Back Rank, Chess Interlude: Chess, #5

By Cathy Draig

My name is Alecks. My friends say I'm a great guy - smart, loyal, kind. But they don't know all my secrets, including that at thirty-five, I'm still a virgin. There's a story there, but it's easier to admit I used to be a drunk than to tell that story. 

 

Then one night, Sedric came to Jador, and all I could see was the brilliant smile, sexy muscles, and brown eyes I wanted to stare into and determine their exact shade. When he licked his lip and winked at me, I was sure I misunderstood. 

 

As it turns out, I didn't. And he's interested in me. But before the relationship can go beyond dinner, I'd have to tell him the story. I like him a lot, but what if he runs away when I trust him?  

 

Bank Rank is a m/m romance with hunky heroes and steamy sex, suitable for 18+. Back Rank is a stand-alone novel that parallels Bishop from the Chess Series and tells the story of Alecks and Sedric. It's not necessary to the main Chess Series story arc, but it contains spoilers for Bishop.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cathy Draig
• Release date: Nov 14, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215323380

Book preview

Map of Jador

Map

Click for a high resolution map.

Pronunciation Guide

Continents/Countries:

Cesoli: sess-oh-lee

Jador: jay-door

Frapane: frahh-pane

Enestpon: e-ness-pon (like ponder; the T is silent)

Provinces:

Petidar: pet-i-dar

Uesdar: you-es-dar

Surmdar: sirmm-dar

Fontidar: fon-ti-dar

Sabladar: sab-la-dar

Rocedar: rowshh-dar

Roi: roy

Gods/Godesses:

Filarune: fill-a-rune

Shalltar: shall-tar

Other:

Chakrir: shack-rear

In setting up a game of chess, pieces are laid out in two rows. The front row is all pawns, the back row is the other pieces — rook, bishop, queen, and king. This back row is considered the player’s back rank — the starting position for all the major pieces.

Chapter 1

The knock on the door startled all of us. We looked over as it opened, and the guard stuck his head in. Excuse the interruption, Your Majesty, but there’s someone here to see you.

Retta frowned. Who in the world is here at this late hour?

He has an introduction from King James. His name is Sedric Grant.

I watched as she handed Ronan to Anders, then got up to follow the guard. I looked around at the others and they looked as surprised as I felt. Then, Celeste got up to follow Retta.

I’d heard them mention Sedric — he was a blacksmith if I was remembering correctly. Retta hadn’t really told me anything about him, but then I hadn’t felt the need to ask. Way to go, Alecks. You let the queen into your confidence about your past and that you want men not women, but you didn’t even bother to ask her about her best friend? Okay, that was a friend oversight I’d have to rectify as soon as possible. Although, I guess I’d learn something about him when she brought him into the study.

Retta and Celeste came back into the room a few minutes later and everything they said went right over my head as I got a good look at Sedric. Holy shit he was gorgeous. I estimated just over six feet tall, with brown hair, cut fairly short. Long enough one could run their hands through, but still short enough to tame what would probably be unruly curls at a longer length. His eyes were a dark brown, and I thought I saw hints of lighter rays, but I’d need to look at them closer to make sure. Like that would be a hardship. I wanted to run my hand over his cheek and feel the stubble. It looked good on him, although it was clear it was because of the journey — he probably went clean shaven most of the time.

He was muscular — surely the blacksmith work. That showed even under the loose shirts that were the norm; however, I had a feeling that underneath his was a body I would just love to run my hands over. Then, he smiled. And, oh my Goddess, it lit up his face.

I sighed to myself. Yet another gorgeous man who would be off limits. He’d probably find some woman who would make him happy and he’d be another one of my closely guarded fantasies.

Retta took Ronan from Anders and Sedric cooed at the baby. Ronan was tired and I realized Sedric looked tired too. But then it was a five day journey from Frapane, right? And he’d gotten here awfully late. But Retta was clearly ecstatic to see him. Actually, Celeste looked pretty happy too.

Retta walked over to put Ronan in his bassinet and called over her shoulder, Would someone please get another chair?

I started to move, being the closest to the door, but then Sedric walked around the table and took the seat next to me — Retta’s seat.

Before I had a chance to react to how close he was, he said, Nah, I think I’ll take this one.

She turned around, marched over to him, and said, The fuck you will. Get out of my seat.

Oh, shit. She was pulling out the profanity. Was she really mad at him? He laughed, but the rest of us looked at Retta, preparing for a meltdown. Calm down, I’m not trying to steal your man.

She snorted. As if you could.

Wait…his comment didn’t surprise her? My thoughts started spinning. Now I really wished I’d asked her about her friends back home. Was I reading the interaction correctly? I glanced at Anders and he looked amused. Everyone else seemed to relax — everyone except me. Eve went to get another chair and wedged it in across the table from me. Yikes — now I could get a good look at Sedric. Except that was all I wanted to do. And staring was rude.

I was brought out of my thoughts when he asked, So, what are we playing?

I answered, Hold’em. I reached for my glass of water, my mouth suddenly dry.

Sedric grinned. Excellent, I’m good at this game.

Retta said, You are, but you’re not up against a bunch of amateurs, either. We’ve been playing as a group for months. And Celeste is pretty fierce.

Dart came back from putting Anastasia in her bassinet near Ronan’s. She is, so just be careful is all I’m saying.

Piers took over dealing as I gathered the chips and divided them for eight, then we settled in to play. Sedric was good, but so were we. And hard as I tried, I couldn’t help looking at him. I wanted to know if his teasing of Retta meant that I might have a chance after all. I kept glancing away — I knew I couldn’t stare but he was so damn good-looking. And shit — he gave me a half smile and caught my eye. What did that mean?

Goddess, I had to get a hold of myself. He was just a guy. Even if he was into guys, that didn’t mean he’d be into me. And I just met him. Although, that hadn’t mattered with Trevor. On the other hand, with Trevor I think I was too eager to pursue something and my walls came down too easily.

I took a deep breath, slowly, so no one could tell. Or at least I hadn’t thought anyone could tell, but then Sedric tilted his head slightly and gave me a contemplative look. Dammit — no way should I compare Sedric to Trevor. No way. Trevor was…hot and bold and a good kisser, but then he completely shut off his personal attention when anyone else was around. Sedric was definitely comfortable with who he was. That much was crystal clear.

Why couldn’t I just accept what seemed obvious? Because it was too easy, too good to be true — right? Well, it sounded like he was going to be staying around for a while, so if I was wrong, I would have time to find out. The next day I’d find some excuse to ask Retta to verify. I just had to get through the rest of the night. That was all.

We started a new round. And I had an excellent hand. When the cards in the middle of the table were turned, my hand just got better. Although, with what was face up, anyone else could have a good hand as well. I stayed in the hand, meeting or raising the bid as needed. And then everyone had folded except Sedric and me. I studied his face, wondering what cards he could have, and if he was bluffing. I decided that even if he had a good hand, he was unlikely to have an ace, which was the only thing that would beat my hand.

He just gave me that same half smile, as if he could read my mind. I narrowed my eyes and he licked his lip. And winked. Holy fucking shit. My heart started pounding and I was surprised my hands weren’t trembling as I threw in my chips to meet his bet.

We turned over our cards and as I suspected, he did have a good hand. But, he didn’t have the ace, so my king beat his queen. Sedric smiled. Well played.

Then, he stood and reached across the table. I blinked and looked at him for a split second before I stood as well and reached out my hand to shake his. When our hands connected, I felt a shiver go over me. His skin was warm and his handshake strong. And I needed to stop thinking about touching more of him or I was going to do something I would really regret. But then our eyes met and he held my gaze. I couldn’t pull away as I stared into his eyes. Yes, they were dark brown, but the dark was shot through with lighter shades, almost a caramel. I’d never understood the expression of drowning in someone’s eyes — until that moment.

As if from far away, I heard Dart clear his throat and say, Do we need to leave you two alone?

I dropped Sedric’s hand as I felt my face catch fire. I sat abruptly and refused to look at anyone. Although, I did glance up when I heard a smack and then Dart asked, Ow – what was that for?

Retta glared at him and answered, For opening your big mouth. Now, let your poor friend recover and deal.

He glanced at me as he took the cards from Retta, but I once more looked down at the table. I didn’t dare look up to catch Sedric’s eye again. Especially since my interest had apparently been obvious to everyone.

We played a few more hands, but I stayed quiet. Then, Retta said something about going to bed and Dart and Anders started teasing her.

Her face turned bright red and she said, Good Goddess…could we please not talk about our sex life? I felt for her — but I was glad the heat was off of me again. When she got indignant and declared the game over, we got up to leave. She led Sedric back to one of the guest rooms in the queen’s apartments and I headed out of the palace with Piers and Anders.

Piers continued towards the stable, but Anders held me back for a moment. You alright?

I nodded. Yes, I’m fine.

You sure? If Retta hadn’t smacked Dart, I probably would have.

I gave him a half smile. I’ll admit, the guy’s good-looking. But that doesn’t mean anything.

Anders gave me a contemplative look. He looked like he was interested in you.

I scoffed. Right.

He turned to me and reached out to put his hands on my shoulders. Alecks, look at me. I frowned, but met his eyes. He continued, Don’t sell yourself short. I’m not into guys, but I can admit that you’re a good-looking guy too. And once he gets to know you, he’ll see the other good things about you.

I sighed. It’s not that. It’s… I couldn’t bring myself to say it. To ask if Sedric was into guys, as Anders had put it.

He dropped his hands and said quietly, He is, Alecks. Retta has talked about him to me before. And unlike Trevor he doesn’t hide that women aren’t what he wants.

I winched slightly. How — how did you know? I wasn’t sure if I was asking how he’d figured out I wanted to know about Sedric, or how he knew about Trevor’s desire to keep us secret.

"About Trevor? You never introduced us to him. He never spent any time with you where anyone could see. And you weren’t happy. In fact, you struck me as so unhappy, that I went to ask Eve about him. She confirmed that he wanted to hide. But I know you don’t."

I didn’t know what to say. How did he do that? How did he see through me so clearly? I met his gaze…speaking of dark brown eyes and curly hair — Anders was the stuff fantasies were made of. But, he was only a fantasy. Maybe, just maybe, Sedric could be more than a fantasy. Whoa — that was jumping way ahead, wasn’t it? I nodded slightly. Yeah, Trevor isn’t for me.

Whomever you find — and I’m sure you’ll find someone — he’ll want to be with you in the open. To know your friends and be around us.

I smiled slightly. I’m glad you have confidence in me. I paused then asked, You sure you wouldn’t reconsider men? I mean, there’s a first time for everything, right? Why the fuck had I asked that? Goddess, please let him think I was kidding.

He smiled gently. I appreciate the offer, but I’m kind of all in on Retta.

I shrugged. I know. I was kidding anyway. It would be awkward as shit.

He chuckled. Because we’re friends? Yes, absolutely. Because I have no experience? Maybe.

I looked away from him and muttered, You have more than me.

His eyebrows went up and he asked quietly, Really? I’ve never been sexual with a man in any way.

My face grew hot again. Okay…I guess I do have a little more experience then. But, um, not much.

He put his arm around my shoulders and gave me a half hug. There’s a story there for sure. Do you want to tell it?

I shook my head. Maybe some day, but not now, no.

Alright. He lowered his arm again. But if you want to talk, I’ll listen.

I know. And thank you. But, you should get back to Retta. I think I heard something about you having to muffle her?

He shook his head with a smile. Yep, Dart and I were teasing her. I’m gathering you weren’t paying that close attention?

I snorted. Not to that, no. Was a bit distracted by the sexy as fuck blacksmith across the table.

Anders laughed. See, there you go. Nothing wrong with admitting you’re interested. And, as I said, it looked like that interest was returned. I guess only time will tell how it goes, though.

I gave him a mock glare. I’m done with this discussion. Good night, Anders.

He chuckled. Good night, Alecks. See you tomorrow.

He headed around the side of the palace to sneak back in through the secret entrance to Retta’s bedroom. I saddled my horse and headed for the garrison and my bed. I had just admitted to one of my best friends that I was a virgin. Goddess, like that was something he needed to know. I was thirty-five and may be looking at thirty-six before I did anything. I was pretty sure he’d been way younger the first time he’d had sex.

I sighed. I knew he’d keep it to himself — that didn’t bother me. What worried me was what if Sedric was interested in me? What would he think of my almost complete lack of experience? Kissing I could do. A bit of groping — yeah that wouldn’t be new either. Anything else? Only been there in my fantasies. I sighed again. I guess I’d deal with it if I had to. But as much as the image of me and Sedric was appealing, there was a part of me that hoped I wouldn’t have to deal with it.

∼∗∼∗∼∗∼

Sedric

I followed Retta out of the study and back towards the nursery, but waited until no one could hear us to say anything. Your letters told me a lot, but I guess I didn’t realize how much you’d changed. I mean, you’re the same person, but it’s like your steel core got less flexible.

She frowned. That makes me sound like I’m a hard ass.

Shit, I guess it had sounded that way. I’m sorry, that’s not what I meant. I meant that it shows a confidence and command you didn’t have as a princess. I guess like you’ve grown up.

She sighed. Yeah, well, I’ve been held at knife point, kidnapped, accused of treason, had a baby, gotten divorced, and become queen regent in the space of just over a year. A lot has happened. She paused, then added just above a whisper, Oh, and I killed someone too. More than anything else I think that had the biggest effect.

We’d reached the nursery and she put Ronan in his crib, careful not to wake him. When we were back out in the hall, I stopped her with a hand on her arm. Hey, I know the incident with the duke can’t have been easy. And I know from your letter that you didn’t have any choice, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still hate that you had to.

She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. True. He was an awful man, but no, killing isn’t easy. However, I’d really rather not talk about that. Let’s talk about what was going on with you and Alecks.

Ooo, Alecks. Sexy, gorgeous Alecks. Wavy hair just brushing his shoulders — hair that I could bury my hands in. Blue eyes with white rays and lips that looked utterly kissable. And something about the goatee even got me going. Never been fond of a full beard, but that much I liked. When his eyes had locked with mine, I understood the cliché that the rest of the world disappeared.

And if she asked, I would admit that I’d watched him walk out of the room. While the view from behind was as good as the one from the front, what had struck me was the confident way he walked, and I could easily see him wielding a sword with grace.

She narrowed her eyes at me — I guess I hadn’t answered quick enough. I tried to play it off by shrugging. He’s hot. And those blue eyes are quite striking. He couldn’t stop looking at me, so I decided to answer his unasked question. I was pretty sure he’d gotten the message too. I asked cautiously, He’s new at it though, isn’t he? Alecks, I mean.

She paused, then nodded slowly. It’s a long story and not mine to tell. Although I can tell you that he only recently opened up to us. It was quite a surprise when he admitted he wasn’t interested in women.

That was surprising — he didn’t look like a kid — he had to be in his late twenties at least. "Didn’t you say that he recently broke up with his first partner?" Although that didn’t necessarily mean it had been a short relationship, right?

She bit her lip. Um…yes, I did say that. Maybe I shouldn’t have though. Please don’t tell him that I told you — he’d be mortified if he knew that you were aware of his…inexperience.

Oh, boy. I guess it had been a short relationship. But just how inexperienced was he? I lowered my voice and asked, Retta, how old is he?

Thirty-five.

Thirty-five? Yeah, there was definitely a long story there. I nodded and blew out a breath. I see. Be careful signs all over that one, then.

She narrowed her eyes at me again. He’s a good guy.

I squeezed her shoulder and said gently, It’s fine, mama bear. You’re not the only one who’s matured over the past year. I still like to flirt, but I’ve adopted a decidedly more…cautious approach. I’ll continue to let him know I’m interested and see how he reacts.

Okay. I mean, I know he’s an adult and capable, but I still worry about him.

I smiled. Of course you do. You wouldn’t be you if you didn’t worry about your friends and try to help if you can. Now, I believe there was some teasing about your sex life…something about needing to be muffled. Perhaps you should go and get some more of that.

Then, I leaned closer to her and said quietly, Speaking of hot guys — other than Alecks — Anders is smoking. So, go and get caught in that fire and I’ll see you in the morning.

She snorted and gave me a hug. I hugged her back, then went into my guest suite as she went back to her bedroom. My initial impression of Alecks needed to be amended slightly. He’d definitely responded to my wink, but he wasn’t just a lot newer at flirting than I’d guessed — sounded like he was new at everything. But I hadn’t been lying to Retta, I had grown up over the past year. And there would be quite a lot to get used to