Seductive Studs – 03 August 2013

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Greetings, all!

Yes, I have been absent recently–no good excuse other than lots of stuff going on!

It’s time for another visit to Christos and James in The Greek Room. For a refresher, click here.

James set the tiny valise at the foot of the enormous bed. “This is the best bed in this wing.” He brushed at the counterpane. “Care to give it a tumble?”

four-posterChristos turned around; James stood close behind him. “Excuse me?”

The Englishman took his hat from his hand and tossed it onto a table. “I asked if you’d… like… to fuck.” James’ hands settled on his shoulders, neither pushing nor pulling. This close to the servant, Christos realized a spicy scent, like cloves or cinnamon, hung about him.

“Wha—“Christos swallowed with difficulty. “Why would you ask that?”

“Why not? You’re a fine looking fellow. And you are Greek after all, aren’t you?” James’ fingers had found their way under his suit coat and were gliding over his chest. “Nice and solid, too—just like I like.”

Thanks for reading!

Be sure to check out the rest of the Studs and Sirens here.

‘Til next time!

Seductive Studs – 20 July 2013

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Greetings, all! Another weekend is upon us, which means some more Seductive Studs and Sirens!

It is time to return to The Greek Room. This week we get to see things from James’ perspective. For a refresher or to catch up, click here.

James could feel the Greek’s eyes on his back.

He did feel kinda bad for the blighter—James was a wanton eavesdropper and had overheard Christos’ story—but he was still jealous. Six years he’d worked for the randy old bender, come with him up here to north bum fuck Egypt, leaving behind the posh and comfy townhouse in London—and now this bloke shows up outta nowhere and gets a suite! It was horse shite!

Not that this Greek chap wouldn’t be a handsome addition to the household—certainly easier to look at than Charlie the groom. Although Charlie did fuck like a grenadier.

But… if the bleedin’ muck snipe did have somethin’ in with the old man, then it probably wouldn’t hurt to be on his good side. Bloody diplomacy!

StairsJames paused on the landing and faced the newcomer. “Look ‘ere, mate. Sorry ‘bout that bit at the front door—old man Evans don’t like being’ disturbed over much. Jus’ doin’ my job, ya know.” He extended his hand. “I’m James.”

“Christos Stefanopolous.”

The hand that grasped James’ was long-fingered, rough and callused. Definitely not the poncey kind of hand that James had expected. “Welcome to Dunbarton ‘All.”

“Thank you, James,” replied Christos, matching his gaze with wide, green eyes.

James especially liked those green eyes. The footman looked at the young man, actually took a moment to see him—and what he saw was quite nice. Perhaps his bein’ here won’t be so bad after all.

Thanks for reading!

Be sure to check out more Seductive Studs and Sirens here.

‘Til next time!

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Hump Day Hook – 17 July 2013

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Greetings, all! Welcome to this week’s Hump Day Hook!

It’s time to check in on Liam in Subeo. To catch up or for a refresher, click here.

As much as Liam was enjoying this little slice of hell, the researcher in him craved to know more, to find out exactly what was going the fuck on. He had to admit that curiosity about Keith and his role in this mise-en-scène was chewing at him as well. His libido remained unfazed.

However, his stomach was not so excited to participate. A bitter swell of bile rose in the 700_dirty-bottlesback of his throat; his gut clenched and roiled at the thought of drinking from the second bottle.

Maybe security wasn’t so bad.

But was security the easy answer? Maybe it was all a double blind…

No! Keith had taken a chance to help him. The grad student’s fear was real. The easy answer was the wrong answer.

As he twisted out the second stopper, he took a deep breath and held his nose. With a quick prayer he swallowed the thick, gluey contents.

Thanks for reading!

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‘Til next time!

Seductive Studs – 13 July 2013

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Greetings, all! It’s time for some Seductive Studs!

This week we are rejoining The Greek Room. To catch up or for a refresher, click here.

Robert Evans, Earl of Corbridge, was not a young man—not quite a geezer, but almost. Grey-haired and professorial looking, he wore a polka-dot bow tie, burgundy silk waistcoat with charcoal-grey trousers and coat. Still tall and straight, he placed the book he had been holding on the desk next to the opened letter and came around the expanse of wood, extending a hand.

“Good day, young man.”

Christos had never met an earl. He didn’t know if he was to bow over the proffered hand or to shake it. Lord Evans seemed affable enough, so he matched the handshake. The Englishman’s grip was firm and dry. “And… and to you, your Lordship.”

The earl smiled. “Have a seat. What’s your name, lad?”

Greek Church photo

Credit: artur84 | FreeDigitalPhotos.net

“Christos, sir. Christos Stefanopolous.” He took the indicated chair, perching on the very edge, despite its plush invitation.

“So Agamemnon is—“

“Was, sir.” Christos interrupted, holding the memories at bay. “He was my father.”

“Ah, I see.” Lord Evans seemed to deflate a bit, as if his years weighed a little more heavily. ”My condolences.”

“Thank you, sir,” the young man whispered. That seemed the millionth time he’d heard those words. Their entire village had attended the funeral, crammed into the small church of St. Sebastian alongside men from his father’s army command. So many murmurs of sympathy, so much sadness. 

Thanks for reading!

Be sure to read about more Studs and Sirens here.

‘Til next time!

Hump Day Hook – 10 July 2013

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Greetings, all! Hard to believe it’s Wednesday again and time for some Hump Day Hooks!

I am continuing with Subeo. For a refresher or to catch up, click here.

He knew better than to ask for any clarification—it would be painful at best, and he didn’t want to think about the possible worst scenario.

Liam considered the pair of bottles. Their appearances were commonplace: they resembled the decorative bottles you could buy at any home store. Nothing about them screamed knowledge or security. In the lurid light their contents each appeared equally sluggish and murky, not appealing in either case.

Maybe something about the positions? A reference to the left hand path, perhaps?

A growl of frustration clawed out of his chest. Alice, at least, had had directions! All he had was Keith’s admonition to not take the easy answer.

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Photo courtesy of Zachary Huang, Michigan State University.

Searching for different criteria, he lifted the left-hand bottle, easing out its cork. Careful not to sniff directly from the mouth, he smelled cherries and honey. That certainly didn’t seem too bad. He replaced that stopper and then picked up the short, squat container. Repeating the procedure, he nearly vomited. Redolent of vinegar and spoiled milk, the contents gave off a rancid, sour odor. He couldn’t get the bottle closed fast enough.

Well, shit! Cherries and honey would certainly be easy to swallow.

Thanks for reading!

Be sure to check out more Hookers here.

‘Til next time!

Seductive Studs – 06 July 2013

SeductiveSns_LogoGreetings, all! It’s Saturday and time for some more Seductive Studs!

Today we rejoin Christos in The Greek Room. To catch up, click here.

The footman grabbed the letter from Christos’ hand. His lips moved as he read the address. The Honourable Robert Evans, Dunbarton Hall, Corbridge, Northumberland. Duty warred with distaste across the footman’s well-proportioned face. “Wait here,” he mumbled. He turned on his heel and disappeared into the depths of the house, straightening his hair and coat as he went.

Anxiety returned, roiling Christos’ gut. It was a mistake to have let the letter out of his sight. It was all he had—the only thing left from his father. But it was too late to call the footman back. He could only believe in his father’s conviction, in his trust of this man Robert Evans. To distract himself Christos wandered about the entry hall.

Benningbrough Hall, Yorkshire

Benningbrough Hall, Yorkshire

The foyer was immense. Dominated by a gigantic chandelier, the circular space was larger—and more richly appointed—than any place Christos had ever seen, even in Athens. Enormous oil paintings showed a variety of men and women in all manners of dress, some standing, looking stiffly posed; others astride horses or holding dogs; a few depicted children seeming stuffy and over-dressed. Every surface he examined gleamed with polished marble or gold or silver. The clack of boot heels returned, and Christos scuttled back to his appointed place near the door.

He took the opportunity to examine the young servant. Tall, dark-haired with broad shoulders and a trim waist, he was quite attractive, now that his face wasn’t distorted. Smooth skin and a fine straight nose made Christos curious about tasting the footman’s full lips.

“The Earl will receive you.” Clearly the young man thought his master had gone totally potty to see this stranger who had appeared out of the morning mist. “Follow me.”

Thanks for reading!

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While you’re here, check out When Sparks Fly for a chance to win free stuff!

‘Til next time!

Hump Day Hook – 03 July 2013

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Greetings, all! It’s hump day and time for some hooking!

We are rejoining Liam in Subeo today. For a refresher or to catch up, click here.

Liam strained to listen to the darkness.

He pricked his ears and held his breath, trying desperately to discern some sound beyond his cell. The silence weighed against him, sitting thickly and pressing on his ears. His heart marked time. Lub-dub, lub-dub.

His anger at Keith had drained away, leaving a diffuse worry made worse by the whine of Keith’s voice, so unlike its typical warm baritone. Clearly, the grad student was stressed, which would seem to indicate that he wasn’t in charge.

So who was?

Liam wished something—anything—would happen. He was tired of being in the dark—literally.

“Liam Sean Fitzpatrick, you have been chosen.”

Liam started. The voice was different, not so harsh, with a trace of an accent. English? Scotch?

He knew better than to talk back.

apothecary bottlesA decision is required.”

A light snapped on, illuminating the table with a dim, red glow. Two bottles stood there—one tall and slender, the other short and squat.

“Drink one to move forward and gain knowledge. Drink the other to move backward and remain secure.”

With a silent groan, Liam stood up and approached the table.

Great! Now I’m freaking Alice in Wonderland!

Thanks for reading!

Be sure to check out the other Hookers here.

‘Til next time!

 

 

Seductive Studs – 29 June 2013

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 Greetings, all! It’s Saturday and time for some Seductive Studs! I’ve decided to stay with The Greek Room this week.

We rejoin Christos, standing before the pale, ochre door of Dunbarton Hall:

Christos attempted to relax, but his heart raced while he waited. Surely someone was at home. He was reaching for the knocker when the door opened to reveal a tall young man in a cutaway coat and black tie who squinted into the sunlight.

Christos smiled what he hoped was a charming smile, “Good—“

butler“Tradesmen at the rear!” The footman sneered and shut the door.

Taken aback, Christos stared at the entrance. He removed his hat, ran a hand through his blond curls, and knocked again.

As soon as the portal cracked open, Christos spoke, “I am no tradesman! I have come a great distance to see Robert Evans!”

The same young man replied, “Lord Evans is not at home… for you!” Again the door slammed in his face.

Frustration and despair surged in his chest. He had no other options. No home to go back to, no connections, no references—other than the old letter in his pocket. Christos vented that misery and vexation on the knocker as if he were beating it through the very wood.

The door flew open. “Oi, mate! Bugger off! Ye’ haf’ no bidness ‘ere!” Anger contorted the footman’s face, and his accent belied his fancy dress.

Christos shoved his small valise across the threshold and dug in his breast pocket. Meeting the footman face to face, he waved a crumpled envelope at the servant. “I have a letter for Robert Evans! I must speak to him!”

Thanks for reading!

Be sure to check out more Studs & Sirens here.

‘Til next time!

Seductive Studs – 22 June 2013

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Greetings, all! It’s Saturday and time for some Seductive Studs!

Today, I’m stepping away from Summer of History for a moment to share a clip from a short work in progress, titled The Greek Room. This is its opening:

Dunbarton Hall stood like a stone nipple atop the breast of Northumberland.

Belsay Castle

Belsay Castle, Belsay, Northumberland

The grey pile was a dog’s breakfast of architectural styles, which did nothing to make it less intimidating as Christos trudged up the long, dusty roadway. He’d walked from the train stop—the small shack along the North Eastern Railway line hardly qualified as a station, unlike the grandly vaulted building he’d left behind in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. After disembarking from the Son of Macedonia, he’d possessed just enough money for a one-way fare to Dunbarton.

The dusty road transitioned to a white, pea gravel circular yard the nearer Christos came to the hall. Terraces of grass and flowers interspersed with finely manicured bushes drew the eye toward the large, pale ochre front door. Christos brushed at the dust on his trousers and boots. It wouldn’t do to look too rough shod.

He’d stopped behind a hedge and changed to his better shirt before approaching the great house. He could only hope that no one looked too closely at his jacket and trousers—the mending was all that seemed to hold them together. He took a deep breath. Months of travel from Greece—made more difficult by the war with the Ottomans—were ending here on this porch. He had no more money. With a quick prayer he lifted the lion-headed knocker and let it fall.

Thanks for reading!

Be sure to check out more Studs here.

‘Til next time!

Hump Day Hook – 19 June 2013

Hump Day Hook logoGreetings, all! Time again for a Hump Day Hook!

I’m continuing with Subeo. If you’d like to catch up with the story so far, click here.

 “Liam! Liam, wake up!” The voice—Keith’s, he recognized—whispered nearby.

His tongue was thick and stuck to his teeth. He fought to sit up. Metal creaked loudly in the pitch black.

“Lie still! Just listen!” Tension pulled at Keith’s voice, making it thin and reedy “You can’t get out of here by resisting. The only way out is through the ritual.”

Ritual? What sort of shit had Keith gotten him into?

20051002190321_103Cautiously he felt about. He was back on the cot. His clothes had been removed—he was oddly thankful not to be wearing piss-soaked jeans—and replaced by some sort of loose fabric that covered him from neck to foot.

“Don’t move!” Keith paused, his breathing fast and shallow. “Oh, crap—he’s coming back! I’m not supposed to be here! Don’t take the easy answer! Remember—don’t take the easy one!”

Easy answer? Any answer—hard or easy—would have been good!

This was getting worse by the minute.

Thanks for reading!

Be sure to check out more Hooks here!

‘Til next time!