Magic At Sea by Hollis Shiloh

Author:Hollis Shiloh
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: gay romance, lgbt romance, sea stories, marriage of convenience, gay husbands, historical fantasy, friends to lovers
Publisher: Spare Words Press
Published: 2023-01-31T00:00:00+00:00

ONE FINE BRIGHT EVENING, when the water was shining, and all seemed right with the world, the captain decided it was time to make his move. He had been uncomfortably aware of the magician all day, Jessop's bright happiness impossible to ignore, the shape and curve of his lips unattainably perfect, the light in his eyes enchanting, the curve of his small ass in his rolled-up trousers beautiful beyond breath. Reynard knew that he had it bad, and he ached so for the man. It was time to at least try. Jessop was very happy, very strong, and very friendly: those had to be auspicious signs.

After supper, Reynard followed the man to his room, and asked politely if he might enter. "Of course," said Jessop, giving him a quick, uncertain look. Reynard supposed it had been a very formal request. They were on such intimate terms lately, in general.

Jessop searched his gaze further as they sat down opposite one another, Jessop on the bed, Reynard on the single chair. Jessop put one leg over the other as if at ease, but his eyes held an alert, searching quality that bordered on wariness.

Reynard swallowed hard. It was impossible to tell what the magician was thinking at moments such as these. He was an easy man to read only when very happy or very angry.

Reynard wished that the uncertain, formal atmosphere between them would vanish, the slight strain of anxiety would leave. If only they could laugh and smile, even about this. But it was too serious to take lightly, too serious to both of them. For one, Reynard was very much afraid he was in love with the man, and deeply attached, so that whatever became of them, or didn't, might affect him for the rest of his life. He knew that Jessop's history and distrust would make whatever happened a momentous thing for him as well.

"I would not spoil our friendship," began the captain awkwardly, "and if you wish me to be silent on the matter, I will do so. You are my dear friend, but the love I feel for you is not friendship alone. I would be your partner and lover, if you would have me. Do I disgust you?"

Jessop was slow to answer, thoughtful. "You don't disgust me," he said quietly. "I am fond of you—flattered. But I'm not certain." He clasped his hands on his lap, and then moved them quickly, as if afraid the gesture had displayed his unease. He looked out the window, worrying his lip.

"I know you haven't had many good experiences in the past, if any." Reynard charged on like a reckless wild ram, unable to stop himself. "But it isn't like that, when there's affection and kindness, I promise you it isn't."

"But how can I be sure?" said Jessop softly, still not looking at him. His face cut a fine profile like this, in the dim light, the romantic evening air reaching them, the soft swish of water, creak of ropes above, and the calming sway of the ship in motion.

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