William Wilkerson leads the life of the privileged rich. Head of his father’s shipping business, he indulges to his heart’s content in the pleasures of the flesh with Boston’s finest young men.
That is, until he reunites with Fredrick: his former tutor and the one man who captured his heart.
But William’s father has declared Fredrick off limits. And Fredrick, himself, believes he's beneath the attention of the Wilkerson heir.
After having lost his current pupil to graduation, and with no prospects of a replacement, Frederick is homeless, hungry, and easy pickings for the men on the docks.
When Frederick is shanghaied into service on William’s own merchant ship, will William discover his plight in time to rescue him?
William hopped from the buggy, amiable after the pleasant meal and bottle of wine he’d shared with Theodore at the pub. But evening was approaching, and he wanted to see his lover. “Thanks, Tiggy. I’ll bring Freddie by for drinks later.”
Theodore raised a brow. “You’re that sure of him?”
William patted Tiggy’s sweet-tempered mare as a smile stole on his face. “He loves me, and I’ll move heaven and earth to make him mine.”
“Your father won’t approve.”
“I’ll have Mother’s money in two months, and Father can go to the devil.”
“Willie!”
“I’m sorry, but I’m tired to death of Father’s ironclad fist when it comes to his ships. Let him recall Andrew from university to manage them. I plan to take up residence on Mother’s plantation. Be a cotton farmer. It would please her, God rest her blessed soul.”
“Do you remember her, William? You were three at the time of her riding accident.”
“I remember a tender voice and caresses and absolute acceptance. Something I’ve never gotten from Father. Andrew’s always been his pet, though I have no grudge against my brother for that. Andrew’s an honorable man.”
“As are you.” Theodore leaned from the buggy and gripped William’s hand. “Good luck, dear. Be sure to invite me down when you’re settled on your farm.”
“With sixteen rooms, we can probably squish you in.” William glanced over his shoulder at the boardinghouse. “And I’ve found my luck. We’ll be with you shortly.”
He waited until Theodore had taken up the reins and his horse trotted along the street before mounting the steps to the manor house. Once inside, his heart raced; anticipation made him giddy as he climbed the stairs to the top floor. He had no idea what Fredrick did with himself during the day, but if he hadn’t yet returned, he’d wait in his room and surprise him.
DIANNE HARTSOCK is the author of m/m erotic romance, both contemporary and fantasy, the psychological thriller, and anything else that comes to mind. Oh, and a floral designer. If she can’t be writing, at least she has the chance to create through the rich colors and textures of flowers and foliage to bring a smile to someone’s face.
Currently, Dianne lives in the Willamette Valley of Oregon with her incredibly patient husband, who puts up with the endless hours she spends hunched over the keyboard letting her characters play.
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