by Sara York
“You hang out here much?” Lafferty asked.
“Yeah, it’s not far from the apartment where you live.”
“The night you showed up on my front door, what was going on?”
Andries checked over his shoulder then met Lafferty’s gaze for a second. “The cops raided the tombs — that’s what we call the basements where we’ve taken over. They were looking to arrest people. I didn’t want to end up in jail. I’d stayed clear for the most part. I mean, I’ve been arrested before, but they never got around to processing me. I was freed because some bigshot was arrested, and he didn’t want it getting out how he’d been sucking cock at the park.”
Lafferty burst out laughing. “Totally not what I expected to hear.”
“Yeah. It happens, though.”
“We should take you down to get tested.”
Andries slowed. “I hate those places.”
“We’ll go together. They’ll be nicer if you’re with your boyfriend, well, husband.”
They rounded the corner at his building, and Lafferty glanced back. No one had followed them. They could keep this apartment and didn’t have to worry about anyone trying to snap photos of them getting busy.
He unlocked the apartment and headed to the bathroom. After he finished, Andries used the bathroom. Lafferty felt uncomfortable with the amount of lust he felt for Andries. He was sure Andries didn’t want him. The guy had already had too much crap. Lafferty was sure Andries had seen way too many guys after him only for sex. Lafferty was older, though not old, and should be more mature. Andries had been used as a sex object, so the last thing Lafferty would do was kiss or touch him. He pushed his lust down, planning to shower before bed so he could quietly jerk off and tame his cock. He worried his dick would demand to break free and chase after Andries if he didn’t take care of it.
Andries stepped out of the bathroom, catching Lafferty mid chuckle. “Something funny?”
“Not really. Just all this stuff. It’s kind of funny to have people chasing us here in New York. I mean, we’re not really big news. My dad owns a big business, and maybe in Houston, we’re news, but not here.”
“So Christmas, I’m going to have to go home with you, right?”
“Yes. I’m glad we got your ID. I have a ticket, let me make sure I can get a ticket on the same plane for you.”
He pulled up his travel account and found the information about his flight. There were two more seats on the plane. He purchased the ticket and paid for the seat.
“We aren’t sitting together, the plane is full, but we’re only a few rows apart.”
Andries’ lips were thin and his brow furrowed. “I’ve not flown in years.”
The desire to reach up and smooth his fingers over Andries’ brow was so strong he almost did it. He stopped himself, forcing his hands to his side.
“I’ll be on the plane with you. Once we land in Houston, we’ll be together for the rest of the trip. The return flight we’ll be able to sit together.
Andries nodded. “This is all so weird.”
“I know.” He drew in a deep breath and closed his computer. “I need to shower, then I’ll probably go to bed.”
“Sure. Sleep would be good. I’d like to maybe look for more work. I know it’s going to be tough getting anything right now with the holidays and all.”
Lafferty didn’t say anything, just nodded as he walked into the bathroom and shut the door. He stared at his reflection for a long moment, unsure what the hell he was doing. Someone was going to end up hurt, and he prayed it wasn’t Andries.
Chapter Four
The days flew by fast. Not being on the streets was a luxury Andries didn’t think he’d ever live to see. Lafferty was the kindest man alive. Not once had he made an advance. There were a few times Andries had thought he’d seen lust in Lafferty’s eyes, but he had to have been mistaken. Lafferty was sweet, kind, gentle, and a good friend. While Lafferty did most of his work on the computer, he did go to a few meetings, but usually, he was at home.
By some miracle, Andries had found a job delivering Christmas packages for a store. The one dude who’d been trying to get his and Andries photograph had given up, so they were free to go about their business. Lafferty usually had dinner ready for him when he got home. It was crazy how much money he was making running packages from a store to someone’s high rise condo. Of course, Lafferty wasn’t allowing him to pay for anything, so all the money he made went into the bank account Lafferty had helped him set up.
It was Christmas Eve, and they were leaving in the morning on their trip to Texas. He’d agreed to meet with his dad after the holidays. He wasn’t sure what he would say. Lafferty was going to head to London, and he’d be back here in the dungeon. He actually liked the apartment, or maybe he liked being with Lafferty.
“Hey, I’m packed, what about you?” Lafferty asked as he stepped in from outside.
“I’m good.”
“Do you want to go out for dinner tonight?” Lafferty put a bottle of wine on the countertop.
“Wine. Nice. Are you celebrating anything special?”
“Not really. Just life and Christmas Eve.”
Andries chuckled. “I like celebrating life, and I guess it is Christmas Eve. I haven’t celebrated Christmas in a while.”
Lafferty flashed him a worried smile. “So this weekend, they’re going to expect us to sleep in the same bed.”
Andries drew in a slow breath and nodded. “I thought they would.”
“And…” Lafferty grabbed the bottle opener and uncorked the wine. He poured up two glasses and handed one to Andries.
“And?”
“Um, we haven’t even kissed. I know this isn’t what you want, but we—” Lafferty took a long swig and set the glass down.
Andries’ breath had caught at the mention of kissing. He set his glass down, untouched, and moved closer to Lafferty. He put his hand on the man’s chest, thinking Lafferty felt amazing. Lafferty swallowed hard, and Andries moved in closer, wrapping one arm around Lafferty’s waist. They both shivered.
Lafferty lowered his head, and Andries moved closer. They held still about an inch from each other, their gazes connected.
“If we do this now, then the awkwardness will be less later,” Lafferty said.
Andries lifted up as he drew Lafferty’s head down. Their lips met in a sweet slide, sending chills all the way to his toes. His cock grew hard, and he leaned in, pressing his body against Lafferty’s.
He felt like Lafferty was about to pull back when Andries opened his mouth, sliding his tongue against Lafferty’s lips. The man opened to him, and the kiss deepened. They were both moaning as they got lost in each other. This wasn’t a make-believe kiss; it was real and full of passion.
Lafferty pulled back first and dropped his hold like he was touching something dangerous. His eyes were wide, his lips parted. His hand flew to his mouth, and at first, Andries thought he was wiping away the taste like it was gross. Instead, he realized Lafferty was rubbing his lips like he’d enjoyed the kiss.
Andries didn’t say anything as he tugged off his shirt. Lafferty’s eyes went wide, and he moaned.
He moved fast, pressing Andries up against the wall. His nose skimmed over Andries’ neck to his shoulders then back up.
“I can’t. We can’t. Not yet,” Lafferty said.
Pain circled Andries’ heart. “So you don’t want me?”
Lafferty made a coughing or maybe choking sound. His fingers slid over Andries’ chest to his abs then back up.
“I do. So bad it hurts, but you were used for sex, and I won’t be a bastard to you. I won’t be someone who uses you. I won’t do it.”
Was he really hearing Lafferty right? He did want him, or was this just sex? God, they were so screwed up.
Lafferty took a step away, and his eyes rose to meet Andries’ gaze. The passion was clearly evident, and when he glanced down, it was apparent Lafferty was hard.
“I’ll do anything you w
ant,” Andries said.
Lafferty groaned and closed his eyes. Andries moved in close, his fingers toying with the hem of Lafferty’s shirt. He lifted up the material enough to touch Lafferty’s abs. They both jumped when Andries made contact.
“Wait,” Lafferty took a step back and held up his hand.
“What are we waiting for?”
Lafferty grabbed his wine glass off the counter and took another big swig. His eyes never left Andries. The intensity made him quake with need.
“I want to feel you slide into me,” Andries said.
“Oh God. You’re tempting me so much. Just hold on.” Lafferty lifted his hand as he took another drink, then poured up more wine.
“Am I really so ugly you have to get drunk.”
“God, no.” Lafferty set the glass down and was on him again. His lips tasted like wine and hot man. Lafferty dropped to his knees and hugged Andries close with his forehead resting on Andries’ abs.
He looked up and flashed a bright smile. Andries melted and dropped to the floor, cupping Lafferty’s face.
“I want this.”
“I want it too. God, I want to feel you under me. I want to have your hands on me, your legs wrapped around my waist as I slide in, but Andries, I can’t take advantage of you.”
“You wouldn’t be taking advantage.”
“Oh, but wouldn’t I?” Lafferty stepped away and turned to face the door. “I have lusted after you for weeks. If we…” Lafferty turned to face him. He looked pained and sad.
Andries moved to Lafferty, concern growing. “What is wrong?”
“Andries, you’re so young and kind. You’re innocent—”
He let out a bark of pain-filled laughter. He’d fucked strangers for food. “I’m a whore.”
“No, you did what you did to survive. Don’t call yourself a whore.”
“It’s the truth. I fucked men for money. Is this because I haven’t been tested and you don’t know how dirty I am.”
“Dammit, Andries, you aren’t dirty.”
The snarled words from Lafferty made him pull up short. He blinked at the man. Then Lafferty’s face softened, and he pulled Andries into a hug.
“I have feelings for you. I know this started as a game, a trick to play on your dad, but I’m thinking differently now. I don’t want to ruin what we could have because neither of us is willing to say the words.”
A sob caught in Andries’ throat. “What could we have?”
“More than friendship. We could actually have a real relationship.”
Tears formed in his eyes. “So you’re saying no to us having sex so you can what? Get to know me.”
Lafferty pushed him to arm’s length. “I do want you to get to know me better.”
“You’re spending all this money on me.”
“And it’s why we’re going to wait to have sex. I’ve been where you were. No, I wasn’t on the street as long, but I was younger, and it changed things for me. I want you to see sex with me as special, not just another poke to get what you want.”
He pulled out of Lafferty’s arms. “Is that what you think this would be?”
“No, but is it what you think I’ll think it is?”
Andries grabbed his hair and pulled. “I don’t know. Jesus, you want me to answer difficult questions when I’m hard and horny.”
Lafferty moved closer but didn’t touch him. “I’m sorry. I don’t want you to regret this. When we have sex, I want it to mean something to you.”
His gaze sliced through Lafferty, wishing it would hurt Lafferty as much as he was aching. “It would mean something.”
Lafferty lifted his brows. “More than you just getting off.”
“Jesus, you are a hard man.”
Lafferty burst out laughing. Andries closed his eyes and groaned. He turned away from Lafferty and threw his hands up in the air, letting loose a harsh yell.
Lafferty sobered fast. “Hey, are you okay.”
Andries grabbed the glass of wine and took a long swig. “You’re laughing at this? Seriously, you’re laughing.”
“I’m frustrated, too, but I can’t allow it to consume me. And sometimes laughter is the only help.”
Andries turned to stare at the man, thinking they were at an impasse. Then Lafferty reached for the glass of wine Andries was holding and set it on the counter before he pulled out his phone and tapped something. Music played. Lafferty took Andries’ hand and wrapped the other hand around his waist. They were swaying to the music, Lafferty moving closer with each step.
He glanced up and stared into his fake husband’s eyes, wishing this was real.
“Do you think….” He couldn’t say the words.
Lafferty leaned in, resting his head against Andries’ forehead. “Maybe it is.”
“So, we could be…”
“Yes.”
The one word of affirmation brought the relief of hope. Lafferty had said no to sex, but he’d said maybe to so much more. With his head resting on Lafferty’s chest, he closed his eyes and let the music take them, not forcing the moment, just relaxing in the knowledge they had each other. For now, this would be enough.
Chapter Five
The plane touched down, and Lafferty sucked in a breath, praying he could make it through this hellish week. Christmas at the ranch hadn’t happened for him for a few years. He’d tried to make it back multiple times, but living in Europe wasn’t always conducive to going home for the holidays.
He stood and looked back at Andries, praying he’d at least kind of enjoyed the trip. It took a moment, but eventually, people moved, and he was off the plane. He stopped in the terminal and waited for his fake husband.
“Hey, how was the flight for you?” Lafferty asked.
“It was okay. I was nervous, but it wasn’t bad. I sat next to an old lady who talked nonstop about her kids and grandkids and everyone who ever lived next to her and her dead husband and his job. I swear I know more about her than I do my own dad.”
Lafferty chuckled. “We need to get you some headphones so you can listen to music when you travel.”
Andries’ lips turned down. It had been a source of contention between them. Andries refused to let him get a phone for him, but he couldn’t afford to buy one. Lafferty understood him wanting to make it on his own, but there was only so much money Andries would make working as a delivery person.
He wanted Andries to go to college, but with the phone thing being turned down, he was positive Andries would nix all plans for more school.
They walked out of the secured area, and he reached over and took Andries’ hand. He met his fake husband’s gaze and smiled, hoping he could convince Lane and Gresh nothing was wrong, and they were in a real relationship.
“Where are our bags?” Andries asked.
“They should be at…ah, there it is. The baggage claim area for us.”
Andries nodded and moved to stand around the huge turnstile. Nothing was happening. Lafferty stepped close to him, loving the warmth coming off his man. “We’ll grab something to eat once we get away from the craziness of the downtown area.”
“Sounds good.” Andries gave him a quick smile then jumped when a loud buzz sounded. “What was that?”
“Our bags are coming.”
“Oh.”
“You okay?”
Andries nodded. Lafferty didn’t really believe him. Heck, not even a month ago, he hadn’t known Andries. The man had been homeless, living on the streets, having to fight to survive. Everything was new for Andries, and this had to be a little nerve-racking for him. Lafferty placed his hand on Andries’ shoulder and squeezed.
“It’ll be okay.”
Andries glanced away for a second, then back. “I just wish we weren’t put in this situation. I shouldn’t have lied to my dad.”
“Well, if you hadn’t lied to him, you might have already walked away from me.”
Andries sighed and closed his eyes, shaking his head. “I’m afraid.”
&nbs
p; Lafferty leaned in a brushed a quick kiss on his cheek. “We’ll get through this. It won’t be bad, trust me, everything will work out.”
The bags started coming, and he grabbed his bag and set it beside Andries. He was about to turn around when someone came up behind him and wrapped their arms around him, tugging him close.
“You fucking asshole, getting married without telling me.” Laughter shook him, and he spun, wrapping his arms around Matthew.
“Holy shit, Matt.” Lafferty threw his arms around his brother and held him close. He sighed, knowing with Matthew by his side, everything would be fine.
Lafferty stepped back and grabbed Andries’ hand, pulling him close. Matthew reached for Andries and hugged him.
“Welcome to the family, brother.”
Andries chuckled and stepped back. His eyes were wide as he stared at Matthew. Lafferty shook his head and pulled Andries closer.
“I know he’s hot, but now he’s your brother-in-law.”
Andries’ face turned red, and he slapped at Lafferty’s hand. “Jesus, I wasn’t—”
Lafferty pulled him close, laughing as he brushed a kiss over Andries’ lips. “Don’t worry. He is hot. He’s military or was, now I don’t know what he does, but he stays in shape.”
“Have you got your things?” Matthew asked.
“Let me grab my bag.” Andries moved to the baggage carousel and had to go around to grab his bad.
“What the actual fuck, Lafferty?” Matthew asked. “You married some guy you don’t know. This is fishy as fuck.”
“Dude, trust me.”
Matthew’s eyes narrowed, and he shook his head. “Trust you? Jesus Christ. Seriously, last I knew you were fucking random men at clubs, and now you’re married.”
“Zip it,” Lafferty said.
Matthew’s lips turned down. “Don’t tell—”
“Later.” Lafferty stepped away from his brother who had a nose for the truth and moved to Andries, giving him a quick kiss before he rejoined Matthew. This weekend was going to be more difficult than he’d bargained for.
