Seductive Studs ~ In The Interest of Science

How bad can Monday be when it starts out with some Seductive Studs? Welcome to the blog hop that celebrates m/m romance in all its many glorious facets. This week I’m sharing from a scene in Gryffon Hall where Lennox Arsburry–the man Wryler expected to marry until ambition and financial arrangements intervened– visits Wryler in order to bemoan their fate, and perhaps get a little revenge for being thrown over. Not that it was Wryler’s fault!

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Looking at Lennox set Wryler’s teeth on edge. The man represented all Wryler had dreamed of and now would never have: peace and quiet, civilized company, scholarship, and an unobtrusive relationship without all the alarming passion that barbarians like Rouchet stirred up.

“I don’t think Rouchet is exactly a fiend,” Wryler said, hearing the hesitation in his own voice.

“That’s because you’ve lived a sheltered life here in your tower.” Lennox sat up straighter, eyes gleaming as he warmed to his subject. “I’ve been speaking with some of the traders who travel as far as Gryffon Hall now and again. You should hear their tales! Strange creatures inhabit the borderlands, and Rouchet is among the strangest. The man is a brute. A monster. After a few months in his bed, you’ll be no use to any ordinary man.”

“What on earth are you dithering on about?” Wryler stood and paced. “Rouchet is an ordinary man. Just rather overgrown and lacking in etiquette, is all.” Wryler did have an idea of what Lennox was referencing, and the crude suggestion brought a flush to his cheeks and vivid images to his tired mind.

“Why, he’ll split you in two! I wonder how he’ll manage it without killing you? I’d be interested in observing his methods, if only in the interest of science.”

“Stop teasing me, Lenn. Don’t I have enough woe in my life without your…lurid imaginings?” Wryler’s body reacted, locking up tight, the threatened orifice clenching in defense. If Lennox had been painful, how horrible would the sexual act be with a man of Rouchet’s girth?

“Thank the gods for alcohol,” Lennox droned on, clearly enjoying Wryler’s distress. “On your wedding night, try to relax and imagine you’re with me. Maybe you’ll survive it, though I doubt it will ever be pleasurable. Ah, poor Wryler. What a waste.”

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Gryffon Hall ~ Release date August 30, 2016

Useless fourth son of the Lord of Glimmerveen, Wryler dreams of getting married and escaping the rustic confines of his father’s castle. A wealthy merchant’s son seems to hold the key to Wryler’s safe if somewhat dreary future. However, the arrival of a mysterious stranger on the eve of Wryler’s betrothal sends his plans into disarray and Wryler finds himself traded off in marriage to one of the most notorious rogues in the land.

Is Lord Aeric Rouchet the scoundrel he appears to be, or is he something much worse? Separated from his family and thrust into a strange and dangerous new life at the foreboding Gryffon Hall, Wryler must unravel the secret of his husband’s shadowed life and defeat the curse which threatens not only his growing affection for the barbarian in his bed, but the lives of everyone the Lord of Gryffon Hall is sworn to protect.

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