side begin to stir. 

“No. It’s today and you two need to get your backsides up before the magistrate leaves with his two new prisoners to give your statements.” She said, yanking the blanket off of their naked bodies like it didn’t bother her in the least. 

It didn’t. Though, it also didn’t really bother them, either. Except, Hollem was a bit chilly after a few moments. He was about to get up when he felt Amia’s arms wrap around him and heard a faint growl leave the guy’s throat. 

“Oh don’t give me that. I know you’re going to steal him away but news flash, I’ve already seen his goods more times than I can count, so don’t bother trying to get defensive over them. Now get your arses up before I have that crazy grandma come in here. I heard she’s not a fan of most couples.” She said. 

When neither of them moved, Hollem heard madam Maria’s steps begin to head toward the door. He really didn’t want to get up, but she was right. They had to settle things once and for all with the magistrate, and they also had to decide what exactly they were going to do with their own situation, too. 

“Fineeeee. We’re getting up.” He groaned as he forced his body to move. 

Amia sat up with him, but mainly because his arms were wrapped tightly around his chest and would have had to let  go if he didn’t want to be moved. 

Grinning, Hollem reached up and ran his fingers through Amia’s already-messy hair. The action drew Amia’s attention up to him, making Hollem grin. 

How did I ever get this guy? 

He was absolutely adorable when he was half asleep and look up at him like a content puppy. Of course, there was also the fact that as soon as he had food in his belly and had completed his necessary tasks for the day, that he turned into a sex-hungry fiend. 

Before he could process what was happening, Amia leaned up and stole a firm but calm kiss. 

“I see that love in your eyes, and I’m going to keep it forever.” He said, startling Hollem enough so that he didn’t even blink until Amia was off the bed and getting dressed. 

“Hollem! Move it!” Madam Maria yelled from down the hall. 

That’s when Hollem noticed that she had left the door completely wide open and hurried from the bed. Amia was gone by the time he had his own clothing on and was ready to, reluctantly, face the world. 

Let’s wrap this up, Hollem. He told himself with a determined nod as he walked out of his room and headed down the hall to the stairs. 

The magistrate, his lover, the old woman and her giant wolf dog, as well as madam Maria and Amia were already waiting for him as he stepped into one of the main meeting rooms. 

He dropped down into the only remaining seat available, next to Amia, and immediately felt a hand slip between his legs beneath the table. 

“Play nice or I’ll be sitting between you two, and you won’t be happy putting your hands between my legs, boy.” Madam Maria said before nodding to the magistrate and leaning back in her seat. 

Kirin cleared his throat and offered an awkward smile before he began speaking. 

“Since this little situation didn’t really work well as a punishment, I believe that we’ll switch it up a little.” He said, raising an eyebrow as he glanced over at the old woman sitting at the table petting her large dog. 

She was just watching it for its owners, wasn’t she? I really hope so… there’s no way she would be able to control such a beast if it got out of hand. Hopefully it is returned soon. 

“I believe that we should have our two outstanding lady citizens spend their new punishment days with lady Lelynn.” He said, as if the woman was actually strong enough to handle both of the crazy women. 

Yes, he’d seen her dark side, but he still couldn’t believe that she’d be able to manage on her own. 

“She’ll be watching Kite for a good while, so I believe that things will be fine… and if they aren’t, there are quite a few cages left behind by the old magistrate. I don’t mind being mean, for once.” Kirin added. 

“What of my uncle?” Amia asked, his right hand gripping the inside of Hollem’s leg through his pants a little harder than necessary. 

The look on Kirin’s face had Hollem unsure of whether he should smile or frown. 

“Considering that I got several of his loyal workers to talk with lady Lelynn’s much appreciated assistance and a little attention from Kite, we have him on quite a few  hefty charges. He’ll be going to jail, and he won’t be getting out for years.” He said, drawing a huge sigh from Amia. 

“Wait. So you don’t even need our testimony?” He asked, confused. 

Madam Maria chuckled lightly as she flicked her wrist, dismissing the lawman and his group, leaving just himself, Amia, and the madam behind. 

“I just said that to get your lazy arses out of bed faster and thought that you might want to hear what was going to happen from him.” She said, bringing a scowl to Hollem’s face before it vanished a few moments later. 

“Anyways, we have our own business to tend to.” She said, folding her hands on the table in front of her as her strong gaze settled on them.

“It just so happens that I know someone looking for two hard working bastards.” She said, surprising both of them. “You do?” Amia asked, his voice slightly skeptical. The madam hadn’t been too happy about both of them wanting to leave, and especially not with him, because he was absolutely stealing Hollem away. 

The woman sighed and leaned back, lowering her normal glare to replace it with a look of actual warmth. 

“Hollem has been with me for many years, Amia. He’s worked hard for me and in return, I believe that I have treated him well. I can’t say the same thing, on either end, for some of my other workers, but the one you are taking away from me is the one I trust the most.” She said, actually stirring some pride in Hollem’s chest as she spoke. 

He knew that being a whore wasn’t exactly a profession most bragged about, or really wished to do, but he knew that he was good at it and he wasn’t forced to do things he wasn’t comfortable with. 

“It’s going to be hard physical labor until you move up the ranks, but I have a feeling that you’re up to it… Hollem.” She said, smirking at Amia when he scoffed at her. 

“I have better stamina than him! I fu–mmph!” His words were thankfully cut off by Hollem’s hand, bring madam Maria to roll her eyes and laugh quietly. 

“He’s absolutely perfect for you, Hollem. He’ll keep you on your toes, and your back when you’re too tired to bed him properly.” She said, making Hollem scowl. He couldn’t argue, though. If Amia wanted to have sex, he’d get it, one way or the other. 

Definitely have my hands full. 

“Maybe it will tired your little minx out so that he won’t be sniffing up your leg so often.” She said jokingly, changing Hollem’s scowl to a slight grin, while Amia took his scowl and crossed his arms over his chest as Hollem dropped his hand. 

“Anyways. I hate to say this, but you two better get your things ready. My friend has a small extra room you can have, unattached to the house, for their own sleeping pleasure while you two enjoy your excessive pleasuring… so I want the room you’ve been hogging for all these years.” She said, pointedly staring at Hollem, though he could only grin. 

“Yes ma’am. You’ll have us as visitors, won’t you?” He asked as he got up, Amia immediately copying him, except he decided to slip one hand into Hollem’s pants to play with his backside for fun, making the man squirm a little. 

“Once you get that punk of yours under control, we’ll talk about it.” She said, unable to hide her smile as she got up, too. 

“I do truly thank you for all of your hard work, and if you ever decide to return as a worker, I will welcome you with open arms.” She said honestly, drawing him forward into a quick hug before Amia pulled him back by the waistband of his pants. 

“Now get your little possessive boy, and your things, and get the hell out. There is someone outside who will take you to your new home.” She said with a shake of her head before heading out the door. 

After a bit of maneuvering, Hollem got Amia’s hand out of his pants and turned to the grinning troublemaker. 

“I guess it’s time to finally go.” He said, sighing as he realized the enormity of the whole situation. He’d never planned to really move on from the whore house for years to come, yet there he was, standing beside his lover, about to take that step. 

Amia grabbed his hand and squeezed as he looked up, offering a reassuring smile. 

Everything is going to be okay. I’ve got him now. 

“Don’t worry, Hol. I’ll give you the best blowjob of your life when we get there.” Amia said with a wink before sauntering out of the room, leaving Hollem to smack his face with one palm and laugh to himself. 

This is going to be a very interesting life. 

-END

(May or may not be an epi at some point lol)