Ensnared

Jack O’Neill looked up when he heard the knock on his study door, and bade his visitor entrance. He gave his valet an inquiring look. “Yes, Henry?”

Henry walked to the desk and laid papers atop it. “Sir, Tyson has returned from the auction. He’s brought four new servants if you’d care to go outside and meet them.”

Jack picked up the contracts and glanced over them. “Two men and two women?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Looks like we paid a nice amount for this Margaret Nixon and Daniel Jackson. Are they a pair?”

“No, sir.”

“I’d say they’ll spend about six years with us and the other two four. What roles have you selected for them, Henry?”

“The Nixon woman was said to have quite the hand in the kitchen, so perhaps she can replace Mrs. Woods, as she’s moving away to live with her daughter’s family next month. For the other female, we have a housekeeping vacancy.”

Jack set the contracts down and looked over his small, round spectacles. “The Jackson and Danvers fellows?”

“I would like to groom one of them for my position, sir, though we’ll have to see which is more suitable before one is selected. The other will work in the barn.”

Jack shook his head, lips quirking up. “You and Mrs. Woods conspired to leave me in a lurch, didn’t you? She leaves so soon, and then you’re with one foot out the door as well.”

Henry smiled. “Absolutely, sir. Would you like to inspect the new staff outside, or shall I bring them into the foyer?”

“It’s hot outside, Henry, bring them into the kitchen and give them something to drink. I’ll meet you there shortly.” Jack spent a few more minutes looking over the contracts. Though slaves were abundant, he’d never been able to settle that score with his conscience, and indentured servants suited his needs just as well; they were rewarded for their work with their freedom and a bit of land of their own once their contract was paid in full. He got up and stretched, wincing at the stiffness in his back. Hopefully one of the new servants was also good at working with warm compresses to relieve aches and pains.

~

Daniel Jackson stood at his full height of an even six feet, trying not to be resentful while he awaited his ‘master’, but it rankled him to no end to be in his current predicament. The man who had purchased him had told him nothing more than he was fortunate to have his contract purchased by Jack O’Neill, but Daniel didn’t consider being indebted to anyone a gift.

He’d been dismayed when his former employer’s wife had expressed a sexual interest in him, but he hadn’t realized that his refusal of her overture would lead her to tell her husband he’d made inappropriate advances. Nor had he any inkling her husband would have him kidnapped and put on a ship bound for the American wilderness once she did so.

Much to his surprise, the country wasn’t quite as backward as he’d expected. In no way had he experienced the best it had to offer, but they did reside in abodes better than huts, and from the appearance of the destination he’d been brought to, his ‘master’ lived quite well.

Jack stood to the side of the doorway, studying his new servants. The women looked rather tentative and fearful, one man looked resigned and the other man looked… defiant?

Stepping inside, Jack smiled at them. “Welcome to your new home. Hopefully you’ll like it here and we’ll find appropriate duties for each of you. Ladies,” he said, nodding. “Gentlemen. I’m Jack O’Neill and my manservant there, Tyson, purchased your contracts for me. As long as you don’t abuse my hospitality or anyone else that lives on this property, and work to earn your keep, I suspect we’ll all do just fine together.” He stepped closer to the women and saw both of them flinch, then exchanged glances with Henry. “There’s no force in this house,” he assured them. “Your quarters are your own, and no one is allowed to push their way in. If that ever happens, you come to me.”

Daniel studied Jack O’Neill carefully. He wasn’t a rapist, or at least that’s what he proclaimed, but he was fair enough of face that he was likely able to charm his way into bed chambers. He was tall, his hair silvering, his eyes a bright, golden brown, strong nose, thinnish lips, his form fit… a handsome man by all standards, so if he wanted his female servants, he’d not have trouble getting them.

And Daniel kept his gaze on the man even when their eyes met, refusing to show signs of deference. He was this man’s equal, no matter what position a scorned woman had put him in.

Jack approached the men, tearing his eyes away from the blue ones staring back. “A welcome to you both as well. If you’ll tell Tyson and Henry what your strengths are, we’ll make every attempt to place you in suitable positions.” When he looked away from the resigned, somewhat stooping man, he found the other one still standing straight and still eyeing him, full lips clamped firmly together. “You are…?”

The answer was crisp and clear. “Daniel Jackson.”

“Welcome, Daniel Jackson.” Jack turned away before the man could reply. “Henry, can you get our guests supper after their baths?” He turned back, eyes locking with the Jackson man’s again. “I’ll see you all in the morning after you’re well fed and well rested. Mrs. Woods is quite the cook when it comes to ‘stick to your ribs’ food, so I hope you enjoy your meal.”

Daniel watched the man walk away, wondering why he was being gracious to them, what his motivations were. His thoughts were interrupted by the other two servants, Tyson and Henry, herding them outside.

“Come along,” Henry coaxed, “we’ve much water to heat to get the lot of you clean. Mrs. Woods,” he called, “there’ll be an extra four having supper this evening.”

Daniel saw an older woman enter the kitchen, a generous smile on her aging, creased face. “Don’t worry, Henry, no one will go without. Make sure my new helper has her bath first, and then send her back to me.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

~

Daniel took a spot on the bench at the long wooden table, looking at the men on either side of him and nodding. He held out his hand to the smiling one on his right. “I’m Daniel Jackson.”

“Nice ta meet ya, Daniel Jackson. Me name’s Gerald, but most people call me Scrappy.”

He smiled wider then, and Daniel saw the gaps where teeth used to be. “Hello then, Scrappy.”

“Got in too many scraps as a youth, that’s where I got the name.”

Daniel had to grin.

“Yer a new arrival. Saw ya with Tyson and Mister Henry earlier. You ‘n him,” Scrappy said, pointing a few seats down at the other new man.

“Yes, I am. That’s Owen; he’s been rather quiet thus far.” Accepting the bowl Scrappy passed, Daniel put a spoonful of potatoes on his plate. He continued the conversation – the best way to learn the lay of the land, so to speak, was to talk with the natives. Or at least the ones who’d been around longer than he had. “So, how long have you been here, Scrappy?”

“A while.” Scrappy took a piece of meat off the next plate and passed it to Daniel. “I think Master Jack’s ‘ad me around fer several years now. I work the land, do some o’ the plowin’, pickin’, plantin’. I’m good with me hands and the earth, so it works fer us. An’ Master Jack pays me enough to go into town now and then and get me some drink and a tumble, so I could do worse.”

“Your contract is paid in full then?” Daniel asked.

“Aye, been a free man a while now.”

“And because he pays you, you haven’t left? One would think you’d go as far away as possible from someone who’s taken advantage of your misfortune and forced you to work for him.” Daniel paused a moment. “Perhaps there’s a way to work off debt early; I’ll inquire about that.”

Scrappy passed the biscuits. “I stay because Master Jack’s a good one, but you’ll see that fer yerself. He don’t beat us, we eat good, an’ we got this here roof over our heads.” Scrappy paused after dragging his biscuit through the gravy, and eyed Daniel. “Yer a fancy man, aren’t ya? Ya talk nice and ya look nice, so ya got some smarts, don’t ya? I’ll jus’ tell ya now. The folks here, we like Master Jack, an’ if ya give ‘im a chance, ya might too. But don’t go getting no ideas about how ter work yer way inta the big house or out o’ that debt too early. You’ll find out soon enough, gossips bein’ what they are ‘n all, that Master Jack, he don’t go with the ladies, iffin you know what I’m sayin’.

“We’ve ‘ad a few men ter come here and try ta get out of their share of work by workin’ in the master’s bed, but them ones, they don’t last long. Master Jack sees through ‘em and sells ‘em off.” Scrappy frowned. “We don’t much care for people tryin’ ta take advantage of Master Jack, so keep that in the back of yer mind. If ya fly right and pull yer weight, you’ll do jus’ fine here.”

Daniel studied his food, utterly shocked by what he’d just been told. His new… owner… preferred men over women? He pushed at his potatoes with his fork. “I have no intention of taking advantage of Mister O’Neill.” He went ahead and asked what else he wanted to know, not sure if his mind would be set at ease or even more alarmed. “Does he often select men from here to service him?”

Scrappy wiped his mouth and swallowed. “Naw, ain’t of’en the master has ter ask men, they just seem ta know and work it out ‘tween themselves. An’ he don’t never force none. Ain’t no one sure ‘bout the master. The one’s I’ve known ta be doin’ private stuff with ‘im ain’t said nothin’ when they was done, but they ain’t been hurt none either, so I guess they like it. The one’s that do talk are the ones that git moved right on out.” Scrappy chuckled. “An’ if they talk, I ain’t believin’ ‘em cuz they say they got the master beggin’ fer ‘em. They think they’re smarter ‘n me, but they ain’t. I been here long enough ta know one thing – Master Jack don’ beg fer no one. He’s a right picky one, he is. He don’t just bugger every Tom, Dick ‘n Harry that swishes by ‘im.”

Daniel listened in silence, still playing with his food. What kind of man had purchased his contract? What kind of man was he that his activities and preferences were known by his workers, yet he still commanded loyalty from them? If Scrappy was an example, he was still a well liked and respected man on his property in spite of his apparent tendencies to have sexual relations with other men, including those that worked for him.

“Ya know what yer ta be doin’ ‘round here yet, Daniel?”

“No, I don’t. I told Henry and Tyson that I’m not particularly experienced with manual labor, that I was a teacher at home. Henry mentioned something about me working in the house.” But now, knowing what he knew about the lord of the manor, he wasn’t sure he wanted to do that.

“Like I said, yer a fancy man, old Henry’s probably wantin’ ta teach ya ta be Master Jack’s new valet, take ‘is place when ‘e leaves.”

Daniel’s frown deepened. Valet? He’d be a valet to a man who liked ‘buggering’ men? He shuddered with distaste for even thinking the harsh word. “I don’t know about that…”

Scrappy laughed and punched Daniel’s arm none too gently. “Already told ya the master don’t force ‘imself on no one. Don’t worry, ya won’t find yerself bent over somewhere, gettin’ buggered.”

Easy for Scrappy to say, Daniel figured – he wasn’t the one who’d be dressing and undressing the man if the position ended up his. He ate a few more bites, allowed Scrappy to introduce him around after dinner, and then engaged in a few hands of cards before retiring to his bunk for the night.

~

It was a wary Daniel Jackson that followed Henry around the house early the next morning.

“Master Jack’s a fairly early riser, so I wake before him each day to have his tea ready when he gets up. He likes it strong and hot,” Henry explained, showing Daniel how he brewed it. “He’s not much for breakfast, usually prefers something light mid-morning and then a good noon meal. He bathes daily and I generally shave him each morning as well. On the days his aches and pains bother him, I wrap hot bricks for his back, or Tyson gives him a liniment rub. I also lay out his clothes so he can dress and get right to work. His ledgers are done each morning and you’ll be required to help him track all expenditures and income. You’ll also remind him of his daily appointments and note new entries. On days he has to go into town, you’ll make sure his clothing is pressed and ready for him, and accompany him if he asks.”

Daniel crossed his arms over his chest. “Do I wipe his arse, too?”

Henry frowned. “You’ll curb that tongue first thing, Mister Jackson. If you’re of a mind to work in the stables instead, that can be arranged immediately.”

Daniel bit his tongue. He had no desire to work in the stable or in the fields; working in the house would be a much better use of his talents, but he wasn’t sure he was going to like Jack O’Neill at all. “I apologize. Please, continue.”

Henry sniffed. “Sometimes he tries to work through lunch. Another of your responsibilities will be to make sure he doesn’t. At half past noon each day, you’ll go to his office with a luncheon tray for the both of you and stay there to dine with him and keep him company while he eats. Each afternoon, he goes out to check on the property and workers – you’ll go with him and take down his comments.” Henry put the tea on a tray and handed it to Daniel. “Up the stairs and to the left, on the end is the master’s room.” Henry gave him a gentle push. “On with you, young man, before the tea cools.”

Daniel held the tray tightly and made his way up the stairs. He turned to the left and walked down, pausing to look at Henry when they reached the closed door. “Do I knock or just go in?”

“Knock to let him know you’re here, and then enter. Keep your eyes away from the bed. Most of the time, when he has company, the drapes around it are drawn, but in the event they’re not, do not pry into his private affairs.”

Daniel snorted, balanced the tray on one hand, and raised his fist. “In case he’s in the midst of ‘buggering’ some poor fellow, I suppose.” He yelped when the hot tea spilled on him, and turned angry eyes on Henry. He raised a hand and rubbed the back of his head. “What the blazes was that for?”

Henry snatched the tray, glaring at Daniel. “You will not speak so disrespectfully of the master. Back downstairs with you, Daniel Jackson, and on to the bunkhouse. I do not believe this is the position for you after all.”

Daniel stalked down the hallway, taking the steps two at a time, and then banged his way out of the house.

Henry followed, refilling the teapot and cup, shaking his head. When he turned around to go back up, he found a yawning, robe wearing Jack O’Neill already in the kitchen. “Ah, sir, I was just on my way to your chambers.”

Jack scrubbed his fingers through his hair. “I thought I heard something so I just came on down. Tea smells wonderful, Henry. Why don’t we just have a cup here?”

“Yes, sir.” Henry set his employer’s cup on the table and poured one for himself. “I don’t know that Mister Jackson was an appropriate choice for my replacement. He seems to have some trouble with authority and I think it might be best to let him try his hand in the fields and stables first – see where he fits in best.”

Jack shrugged, memory of the tall, fair haired and fair faced man sharp in his mind. “Whatever you think, Henry. We’ll see how he does in those positions. So what did he do?”

“Nothing to worry yourself about, sir.”

“Very well,” Jack agreed. “I trust you to keep me apprised of the situation.”

“Yes, sir. Are you in need of the bricks or a rub this morning, sir?”

Jack arched forward. “If Tyson’s up, a rub would be very welcome.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll check on him, sir.”

Jack stood and picked up his teacup. “I’ll just go back upstairs then, Henry.”

“Very good, sir.”

~

Jack pulled on his leather gloves as he waited for his horse to be brought out. He’d told Henry he felt like a ride, and that the older man would do just as well to wait in the house instead of accompanying him. He turned when he heard the equine snort, and patted the stallion’s nose. “Looks like a fine day for a ride, Colbert,” he said with a smile. He took the reins from the man and recognized the new hand. “Owen Danvers, isn’t it?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Thank you for getting him ready, Owen. We’ll be back in a bit.”

Daniel watched from the stable doors as the head of the house easily swung into the saddle and set off at a brisk trot. “What did he say?” he asked when Owen joined him.

“Thanks.”

Daniel sighed as Owen ambled past him – the man just didn’t talk unless he had to. He looked at his palms and sighed again at the forming blisters, regretting his impetuous outburst from the morning. He still wasn’t keen on the idea of working in close proximity to someone with O’Neill’s preferences, but it had to be better than mucking out stalls, swatting at flies, and fighting gnats. He’d have to find a way to apologize to Henry before much longer.

*

Jack didn’t look up from his ledgers when he heard the study doors open. “Just put it on the table there, Henry, and I’ll eat in a bit. You should take yours and go join Ms. Nixon before it gets cold. Let’s discuss the fall celebration later though… I’ve been thinking we should move it up a bit. The temperature the last two years has seemed a bit too cool for comfort for me. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“I wouldn’t know, seeing as this will be my first year here.”

Jack did look up when he heard a different voice answer him. A smile lit his face. “I apologize, Mister Jackson. I thought you were Henry. The last time we’d discussed you working in the house was the day after you arrived, and that was about a month ago.”

It had been thirty five days and Daniel’s body had counted each one of them. Henry had proven to be a tough old bird who had been extremely offended by Daniel’s off color comment about the master’s choice of bed partners.

As for O’Neill, Daniel had only seen him at a distance. In that time, he’d found himself doing a variety of jobs. He hadn’t been limited to just stable work; he’d also worked with Scrappy and done plowing, planting and picking. O’Neill didn’t often make it to the servant quarters, but each week someone was invited to spend the night in the house and have Sunday dinner there.

Daniel hadn’t been invited as of yet, and knowing how reliant O’Neill was on Henry, he had an idea his name had never been suggested.

He’d finally cornered Henry, though, and once again apologized, then asked if he might have another go at the apprenticeship. To his surprise, Henry had agreed. So here he was, finally, and it’d be to his advantage to humor O’Neill.

“No need to apologize. Henry felt I should experience all aspects of job duties here, so I’ve been on a rotation of sorts.”

Jack pulled his spectacles off and set them on the desk, then moved to sit at the table. “In that case, let’s start your rotation here off on the right foot. Please, sit down and we’ll eat. You can tell me about your observations of our land and its workings.”

Daniel set the tray down and emptied it, then took his seat. “Things here seem to run very smoothly, Mister O’Neill. You’re very well-liked by the workers,” he admitted, “but I ended up in this country, and, incidentally, in your service, under some very unfair circumstances, so I can’t say I’m all that happy to be here.”

Jack’s brow went up – this wasn’t the first man to tell him how he’d done nothing to be forcibly sold into contract work. “Unfair, you say?”

Daniel eyed him. “Yes, but that’s neither here nor there. You’ve purchased my contract and I don’t have the means to pay you back, so this is where I’ll be for a while, though if there are extra jobs I can do to speed up the restitution process, I’d be interested in hearing about them.”

Jack took a bite of dumplings, then sat back and studied the man opposite him. Once he’d swallowed his mouthful and sipped some tea, he spoke again. “What exactly do you mean by extra jobs, Mister Jackson?”

Daniel momentarily wanted to cut off his own tongue, wondering if he’d just initiated O’Neill’s thought processes about ‘buggering’ him. “Extra tasks such as teaching the children, or other workers. I was a teacher back home and if I can use that skill, I’d like the opportunity.”

“You’ve been here a while, Mister Jackson, long enough to hear things about me. Is that the only kind of duty you’re offering?”

“Yes,” Daniel answered firmly. “And you’re right, Mister O’Neill, I’ve heard things, but I’m not the sort to work my debt off by lying on my back and being someone’s woman.”

Jack nodded, a smile flitting over his face. “You’re an honest one, aren’t you, Daniel?” He winked playfully then added, “And I wasn’t propositioning you by the way, I was just wondering if you’d heard anything and what it might be. Now, teaching… I really would like to see the children get educated on more than the duties of plantation workers, but it’s always been too far to send them to the school and there’s never been a teacher keen on working out here. That’s quite the interesting idea. What would you be able to teach them?”

“I could teach them basic numbers, reading, writing, and speaking.” Daniel tamped down his enthusiasm. Even though O’Neill appeared to be sincerely interested, that didn’t mean he might not keep ‘other’ jobs in the back of his mind, no matter what he said.

Jack nodded. “I like the sound of that. I’ll talk to Henry and we can speak to all the families, see if they would be accepting of giving the children over to education for a few hours a day.” He took another bite, scooping up more dumplings and some collard greens, then frowned as he chewed. “I’ll be right back, Daniel. Eat up.”

Daniel watched him leave, frowning himself and wondering what had gone wrong. He looked up when O’Neill came back, carrying a small mason jar. He watched as it was shook over the greens. “Did I miss something?”

“Hmm? Oh, this is your first time, you couldn’t be expected to know, but I prefer my greens seasoned with pepper sauce. It’s just little peppers in vinegar, but it raises the flavor up a few notches. Care to try it?’ Jack asked, holding the jar out. “Just shake it over top of them.”

Daniel shook just a little bit, then tasted it and smiled. “That’s good.”

Jack grinned. “I know. So, Daniel, what part of your rotation have you enjoyed most?”

Daniel grimaced. “This part. You have far too many insects, Mister O’Neill, and I get tired of fighting them. I also can’t say the smell of the stable is one of my favorites, nor is tilling and fertilizing the soil. I don’t mind the manual labor; it’s just been a new experience for me.”

Nodding, Jack continued eating, gesturing Daniel to go on. “You do have a beautiful space here, though, with the seemingly endless expanse of hills and trees. America is much more civilized than I expected, and if I can’t return home when my servitude is over, I hope to explore this country more fully.”

“It’s home,” Jack said with a brief smile. “It’s open and vast and new and I can’t even begin to imagine what it will be like in the next one hundred years. I happen to think this plantation is one of the most beautiful places in the world.”

Meanwhile, Henry listened from the doorway, wondering if the Jackson fellow would prove smarter this go round. He had what it took to be a good manservant if only he applied himself to the task rather than nurture prejudices against the master’s choices of bedmates.

Daniel stood to put the empty dishes back on the tray when he and O’Neill had finished eating. “Is there anything else you need?”

“Yes, Daniel, there is. Please have the buggy brought round to the front of the house; you, Henry and I will go visit the south side this afternoon.”

“Very well,” Daniel nodded. He left quietly and carried the tray to the kitchen, finding Henry and Ms. Nixon there. “Henry, Mister O’Neill would like us both to accompany him on a tour of the southern field.”

“Go tell Owen and he’ll get things ready. I’ll get the master’s hat and meet you on the steps.”

Daniel nodded and left through the kitchen door, crossing to the barn. “Owen?” He heard scrabbling above and looked up. “Owen, are you up there?”

Owen peeked over the hay loft. “Aye, Daniel. What’re ya needin’?”

“Mister O’Neill would like the buggy brought to the front of the house.”

“It’ll be there soon.”

“Thank you, Owen.” Daniel looked out over the property as he headed around the front of the house. O’Neill was right in that he had a beautiful piece of property. If he stopped to listen, when all was still and peaceful, he could hear the river that ran a few hundred yards behind the bunkhouse. He looked up and figured it could be seen from O’Neill’s balcony. He kept moving, finding Henry and the master of the house waiting for him on the front porch. “Owen will be around shortly with the buggy.”

“Very good, Daniel,” Henry said approvingly.

Daniel’s eyes moved to O’Neill’s face, but he found the man preoccupied with something else and followed his gaze, eventually settling on a sweaty, tan, very male back.

“Who is that, Henry?” Jack asked. “I don’t think I’ve seen him around.”

“He’s new, sir, arrived a fortnight ago, you were away on business.”

“Have him in for supper tomorrow night.”

“Yes, sir.” Henry turned to Daniel, giving him a warning look. “Daniel, extend the master’s invitation to Robert when you see him tonight.”

“Of course,” Daniel murmured in response. He hadn’t really thought about it, but it wasn’t difficult to imagine Robert as the kind of man O’Neill would be tempted by: able bodied, fair of face in spite of the once broken nose, and the fellow was even somewhat schooled.

Jack turned a winsome grin on Daniel. “Aye, Daniel, invite the strapping young man to have supper with us tomorrow night.”

Daniel’s eyes widened briefly, but then he smiled in spite of himself at the cheeky wink O’Neill bestowed on him. “As you wish.”

~

Daniel approached Robert after baths. He made the effort to sound casual, and pulled his shirt over his head as he stood a couple feet from the man, then brushed his hair back for a low, short ponytail. “Robert, Mister O’Neill has extended a supper invitation for you tomorrow to dine in the main house.”

“He did?”

“Yes, he did. He saw you working in the gardens earlier today and inquired about you. Said he didn’t recall seeing you before.”

Robert nodded, then trained shrewd eyes on Daniel. “Did he mention wantin’ to bugger me?”

Daniel flushed red and looked away. “Well, um, no, he didn’t bring that up.”

“I’ve only seen him from a distance, but everyone says he’s a nice lookin’ one. Is it true?”

Daniel shrugged self-consciously. “I suppose so.”

“Think he’ll let me stay in the big house if I let him ‘ave me?”

Jerking at the hem of his shirt, Daniel snapped waspishly, “I don’t know! That’s not something we talk about! I was just asked to invite you to supper and so I have. Goodnight, Robert.”

Robert chuckled. “Afraid you’ll lose your position ta me, Daniel? I think I might like being in the big house instead of here. Get the plum work instead of the hard stuff, and all just for being buggered every now and again. Aye, I think I can do that.”

Daniel shook his head in disgust and retreated to his bunk. The man had never even spoken to O’Neill, never even laid eyes on him good, and yet he was willing to trade himself to stay in O’Neill’s house when they had a perfectly fine bunkhouse and weren’t abused or overworked as it was. Daniel found himself tempted to go to the main house and tell O’Neill exactly what his supper guest was about, but it wasn’t his business – Henry had reiterated that – so he laid down and closed his eyes, willing himself to sleep.

~

Daniel knew he was gawking, but was unable to stop. Robert was making a complete fool of himself, but instead of seeing through it, O’Neill was eating it up. He seemed to be actually enjoying the flirtatious looks and occasionally suggestive banter. Daniel flinched at the sudden pain in his calf and whipped his head in Henry’s direction, glaring.

Henry stood up, looking pointedly at Daniel. “Come along, Daniel, let’s check on dessert. I believe Ms. Nixon is making a fresh blackberry cobbler.”

Jack looked up at that, eyes widening a bit. “Really? She’s making my favorite?”

Henry smiled. “Yes, sir. Mrs. Woods wanted to make sure Ms. Nixon knew how to make it properly before she left, so they did several practice runs that didn’t make it to the table.”

Jack’s grin widened. “Mrs. Woods was always a gem.”

“Yes, sir, she was.”

Daniel shot Robert a semi-hostile look that was returned with a smirk and a shuffling chair moving a bit closer to the master’s, but he followed when Henry called his name again.

“Didn’t you see what was going on?” Daniel asked once they were out of earshot. “Robert is beside himself trying to get into O’Neill’s bed and house.”

“Whatever may happen will remain between the master and Mister Tanner, Daniel, and you will do well to begin referring to him as the master rather than that disrespectful ‘O’Neill’. You’ve an intelligent mind – start using it to your advantage. I want to leave the master in good hands and of those that have come and gone, you have the most promise to date.”

“But Robert told me if it gets him moved in here, he’ll be happy to let O’N – the master – ‘bugger’ him. He’ll be using O’N – the master’s – lust against him,” Daniel hissed.

Henry smiled slightly. “And why do you care, Daniel? Do you not believe the master to be nothing more than a pervert, a degenerate, one who is to be judged only on his preference for a same gender bedmate?”

“No!” Daniel stared, stunned at Henry’s words. “I most certainly do not think that! Mister O’Neill’s proving to be a decent man who treats servants adequately, and much better than many other masters, I’m sure. I cannot say I agree with his instincts to mate with other men, but I do not wish him ill because of it.”

“Then you’ve changed your mind since the first time I brought you to work in the house.”

Daniel looked down at the tray. “Yes, I suppose. I’ve just never known of anyone like him before, Henry.”

“He’s a good man, Daniel; give him a chance and don’t judge him for something of which you’ve no experience. As for what’s going on in there,” Henry said, glancing back, “the master’s also a knowledgeable man. Mister Tanner will only get so far as Master Jack sees fit to allow him. Now, go on with you, go socialize with your companions and I’ll see to dessert and getting the master’s bedchamber ready.”

Daniel nodded and took a moment to peer in the dining room before leaving, finding O’Neill and Robert still enraptured by each other’s company.

~

Daniel immediately checked Robert’s bunk first thing the next morning, finding it perfectly made. He shook his head and dressed. O’Neill seemed to be intelligent enough, so how had he not seen through the other man’s advances? It really wasn’t his business, Daniel concluded; they were both grown men responsible for their own choices and resulting consequences. He dressed, rinsed his teeth with cleaning powder, and headed for the main house. He met Henry in the kitchen.

“Good morning.”

“Hello to you, too, Daniel.” Henry sat at the table with a biscuit and pointed to the counter. “Prepare the master’s tea and tray; he’ll be up looking for it shortly.”

Daniel went through the motions and turned when he was done. “What if they’re fornicating when I enter his chambers?”

Henry shrugged and smiled. “Rather doubtful, but the drapes around the bed would be drawn and you would only hear it. If that be the case, please make no noise to interrupt. Just set the tray down and be on your way.”

Daniel grimaced. “Is that what you do?”

“I’ve not yet walked in on the master coupling with someone. Mayhap you’ll be of a different fortune.”

Heaving a deep sigh, Daniel picked up the tray and took slow, heavy steps to the stairs. He made his way up them, then down the hall like a man walking to the gallows. He knocked briefly and softly on the door, then took a deep breath and entered. He kept his eyes averted until a sleepy rumble commanded his attention.

“Top of the morning to you, Mister Jackson.”

Daniel turned and saw tied back drapes and a yawning, bare-chested Jack O’Neill. “Good morning,” he greeted. “No tumble with Robert this fine morning?” He could have instantly bitten his tongue off.

Jack’s eyes widened and he began to chuckle. He patted the empty side of the bed. “No tumble with the handsome Robert at all. I’m waiting for your curiosity to overcome you and bring you here to take the place, Mister Jackson.”

Daniel flushed red. He may not have had a tremendous amount of sexual encounters, but they’d all been with women; he’d never been propositioned by a man before. Never imagined such a thing could be possible. “Don’t wait for me, Mister O’Neill, else you’ll be waiting in vain.” He looked away when the man got out of bed and strode toward him – completely nude.

Jack reached around Daniel to pick up his mug off the tray. “Have you been with another man perchance?”

“No!”

Jack sipped his tea and smiled again. “You may find it a pleasurable experience. Should you care to try it, that is,” he added smoothly, turning away, no shame in showing his bare backside.

Daniel gaped, not having expected such a direct invitation. He cleared his throat. “Mister O’Neill, I’m not interested in being a sodomite, and if you feel it will be one of my duties as your valet to perform such acts, mayhap I’m not suitable for the position.”

Jack turned again. “Do you think Henry and I…?”

“I should hope not!” Daniel immediately responded, horror in his tone.

Jack chuckled. “Then why should it be any different with you, Mister Jackson? Because you’re younger and quite handsome? It’s not as if we’ll be spending more time together than Henry and I normally do. You can let me know if you’re ever tempted though, but this was all in jest. I do recall you telling me you don’t earn your keep lying on your back as someone’s woman. And for your information, Mister Jackson, on your back isn’t always the best position.”

O’Neill’s grin was the same cheeky one Daniel’d witnessed previously. “Naturally,” he murmured, moving to the windows and opening the drapes, then going to the closet and pulling clothing out. He laid the garments over the back of a chair and went back to the tray. “Is there anything else before you come downstairs, Mister O’Neill?”

Jack, still nude, walked over to his clothes – he needed a shave but he wasn’t quite ready to expose his throat and a sharp blade to a twitchy Mister Jackson. “Robert stayed in the room at the other end of the hall. Why don’t you awaken him so he can start his day?”

Daniel nodded. “Very well. I shall meet you in your office shortly.” He took a deep breath when the closed door finally stood between them, still surprised by what had just transpired. He wondered if O’Neill’s interest in him was genuine or if it had all been an act inspired by his own rather rude comments, despite the man saying it was in jest.

Rapping briefly on the other room’s door, Daniel entered, finding Robert sprawled in bed. He jerked the drapes open. “Rise and shine, Robert. O’Neill’s said you need to get on with your day.” He folded his arms over his chest and arched a brow. “Apparently your obvious attempts to charm O’Neill didn’t get you where you wanted to be.”

Robert yawned and stretched. “I’ll be workin’ on it, Daniel. I dare say O’Neill’s a fine kisser, as I did discover that.”

“You kissed him?”

Robert laughed. “Just his mouth, not ‘is pecker.”

Daniel stared in disbelief. “All for a room like this, you’ll go against nature and let a man do things like that to you?”

Robert got out of the bed and shrugged. “Wouldn’t be the first time. If the man takes ‘is time to get my arse ready, it’s not so bad. If he’s in a hurry and I haven’t had the time to do it myself, it hurts. You’ve not experienced it, or only when a man was in a hurry?”

“No,” Daniel answered, “I’ve not been with a man.”

Smiling knowingly, Robert began to dress. “You’re a bit of an innocent, aren’t you, Daniel? O’Neill’s not the only one around here who likes buggering men, but you’ll figure that out soon enough.”

“Who?” Daniel demanded.

“Not my business to gossip, just keep your eyes open.”

Daniel heard footsteps approaching and cast an uncertain glance at Robert, then left the room, seeing O’Neill reach the stairs. He moved to his side and took them two at a time with the man. “Would you like more tea in your study?”

“Yes, please,” Jack answered. “And have Robert back for supper tonight.”

Daniel nodded, turning to go back up the steps. “Yes, sir.” He didn’t realize he was calling O’Neill sir for the first time.

“Daniel?”

Daniel stopped and looked back down from where he stood.

“It will be a private meal tonight – no need for you and Henry to wait for us.”

Daniel held O’Neill’s eyes a moment before bowing his head minutely. “Certainly.” He bounded up the rest of the steps and detoured to the room Robert was in before going to retrieve the tea tray. “O’Neill’s invited you for a private supper. You might want to have that time to prepare yourself tonight.”

Robert’s brows went up. “Well, I suppose I made an impression after all. Thank you, Daniel.”

Daniel didn’t respond, just went after the tray, determined to do his job and not think about what would transpire in O’Neill’s chambers in the evening.

~

Daniel found the kitchen void of Henry’s presence the next morning, but went on to prepare O’Neill’s tray. Robert’s bed had been vacant once more and Daniel had surmised he’d stayed in the main house again. One thought leading to another, Daniel wondered if and when he might get his own quarters in the main house assigned, but supposed it would be only after Henry vacated them.

He knocked on O’Neill’s door and opened it, freezing at the grunting noises he heard. He glanced up sharply but saw the drapes on the end of the bed and the side facing the door pulled. The grunts continued and his ears picked up on the sound of skin slapping skin and the creaks from the mattress.

Daniel forced his feet to move toward the desk, where he set the tray down as quietly as possible. When he turned to leave, his eyes met dark ones exposed by the light of an oil lamp. The drapes on this side of the bed weren’t drawn.

On purpose.

He saw that in O’Neill’s gaze.

O’Neill had meant for him to witness this.

He had been meant to witness O’Neill’s body slapping against Robert’s, Robert on his hands and knees, his eyes screwed shut, his mouth open and groans coming forth, his own fist wrapped around his manhood, bringing himself pleasure similar to what his arse must be bringing O’Neill.

Daniel stood frozen as O’Neill continued to slam into Robert’s body, his eyes locked with Daniel’s, a droplet of sweat rolling down his face. Their gaze broke when Robert’s groan turned long as he spurted his seed onto the bed and O’Neill released his inside the man – his own eyes closing, his own sounds of pleasure being emitted.

When Jack opened his eyes again, his new valet was gone, but steam still rose from the mug sitting on the tray. He withdrew from Robert’s body, patting the pulsing opening, his mind wandering down two very different paths: what would Mister Jackson look like in Robert’s position, and would he even still have a new valet after the scene he’d purposely forced on the man?

Robert groaned again and rose up on his knees, stretching. He turned and faced his half reclining master. “Aye, you know how to pound an arse, sir, but I like a good bit of cock now and then.”

Jack beckoned him closer. “Thank you, Robert. I must say you have a fine, tight arse there. Brought me quite a bit of pleasure.” He settled back with a smile, enjoying the weaning sensations.

~

Daniel paced the kitchen, startling when he heard O’Neill’s voice, rather than Henry’s.

“Good morning, Mister Jackson.”

“Good morning, Mister O’Neill,” Daniel returned, averting his eyes and moving to the brewing tea. “May I get you a fresh cup?”

“Aye. I believe the other went cold before I could get to it.”

While he was engaging in his satyr-like behavior, Daniel thought. He found a mug and went to stand by the tea, wishing the pot to hurry and whistle. “And Robert? Shall I prepare anything for him?”

Jack leaned against the counter, smiling. “Robert’s had all he needs this morning. He’s on his way to the bunkhouse now.” He crossed his arms nonchalantly and went on, “So what did you think, Mister Jackson? Did it repulse you to see Robert and myself coupling in my chamber?”

“I – I’ve never witnessed such,” Daniel admitted tightly. “I do not know what I felt, Mister O’Neill, other than shock. Henry had assured me he’d never been privy to such an event himself, so I didn’t think I would either. Not really.”

Jack looked steadily into Daniel’s eyes. “Could you tell he enjoyed it, Daniel? He enjoyed my cock in his arse; it brought him pleasure, it brought him release. We were simply two bodies joining together for the same cause.”

Daniel flushed red, embarrassed and unsure what to say. “I don’t understand,” he finally said. “I don’t know what you want from me.”

“To take my place and cause as little disruption as possible,” Henry answered, joining them in the kitchen. “Good morning, sir, Daniel. Sir, you haven’t had your shave this morning?”

“Not yet,” Jack said, “I was waiting for you.”

“Yes, sir. Daniel, please go upstairs and heat the water and cloths for Master Jack’s shave.”

While Daniel was somewhat grateful for the interruption, he still wanted to know what O’Neill thought to accomplish with the morning’s scene. “Very well,” he murmured.

Henry faced the man he’d served for years, once it was only the two of them. “Sir, is there a reason for what you did?”

Jack contemplated refusing to answer, but Henry was nothing if not loyal and trustworthy. “I don’t think Mister Jackson approves of, much less likes me. I’m still not sure he’s suited to the position and I was curious to see his reaction, thus I forced it. I also can’t say I trust him with a blade and my bare throat, so I’ll continue to call on you for that, Henry.”

“Yes, sir. And Mister Tanner, where does he fit into your game with Mister Jackson?”

“Game?”

“Aye. I’m not certain the best way to get Mister Jackson into your bed is to allow him to see Mister Tanner there, sir.”

Jack winked. “Mister Jackson is a fair one, is he not? And while I cannot deny any attraction, he’ll require some coaxing, should he become worthy of the effort.”

“And if he becomes worthy of the effort, but refuses?” Henry questioned.

“Then I shall hope he’s nearly as good a valet as you’ve been, and we’ll get along famously.” Jack smiled. “You know you’ll miss me when you’re gone.”

“Indeed I will, sir. Now let’s get you shaved.”

Daniel stood straight when the two men entered O’Neill’s bedroom. “The cloths will be ready soon.” He stirred the pot over the small fire, listening to the sounds of movement behind him. The rustle of a shirt being removed brought back the vision of O’Neill’s bare chest as he knelt behind Robert to the forefront of Daniel’s mind, causing him to blush more from the thought than the heat of the fire.

Jack sat in the chair and watched his valet in training while Henry gathered the shaving implements. “I’m going into town today to make some purchases, Mister Jackson. You’ll accompany me.”

Daniel stilled briefly, then hooked the stick under a cloth, bringing it up from the water to check its temperature. The heat barely stung his hand, which made it a fine temperature for O’Neill’s face. He put the stick down and wrung out the cloth. “What time would you like to leave, sir?”

Jack held Daniel’s eyes as the other man walked toward him with the cloth, and tilted his head back once Daniel was at his side. “Mid-morning, I believe.” He closed his eyes and let his face be prepared for his shave, noting the careful touch Jackson used.

Daniel stood aside when Henry returned, and removed the cooling cloth, watching Henry lather up O’Neill’s jaw. He held the towel out when Henry reached to wipe off the blade, and noticed O’Neill kept his eyes closed and his face relaxed throughout the shave. He went back to the fire and withdrew the other cloth, wringing it out before walking back to O’Neill.

“Clean his face,” Henry instructed him, leaving to return the shaving tools.

Daniel looked down again, and saw O’Neill’s eyes were now open and watching him.

“Yes, Daniel, finish the task,” Jack directed, waiting for the younger man’s reaction.

Daniel determined to make the best of the awkward situation and wiped over O’Neill’s jaw and chin, cleaning off any remaining lather and loose whiskers. “Shall we take the buggy or horses into town, sir?”

“Buggy. We’ll be bringing supplies back.”

Daniel nodded, putting the cloths down and picking up the discarded shirt, holding it open.

Jack stood and turned his back to Daniel, slipping one arm and then the other into his shirt. He shrugged it on properly and started doing the buttons with a smile. “Perhaps we’ll pick up some of the teaching materials you’ll need for the children.”

“The parents have agreed?” Daniel asked in surprise.

“I haven’t asked them yet, but I believe they’ll go along with it. I plan to make it a part of our institution – the children will receive an hour or two of learning daily. I’ll leave it to you to divide them into the proper age groups.”

“Thank you.” Daniel was bewildered at having his suggestion acted upon so quickly, considering the unsure footing he and O’Neill were on, but was grateful as well for the opportunity to do something he considered eminently useful.

Much more useful than serving tea or acting witness to debauched sexual acts.

“Thank you,” he murmured again. “Shall we begin the morning ledgers?”

“Of course.” Jack looked at Henry when the older gentleman reached his side. “Perhaps you would like a day off, Henry? Mister Jackson will go into town with me.”

“Thank you, sir, that would be quite nice. Please feel free to call on me if you find you have need of me. I think I shall spend the day reading and packing.”

“After you both,” Jack said, waving his arm toward the door.

Henry took Daniel’s arm and pulled him along, leaving their master to gather anything he needed from his chamber. “You’ll carry the master’s purse and be diligent and dutiful in recording the spendings. Make sure the buggy is empty as I expect it to be full when you return. We shall also speak with Ms. Nixon to ensure the pantry is properly stocked.”

“Very well,” Daniel agreed, listening and mentally noting the expectations of his job.

~

No matter who O’Neill chose to take to his bed, Daniel found he could not fault the man’s generosity at the end of the day. A day that had begun with all the potential to be a more than awkward experience, but had proven to be the opposite; O’Neill had not flirted with him any more than he seemed to flirt with everyone else, and he’d purchased everything Daniel had recommended for the teaching of the children, as well as new clothing for all the servants. There were also tasty looking hams and the makings for sweets to delight all plantation residents in the buggy when they returned home.

The date had been set for the fall festival and with the rumors of the food and clothing abounding, everyone seemed a bit lighter of heart than normal, not that Daniel had found many unhappy people living there. Scrappy’s initial comments that most people were fond of the master were indeed true, and Daniel discovered he had developed a grudging respect for O’Neill.

Whether or not that feeling continued depended entirely on O’Neill and his behavior, but in spite of what he’d witnessed that morning, Daniel decided he could accept O’Neill’s preferences and work with him as long as he himself wasn’t forced into an untenable position.

He looked up from his cards when silence suddenly settled over the bunkhouse for several seconds then changed to sounds of welcome. The source of the disruption turned out to be O’Neill, and Daniel found himself pinned by the warm, whiskey colored gaze. He turned his cards in and approached him. “I thought I was dismissed for the day, sir. Is there something else required?”

“Yes. Gather your belongings; you’ll be staying in the house from now on. The chamber beside mine has been prepared for you. Do you play chess, Mister Jackson?”

“Quite well.”

“Good. I’m finding I’d like a bit of company before I retire for the night and a game of chess might do.” Jack’s eyes flicked over Daniel’s shoulder, the sight they found changing his mind about the type of company he wanted. “Bring Robert to the house with you and we’ll have that chess game tomorrow instead.” He stepped away and smiled around the room warmly, well aware that although his staff liked him, he was intruding on their solitude and his place was never in their bunkhouse. “Hello, gentlemen, nice to see you all. Please, carry on. I’ll see you on the morrow.”

A chorus of farewells followed the master of the plantation out the door, and Daniel went to his bunk, pulling his small amount of belongings from underneath it. He tilted his head when Robert stood close to him. “We’re both to report to the main house tonight.”

Robert’s eyes roamed over Daniel’s things. “Looks like permanent for you. Did that go for me too?”

“Not that was mentioned to me.”

“Yo ho ho, Daniel!”

Daniel stood up and hefted his bag, smiling. “Hello, Scrappy.”

“So you got yer spot as Master Jack’s new manservant, eh?”

“It looks like.” Daniel’s smile turned a bit wistful; he was going to miss the shorter, stouter, bushy browed man. “I’m also going to be able to do something quite useful, but I’ll wait for Master Jack to announce it.”

“Good fer you!” Scrappy grinned, slapping Daniel on the back. “Ya just take good care o’ the master, like ‘enry’s always done, ya hear?”

“I hear. Keep my spot at the card table, Scrappy?”

“Aye. Now go on with ya, youngster.”

“Yes, let’s go, Daniel,” Robert agreed, not exactly pleased with only Daniel being moved into the house, but content to give the master a bit more time to have him permanently installed as well.

Daniel found O’Neill awaiting them when they entered the house. “This way,” was all that was said as they were led up the stairs. He followed O’Neill into the chamber that stood just before the owner’s down the hall and found a spacious room with several oil lamps lit.

“It’s yours,” Jack said, unnecessarily pointing to the wardrobe against the wall. “Space for your clothes and you may set out any other belongings as you wish.”

“Thank you,” Daniel answered, setting his things on the bed. He looked around when he heard a door close, and saw his own doorway empty. He stepped into the hallway and saw O’Neill’s door had been the one he’d heard shut. He turned and saw the door at the opposite end of the hall still open, and knew Robert had entered O’Neill’s chamber. He moved back in and closed his door; refusing to grant too many thoughts to what was most definitely none of his business, he instead dealt with the all-important task of putting his clothes and pitifully small amount of other possessions in their new homes. He stripped down to his underclothes, turned all lamps but one off, the remaining one lowered to provide just enough illumination for him to move around, and then settled into his new bed and closed his eyes. He heard the sound of the river and smiled.

As he was drifting into the nether world of rest and dreams, a noise disturbed him enough to rouse him. He listened and realized it came from next door – coupling. O’Neill and Robert were coupling and were quite noisy about it.

This was the price of his comfort? To endure the sounds of their mating night after night? Daniel groaned low and pulled the pillow over his head, leaving just his mouth and nose uncovered so he could breathe.

*

Jack contemplated his next move as he studied the chess board resting on the table separating him and his Mister Jackson.

Yes, he admitted to himself, after three weeks of spending hours and hours of each day in the company of his new valet, he did indeed consider the man his. He had yet to have the intriguing Daniel in his bed, but then neither had he really tried to get him there. He’d instead contented himself with Robert, utilizing the man’s body at will and enjoying the responses he received from it. Though Robert had accepted that they would only enjoy one another physically after Jack made that fact clear, he’d also become a bit less accommodating, causing Jack to find himself considering moving Robert along to another home. He’d never intended to install Robert in his home as a kept mistress of sorts, but it had become obvious that was what the man had been angling for.

Jack leaned forward and made his move, watching Daniel’s brows draw together in concentration and his lower, sinfully plump lip get pulled between his teeth while he studied the results of the move. A length of hair formed a wave over his left cheek and without conscious thought, Jack leaned in further and tucked it behind his ear, seeing Daniel’s chin lift and the brows straighten out as his eyes widened. He saw the question in the bright, blue orbs, and sat back.

“It was in the way,” he explained easily, then went on in a low voice. “I like looking at you, Daniel, and I won’t pretend I don’t.”

Daniel hesitated as he stared at O’Neill. “No, sir, I don’t expect you would. You’ve made your proclivity for openly admiring things you find attractive well known.”

“I am what I am, Daniel.”

“Yes, sir. Shall we continue our game or would you like me to fetch Robert for the evening?”

“I will have you fetch Robert, just not yet. I would also have your opinion on selling Robert’s contract.”

Daniel blinked in surprise. Of course he’d well realized that Robert was no longer in the master’s bed nightly, but he wasn’t aware of any disagreement between them that would result in Robert being sent away. “Might I ask why you’re considering it?”

“Yes, you may. Robert seems to have had visions of grandeur that he sought to make reality by putting himself in my bed. While it’s true I have enjoyed the bounty of his body, I have never intended to make him a wife or mistress. I will not be made a fool of, Mister Jackson, nor will I be beleaguered into doing something I have no wish to do.

“I would also rather not leave Robert in an intolerable situation, and I cannot be certain how he will be received or treated if he stays on here but is no longer in my bed. I do not wish him to be an outcast here and as the time he and I’ve spent together is winding down, a fresh start may be in his best interest.”

Daniel nodded, agreeing with O’Neill’s reasoning. “I don’t have a problem with him being in your bed, sir, despite the fact that I witnessed the event, which most people don’t, but you’re right. You’re held in high regard and I have no doubt that Robert’s motives are known. There is a possibility that he won’t be treated kindly by others. Have you spoken to him of it yet?”

“No. I’ll make sure he goes to a good place, somewhere he won’t be abused.”

“Is there a certain place you send all your former bed partners, sir?”

Jack laughed. “I don’t know whether to be proud you think there are so many, or angry for the same reason.”

Daniel smiled, eyes twinkling. “I meant no offense, sir. I was just curious.”

“No, Mister Jackson, there isn’t one place I send all of them so they may plot against me for my dastardly discards of them.” Jack glanced at the chess board. “It’s still your move.”

“Yes, sir,” Daniel murmured, returning his attention to the chess board, but immediately flicking his eyes back to O’Neill’s when his hair fell back against his cheek. He held O’Neill’s gaze for a couple seconds before lifting his hand and pushing his hair back behind his ear. He flushed in spite of himself, feeling the other man’s smile at the gesture. He made his move and sat back in the chair. “Check.”

Jack grinned again. “Very well, enough chess for tonight. What of the fall celebration tomorrow evening, Daniel, what are your thoughts on it? Is everyone looking forward to it?”

“Yes, they are.” Daniel’s smile broadened. “The children chatter of it daily now. They’re very much looking forward to the games and sweets, and I daresay the parents are, too.”

“Good. I like to see them all enjoy the bounties of our harvests. The children always enjoy the games and the adults look forward to the clothing and whiskey. I believe it’s also the night many of the children born next year will be conceived,” Jack added with a chuckle. He got up and went to the fireplace, bending down to throw more wood into it. Noticing the supply was nearly gone, he added the last two logs and stood in front of the fire, warming his hands against it.

“We need to go the barn and get more firewood; Owen keeps it in the hayloft. Up for a late night stroll, Mister Jackson?”

Daniel stood and stretched, taking in O’Neill’s frame as it was illuminated against the firelight. Even as master of the plantation, he hadn’t let himself go soft, he was still trim and fit, and after having seen other owners on their trips into town and their forms, Daniel could appreciate O’Neill’s efforts. “Yes, sir.”

Jack picked up the metal containers on either side of the fireplace and handed one to Daniel. He looked at the board for a moment and reached down, placing a piece to protect his king, then smiled at Daniel. “I can’t just give you my king, Mister Jackson – you’ll have to work harder than that for it.”

Daniel returned the grin. “Victory will just be that much sweeter.”

“Yes, it will.” Jack winked and headed for the door. “Come along so we can fetch the wood.”

It was an obvious double entendre but Daniel found himself not really minding. As long as he didn’t take the situation too seriously, he almost enjoyed the banter they engaged in. He walked alongside O’Neill, smiling contentedly as he heard the sounds of the nocturnal insects and the river. “You really do have a beautiful home, sir.”

Jack looked at his valet, seeing the way the moonlight bathed Daniel’s face, turning his skin nearly luminescent, and he realized he found the man as beautiful as his surroundings. “Thank you, I like to think so. Can I take this to mean you no longer find your situation here intolerable?”

“No,” Daniel answered softly after a moment’s pause. “It’s not untenable, it never has been. I haven’t enjoyed all my time here, but it’s gotten much better. You have to understand, Mister O’Neill – I was a free man until a few months ago. I was able to go where I wanted when I wanted. I made my own decisions, I lived my life, and that was suddenly taken away from me by force.” He stopped and trained serious eyes on his master. “Would you be able to happily and easily adjust if your freedom was taken from you?”

“You already know my answer, Daniel. I know we’ve not discussed this, but would you like to tell me what happened?”

“Will it make a difference?”

“One never knows, and I can’t make you any promises, but you’re an intriguing man and I’d like to know more about you.” Jack began to walk again, and Daniel fell into step with him.

“I worked for a family, I tutored their children. The wife of my employer was a bored, somewhat frivolous creature and decided she’d like to be bedded by me. She said she wanted me to teach her too, obviously in a different way than I worked with the children. I refused; I had no desire to make her husband a cuckold. She didn’t take the rejection well at all, no matter how gentle I tried to be, and in her spite, told her husband I made inappropriate advances toward her and that I couldn’t be trusted.”

Daniel felt the bitterness rise in his throat, but choked it back. “Needless to say, her husband was enraged. I was thrown out, beaten and put on a boat bound for here. No one cared about the truth, they just knew I was being transported and money was owed. The conditions on the ship were less than desirable, but I survived the journey and – fortunately for me, I suppose – Tyson was there when I was put on the block. You know the rest.”

Jack had seen nothing to indicate his valet was a liar, but also knew his own desire for the man could somewhat blind him. However, everything else seemed to support the story – Daniel’s manners, his education, his teaching skills… and Jack found himself believing what he was hearing. “I’m very sorry you wound up in my employ the way you did, Daniel, but I’m not sorry I’ve made your acquaintance. I wish I could just let you go, but I do have need of you, though I’m sure that does nothing to endear me to you.”

Daniel smiled regretfully. “You paid a sum for me, and I’m indebted to you now. I do wish none of this had happened to me, Mister O’Neill, but if I’m to be working for someone in my current capacity, I don’t imagine I could have asked for a much better situation. And were you to give me my papers and make me a free man, where would I go? I’m saving the monthly allotment I receive from you, but in comparison to what I would need to return to England, it’s a mere pittance I’ve accumulated.”

Jack could well afford Daniel’s passage back, and he knew it, but he was loathe to release the man. As well as the fact he depended heavily on the man’s services, he also had yet to deal with his growing infatuation for the tempting Mister Jackson. He still felt he had to give him something, though. “Doing double duty as my valet and as a teacher to the children is shortening the length of your service, Daniel. Perhaps when your contract has come to an end, instead of giving you a piece of land as your own, we will arrange your return to your home, if you wish for that instead.”

“Thank you,” Daniel responded with heart-felt sincerity. “We know not what the future will bring, but I appreciate your interest in the truth and my well-being.”

Jack nodded and opened the barn door. “After you.”

Daniel walked in and over to the ladder leading up to the loft. “It’s all been moved and only kept up here? I thought there was some down below, or outside under a tarp?”

“There is some outside in a tarp, I just wanted to get the logs from up here,” Jack answered, staring up at the vision of Daniel’s pants stretched tightly across his most attractive bottom.

Daniel stopped abruptly when he came face to face with a cobweb and its spider. He was jolted when a chest came to rest against his backside; he looked down and saw O’Neill’s face at his hip.

“Something wrong?”

Daniel blushed and swatted the web, watching the spider swing away and fought to ignore the firm warmth pressed against his lower body. He cleared his throat. “No, it was just a spider.”

“Pesky little things. I hate the stickiness of their webs once they attach to your skin.”

“Yes,” Daniel agreed, hastily scaling the rest of the rungs and moving to stand facing O’Neill as the older man finished his climb up. “If we get these too full, they’ll be hard to get down.”

Jack walked to the end of the loft where stacks of wood rested. “There’s a hook and a pulley here, we’ll lower them that way.”

Daniel found his own gaze drawn to O’Neill’s anatomy as the plantation master bent down and rested on one knee while he piled logs into the bucket. He had his doubts that their proximity on the ladder had been due to chance – it was more likely due to ruthless manipulation on his employer’s part. He took the bucket when it was full and attached it to the hook, then lowered it to the barn floor. As he moved to take the second full bucket, a noise was heard down below; someone entered and Daniel walked to the edge of the loft to see who it was. Unexpectedly he felt a warm breath on his neck and he opened his mouth – only to have a hand clapped over it.

“Shh,” Jack whispered, going down on his knees and pulling his slightly recalcitrant valet with him. “Don’t make a sound,” he added just as quietly.

Daniel pushed the hand away and frowned at his employer, but went to the floor, following O’Neill’s suit and lying on his stomach. He looked back down and gaped at the sight that greeted him. Owen and a hand he knew only as Deke were engaged in a noisy kiss as they grappled with each other’s clothing.

Jack scooted closer to Daniel, getting his lips pressed against Daniel’s ear. “We have to be very quiet so they’re not embarrassed.”

Daniel shivered as the air and lips tickled the sensitive shell of his ear. “We can’t watch them, it’s rude,” he whispered back.

Admittedly, they weren’t the most attractive couple on the property, but they were both eagerly engaged in the act and Jack hoped Daniel would find that as interesting as it promised to be. He wasn’t normally a voyeur, but he’d make an exception in this case, just to see what Daniel thought of it. “It’s not like you haven’t seen it before.”

Daniel felt his face heat yet again. “You made sure of it,” he hissed.

Jack smiled at the disgruntled man. “Watch them or I’ll kiss you,” he playfully threatened.

“You wouldn’t dare,” Daniel insisted, false confidence in his low tone. He kept his eyes on O’Neill’s as the man moved in and captured his lower lip.

Jack caught the lush flesh between his own, suckling gently, then nibbling lightly, their gazes still locked – even as Daniel’s eyes widened. When his tongue pushed for entrance, he felt Daniel tear their mouths apart and saw him look down. Still smiling, Jack rested his hand on the small of Daniel’s back and looked down himself, seeing Deke’s shiny fingers emerge from a bowl of something and slide down Owen’s crack. The view was blocked by Deke’s back when he scooted forward on his knees between the legs of the man beneath him – legs that were widely spread as Owen lay on the ratty blanket covering a pile of hay the ‘couple’ had chosen for their tryst.

“Ready ta get what ya been wantin’ all day?” they heard Deke ask.

“Aye,” Owen sighed, “put it in and give it ta me good, Deke.”

“Keep ‘em spread fer me and I’ll fuck yer arse good, Owen. I wanna hear some noise out of ya, too. Beg me fer it.”

And Daniel watched in stunned fascination as Deke plowed Owen and Owen made all the noise requested, clearly enjoying getting ‘buggered’. He shifted a little, noticing his shaft had started to firm – and was just as stunned by that realization. He glanced sharply at O’Neill, as if the man could see his body’s response despite the fact he lay on his stomach. Instead of finding him avidly watching the display below, he found O’Neill’s eyes glued to his. “Wha-what?” he whispered.

Jack shushed him again and turned his head to look down, seeing Daniel do the same from the corner of his eye. Mister Jackson’s panting breaths and parted lips were much more interesting to watch, but the sight below did have its benefits, and Jack moved to allow his shaft room to grow comfortably. He imagined Daniel lying on his back, body bared, cock hard, and needing to be serviced. It was all the more interesting when he imagined himself pulling the younger man’s legs over his shoulders and thrusting into tight warmth. He turned his head again and caught the disbelieving yet enraptured expression on Daniel’s face who was still watching. Returning his gaze to the couple under them, he saw Owen frantically jerking his own prick and pinching his nipples as he encouraged Deke.

Groans of completion soon escaped from both men and Deke collapsed beside Owen, then leaned over to exchange more kisses.

Jack quietly pulled back, jerking on Daniel’s shirt and gesturing him to do the same. It was only moments before they heard more movement and voices below.

Owen pointed to the pail full of wood that rested on the floor and pushed at his lover. “Get dressed! I think someone’s in ‘ere!”

Deke looked around hurriedly as he redressed. “Is there a body in here?” he called out, glaring at Owen when the man tried to hush him.

“What’re ya doin’?”

“Might as well ask, whoever it is’d know what we just done by now.”

They made quick rounds of the ground floor, but saw no one.

Jack got up when he heard a booted foot step onto the ladder. “C’mon,” he hissed, crawling toward a pile of hay close by.

Daniel followed quickly, aghast at the thought of being discovered after the private moments they’d witnessed. He slunk behind the pile with Jack and stayed motionless as his employer curled up behind him, making them as inconspicuous as possible before pulling at the hay to cover them. He helped with the covering, hoping the sounds the other men were making as they climbed overcame the rustling. He remained stock-still when O’Neill’s hand covered his mouth and nose, fingers parted to allow him to breathe. He also felt the warm puffs of air against the back of his neck from where O’Neill was stuck so tightly to him.

He couldn’t keep track of the minutes they stayed in that position as they listened to Deke and Owen looking around and talking quietly, words indistinguishable.

Owen kicked lightly at the bucket of wood. “I ain’t sure what’s goin’ on, Deke. Looks like someone was gettin’ wood, but there’s no one here. Least no one we can find.”

“Mebbe they got called ‘way in the middle of the gatherin’.”

“I ‘spose.”

Jack and Daniel heard the men give up their hunt and begin their descent back down.

Daniel kept still and hoped they wouldn’t indulge in a repeat performance that would force him to stay in his current, uncomfortable position. His concern also wasn’t assuaged by the stiffness he could feel pressing against his backside, though he wondered if it was what he thought it was, and if so, how on earth could the man still be erect after nearly being caught.

Jack inhaled Daniel’s scent, and pressed soft kisses to the back of the strong, lovely neck, barely rocking his hips, unable to resist the temptation presented to him so innocuously. When he heard the barn door close, though, he tore himself away and crawled out from underneath the hay to walk to the edge of the loft and visually confirming they were again alone. “Well, that was close,” he said, hearing and feeling Daniel come to stand beside him.

“Yes, it was. We should have let them know we were here.”

“But we didn’t. Shall we lower the other bit of wood and head back to the house?”

“Will I be able to retire to my chamber unmolested?” Daniel asked. “I didn’t miss your attentive state while we were in hiding.”

Jack’s rakish grin answered him. “Do forgive me for being unable to resist the overwhelming temptation you presented, Mister Jackson, and yes, you’ll go unmolested. If that’s what you truly wish?” he asked, licking his lips and leaning closer meaningfully.

Daniel cursed himself for stammering and blushing, but stepped backwards… only to feel nothing other than air beneath one foot before he was caught by strong arms and jerked back into the loft, falling heavily atop his master.

Jack groaned, winded from the fall and Daniel’s weight resting on him. “Dearest Daniel… in case you haven’t noticed, I’m a bit older than the norm to play hero to the damsel in distress.”

Daniel immediately rolled off. “Dearest Mister O’Neill… in case you haven’t noticed, I’m far from a damsel.” He pushed himself onto his elbows and looked over, seeing pain flit over his master’s face. “You’re injured?”

“Aye, a bit,” Jack answered, holding a hand out. “I’m afraid you’re going to have to help me to my feet and down the ladder, Mister Jackson. Unless I’m mistaken, my back just took a turn for the worse.”

Daniel scrambled up and took the proffered hand, then wrapped an arm around O’Neill’s waist, counting to three and helping haul him to his feet. He saw the paleness of the normally sun bronzed face and the pained expression. “I’ll go down first and support most of your weight.”

Jack nodded, unable to completely straighten up. He hobbled over to the ladder and got on it after Daniel, allowing Daniel’s strong body to keep him pressed close to the rungs as they descended. Daniel looked around and spotted a small cart. “Stay here,” he said, leaning O’Neill against the ladder. He brought the cart over, found a blanket – other than the one used by Owen and Deke – and loaded the still hunched over man into it. “At least this was conveniently located. I’ll add the wood and we’ll go back to the house.”

“Aye,” Jack murmured, watching his valet heft one pail into the cart with him, and then scramble agilely back up to the loft and lower the second one. When it joined him as well, Daniel brought a horse around from the stables and hitched it up, then led it out the doors and climbed aboard the cart himself. Jack felt every bump of the brief ride back to the main house and every twist and ache as Daniel led him up the stairs and to his bed.

Daniel sat beside the prone man and began stripping off his clothing. “While I’m sure this isn’t how you envisioned this scenario, rest assured I never believed I’d find myself doing it at all,” he teased gently. “But here we are, in your bed, and I’m undressing you. I’ll get the bricks warming as soon as you’re tucked in, and I’ll fetch Tyson as well?”

Jack smiled woefully. “Grand idea, Mister Jackson, and you rest assured that the next time we’re in this position, it won’t be because my back gave out on me, it’ll be because you’ve asked me to pleasure you.”

“Don’t wait for me, Mister O’Neill,” Daniel chuckled. “So I suppose this means no Robert tonight.”

“Sadly, no,” Jack agreed, pointing to his remaining underclothes. “Those need to go, too.”

Daniel looked at the groin beneath him, brow knit, but reached for the waistband of O’Neill’s shorts.

“Nothing’s going to jump out at you, Daniel, I promise,” Jack sighed. “Would that it could.”

“You’re incorrigible,” Daniel murmured, but smiled, removing the last item of clothing. He pulled the sheet up and then went to the fireplace, putting several bricks just inside it. He dampened a cloth and brought it back to the bed, wiping the perspiration from O’Neill’s face and chest. “I’ll be back shortly; I need to put the cart and horse back, but I’ll get Tyson first.”

“Thank you.”

Daniel bowed and left the room, hurrying down the stairs to Tyson’s quarters and knocking briefly, opening the door when Tyson called to him. “Master Jack needs a rub, his back is giving him issues. I’m warming the bricks, but need to go to the barn. If you’ll take care of him while I’m gone, I’ll take over when I return.”

Tyson found his liniment bottle and nodded. “Aye, Mister Jackson, I’ll sit with him for a bit.”

~

Jack sighed the next morning, sitting up slowly and stretching cautiously. He smiled with each movement – thanks to Tyson and Daniel, his back had recovered nicely. He rose and walked to the window after relieving himself, seeing the sun rising well into the sky. He’d slept longer than was his wont and, no doubt, so had the other two. It’d been a long night and both deserved their rest. He dressed and left his room, stopping at Daniel’s door and opening it quietly; the man was sprawled in the bed, soft snores breaking the silence. Resisting the urge to allow his eyes and recovering libido to feast on the bare-chested, sleeping man, he closed the door and went downstairs, preparing his own tea while staying out of Ms. Nixon’s way as she catered food for the day.

Going to his office, Jack slipped inside and found Henry stretched out on the chaise. “Good morning to you, Henry.”

Henry straightened up. “And a good morning to you, sir. I noticed both you and Mister Jackson slept in… a long night, sir?”

Jack laughed. “Not in the way I would’ve liked. Daniel and I went to gather wood from the barn last night and we had an unfortunate accident that required him and Tyson to spend a good bit of time on my back.”

“So you’re planning to pursue your valet romantically, sir?”

Jack sighed and sat down. “From the tone of your voice, I can tell you don’t think it’s a wise idea.”

“I’m leaving tomorrow, sir. My son is coming for me today; we plan to enjoy the fall festival with you, and then I’ll be gone. I don’t have time left to train a new valet once your physical entanglement with Mister Jackson is over.”

“That’s the rub, is it not? I’m finding myself quite attracted to Daniel both physically and mentally, and all the while he’s still not particularly responsive. I did manage to steal a kiss last night, before we fell, but that’s all. I can’t even say I’m certain he’d wind up in my bed.”

“Is it the challenge then, sir? He’s resistant and it makes him all the more attractive?”

“That’s a possibility. Certainly not the only or most important reason I’m attracted, but a challenge is hard to resist.” After a sip of tea, Jack set the cup down on his desk. “I enjoy flirting with him immensely and refuse to deny myself that pleasure. I’ll leave it to Mister Jackson to decide whether or not to act on the flirtations for a while – until I decide to do more than flirt and begin an earnest pursuit. Don’t worry, Henry, I know the value of a good valet; you taught me well. If and when the situation changes between Daniel and myself, I’ll proceed cautiously.”

“Very good, sir, but will you send him away if he refuses your overtures?”

Jack thought about it. “No, I won’t. I won’t send him away in any event, Henry. Daniel and I spoke of his circumstances last night and I believe what he told me. While I won’t just let him go, I will do what I can to help him when his time here is served. I like him. He’s intelligent, witty, charming, and handsome. Quite the combination. Quite difficult to resist, as well.”

Henry dared not mention that it was the first time he’d seen the man intrigued by much more than physical appearance – instead, he crossed his fingers and hoped for the best. “Yes, sir. Ready for your morning shave, sir?”

Jack grinned around his cup. “I think I’ll have Daniel do it when he awakes.”

“Yes, sir.”

~

Daniel fastened his hair back and shot his master a narrow-eyed yet teasing look before dunking his face into the trough of floating apples. He pushed and prodded until he was able to sink his teeth into one and pull it victoriously from the water. The hoots of laughter and loud applause caused him to break into a grin and he accepted the towel offered to wipe his face, then bowed to the observers, taking a bite of the apple before handing it to Jack. “In spite of your jests on my big mouth and the dare to prove it, I’ll share my bounty with you.”

Jack laughed and took a big bite. “I also believe I owe you a pint, now.”

“Yes, you do,” Daniel agreed pleasantly, taking the apple back.

“Hey! I wasn’t done there, young man.”

Daniel stuck his tongue out playfully. “Bob for your own, then.”

“Careful with the suggestion, Daniel. There’s something I’d certainly like to bob for, but it isn’t exactly edible.”

Daniel choked slightly, but still smiled. “Completely incorrigible,” he murmured.

“I aim to please. Come along, let’s visit the sweetmeats booth.”

*

Three nights after the festival, Daniel was going back to the barn for more wood. O’Neill was heavily involved in a book about crop rotation and had more or less freed him up for the evening. Rather than go inside and up to the loft, Daniel went around the side to get some from the outdoor supply. As he was pulling at the tarp, noises caught his ear and his mind immediately went back. Was it Owen and Deke or someone else?

He dropped the tarp and walked a bit until he found a spot with a small space between the boards. Leaning into it, he found himself unable to see the occupants and backed away; he walked further and searched for another crack. Finding one nearer to the back, he peered again, this time in a much better spot. It was Owen and Deke, but they were doing it differently this time – Owen was sitting on Deke’s lap, facing him, and they were kissing as Owen’s body slowly moved up and down.

Warmth filled Daniel’s belly anew, like it had the last time. It was sexual arousal, but he was again confounded by how he could get aroused by the two men. Was it because it was so taboo not only for them to couple, but also for someone – him – to watch them? He reached down and massaged his firming shaft through his pants, groaning lowly at how good it felt. Soon it wasn’t enough to rub outside his pants; he needed skin to skin contact and unfastened them, sliding his hand inside his shorts, caressing his length. As the other men’s groans grew louder, Daniel’s stroking grew faster until he tore his gaze away and directed himself toward the ground, shooting his release into the dirt.

He leaned against the wall, breathing heavily and shaking his hand before wiping any remnants onto his shorts. After he refastened his pants, he kicked dirt over the traces of his seed. He held in a groan, thinking of O’Neill. What a boon he would find this situation. He would be more convinced than ever that the two of them should have a go, and though Daniel knew in his mind that being aroused by watching others do it was a far cry from wanting to do it himself, he doubted O’Neill would give much credence to the distinction. No, he would just be dead set on getting his valet into his bed as quickly as possible.

At least he’d been alone tonight, Daniel thought, going back and gathering the wood before returning to the house.

*

This was growing ridiculous.

Daniel stroked himself to completion as the fifth time he’d observed Owen and Deke came to a head. Surely O’Neill was going to be suspicious of why he had to go for wood so often at night instead of keeping a steady supply inside. He suddenly jumped at the quiet applause coming from his right.

“Very impressive, Daniel,” Jack whispered.

Daniel shoved himself back inside his pants, entire body flushing. “I-I-I… I just haven’t felt comfortable doing it in the house.”

Jack walked over to stand next to him and peered through the crack, then turned and smirked, leaning against the wall. “Nor has there been such visual stimulation.” He reached out and cupped Daniel’s jaw, stroking the plump lips with his thumb. “All you had to do was say the word and I would have been happy to provide it.”

Daniel’s lips parted and he felt a finger slip within; he automatically closed his mouth around it. His reverie broke and he jerked away when O’Neill groaned and stepped forward. “No,” he whispered, “you don’t understand…”

Jack pursued his quarry, planting his hands on either side of Daniel’s head. “Oh but I do,” he purred. “You thought I was of a perverse nature when you heard about me and then even more so when you saw me with Robert – you never dreamed you might one day be of a like mind. But you are. How many times, Mister Jackson? How many times have you come out here to spy on them and brought yourself pleasure while doing it?” He leaned in when Daniel kept his mouth stubbornly closed, then licked the man’s neck, moving up to his delicate ear and tracing it with the tip of his tongue. “How many? You only had to ask, you know. I would have been happy to do it for you… or even take you into my mouth. You think your hand feels good, Mister Jackson? Imagine a warm, wet mouth… my mouth.”

“I don’t – I don’t want that,” Daniel said weakly, pushing at O’Neill’s shoulders. “I just… just… I can’t help it. I denied myself for so long and now that I’ve experienced it again…”

“You need it,” Jack answered for him. “It’s like your most favored sweet, isn’t it? You deprive yourself of it for some unknown reason, and then when you get a taste, you wonder why you stopped and determine you won’t go without again. You don’t have to, Daniel,” he whispered seductively, moving back in and finding the skin behind Daniel’s ear, sucking it. “Come back to the house with me, let me show you how it feels… you won’t have to wonder next time you see them… you’ll know.”

“I can’t,” Daniel nearly wailed, breaking away. “Please…”

Jack backed off, taking deep breaths and willing his manhood to calm down. Obviously the delectable Mister Jackson was going to require a bit more seduction – fortunately, he was just the man to do it. “Very well, but these visits are going to have to cease, Daniel. To spy on them unintentionally is one thing – to do it on a regular, calculated basis is another. They deserve their privacy and I’m afraid I’m going to have to demand you give it to them. It’s time to return to the house.”

Daniel nodded in embarrassment. “My apologies, sir, I meant no harm.”

“I understand that and it shall remain between us, but don’t let it happen again. Do we have an understanding, Daniel?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good.” Jack turned abruptly, leaving the younger man to follow and all the while thinking on the best course of action to seduce his valet.

And to do so quickly.

*

Keeping Mister Jackson occupied during Deke and Owen’s meeting time hadn’t proven difficult, Jack decided two weeks later. What had been difficult was having him so near at hand while keeping said hands to himself. He’d found himself plotting excuses to get up at odd hours and stop at Daniel’s door and press his ear to it, wondering – hoping? – he’d hear the sounds of the man bringing himself to peak, but the efforts had been in vain.

Nor had Daniel come to him and asked for his touch, which had been just as exasperating.

But progress was being made, and that brought a smile to Jack’s face as he continued what had now become his morning ritual. In an effort to press his point, he’d taken to rising just before Daniel and relieving himself in the chamber pot, followed by a short washing, and back to bed he went, stroking himself back to hardness.

Since he’d always slept in the nude, getting up and parading around with Daniel present wasn’t a new occurrence. His erection leading the way was, though. And Daniel had noticed. Thankfully! He’d seen the quick glances and the blush staining the man’s face after each look. Surely it was just a matter of time before he finally gave in and asked to be touched and taught? But if not, the seduction would simply have to be stepped up a notch. Something between plying him with sweetmeats and wine, and throwing him onto the bed and sucking him until he was nearly comatose.

Daniel’s seed would be nectar-like, heady and irresistible, Jack decided. And his firm, rounded bottom would be the tightest, warmest tunnel he’d ever plundered – and he wasn’t even dwelling on how inspiring Daniel’s pleasure-filled sounds would be. His grip on his shaft tightened and his pace quickened as he imagined the treasure of young Mister Jackson’s body, finding each nook and cranny that brought immeasurable delight.

And just to think he’d be the first… perhaps the only…

Daniel stopped short when he opened his master’s door and heard the sounds of sexual gratification. Had O’Neill brought someone up after he’d retired to bed and was now pleasuring them both? But who? He’d seen the man express interest in no one but himself of late. And the bed curtains were open. Stepping closer, Daniel saw that O’Neill was alone, only his own hands on his body.

Goodness… those hands knew what they were doing.

He watched O’Neill pull at his shaft and massage his balls, a finger scraping his entrance every now and then.

Then O’Neill’s eyes opened and met his, but neither ceased their activities – Daniel found himself continuing to stare keenly while O’Neill kept working his body.

Jack found wide, clearly fascinated, blue eyes watching his every move. He growled low in his throat, taking in Daniel’s white-knuckled fists still clenching the tray, his parted lips and rapid breathing, and wished he would take the final step and put the tray down and sink to his knees to get a closer view. Envisioning that, quick thrusts into his closed fist, a finger rubbing over his hole, and Daniel standing there observing, overwhelmed him. Jack gasped as he spurted over his hand, warm liquid heating his fingers and belly.

Still watching, Daniel saw O’Neill’s body sink back onto the bed and his legs fall to the side. When the master dragged his fingers through his release and brought one to his mouth, his tongue slipping out to clean it, Daniel felt his body tremble, his hands shake, his own erection strain against his pants, and heard the jarring of the teapot and mug. He looked down at the tray he still held, blinking in confusion, then rushed it to the desk, set it down and fled to his room; the next thing he knew, he’d slammed his own door and was panting heavily.

He’d just watched O’Neill pleasure himself and his own cock was throbbing within its confines in reaction. He clenched his fists, leaning against his closed door, and took deep breaths, trying to calm down instead of ripping at his pants and bringing himself to the same end O’Neill’d just reached. It wasn’t but mere moments before there was a knocking at his door. “What?” he gritted out.

“Daniel, open the door, please.”

“No.”

“Daniel.”

“Please. Sir, please… just give me a few minutes.”

Jack leaned against the door and caressed the wood. “Let me in, Daniel. Let me help you.”

“You can’t.”

Jack tried the knob, surprised when it turned, and more surprised when the weight behind the portal moved. He stepped through the doorway, clad in only a robe, and found Daniel with his arms by his sides, hands knotted into fists and staring at his feet. He saw the telltale evidence of the man’s arousal, and moved closer. He cupped Daniel’s face in his palms, and saw Daniel’s eyes cut to the side and look at the one he’d licked clean. “There’s nothing wrong with being excited by what you saw, Mister Jackson.”

He tilted the chin up and saw the bright eyes meet his. “So very stubborn, that’s what you are. Lucky for you, I’m about out of patience. Just be still, dear one.” Taking Daniel’s lip between his own, Jack sucked while he unfastened Daniel’s pants. He sank down to his knees and pushed them open, pulling until the clothing pooled at the other man’s feet. He moved the shirttails out of the way and leaned forward to take the head of Daniel’s firm, reddening cock between his lips, suckling the tender skin.

Daniel groaned, watching O’Neill on his knees in front of him. He didn’t want to want this, but his shaft was begging for it, begging for the heated, moist mouth that enveloped him. He’d known when he backed away from the door and let O’Neill in that he was taking that first step to becoming… something new.

The term sodomite sounded so harsh, but he had passively accepted the touch and now he was going to come from it. He gave in completely, surrendered fully, and gripped O’Neill’s hair between his fingers, thrusting inside his mouth. Even when he heard his master gag, he didn’t release his hold, just kept pounding. His balls tightened when the other man worked a finger between his cheeks and rubbed his entrance, causing electricity to shoot from the twin sacs, and his seed to rise up through his cock and into O’Neill’s mouth. He sagged and his fingers released their grip as he emptied himself into the greedily working throat.

Jack wanted nothing more than to put Daniel on the floor and thrust into him, but sadly, his body needed more time to recover. Besides, he also wanted to have the opportunity to take his time and spend many hours on introducing Mister Jackson to the pleasure a man could only receive from another man. He coughed lowly when he pulled away from the completely softened member – he’d have to remember Daniel had one hell of a grip and not a lot of control when it came to new sexual experiences. His throat would probably be a bit sore the rest of the day, but it would be well worth it.

And he’d been right – Daniel was rich and thick and he wanted more. Soon.

He righted Daniel’s clothing and stood up, seeing the stunned, sated amazement still lingering on his valet’s face. He couldn’t resist leaning in and taking a slow, sweet kiss from him. “Come back to my chambers, Daniel,” he whispered. “Let me show you how much more there is.”

Daniel snapped out his stupor and backed away, putting his hands in front of him. “No! Oh god, I don’t understand, how could I do that? It’s so wrong, it’s so–“

Jack clamped his hand over Daniel’s mouth. “Don’t!” He relaxed his grip and stroked Daniel’s face. “Don’t say that. It didn’t feel wrong, did it? It felt good, and to me, it felt right. It’s not mindless enjoyment, Daniel. At the risk of sounding as besotted as I think I am, you charm me on a daily basis with your intelligence, humor and integrity, and that’s without even ever having lain with you.” Jack caressed his face again, attempting to smooth the pinched brow. “Don’t end this without having started it.”

Daniel searched the warm eyes for truth, feeling as if he found it, but still too unsure to take the step O’Neill… no, Jack… wanted him to. His hands slid up Jack’s shirt, one resting on his shoulder, the other brushing his jaw. “While I appreciate your kind words and your regard for me, I can’t lay with you. I won’t deny the feelings and curiosity that have been evoked in me of late, but I cannot give my body to you when I’m not certain of myself.”

They weren’t the words Jack wanted to hear, but a rational part of him realized it was better to know now than to have Daniel give in only to turn away from him afterward. Jack’s smile was tight and small. He let go and stepped away. “You’ll not be changing your mind, I take it? At least not today?”

Daniel shook his head slowly. “No, not today.”

Balancing his disappointment with understanding, Jack nodded and smiled. “Very well, Mister Jackson. I think I’ll forego my shave this morning and just meet you downstairs to go over the ledgers.”

Unsure of what to say to make the situation less awkward, Daniel bowed slightly. “Yes, sir.”

Jack grinned wryly and chucked him under the chin. “I think it’s safe to call me Jack now.”

Daniel blushed. “Um, I think we’ll do better to continue on as normal.”

“As you wish, Daniel.” Jack stepped into the hallway and cast another look over Daniel, letting it drift slowly from head to toe and back up before going back to his own room.

*

Daniel praised the boy who’d just answered his question properly and stood up straight with a smile. He caught sight of the tall figure at the back of the room and blushed and smiled broader, then forced himself to look away and refocus on his class.

When time was up and he dismissed the children, he found Jack still in the room, helping him collect the learning materials. “Thank you,” he murmured, accepting them and putting them away in the cabinet. “I’m really impressed with the children’s enthusiasm; they’re so eager to learn.”

“Of course they are. You’re a good teacher, Daniel.”

Daniel latched the cabinet and turned around, leaning against it, his hands behind his back, still smiling. “It’s what I’ve always felt I was meant to do. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had such a thirst for knowledge. My parents couldn’t keep enough books around; I was always trying to find something new to read. It never mattered what it was – I devoured it.”

Jack stepped closer. “What about your parents, Daniel? They don’t have any idea what happened to you, do they?”

“No, but that’s not unusual. They became very nomadic after I left their home, always traveling somewhere new and exotic. I don’t know where they are right now, or I’d send them a missive. I wouldn’t tell them what happened of course, but I’d tell them of your land and the little bit of America I’ve seen.”

“And me? Would you mention me, Mister Jackson?” Jack murmured.

Daniel felt his fortitude melting and pooling in his belly. “I’d tell them of the kind man I work for,” he whispered. “How anything I ask for, anything I ask to do, he allows.”

Jack leaned in and kissed him softly. “Would you tell them he steals kisses like a midnight bandit? Would you tell them how your stomach quivers at his touch?” he asked, placing his palm just above Daniel’s belt and feeling the telltale tremor.

Though Jack hadn’t dragged him to bed or sucked his shaft again in the last fortnight, his flirting had continued, growing ever more amorous, and Daniel hadn’t found the will to ask him to stop. “I think I’d tell them to come visit, that they need to meet you for themselves.”

“Would they really be so disapproving of another man caring for their son, pleasing him, treating him well?”

Daniel closed his eyes when he felt the warm breath against his ear and the warmer hand inside his shirt, plucking at his nipple. “Sir… Jack… we can’t… not here…”

Jack sucked Daniel’s neck softly. “Perhaps inside the house then? Sweet, sweet Daniel…”

“I can’t,” Daniel sighed regretfully. “I’m sorry, sir, I’m just not ready.”

Jack sighed even deeper and drew back. “You, my dear Daniel, are going to be the death of me. I’m going to spontaneously combust from desire.”

Daniel grinned. “Somehow I think your hand may fall off before that happens.”

Jack stared at him in surprise, then burst into laughter. “Cheeky bastard. Come along, school’s over for the day and I had Owen prepare the buggy. We need to take a ride into town.”

“Yes, sir,” Daniel chuckled.

~

Jack pulled the buggy to a halt, looking at the block where a new lot of servants were being auctioned off. “I believe we’re in need of another gardener, Daniel. I’m afraid Mister Mason just isn’t working out. He doesn’t seem to enjoy it and with the way the flowers are dying, we soon won’t have a garden at all.”

Daniel looked at the area with distinct distaste – but at least any contract purchased by Jack would be served out with no abuse. “Shall we move closer, then? See if any of the available servants have gardening skills?”

“Yes, let’s.”

Daniel tied the horses to the post and walked to join Jack at the block, where he heard Jack asking about someone in particular. He saw who was being pointed to and frowned. “Does he have gardening skills?” he asked.

“Does it matter?” Jack asked, eyeing his pick.

Daniel frowned harder. “Considering we’re looking for a gardener rather than a new concubine, yes!” he hissed under his breath.

Jack turned and winked at his valet. “Let’s ask.”

Biting back the groan, Daniel watched the winsome man being auctioned off paraded around and his master’s distinct attention to the matter. When the man came close and he saw Jack’s mouth opening for what he knew was a bid – not a question – Daniel spoke up. “Have you any skills with the flowers and plants?”

“Ne’er a one. I work with horses.”

“Thank you.” He turned to Jack. “He’s not what we’re looking for.”

“Oh yes he is,” Jack disagreed, eyes roving over the fair-haired man.

“No, he’s not,” Daniel insisted, pulling on Jack’s arm.

Jack smirked. “Normally, jealousy isn’t attractive, but I’m finding I like it in you, Mister Jackson.”

“I’m not–“ But he was. And Jack knew it. And after pausing a moment to think about it, he himself knew it, too. “Would you like me to purchase his contract, sir?”

Jack considered it. Some days he felt he was near to having his greatest desire – Daniel – in his bed as well as his life, but other days he wasn’t so sure. Mister Jackson had a way of blowing cold while still being agreeable that Jack could only attribute to his naïveté. However, that coldness always disappeared as soon as he was cornered and touched, leading Jack to believe there was quite a bit of potential for him to become a superb lover once the ice was melted permanently. However… Jack wasn’t a monk, and if Daniel continued to refuse, he might as well begin looking for another companion. “Yes.” Jack spotted another fairly attractive man on the far side. “That one, as well. Hopefully one of them can learn how to tend a garden.”

Daniel bit the inside of his cheek and topped the highest bid for the first man, then signaled the other one to the auctioneer. “We want him, too.”

Jack nodded as the second contract was purchased and handed his purse to Daniel. “Pay the fees and bring them to the buggy. I’ll meet you there in a bit.”

“Yes, sir.” Daniel frowned while conducting the transaction, then led the men to the buggy. “Your new master is Jack O’Neill. He’s a kind man and you won’t suffer abuse at his hands. All he expects is an honest day’s work each day. He provides food, clothing and shelter in exchange for your service. I’m sure you’ll find the bunkhouse quite comfortable; I did when I resided in it.”

“Where you at now?”

“I’m Mister O’Neill’s valet, so I have chambers in the house, close to his. You’re James?”

“Aye, but me pals called me Jimmy.”

Daniel arched a brow – he didn’t foresee being pals with Jimmy. He turned to the other one. “I don’t suppose you have any gardening skills, Mister Keane?”

“A few,” the man answered. “I’ve tended some bushes a’fore.”

Daniel grinned. “Then we have the position for you. Our current gardener has a terrible tendency to kill Mister O’Neill’s roses. Wretched-looking things is what they are now.”

“I assume you’re not talking about me, Daniel?”

“Of course not, sir,” Daniel answered smoothly, watching his master carefully as the new servants were inspected.

“Good… very good.” Jack looked at both men, wondering if either would be amenable to a tryst somewhere in the near future. Provided Mister Jackson decided he would remain chaste, naturally. Jack saw the recognition in both men’s eyes when they caught his leisurely physical inspection of them. Hmm, neither immediately looked away… they had potential, then. “Into the cart with you, gentlemen. It’s time to return home.”

~

Daniel found it odd that he was now doing what Tyson and Henry had done when he first arrived, and he had a feeling he felt much like Tyson had then. The men were simply newcomers and were indeed fortunate to have O’Neill as their master – they could have done much worse. Now all they would have to contend with was his assiduous ‘attention’ if he decided to pursue them.

Even refusals of that wouldn’t bring them harm, though. Just as Scrappy had told him upon his arrival, Jack never pulled someone from the bunkhouse and forced them to bend to his will. He might pursue a body… persistently in fact, but not bending to his will didn’t mean the term of one’s service would be hellish because of it. Of course it didn’t mean the service would consist of doing nothing other than servicing the master in bed if they were so inclined to accept his attentions. Robert’s experience had proven that. And Robert had been sent away.

But Daniel remembered Jack’s promise that he wouldn’t be sent away no matter what. He still wasn’t entirely sure he could trust it, but it had been made. The situation with his master was so strange that he wasn’t sure what to do. Jack’s kisses thrilled him down to his curling toes, but again, was it because polite society frowned upon such things and there was an errant part of him that wanted to buck tradition, or was it because he wanted to do more?

As for the ‘more’ in question, while Jack promised him unbelievable pleasure, Daniel didn’t see how there couldn’t be some non-negligible share of pain, too. Jack wasn’t small – he was rather well endowed in Daniel’s humble opinion. And he knew exactly what ultimate target his master’s manhood would be aiming for.

But when Jack had taken him in his mouth… it’d been exquisite. His shaft jumped and he looked up sharply, finding his master still absorbed in his book.

Everything was confusing.

The feelings Jack evoked, the idea of letting Jack touch him even more intimately than he’d already done, the thought of what would be expected of him after they joined – or even worse, would nothing be expected other than for him to be a paramour? Would he no longer be teaching because he’d be a slave to the man’s physical desires? Would they not play chess anymore, or Daniel no longer be allowed a part in discussing the running of the property?

Jack looked up, feeling his valet’s eyes on him. He took in the disturbed expression and closed his book. “Heavy thoughts, Mister Jackson? Perhaps about the new hands we acquired?”

“Will you discard them if they give you their bodies, like you did Robert?”

Jack shrugged. “It would depend. If they became clingy and expectant, yes, I would. If they were able to carry on with their duties as normal, then no, I wouldn’t.” The brown eyes turned shrewd yet understanding. “You would never be discarded, Daniel. I’ve given you my word and I mean to keep it.” Jack put his book to the side and joined Daniel on the chaise after turning the man so he was lying on it. He lay on his side, body pressed tight to Daniel’s. “Give us a kiss, Mister Jackson. One of your own volition even if I do dare ask for it.”

The uncertainty translated as hesitation, but Daniel did lean in and press his lips to Jack’s. He was surprised when Jack didn’t take control of the kiss, instead allowing him to part his lips and slide his tongue into Jack’s mouth when he was ready. All bets were off once he did that, and their groins were held together by Jack’s pelvis and Jack’s hand on his bottom.

Daniel gasped at the sensation created by them rocking against each other, and wrapped an arm around Jack’s neck, the kiss turning even more demanding and his hips wiggling to increase the feelings.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa… calm down, Daniel,” Jack murmured. “I can make this better for you, love, just lie there and let me.”

“B-better?” Daniel panted.

“Oh yes,” Jack promised with a smile. His dexterous fingers unfastened Daniel’s pants and he pushed at them, keeping Daniel’s mouth occupied with kisses. “Lift your hips,” he urged, turning Daniel onto his back and sliding down the chaise before taking Daniel’s shaft into his mouth as soon as it was exposed. He quickly raised his arm to hold the man’s hips down so he didn’t get choked this time. The passionate cries that rent the air made Jack throb in his own pants. He suckled the head and licked just beneath it insistently, feeling the younger man’s firm grip in his hair.

Jack pulled back from the glistening shaft and mouthed Daniel’s balls next, spreading the younger man’s legs wider and pushing them up toward his chest. When he had the other man’s balls slick and tight, he drew back and saw the tight, small star. Surely this would send sweet Daniel into heaven. Jack stroked the shaft, then went after Daniel’s hole without warning.

He heard a strangled gasp, thought for a moment his hair was going to be torn out at the root, and then felt the wet heat of Daniel’s release splatter his hand. Jack licked him through the spasms, and finally raised his head when Daniel’s legs fell lower and lower, hiding the flesh Jack had just tasted. He kissed his way back up Daniel’s shaft, then further up, stopping at his stomach to lick up everything he found before continuing the upward trek and brushed his lips over Daniel’s nipples. Once he was lying atop the still heavily breathing man, he gave him a soft kiss and stroked his cheek. “Better?”

Daniel’s eyes widened and his face turned a deep red at the memory of where Jack’s mouth had been. “I never knew…”

“You do now.” A smile accompanied the statement and Jack rocked his still covered, still firm groin against Daniel’s. “Can I do something else?”

All Daniel could do was nod affirmatively. He watched Jack stand up and remove his clothes, the brown eyes hot and dark and glued to his face and body. He spread his legs wider when Jack settled back on top of him, then watched with fascination as Jack thoroughly licked his own hand before putting it between their bodies.

Jack felt Daniel’s body arch up when his hard cock began rubbing against Daniel’s softened organ. He took the swollen lips in another hard kiss. “