got it from a girloriginally, right?Thatswhat I understand, Henry said, still thinking of Martinsred-haired admirer and feeling grateful that he hadnt let Martinarrange to bring the man into their bed. Did Martin know about this?Henry suddenly wanted to get off the phone very badly.Therewas an infernal howling in the background at Louis end of thecall.Whatwas that?Imnot sure, but I think Edward fell down the stairs, Louis said. Iswear, that kid still hasnt figured out how to walk. Listen, Idbetter go see if hes all right. Maybe we can do somethingtomorrow?Sure.Call me.Oncehed hung up, Henry turned to Martin, who leaned in the doorway,listening with interest.Whosgot it, Sir? You looked shocked.Youradmirer. The Spanglers Jimmy.Oh!Martin was just as startled as Henry had been. He lowered his voiceto a loud whisper. Well, Sir, its good you didnt ask me toget him for you, isnt it?Letsgo upstairs, Henry suggested. We cant talk about this here.Safelyinside Henrys room, Henry turned to Martin and said, I guess itdoesnt matter how handsome some other man is, or howtemptingtheres no knowing what might be wrong with him. As longas its just the two of us, well never have to worry about theclap or gleet or whatever other diseases people are passing around.Well,certainly youre right.Wereenough for each other, arent we, Martin?Martinput his arms around Henrys neck and kissed him. Of courseyoure enough for me, Henry.Buteven as Henry returned his kisses and steered him toward the bed, heremained worried that Martin wasnt being truthful. He believedthat Martin wantedto be telling the truth, but also thought that Martin missed the sortof group scenarios hed participated in at Ganymede, regardless ofwhat he said. More than anything, Henry wanted Martin to be happy,but he didnt see how he could ever contemplate bringing in otherlovers for Martin. He was too jealous, and now too fearful ofdisease. He recalled Jesses renewed invitation to watch and bewatched and wondered tentatively if that was a compromise that mightmake Martin happy, or happy enough.Theyplayed a version of the forced cocksucking game because thats whatMartin wanted, but Henry made him stop before either of them couldcome, and instead put him on his back. He licked and fingeredMartins hole until he begged for more, then fucked him hard untilhe came. Henry let himself be drawn down into Martins embrace,kissing his beautiful mouth and white throat while he moved againsthim, trembling on the verge.Henry,Henry,Martin whispered to him, his hands knotted in Henrys hair. Ilove you so much, Henry.Ilove you, too, Martin. I dont even know how to tell you how much.Showme, Henry. Come for me.Henrywas so close, so ready, and Martin was so unbearably sweet, crooningin his ear and caressing his back and shoulders; Henry drove into hima few final strokes and came in an efflorescence of silver sparks,wracked with shivers.Henryclung to Martin until his heart slowed and then reluctantly rolledoff him to lay sprawled on his back beside him. He kept his hand onMartins ribs, feeling the rise and fall of his breath. When Martinstirred, shifting to rise, Henry clutched at him, but Martin gentlyyet firmly pushed his hands away.Ijust want to get