A Trial of Strength

A TRIAL OF STRENGTH – PART 588 by Rob Williams

CHAPTER 588 – "GRADY'S LUST FOR COWBOY CHARLIE"

IN THIS CHAPTER:

The rugged cowboy, Charlie, makes an unexpected appearance at the big Grady House party, much to the delight of his boys Noah and Vic, and to the lust of handsome action-movie star Grady. Charlie hatches a plot with his boys, and Grady's cock stiffens when he finds the muscular bare-chested cowboy sprawled on a bench, hat pushed back on his head, hot, horny and hungry for action.

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

Grady, now an international movie star, was currently filming a big-budget movie in which he stars as a lifeguard captain. He and his Italian lover Mario were close friends of the tribe, and Mario confided a problem to Bob, the much-loved and respected co-leader of the tribe.

"Bob, I'm so worried about Grady and his workload. He's working so hard on this movie. When he comes home he smiles and puts on a brave face, but I can tell he's all wound up inside. It's so tough for him being the center of attention all the time, carrying a big expensive movie on his shoulders, broad as they are."

Grady longed to be "just one of the guys" and the only place he could be that was surrounded by the tribe, where the men and boys treated him like a buddy not a movie star. They kidded around with him, laughed with him, laughed at him and he loved being the butt of their jokes.

His main problem was not the actual workload, but the celebrity part – the adulation he received from everyone – the movie crew, the public and the press who all fawned on him and put him on a pedestal. He craved the reverse – to be dominated, degraded. And the obvious man for that was the tribe's rugged gypsy boss Randy.

During a party for the tribe at the Grady House, young Eddie showed off to everyone the publicity pictures he had taken of Grady that were appearing on billboards all over town. That sharply reminded Grady that a grueling publicity tour was looming, complete with the attention and adulation he hated. So he took himself off to a remote corner of the extensive grounds – which is where Randy and his buddy Mark found him feeling sorry for himself.

The gypsy and the cop dealt him the humiliation he longed for. Forced to crawl, then kneel, hands tied behind his back, he was ordered to suck off the gypsy and the cop in turn, then take their dicks up his ass. His degradation complete, Randy growled, "OK, man, you're done. You're nothing. A piece if shit nothing. Let me hear you say it, dude."

"The handsome face winced. "I'm nothing, sir. A piece of shit nothing."

His task complete Randy's heart went out to the sobbing man. He untied Grady's wrists and scooped him into his arms. "That's it, buddy, it's over. That's what you needed, and, damn, you got it. You're incredible, dude, you deserve all the applause and adoration you get. Except you don't get it from me," he grinned. "All you get from me is a good ol' caveman fuck."

Randy and Mark left him and went back to the party where the hushed crowd looked up expectantly. Randy grinned, "Relax, guys, he's just fine. He got what he needed, now all he needs is Mario."

Mario thanked the two men profusely, then went and found his lover lying naked on the grass. Mario lay down with him, kissed him and smiled, "Did you get everything you needed, amore?"

"And then some," Grady grinned. "Buddy, I will never again complain of being on a pedestal. Getting pulled off it and degraded is really hard work ... and a whole lot of fun." He flashed Mario that gleaming smile that always made Mario's dick hard. "I'm sorry I behaved so weirdly, dude, but think I can face all that publicity stuff, now ... I think."

"Oh, I've been thinking about that, amico. Listen, whenever a big star like you goes on a promotional tour he always has an entourage to take care of him – such as a personal assistant, a photographer and so on. So I just called George, our liaison at the studio publicity department, and he said of course you must have people with you that you felt comfortable with.

"He made sure I would be coming with you as your personal manager. He said you should have a photographer for candid shots and urged us to bring Eddie as traveling photographer, as they were so impressed by the publicity pictures he's already taken.

"Plus he feels strongly that you should have someone from the crew to field technical questions, and suggested Jamie and Nate as they are pivotal to the production, and worked so closely with you at the beach. They would be invaluable in explaining the intricacies of the surfing scenes. He anticipates a lot of questions about that, for a lifeguard movie shot mostly at the beach.

He also mentioned that you and your entourage would travel on the studio's corporate jet. I know the boys would love that, but I thought I'd run it by you first before I asked them. Grady, we could have a really fun trip, take a lot of the pressure off you."

Grady laughed. "Mario, you're a genius ... and gorgeous, and sexy, and smart, a perfect lover, a terrific fuck."

Mario laughed, "Come on, flatterer. Let's go back to the party and tell the boys about the trip."

========= CHAPTER 588 =========

<><> MARIO MAKES AN ANNOUNCEMENT <><>

As Mario and Grady walked back through the grounds to where the big party was in full swing Grady said, "You go join the guys first, Mario and suck up all of the attention, deflect it from me. You know how I hate to make the big entrance."

"Not too sure you can avoid that, amico, you know you're always the star attraction."

"But that's exactly what I'm trying to avoid, dude. That's why Randy and Mark just roughed me up, humiliated me, made me crawl and say I was a piece-of-shit nothing. They were ripping me down off that celebrity pedestal I hate, and it did the trick. I don't want all the guys to put me back up there."

Mario laughed that silvery laugh Grady loved so much. "Amore, I don't think there's much chance of that. All those guys are your buddies, they ignore all that celebrity movie-star nonsense. They want you to be `just one of the guys' as much as you do. They probably prefer you looking up at them from the ground, rather than looking down from a pedestal. But if you think it will help, I'll go first."

When Mario appeared and joined the large group of men and boys, all eyes were on him. So, as Grady had hoped, he did suck up all the attention before the guys went back to partying. They all knew the score and didn't pester Mario with questions about how Grady was doing.

Grady finally came through the bushes, barefoot and shirtless in just his faded red lifeguard shorts, the shreds of his ripped tank hanging round his neck. At first he was ignored until Zack's voice rang out, "Hey, guys, look what the cat dragged in."

That set off a cacophony of insults. "Huh, my cat would take one sniff o' that and spit it out." ... "Hey, dude, what's with the scabby knees and dirty chest?" ... "And the ripped shirt - you get a little tied up did ya?" ... "How about that jizz all over you – you been fucking the racoons again?"

Grady flashed the famous smile and raised his middle finger. "Fuck you all ... I love you guys. Hey who'd you have to fuck to get a drink around here?"

"Me, sir, me sir," the boys chorused.

"Gadzooks," he declaimed theatrically, "is that a pitcher that I see before me?"

He sat at a table with the other guys and someone poured him a large margarita. And with that, the party continued and Grady was enveloped in the crowd – just one of the guys.

While Grady drank and laughed, Mario was busy walking around unobtrusively and chatting first to Hassan, then to Mark and Adam, sounding them out about their boys. They all smiled and nodded their agreement. Mario came to the table and tapped a spoon on a glass for attention.

"Scusi signori. I do not want to interrupt the festivities but Grady and I have some news for Jamie, Nate and Eddie, that you all might want to hear too."

Mario sat with Grady and they were joined by the three boys he had named. Mario said, "You all know, of course, that these three guys are on the team working closely with Grady on his movie, especially the beach scenes. Their friendship and support during filming means everything to Grady.

"He is full of praise for their work – Jamie and Nate in the very complicated surfing scenes, and Eddie producing such great candid photos of Grady that, as he showed you earlier, they are being featured on billboards at the start of the publicity campaign. And that campaign is why I have been impolite enough to briefly interrupt your party with this little speech.

"As you no doubt also know, the prospect of a publicity blitz spotlighting Grady horrifies him. He hates the celebrity part of being a movie star and would much rather be `something the cat dragged in' as Zack just put it so elegantly. Thank you, Zack." Zack flashed a smile and raised his glass to acknowledge the cheers.

"Grady was feeling depressed about always being treated as an object of praise and adulation, and I'm happy to say that our friends Randy and Mark soon took care of that, reducing him from movie-star to that thing the cat dragged in. Mille grazie, signori." Mario gave them a slight bow and they too raised their glasses to the boisterous cheers.

"Particularly daunting is the multi-city publicity tour the studio wants Grady to make, consisting of many press conferences, photo ops, interviews – the whole publicity machine. However, I think, I hope, we have found a way to make it less daunting. Grady and I have a liaison at the studio's publicity office, George, whom I spoke to while Grady was being reduced to ..."

"... something the cat dragged in," the boys all chorused merrily."

"Precisely. Thank you boys for that clarification. George agreed that when a celebrity travels on one of these grueling tours he always has an entourage. And he suggested four people.

"He wants me to accompany Grady as his personal manager. And George said we should also have a couple of crew members to explain the technicalities of all the pivotal surfing scenes, which seem to be of great interest to the public. They would naturally be Jamie and Nate who have worked so hard on the scenes. Finally, he said, we should take along our own photographer for candid shots throughout the tour – Eddie, of course.

"That all depends, of course, on the boys agreeing to join us. You are under no obligation, gentlemen. I have already taken the liberty of first consulting your men – Hassan, Mark and Adam – who all see it as a great opportunity. Oh, I might add as maybe another enticement, that all travel from city to city would be on board one of the studio's private corporate jets.

"Thank you for listening gentlemen, and I apologize again for interrupting the party. Please, eat up, drink and be merry." Mario sat down to a stunned silence.

<><> THE REHEARSAL - EDDIE <><>

Eddie's triumphant cheer broke the silence and set off a babble of excited voices. Eddie flung his arms round his Marine Hassan who was sitting next to him. "Did you hear that, sir? A corporate jet! I've never been inside a corporate jet. When we went to Phoenix to photograph the rodeo we drove one way and flew back on a regular plane." He frowned. "They have toilets and food and stuff on those private jets, don't they? They'd have to ..."

"Eddie, hold it right there, boy. Is that all you heard in Mario's announcement, `corporate jet'?" Kid, he wasn't talking about a joyride. This is serious stuff. You'll be going with a major movie star on an important publicity tour to promote a big-budget movie. And you'll be expected to create a record of it on camera.

"More than that, you'll attend the press conferences and be expected to answer questions from the press on how you get candid shots of a celebrity. This is the big time. You can't screw it up."

Eddie looked suitably chastened. "Sorry, sir, I guess I went off the deep end didn't I? Me and my mouth. But I can do it, I know I can. I'll keep my big mouth zipped up, I won't let anyone down. Sir, will you mind me leaving you alone for so long? I mean I know you love it when I ..."

"No sweat, kiddo," Hassan smiled. "I'll miss you, of course, but this is a terrific opportunity for you. You'll meet lots of important people who could help you in your career. I'll be fine – provided when you get back you come running to me first."

While Hassan was calming Eddie down, Jamie and Nate, with their men Mark and Adam, were huddling with Mario and Grady, asking questions and generally getting used to the whole exciting idea. They had overheard what Hassan said to Eddie, and Jamie echoed that now.

"I'm not sure how well I would do, either, with those guys firing questions at me. Grady's used to this stuff but we're always in the background. Describing how a surfer surfs and how we organize two dozen surfers to gather in the same space at the same time and ride in together ... it's as tough to explain as it is to do."

Mark smiled reassuringly. "Jamie, you're an expert, you've been surfing for years. If anyone can explain it you can. Just don't get rattled, take your time and they'll be fascinated."

"But we gotta have fun doing it, mates," Nate said in his Australian drawl. "We don't wanna look like deer in headlights. Working at the beach is fun, after all, and we gotta get that across."

"You are absolutely right, amico," Mario smiled. "Maybe the thought of all this sounds a bit scary right now, but you'll get used to it and relax. Wouldn't hurt to do a few practice rounds, get used to the experience. If you would like, we can do a bit right now."

"Great idea, Mario," said Bob, injecting himself into the conversation for the first time and taking charge. "OK, Grady, Mario and the three boys sit over here at this long table, all on one side, like the Last Supper. And this unruly crowd facing you is the press. An easy-going trial run where you can't do any damage is just what you need."

Amid an eager buzz of voices the participants at the makeshift `press-conference' seated themselves at the designated table, with Grady in the center, Mario and Eddie on his right, Jamie and Nate on his left. Eddie playfully arranged several empty beer bottles in the middle of the table, tilted toward them as pretend microphones.

"OK," Bob grinned, "I'll be the moderator. Gentlemen of the press, we are fortunate to have with us today' ... blah, blah, blah ... I introduce you all ... I'm sure you are brimming with questions about this movie event for our panel, so fire away'."

There was a deafening silence, as the crowd, deputized as press-men, were struck dumb. Just as the silence became embarrassing, one intrepid soul raised a hand.

"Yes, you sir," a relieved Bob said to Hassan. "Er, I have a question about that picture we're seeing everywhere these days – the one with the lifeguard Hunter surfacing in the water. My question is, how do you get a candid shot like that?"

"Excellent question sir, which I'll address to our candid cameraman Eddie. Over to you Eddie."

Seeing all the eyes suddenly trained on him, Eddie froze, like the deer in headlights Nate had warned against. He opened his mouth but nothing came out. It was an attack of stage fright ... and for once in his life, the ever-talkative Eddie was at a loss for words.

Reflexively he looked at his man Hassan for help. Hassan gave a reassuring smile and a nod and two hearty thumbs up. And that did the trick.

Eddie cleared his throat and took a deep breath. "Well, like ... see, it's two things really ... luck and timing ... and I mean split-second timing. You have to capture an instant in time, and to do that you have to think ahead ... just a split second ahead. You can't wait till you see the ideal shot, `cos by the time you click the shutter it will have changed. You have to anticipate the shot and click a split second before you see it.

"Take that picture you mentioned, sir. That happened on the first day of shooting. Grady and the other surfers were riding a wave when Grady tumbled off his board and took a header into the water. Of course the director yelled `Cut' as the take was ruined.

"But I didn't cut, and kept the camera on the spot where I was sure he would surface. Thing is, I knew that, Grady being Grady, he would be laughing when he surfaced and then shake the water from his eyes. I was right. When he came up he was laughing, with water streaming down his face. I knew that in the next nano-second he would shake his head, so I pressed the shutter, and I caught the magic moment when Grady sprayed water everywhere.

"'Course, all that means you gotta know your subject real well. I've spent hours taking shots of Grady and I know his every mood and move. That's how I was sure he would be laughing ... `cos he's always laughing, especially when he makes a mistake."

"But like I said, there's also a whole lot a' luck involved in this." Eddie gave his urchin grin and leaned forward into the beer-bottle `microphones'. "So I guess the short answer to your question, sir, is ... I just got lucky." T here was a momentary silence when Eddie finished, and then the cheers and applause erupted. Mario turned and shook his hand, while Hassan pumped his fist in the air and smiled at Randy and Bob, and then proudly at Eddie, who was actually blushing. Bob smiled, "Excellent response, Eddie, thank you. A great lesson to us all on how an expert works. OK, gentlemen, next question ..."

<><> THE REHEARSAL – JAMIE & NATE <><>

The ice was broken and Eddie's articulate answer had emboldened everyone. Mark came next, with a question, naturally, for Jamie. "I believe you are what's known as the surfer wrangler, and I'm wondering how on earth you get a couple dozen surfer extras to perform all in sync. What special skills does that call for and how do you coordinate with the director?"

Jamie smiled, "It's not easy – I always think of it as choreography on the waves. But this isn't a line of high-kicking Rockettes, they're independent surfers. And with all due respect to our director, there's someone much more important than him or any of us – Mother Nature.

"Any surfer will tell you it's all in the timing, but we don't set the timing, Mother Nature does. She controls the weather, the tides, the surf conditions, even the clouds the director has to deal with to match the light.

"I'm not sure if I have special skills, but I have spent years of my life surfing in Malibu, in all kinds of winds, waves and weather. So I've got to know all of Mother Nature's moods and whims. I feel like she and I have become pals, so when, for example, the director asks me how long he has to set up the next take, I can give him a pretty accurate estimate.

Of course Grady's performance on the surf is crucial and we work closely together. He had previously done plenty of surfing but not to the skill level required here. When I coached him, I gotta say, he was tireless and never lost his good humor. There was a lot of trial and error, many tumbles off the board, but whenever Grady resurfaced he was laughing. Fortunately Eddie captured that beautifully for the public to share.

"In short, this is definitely a team effort, and we have a terrific team."

Again, more enthusiastic cheers from the crowd as Jamie beamed at Mark. "OK," Bob said, "time for one more question, gentlemen."

"This time it was Adam who raised his hand. "I'd like to get Nate's take on what we've just heard. After all, it must be intimidating to work with a big international star like Grady."

Nate grinned and said in his Aussie drawl. "Not at all, mate. Working with Grady is bloody brilliant, `cos he is such a fun bloke. He makes us laugh a lot, even when the pressure's on, which it is most of the time.

But I also gotta hand it to my mate Jamie for the way he runs things. See, surfers are by nature a real independent bunch ... they're out there alone, make their own decisions about when to get up on the board and ride a wave. So it's tough for them to take orders, but they do from Jamie `cos they respect him so much. Jamie is endlessly patient and he's always cool if one of the surfers loses his temper and acts up like a prima donna."

"Course, the one guy who could be a prima donna is Grady, but I've never seen that. Even though he's under so much pressure he never loses his cool when there are problems, and we always have a great time with him. You described him as a big international star, but not to us he ain't. To us he's a regular bloke, our mate. Like ... like just one of the guys." Nate raised his beer bottle in a toast. "So good on ya, mate." Everyone else raised their glasses and Adam drank a proud toast to his boy Nate.

Bob led the applause, "Thank you gentlemen, I'm afraid that's it. The panel has two more stops today and the corporate jet is already on the tarmac waiting for them. And I'm sorry we didn't get to ask you any questions, Grady, we got so engrossed in your team.

Grady stood up with his dazzling smile. "And weren't they terrific? I'm glad you didn't get to me `cos it would have been such an anticlimax. They're much more interesting than I am."

He smiled down at Mario. "This is gonna be such a great trip, amico. Thank you. And my thanks to you all, especially Randy and Mark for knocking some sense into me earlier. You're a terrific bunch of men and boys and I'm proud to be, as Nate said, just one of the guys."

<><> A SURPRISE VISITOR <><>

The party was becoming more and more festive as these events unfolded. The chefs brought out new dishes to replenish the buffet, which looked as if it would stretch way into mid-afternoon. The men were content to nibble on the food and knock back the margaritas, while many of the boys took to the pool.

Hassan and Eddie sat on a double-wide chaise, with the Marine's arm round his boy. "Kid, that question I threw at you, you really knocked it out of the ballpark. If you do that well on the tour you'll impress the hell out of everyone."

"Sir, that thing Bob said about the jet waiting for us on the tarmac. Will the host really say stuff like that?"

"Nah, Bob was exaggerating to make it sound glamorous. Of course you'll travel on the studio's jet as Mario said, but all that stuff is taken for granted. When each press conference is over you'll all be hustled into a limo and driven to the airport where the jet will be waiting.

"But you're gonna need all that comfort cos the tour will be tough. I know cos I've done recruitment tours for the Marines. Companies cram as many events as they can into a day, and you're gonna be exhausted at the end of each day. But you'll be sleeping in top hotels – nothing but the best for Grady and his guys. Kiddo, you're gonna have a blast. Just give the kind of answers you gave us and you'll be fine."

All over the garden men and boys were now relaxing in groups and couples – including Jamie and Nate – Randy, Bob and Mark – and of course Mario and Grady. Up to now the youngsters who worked in the office, Vic and Noah, had been part of the noisy crowd, so nobody really noticed when they ran excitedly up to Grady and Mario. "Sir, sir, we got something to ask you."

As they spoke softly and with some urgency, a smile spread over Mario's face and Grady said, "Wow, this I gotta see." Mario called Brian over and he too smiled at Vic and Noah as Mario quietly gave him instructions.

Brian wheeled himself away to the house and soon other guys noticed the agitation in the two kids as they moved restlessly around the garden, whispering conspiratorially to each other.

That went on for an hour or so until the assembled crowd was surprised to hear the gate buzzer sound. Couldn't be a late arrival as everyone was already here. Anyway, Brian would take care of it, checking the monitor in the security room.

But Vic and Noah were not so complacent. In fact they smiled at each other and ran quickly toward the gates. When they swung open silently the boys dashed out, and when the crowd heard excited voices from outside all attention focused on the open gates.

A cheer went up when in walked cowboy Charlie with his arms over the boys flanking him. He was wearing his usual tight jeans, cowboy boots and a brown leather vest open over his bare muscular chest. A red bandana hug loosely round his neck and the whole macho effect was topped by the inevitable cowboy hat.

A wide, sexy smile lit his square-jawed face as he shouted in his Texas drawl. "Howdy, guys. Ya'll got room here for a lonesome cowboy?"

Randy got up and strode over to him. "Hey big brother," Charlie grinned, "great to see that handsome mug again." He released his boys, held out his arms and wrapped them round his gypsy brother in a tight man-hug.

"So how come my hunky cowboy brother is crashing our party?"

"I was driving from Arizona to my next rodeo in San Diego and as I got a couple a' days off I thought I'd make a detour through L.A. so I could visit my boys – and ya'll of course. I called the two rascals but they told me there was nobody home, ya'll were up here at the Grady House. I'd heard about this place when I briefly met Mario and Grady at that big dinner you gave when I first met y'all, but I never had the chance to visit."

He looked around at the expansive grounds and large house. "Great spread y'all got here, but what's with all the security? Worse than backstage at the rodeo ... like getting into Fort Knox. My boys told me when I get here I should talk to Mario before anything else."

"Yeah, well I'll let Mario explain everything, bro. Kids, can I borrow your man for a few minutes to let Mario do his screening thing?"

"Don't go far, kids," Charlie grinned. "We got a lot to catch up on, plus I'm feeling horny after that long drive." He gave the excited boys a hug and followed Randy though the welcoming crowd.

<><> GRADY & CHARLIE – A MEETING OF THE STARS <><>

Mario had been watching in the crowd, next to Grady who sat slack-jawed and wide-eyed.

"Dude, it's that cowboy, Randy's brother, who we met casually once before. I'd forgotten how fucking gorgeous he is, amico. What a man! Before we ever met him I recall Brian gossiping about a cowboy down at the compound, but I pictured a rough and rugged weather-beaten guy with bandy legs – nothing like this hunk. And here he is again, in our own home this time."

"Stop drooling and make yourself scarce, Grady, while I do my little question-time thing. Always have to make sure."

"OK, but don't forget me. I wanna meet him properly this time, not just jerk off from a distance."

"Go," Mario ordered, and Grady went off to sit with the rest of the crowd – just one of the guys.

"Mario," Randy said as he and Charlie approached, "you remember my brother Charlie from that dinner at the compound?"

"Of course I do." Mario stood up with a gleaming smile on his handsome Italian features, and shook the cowboy's hand. "Ciao, amico, it's a great pleasure to see you again and to welcome you to the Grady House. Our first meeting was so brief that we didn't get to know you at all, so it's nice to have that opportunity at last. Please sit down."

"Damn," Charlie said, "excuse me being blunt, dude, but I'd forgotten how fucking gorgeous you are – those dark Mediterranean looks and sexy accent."

Mario smiled, "Thank you, Charlie, but most people would say you're the one with the sexy accent – that virile Texan drawl."

Just then Charlie felt somebody at his elbow and turned to see a smiling kid in a wheelchair. "Charlie, this is our faithful, charming boy Brian who takes such good care of us."

"Hey kiddo" Charlie smiled. "What, do you boys all go to charm school before you come here? Only the cutest ones pass the test?"

"Thank you, sir," Brian said. "It's nice to meet you at last. You must be needing a drink. Maybe a pitcher of our own house margaritas?"

"Thanks, Brian, that sure would hit the spot. Heavy on the Tequila, right?"

"Always, sir, and the very best Jose Cuervo. Coming right up, sir."

"Mario," Charlie said as Brian wheeled away, "ya'll got a great thing going here ... this house, the grounds, cute boy and the finest tequila. When I first heard the guys mention the Grady house they were tight-lipped and wouldn't talk about it. And now here my boys tell me I gotta come see you before anything else, obviously so you can give me the once-over, see if I fit in."

Charlie laughed, "Don't worry, dude, I have people to do that for me at the rodeo. Like my brother said, I'm the big star on the rodeo circuit, but I never let anyone get too close socially ... got a reputation to protect, and gossip spreads fast. So my guys vet anyone who comes backstage – don't want press guys looking for a story – or making one up.

"So what gives, dude? Like, I already know Grady's this massive celebrity and all. Where is he, by the way? You got him hidden away under lock and key? ... "

Mario threw his head back with his silvery laugh. "Mi scusi, Charlie, I apologize for all the silly secrecy. I should have known you would see right through it, being a celebrity yourself. Grady is over there, in the red shorts talking to your boys – no doubt pumping them for gossip. Grady loves to fade into the background with the rest of the guys."

Charlie squinted. "Yeah, I see. Well good luck fading into the background with that body and face of a Greek God? Believe me, now I understand all the security. You gotta keep a tight lid on that one, you must have paparazzi sniffin' around all the time. Charlie cupped a hand round his mouth and shouted, "Hey, Grady, get that gorgeous ass over here."

Grady looked up and yelled, "Thought you'd never ask, dude." He got up and wended his way through the crowd. Charlie stood and they clasped hands in a bone-crunching handshake. Just then Brian rolled up with a tray of glasses and a pitcher of margaritas.

Mario poured and Grady grinned, "So, Mario, did this guy pass the test? Do you approve?"

"Grady, please don't embarrass me any more than I already am. Of course he saw through me and my silly charade right away."

"Naturally, him being a big star himself."

Charlie chuckled. He sprawled back in his chair and stretched his legs, one boot crossed over the other, and pushed his hat to the back of his head. His leather vest fell open over his bare chest and exposed his pecs as he took a long swig of his drink.

"Mmm, tequila, can't beat it," he grinned, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "So yeah, Grady, a star maybe, but a big fish in a much smaller pond than yours. Mine is the rodeo circuit, a lot of press, a few tabloids and the Cowboy Calendar – photos courtesy of young Eddie over there. Your world is ... well, the whole world. I seen your movies, so I'm used to watching you flash that gorgeous body in a loincloth."

"Yeah, but this is the new loincloth, dude," pointing to his red shorts. "I'm playing a lifeguard captain in a beach movie that they expect to become a franchise like the Tarzan movies did."

"Sure, now you mention it, I read an article about that. And I'm starting to see pictures of you everywhere I go, especially that gorgeous one of you coming out of the water laughing and spraying water everywhere. Beautiful shot."

"Photo by Eddie," Grady smiled.

"No, you don't say. Our Eddie? Damn, I took him and the boys to the Arizona rodeo to take pictures for the calendar and he never once talked about working for you. Just said vaguely he's got a job on a movie. And this from the motormouth with no thought unexpressed – didn't say a word. Dammit, Mario, you got these kids well-trained."

He looked over to where Eddie was chatting animatedly to Jamie and Nate. Charlie shouted to him, "Hey Eddy, from Grady and me ... thanks for making both of us. You're the best." Both stars raised their glasses and Eddie stood up and took an elaborate bow.

After another drink, Grady said, "So let's gets down to the nitty-gritty, Charlie. I gotta check out one thing again, `cos I found it hard to believe the first time. Is it still true what you said when we first met, that you don't fuck guys? A guy as sexy and macho as you, surrounded by all these hunks and cute boys. How can that be? Have you jumped the fence to our side yet?"

"'Fraid not, Grady. Sorry to disappoint ... if it is a disappointment."

"Of course it is, man ... are you sure?"

"Grady" Mario protested, "leave the man alone. He's our guest, it is most inappropriate to ..."

"No, Mario," Charlie said, "I don't mind talking about it. Fact is, I've asked myself the same question sometimes since I met this tribe of sexy men and boys.

"Oh don't get me wrong. Before coming here it never crossed my mind to mess around with guys, even though, god knows, there are enough hot cowboys in the rodeo. No, I'm happy with the girls who hang out at the rodeo, the groupies. I could have my pick and frequently do. But I never get involved with any of them – strictly one-nighters.

"Then I came here and met loving couples like Randy and Bob, Zack and Miguel, and now you two. But I guess it's just chemistry, I don't swing that way. Then I met those kids Noah and Vic and they moved me so much I kind of fell in love with them – like my kid brothers. They get their jollies fucking each other so they don't need me for that, but I like sleeping with them and I let them suck my cock, I do get off on that.

"Matter of fact, I was thinking of that on the long drive out here, and I'm sure they were too as soon as they got my phone call. In many ways they're just ordinary kids, a bit on the skinny side, not so buff and handsome as the other boys. But look at them now, so excited, gripping each other's hands. They move me to tears sometimes. Not sure what the feeling is, but ..."

"Charlie," Mario smiled, "I always say there's a very fine line between love and compassion, in whatever form – between lovers, brothers, parent and kid."

"It's true," Grady added. "It's exactly what I feel for young Brian. When I see him rushing around in his wheelchair, working so hard, keeping up with the other boys ... he's so brave he makes me cry. I can't wait to haul him in bed with me at the end of the day, wrap my arm round him and exchange gossip. It's my second favorite thing, next to making love to this Italian dude."

Mario said, "Charlie I've been monopolizing you and you've hardly said two words to your boys since you arrived. You're right, they look so excited waiting for you to join them. You must go.

"And I have an idea Grady. When Charlie and his boys are ready, you should take them to our secret garden and open it up so they can really be together, away from the Madding Crowd. Charlie, it's a magical place, hidden behind high hedges, where Grady and I make love often."

"Sounds like a plan, Mario. "Y'all are such beautiful guys, inside and out. And I tell you what, Grady ... if the day ever comes I decide I wanna fuck a guy, you'll be the first to know, tiger."

<><> CHARLIE & HIS BOYS HATCH A PLOT <><>

As Charlie approached Vic and Noah he saw them tense up with excitement. "Sorry to neglect you, kids, but you told me to check in with Mario first, so I did. So what's happening?"

He sat down and felt a touch on his elbow. It was Brian, sliding a fresh glass in front of him and a full pitcher of margaritas. "Thanks Brian. Hey, you really know how to take care of a guy."

"Yes, sir, and in more ways than one," Brian grinned.

"I bet... and I bet you know everything that goes on around here, and report back to Grady in your gossip sessions."

"Right again, sir. And he loves it."

"So he told me. Right up there with making love to Mario."

"It's a regular pattern – gossip first, then making love. But I mustn't keep you from your boys, sir. You must have a lot to talk about. How many nights will you be staying with us, sir?"

"Well, I was thinking tonight and Sunday, if that's convenient. I know I crashed the party unexpectedly, so if you can just find a couch somewhere for me ..."

"Sir," Brian said archly, "we at the Grady House would never ask a guest to sleep on a couch. We have many guestrooms. Actually, I have not assigned the pool house yet and I was thinking it would be just right for you and the boys. It's self-contained, with a large bedroom, king-size bed, full bathroom and even a small kitchen. And you're right by the pool if you decide to take a moonlight swim. How does that sound?"

"Thanks, Brian, sounds perfect to me. How about it, kids?"

"Yes please, sir," they chorused.

"And I'm told you and the boys will be visiting the secret garden soon, sir. Mario has the only key and he's given it to Grady who will take you there when you're ready."

Brian, you're a doll. Grady's a lucky guy." Brian wheeled away and Noah poured the drinks. "That kid's adorable, don't you think, boys? And he runs this house from a wheelchair!"

"He's a good buddy of ours, sir, and he loves his life here. He's devoted to Grady and Mario."

"OK, so now that it's just us, fill me in on Grady. I've got a feeling there's a whole lot I don't know about the guy. He talks a lot about sex, don't he?"

"And has a lot of it, sir," Noah said. "But only here at the house. Jamie and Eddie tell us that when he's filming he's the real professional. He works extremely hard, so when he gets home, especially at parties like this, he lets his hair down."

Noah glanced at Vic who said, "It's OK to tell you this, sir, `cos everyone else talks about it and Grady doesn't mind, he likes it. You've heard that Grady loves being able to be himself, just like the other guys. He hates all the attention he gets as a celebrity and often wants the very reverse, to be treated badly."

"Like, sexually you mean."

"Exactly, sir," Noah said, "and as recently as this morning. At the start of the party Eddie was showing off the pictures he'd taken of Grady, but that only reminded him of his fame, and the upcoming publicity tour he dreads. He went off on his own and Randy and Mark teamed up to give him just what he wanted – to be dominated, sexually abused and humiliated. They made him crawl, suck their dicks with his hands tied behind his back, then take their dicks up his ass."

Vic took over. "He totally got off on it. See, he plays a macho action-star in the movies, but at home here he wants to shed that image. He's real turned on by rugged, macho guys – fantasy guys like the big gypsy boss, a cop, leathermen, and by a cowboy too. I bet he fantasizes about being worked over by you. Noah and me saw his expression when he watched you come in."

Charlie grinned. "You know, when Mario suggested Grady take us to this secret garden of theirs I thought I caught something in his look. Why have Grady show us the way when he or Brian could do it just as easily? `Course, fucking him is out for me, but I think we can do something for the guy. It would be kinda hot to watch a macho action hero, Tarzan or this lifeguard captain, grovel to a cowboy.

"But kids, here I go letting my imagination take over. What I really want is to be with you, not get distracted by some hotshot movie star."

The boys glanced at each other and Vic grinned, "We could do both, sir. After all, we have the whole weekend with you, sir, in that sexy pool house."

"So, y'all wouldn't mind a little detour to the wild side, helping a big ol' cowboy dominate a macho movie heartthrob? We could have a blast, and it's a great way to get our rocks off. OK, kids, we're on – you just have to follow my lead. So here's what I have in mind ....

<><> THE SECRET GARDEN <><>

Noah and Vic tingled with excitement as they followed Charlie across the garden, admiring his sexy, slightly bowlegged cowboy strut. They loved it when he got playful and took them on little adventures like this. When they came up to where Mario and Grady were sitting together Charlie said, "Hey y'all. Did someone mention some kinda secret garden?"

"Certamente, amico. It's a very special place for us, and Grady will be happy to show you the way. You have the key, Grady?"

There it is again, Charlie thought, that look that passed between them. He recalled how Mario was always looking for ways to please his lover, and he had no doubt this was one of them.

Barefoot and bare-chested in just his red boardshorts, Grady jumped up and smiled, "Follow me guys, you're in for a treat."

"He is too," Charlie whispered to his boys with a wink as they followed Grady into a remote part of the grounds. They came to a high dense hedge and were surprised to see Grady walk right up to it. Only when he brushed branches aside did they see the low door set in the thick hedge.

"The magic door," Grady smiled, fumbling with the key. He unlocked it and the old door creaked open. They all went in, Charlie stooping under the low door, and once inside immediately felt the difference here from the outside world. It was the sound, mostly, or lack of it. The high hedge seemed to go all round the garden, blocking out all noise from the outside. The only sounds were the breeze rustling through the tall grasses, and the distant trickle of water.

"OK, guys, I'll leave you to it," Grady said with obvious reluctance.

"Please don't," Charlie said. "I'd like you see how two great kids take care of their cowboy when he comes home from the rodeo, hot and horny after riding bucking broncos, gripping their flanks hard with his thighs."

That image alone was enough to stop Grady leaving, and he led them further into the dense wilderness, a garden left to grow wild. The overgrown paths wound through the shrubs and tall grasses, before opening into a clearing beside a stream fed by a small waterfall.

"This is the spot where Mario and I always make love on the grass by the stream."

"Hear that boys?" Charlie grinned. "This is the love patch." He flung himself down and lay on his back, pushed his hat forward, linked his hands behind his head and smiled up at his boys. With his bare arms bent at the elbows, his biceps bulged and his brown leather vest fell open off the slabs of his pecs.

Grady stared down at the iconic sight – a rangy, muscled cowboy lounging in the grass, red bandana round his neck, tight jeans clinging to his slim waist, his scuffed cowboy boots completing the erotic picture that Grady had often imagined in his mind's eye.

Now, as then, he focused on the bulge in the cowboy's tight jeans. Following Grady's gaze Charlie grinned, "Hey kids, how about you take care of your man, eh?"

Eagerly they knelt in the grass on either side of him and pressed their mouths together over the bulge. "Hmm, now we're getting somewhere," Charlie grinned. "Ok, boys, go for the gold."

Noah slowly unbuttoned the jeans and Vic eased his hand inside and grinned as he pulled out the cowboy's long, thick semi-hard cock. "You kids wanna take turns getting that thing hard?"

"Yes please, sir," they said in unison. Vic went first, bending low and sucking the cock into his mouth while Noah watched. Charlie reached up, curled his hand round Noah's head and pulled his face down into a warm, tongue-searching kiss."

Grady's cock was roaring hard in his shorts as he watched the boys servicing their cowboy, one kissing his lips, the other sucking his cock. What made it worse for Grady was his craving to join in. But he knew this was between the cowboy and his boys and that's how Charlie wanted it. Of course the frustrated Grady could have simply walked away and left them to it, but that thought never even entered his mind. He was rooted to the spot, riveted by the sight.

When Vic's jaw was aching he pulled back and let Noah have his turn. Charlie released Noah, gabbed Vic instead and pulled him into a well-lubricated kiss while Noah lowered his mouth slowly over the stiffening rod. It wasn't long before it became hard as iron and the boys went to work on it together as they had so often in the past.

Grady rubbed his own bulge as he looked down in awe at the huge shaft. He was longing to join the boys, craving a taste of it, or even just a touch of the cowboy's husky body. He moaned as he watched one boy go down on the cock again while the other licked his neck, then down the cleft between his pecs, his ripped abs and finally his pubic hair. The boys' faces were close together and their lips touched as one sucked the cock, the other his wiry pubes.

Charlie's handsome face was rolling from side to side, moaning, "That's it, kids, make your man feel good." He winced. "But don't make him bust a load ... I ain't ready to drain my nuts yet."

Their faces pulled back and he winked at them, unseen by Grady. They were ready for the next part of their plan. The boys stood up and took a few steps back, leaving a clear line of vision for Grady, who watched the cowboy stuff his huge, rigid cock back in his jeans. Lazily he got to his feet, stretched and flexed. And then, to Grady's surprise and disappointment, Charlie walked away through the bushes."

"What's he doing, where's he going?" Grady asked.

"He sometimes does that," Noah said. "When we're working on him we bring him right to the brink, but if he don't wanna cum yet he tells us to stop and he takes a break. He goes away, closes his eyes, and when he opens them again we know he's ready for more."

"But where's he gone?"

"Dunno, sir," Vic said. "We're kinda lost in the secret garden, but you know your way around it." The boys exchange fleeting smiles. "You could go look for him sir."

"Yeah, yeah, I should do that. Don't want him to get lost or anything." Grady went through the bushes where Charlie had disappeared. The grinning boys waited a while, then followed him.

<><> THE COWBOY RIDES AGAIN <><>

When Charlie had first followed Grady through the secret garden he had glimpsed through the trees an old rustic bench in a small clearing. That's where he had headed, and where Grady now found him. The horny movie-star emerged from the bushes ... and gasped. "Fuck ..."

The scene that met his eyes was definitely what he called a `masturbatory image." Slouched back on the bench was a shirtless cowboy who appeared to be asleep, his bare, muscular chest heaving with his deep breaths.

His arms were stretched out along the back of the bench, head sagging forward, hat pushed forward over his eyes. He had shed the leather vest, the red bandana still round his neck. His long sexy waist was cinched by his tight beltless jeans, legs manspread out before him, scuffed boots resting on the grass.

It was an image straight out of Grady's dreams, the kind of homoerotic picture he imagined when he felt horny and jerked off. And now that picture had come to life – at least still-life.

Grady desperately wanted to touch the sleeping cowboy, better yet clamp his mouth over that bulge in his jeans. He looked behind him for support from the boys, but there was no sign of them. (They were in fact hidden behind the bushes, holding each other's hands as they watched the erotic scene Charlie had promised them.)

Grady cleared his throat, but the sleeping cowboy didn't move. Gripped with frustration Grady cleared his throat noisily and coughed. At last the cowboy stirred slowly, yawned and stretched his arms up. With one finger he pushed the cowboy hat back on his head, off his face, and he narrowed his eyes as if seeing Grady for the first time.

"Hey, what we got here?" he said in his Texas drawl, a roguish grin spreading over his rugged features. "Damnit, that's hot. They lifeguard shorts you got on? That what you are? Jeez, I gotta get a good look at that." One hand went down over the bulge in his jeans while the other squeezed one of his nipples.

"Fuck, a man could rub one out just looking at that. Great body, dude, and that face! Hell, boy, you could be a movie star with those looks." Grady took a breath to speak but Charlie said, "No, no, don't talk. I just wanna feast my eyes on that and jerk off. Show me what you got, stud. Flex those muscles for me."

Hugely turned on Grady did as ordered. He raised his arms in a series of bodybuilder poses – flexed his biceps, then pressed his fists into his waist, flared his lats and flexed his abs. He linked his hands behind his head, twisted his torso and tightened his waist and glutes.

"Dammit to hell, man, that is fuckin' beautiful. OK, lose the shorts, stud."

Eager to please the macho cowboy, Grady unlaced his shorts, let them drop and his cock flew out, stiff as a flagpole.

"Damn, look at that fucking schlong. Put your hands behind your back like their tied and let me see you struggle to get free."

Again Grady did as he was told, his flawless physique on full display. "Holy crap!" Charlie ripped open his jeans, pulled out his stiff dick and stroked it. "Keep that up dude ... yeah, fucking gorgeous, what a stud ... and his cock's dripping pre-cum. Hold still, man, I just wanna gaze at the body and bust my load. Fuck yeah ... fuck ... here it comes, dude ..."

"No, don't. Don't come, not yet ..."

Charlie took his hand off his cock and his eyes flashed. "What the fuck? You giving me orders, dude? Who the fuck do you think you are?"

"Sorry ... sorry, sir. It's just that you're such a turn-on I want to touch you, help you cum."

"Oh yeah? You're horny too, uh? OK, let me see you stroke your dick, man. Slow ... and don't you dare cum."

Grady obediently stroked his cock, though he was so close he struggled not to lose his load. The cowboy beat his own meat and grinned, "So you wanna touch me, eh?"

"Yes please, sir. I want it real bad."

"Let's see how bad. I really get off humiliating a macho muscle-god like you, making him beg. Take your hand off your cock, get on your knees and beg, man."

Grady dropped to his knees and stared at the bare-chested cowboy. "Please, sir. Please let me touch you. Let me lick that body ... I'm begging you, sir. I need it so bad. I beg you."

"Hmm, not bad for a topman." The cowboy laughed, "You're actually fucking drooling man. Right ... on all fours and crawl, keep your eyes on me."

On hands and knees the virile action hero crawled slowly forward, drool running down his sagging jaw as he stared at the rugged half-naked cowboy, getting closer.

"It's real hot breaking a naked muscle-jock like you, man. So lick my boots, muscleboy." Eagerly Grady bent his head and licked the scuffed, dirty cowboy boots, then clawed his way up the cowboy's leg. "See that sweaty body, dude? Clean it up."

"Yes, sir." Grady lapped at the ripped abs, then up to the chest and sucked in the sweat trickling down between the solid pecs. In the bushes the boys were tense with excitement, stroking each other's cocks as they watched their man demolish the humbled jock.

"That's enough, boy. Now work my nuts." In a frenzy, Grady buried his face in the cowboy's low-hanging balls, licked them and sucked them into his mouth. Charlie looked down at the familiar movie-star face, his jaw sagging, mouth clamped round his balls. "You're bringing me real close, dude. You want my fucking cock down your throat?"

Grady released the nuts and groaned, "Yes please, sir." He lowered his mouth over the long shaft until it hit the back of his throat and made him choke. He was lost in the fantasy of feasting on the cowboy's huge schlong swelling in his mouth, ready to gulp down the explosion of jizz. But suddenly Charlie grabbed his hair and pulled his face back off him.

"Not yet, dude. I want my boys to get a piece of the action here. Hey kids, I know you're out there watching me turn this muscle-jock into a fuck-toy. Get your butts over here."

Vic and Noah ran forward as Charlie stood up from the bench. "Are we having fun, kids?"

"It's amazing sir," Noah said.

"Good, now you're in on the act." Grady was still on all fours when Charlie hooked his boot under him and flipped him over on his back. Then he kicked his arms out sideways, splayed on the ground. "OK, boys, now kneel down on the jock's hands, one on each side."

"They did as they were told and Grady was immobilized, his hands pinned to the ground under the boys' knees. He looked up to see the shirtless cowboy towering over him, legs astride him. "Time to finish you off, stud."

Still stroking his cock he sank down on his knees astride Grady and sat on his abs. OK, you three have almost made me bust my load close over and over, but now it's time for the real thing. Grady, I wanted to do this the first time I saw that handsome chiseled face. I guess I wanted to own it, and there's one way of doing that."

Charlie leaned forward, his cock pointing straight down at the captive's face. Pounding his cock in one hand, he took off his hat with the other and waved it high in the air, like he always did riding a rodeo stallion. "This is it, guys. This is how you break a stallion."

Waving his hat in triumph, muscles flexed, the shirtless cowboy roared "Yahoo!" as semen blasted from his cock straight into the jock's sagging mouth, and splashed over his movie-star-handsome face.

Grady was choking on cum as Charlie said, "You're on, kids, your turn." The boys had been excitedly stroking their own cocks, holding back their climax that now erupted from both sides onto the writhing face, drenched in the juice of three men.

"Don't move kids." Charlie got to his feet and grinned down at the cum-soaked jock. "You're turn now, stud. But my boys are still kneeling on your hands, so how you gonna jack off? You need a cowboy's help, dude. Like this ..."

Standing over him Charlie raised one boot and pressed it on Grady's cock, pressing it flat on his stomach. Grady groaned as the cowboy ground his boot against his cock, harder and harder. "You're torturing my fucking cock, crushed under your boot."

It was a picture of total defeat, the ultimate humiliation – the rugged cowboy towering over the helpless jock, grinding his cock with his boot. "It hurts so bad, I can't take any more. I give up, you've beaten me, sir. I'm gonna shoot ... aaagh!" His trapped cock spurted jizz up over his stomach until his abs and chest were as drenched in cum as his face.

"OK kids, let him go." The boys released his hands, Charlie took his boot off him, reached down and pulled him to his feet into a tight hug. Charlie grinned, "That's how a cowboy breaks a stallion, dude. And man, you are one fucking stallion."

Wiping the cum out of his eyes Grady grinned, "And you are one fucking cowboy, Charlie. You and your boys are a great team. I tell ya, the Secret Garden's never seen anything like this."

<><> MEANWHILE, MARIO ... <><>

Actually, at that moment, Mario was facing his own temptation. Bob, as a financier, was in charge of the complex financial affairs of Grady and the Grady House, and whenever he was at the house, he and Mario took time out to go over the accounts together.

So they had gone upstairs to Mario's office and now sat side by side. It was only at times like this that they really had the chance to spend time alone together, not surrounded by others. Of course they talked about their men – Mario about Grady, Bob about Randy – and then turned their attention to the accounts ... and to each other.

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

TO BE CONTINUED in "A Trial Of Strength" – Chapter 589

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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