A Trial of Strength

A TRIAL OF STRENGTH – PART 569 by Rob Williams

Chapter 569 – "RANDY, BROTHER BEN & THE RODEO COWBOY"

IN THIS CHAPTER:

PART 1: Muscle-jock Grady has topped Jamie and gets group payback from the cop Mark and three buddies. PART 2: Gypsy-boss Randy takes kid-brother Ben to the rodeo. Cowboys are a sexual fantasy for Ben, and he drools when he sees the muscular rodeo champ take a victory lap shirtless. When the rugged cowboy throws off his hat Ben gasps in recognition. "It's him, Randy. It's really him."

<><> IN THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER <><>

The love affair of Mark and Jamie had always been intense but, to the surprise of both men, it now took a sudden leap to a new level. For some time Mark has ceased to think of Jamie as his boy, and the latest incident illustrated how far they had evolved from master and boy, to equal buddies – partners for life.

At home one evening, their hormones racing, they made love that was the most passionate ever. In the exhilaration of orgasm Jamie said, "My ass is yours, sir, only yours – you own it."

But the next day something happened that could have threatened their love. Jamie, an expert surfer, went to the beach with his buddy, the action movie star Grady, and their pals Nate and Eddie. The plan was for Jamie to train Grady in new, showy surfing moves that he could use in the lifeguard movie he was currently filming.

That involved most of the day in the surf, lots of energy, and a surge of adrenaline that gave Grady such a feeling of dominance, that he yelled, "Man, I wanna fuck ass." And it was Jamie he fucked, relieving their brimming testosterone in frenzied sex. In the heat of passion Jamie said, "Fuck me, man. My ass is yours – you own it."

They didn't know that Mark had arrived at the beach and saw and heard everything. Surprised, Jamie and Grady were not sure how to react, nor what Mark's response would be. Neither was Mark, hearing Jamie use the same words to Grady as he had to Mark himself the night before.

In a typical master/boy confrontation Jamie would have apologized and begged forgiveness of his angry master. But they were no longer master and boy, they were buddies, equals, and in love. Mark was more confused than angry. He had said often enough that he did not regard Jamie as his boy, and the moment had come to prove he meant it.

So, sitting on the rocks, gazing over the ocean in the setting sun, they had a mellow conversation that would have been impossible only months ago, before their friendship had reached its current level of maturity. The atmosphere was tense at first, but lightened as they calmly explored their feelings. It was a far cry from the anger, abject apology and retribution that would have once occurred between master and boy.

Mark accepted that Jamie's words to Grady had been blurted out in the heat of the moment – at the peak of orgasm. "But you see, Jamie, the thing that troubles me is not you fucking with other guys, we all do that in the tribe. It's seeing you get fucked, watching you submit your ass to Grady, a gorgeous man, a rich and famous movie star ... and me just a cop."

"Mark, me and Grady, we're buddies. I don't even think of him as a star. You are my star, sir, my pole star – you know, the star that never moves in the sky and guides ships. You're my guide in everything. So many times during the day I think, What would Mark do?' ... What would Mark want me to do?' And you always steer me right."

Mark smiled, eyes brimming with tears. "God, I love you so much, Jamie." Then came the pivotal moment that illustrated the change in their relationship – Mark putting his words into action. Jamie said, "Dude, I didn't realize seeing me get fucked by Grady would cause you grief, so I promise I will never let any other guy fuck my ass, except you."

"No, no, Jamie, you mustn't say that. That's the kind of promise a boy makes to a master. But we're buddies, equals. Hell, I get fucked by guys like Bob, Randy and Hassan, so why should I forbid that in you? Sure I get a shock when I see you offering your ass, but I gotta get over that."

Mark chuckled. "You know how Randy used to go apeshit if another man fucked Bob in the ass, but even Randy has started to accept it. Sure, he still feels it's an insult to his manhood, so he insists on payback – either by fucking Bob or the guy who ploughed him, or both." Jamie smiled and Mark said, "So, with that in mind, are we OK now, Jamie, you and me?"

"Better than ever, I'd say," Jamie grinned. "Much better than ever."

They walked back to the beach where Grady, Nate and Eddie were huddled over Eddie's camera. "Sir," Eddie grinned, "you missed some spectacular action today – Hunter the lifeguard carving a 360 – and I got it all on film. We've gotta have a viewing at the hotel tonight."

Grady smiled uncertainly at Mark. "You are staying the night, eh buddy?"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," Mark chuckled.

Grady added, "And, er, that incident you saw earlier – Jamie and me ...?"

"Oh, Jamie and I sorted that out, no problem ... except ..." Grady winced. "You see, Grady, a cop is a symbol of authority and if ever he feels his manhood has been challenged he has to retaliate. So, any man who fucks the cop's buddy ... his ass is grass."

Grady flashed the smile known all over the world. "Oh, no problem there, officer. Er, would the cop be wearing his uniform?"

Mark roared with laughter, "Dammit, Grady, those fantasies of yours never quit, do they?"

Grady shrugged. "That's just me officer. But I'm prepared to pay the price ... anytime you like."

========= CHAPTER 569 =========

PART ONE – MARK & GRADY AT THE BEACH

<><> THE PRICE OF FAME <><>

With a huge sense of satisfaction – and considerable relief – the five men at the beach pulled on shorts and T-shirts and gathered up their gear. Jamie, Grady and Nate carried surfboards, and Mark helped Eddie carry the small dinghy he had used all day to film the surfing action.

As they trudged up the beach Mark said, "Hey, guys, how about I take you all out to dinner this evening?"

There was a muted response from the guys that surprised him, until Grady said, "Thank you, Mark. You don't know how much I would love to do that, and you guys go ahead, but I can't. See, the movie-star bullshit playacting starts now where I try to be anonymous. Otherwise the buzz will go round and someone will call the paparazzi and ..."

He trailed off and Mark realized with a jolt how limited Grady's life had become. "Sorry, dude, I forgot. But do they have room-service in this hotel we're going to?"

"Oh yeah," Jamie said. "It's a small hotel but quite upscale in a casual way, as it's a beach community – perfect for the movie guys when they stay here. Mario told me he's booked a two-bedroom suite in my name. When we get there I'll go in and register for us all."

"And I'll sneak in afterwards looking like this," Grady chuckled. He pulled dark sunglasses from his backpack and a baseball cap that he pulled down low."

Nate laughed and drawled in his Aussie accent, "Good on ya, mate, you look just like a movie-star trying to disguise himself."

"That's only `cos you know it's me, Nate. You'd be surprised how unobservant the public is, I'm thankful to say. And it helps to be in a group – less obvious."

Eddie said, "Hey, what if I whip out my camera and film your entrance. I can yell out, `Hey, there's Grady!' It'd be great publicity."

"Very funny, Eddie," Jamie grinned. "And I'll get my cop buddy to arrest you as a pushy paparazzi."

Jamie rode the short distance in Mark's truck and they were greeted by the valet, while Nate drove Grady and Eddie in the other truck, self-parked and used a side entrance.

Mark and Jamie turned heads as they walked through the lobby – the handsome pair always did – and diverted attention from the three men who walked unnoticed from the side entrance to the elevator.

Reunited in the suite Eddie said, "You know, I never realized how starving I am."

"Good," Jamie said, "us too. So we can either watch your film footage first, for a couple of hours or so, and then order dinner. Or we can have dinner first. I vote for the movie."

"Me too," the others chorused – all except Eddie, who winced at the impossible choice. He was dying to show them his video, but he was, as he said, starving hungry. "What about you, Eddie? Movie first?"

They all looked at him intently and he caught a glimmer in their eyes. A smile spread over Eddie's face. "Fuck you, dudes. Your bullshitting me, right? You're as hungry as I am. OK, the movie can wait."

Mark took pity on him. "Why not both together? We'll order dinner and watch while we eat. Can you hook it up to the TV here?"

"Sure can, sir."

Eddie got to work while Jamie took their dinner orders and called room service. A little more than half an hour later they were grouped round the table, wolfing down food, drinking wine and avidly watching Eddie's raw video clips.

Eddie managed to eat, drink and manipulate the video feed all at once, wallowing in the group's enthusiastic response – laughing at Grady's pratfalls into the water and wowing' at his successes, especially mastering the art of carving a 360' spin on the lip of a wave.

As engrossed as they were in both the food and the video, they were still aware that Mark had yet to make good on his threat to Grady – "A cop is a symbol of authority and if his manhood is challenged he has to retaliate. Any man who fucks the cop's buddy ... his ass is grass."

Grady had earlier assumed the unaccustomed role of topman and fucked Jamie, so it was his ass that was on the line next. No one anticipated this payback more eagerly than Grady himself. Forget being a topman. His cock was hard in his shorts at the thought of being worked over by a hot, blond musclehunk cop.

<><> PAYBACK TIME <><>

When at last the video footage ended, Eddie was showered with praise, especially from Grady, the subject of the film.

"Eddie, that was a brilliant shot when you started with a long view of me doing that 360 spin on the top of the wave, then you zoomed in for a closeup of my face. That way the audience will know it's really me and not a stunt double. I hate those shots of a guy, say, galloping on horseback, obviously a double, and then it cuts to the actor sitting on the stationary horse. It looks so fake, real cheesy."

"But this was bloody brilliant, mate," Nate agreed. "For my money this is one they'll definitely use in the movie."

While the chorus of admiration continued, and Eddie beamed with pride, it was hardly noticed that Mark had slipped away into the bedroom where they had stowed all their gear. But it wasn't long before he returned – and jaws dropped.

The cop was wearing his black uniform pants, motorcycle boots and a white T-shirt, without his uniform shirt. As always, the T-shirt accentuated his muscular torso, especially when he folded his arms across his chest, making his biceps bulge under the tight short sleeves.

He glared at the four men at the table, until his steely gaze settled on Grady. "You, you're the son of a bitch who butt-fucked my buddy. That ass is mine – belongs to me – and you shoved your fucking dick inside it. Bad mistake, man, insulting a cop like that. You're gonna pay."

Of course they all knew what this was – Mark following through on his earlier taunt. It was a fantasy, a cop reasserting his authority after an affront to his manhood. But Mark made it seem so real that, even though the scenario was a turn-on for Grady, there was a nervous edge to his voice when he asked, "Are you gonna fuck my ass, officer?"

"You'd get off on that, wouldn't you, stud? Nah, I'm not gonna fuck you – not yet. But there are two injured parties here, me and my buddy. Come here, Jamie." Jamie came and stood next to him, and Mark put his arm over his shoulder. "See, us two, we're real close, we work as a team. So you ... stand up."

Grady got to his feet facing them, barefoot in his usual red lifeguard board shorts and white tank top with lifeguard in red across the chest, and the red-cross icon. "Hm, pretty hot wouldn't you say, Jamie? Lifeguard captain, a real sex symbol. How did he look fucking your ass?"

"Incredible, man ... That fucking body, that huge dick."

"Hmm, let's get a look at that dick, eh? Drop the shorts, captain."

Grady obeyed. He unlaced his shorts, they dropped and his dick sprang out."

"Hm, yeah," Mark said, "I see what you mean, buddy. Great physique. Give us a show, captain. Flex that body."

Again Grady obeyed the cop. Wearing only his lifeguard tank now, he raised his arms and flexed his biceps, then pressed his fists into his waist and flared his back and shoulders. "Damn," the cop growled, "we're gonna enjoy working this stud over. Let's see just how turned on he is."

Mark reached behind his own neck, pulled his T-shirt off over his head and flexed his bare torso. Grady's cock stiffened as he stared in awe at the shirtless blond cop in black uniform pants and high black motorcycle boots. "Oh yeah," the cop grinned, "this lifeguard is ready to rumble. On your knees, captain, in front of that mirror there."

Grady dropped down on hands and knees in front of the mirror, the bottom of his tank round his waist, exposing the white mounds of his ass in contrast to his dark tan. Mark said. "OK Jamie, it's payback time. He topped you, you're up next. Let's see what you got, dude."

Jamie pulled off his shirt and his shorts and knelt behind Grady. As they stared at each other in the mirror Jamie spat on his cock, grabbed Grady's hips and plunged his cock deep in his ass. Grady's head jerked back and he saw the mirror reflation of Mark standing behind them, stroking the bulge in his pants with a satisfied smile.

Jamie had fucked Grady often before, and now, to impress Mark, he pounded harder than ever, his cock like a piston driving in and out, deeper and deeper. Nate and Eddie were still at the table, enjoying the show, and Mark looked over at them. "Hey Nate, ain't Jamie your best buddy? So come on, help him punish the lifeguard."

"Too right, mate," Nate grinned. He got to his feet, leaned back against the mirror in front of Grady and pulled his cock out of his shorts. "Open up, captain. Brace yourself for a spit-roast."

The lifeguard's jaw sagged open and his mouth was instantly stuffed with the Aussie's cock. "That's it guys, give it to him." Mark ordered. "Show the lifeguard what happens when he dares to shove his dick in my buddy's ass."

Jamie grinned at Nate across Grady's arched back, and they coordinated their fuck, one driving into the mouth, the other his ass. "I'm in charge here, men," Mark shouted. "You work the guy over till I tell you to stop."

Eddie was too excited to sit still but Mark said, "Stay where you are, kid. Your turn will come."

The cop was used to being obeyed, and he was running the show, giving orders ... "Grab his shirt Jamie, pull his face back." Jamie wrapped his fingers round the back of the tank top and jerked Grady back so hard that the shirt ripped.

It was too much for Eddie, he had to get this, so he quietly trained his camera on the erotic scene of the spit-roasted lifeguard getting face-fucked and butt-fucked, his torn shirt hanging on his flexed body.

They could all have cum at any time but they waited for orders from the cop. At last he said, "OK, men, when you're ready. Captain, the final humiliation. I wanna see you jerk yourself off,"

Nate's cheeky Aussie grin lit his face. "Right, mate, let's do it ... let's fill the bloke up with jizz."

The tempo heated up, bodies tensed and Grady pumped his cock beneath him uttering muffled groans into the gag of Nate's cock. Eddie yelled, "Do it guys ... now." He was rewarded by three explosive orgasms, under the gaze of the cop rubbing the growing bulge in his pants.

<><> THE COP RECRUITS EDDIE <><>

Jamie stood up and Mark shook the guys' hands. "Good work, guys, I knew I could depend on you. Perfect payback – the guy who fucked my buddy in the ass submits to a spit roast. Not that he had much choice," Mark chuckled.

He looked down at Grady, still on his hands and knees, looking at himself in the mirror. "As for you, stud ..." Mark raised a boot, pressed it against Grady's side and shoved him over on his back. My turn now."

Grady stared up at him in alarm, cum still running down his chin. "Not yet, man. I can't take it again right away."

"Like I said, dude, you got no choice in the matter, I'm in charge here. I told you before – you insult a cop he retaliates. And the punishment fits the crime. You fuck my buddy in the ass, I fuck you. Simple as that." T he bare-chested cop unzipped his pants yanked out his cock and wrapped his fist round it. So let's hear it, captain. Where's this rod gonna go?"

"In my ass, officer?"

"Right first time." Mark knelt between Grady's legs, pushed them back and pressed the head of his cock against the cum-slicked hole. "My buddies lubed you up good. All I have to do is this ... He drove his shaft in the just-fucked butt, not as hard as he could have, given the tender condition of his ass.

Grady stared up at the shirtless cop, an image he had jerked off to many times, a homoerotic image of the muscled cop ploughing his ass. But he had never imagined it like this. "Fuck, that hurts, man. I don't think I can take it."

"I'll be the judge of that, dude. Like I said, I'm calling the shots here. He pulled out and drove in again repeatedly, getting off on the sight of the muscled lifeguard wincing in pain, naked except for his lifeguard tank hanging in shreds over his chest.

Mark realized the grimacing was real, not staged, and he said, "I'll give you a break man. Grab your cock and as soon as I see you spill your load I'll shoot inside you and it's over."

"Officer, please ... I just jacked off a huge load. I can't cum again."

"Hmm ..." Mark looked over at Eddie. "Ok, kid, I told you your turn would come. You think you can make a drained cock shoot a second load?"

"Duh! A second, third and fourth, sir. You know I'm an expert at this ... I give classes."

"So get to work, dude. The sooner you get him off, the sooner he gets another load in his ass and we're done."

Eddie gave his camera to Nate, then knelt beside Grady and grinned at him. "Don't worry, dude, the cavalry to the rescue. Eddie's here, the blowjob champ. This'll be a piece of cake ..."

And it pretty much was. Eddie looked down at Grady's semi-erect cock and said, "Huh, there are signs of life in the old rod yet, not entirely limp." Eddie made a show of licking his lips, then linking his fingers and cracking his knuckles, although that had nothing whatever to do with sucking dick – all part of the show.

"Hurry up and suck, Eddie," Grady pleaded. "Work your magic, buddy."

"All in good time, dude. A great blowjob takes preparation. OK, here goes."

Grady sighed with relief as soon as Eddie's warm mouth closed over his cock and `worked its magic' as Grady had urged. His cock was soon far from limp as Eddie alternately clenched his throat muscles round it, then opened wide and breathed warm, sensual air over it.

"Oh, yeah," Grady sighed with relief. He could now concentrate on the image of his dreams, the muscled half-naked cop rising and falling over him, massaging his ravaged ass with his cock.

Whether it was this pornographic image or Eddie's skillful ministrations – or probably both – Grady soon felt, unlikely as it was, his cock bulging again to a second climax.

Mark smiled down at him. "That's it, dude. I wanna see what a muscle-jock lifeguard's orgasm looks like. Make it good, captain."

Grady didn't need the prompt. He stared up at the shirtless blond cop, felt his cock swelling in his ass, and Eddie's mouth clamping hard round his own ... and the expression on Grady's chiseled features was a fitting climax to the group fuck. He threw his head back and stifled a yell as he felt the cop's semen flooding his ass and his own cock erupted down Eddie's throat.

Eddie gulped hard, then slowly pulled his head back and grinned up at Mark. "That was worth the price of admission, don't ya think, sir? Next time we should sell tickets."

<><> THE LATEST GOSSIP <><>

Mark stood up and crammed his cock back in his pants. He reached down, pulled Grady up unsteadily on his feet, and shook his hand.

"Now we're even, buddy. And I gotta thank you. When you started the ball rolling by fucking Jamie you unintentionally gave him and me a big leap forward in our relationship. You're a terrific guy, Grady – Mario's a lucky man." Mark pulled him into a shoulder bump and man hug.

"And tomorrow I'm gonna relax on the beach and jack off watching you four guys show off your moves in the surf – better than any movie." He smiled at Jamie, "As for you, young man, what I need now is to feel you in my arms all night."

They went into one of the bedrooms, both knowing that their relationship had passed another milepost, growing mile by mile, each mile an improvement on the one before.

Grady, Nate and Eddie went to the other bedroom, where Grady said, "I just gotta call Mario and Brian. They let Grady speak privately to Mario, and after that he put the phone on speaker when Brian joined the call.

"Dude," Eddie blurted, "you are gonna die when you see the footage I shot. And tell Mario not to worry – the private stuff stays private, for our eyes only. Mario can lock it in a vault if he likes."

Grady said, "Hey kiddo, now that you're this fancy-shmancy assistant house manager, am I still allowed to pump you for tribe gossip?"

Brian giggled. "Of course you are, sir, though everything's been pretty quiet around here. You know that Jason is off in Australia for a couple a weeks. Adam gave him a few Aussie buddies of his to look up in Sydney, guys he'd be compatible with – prob'ly involves mirrors and stuff.

"Anyway, while he's away Ben is staying with Will – you know Ben was the first guy Will ever had sex with? They sixty-nined. Will told me Ben talks non-stop about the rodeo Randy's taking him to tomorrow. Ben's real into cowboys, says he fantasizes about them, but he's only ever seen them in the movies – and in porn, of course. He fancies himself as a junior cowboy but Randy told him there prob'ly ain't no such thing as a gypsy cowboy.

"Oh sorry, sir, but Mario's nudging me. I'm in bed with him and I think he's getting fresh with me. Prob'ly wants to fuck me `cos he misses you, so much. I don't mind being a stand-in for you – like one of those stunt doubles you got in the movie."

Grady shouted, "Give it to him good, Mario. It'll warm you up for when I get home tomorrow. Tonight I'm gonna have my hands full with this hot young Aussie and my cameraman."

The call ended and Grady said, "Hmm, what d'ya think of that guys? Seems cowboys are the new fantasy du jour. I wouldn't say no ... something to dream about anyway. Come on guys, let's hit the sack."

PART TWO – RANDY & BEN AT THE RODEO

<><> ALL THAT STUFF ABOUT COWBOYS <><>

Will and Ben were still awake in Will's bedroom in the twin's large apartment over the kitchen. As Brian had said, the talk was all about Ben's outing the next day. Will listened indulgently as Ben clattered on in mounting excitement.

"I've never been to the L.A. Equestrian center but I Googled it and it's huge. There's a big arena where they have all sorts of horse shows, including rodeos like tomorrow's. See, the rodeos have circuits where they move from town to town, like old-time circuses used to. Tomorrow's rodeo is based in Texas where I come from. No surprise there `cos there are tons of Texas cowboys – real ones herding cattle, not the fake cowboys you see in the movies.

"And outside the arena they have stalls like an open-air market – you know, selling stuff like drinks and food, and clothes too. I bet there'll be a lot of cowboys walking around – real ones and fake ones – you know, guys butching it up showing off.

"Randy said he'll buy me a cowboy hat, but I'm not gonna do the whole dress-up thing. He said there's prob'ly no gypsy cowboys anyway, but I don't see why, `cos gypsies move around a lot just like the rodeos. Randy and my brothers and me traveled around a whole lot to where they could find work on construction sites. Randy won't dress like a cowboy either – why should he when he looks smokin' hot as a construction worker?

"But I've always been real turned on by cowboys on TV – you know, the macho muscle guys. One of my favorites was Ty Hardin – so handsome. He looked way sexy with no shirt on, and that smile always sent me through the roof.

"But my all-time favorite was Clint Walker. He wasn't much of an actor – the strong silent type – but wow, that face and that body. He was a tall musclehunk, bit like Randy, and he often took his shirt off – well why not with that solid-muscle physique. He looked so hot sitting bare-chested astride a horse, with those tight pants of his. In one show he was shirtless in a knock-down drag-out fight with a bad guy. Dude, I tell ya, I could cum twice watching that one.

"But that was the movies, and I can't wait to see the real thing tomorrow, real cowboys riding bucking broncos. Course, they don't take their shirts off, but I tell ya, Will, if they did I would cream my shorts."

By now Will was laughing at his buddy's horny, non-stop talk of cowboys, his eyes shining with anticipation about tomorrow. "That's enough, dude. Any more and I'll run out and buy me a cowboy hat to turn you on – except they prob'ly don't have many redheaded, freckle-faced cowboys either."

"Never mind, Will, you always turn me on, you know that. Let's go to bed and I'll prove it – that stuff about cowboys got me all hot and bothered ..."

<><> WHAT TO WEAR TO THE RODEO <><>

Next morning Ben joined Will in the kitchen and helped him prepare the breakfasts. But his mind, and his mouth, was still on the excitement to come. Randy had gone to his construction site early but he was taking off at noon to come home and pick Ben up.

After breakfast the boys went back upstairs and Ben turned his mind to what he was going to wear. He went feverishly through his clothes, asking "what about this, Will?" ... "what about these pants and this shirt" ... "how about ..."

"How about we think like a cowboy, Ben? When he gets dressed for work he don't primp in front of a mirror trying on one outfit after another. He puts on the jeans that he left rumpled on the floor, pulls on his cowboy boots and the same old sweaty shirt he's been wearing for days. OK, here are your jeans, no belt, and the cowboy boots Jason bought for you – better scuff them up a bit to look legit.

"And there's a shirt you brought from home that always gets my dick hard when you wear it. Here it is, the faded blue one with the tight short sleeves." Ben put it on.

"Looks great, Ben, those tight sleeves show off your biceps. Here, leave it unbuttoned, except maybe for the bottom one, so it flaps open over your chest. Don't tuck it into your jeans ... hmm, well, maybe this bit tucked in so it looks like you rolled out of bed, dressed in a hurry and jumped on your horse. Minus the horse," Will laughed. "See my dick's bulging already.

"Oh, and one other must-have item." Will rummaged in a drawer and pulled out a red bandana. He folded it in a triangle, draped it loosely round Ben's neck and knotted it in back. Will stood back and cupped his hand over his own crotch. "Now that looks hot. I'm dripping pre-cum."

"Thanks, Will." Ben hugged him. "You always know the right thing to say and do. Guess that's the influence of the twins and Bob. Jeez, I wish you were coming with us."

"No you don't, dude. You just wanna parade around the place with the hottest guy there, showing him off and watching all the heads turn. One thing's for sure – Randy hasn't given a single thought to what he'll wear. He don't give a shit about stuff like that."

A short time later Randy came home from the construction site, and what Will had said was obviously true. Randy was wearing what he always wore at work – grubby jeans, heavy work boots and his usual sweaty gray tank top streaked with grease.

He grinned at Ben. "Wow, great outfit, kiddo. You look just the part. But where's the horse?"

Ben laughed, just as Bob came in. "You two off? Hey, Ben, that's a real sexy look, you'll knock `em dead. And how about you, Randy? What are you gonna wear?"

"Wear? This. I ain't gonna fucking dress up for no rodeo."

"I thought so," Bob sighed, "that's why I brought this. If you'll allow me ..." He reached up and pulled the sweaty tank off over his head. He had brought Randy's old, frayed, sleeveless denim shirt that Randy reluctantly pulled on. It hung open over his muscled torso giving tantalizing glimpses of his bulging pecs and ripped, eight-pack abs.

"And this too, I think." Bob reached round behind Randy and pulled from his back pocket the old blue cloth that he wiped his sweaty face with a dozen times a day. As Will had done for Ben, he tied it as a neckerchief loosely round Randy's neck.

"Oh, sir," Will said, "can I jerk off? That looks awesome."

Randy grinned and ruffled Will's hair. "Well if you think so, Red, I'll wear it, even though personally I don't give a flying fuck."

"And er, Randy," Bob said in a conspiratorial tone, "later tonight would you wear it when you come to the bedroom. I'll be waiting for you."

"OK, dude, you're the boss."

"Not tonight I won't be," Bob grinned.

<><> THE SHIRTLESS COWBOY <><>

They took off in Randy's big truck, with Ben sitting happily beside his big brother. "You excited, kiddo? I know cowboys are a fantasy of yours. Right up there with firemen, eh?"

"Pretty much, sir. I watch cowboy films on TV but I've never seen one in real life."

"You will now, kid, in all directions."

It wasn't long before they reached the Equestrian Center and parked. It was already pretty crowded and when they got down from the truck Ben said, "Wow, you can feel the buzz can't you sir? Look there's one over there, a real live cowboy wearing chaps."

"Dude, if you react like that every time you see a cow-punch you'll blow a gasket. Anyway, a lot of them are just dress-up cowboys, trying to look cool, like they just got through rounding up the herd, when all they did was got out of their BMW. And talk of dressing up, I gotta get you that hat I promised. Look, all the stalls over there."

They walked through the crowded marketplace and Ben noticed all the heads that turned at the sight of the tall gypsy, built like a brick shithouse, with shaggy black hair, chiseled features, square stubbled jaw and piercing blue eyes. They assumed the sexy young guy with him, with the same dark gypsy looks, must be his son.

Randy, of course, didn't even notice the stir he caused. That added to his sex appeal – a hot man who seemed unaware of his macho good looks. He took it all in stride – a long, macho stride as he carved a way through the crowd.

They went to a stall selling cowboy gear and hats, and Randy tried several on Ben's head. Finally, "There, that's the one, kid. Completes the outfit, real hot – makes me wanna fuck you. Here push it back a bit on your head, looks sexier that way."

Then they headed for a food stall and bought corn dogs, that they wolfed into as they walked around the grounds. Randy glanced down at Ben and smiled to see him so excited, playing it real cool in his sexy outfit and cowboy hat. Randy loved making the kid happy, and was stoked by the way his young brother idolized him as a role model. All Randy's protective instincts kicked in, proud to be the focus of all Ben's attention and even sexual lust.

They heard cheering coming from the main arena nearby. "Show's just started, kiddo. Let's go."

They took their places in the bleachers at ringside and Ben was captivated right away by the fast-paced action in the ring – bull-riding, calf-roping, barrel racing, and working up to bronc-riding, the main event. The parade of real cowboys was dazzling and Ben often stood and cheered lustily, waving his hat in the air.

When the steer roping started Ben was awestruck by the speed of the riders and their roping skills, as they roped the steer, jumped off their horse and tied the legs. One rider in particular caught his attention, wearing brown leather chaps over his jeans that framed is ass as he leapt down off his horse and ran to the steer.

"Look at that guy, sir, he's really built, you can tell. He's got his shirt open halfway down and it blows back off his chest. And look at that ass when he runs. Way sexy, don't you think? Can't see his face `cos his hat's pulled low but you can tell he's got shaggy black hair just like you. He's my favorite so far."

The sexy cowboy won the roping contest to massive cheers, and there was a pause before the finale – the bronc-riding. Again and again the chute gates opened and a bronco burst out, the cowboy trying desperately to ride him as he bucked ferociously, back legs kicking wildly. One arm tugged at the halter rope, the other waved up high for balance. But most rides lasted only a few seconds before the rider was ignominiously thrown from the stallion and sprawled in the dirt.

Ben was riveted by the non-stop action as one rider after another literally bit the dust. Then came the last rider and the announcement over the loud-speakers blared, "And now, folks, the five-time rodeo champion ... give it up for Rory King!"

The rider blasted from the chute and Ben again grabbed Randy's arm. "It's him, sir, the same guy. Wow, his shirt's open all the way down ... look how it blows back from his chest. He's awesome, dude, don't you think?"

Truth was Randy was slightly pissed at taking second place in Ben's attention after the guys in the ring, especially this guy. But Ben was having the time of his life and that's what this trip was all about, so Randy was pleased.

"Sir, he's incredible, look at the way he rides him, those legs gripping him tight. He's awesome, the way he's staying on. His shirt's come loose and it's flying behind him ... look at that chest."

The ride went on for an impossibly long time, until at last the horse tired before the rider did. In the end he stopped, snorting and pawing the ground. "He's tamed him, sir. He's done it!" The crowd roared, Ben leapt to his feet and jumped up and down with excitement. The announcer roared. "Folks, we have a winner. Let's hear it for the rodeo champ, Rory King – the King of the Gypsies!"

Rory pulled off his hat, flung it a across the ring and shook out his long, shaggy black hair. He pulled off his shirt and whirled it triumphantly high in the air to acknowledge the thunderous cheers. Stripped to the waist he rode the tamed stallion on a victory lap round the ring. The sweating cowboy's eyes traveled over the boisterous, adoring crowd and seemed to hover for just a second on the gypsy boy jumping up and down in the front row.

Then, with a final jubilant fist bump high in the air, the champ threw his shirt over his shoulder and rode out of the arena through the gates that closed behind him.

Ben had stopped cheering and his mouth gaped open. He clutched Randy's arm hard and gasped, "Sir ... sir ... that was Charlie ... our Charlie ... brother Charlie!"

<><> FAMILY REUNION <><>

As the crowd calmed down and started to disburse Ben and Randy remained in their seats, staring at the empty ring. "It was him sir, wasn't it?" said a stunned Ben. "When he took his hat off we got a good look at his face and ... it was Charlie."

"Yeah, it was him, kiddo," said Randy quietly, not sharing the boy's excitement.

"I read that his rodeo outfit is based in Texas so it makes sense, and he's the star of the show. We gotta go see him, sir. Do you think we can get back-stage?"

"Dunno, kid. He'll be surrounded by all his admirers. Prob'ly press and everything. Maybe we should call the rodeo's office in the morning. I think they're here for the next few days."

Just then one of the show's attendants approached them. "Excuse me, gentlemen, but if you have time Rory asked me to bring you backstage to say hello. Actually, Rory King is his show name. His real name's Charlie, that's what we all call him – he's a terrific guy."

"Can we go sir?" Ben asked excitedly. "We're in no hurry, are we?"

Randy looked down at his brother's shining face and said, "Sure we can, kid."

"Terrific," the attendant said. "If you'll follow me, gentlemen ..."

As they wound their way across the arena towards a small door beside the chute, their thoughts were racing – but in different directions. Ben was thrilled to see the brother he had lived with after Randy left Texas. Charlie had taken care of him until he felt old enough to branch out on his own – and eventually hitch-hiked to California.

Randy had decidedly mixed feelings. Charlie was only a couple of years younger than Randy and, both of them somewhat arrogant alpha males, their relationship had inevitably been competitive. Charlie resented Randy lording it over his younger brothers, who all worshipped him and obeyed him in everything.

There was even a sexual rivalry regarding women, and when Randy was married he knew that Charlie fooled around with his wife. By that time the marriage had cooled so Randy made no big deal about it. But the mutual brotherly resentment simmered and lingered.

Today, Randy had been hyped by Ben's excitement and his thanks for bringing him here. In the absence of Ben's man Jason, Randy was in sole charge of his little brother, the one man Ben idolized. But now, against his better nature, Randy had felt that same old resentment, this time of Ben's hero-worship of the cowboys, especially the handsome, muscular rodeo star – who now turned out to be Charlie, the brother he had tussled with so often.

When they reached the backstage area it was crowded, and the post-show adrenaline was still running high. In the thick of the crowd stood the jubilant Charlie, receiving the acclaim of fellow riders, staff and officials. He was still shirtless, still wearing chaps, his tight pants hugging his slim waist, his cowboy boots scuffed and dirty. Someone had poured celebratory beer over his head rather than champagne – this was a rodeo after all.

He shook his head, laughing, and caught sight of Randy and Ben standing in the background. His deep Texas drawl rang out. "Hey, listen up, y'all, we got two special visitors – my brothers Randy and Ben." The crowd parted and let them through. "Hey Rand," he said and held out his hand. Randy recalled that Charlie was the only one who ever shortened his name like that.

They shook hands with a bone-crushing competitive grip, but neither winced in submission as their blue eyes met. "Congratulations little brother," Randy said, his choice of words deliberate. "Hey, not so little," someone in the crowd shouted, "with that fucking body? No way."

Randy saw Ben staring up at his hero with awed shyness, his eyes shining. Charlie looked down at him and flashed a gleaming smile. "And talking of great bodies, damn you have filled out since I last saw you, kiddo, you've added muscle. Looks great on you."

"Thank you, sir, Randy's my gym trainer."

Charlie grabbed Ben under the arms and swung him around – just as Randy often did, then pulled him into a tight hug. Randy knew that Ben's dick was hard, pressed against his handsome brother."

Someone shouted, "Look at these three will ya'? No doubt they're brothers with those dark gypsy looks and blue eyes. So which one of you is King of the Gypsies?"

"Randy is, sir," Ben blurted, and Randy could have kissed him for that.

"Hey, we gotta get pictures of this," someone else said. "Get in between them, kid." Cell phones were raised and they posed for pictures, with the big brothers' arms stretched over the kid brother's shoulders. Charlie's smile was jubilant, Randy's a tad strained, and Ben was glowing with pride and happiness.

Charlie yelled, "Guys, y'all are gonna have to excuse me for a while. I gotta take these fine-looking brothers o' mine for a beer and a chat. We got a whole lotta stuff to catch up on. Come on dudes, the bar's right next door."

Again the crowd parted and Charlie led the way to the open-air bar, with Randy and Ben staring down at the mounds of his perfect ass framed by the chaps. He showed them to a quiet table under an awning, then went to the bar for the beers. "On the house, Charlie, the bartender grinned. Least I can do for the champ after the show you put on today."

Ben smiled at Randy. "Hear that, sir. He's everybody's hero."

Randy managed a smile. "He sure is yours, kiddo, judging by that grin on your face."

"And the bulge in my jeans, sir," Ben laughed.

<><> SIMMERING RESENTMENT <><>

As Charlie came back with the beers Randy saw Ben gazing at the bulge in Charlie's jeans, framed by the chaps, like his ass. He slid the bottles across the table and sat straddling a bench. "There you go, guys. Damn it's good to see you after all this time, and no news of you. So what's up Rand? You still sweating your guts out wielding a pickaxe for some outfit `till they fire your ass for slugging someone? Like the old days, uh?"

There was a frosty silence and Randy took a deep breath, but Ben jumped in and forestalled him. He was in awe of Charlie, but he recognized a put-down when he heard it.

"Oh no, sir, Randy owns the company, and it's a big successful construction company, three divisions – commercial, residential and government, and Randy's the boss of the whole outfit."

"Damn," Charlie grinned. "Guess that puts me in my place – and me just a rodeo star."

The rivalry was starting to show but it went over Ben's head. He was dying to know about Charlie, and turned his shining eyes on him. "You're still based in Texas ain't you, sir? Do you still see our other brothers? Are you married?"

"Yes, no, and no," Charlie laughed. "Still based in Texas ... our brothers are all leading their own lives ... and I'm not married anymore. Tried it for a minute-and-a-half but it didn't work for me. How about you, Rand? Married, or still playing the field?"

There was an uneasy pause. "Not playing the field," Randy said non-committally.

"Sir," Ben persisted, "what's it like being a rodeo champ? You prob'ly got loads of friends right? What other places do you go? How long you gonna be in L.A.?"

"Wow," Charlie laughed, "you sure are a kid with a lot of questions. And what's with the `sir'?"

"Oh, I always call Randy sir, of course."

Charlie grinned at Randy. "Well maybe big brother needs that – ego boost or something. Not me, kiddo, I get my ego boost hearing the crowd cheer when I enter the ring. You and me have always been good buddies, kid. We're just Charlie and Ben, best buds eh?" Charlie reached over and squeezed Ben's arm, a simple gesture that quietly pissed Randy off.

Charlie was on a roll, basking in his kid brother's hero-worship. "OK, now for those questions. What's it like being in the rodeo? It's become my life, bro, and sure brings in the bug bucks. We travel around so much that I don't have any close friends in Texas, just my regular drinking buddies. `Course, on the circuit women kinda throw themselves at me – rodeo groupies." He chuckled. "Even guys too sometimes. I guess they have some kinda cowboy fetish.

"But nah, after sweating my guts out in the ring I don't have much time or energy left for the ladies. I prefer to just kick back over a beer, like I'm doing with you guys. And it's extra special to be with my brothers. Man, I'm real stoked you came today, guys. Great to strut myself before my own kin."

"Where are you going next, sir ... sorry ... Charlie?"

"Next stop Phoenix. We're based in Mesquite, it's called the Rodeo Capital of Texas, and our circuit goes all over the West and Southwest. We have another show here tomorrow, then we get a week off before Phoenix, so I was thinking I might stick around L.A. for a while, soak up some of the California sun and glamor. Just gotta find a hotel with a gym."

Ben gazed up at the handsome cowboy, with a hero-worship gleam in his eyes. As Charlie spoke the mesmerized boy had been feasting his eyes on his bare torso, still gleaming wet from the beer poured over it. "You got an awesome body, Charlie. You must work out a lot."

"Have to, Ben. Gotta stay in shape `cos my work is real physical. Huh, you'd think riding and roping those steers would be enough, but the gym gives me definition." He grinned. "Guess I kinda like flaunting it too. One day I was so juiced up at the end of a show that I ripped my shirt off on my victory lap. Since then it's become a kind of signature thing, the crowd expects it. And the ladies love it."

"Some of the guys too, like you said," Randy grunted sourly. He was getting tired of listening to his brother talk about himself, and even more pissed off to see a dazzled Ben hanging onto every word of the sexy, charismatic cowboy. Charlie was still shirtless, his bandana hanging loosely round his neck. The boy's lustful gaze ran over his rugged face and chiseled physique, his ripped pecs, slim waist, and tight pants under his chaps, hugging his muscled thighs, hard after pressing against so many horses' flanks.

But before Charlie could respond to Randy's dig, Ben's eyes gleamed. "Hey, if you're staying a week in L.A. you don't have to find a hotel, bro – come stay with us. We got our own gym at the house and I could watch you work out."

"Sounds good to me, kiddo," Charlie grinned, ruffling Ben's hair. "You up for that Rand? We could work out together, even wrestle a few rounds if you're up to the challenge."

"Oh, Randy's always up for a challenge," Ben laughed. "And I like to watch."

"O-oh," Charlie said, "I just seen camera lights go on over there. I gotta go talk to the press and do a TV interview. Tell you what, here's the number you can reach me through the office. I'll tell them to expect you or they'll think you're groupies or something. If you give me your number I'll call you after the show tomorrow and swing by your place, if that's OK with you Rand."

"Sure, why not, dude?"

They exchanged numbers and Charlie said, "One last hug for my little brother." He wrapped his arms round Ben. "Maybe I could bring you back here one day and give you riding lessons, eh?"

"Yes please, sir," Ben said eagerly, then Charlie turned and strode back with an arrogant swagger to the crowd's noisy welcome.

<><> RANDY'S CLENCHED JAW <><>

"Time for us to hit the road too, kid," Randy said abruptly. He strode back through the vendor's stalls with Ben trying to keep up, and they climbed into the truck. As they pulled out of the grounds Ben frowned. "Sir, you do like Charlie, don't you? You looked kinda grouchy when he was talking."

"Ah, we got some issues in the past, kiddo, nothing for you to worry about."

"I thought he was great. I mean he looks incredible, totally sexy, the kind of bare-chested cowboy you see in porn mags. If I saw him in one I'd jerk off all over it."

There was a long silence. "I remember back in Texas how you and Charlie were kinda rivals sometimes. You even had some really rough fights – some you won, some he did. You were evenly matched tough guys."

"Yeah, well that's in the past. You certainly took a shine to him today, boy. You were eating him up, like you wanted him to fuck you."

Ben chuckled. "Oh no, sir. I just loved the way he looked, smoking hot on that horse, with no shirt on. And he's so much fun. But I'm ... like ...not in love with him or anything. Not like I am with you, sir. I mean, you can fuck me anytime you like, you know that. But the guys at home are gonna go crazy when they see him, I can't wait."

"Hmm, has it ever occurred to you, Ben, that Charlie might be shocked by a lot of guys living together and fucking each other?"

"Oh no, sir. Charlie's real loosey-goosey about stuff like that. Even though he don't swing that way he'll get off on the admiration. Like he said, he likes to flaunt it and he gets admiration from women and men." Ben chuckled. "Maybe he swings both ways, you never know. I hope you do go a few rounds with him in the gym, sir. You'd beat him in a wrestling match hands down.

"And Bob's gonna like him, that's for sure. He's just Bob's type `cos he looks like you, only a bit younger, and Bob goes for that wild gypsy look. They'll get along like a house on fire."

Ben saw Randy's jaw clench as he gripped the steering wheel hard. "Sir, I think maybe I said something I shouldn't have – I'm a bit out of my depth. But, sir, you do still love me, don't you?"

Randy flung his arm over Ben's shoulder and smiled for the first time. "Of course I do kiddo. I'll always love you no matter what happens."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

TO BE CONTINUED in "A Trial of Strength" – Chapter 570

Hey guys, this is Rob Williams. I hope that chapter turned you on, and I welcome your comments and suggestions, which can be very helpful in planning future chapters. E-mail me in confidence at rw6789@aol.com.

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