lunch. The young masters loitered in the library,their slaves gathered together a few yards distant, and Will had manycomplimentary things to say about Allen, who he thought exceptionallyskilled at sex.Itstoo bad most of you fellows wont get a chance to go a round withhim, Will said, putting an affectionate arm around Allenswaist. I feel lucky. Other than Will, the only slaves who werehaving sex with Allen were the slaves of Mr. Pettibones friends.Whatdoes he do thats so special? Dick asked. He turned to Allen,What are you doing, then?Allenshrugged, bashful. Im not sure, really.Hesvery considerate, Sam offered. Very generous. He paysattention. He turned to Ray and said, Dont you think so,Ray?Whileit wasnt some exciting technique, Martin certainly believedconsideration, generosity and attentiveness went a long way.Rayagreed with Sam, as did Ollie, Howard and Harvey, the other boys whoregularly had sex with Allen at their factions parties.Hesgot a really nice cock besides, Howard said. You do, Allen.Its lovely.Allenblushed and smiled at his boots. Thank you.GetMr. Spence to host a party, Ralph suggested to Will. Get him toinvite Mr. Hollingsworth.Ialways enjoyed a fuck with Allen back home, Tom said. Didntyou, also? He looked questioningly at Simon and then Miles, theother Orpheus slaves. He was definitely the most popular boy inour cohort when it came to topping.Allenlooked embarrassed but pleased nonetheless. You were also popular,Tom.Tomlaughed. Not like you. Boys swoonedover you, Allen. You got so many love notes.Simonsmiled shyly and said, I was a fan.Mileslaughed and said, Me, too. You were definitely my favorite,Allen.Althoughhe was obviously grateful for the praise, Allen seemed a littleuncomfortable with all the attention. All the rest of the slaveswhose masters were notfriends with Mr. Pettibone were scrutinizing him, picturing himwithout clothes, and considering his potential as a sex partner.Itwas impressive how many fans Allen had, but auburn-haired Allen wasnot really Martins type; really, none of the others were Martinstype. Henrywas Martins type, so absolutely perfect for him with his blackhair and golden skin and sleek muscles. He thought it very unlikelythat Allen had a nicer cock than Henrys. He was taken by the urgeto tell the others about Henry, about how good he was at sex, betterthan even the best at Ganymede. He wanted them to know how lucky hewas, how he was lavished with affection, what a good master he had.But he bit his tongue, as he always did. It wouldnt be prudent tobrag. Peter and Tom knew a little of the truth, but most of theothers were under the impression that Martins relation to Henrywas very nearly chaste.Iwish our masters would try to get along as well as we all do,Miles said, crossing to stand at Allens other side and alsoputting an arm around his waist. It seems terribly unfair to bekept apart from an old friend just because of some grievance betweenmasters. He leaned his head on Allens shoulder, and Alleninclined his head to look at him, and for a moment Martin thoughtthey might kiss, which would have been shocking.Therewas an uncomfortable silence, so perhaps everyone had thought that akiss was imminent, but then Allen and Miles separated with