12. Chapter 11
Chapter 11
Branson
Spend time outdoors. See the world. Take your friends or go alone and make new ones, but don't stop exploring.
R unning my toes through the fine white sand of the beach outside Noel’s sprawling beach house, I took a deep breath, inhaling the warm, salty air that swept off the ocean. This was exactly what I needed. A break from the busy life I led in New York. From the nine to five that was slowly draining my soul, from the crowds of people bustling by but never paying any attention to anyone but themselves and to the crushing reality that this move to the US had not been everything I had hoped it would be.
When I’d been approached about a transfer to the New York office, I was thrilled. I was a damn good accountant and the opportunity had sounded perfect on paper but the reality was that it was a big pile of shit disguised as gold. I was struggling to understand the US tax system - things were so different from the UK. Why my boss thought this was a good idea is a mystery. But I still had four months left on the contract before I could request a transfer back to London or before I could just quit and do something new. I’m a numbers person so the role fit and I loved it at first but I don’t think being stuck behind a desk for forty plus hours a week was what I meant when I promised my dad I would live a life full of adventures and it certainly wasn’t making me happy.
Letting out a deep sigh, I flopped backwards onto the warm sand, shielding my eyes from the sun. Moments later, I was brushing sand from the side of my face as Mia dived to the ground next to me, sprinkling me with the fine grains as she did. “This place is amazing. I forgot how beautiful it is.”
Turning towards her, my head held up on one elbow, I took in her pretty features - so much like her brothers. Dark lashes, brown eyes tinted with gold in the sunlight and dimples in each cheek. She wore a white sundress and a red blush on her cheeks and nose, a sign we had probably been out here far too long.
“You’ve been here before?” I asked, curious about her and Milo’s past, but with no intention to pry, rather simply making conversation. Mia pursed her lips and a moment of silence passed between us before she answered.
“Our father brought us a few times when we were younger, but it’s been a while.”
I nodded, waiting for her to offer up more but when she rolled onto her stomach, her head resting on her folded arms and closed her eyes, I gathered the conversation was over. So, I was surprised when in a quiet voice, she added, “Milo doesn’t like to talk about our past or our father. He wasn’t always so closed off but…” her words faded and then, “Please don’t mention I said anything. He may open up to you one day.” I nodded at her. It was his story to tell when and if he ever wanted to share it.
I recalled back to the night before, when I’d watched Milo’s face pale, his chest heaving unsteadily for air as a panic attack set in. I knew what it was, having witnessed the same sort of reaction in August before. My gut clenched seeing him distraught, everything in me wanted to soothe and comfort him. He had eventually come out of his room, picked at the salad and steaks we’d prepared for dinner, but then excused himself again soon after. Mia had watched Milo retreat back into the house, her lips downturned, her expression pensive.
When Noel had first mentioned this weekend away and had suggested we invite Milo, it had presented as the perfect opportunity to speak to him about the little seed that Noel had planted. We'd discussed it again, and though he hadn’t said it outright, I could tell he was smitten with Milo though he was still convinced the guy hated him. I couldn’t lie, there did seem to be a fiery tension brewing between them, but you know what they say about the line between love and hate? With the way the weekend had started though, it didn’t seem like that conversation was going to happen.
Sitting up, I looked further down the beach to where the sand was wetter, from the high tide earlier in the day, and to where Milo was sitting on a towel. He had his knees crossed and a large sketchbook rested on top of them. His back was bent over and from this angle I could make out his arm moving over the page. I’d seen him sketch in this book before back in our apartment, but I had never seen what it was he was drawing.
A cold chill against my shoulder snagged my focus away from Milo, turning to find a smiling Noel with an ice cold can of beer in his hand, which he was casually running over my overheated skin. He plopped down next to me, handing me the beer and stretching his long legs out in front of him. Wearing white shorts and a white linen shirt, he looked every bit the preppy sort that movies had us believe lived in these parts of the world. His hair was windswept, messier than his usual put together style, the odd curl blowing in the breeze and his skin had taken on a sun kissed glow, unlike the red burn I could feel along my arms.
“You’re burning up, want me to top up your sunscreen for you?” I nodded and Noel moved to sit behind me, reaching into the bag we’d brought with us to find the cream. A can cracked open behind me and I hissed as cold liquid ran over my naked back, followed swiftly by the hot velvety slide of Noel’s tongue.
“Noel!” I laughed, turning around and lunging at him. “You said sunscreen, not beer!” Straddling his waist, I grabbed for his can and ended up in a tumble that had me at his mercy, back to the sand, both arms pinned above my head and both of us covered in sand.
“You little shit,” Noel laughed and aimed his award winning smile at me as he held both my wrists in one of his hands, pinning me down and then reaching for a new can of beer.
“Don’t you fucking dare!” I ground out, bucking my hips to get the solid lump of man off of me, but failing miserably. Usually, I loved the idea of being pinned down by his solid mass, but the smirk on his face made me aware that I would not like what was about to happen. I watched wide eyed as he cracked open the can one handed, and lifted it towards my face, tipping it slowly.
“Oh, I dare. I so fucking dare.” And with that he poured the cool liquid all over me. The beer coated my skin and drenched my clothing, leaving me a sticky, uncomfortable mess, but how could I care when happiness blossomed so strongly in me, erasing every bit of discomfort. The only thing that would have made the whole moment even better was if Milo had been with us and not halfway down the beach in his own solitude. I wanted him closer.
Noel and I hadn’t been intimate other than a few kisses and the odd groping since our relationship discussion earlier in the week, and since he’d brought up our feelings about my roommate. It wasn’t because of Milo - well not entirely - but rather thanks to our busy work schedules, which meant we hadn’t seen each other at all the past week. We’d shared loads of messages and calls and one rather steamy video chat. But now he was here - they both were - and I was hot and in desperate need of a cool shower and a good dicking down. Preferably in that order, but I wasn’t going to be picky.
A shadow came over the two of us as Milo appeared, sketchbook in hand. “I’m going to head back up to the house.” Milo pointed behind us then turned to Mia, “Mi, you coming? You’re as red as a tomato.” Mia blinked up at her brother, a patch of sand sticking to her cheek. She really was very red, sun kissed, but maybe a little too much.
Rolling her head from side to side, she grumbled something under her breath and then pressed up to her feet, picking up her few belongings and standing beside her brother.
“Actually,” I turned to Noel, “I think I’ll go up to the house too. Take a little break from the sun. I could really do with a shower.” Noel nodded, gathered the last of our things including the discarded beer cans and led the way back to the house. Mia ran ahead to walk beside him, pointing out something in the distance. Noel nodded as the two of them spoke.
I hung back, waiting until Milo caught up with me and we fell into step. He was dressed in black shorts and a black sleeveless vest, and he wore a New York Yankees cap backwards atop his mop of dark hair. “Will you show me those one day?” I gestured to the book in his hands.
“Maybe. You going to let me tattoo one of them onto you?” I had briefly considered getting a tattoo when I’d moved here but hadn’t really looked into it nor did I have an idea in mind. There was also that one time August and I got really drunk in Prague and nearly had our own names tattooed on our asses - thankfully the level-headed tattoo artist had refused. But, now that Milo brought up the idea, I suddenly wanted to strip myself naked and present myself as his canvas. Tattoo me, gorgeous, make art on my body. If it was possible for my body to burn any hotter, it was caused by that tantalising thought.
“Deal,” I said, with absolutely no hesitation. A smile settled on his lips.
“Perfect. I look forward to leaving my mark on you, Bran,” Milo winked at me, before bounding up the stairs and disappearing inside.
Skin tight and red from the afternoon sun, a light sheen of sweat, sand and beer coating my neck, I climbed into Noel’s enormous shower, alone. Horsing around in the sand with Noel and a conversation laced with innuendo with Milo left me feeling horny as fuck. Hard and ready to party.
I should have invited them to join me, but I hadn’t for no other reason than that I had no idea how to broach the subject. Hey guys, want to congregate in the shower? Someone want to wash my back and dick for me? Yeah, that was not going to work. We should probably have some form of grown up discussion before jumping into bed - or the shower - together. I knew how I felt, I knew Noel’s feelings, but Milo was still a mystery to me. He’d admitted to liking me, but that was one thing, asking him to what…fuck…or date…the both of us, was a totally different thing.
Looks like I was on my own. Turning so my back was in the stream of the shower, I took my hard dick in hand, lightly rubbing from base to tip, twisting on the upthrust and increasing the speed and pressure. My new favourite fantasy played out in my mind as I stroked myself. Me, naked and writhing beneath two very specific men. Noel inside me as Milo sucked my nipple, biting at the small nub until I was crying in ecstasy.
My breathing picked up and I reached out for the body wash on the shelf, pouring a generous glob onto my dick, jerking myself at a punishing pace, then slamming my free hand against the shower wall as pleasure pulsed in my veins. I wished it was them here, taking me in hand, bringing me to the absolute tip of satisfaction. The thought of both Noel and Milo manhandling me, taking turns with my body, and me doing nothing but accepting every drop of their attention had my legs trembling, and I shot my load with a muffled cry down the shower wall. The release had been satisfactory, but not enough. Not nearly enough.
Drying off and dressing, I made my way to the lounge, where Noel, Milo and Mia were all sitting around a table laden with wine bottles and snacks. Mia was too young to drink, so she nursed a lemonade topped with lemon slices. Taking the seat next to Noel, I settled snugly into the soft fabric, and rested my feet on the table. Milo sat on a single sofa on the far end of the lounge, his face down, scrolling through his phone. Exhaustion from the week and the relaxed feel of sun and sea crept over me and at some point I must have closed my eyes and drifted off. When I woke up, that brief thought of ‘ where the fuck am I?’ left me momentarily disoriented, I shook my head and stretched my limbs before noticing that the sun had started to set.
The television was showing a nature documentary and Mia and Noel were deep in conversation while Milo looked out at the sea beyond the glass doors. He’d obviously gotten up at some point to shower because his hair was damp, and he had switched his black shorts out for grey ones.
I tuned into Noel and Mia’s conversation, listening as she rambled on about my country of birth. “I’ve loved England and everything English for as long as I could remember.” Shifting my body, brushing up against Noel, had him turning towards me. He placed a quick kiss on my cheek then returned his attention to Mia.
“Ah, an Anglophile.” Noel’s statement was met with a scrunched up nose and raised brow.
“A what?” Mia asked.
“An Anglophile. Someone who is a huge fan of England - the food, the culture, the people.” He winked at her before turning his face to Milo and asking, “Are you a fan of the English too, Milo?”
Milo, who had been ignoring them but no doubt listening in on the conversation, moved his eyes from the horizon to meet Noel’s intense stare. He shrugged, “Some of them, yes, others not so much.”
Noel grinned, amused at Milo’s quick wit. Like I said, the man was smitten, seemingly having a thing for snarky, gorgeous Americans.
He turned back to Mia. “So have you been before?”
She shook her head, “No, our dad….” Mia turned to face Milo, her forehead creased in thin lines, communicating something to him silently. He nodded subtly and she smiled. “Our dad said he would take us one day, but he never did. I really would love to go.”
“Well Mia, I think a trip to London is in order. What do you say?” Noel asked and Mia’s smile was positively magnificent. I shared the excitement of going home and of showing these two parts of my world.
“For real?” She beamed and Noel nodded.
“Of course. Let’s wait for Thanksgiving or your winter break and I’ll fly us there. All of us.” He slowly moved his eyes around the room taking in Milo and I. “Make a list of all the places you want to see and I’ll make it happen.”
My attention was snagged away from the smiling girl in front of me when Milo stood abruptly and headed out onto the patio, closing the sliding door roughly behind him. We all turned to face the glass doors when the sound of tinny pop music sounded through the room and Mia darted to the table to pick up her phone.
“Oh, it’s Florence, she’s looking after my cat for me this weekend. I’m gonna take this in my room. I’ll see you both in the morning. Tell my brother I said goodnight.”
“Night, Mi.” I waved to her as she answered the call and headed to her room, which was on the top floor.
Noel edged even closer to me until I could smell his fresh scent - a hint of coffee and sandalwood - mixed with a lingering hint of the ocean. “Come here.” Pulling me on top of him, he laid a soft kiss on my lips. “Do you know what’s up with him?” He tipped his chin to the glass door where Milo stood leaning against the railing, watching the waves as the sky darkened, welcoming in the night.
I shook my head. “He’s been off all weekend, ever since he walked in here. You saw how he was today, even on the beach. It’s like he’s trying to keep us at a distance, like he wants to be alone, but I don’t buy that.” I nuzzled my cheek against Noel’s, loving the way his five o’clock shadow scratched my soft skin. One of his hands gripped my hip tightly while the other feathered up and down my spine. “Shall we go talk to him, daddy? See if we can make him feel better?” Noel’s breath hitched and his hold on me tightened. Pulling back, I took in his dilated pupils, the blues dark and stormy.
“Mmmm, good plan.” Noel gripped me under my ass and in a move that took me completely by surprise, he stood up.
“Woah, you’re strong for an old guy,” I joked and in return, was treated to a hard slap on my ass. Burying my face into the curve of his neck, I bit down on the subtle flesh, eliciting a sharp hiss from Noel.
“Don’t be a brat.”
“Oh please, don’t pretend you don’t love me bratty.”
Noel’s laughter was light and free, expelled from deep within his belly and it caused my own to flip flop in response.
Milo turned to face us as we stepped outside. His lips were set in a thin line, his brows knitted together and those daggers he liked to throw at Noel firing rapidly in his direction once again.
“Are you okay, Milo?” I asked and he ignored my question, anger flashing in his eyes.
“What the fuck were you thinking, Noel?” Noel’s movements halted and I slid down his torso, taking up a spot next to him.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Noel stepped towards him, his hands wide open.
“Of course not. Why would you? Jumping in with these huge promises, not caring about the impact it would have on others,” Milo spat out. To say I was dumbfounded by exactly what he was going on about would be an understatement. But whatever it was, it had him flustered. He paced left and right, not taking his eyes off of Noel.
“Milo, seriously. What have I done wrong?” Noel sounded as confused as I was.
“Promising Mia a trip to London? She’ll be gutted when you change your mind or when you forget. You’re so quick to make these huge, sweeping statements,” Milo waved his hand about his head to emphasise his point.
Noel’s voice was cool, collected and unwavering. “I’m not going to forget, Milo. I don’t make promises I don’t intend to keep. We’ll go to London. Soon.”
Milo shook his head. “I can’t afford that!” he yelled at Noel. “We’re not all made of money, rolling in it like it grows on fucking trees and treating it like it comes as easy as our next breath.” I don’t think he was aware of his movements as he stepped into Noel’s face, pressing his hand to Noel’s chest.
Noel didn’t bat an eyelid at Milo’s raised voice, but I could see his jaw clenching as he said, “I’ll pay for it. It's not a big deal. Why are you so worked up over this?”
Milo shoved him and I moved to step between them, but Noel halted me with an outstretched arm.
“Like hell, you will. Don’t throw your money at Mia and I, we’re not your charity cases, you rich prick. You’re not my daddy, Bennet. I don’t need you to take care of me.” Milo looked at me and my cheeks heated. Is that what he thought of me? That I was a sugar baby Noel was taking care of.
Milo pushed him one final time, ready to move around him, but Noel took a small step to the side to block his way. He grinned at Milo then, his features twisted into that wicked smile that always made me breathless. Only now it was tangled with a glint of annoyance.
Noel stepped into Milo’s face, causing him to take a step back. “No, little artist, I’m not and thank fuck for that, but I can still put you in your place. Do. Not. Push. Me.”
I gulped, watching Milo's fists turn white as he glared at Noel. "Fuck you," he spat, and Noel laughed, edging closer to him, until Milo was pressed against the railing.
"Mmmm tempting," Noel breathed out, licking his lips. Milo's nostrils flared as Noel moved his body impossibly closer.
"Get out of my face," Milo snapped. I didn't miss the fact he made no effort to push Noel away despite his words; instead, he moved slightly closer to the older man and the hand on Noel’s chest formed a fist, gripping the fabric beneath it.
The little back and forth between them ignited into a tension so thick, it was palpable. And suddenly, my dick took notice, chubbing up behind my cotton shorts. I took them in, both breathing heavily, both clearly wanting to rip each other apart. Neither one of them daring to break eye contact first.
"Make me," Noel grinned, his nose brushing the other mans. Milo fisted the fabric tighter, and then he tipped his chin, bringing their lips infinitesimally closer. He let out a small puppy-like whimper as Noel gripped the back of his neck with vampire-like speed and slammed their lips together.
"Holy fucking shit!" I squeaked as I watched what could only be described as Noel devouring Milo like a snack. Milo, now gripping Noel’s shirt with both hands, leaned into the kiss, matching Noel’s ferocity. It was all teeth and lips and groaning and I wanted in.
Before I could say anything, Milo froze then pushed Noel, forcing him to take a step back. “What the hell, Noel?” He turned to face me. “Branson, shit, I’m so sor-”
“Kiss him again,” I said, my voice gravelly, my hand unashamedly rubbing over the bulge in my shorts. Milo looked at me, his kiss pink lips dropping open, tilting his head to the side. “Do you want to kiss him again, Milo?” I stepped forward until I was standing in front of him, and Noel stepped behind me, pulling me so my back was flush against his front. I could feel his arousal firm against my butt and I chanced a glance down to find the effect mirrored in Milo.
“I, I, um, I don’t understand?” Milo turned from me to Noel. The look on his face was adorable. - a mixture of want and confusion and I really wanted to kiss the uncertainty away.
“It’s a simple question, Milo.” I didn’t touch him, didn’t step any closer. Waiting for him to make a move, to consent to whatever this was that was happening. “Do you want to kiss Noel again?”
“Or maybe,” Noel interrupted, “you want to kiss Branson?” Milo gulped, his Adam’s apple bobbing thickly as a dark crimson blossomed on his cheeks. He alternated his gaze from me to Noel, surely going to give himself lust induced whiplash if he wasn’t careful.
“You’re okay with this?” Milo was looking at me, but I wasn’t sure who the question was aimed at. I nodded and I could feel Noel behind me doing the same. Not how I envisioned this conversation going, but it was a start.
“We have some things to talk about, but yes. We’re good with it. Very good. Like extremely good. Like, please don’t make me beg, good with it.” I had zero chill left.
“Then, yes,” Milo started, “yes to both.” He dipped his head ever so slightly and that was all the answer I needed. Stepping forward, pulling Noel with me so I was sandwiched between the two of them, resting my hands on his hips, I tipped my head upwards and kissed Milo. He hesitated at first, keeping the kiss sweet and gentle, until Noel’s hand came up beside us, to grip the back of Milo’s neck.
“Kiss him, Milo. Give our kitten what he wants.” Milo released a growl, grabbing my cheeks between his hands and kissing me hard. His tongue delved in, tasting every inch of me, licking at my teeth, and tangling with my tongue. Behind me, Noel dipped his head, and pressed tender kisses up the side of my throat, mumbling words of praise in my ear as he did. Milo felt and tasted different to Noel. He was rougher, kissing like he was afraid for it to end.
Tightly held between them, I was barely able to catch my breath but I didn’t care. This was everything I had dreamed of. Fuck, it was so much better than any dream. Their scents mixed together, along with the smell of the ocean on the breeze, was an intoxicating elixir surrounding me. They moved me between them, hands exploring from all angles and a rush of heat sparked in my toes, spreading up through my chest and there was suddenly a high possibility I was going to come in my pants.
Breaking the kiss, I took in a deep breath, easing the tightness in my lungs though still firmly pressed between two hot, hard bodies. Noel leaned over my shoulder, wiping his tongue across Milo’s lips.
“I still don’t like you very much,” Milo said, but there was no power behind his words.
“Whatever you say, little artist. Now give me your fucking mouth.” And Milo did. He surrendered to Noel and fuck if it wasn’t a stunning sight. With Noel rubbing up behind me, Milo’s hard cock rubbing against my front and a combination of the noises they were making and the way they smelled and I was about to detonate.
“Guys, guys. Um, stop,” I said between panting breaths and they broke apart.
“What’s wrong?” Milo asked, a look of concern on his face.
“I’m about to embarrass myself here prematurely. I don’t want this to be over.”
Noel chuckled behind me. “Shall we take this somewhere more comfortable?”
“Yes, that. Let’s do that. Milo?”
Milo was silent, his eyes darting between Noel and me. Sensing his uncertainty, I had the sudden sinking feeling that he was about to bolt.
“What do you want?” I asked, running the back of my hand down his cheek.
He shuddered under my touch and his brown eyes blazed when he replied, “To watch you two fuck.”
That heat that had bloomed in my chest was now a roaring inferno and I instinctively gripped my dick tightly.
“What do you say, Bran? Shall we give our voyeur a little show?” Noel asked, pressing his rock hard cock into my ass.
“Yes, that. Let’s do that.” I repeated because any other words were too hard to find.