Calmly, Clive said how his old land had no water and Carmine watched in pity. I didn't know what overcame me but as I forced the sickening sweet macaroon down with tea, I realized I had to leave.

"Pardon, I think I have to check up with my brother Jonathan on a matter. Please excuse me."

I jumped up after my explanation and hurried out of the door. I ran and ran and I heard footsteps behind me.

"Nathan!" Clive called.

Without realizing it I ran upstairs, panting but forcing my aching body to be faster, to avoid Clive. I reached my room but Clive seemed to jump and soon we struggled the with door, his feet and arm in, then he pulled me in and shut the door behind us.

I had stiffened, already at a lost at what to do.

He held my face and I closed my eyes, expecting a slap, but he only pushed his body to mine.

"What did you want? Why are you forcing me to share my story? I never wanted to tell anyone but you!"

I opened my eyes and saw him, close with a silent, almost calm anger. He had processed to now what was only questioning me instead of fighting me.

"I thought for a moment, maybe I'd enjoy your pain. Or maybe you'll realize what a silly notion it is," I said.

"Silly? Really?" Clive's hand ran over my body and I gasped, feeling his hand up my shirt, then he pressed his genitals to mine.

We were in my house! I couldn't be caught!

At the thought of so many guests in the house, unaware of what was happening, might've made it even more alluring. Forbidden love. It's a stupid notion that people seek out.

Clive kissed me, but it was passionate, not angry. Just like he missed me.

"Aren't you mad?" I asked, heaving heavily.

"Your childish game interests me. What else do you have in store?" Clive reached for my pant, but I pushed his shoulder back.

My erection was killing me.

Hearing him say that so sweetly, although I did something so cruel, was akin to him saying 'I love you.'

My body felt like it was full of hot coal, that flame I watched the night I was alone, of so many hot things. I reached for his pants.

"Let me," I said. It was my house but here I was.

Clive smiled and didn't refuse. He stepped back and let me down his pants down.

I liked Clive putting his hand on my hair, brushing through it gently, almost like I was his dog. I liked his occasional laughs and mainly hearing his voice.

"...I'm going to cum," he said, and I moved my mouth slowly until it was in.

Usually in the dorms I would ask for a bathroom break where I spat it out and washed my mouth. Semen was not a favorable taste, and it was my first time holding it in my mouth, and Clive grinned.

"Are you swallowing, Nathan?" he teased.

I stood up but the bathroom was in the hall. I would not like anyone seeing me with my current tent and the cheeks obviously holding something. I could—but I felt guilty. I wanted to please Clive.

I swallowed and finally sighed heavily, finding the aftertaste just as awful as I remember, which was why in dorm I had him cum into a blanket. All of our dirty laundry was cleaned and we got washed sheets so I didn't need to worry. Here it was going to be inspected by Richie or a servant.

But his touches were light, like the flutter of his lashes on mine. He moved to bite my ears softly, then touched my member outside the pants. He pulled up a knee and went between my legs, all so gently...

"I'm sorry," I finally said, and I realized he was making me say it.

I wanted him to suck me but he pulled out a handkerchief.

"Come into this. Let me watch."

I couldn't deny him and quickly took the handkerchief, and opened my pants.

He watched on, entertained and kind of cold. I fell to my knees on my floor and quickly jerked myself. Clive threaded his fingers through my hair and that small touch did it. I hated it as I covered my ejaculation onto the handkerchief, soaking it.

I held the bundle of my semen and was ready to toss it in the bathroom when Clive kissed me, a playful kiss and he kept pecking at me, not stopping.

"You're perfect, Nathan." Clive's eyes shone with something I was afraid of. "I love you."

I tossed away the handkerchief's inside and saw my white semen spill out into the toilet. I quickly flushed the toilet and turned to wash my hands, grabbing a bar of soap and lathering it quickly.

"No need to rub that hard, it won't get erect." Clive followed me there and leaned on the doorframe, hands in his pockets. "You've been naughty, Nathan."

"It was a one time thing. We can't do this in a house full of people!" I said as I washed my hands.

"You loved having your cock inside of me, though, didn't you?"

I knew from that tone Clive was asking for it.

"You want it that bad?" I looked up. "No. Not now."

"I want it," Clive said, hugging me from the back the way I liked it. He was a demon on my back.

"No, Clive!"

I reluctantly peeled away his arms and walked away, knowing I'd get into the mood unless I stepped up.

"Going back to Heloise? Have her be married to you but never able to satisfy you?" He smirked.

"No, I don't care about Heloise or Carmine or anyone!" I shouted. I calmed myself before speaking. "I care about the allegations against my brothers. We have to work as a team, Clive."

"I was investigating that, actually." Clive sat on my bed and was actually serious, although his expression and body language showed he was bored.

"So?" I asked hastily.

"I scouted the families, I believe one of them penetrated their rebels into the Rottings house. You'll know when you watch, let's see if you can win this 'hunt'," Clive said calmly.

"So it's not my brothers! See—"

"We will see. If they choose a girl of the family that has been using your house, I win." Clive crossed his legs. "And I'm going to humiliate you."

"Wait, my brothers are still possibly involved?" I shook my head. Daniel was out of the question, then it might be Jonathan.

It better not be the Sargent sisters!

I looked up at Clive. "If Jonathan chooses the family you're thinking of, would you rat him out to the Headmaster?"

"Don't make me sound like the bad person here." He smiled charmingly. "If the Headmaster told my patron I wasn't following his orders and siding with rebels I'd be thrown back into the hell hole I came from."

"No you wouldn't, I would do something to ensure that—"

"No," he cut me off. "Your family would be ruined, first of all. You would have no status nor power to help me. You know your father wouldn't adopt a refuge like me."

"I'd ask Will and Wyatt!" I was insistent. "Samuel, all of our friends!"

"Just leave it be. I'm getting bored from this. Just find the family and tell me who Jonathan chooses when the week ends."

My hands grew clammy and I wanted Clive's warmth, but I knew I couldn't treat him like I did in the academy dormitory. We couldn't sleep together.

I couldn't even get a faint hint. It was like he was far, and I hated that feeling.

"Nathan? Are you feeling fine?" Clive asked. He stood up from my bed and stretched. "Well, I'll be leaving. See you at dinner."

"Goodbye, make sure no one sees you leave my room," I replied coldly.

Clive was about to move when I hugged him, our lips together and I was trying to get the most out of Clive while I could.

"Nathan?"

He seemed alarmed at me and then I held him tight.

"I'll protect you. We are partners, more than brothers or teammates. We're soulmates. Don't you believe that story where a prince died of heartbreak? If you are that teacher, I'm the foolish Prince." My voice cracked.

"I love you too, but I'd much rather be with you than back in my old country," he whispered.

"I'm not saying this so you can change your decision. I want you to know I can't live without you."

Clive laughed a little, hugged me tight, and I smoothed down his lovely hair.

Sometimes I wondered who was lying.

Clive, or I?