Chapter 9

Gavin hesitated in the front lobby of the building next to the Rose. There was a long hallway stretching in front of him and a set of stairs leading up to another floor. He suddenly realized that he had no idea which room was Jethann's and he didn't feel comfortable knocking on just any door given who occupied these premises. Just as he was about to turn around and leave, a door at the far end of the hall opened and a young woman came out, locking it behind her.

"Uhm, excuse me," he called as he headed down the hall to meet her. When she looked up and met his gaze he continued. "Could you tell me which room is Jethann's."

"Ooh, you're into men then, too bad," she licked her lips as her gaze roamed lasciviously over him.

"N-no, I, uhm, just need, to uhm, ask him something," Gavin felt like a green boy in front of her.

"Second floor, third door on your right," the woman told him as she moved past him, brushing against him as she did. "If you're looking for a good time gorgeous, come see me at the Rose tonight."

Mouth agape, Gavin stood rooted in place as she sashayed out the front door. Shaking his head and taking a deep breath, he followed her directions to Jethann's room. Knocking on the door, he took several calming breaths. When the door opened, he found himself face to face with a very handsome elf. "Jethann?" he asked.

"Mmm, today's my day off but I'll make an exception for you," Jethann purred as he licked his lips.

"What?" Gavin started. When what was said actually penetrated his befuddled brain, he blushed bright red. "Actually, I'm here to talk to you about Ninette," he said a little breathlessly.

"Well, come in then and sit a while," Jethann moved to allow the handsome man to pass. Tall, muscled, bright green eyes, a very attractive package. The brothel didn't care if they did a little personal business on the side, but he seldom met anyone he wanted outside of work.

As Gavin entered the room, he caught a whiff of some musky cologne that caused him to breath deep. To his discomfort, he found himself getting aroused. Embarassed, he looked for a place to sit and quickly chose a straight backed chair. Sitting down, he crossed his legs to hide the effect the elf was having on him. Was he really this desperate? Glancing about, he saw that there was actually two rooms. This appeared to be a sort of sitting room and the other was a small bedroom.

"I haven't seen Ninette in a couple of months," Jethann said as he closed the door. "Let's do this properly," he said and held his hand out. "I am Jethann, and you are?"

Gavin flushed at his lack of manners and stood up to take the elf's hand, "Gavin." He felt a jolt go through his body from the contact. He hastily resumed his seat. "Ninette's husband hired me to find her. He said that she came to visit you often and that I should start here."

"I heard she left him, good for her," the elf snorted. "Ghyslain came to the Rose, ranting and raving about me corrupting his wife, called me all kinds of nasty names. We had him thrown out. Ninette is a wonderful woman, he doesn't deserve her."

"Did she tell you that she was leaving him?" Gavin asked.

"No, I just hope she did," Jethann shrugged. "Like I said, she hasn't been to see me for a couple of months."

"That's the problem," Gavin admitted. "Apparently no one has seen her. Women don't just up and disappear. It's possible something happened to her. Do you know if anyone wanted to hurt her?"

"Hurt her?" Jethann laughed. "Everyone loved Ninette, sometimes twice a night," he said in a low voice as he waggled his eyebrows, chuckling as the man in front of him turned red. "You are just so adorable when you're embarassed."

"Uhm, do you know anything else that might help?" Gavin tried hard to control his breathing.

"There was someone else looking for her," Jethann moved away a little to give him some space. Didn't want to scare the poor thing off. "A templar, I believe his name was Emeric. He came looking for her but didn't say why. He said he was going to continue his search in Darktown," he shuddered at the idea of going to that horrible place. "Kind of pointless. A woman of Ninette's refinement wouldn't be caught dead in that pit."

"Okay, thank you," Gavin said and stood up to leave only to find the elf right in front of him.

"Are you sure I can't interest you in my many charms?" Jethann said softly, placing a hand against Gavin's chest and light stroking. He felt the man's heartbeat increase.

Gavin swallowed hard. Jethann smelled good and looked good enough to eat. It had been far too long since he'd been with someone and his resistance was at an all time low. "I should really go find Emeric."

"If you're sure," Jethann murmured as he pressed close. "I am very good at what I do. I promise you won't be disappointed." He moved a hand down and pressed it against the large bulge just believe Gavin's waistline. "Mmmm, you like the idea, don't you?"

Gavin closed his eyes and groaned. He did like the idea, too much so. With another groan, he brought his hands up and, cupping the elf's head, kissed him hard and desperately. After a few minutes, he pulled back, "How much?"

"For you, one soveriegn, and we can do anything and everything you can think of," Jethann chuckled.

Fumbling at his belt, Gavin found his coin purse and withdrew a gold coin, pressing it into the elf's hand.

After slipping the coin in his pocket, Jethann took Gavin by the hand and pulled him into the bedroom. With deft, practiced hands, he quickly stripped the man's clothes until all he had left was his small clothes. Pushing him to lay on the bed, he stepped back to admire the man's form. "Maker, you're gorgeous," he breathed out as he slowly began a strip tease for his customer.

Gavin settled back on the bed and watched hungrily as the elf removed his clothes. For one brief moment an image of Fenris flashed in his head before he pushed it resolutely aside. He needed to feel someone next to him, no matter how briefly. At least with Jethann there were no strings attached. He decided to just enjoy the moment for all it was worth.

Jethann smiled slightly as he saw the lust blazing from Gavin's amazing green eyes, "I told you that you wouldn't be disappointed." He moved to straddle the man on his bed, allowing his fingers to trail over the hard muscles of his chest. Bending down, he kissed Gavin deeply as he rocked his hips over the very large bulge under his ass.

Gavin closed his eyes and moaned at the feel of the hard, lithe body covering his. Jethann's hands were all over him, stroking and teasing him, causing heat to curl in his loins. When the elf began to kiss his way down, he couldn't hold back a low groan. He nearly shot off the bed as his small clothes were pulled aside and the elf's hot mouth engulfed him. To his surprise, he came, not realizing how close he was.

Jethann swallowed quickly and then leaned up, "I'm guessing that it's been a long time since you were last with someone."

"I'm sorry," Gavin whispered, embarassed at how quick on the draw he'd been.

"Don't be," Jethann laughed softly. "Now that the edge is off, I can get you all worked up again. And when I've done that, I want you to fuck me hard with this big cock of yours," he wrapped his small hand around it and squeezed.

"It'll be my pleasure," Gavin whispered and reached up to pull Jethann down onto him.

Much later, Jethann lay quietly pressed back to front against Gavin. He was tired and a little sore, but very, very happy. He could tell by the way the man was holding him that Gavin liked to cuddle, which was a nice change from the usual fuck and run he got. Even when the man was riding him to oblivion, there had been a tenderness that he seldom found with his other customers. Then there was the fact that Gavin had cried out someone else's name as he came. Both signs pointing to a man in love with someone.

"Want to tell me about him?" Jethann asked pleasantly.

"What?" Gavin puzzled, his brain still a little foggy from the pleasure he'd received.

"Tell me about this Fenris," Jethann said and felt Gavin shift uncomfortably. He turned around to face him. "I'm used to hearing other people's names when I sleep with someone. It doesn't bother me, but obviously he is someone important to you if you cry his name out. "

Gavin sighed and pulled Jethann closer to him. "He's an elf and used to be a slave in Tevinter. I helped him get free of some hunters that were looking for him. In return, he travels with me and helps me out when I need it. He is strong and reserved. He seldom smiles, but when he does it's like the sun coming from behind the clouds."

"So, you like him but he doesn't feel the same way," Jethann said quietly.

"I don't know if he does," Gavin sighed. "I don't even know if he's into guys. I do know that I value his friendship. I hope that someday we can be more to each other."

"Well, if I may offer a suggestion," Jethann met Gavin's gaze. "Let him know, in small ways, how much he means to you. Flirt with him a little."

"I don't know how to do that," Gavin shook his head. "I've never had the opportunity to just relax and spend time around other guys."

"It's easy," Jethann sat up with a smile. "When you are together, either eating or just talking, meet his eyes. Give him small smiles, lean into him a little. When you discover something he likes, make sure you get it for him. Be patient and watchful for any signs that he might return your affections. When he does, go for it and don't hold back."

"What if he takes offense, or gets angry?" Gavin worried.

"That's why you have to take it slowly," Jethann said patiently. "Since he used to be a slave, then he's not used to doing and thinking for himself. If you are cautious, you can gradually open his mind to the possibility of a relationship. It might take months or longer, but eventually you'll reach a point where you will find out if he's interested or not. If it turns out that he's not, then just apologize and back away. That way, you find out if a relationship is possible, but you also make it so that he's not so offended that you lose his friendship."

"You make it sound easy," Gavin grumbled.

"Honey, love isn't easy," Jethann laughed. "You have to work at it."

Reluctantly, Gavin sat up. "I wish I could stay longer, but I have to finish my shopping and get the stuff home to my family."

Jethann sighed and got off the bed to find their clothes. "You know where to find me now, even if it's just to talk. I'll be honest with you, I really enjoyed our time together. I would sleep with you again, even without getting paid for it."

"That wouldn't be fair to you," Gavin told him as he put on his clothes. "You have to earn a living too."

"Well, if things don't work out for you and Fenris, I wouldn't say no to becoming your personal servant," Jethann flashed him a wicked smile. "I can do much more than just warm your bed."

Gavin laughed as he walked to the door, "I'll keep that in mind." He paused before opening it to draw Jethann into his arms to give him a soft kiss. "Thank you, for everything."

"My pleasure," Jethann sighed and reached around him to open the door. "Don't be a stranger," he called as Gavin walked away.

Gavin smiled and waived as he walked down the hall to the stairs. He took them two at a time, feeling more relaxed than he had in months.