The Actor and the Earl by Rebecca Cohen

gasped in delight, his body humming at being so expertly played. Anthony sped up, thrusting deeper, and Sebastian could barely breathe, so close to his release. The intensity built, and Sebastian could hold back no longer. Anthony growled as he reached his peak, Sebastian following barely seconds later. They lay still for a moment, until Anthony withdrew, leaving a soft kiss to the back of Sebastian’s neck.
    “Good morning,” said Anthony.
    Sebastian looked over his shoulder to see his lover’s flushed cheeks and self-satisfied smirk. “Oh, most definitely a good start to the day.”
    He rolled over and laid his head on Anthony’s chest. “At some point, I will need to call Miriam to help me dress. I am a slave to my wardrobe.”
    Anthony’s fingers lazily carded through Sebastian’s hair. “I’ve been thinking about giving you the opportunity to be yourself. William will need a tutor.”
    “William?”
    “My son. I’ve been meaning to introduce him to Bronwyn , but the last few days I have been….”
    “Sulking?” suggested Sebastian.
    “Perhaps it could be construed as such.”
    Sebastian laughed. “So this son of yours?”
    “William is nearly three, and he can be difficult with new people—even his nurse has trouble some days. But he is reaching an age where he will need a tutor or two, and Sebastian could easily be one of them, at least to the outside world.”
    “I think it could work. Children generally like me, and it would give me a purpose here, apart from masquerading as my sister. But maybe I should meet him first.”
    Anthony kissed the top of Sebastian’s head. “Very well, after breakfast I will introduce the future Earl Crofton to his stepmother.”
    With the exception of Anne, the guests from the night before were seated for breakfast when Sebastian and Anthony arrived. The conversation turned to the day’s events, and Anthony happily described how the bowls lawn was ready for their tournament and that he hoped they’d all be willing to enjoy a game of hide and seek in the maze. Elaine laughed and called him a silly boy.
    “Too true, my lady. But I somehow thought that you might not be up to hunting.”
    Elaine rubbed her stomach and smiled. “If you want to play in the gardens, you do not need to use a pregnant woman as an excuse. I am sure we will all appease your strange ways.”
    “Anthony has more strange ways than playing hide and seek,” said Eleanor with a knowing smirk.
    A part of Sebastian had wanted to say something, but a bigger part wanted to see Anthony’s reaction.
    “Apart from my desire to drink far too much wine, I have no idea what you’re talking about,” said Anthony,
    “Perhaps you need me to aid your memory.”
    Sebastian suspected that Eleanor thought her smile was playful, but it looked more predatory from where he was sitting. Anthony’s gaze darted to Sebastian, and he took a swig of beer before replying. “My memory is fine as it is.”
    “If you are finished, Anthony,” said Sebastian, standing, “I would very much like to take you up on your offer of meeting William.”
    “Of course.” Anthony turned to his guests. “We will meet at ten on the lawn… be ready to play your best game!”
    Sebastian took Anthony’s arm, and he saw Eleanor scowl as they left. “Do I want to know what went on between you?”
    “Nothing more than a mutually enjoyable way of passing the time.”
    They headed upstairs and into the east wing. Sebastian’s stomach knotted painfully at the thought of the two of them together. “Are you still intending to ‘pass the time’ with her?”
    Anthony’s brow creased, and even though they had come to an agreement the night before, Sebastian wasn’t sure whether he had the right to ask. “I suppose that would depend on what you are expecting of me.”
    “What right do I have to expect anything?”
    Anthony stopped and turned to face Sebastian. “You have every right. Tell me, what is it that you wish?”
    “I