No Quarter (Bounty, Book One) by Christine d'Abo Page B

bet to you earlier. Maybe a little entertainment is payment enough? What do you think?”
    Gar forced his eyes to remain locked with Faolan’s and not dip down to watch the trail his fingers were making in the soap bubbles around his bellybutton. “Guess it depends on how good you can make the show.”
    “I can make it very good. Won awards for it, in fact.”
    “I find that hard to believe.”
    Faolan’s hand stopped barely an inch from where his erect cock now stood hard against his stomach. “How about another bet? I’ll put on a show good enough to make you come in your pants. If I do, I get to do whatever I want to you later on.”
    Warning screams ripped through his head as his brain tried to win out over his lust-addled body. “It will never happen.”
    “So sure about that? Maybe you really are made of ice.” Faolan licked his lips. “I’m willing to take the risk and find out.”
    Gar knew this was a bad idea. Why after all the years of careful planning was Faolan able to blast through his control like this? He’d been alone for years and it had been enough for him. Reaching out to the occasional person when he needed a fuck kept him sane. Why then was Faolan so different? Why did Gar want to sink into his embrace and forget the universe and all the shit it had piled on his shoulders? Still, he’d never met anyone who could push his buttons the way Faolan could, turn him on the way the pirate had in their short acquaintance. It could be fun.
    Gar cocked an eyebrow. “And what if I win?” Gar had never been able to back down from a challenge.
    Faolan made a show of considering. “What could I possibly offer a man who appears to want nothing? I guess it’s only fair that you get the same. If I can’t do as promised, then I’m yours to do what you want with.”
    “Anything?” Scenarios rolled through his head at an alarming rate.
    “I’m a man of my word. You should know that by now, Stitt. Anything you want me to do, I’m yours— if you win.”
    “You’re on.” Bad idea, Gar. This will end poorly. Gar was already regretting the mad impulse that had driven him to this contest of wills.
    Faolan grinned, adjusting himself by leaning his forearm against the shower stall. Gar took an involuntary step backward until the firm plane of the wall pressed against his shoulder blades.
    “Take your jacket off,” Faolan said, his voice a low rumble. “The vest too. Off.”
    Without thinking, Gar started working the buttons. The air was heavy with steam, causing a trickle of sweat to bead on the back of his neck and roll beneath his collar. Faolan watched, an intense look on his face. Realizing his actions were having an impact on the older man, Gar slowed his pace, taking his time to slide his fingertip into the holes to pull each button free.
    “Gods, those hands of yours…should be illegal.”
    “What makes you think they’re not?” Gar freed the last button and slipped the jacket and vest from his arms. Turning toward the bedroom, he tossed the garments on the bed. “There, satisfied?”
    Faolan nodded. “Very. Now I can see the wet spot your cum will make when you lose.”
    Gar gasped at the lewd image. Stumbling, he adjusted his stance, widening his legs to adjust for his growing erection. “Bastard.”
    “You agreed to the bet. I’m just doing my part to make the best temptation possible.” Faolan reached over and grabbed another handful of soap from the dispenser. “I’ll want to make sure I’m nice and clean. Never know when I’ll have to impress someone.”
    This time Faolan didn’t stop his downward progress to his cock. Gar watched, slightly awed, as Faolan reached around the bottom of his balls and tugged them gently. He rubbed a small circular pattern across the tightening sac with his thumb, humming pleasantly as he did.
    “This would be so much better if it was your hand, Stitt. Those long fingers of yours felt so good wrapped around my cock. You really know how to work