Passion Of The Cowboy

Part 3

Posted: August 2004
Title: Passion of the Cowboy
Author: sandyg

*****

After uttering a frightened cry Will leapt back and held his precious fingers against his chest. Good God, were they still intact? He braved a peek down. Oh thank God. Will's flesh remained intact but those large teeth had come too damned close. Stupid horse.

When Will glanced at Frank he instantly drowned in serious trouble. The stoic cowboy steadily regarded him with something far less than affection. His posture defined wary. Even Frank's battered hat seemed to accuse Will.

What to do? All right, time to try again. Bravely holding out his right hand Will whispered to the infernal horse. "Hidalgo. Hello, boy. Come here and let me pet you. I won't hurt you." Although in truth right then a furious Will wanted to smack the ornery beast for slighting him.

In response Hidalgo fiercely stomped one hoof and blew out his cheeks in equine disdain. He pressed his tail into the stall's far wall. His ears flattened against his skull. Another menacing whinny broke the air.

Quite a telling performance from his four-legged stallion. Frank leaned back against the railing and ruefully shook his head. One finger laconically tipped his hat's brim toward the ceiling before his voice emerged in a low mocking drawl. "Well now, hmm, looks like little brother doesn't fancy you, Will. Now why would that be?"

"Well then I have no idea! Can I help it that your horse doesn't like me?" Will shot an annoyed glance at the still uneasy beast. He swore the horse glared back at him.

"Hmm, I don't know. Can you help it?"

A flustered Will smacked his palm against the railing. Feisty Hidalgo instantly released a warning snort and danced forward in open challenge. Caution made Will swiftly remove his hand from the railing. He controlled himself from sticking his tongue out at the obnoxious little horse. "So your horse doesn't like me. What does that mean? For pity's sake he's just a horse!"

As he spoke Frank held his hand out to Hidalgo. The wide-eyed Mustang came forward and let Frank soothingly ruffle his forelock. "Why now Hidalgo's taste in folks means plenty to me. I trust my little brother's fine instincts. He's telling me there's something mighty suspicious about you. And if there's something suspicious about you, William Turner the IV, then I'd be a right numb fool to harbor you in my cabin for weeks."

Will instantly fell into a panic. How could he let a mere horse ruin his chances? "Are you actually saying you won't take me along because your...your horse dislikes me? Bloody hell, of all the insane reasons to..."

A still stern Frank held up his left hand and solemnly shook his head. "Will, please, I am not a backwoods dunce. I already know you're telling me tales. Yep, some of what I've heard from you might be true but..."

Despite his panic Will stiffened and glowered at Frank's annoyed face. "Cowboy, are you calling me a liar?"

A casual shrug twitched Frank's broad shoulders. "In a word yes."

"Fine. So be it. I'll find someone else to help me. I don't need to be insulted by the likes of a...an insane cowboy who talks to his horse like the stubborn beast owns real common sense!"

An indolent smile curved Frank's lips. Yep, someone's true colors leaked free. "Suit yourself, Mr. Turner. Yet before you march off in a fine huff let me remind you that you owe me for those many drinks you downed last night. I won't charge you for sleeping in my bed since you did perform a right nice service with your tongue but then again there's the question of you pulling a knife on a sleeping man. That act just doesn't sit kindly with me."

Of all the...Will sputtered in pure amazement. That infernal horse released another threatening snort. This time Will childishly snorted back at him before staring at Frank. "You mean you... you..."

Whoo, this was almost fun. Frank answered in one casual word without truly explaining anything. "Absolutely." Bah, he'd never offer this boy to the more than likely brutal Vigo police but he wanted to hear the truth from those fine lips.

As he thought over his annoying situation Will tapped his foot and frowned. Actually he could care less about stinking Port Royal but he did want to travel to America. He had his plans. Grr, right now this handsome yet inquisitive cowboy with the insane pony looked to be his shining moment. Damn, damn, damn. "Oh very well then. Bloody hell. What do you want to know?"

"Did you tell me your real name?"

One terse word snapped free from those perfect lips. "Yes."

Hidalgo examined Will but he remained silent. Good enough. Frank nodded in amusement. "Well now I believe you. What about this former oh-so gracious wealth and your so-called powerful shipping family?"

Will hung his head and hissed in annoyance. He hated telling this disgraceful tale. "All right. I... come from a line of buccaneers. Pirates. But I did not completely lie about my family ruling Port Royal. My Grandmother was the daughter of the governor of Port Royal but she fell in love with my dear Grandfather, who was a good man but the son of a pirate. I look just like him. But my foolishly idealistic Grandfather formed this trading cartel with another pirate he knew named Jack Sparrow. It appeared this sorry Sparrow character had more enemies than sense so soon revenge became more important than earning wealth..." Will hated this part of the tale most of all. "G-grandfather was murdered in an unfair duel; the bastard shot him before they crossed blades. My furious Grandmother vowed revenge and tracked down her husband's killer. She shot him! Can you imagine the family embarrassment? My genteel mother was so beside herself that she ran off with a local noble and left me behind. After that Father became a shunned drunkard who wasted our remaining money. We ended up living in little more than a fishing shack. My crazy Grandmother was the one to send me away to school... her concept was school or join her on her bloody voyages. No thank you!" Will abruptly halted and racked back his thick hair. His angry dark eyes met Frank's expectant gaze. "There, are you happy? That's my sordid mad family. I never want to see them again."

Hidalgo calmly began nuzzling the haywain in his stall.

Well, no wonder this boy acted so defensive. Frank patted Will's tense shoulder. "Congratulations, boy! Now was telling the truth so hard? You come from a family of wild scalawags familiar with tragedy... I feel for you there. Trust me, my life wasn't coated with peach jam either so I know the feeling. Once I glance past my parents my family line is so mysterious I don't know what to believe." Frank hesitated and decided to push a little further. "Oh, one last thing... this sad story of your innocent exploration with another student. Truth?"

Will slammed his chin down against his chest and moaned. "You truly want to wring the very life from me, eh? All right then. I received scant extra funding so I discovered my very special talent. My mouth was prime and I liked men. Once I discovered this gift I charged fellow students and even teachers who lusted after me. A stupid old bastard reported me when he found me pleasuring the assistant dean. Yes, I was tossed out when 16, all right? I tried contacting my Grandmother's family in Britain but of course they'd have nothing to do with me. I never heard from my Father; he probably drank himself to death." Now Will angrily glared into Frank's light stare. "When I found myself skint I whored myself along the Dover docks until that captain accepted my offer. I stayed with him until he abandoned me in Vigo eight months ago." Drawing himself up straighter Will held out his hands. "So that's everything. I want to leave this wretched place. I want to go to a civilized country. I figure if I can reach New York City I can find a rich old man who fancies a pretty boy with a cultivated accent and refined manners and he'll set me up in a nice apartment and keep me bloody well happy."

Frank blinked before he began laughing in delight. "Now that is blessed honesty! All right, Will, I appreciate your openness with me. One main thing; if I take you along I am confiscating those daggers. I value my throat."

"You think I'd repay your generosity by slitting your throat in your sleep?"

Hidalgo whickered softly and stared over at the two men. He swished his tail.

"I ain't taking any chances, my pretty stallion."

Will pursed his lips and held out his right hand. They clasped hands then Will shot Frank a coy glance. "I'll still uphold my end of the bargain and be your boy during the crossing."

"I have no doubts about that. I saw how much you liked sucking my cock." Frank allowed a slow lazy smile to slide free.

Despite his annoyance Will answered Frank's sexy smile with one of his own. Now how did a so-called cowboy learn to flirt so deliciously? Hmm. Although he acted the casual cowboy Will suddenly wondered if this handsome Frank had any wealth at all. Will just couldn't accept that this handsome man was a mere country bumpkin.

Beside, Will didn't need much money to keep comfortable. As he turned and quickly stuck his tongue out at the watching beast Will mentally shrugged. Yes, he had an entire transatlantic crossing to discover Frank's mysteries.

Whew. After Frank secured the annoyed Hidalgo in his lower stall he tossed another coin to the reverent stable hand. Stars Above, how embarrassing to gimp along like a battered old man. Unfortunately Frank couldn't help it. Fine, perhaps young Will didn't plan on slitting Frank's throat but it surely appeared that he might cripple Frank for life. This morning before they arrived at the ship the boy had done something wild with his fierce inner ass muscles that made Frank scream in both pain and delight. His poor cock felt like it had endured dire battle.

But oooh, how he loved the challenging sport. Yep, Frank had never enjoyed such wonderful rough sex in all his life. In just their two days together the skilled boy had taught Frank new sensual lessons. Ha, and here Frank thought he knew a few tricks.

Not the case at all. Nope, in fact Frank looked forward to far more sweaty, sexy lessons. He had no problem being this boy's willing student.

Ten days later as they curled together passing a whiskey bottle back and forth Will's fingers idly massaged Frank's hard nipple. They had just finished a wonderful round of wild lovemaking that left them both sweaty and panting. To Will's astonishment this virile cowboy's potent cock was definitely learning how to make Will shriek and cross over into pure bliss. The cautious Will never lost sexual control. Never.

Until now.

But damn, regarding certain aspects of his life this comely cowboy proved as taciturn as a stone wall. Will still didn't know if Frank had any money smuggled away. Young Turner wasn't even sure where Frank kept the money he used to tip the lazy stewards and casual staff. Heavens, this certainly was a second rate ocean liner. The only thing positive about it was the food since the ship displayed a crack staff of Italian chefs. Never before in his life had Will been presented with such a bounty of exotic foods. He wished he could steal some of the lovely hard cheeses and save them for... well, later. One never knew.

Yes, when Will had traveled before he suffered down in steerage. All right, yes, this voyage proved far more comfortable. And the company was definitely more amusing. More handsome. And... kind. Sweet even. Far sexier. Ready to fall into bed at a sultry glance and well, make a happy Will shriek in rapture.

Will hated to admit it but he found himself often wondering what life might be like with this rough ‘n tumble American. If only dear Frank had a little money...

Yes, the voyage had proved satisfying except for Frank's lack of trust in his traveling companion. That detail stung Will's soul. Will quickly learned that if Frank left the room Will must come along. One day Will claimed he felt seasick and wanted to stay in the bed but Frank only shrugged and stayed to tend to him. Will hated faking throwing up in the small bathroom connected to the cabin.

Did Frank think Will would frisk the room and steal Frank's hidden wealth? Or... what? To be honest a confused Will didn't know what he truly wanted from Frank. He wondered why this languid cowboy made him feel... different. Yes, despite the mistrust Frank still made Will feel safe and adored. The notion frightened Will to no end. It made no sense!

All right, time for another foray into Frank's thoughts. After he swallowed a deep mouthful of whiskey Will sat up and sighed in epic sadness. His wide coffee-hued eyes studied Frank's relaxed face. "Please, Frank, why won't you tell me what you plan on doing when we reach America? I have asked you thrice a day. What is your immense secret?" Did this secretive man own a secret gold mine? A treasure map? What?

As usual Frank smiled and shrugged against the tangled sheets. He had grown to love this ritual. "And once again I ask why do you care, pretty one? Once this boat docks in a few days you're gonna skip off into New York City and find yourself a decrepit yet obscenely rich sugar daddy to keep you in high old style."

As he contemplated an answer Will scrunched up his face and traced his long finger up and down Frank's lower hairline. He slowly twirled his fingertips in Frank's dark gold curls. Did he want to say these words? Why not? "Well then, maybe I've changed my mind. Maybe I want a handsome manly sugar daddy."

Hell fire! Frank didn't know how to react to that confession so he crafted a flip reply. "Excuse me? I do believe a lost seagull just screeched in my poor ears."

As he smiled Will stripped the sheet off of Frank's taut thighs and began wetly kissing his bellybutton. His tongue darted lower and roughly teased the root of Frank's glorious cock. "Stop teasing me. You heard me clear as the ship's whistle. Please, Frank, if you tell me where you are going maybe I'll come with you." As added incentive Will slowly trailed his wet tongue up and down Frank's thighs. He had learned Frank loved such an intimate tongue bath.

Hell fire part two. Despite all the seductive licking a stunned Frank began shaking with laughter until he could barely breathe. Imagine this pretty boy making him such an offer. Imagine this boy out West!

Will ceased licking firm flesh and frowned in annoyance. Frank laughed at his offer? How dare he! The insulted youth stared at Frank in growing annoyance. "Pray tell exactly what is so damned funny?"

Once he swallowed back rolling snickers Frank shook his head. His finger caressed that perfect caramel cheekbone. "Sorry, darlin' boy, I meant no insult. I am just trying to imagine you roughing it on a farm out West."

Oh no. The boy's mercenary heart sank in utter dismay. "You mean you're really nothing but a cowboy?"

"Well no, I am part Lakota."

Will blinked in confusion. "What?"

As he spoke Frank sat up and shrugged. The urge to end the dance made him speak the truth. "Surprise, I'm part Indian. OK, William Turner the IV, now I'll tell you the facts. You deserve them. I am a half-breed. I do believe the Brits term my people Red Injuns. I have long denied my heritage and ran away from myself but no longer. After I spent the past months riding up from that great desert and through Europe and the Old World, I learned I do belong in America. I belong in a place untamed and free." Frank's structured face transformed into pure longing. "Here's something else I never told you. I traveled through Europe because I won a legendary race in Arabia. My daring little brother and I beat the odds and won against everyone's expectations. When I won that money I could have done anything I wished. I..."

Will released an excited laugh. "Ha, see, I knew you were rich!"

"Not any more, pretty one. You see, I sent that money back to my people so they could free the wild Mustangs that are their rightful heritage. They were destined for slaughter. I couldn't stand such injustice so I sent the money to free them. I received the conformation telegraph just yesterday. The wild horses were freed to my people and the land. And you know what? That freed part of me, yep, it released a dark spot I long hid inside me. When I arrive home I plan on setting my Hidalgo free. I hope he'll stick close to where I build my farm but..." Bright tears suddenly filled Frank's light eyes. "He'll be free again."

A dense silence fell. As he sat up Will grabbed the whiskey bottle and gulped down three dramatic swallows. Dead God and all the Angels in High Heaven, this cowboy was truly insane. Romantic, idealistic, handsome, adorable and insane. And now poor. Poor because he wanted to free horses and his soul.

Damn. This dreadful news changed everything. Or did it? Will swallowed another mouthful. He had to think.

After more silence Will scrambled from the snug bed and swiftly pulled on his clothing. "I need a little fresh air."

"Suit yourself." Frank sadly watched as the door closed.

Frank wasn't surprised when Will never returned to the cabin that night. Damn. Why hadn't he lied about the race money?

Because it just wasn't right. Beside, he needed to see Will's true reaction. Now he had it.

After waiting until after breakfast the next morning Frank went out onto the gently rolling deck. He visited Hidalgo then he settled into a deck chair and watched the distant horizon dance past. Frank made sure he glanced up at everyone who strolled past but not one of them owned a soft sun-kissed chestnut brown mane.

Pity.

When Frank returned to his cabin Will's lone leather bag was gone. The bed was neatly made. A daisy rested on his pillow. Now what did that mean?

Frank shook his head and sank down onto the empty bed. He touched the fresh daisy and sighed. As he rubbed his bearded cheeks a rueful smile crossed his face. Looked like his pretty young stallion had found a richer pasture to romp in. Although Frank wished Will all the lush green grass he could handle a part of him felt right empty again.

What a romantic fool.

When the ship docked in New York City Frank hastened down to supervise Hidalgo's unloading. He knew his little brother would feel a might ornery from the long voyage. Before they met their Chicago-bound train Frank wanted to give the lively stallion a good gallop. The exercise would do them both good.

As Frank rounded the corner he stopped short and stared in a mix of wonderment and pleasure.

Hell fire.

Hidalgo stood happily nibbling a lush red apple held in William Turner the IV's slim hand. Both pretty stallions glanced over at the staring Frank.

In the face of such an incomprehensible sight the cowboy blurted out stupid words. "What are you doing feeding my horse, boy?"

"I was asking this fine stallion if he minded a little company on the journey out West. Forgive me; we have been talking this past week. He thinks I am a fool to let you go." Will supplied Frank with a cocky grin. "The thing is after I asked Hidalgo if I could come along his response was to eat this apple from my hand. I don't know, Frank, your smart stallion appears to be a little apple whore."

"Hold on here. Can you ride a horse?"

"That's all part of a proper British public school training. I learned to ride..." Will lowered his voice and licked his full lips. "Along with being ridden. But I don't know, after some deep thinking I decided I had found a handsome cowboy who rode me best of all."

Frank blinked in surprise. Did Hidalgo just snicker?

No. Now he was acting delusional.

Frank hated saying these harsh words but he had to make things perfectly clear between them. "Will, trust me, the money is spent. The horses are..."

Will languidly waved his free hand toward Frank. "Yes, yes, the horses are free. You are free. And for some strange and quite unfathomable reason a man who can act so selfless intrigues me. Such a man would treat another man with great care and consideration. Plus for once in my strange life I actually want to know what makes another person truly tick. So you'd best keep me confused, dear Frank, or I might not last out in the western wilds." After Will fed Hidalgo the remaining core he narrowed his gaze toward Frank. "You are going to build a proper house for us, correct? I'll tell you right now I refuse to stay in a teepee or tent or whatever those strange things are dotting the arid landscape."

Frank's voice quivered in amusement. "Well, to start I plan on hiding in an already built soddy then I want to build a fine stone and wood house. I have already sketched my dream." Frank's light eyes suddenly turned mischievous. "I did save some of the prize money, pretty one."

Will's mocking laughter made Hidalgo snort. "I knew it. So I hope you're hiring a staff for us? I can cook the basics and even darn socks but..."

"Don't push it, boy." Frank glanced around before gathering Will into a searing kiss. As Will responded a happy Frank leaned against the railings and opened his mouth to a passionate attack.

Hidalgo rolled his eyes and smartly nipped Frank's right shoulder. He hated being ignored.

*****

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