This Other Country Read Free Page A

hopefully into the fridge. He stood, coming closer bit by bit until he was pressed against Nikolas’s backside. He murmured slyly into the back of his neck, “So, afraid you weren’t going to get laid tonight, huh?”
    Nikolas turned and smiled smugly. “Not really, no. I was acting. I’ve not had to worry about getting laid—such delightful expressions I learn from you—since I first met you.”
    “Is that so? I wouldn’t be so sure if I were you. Maybe I’ll punish you for that sulky little boy comment.” He pushed Nikolas back into a chair and very purposefully straddled his strong thighs. He kissed him, easing his tongue in, finding Nikolas’s. Ben groaned with pleasure. “On the other hand, I think you’re forgiven.”
    Nikolas slid his hands into the back of Ben’s waistband, cool palms to warm skin, making Ben shiver with repressed desire. “Benjamin Rider-Mikkelsen, did you go to the doctor with no underwear on?”
    Ben kissed him again, feeling their arousal swell between them, almost one body, one reaction. “Yes, Nikolas Mikkelsen, I did. I wanted to get into character.”
    “Lucky Character. Did he enjoy you?”
    “Everyone does.”
    “Perhaps I should try you out. See what I’m missing.”
    Ben chuckled. “There’s not one spot on my body you’ve missed. But feel free to explore as much as you like.” Nikolas suddenly stood up, Ben still on him. He’d obviously meant to keep him there and carry him but instead doubled over and dumped him unceremoniously on the floor, much to Ben’s amused derision.
    “Fucking hell, you’re heavy.”
    Ben smirked. “Old man. Come on, I’ll help you up the stairs. Careful! That first step’s the killer.”
    § § §
    “Why are we as we are, Benjamin? Do you ever wonder?” Nikolas lay with his head on Ben’s belly, his hair being stroked. He twisted around to look at Ben when he got no response.
    Ben was frowning. “What do you mean? Gay?”
    “I’m not…no, what I mean is, why do we not need what that doctor offers? Why do we…work?”
    Ben lifted his head and stared at him. The pause went on for an unnatural length of time until Nikolas shifted uncomfortably. “What?”
    Ben shook himself. “You? Introspection? I never thought I’d live to see the day.”
    “You’re very harsh, Benjamin. I think about a lot of things very deeply as you know.”
    Ben began to laugh. “Oh, yeah, you spend hours and hours thinking about me and our relationship.”
    Nikolas folded his arms, his air of injured martyrdom slightly ruined by the huge erection jutting up from his lean body. Ben pushed it flat to his ridged belly and lay on top of Nikolas, propped up on his elbows, studying him. “Maybe it’s because we don’t do the thinking thing we work so well.”
    Nikolas wasn’t particularly mollified by this suggestion. “We’re only together because we don’t think about it too much? I’m gratified and flattered by your devotion.”
    Ben sighed. “When was the last time you thought about breathing?”
    “What?”
    “Breathing? Lungs in and out? Air? When did you last think about it? You’re like breathing. I don’t think about it, but I need it to stay alive.”
    A faint smile came to Nikolas’s lips. “Then you’re like a heartbeat. I’ll miss you when you stop.”
    Ben laughed then sobered slightly, trailing a finger around one of Nikolas’s nipples. “You did think I’d stopped. When I was in that coffin. Did you miss me then? You’ve never really told me.”
    Nikolas raised his head a little to look at him then lowered it again, staring at the ceiling. “I haven’t told you, because I have no words for it.” He snagged his fingers into Ben’s hair and tugged him down for a kiss. Around the kissing, he murmured, “You know I’ve begun to dream, yes? That I don’t sleep well now.”
    Ben nodded, clearly only intent on the taste and feel of his lips and tongue.
    “Well, I dream of you every night. Over forty years of no