Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye
Victorian London circa late 1890s
I
ASHLEY watched as the snowflakes continued to fall from the sky. A sad smile adorned his perfect lips. He had been unable to sell any of his handmade wood carvings, which meant he would go hungry again this evening. Ashley tried to ignore the hunger pangs he felt as he passed the shops that displayed their roasted hams and chickens. It had been so long since he had last eaten anything. The aroma swarmed past him; he inhaled deeply, hoping it would fill his empty belly. Instead, memories assailed him that were so vivid that he could taste the salty ham with tangy glaze filling his mouth. Giving himself a shake to regain his senses, he clutched at his growling stomach as he continued trudging through the snow. His shoes were torn and offered little protection against the slush and snow as they flapped and squelched 2
Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye with each step. His tattered coat and scarf did not keep out the cold that embraced him so bitterly. Vagabond patches decorated the thin threadbare coverings in a painfully ineffective attempt to rectify the matter. Ashley had spent many hours out in the frigid weather, and now that night had fallen, the wind cut straight through him, chilling him to the bone. He pulled at the lapels of his frayed coat for warmth, looking pitiful as he meekly asked the passers-by if they would care to buy one of his hand-carved ornaments. He had hoped that since today was Christmas Eve, he could have at least sold one, giving him enough money to buy himself a small hot meal. But everyone that walked by continued on their merry way, ignoring the young man who shivered miserably against the biting cold. Disheartened that this night had proven to fruitless, he slumped to the ground, tears burning in eyes. He buried his head in his arms and wept softly, snow falling off him as his shoulders shook from onslaught of tears.
be his the the
Ashley had no family to go home to, and the tiny attic that was rented out to him proved no warmer than this street corner. His street corner, where he stood day after day, night after night, selling the small wood carvings made by his own hand in the hopes of earning a meager living. The cheery Christmas decorations sparkled from every building, sending a wave of melancholy throughout Ashley’s 3
Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye slender frame, reminding him of his solitude. He could hear the carolers in the street, happily singing their holiday songs, and children laughing as they passed by with their parents. Ashley had lost his parents in a fire when he was just a small child. He had never known the joy of Christmas or the warmth of family. After Ashley’s parents had passed away, his greedy relatives, who had taken him in, squandered his inheritance until there was nothing left; and when the money was gone, they had abandoned him. Ashley wiped his tears with the back of his hand and pulled at his fingerless gloves to try to warm up the rest of his hand. He felt feverish and thought perhaps if he were to build a small fire it would help to fight off the cold. There could be no harm in that, could there? Ashley looked around for something to build a fire with, but all there was available were his wooden carvings. With a heavy sigh, he sat down and collected them into a tiny pile. He pulled a single match out and stuck it against the building, making a scratching sound as it ignited. The smell of sulfur and char filled his nostrils as the small flame flared to life. Ashley placed his hand over the tiny flame, shielding it from the wind as he tried to light his ornaments. However, it flickered out, and eager to feel warm, Ashley lit another match without hesitation. As he struggled to keep the tiny fire aflame, he began to dream of a warm home with a beautiful Christmas tree decorated in festive colors and a table laden with holiday foods. His fevered mind confused the daydream for reality. 4
Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye Ashley smiled at the vision as tears streamed down his sooted face. Was he dreaming? He reached out tentatively to try and touch the image, but it scattered like ash upon the wind. Ashley found himself returned to the bitter cold. He stared off into the crowded street as those more fortunate stepped over him as if he didn’t exist. “Oh Father, I wish you’d take me with you to heaven, there is nothing for me here….” He whispered the prayer almost brokenly. His dark eyes gazed at the night sky and saw a shooting star. He closed his eyes and wished for so many things. He wished his parents had not died when he was so young; he wished he wasn’t so cold and hungry; and he wished there were someone on this forsaken earth who loved him. Ashley opened his eyes and caught the glimpse of dove’s wings fluttering above him. “Take me with you, please….” He reached out toward the dove and heard a soothing voice in his head. “What’s that? You will take me to a place where I will no longer suffer cold or hunger?” He watched as the dove began to fly away and caught a glimpse of a handsome man approaching him with angel like wings. Ashley fell into unconsciousness believing he was on his way to heaven while his body slumped to the ground, no longer able to withstand the cruelty of the elements and the demands of the fever.
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Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye DOCTOR Oliver Eriksen rushed over to the fallen body sprawled against the building. He had espied the young man in distress as he came out of the store. “Please, let me through, I’m a doctor.” He pushed past the onlookers and felt for a pulse on the young man. Oliver could make out a distinct yet faint heartbeat under the pressure of his fingers. The young man felt hot to the touch. He was burning with fever. Doctor Eriksen knew that the poor man would not last much longer out here in this cold. There was little time for deliberation. He had to take the man somewhere warm. Without hesitation, he called over to his carriage and demanded that his driver come round. “Is he dead?” asked a woman, huddling closer to her husband as if disgusted and titillated that someone had died on the street. Oliver frowned over at the woman. He could not believe how cold their hearts were. They all stood staring, but had done nothing to help the young man. He was appalled by their behavior. “No, he’s still alive.” He leaned over to pick up the fallen stranger. He had no idea who the young man was or what had happened to him, but he would take care of him regardless. “Looks as if he was trying to warm himself,” observed one of the onlookers. Oliver glanced at the ground and saw the charred remains of small wooden ornaments. His 6
Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye attention was caught by the bystander who had spoken and now leaned over to pick up what appeared to be a delicately carved angel. It must have fallen out of the fire, escaping the fate that had befallen the other ornaments in becoming a frozen ember. “Give that here! You should be ashamed! Stealing from a sick man!” Oliver spoke briskly. Remorsefully, the man surrendered the item, gently placing it in the doctor’s pocket. “You all have a Happy Christmas,” Oliver added sarcastically. The crowd parted for Oliver, some with their heads bowed in shame as he walked past them. Oliver carried the young man to his carriage, wrapping him up in blankets kept in the boot for its passengers’ comfort. “Take us home, Rhys. I need to get him someplace warm. Make haste,” he ordered before closing the carriage door behind him and wrapping his arms around the unconscious stranger, attempting to keep him as warm as possible. Oliver only hoped that it was not too late.
ASHLEY’S eyes fluttered open and took in his strange surroundings. He found himself lying on a large iron bed covered with a soft sheets and warm blankets. He sat up in alarm. Where was he? For he was most assuredly not at home!
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Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye The bed did not squeak, and the bedcover was embroidered with soft lace! Not like his bed made of straw covered with a thin but clean gray blanket that barely covered his lithe form. Ashley reached out to touch the foot of the bed. He had to make sure it was real and that he was not dreaming again. The scrollwork of the iron bed post was decorated with a floral emblem that carefully matched the roseflowered wallpaper in the room. Behind the headboard was a curtain with a similar pattern that dressed the bed as a canopy. It added an elegance and feeling of welcome to the room. The room was richly furnished with a cream-colored chaise lounge chair at the far wall, covered with contrasting throw pillows. There was an armchair that matched the chaise that sat beside his bed, along with a small table littered with stationery and an empty tea cup. All around the room were scattered books. Fresh flowers decorated the matching iron vanity table positioned between the two small windows that lined the left side of the room. To his right, a large silver-framed mirror adorned the wall. He leaned over a bit to look at his reflection; his skin shone with the signs of health, his face was clean, his hair brushed… And those clothes? Where did they come from? His fingers traced over the soft cotton nightshirt that covered his body. His brow furrowed in confusion. He did
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Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye not own such a garment, and worse yet, he panicked at the thought that a stranger had undressed and clothed him. As if someone had read his thoughts, the door pushed open and a beautiful blonde woman entered. Her hair was done up elegantly, and the clothes she wore were made from fine material. Her emerald green skirt swished under her feet as she approached him. She greeted him with a warm smile. “Oh! You’re finally awake!” she exclaimed in happy surprise, with a slight accent that Ashley could not place. “Brother will be pleased to see you are conscious. Are you hungry? Would you like me to bring you some food or hot tea?” she asked politely. Ashley pulled the covers to his neck, feeling uncomfortable with the presence of the female in the room. He hoped she was not the one who had bathed and clothed him. The very idea made his cheeks burn from embarrassment. “Food would be lovely, thank you,” he replied meekly. The woman continued to smile at the beautiful stranger. “I will have some brought straight away.” She paused before turning to exit the room. “If you don’t mind my asking, what is your name? I am Agnes, and I welcome you to my brother’s house.” “Name’s Ashley Smith, Miss,” he replied with a soft English accent. “Mrs.,” she corrected him in a friendly tone. “Mrs. Saxon, to be exact; my husband, Matthew, and I have been 9
Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye assisting my brother in taking care of you. He’s a doctor, and I used to be somewhat of a nurse over in Denmark where we lived, lending him a hand whenever he had to go visit with a patient. Seems I’m back to doing that; it certainly does bring back memories.” “If he lives in Denmark, then how is it that this is his home?” Ashley asked, confused. She looked around the room and sighed as if the question saddened her. “This is the house my brother is renting while visiting London. He visits for a few months, then returns to Denmark by early spring.” Agnes sounded as if she really missed her brother, but Ashley felt he should not pry any further. He did not want to seem ungracious to his host, and since the current topic of conversation appeared to depress her, he elected to change the topic, but curiosity about his mysterious benefactor kept him from straying too far off of it. “What’s his name, ma’am, if you don’t mind my asking?” Ashley tucked his long dark curls behind his ear. “And if you think it not too bold of me to ask, how did I get here? I fear I don’t remember….” “My brother is Doctor Oliver Eriksen, and he is one of the best doctors in Europe,” she answered proudly. “Oliver practices medicine mostly in our native homeland, Denmark, though I wish he would change his mind and stay here in London with us. Oh well, what can I do?” she sighed again. “Anyway, Oliver came here to visit my husband’s family and 10
Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye me for the holidays. He brought you home on Christmas Eve. You have been delirious with fever for nearly a week, and we all feared the worst.” She brushed the hair out of his eyes like a mother would her child. “I will bring you some warm soup and hot tea, it won’t be but a moment.”
THE door to Ashley’s room opened once more, but it wasn’t Agnes that entered. It was a tall, handsome man with sandy blonde hair. He blew the hair out of his face as he approached Ashley. The man’s face seemed carved from an artist’s stone, it was finely chiseled, and he sported a cleft in his chin, which Ashley found rather attractive. Ashley bit his lower lip, trying not to stare at the gorgeous man who walked over to his bed. He wondered if this was Oliver, Agnes’s brother. If it were Matthew, that meant he was married and most certainly unavailable. What was Ashley thinking? Just because it could be Oliver did not mean that the man would be interested in him. He desperately tried to push aside such lustful thoughts; they just were not appropriate. Though admittedly, similar thoughts were quite common to him. Oliver carefully placed the tray full of food on Ashley’s lap. “Hello there, I’m Doctor Eriksen. How are you feeling?” he asked, sporting the same exotic accent as Agnes. Oliver leaned forward and touched Ashley’s forehead for any sign of a lingering fever. He was relieved to find that there was none. 11
Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye Ashley loved the feel of Oliver’s fingers on his blessedly cool skin; his fingers were soft, and they brushed against him like silk. Oliver’s chest was so close to his lips all he had to do was lean over slightly, and he could place a tender kiss over the woven fabric of Oliver’s vest. The doctor smelled divine. The mild scent of aftershave mixed with tobacco stirred desires to life within Ashley. The younger man averted his eyes. He should not be thinking such thoughts. They were strictly forbidden, and others with similar predilections had been ostracized or worse, killed, and besides, the man probably had a beautiful wife and a handful of children waiting for him somewhere. Yet he had never felt such a strong desire spring up within him before. Ashley tried to distract himself by inhaling the sweet scent of hot food. “It all smells so delicious. I don’t know where I’ll start.” Oliver smiled, pleased that his patient had regained his appetite. “You must be famished. I brought you a sample of all the foods the cook made this evening. I hope one of them is to your liking.” Ashley’s eyes scanned the plates full of turkey, goose, ham, chicken, mashed potatoes, cranberries, steamed vegetables, and rolls of buttered bread. He did not know where to begin; he instinctively reached out for a roll first and devoured it hungrily, taking a large gulp of water to help it go down. He tore at a chicken leg next.
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Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye The man smiled appreciatively. “You are the hungry one, aren’t you?” He laughed good-naturedly, enjoying the scene of Ashley stuffing his mouth with food. “It’s good to see that you recovered and that you have a healthy appetite. I feared the fever would claim you,” he added with sincere concern. Ashley wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, not noticing the worry that shone in the man’s eyes. “So you’re Oliver?” he said between mouthfuls of ham and chicken, his curiosity finally getting the better of him now that his stomach was being assuaged. “Err, excuse me, I meant to say Doctor Eriksen. I meant no disrespect by calling you by your first name. Your sister had spoken so much of you, I suppose I forgot my place.” “No need for all of that, feel free to call me Oliver. I’m not one for formalities, I’m afraid.” Ashley smiled shyly at him, and Oliver felt his heart swell. It was comforting to know that this beauty had survived the clutches of death. He tried to carry on conversation, however, being a loner most of his life, he was unsure how to approach the young man. He thought perhaps casual conversation was the best place to start. “My sister tells me that you’re called Ashley Smith. I do hope the room pleases you. I apologize if it seems a bit feminine, but it was the only room I had to spare.” “I don’t mind, it fares better than the attic I sleep in.” Ashley pressed his lips together thoughtfully; he mumbled, 13
Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye mostly to himself, “Though I probably don’t have that anymore.” Ashley looked back at Oliver, trying to sound neutral about the whole thing, when the handsome doctor looked at him in askance. “Your sister told me I have been here a week? Landlady must have thought I abandoned the place and rented it out to someone else.” He tried to shrug it off, not wanting to dwell on what she might have done with his tools and carvings. “No matter, I can find another place,” he lied, turning his attention back on the honey-glazed ham. Oliver tried not to frown. He knew that Ashley was lying for his benefit. He did not have the heart to send him back into the harsh cold after nursing him back to health for the past week, and his every instinct was screaming for him to keep the dark-haired young man near. “You could stay here, that is, if you’d like?” he asked, suddenly unsure of himself. Ashley almost choked on his food. “I don’t think I can afford living here, sir; but thank you for the offer.” “We can come up with an arrangement at a later date,” Oliver replied. He looked at Ashley, unsure as how to address his next question. “Tell me, did you carve those figurines? Did you learn that at school?” Ashley took another gulp of water. “Yes, sir, I made those, however I didn’t learn them at school, but I don’t think they are very good since it is painfully obviously that I could not earn enough to feed myself. Furthermore I suspect
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Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye my landlady probably hocked ’em and my tools for back rent, so I couldn’t make more now even if I wanted to.” Oliver nodded in understanding. “I’m sorry to hear that; I thought they were quite beautiful.” He presented Ashley with the tiny wooden angel. “Seems this one is a survivor, much like yourself.” Ashley gently traced the outline of the ornament before placing it back in the doctor’s hand. “You can keep it, if you like,” he said, closing Oliver’s fingers around the figurine. “Thank you. I will treasure it always.” Oliver smiled, touched by the tiny display of affection. “Ashley, I would like to train you as my assistant.” Oliver spoke again, growing serious. “I would like to have a tutor come in to re-educate your skills and to teach you some medical terminology.” He looked down at his hands. “You see, my sister wants me to open a permanent office here in London, feels I am better suited for the city, I suppose. Truth is, she doesn’t want me to return to Denmark; mostly because I don’t have a family of my own there. She worries about me being alone, especially during the spring and summer months when I am there seeing to the sick. Agnes swears that she frets the whole time I am away until I return each fall.” “What would I need to do?” Ashley asked, intrigued by the doctor’s proposal. Did he hear correctly that Oliver had no family? A man of his position and social standing? Ashley bit back his tongue and tried not too sound too eager. 15
Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye “I would need someone to help me put papers in order and sort out appointments and such. Please understand that I am leaving the choice completely up to you, you’re under no obligation to accept my offer.” “On the contrary, Doctor Eriksen, I find your offer quite tempting, and I’d be delighted to become your assistant.” “Oliver,” he corrected Ashley, “please call me Oliver.” “Would that be proper? To call you by your first name if I’m to be working for you?” “I told you I wasn’t much on formalities.” Ashley sent Oliver another shy smile as the older man settled into the armchair beside the bed. “All right then, Oliver it is.”
ASHLEY continued to feast on the food until none was left, leaving an astonished but grinning Oliver. “I can bring you more if you like, there are also pastries and sweets if you prefer?” “No, I’m full.” Ashley waved his hand. His dark eyes slowly took in the man sitting before him. He needed a haircut. Oliver’s hair fell into his eyes, and he was constantly brushing it aside. If Oliver were his, Ashley would either keep it trimmed or personally brush it out of the way so that the offending hair would never trouble him 16
Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye again. For behind the stray strands of hair were eyes so blue that Ashley was certain that the sky itself would be envious of their color. Ashley shook his head, waving aside such impossible dreams. “I, uh, wanted to thank you … for saving me from the cold and for the food … well, perhaps it is best to just thank you for everything.” Ashley’s words seemed to stumble over themselves. Oliver smiled warmly. “You’re welcome, Ashley. May I call you Ashley?” Ashley looked over at Oliver with a flirty smile. “You saved my life, you may call me whatever you wish.” Oliver’s laughter filled the room, and Ashley found himself laughing along with him, their merriment catching the attention of the others in the house. Agnes and Matthew entered the room, their arms interlocked with one another. Agnes was dressed even more elegantly than she had been earlier that day. She wore a bright silver dress with tiny glass beads embroidered into the fabric that gave it an added sparkle. Her outfit was completed with matching choker and long black gloves that were covered with diamond bracelets. Matthew was dressed in a custom-tailored tuxedo, complete with white scarf and a red rose pinned to his lapel. He was a tall man with dark auburn hair and matching mustache. “We came by to bid you both a good night and Merry New Year before heading off to the party.” 17
Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye “Ah, yes,” Oliver nodded absently. “Have a good time.” “I see he ate heartily,” Agnes noted.
“That’s a good
sign.” “Devoured is more like it.” Matthew winked at Ashley. “My brother-in-law says that a healthy, sturdy appetite is a good sign of recovery.” He turned his attention to Oliver. “Are you sure you won’t change your mind about coming to the party? There is still time.” “I appreciate the offer, but I’m going to look after my patient this evening.” Matthew nodded and took his wife’s hand and placed a small kiss upon it. Oliver smiled at the scene displayed before him. He was glad that his sister had married a good man like Matthew. Theirs was a good marriage, and Oliver was glad that Matthew made Agnes happy. Seeing them together reminded Oliver that he had no one of his own, but that did not surprise him since his tastes were a bit unorthodox. Agnes knew of his preference for the same sex, but had never cast judgment on him, telling him that she hoped he could someday be as happy as she. Matthew’s voice broke Oliver from his thoughts. “Very well then, Agnes and I are off to enjoy the hospitality of our friends. We will see you tomorrow afternoon for tea?” “Yes, see you tomorrow.” Oliver stood up and hugged his brother-in-law and his sister goodbye. “Don’t worry 18
Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye about me, just have a good time at the party.” He playfully tapped her nose. “You sure you won’t change your mind and at least stop by?” she asked with a small pout. “I’m sure, Agnes. Ashley is awake now, and it would be rude to leave him alone, especially tonight of all nights. No one should have to spend the holiday alone. Besides, I won’t risk dressing him and sending him out into the frigid night air and have him get ill all over again just for a few hours of entertainment. He needs to stay indoors and rest.” Agnes smiled pleasantly, hoping she was not misreading the attraction her brother had toward Ashley. “At least you’ll have some company now that your guest is awake.” She directed her smile towards Ashley. “Have a Merry New Year. Until tomorrow.” She waved goodbye and blew one last kiss to her brother before closing the door behind her. When they were gone, Ashley raised an eyebrow and asked Oliver, “What did you mean by ‘especially tonight’?” “It’s New Year’s Eve.” Oliver winked. “Oh.” Ashley suddenly felt guilty. “I don’t mean to keep you from the party. You can go if you want. I won’t steal anything, I promise.” Oliver laughed softly. “I didn’t think you would. Anyway, I find those parties frightfully boring. You have
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Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye given me a good excuse not to attend. Besides, it would have been dreadfully rude of me to just leave you here alone.” Ashley smiled shyly again. company.”
“I do thank you for the
“I’ll go fix us some tea, and maybe bring a book to read, to pass the time? Unless, of course, you would rather sleep. You have been through an ordeal, and I would not want you to exert yourself needlessly.” “I feel fine, actually,” Ashley said as he stretched, suppressing a yawn. He wanted to spend more time with Oliver and did not want the doctor to think that he was too tired for conversation and company. To prove his point, he attempted to get out of bed, but the doctor stopped him. “Oh no, you don’t. Stay in bed,” Oliver ordered, his hand lingering on Ashley’s shoulder. Ashley felt his stomach flip when Oliver told him to stay in bed. There was something incredibly sexy about the way he said it. Ashley sank back into the plush bed. He had better stop thinking that way about his host or he would be back on the streets with no way to support himself.
OLIVER leaned against the door and wiped the sweat from his brow with a handkerchief as his free hand gently stroked the angel that was in his pocket, a habit he had recently developed whenever he was in distress. That young man was going to be his undoing; that soft accent when he spoke 20
Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye sent goose bumps all over Oliver’s body. And just now, when Ashley stretched, Oliver was graced with an accidental view of Ashley’s dark nipple as it peeked out from the nightshirt. He had bathed and changed Ashley into his present clothes a week ago with professional detachment, but there was something incredibly erotic about the way Ashley stretched on that bed tonight. Oliver knew he had to leave the room immediately or he would surely lose his composure. He tried to catch his breath as he made his way down the stairs. It was going to be a long night.
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Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye
II
ASHLEY watched Oliver with interest, letting his deep voice roll over him. Ashley was mesmerized by Oliver’s lips as he read the story out loud. How he wished he could just sample a small taste of those rosy lips just once. Ashley scolded himself for allowing his thoughts to turn lustful again. The blond doctor looked over the edge of the book to see a dreamy look in his patient’s dark eyes. “Am I boring you?” Oliver asked lightheartedly, folding the edge of the page over to mark his place. “Boring me? No….” Ashley fidgeted with the bed covers, tamping down on a blush that threatened to give his errant thoughts away. “Just distracted.” “Oh? By what?” Oliver asked with some curiosity, a crooked smile played on his lips. That smile alone would be Ashley’s undoing. “Is it midnight yet?” Ashley asked, hoping that would suffice for an answer.
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Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye “Never seen anyone so excited about New Year’s Eve before,” Oliver joked. “Seen children anxiously await Father Christmas to bring them gifts on Christmas Eve, but your enthusiasm for this holiday has me in wonder.” He looked over at Ashley with a twinkle in his eye. Oliver glanced down at his pocket watch. “Hmm, it’s almost time; in just a few minutes, it will be a new year.” He leaned over to the side and popped open the champagne. Ashley giggled merrily as Oliver handed him a glassful of sparkling wine. “I’ve never had champagne before.” He wrinkled his nose playfully as the bubbles danced around the edge of the glass. Oliver’s eyes widened with desire; the sight of Ashley holding the glass of champagne in his slender hand while his nightshirt fell lazily off his shoulder, exposing a perfect smooth shoulder whilst sitting on that bed was driving him to the brink of insanity. Oliver cleared his throat, attempting conversation. “My father used to say if you made a wish on a special holiday, it would come true.” His fingers absently traced the bottom of the glass. “Mine has already come true,” Ashley said softly, feeling his cheeks flush red. Oliver raised an eyebrow inquisitively. “Mind if I ask what you wished for?”
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Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye Ashley’s hand played with the bed sheets, twisting them. “Before I passed out on Christmas Eve, I could have sworn I saw an angel. I heard him tell me that I would be taken someplace warm, where I would have plenty of food and not have to worry about anything … strange, huh?” He looked up timidly at Oliver. Oliver leaned in to whisper, “Maybe it was the angel that guided me to you. I had a last minute gift to buy and thought to go that route to the shops on my way home. You see, I never go past that way, but that night, I did.” Ashley started to comment but the sounds of the cathedral’s bell ringing in the New Year caused him to fall silent. He looked about the room. Everything seemed so magical, the flickering of the gas lights, the ringing of the church bell, and the twinkle in Oliver’s blue eyes. “Happy New Year,” Oliver said softly as he clinked his glass with Ashley’s, breaking the younger man out of his reverie. Ashley took a sip of the liquor and found that he liked the way it felt as it coated his throat, warming his insides. He licked his lips, unaware of how seductive he looked to Oliver, who immediately downed his drink in order to keep his composure. “This is delicious.” Ashley stated, the tip of his tongue licking away the stray beads of champagne that collected on his lips.
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Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye Oliver only nodded and served himself another glass, averting his eyes. Oh yes, the younger man was driving him to distraction.
THEY had finished the entire bottle of champagne, and it was growing late. Though they had passed the last few hours laughing, flirting, and doing some subtle touching, Oliver thought it best to end the evening before he did something he would regret. He wrapped his arms around Ashley and held him in a tight embrace. “Good night, Ashley. I shall see you in the morning.” Ashley felt his heart pounding madly against his chest; he did not want this magic moment to end. He felt his cheek rub against Oliver’s, and it sent a shiver down his spine, he could no longer fight it. Risking everything he had gained, and surely influenced by the large amount of alcohol he had consumed, he gently brushed his lips against the older man’s. When Oliver did not flinch away, Ashley pressed a little harder, unwittingly sealing his fate with a searing kiss. Ashley trembled as he felt his body came alive with desire. He had kissed other men and even some girls, but nothing, absolutely nothing, compared to this kiss. It made his toes curl as he felt Oliver’s tongue delve into his mouth, exploring its depths and twisting his tongue around his own. Oliver tasted of tobacco and sweet champagne, and Ashley drank in Oliver’s essence as if it were the finest of wines.
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Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye Ashley pulled Oliver on top of him. His fingers fumbled with Oliver’s buttons as the older man assaulted his senses with kisses traced down his neck and into his ear. Ashley’s eyes fluttered shut, and he moaned involuntarily as he felt Oliver’s hot breath trail along his earlobe. Oliver pulled the covers aside, hoping to expose more of Ashley’s flesh to his hungry gaze and tender ministrations. He wanted to stop, but his body urged him to pursue the matter further. His hand went up Ashley’s nightshirt, and his fingers gently traced circles alongside the younger man’s thighs. “I can stop now if you wish. I may not be able to later,” Oliver offered. “No, don’t stop,” Ashley responded, devouring the man with a hungry and dewy kiss. He tugged Oliver’s shirt past his shoulders, revealing a finely sculpted chest. Ashley ran his fingers through Oliver’s blonde chest hair, carefully exploring this unseen territory; his eyes widened with wonder and desire as he felt Oliver gasp from his gentle touch. Ashley leaned forwarded and pressed his lips to Oliver’s chest as he had wanted to do so earlier this evening. His teeth tenderly nipped at the pebbled nipple, and he loved the groan that murmured past Oliver’s lips as he carefully suckled at it. Oliver managed to remove Ashley’s night shirt in one fell swoop and discarded the garment to the floor. His eyes looked appraisingly at the smooth and slender naked body
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Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye that lay beneath him. It had been so long since Oliver had taken a lover, and he felt overwhelmed with passion. But it was more than lust he felt for Ashley, he was sure of that. It might not as yet be love, or perhaps he was mistaken? He cared so much for the younger man that it could just possibly be love he was feeling. Oliver lovingly caressed Ashley’s face, and he saw Ashley look up at him with pure affection. Ashley’s cheeks were crimson red. He had never shared his body with anyone before, and he hoped Oliver did not think he committed to something like this lightly. He felt a connection with Oliver he could not explain, and he knew it was not the alcohol that was affecting the sway of his heart. He knew he loved this man, because this man had shown him kindness unconditionally unlike anyone had ever shown him before. He needed Oliver to understand that he was not repaying him with his body for his compassion. “I’ve … I’ve never done this with anyone before…,” he whispered into Oliver’s ear. “But I want you to be my first and only. I don’t want this to be a mere dalliance.” He let the words linger, hoping he had not frightened away the doctor with his confession. His dark eyes searched Oliver’s face, desperately needing to feel loved and accepted. Oliver felt his heart catch in his throat. The thought that Ashley would want a relationship had been a much hoped for, but seemingly unattainable wish. Now that it seemed to be within his grasp, he was at a loss for words.
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Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye His heart swelled with newfound love at hearing that he would be the first and only in Ashley’s life. Oliver had been feeling desolate and depressed that night his carriage went past that unfamiliar street where he found Ashley. Had it been mere coincidence that he gone to that particular store? Could it have been divine intervention that had compelled him to look over by the street corner? Oliver had believed it to be coincidence that he glanced in that direction and saw Ashley, but now he was not too sure. His first impression was that he had caught the glimpse of an angel, and then when he saw Ashley slump onto the sidewalk, he had felt his chest tighten with fear. He did not think twice as he made his way through the crowd to the younger man. Oliver had been alone for so long that he had almost forgotten the warmth of love’s embrace. He swallowed back his own tears of joy. Tentatively, he reached out his hand and caressed Ashley’s soft cheek. He was speechless; he did not know how to express what was bursting in his heart. Ashley’s heart sank; Oliver had not responded. Perhaps all the doctor wanted was a simple night’s pleasure and did not know how to tell him. It was terrible, too terrible to contemplate the idea that Oliver might not return his feelings. Ashley felt his heart breaking. He knew he could not bear it if that were the case. Silence hung thick in the air, and Ashley was afraid that he had said too much; tears 28
Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye gathered in his eyes. “Is this not what you want?” he asked, his voice shaking. Oliver gently kissed Ashley’s eyes. “More than you know. Don’t weep; there is no longer any need for tears. I won’t have it.” His fingers traced the outline of Ashley’s lips. “Do not be afraid, I won’t hurt you.” Ashley smiled at the double meaning in Oliver’s words. Finally Ashley had found someone who loved him. He was no longer alone. Oliver placed a soft kiss on the tip of Ashley’s nose. “I have a reason to stay in London now … you.” He brushed Ashley’s unruly hair out of his eyes. “Why do you think I asked you if you wanted to stay?” Ashley bit his lower lip as he laughed merrily. “I was hoping I had something to do with it.” “You have everything to do with it.” Oliver continued to trail kisses down Ashley’s neck and bare shoulder, his other hand now sliding past Ashley’s hips. He pressed his knee against Ashley, forcing the younger man to spread his legs. Ashley wrapped his legs around Oliver’s waist as he smothered Oliver in sloppy kisses. His fingers shook with anticipation as he unzipped Oliver’s pants and pulled free his erection. Oliver gasped as Ashley’s fingers kneaded the hardened flesh. “Good God….” he moaned, his body writhing over Ashley. Oliver pulled his pants the rest of the way off, not wanting to distract Ashley from the marvelous task he was 29
Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye doing. He placed another ardent kiss on Ashley’s lips before leaving a trail of soft, wet kisses down his torso. Ashley’s body responded lovingly, leaning into Oliver’s touch. Oliver’s hot mouth wrapped around Ashley’s member, and he let out a loud groan, showing his approval. Ashley did not know what Oliver was doing, but he was enjoying it thoroughly. His hips began to move rhythmically to Oliver’s sucking. He felt a warm sensation grow from his belly to the tip of his organ and knew he wasn’t going to last much longer. “Please, take me now,” he begged. Oliver looked up at Ashley and smiled coquettishly, but did not cease his motions. Ashley grabbed Oliver’s hair and pulled on it as he felt a wonderful explosion overtake him. He came, moaning Oliver’s name. Oliver swallowed down the sweet elixir, enjoying the feel of Ashley’s trembling body as he was brought over the edge. He drew Ashley into another kiss, his fingers now exploring the puckered little hole. Ashley’s body jerked to attention, his head rolled back onto the pillows, his back arched, and his hands clenched Oliver’s shoulders. “Oh God…,” he moaned, delirious with pleasure. Oliver inserted another digit, and Ashley’s hips buckled anxiously as Oliver began to scissor his fingers, prepping and stretching the virgin entrance for his weeping member. Oliver’s hand blindly opened the drawer on the 30
Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye small table and fumbled around for lotion. When his hands stumbled across the bottle he yanked it out of the drawer. He pulled his fingers out of Ashley and was met with a disgruntled mewling sound. “Don’t stop,” Ashley pleaded, his hips grinding against Oliver’s. “Please, need you inside me,” Ashley purred, spreading his legs further, inviting Oliver to take him. Oliver almost dropped the lotion at the wondrous sight laid out before him. Ashley’s eyes had darkened from desire as he eagerly awaited this last and most intimate embrace. “I’m not stopping, my pet, I’m preparing to enter you. I don’t want to hurt you.” He finally managed to coat his organ fully. It pressed eagerly against Ashley’s opening. “Let me know if this hurts too much,” Oliver whispered tenderly as he gently slid into the tight sheath. Ashley gasped both from pain and pleasure, he wasn’t sure which. Tears collected in the corner of his eyes from the pressure, but once Oliver began moving in and out of him, he felt himself lost to the delirium of ecstasy. Ashley dug his fingernails into Oliver’s back as the thrusts, slow and deliberate, awakened his member again. It laid against his stomach, rock hard once more. Ashley reached down and stroked his organ to the rhythm of their coupling. Oliver raised Ashley’s hips a bit and managed to rub against his prostate. Ashley arched his back and shouted praises in Oliver’s name, writhing beneath him with wanton 31
Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye desire. “Harder … faster … oh God…,” he gasped as sweat collected on his brow. “Yes … that’s it … yes! Yes! Good God, yes!” Oliver complied with his new lover’s wishes. He thrust faster, hitting Ashley’s sweet spot again and again. Ashley loudly screamed Oliver’s name as ecstasy overtook him again. He exploded, feeling his seed spill all over his taut stomach and spurt over Oliver’s chest. Oliver followed close behind, softly whispering Ashley’s name as he found release inside of him. He collapsed wearily onto Ashley’s chest. The younger man brought Oliver’s face to his and placed a soft kiss on his lips. “I love you,” Oliver murmured contentedly. He rolled off Ashley and pulled him close, wrapping his arms protectively around his new lover. Ashley happily curled up next to him. “I love you too,” he replied, giving Oliver another soft kiss. Ashley nuzzled against Oliver’s neck and shoulder and smiled. He had finally found the warmth of home. And this man, Oliver, loved him; what more could he possible want? He knew he no longer had to fear being alone, friendless, or homeless. Heaven had sent this angel to rescue him from the frozen embers and care for him; it had not been an illusion. Life was wonderful. He fell asleep, peaceful and secure in Oliver’s arms. 32
Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye
AGNES and Matthew peeked into Ashley’s bedroom and smiled at the sight of Ashley curled around Oliver. Agnes fought back tears of joy and placed her hand over her heart as she was taken in by the tender scene. Her husband smiled down at her, a twinkle in his eyes. He softly closed the door, careful not wake them. “Looks like you got your wish; your brother will be staying in London after all.” He winked at Agnes. She hugged Matthew and placed a kiss on his lips. “Most importantly, Oliver has found someone who will care for him and love him. He isn’t alone anymore. That’s what I had truly wished for, someone to fill his days with joy.” Matthew caressed his wife’s soft cheek. “Come, we should let them enjoy their newfound love. I’ll leave him a note stating we will be back for dinner. Besides, we have celebrating of our own to do, hmm?” Matthew wiggled his eyebrows mischievously. He picked up Agnes in a graceful swoop and placed another tender kiss on her rosy lips. Agnes giggled, wrapping her arms around her husband’s neck as he carried her downstairs.
OLIVER awoke to hear his sister’s cheerful laughter emanating from the hallway. He looked down to see Ashley 33
Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye resting peacefully in his arms. Oliver placed a small kiss upon Ashley’s temple and pulled him closer. Oliver did not know what the future had to offer them, but thus far, the New Year was off to a marvelous start.
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Frozen Embers / Sasha Skye
©Copyright Sasha Skye, 2008 Published by Dreamspinner Press 4760 Preston Road Suite 244-149 Frisco, TX 75034 http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/ This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the authors’ imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. Cover Art by Dan Skinner/Cerberus Inc.
[email protected] Cover Design by Mara McKennen This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines and/or imprisonment. This eBook cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this eBook can be shared or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. To request permission and all other inquiries, contact Dreamspinner Press at: 4760 Preston Road, Suite 244-149, Frisco, TX 75034 http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/ Released in the United States of America December, 2008
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