The Rusted Sword by R. D. Hero Read Free Book Online Page A

before.
    Raleigh's knee ached with an endless thrum, occasional bursts of sharp pain taking his breath away, but he kept walking.
    Moshe was silent except for a few occasional grunts as he struggled while they headed down the hall towards their chambers. When his elbow landed with a pointed blow against Raleigh's back, Raleigh spanked him harshly.
    Gasping, Moshe stilled. Raleigh did it again just to be clear, and he heard Moshe curse.
    Kicking their door open, he shoved it closed again and went to their bed. He flipped Moshe forward over his shoulder, watching as he plopped down on the furs, his eyes wide and his cheeks flushed.
    Breathing heavily, Raleigh observed him. And then Moshe launched a kick straight at Raleigh, his booted foot slamming into Raleigh's gut.
    With a grunt, Raleigh grabbed Moshe's ankle and dragged him on to his back, forcing him to bend his knee towards his body, and Raleigh crowded over him, one palm braced on the mattress, the other still clutching Moshe's leg. He leaned in close, their noses almost touching, and stared straight into Moshe's eyes. "Are you finished?"
    "I am so angry at you," Moshe replied. His voice was shaking.
    "Then what was that show for?" Raleigh replied. "If not to have me drag you from the hall like some brute."
    "Not about that!" Moshe snapped, slamming his fists against Raleigh's chest. "You have made me so lonely for too long."
    Raleigh paused at that, at the hurt on Moshe's face. It matched the pain in his own chest. "I did not mean to," he said, the words coming out as a croak.
    "And you have given up on us!" Moshe continued, tears pricking at his eyes.
    "No …" Raleigh murmured, his expression crumpling, never having felt so miserable. It was an odd thing, having Moshe trapped beneath him, smelling his scent and seeing his face, but thinking Raleigh had no right to any of that. "I just can't … The thought of you leaving me has made me such a coward ..."
    Moshe looked struck. "Why would I leave you?"
    "Because you want a man who doesn't fear you, who can bring you to your knees …" Swallowing, Raleigh summoned the courage to admit his fears. "I can't beat you anymore, Moshe. Not with swords, not with racing, or anything else."
    "Raleigh …" Moshe said, reaching up to palm Raleigh's cheek. "It would have been wearisome to keep that up forever. I never expected it."
    "But I grow too weak to stand sometimes," Raleigh continued, for once wanting Moshe to know the true breadth of his feelings. "I cannot—will not have you take care of me. My pride—"
    A thumb curled around his ear, Moshe staring straight up at him. "Then earn your pride back." Slowly shifting, raising his knees up on each side of Raleigh, he continued, "Each time you fall, each time I must help you up, I will anticipate your recourse."
    Raleigh smiled, the affection he felt for Moshe swelling beyond reason. "You will bear my wounded ego?"
    Smirking wickedly at that, Moshe replied, "I always have."
    Leaning down, Raleigh pressed a feather-light kiss upon Moshe's lips, reaching back to slide a hand up the back of his thigh, lifting him slightly so that he and Raleigh could rub against each other. Crawling further onto the bed, sliding Moshe with him, he sat up, straddling Moshe, and started to unlace his tunic.
    Moshe watched Raleigh and licked his lips.
    "I am still stronger than you, you know," Raleigh said, his voice a low rumble.
    "Yes, you are, my love," Moshe replied, his eyes flashing. "Strong enough to carry me over your shoulder."
    "That's right," Raleigh said, dropping back down, gripping Moshe's arms and pinning him to the bed. He released one arm and slid his hand up Moshe's belly, feeling the smooth skin and watching avidly as each inch was revealed to him. He took a moment to rub a thumb over Moshe's nipple, looking back up at him.
    Moshe's face was flushed. He had lifted his knees again, framing Raleigh with them. Raleigh chuckled indulgently at that. "You ache to be taken."
    "Of course I