Part XXXII

Today Joel found out that he, himself is a fucking idiot. Twice. Within one day that hasn't ended yet. First when he underestimated Brian and Francine, second time when he thought he could outsmart Mat. What pissed Joel even more was the fact that Mat was younger than he was. That snot – nose mother fucker had him in his hand and was well aware of it.

"So Mat you want a taste of my sweet hole?" Joel smiled, creating a blush on Mat's face. Two can play this game, Joel could talk dirty too. "You want to treat me rough and than fuck me hard? You are a little dominant sadist? I like that Mat." Joel touched Mat's lip. "I let you have your ways with me." The last sentence, he whispered into Mat's ear. "But such royal treatment has its price." Joel retreated leaving Mat in a daze.

"What do you want?" He managed to form a question.

"First I need to deliver that girl back to her father, then I'm all yours." Joel was playing with a strand of his hair.

"You think you can trick me?" Mat asked, coming back to his old self.

"Trick you? How? You know where I'm going. Just wait there for me. All you have to do is help me out of here. If the duke catches me, we won't be able to see each other ever again." There was a silence for a moment and then Mat suddenly cupped Joel's face and placed a kiss on his lips.

"You'd better keep your word." He hissed and left. Joel wiped his lips, he felt nothing. It wasn't like with Michel. Joel was more than pissed he had such a great plan and then it all started to roll down the hill. Now he had two idiots in tow and even needs to rely on Mat's help. He heard Mat talking to the other guards. Soon they were leaving in the direction of Rowsburry. That was bad. Mat was a pain, but no matter what, they had a chance to get Francine back home. The only problem being Joel. They were actually looking for him, not those two who accompanied him.

Joel went back to the inn. Francine was involved in conversation with Brian just as if nothing happened.

"We need to leave, right now." He urged them directly. They did move and soon they were in the stables.

"The guards went in the direction we are heading, I'm sure they will wait somewhere on the way. We need to keep off the main road and we need to move fast." Joel was checking if everything was fine with the saddle when Francine suddenly said.

"The guards were at the inn and they did nothing to us, so what's the big deal?" Joel looked at her as if he saw that girl for the first time. She apparently wasn't as stupid as he assumed, or suddenly got wiser after having her belly filled at this inn.

"That's true." Brian agreed with Francine. "I think they were looking for a certain Joy. If we separate, we will get to Rowsburry without any problems." He looked daring at Joel waiting for his answer.

Joel had to admit, deep in his heart, that they were right. However he wasn't willing to let those two alone. He needed that money, that chest of gold was his.

"Fine I will go first, you follow. It's not far after all. We need to set up a place to meet." He was back on his horse.

"There is an old barn at the crossroads, we will wait there." Brian suggested and they all nodded in agreement.

"Make sure she is safe and sound." Joel looked stern at Brian. "One more thing Francine, give me your earrings, I will show them to your parents as a proof that you are alive and well." Joel needed that to get his reward.

"Fine." Francine gave him small pearl earrings.

"We will meet at your house Francine." Joel turned the horse and was ready to go. The odd couple was getting on the horse too.

Joel was quick, he was riding fast to get to Mr Headford. He knew he will have some problems explaining why he left Francine with the other guy, but he had no other choice. He needed to calm down, there was nothing more he could do at the moment. He felt the wind flushing his face and loose hair as he was rushing the horse. He missed the thrill of a fast ride.

For the past few weeks he was grounded and always on the guard. He wanted to be free, to leave this place. Somewhere at the back of his head Michel's face kept popping up. The duke. He was looking for him, he won't be kind if he finds Joel. Joel was wondering what his life would look like if he stayed with him? Well the sex thing wasn't that bad, would he have to wear dresses all the time? That was weird. A part of him missed Michel. The way he looked at him, what he said and how he treated Joel. Well yes, that was nice. But he had no future with him. The duke was a noble man and who was Joel? A mercenary? Paid assassin? Definitely not a man whore. He could be the duke's dirty little secret at most. He needs to stop thinking about it. Focus Joel, you have to get rid of Mat and collect your reward. Then leave without any trace.

The track was empty and Joel saw some smoke. He was close to Rowsburry. On the fields there were a few people working. Joel slowed down. He has to wait till it gets dark. In this town Mat and other guards were probably waiting for him. Joel supposed that Mat wanted to fuck him and than sell to duke and claim his reward. Not a chance of that. The fields were getting empty as people were returning home before the sun set. Joel headed for a forest and decided to use it as a cover as far as he could. He was getting closer to the town, he could now smell the smoke.