Chapter 22

Before reading this chapter the author advises you to put on background music

"My hometown" by Adele, whose music lends itself perfectly to what is written.

...

As soon as the door closed behind Justin, Brennan put his glass on the desk and turned a fiery gaze towards him. He stood up, grabbed him by the shoulders and pulled him against his chest.

Muffling his cry of surprise with a devouring kiss, his imperious and burning mouth gave him no respite.

Intoxicated by his masculine scent, Justin felt his legs give way. He wrapped his arms around her neck and lovingly returned each kiss he was subjected to.

Brennan hugged him tighter and asked,

"How could you abandon me in that inn and throw yourself into the lion's den, bound hand and foot?

Do you realize how close I came to dying of fear just thinking about losing?

Promise me you'll never do that again! That you'll stay close to me forever!"

Justin, dejected, struggled out of Brennan's embrace and leaned against his desk.

A mad desire was gnawing at him but he had to end this story before they both regretted it:

-I can't stay here with you. The sea is my home. I will never be able to play the lover of the Duke of Hargroves and strut around at his social events that you enjoy so much or stay in this manor looking after your lands when all I dream of is sailing the seas.

-By plundering English navy ships in passing!! You can still understand that I don't want to live telling myself every day that maybe you were less lucky than usual and that you are wounded or dying alone in the hands of English soldiers!

Is it so wonderful to risk your life every moment? That's why I'm asking you. Stay close to me. Abandon the sea.

Justin sighed:

-I understand what you can feel and I will never ask you to wait for me. Even if I were not Red Flam, I am a sailor at heart and you have a great number of responsibilities as a duke. It is impossible between us...

Justin closed his eyes, overcome by the pain he felt as he said those words that meant the end of their story.

His heart clenched with desolation at the extent of this love that was slipping through his fingers.

He suddenly felt his body enveloped in warmth. Brennan's warmth.

Her haunting voice whispered in his ear,

"At least let me make love to the one I love."

Too upset to say anything, Justin let himself be carried onto the soft carpet near the fireplace while wrapping his legs around Brennan's waist.

This was the last time they would see each other, they both knew it because they couldn't bear to see each other only intermittently each time Justin returned from a trip.

It would destroy them.

They would eventually forget the love they had for each other. They had to. For both their own good.

But for now, for the very last time, they simply wanted to lose themselves in the warmth of their loved one. To think only of the happiness of giving pleasure to the other.

Naked, lying against each other, they caressed each other without being able to get enough of the other's body. But it wasn't enough.

It would never be enough.

Justin wanted everything from Brennan.

He sat astride his thighs and nibbled his neck while caressing his powerful torso.

Brennan raised her eyebrows in surprise:

-You want to do it like that? and he began to tenderly caress his buttocks.

-Hum, hum... replied Justin now busy rubbing his wet member against his.

-Ahh... you're killing me...

Brennan hated this feeling of weakness that he made him feel. And yet he was crazy about him.

He lifted him up slightly and impaled him on his swollen sex that was just waiting for release.

Justin cried out with pleasure as he moved his hips.

-Stop... I'm going to come... whispered Brennan.

-That's the goal, right? Justin smiled.

-Not without you.

Brennan then grabbed his hips and pinned him to the carpet. He brought him to ecstasy by sinking deeper and deeper into him with each moan from Justin and the world disappeared.

When they came back to reality they hugged each other. Justin breathed,

"I'm leaving tomorrow."

Brennan crushed him,

"I miss you already."

Aaron, for his part, didn't even try to talk to Black. That stubborn mule wouldn't listen!

It was time to say goodbye to Uncle Jack.

-Damn it, son! I'm leaving tomorrow for my island, but I think I'm going to miss all this commotion! It gave me a new lease of life!

Aaron shook the old pirate's hand affectionately. He was going to miss him a lot.

-I wish you a good trip and don't do too much crazy stuff on the road!

Uncle Jack laughed:

-As usual, son!

He turned to Black:

-I'll wait for you outside.

Alone in front of Black, Aaron didn't know what to say. He still hadn't managed to make him listen to reason. He threw himself into his arms:

-Please! Reconsider our marriage. I want to stay close to you.

The marquis pulled away and looked away:

-That's impossible. You can rest for a few more days if you want and then you can take your place back at the Blacknight office.

Burning with fury, Aaron mimicked him:

-You can take your place back at the office...rather die!! You dirty insensitive brute! You'll come crawling at my feet to beg me to take you back well before then!!

Black smirked:

-Let's bet?

Aaron, mad with rage, punched him in the stomach:

-Bet taken, big idiot!!

Still bent double, Black joined his uncle.

-Oh! I see the little one didn't hold back! He sneered.

-He's got quite a right for a microbe! Black retorted half-heartedly.

Uncle Jack became serious again:

-Are you really sure you want to break this marriage contract? I wouldn't mind having him as a son-in-law if you love him.

-I don't love him. Let's not talk about it anymore. Let's go back to the manor. Justin will join us later.

Aaron went up to his room and packed his things. As soon as Black got home, he would leave. Maybe if they didn't see each other for a few weeks, he would find that he missed him? And maybe the sun would rise in the west?

He sighed.

His pride kept him from breaking down. He would fight again and again to win Black's heart.

But for now, he would retreat.

Very pale Justin returned to the manor in the early morning. He had left like a thief as soon as Brennan had fallen asleep.

Their goodbyes would have been too heartbreaking.

When he entered the library, he saw his brother slumped on the couch with a glass of brandy in his hand. He had never seen him in such a state. He also poured himself a glass and collapsed next to him.

Surprised, Black almost knocked over his glass:

-You're not with Brennan?

-No, it's over between us. Is my itinerary for tonight ready? I would like to leave as soon as possible.

-Are you sure what you're doing?

Justin got up and began to pace back and forth:

-He's asking me to choose between him and the sea! I will never be able to stay near him without feeling the call of the sea. We would end up destroying each other.

-I decided to stop being a pirate, Black interrupted. I'm starting to get old and managing this company takes up all my time. I love the sea but I don't have the same passion for traveling as you do.

However, I would like you to think about burying Red Flam too.

The Blacknight holds the biggest maritime markets and so you will be able to make all the trips you want as a ship captain. I have every confidence in you.

Justin had to admit that since meeting Brennan, he was no longer so quick to risk his life. Was it in the hope of seeing him again?

It was true that he owned his ship and that he was rich to boot. He could finally indulge his passion and sail around the world if he wanted to.

There were so many wonders to discover on the other side of the world and who knows? He could open up new markets in silk or spices for the Blacknight.

That would be wonderful!

He downed his glass of brandy in one go.

So why did his heart feel so heavy?

That evening, Justin left the port at sunset. He was to transport a cargo of the Blacknight to several countries in Europe and return with a cargo of fabrics.

As he watched the port gradually fade away, he still hoped to see Brennan one last time but he had not come.

It was better this way, he knew it but deep down he could not help but hope that the duke would change his mind and come with him.

He knew that his hope was in vain but he did not take his eyes off the port until he was off the coast of England.

His journey lasted two months but a week before his return Red Flam died in very mysterious circumstances.