Twenty-two-year-old Jacob Tomkins is sentenced to seven years’ labour in the fledgling colony of Sydney Town, Australia. The voyage across the sea is arduous. He is travelling with mean, street-hardened criminals, some of whom would like to use him for their pleasure. Fortunately he meets Peter, who takes Jacob under his wing. Together they find moments of pleasure amid the drudgery of the voyage. They share their hopes and dreams, and finally declare their love for each other upon the eve of their arrival in Sydney Town -- a place where the currency is rum, distilled and controlled by the powerful military. But what will happen once they disembark? The chances of remaining together are slim. A lot can happen in seven years, especially when Jacob’s new master takes a liking to him. Is their love strong enough to survive the ravages of time? Can they survive the rigors of their sentences?

Across the Sea

“All I could think about in there was holding you close to me,” he said. “Kissing you and…”


Peter took Jacob’s face in his hands and kissed him, feverishly, passionately, pushing his tongue into his mouth. He backed Jacob up to the door and pressed his body against his, while simultaneously unbuttoning his shirt. Soon both men were undressing, their lips remaining pressed together until they had to part to remove their boots and socks.


Jacob took Peter by the hand and led him to the bed. Without a single word, Jacob lay down on his back, pulling Peter down on top of him. Their lips came together once more, hungrily kissing, sucking, tasting. Their warm breath mingling.


Jacob could feel Peter’s thick erection grinding against his thigh. He could feel the wetness dribbling from the tip, coating his lightly-haired flesh. He wanted it inside him; to feel the man he loved, that he’d never stopped loving, penetrate him.


Chapter 49