Love at the Right Tempo

by Michael Mandrake

  “Yes.” Frederick met Vaughan’s thrusts with as much force as he gave. “Just right. Right there and don’t go too fast,” he uttered in between moans. “Come kiss me. Need your lips on top of mine.”

  Vaughan took Frederick’s lips, slowly rolling his hips but ensuring he went as deep as he could. Being with Frederick like this blew his mind each time. He trembled and growled and whimpered as the fire raged a path through his very being. He drank from Frederick’s mouth, enjoying this closeness knowing soon it would be gone.

  “Frederick,” he whispered, tossing his head back while blindly reaching for Frederick’s hands. When he found them, he brought both hands up to his chest and pressed them to his nipples. “Pinch for me.” He sighed.

  Frederick twisted them between his fingertips. He was a sight to behold. Frederick’s heated blue gaze met Vaughan’s, blond hair splayed over the fluffy, white pillows. Frederick’s neck to collarbone flushed pink, and pebbles of sweat pimpled his forehead and cheeks. “I can’t get enough of you, Vaughan. I wish you could come with me.”

  “Come with…” Vaughan’s words died in his throat as the first orgasm of that session tore through him. He held his breath, gripping Frederick’s thighs as his hips moved faster and out of his control. He pressed his palms over Frederick’s hands on his chest. It was as though his body was in a state of complete bliss, and each time Frederick touched him, it multiplied. Vaughn knew he would explode into tiny specks of dust, then dissolve to nothing if he wasn’t careful. Unable to hold himself up any longer, Vaughan slumped to Frederick’s chest, kissing every part of his face he could reach.

  Vaughan trailed his tongue along Frederick’s cheekbones, tasting the saltiness of his perspiration. He worked his hips slow and steady. “Come for me.”

  It was as if Frederick had already begun before Vaughan could make his request. Frederick’s chest heaved in and out, grunting, trembling as if he were under some kind of wicked spell. Frederick grabbed the back of Vaughan’s head, bringing their lips together in a furious embrace, covering himself and Vaughan with his own release.

  Vaughan rested beside Frederick, still a part of his body. He needed the closeness they had in that moment as he tried carving it to his brain.

  “Damn,” Vaughan said, too weak to lift his head.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Waking up after making love to Vaughan proved to be very difficult for Frederick, but not because of exhaustion. Instead, he wished to cherish every moment he had with his new boyfriend. He didn’t want to leave Vaughan in Cardova while he traveled the United States, boarding buses and or planes, meeting with fans and/or snobby people. It would suit Frederick fine to stay there with Vaughan and curl up on the sofa, perhaps watch some television. Anything except sports would do.

  With a heavy heart and even more emotional distress on his brain, Frederick followed Vaughan into the shower, only to enjoy another hour or so with activities under the shower head until both of them had skin like prunes. They got out, with Frederick still trying to convince Vaughan for the two of them to have dinner in. Despite all his pleading, Vaughan insisted they enjoy the evening because a couple cannot live on sex alone. Frederick disagreed vehemently. Still, because he’d begun to fall for Vaughan rather quickly, he obliged, and they left the comforts of Vaughan’s apartment for the streets.

  While Frederick had spent time with Vaughan, he’d missed several calls and texts from Deena as well as his parents. Frederick knew he’d see all of them in the next day or so, but he wouldn’t see Vaughan for much longer. He’d be boarding the plane back to Los Angeles early on Monday afternoon. Deena was accompanying him this time to make sure he followed doctor’s orders, and he’d probably have a late snack with his parents after he left Vaughan. There was no question in Frederick’s mind who he’d prefer to spend time with. Still, he didn’t want to neglect his best friend or family.

  Frederick finished dressing and eyed his makeup bag inside of his overnight case. Vaughan didn’t seem very receptive to him putting on mascara and eyeshadow, so he decided to forego the extras and put on his freshest face. Not that he needed it. Frederick felt it enhanced his look. He hoped eventually Vaughan would be okay with it.

  “All right, I’m ready, I guess.” Frederick walked into the living room where Vaughan sat in his recliner. “How do I look?”

  Vaughan chewed on his lush bottom lip for a silent moment. He didn’t move, but something passed through his eyes like a spirit, there one moment, gone the next. “Good enough to eat,” Vaughan said, his voice soft, husky.

  Frederick smiled wryly. “Later. Besides, I am the one that tried convincing you to have a stay at home dinner.” He folded his arms over his chest.

  “I know.” Vaughan sighed. He pushed to his full height while straightening his graphic shirt that read “I Let the Dogs Out” then reached for a black leather jacket hanging over the arm of the chair. “You got a light jacket?”

  “Yes. You think I need one? It’s beautiful outside.” Frederick shoved his hands in his pockets to keep them busy.

  “Maybe not for the night, but I don’t have a car, remember?” Vaughan stepped forward and pushed a strand of hair behind Frederick’s ear. “I have another leather jacket that you can use.”

  Frederick’s cheeks flushed and he looked away from Vaughan for a moment, then met his brown gaze again. Frederick enjoyed gawking at his new man, so much so he wished he didn’t have this blasted tour commitment looming over their heads.

  “All right. How are we getting there, then? Would you like me to call my mother’s limo driver or we could catch a cab? Either one.”

  “I have a motorcycle. It’ll be fine. I snagged Kelliani’s helmet for you while you were getting dressed.” Vaughan tilted his head to stare at Frederick a moment then walked around him. “We cannot show up to this place in a limo. I have a reputation to maintain.”

  Frederick laughed. “Wow, your bike? Oh, do you have one of those jackets with skulls on the back, maybe the fringe hanging off the shoulders? Does it say Hell’s Angels? That would be quite exciting. Oh … is it that kind of bad boy biker party?” Frederick was genuinely interested in knowing.

  “Um…” Vaughan stopped to look at him. “I’m not in a biker gang. That would not do well with my veteran’s benefits. I’ve had the cycle since before my military stint. I actually feel safer on it than in a car. And no, it’s not a biker party.” Vaughan dropped a kiss to Frederick’s lips. “Come on, already. We have to go.”

  Frederick shrugged, sort of disappointed in what Vaughan said. “I’m ready. I have never ridden a motorcycle, ever. I do know it gives me a chance to wrap both arms around your waist while you ride. And you know.” Frederick pulled on Vaughan’s arm so they could face each other. “I’ve always wondered what it would be like to have sex on the bike. Maybe you can show me?” He winked at him, pressing a light kiss on the side of his mouth.

  “Seriously, Frederick. You’re trying to kill me.” Vaughan groaned. “And riding a motorcycle isn’t hard. It’s a lot like riding me.”

  Frederick shivered at Vaughan’s comment and fiddled with the charm around his neck. “Well it should be quite enjoyable then. Let’s go before I really do convince you to stay here and let me ride you like a motorcycle.” Frederick made a noise like a bike’s engine.

  Vaughan tossed his head back and laughed. “I really don’t see how that’s a bad thing.” He wrapped an arm around Frederick but stopped to grab their helmets. At the front door, Vaughan pulled open the closet and pulled out a black jacket with a red lightning bolt at the back. “Here you go.”

  Frederick took it from Vaughan and slipped it over his shoulders. Then he allowed Vaughan to lead him out of the front room, down to the basement. Though Frederick wanted to look around at things, he had to say he was distracted by being so close to Vaughan, inhaling his cologne.

  Once they arrived, Vaughan let go of Frederick and flicked the lights. When the beams came alive over their heads Frederick g
asped at the mean two-wheeler in front of him.

  “Gosh, it’s impressive. It has a lot of room. Looks every bit of dangerous as you are,” Frederick grinned. “Ah a Harley. Only the best for you, Mr. Singleton.”

  Frederick walked closer to it and ran his hands over the single, black leather seat. The belly of the bike appeared to be a gold color with Harley Davidson and an intricate design. “I’m excited to ride this. I’m sure it will be thrilling.”

  “It was a gift really,” Vaughan said, taking Frederick’s helmet and setting on the violinist’s head. He set to work doing up the straps under Frederick’s chin. “I don’t think I’d be able to afford this on my salary.” He shifted the helmet then turned and tossed a long, muscular leg over the belly of the bike. “Come on. Hold my shoulders and climb on.”

  Frederick did as asked. “Can’t I hold on to your waist instead? Or, perhaps not because I might be tempted to let my hands drift lower and then, oops. I might cause an accident.” He smirked, putting both hands on his lover’s shoulders.

  “Smart ass, it just gives you more leverage to climb on.” Vaughan said. “Once you’re settled then your hands can go around my waist.” Vaughan pulled his helmet on and lifted the visor before turning to look at Frederick over his shoulder. “And no jerking off the driver. We would both die.”

  “Yes, Sir.” Frederick gave a mock salute and held on, making sure not to do it too tight to strangle Vaughan. “I’m ready to go when you are.”

  Vaughan snapped his visor in place with an audible flick and soon the engine roared to life.

  Frederick jolted a little when the engine buzzed between his legs. Although he was a little scared, Frederick couldn’t help being excited about what was to come. The only bummer was not being able to see much through the helmet. Of course, safety came before sightseeing, and he’d make the best of this.

  As they rode, the world whizzed by Frederick, and by the time they’d made a stop at the first light, his fear had practically dissipated. Now, Frederick felt the adrenaline rush of being totally open and exposed to the world around him.

  Once the light turned green they were off again, and within five or seven minutes they’d arrived at the destination. Vaughan slowed the bike down and cut the engine.

  Frederick eyed the place Vaughan had taken him to. It looked like an old warehouse with murals on the front and sides. A long line of people was gathered in front. Frederick figured it to be one of those secret parties like they had in Los Angeles. Another place he’d always wanted to visit, but never had anyone to take him.

  “Wow. Is this what you would call a rave?” Frederick lifted his helmet off and shook his hair out.

  Vaughan laughed. “No. Not a rave. You won’t hear any trance anything in this place.”

  “Yo! Vaughan!” A voice hollered close to the front of the line. “Come on through, brother.”

  “Gimme a second.” Vaughan waved to the man then turned to Frederick. “You ready?”

  “Yes.” Frederick took Vaughan’s outstretched hand, searching for the voice that called out to his man. A line of people started pushing him ahead, and suddenly Frederick felt like he was caught in a stampede.

  At the door, Vaughan stopped to hug a man who had way too much muscle. The smile on the man’s face exposed a line of perfectly, white teeth.

  “Well,” he said. “If it isn’t the eighth deadly Sin himself. How long has it been, man?”

  “Too long,” Vaughan said. “Tiny, this is Frederick. Freddy, Mason Channing.”

  Mason’s grin spread almost as wide as his massive shoulders while extending a large hand to Frederick. “Friends call me Tiny,” he explained.

  Frederick accepted his hand and shook it. “Good to meet you—Tiny? I don’t really get the correlation because there is nothing Tiny about you.” He added a nervous laugh.

  “That’s why it's dope,” Tiny said with a wink. “So, Sin, you finally found you a man to practice your name, eh? Damn, took you long enough.”

  Vaughan rubbed the back of his neck. “Can we not talk about my sex life at this particular moment?”

  “What?” Tiny asked then laughed and leaned over to speak to Frederick in a feigned whisper. “For a man with the nickname Sin, he sure doesn’t do a lot of sinning, if you know what I mean. Sometimes I swear he was meant to be a priest.”

  “Oh for fuck’s sakes.” Vaughan groaned.

  Frederick eyed Tiny, wondering how he knew so much about Sin’s sex life or the lack thereof. “Well, despite whatever he did in the past, he certainly lives up to that nickname now, my friend.” Frederick winked at Tiny and tightly grasped Vaughan’s bicep.

  “Damn, brother!” Tiny smirked.

  “Wiz here tonight?” Vaughan asked, no doubt trying to change the subject.

  “Yeah. He’s spinning the tunes. If you leave and not say hello, he’s liable to burn down the city.”

  “I won’t leave without saying hi,” Vaughan promised.

  “Semper fi, my brother,” Tiny said, laughing and extending a fist to Vaughan.

  “Oohrah.” Vaughan bumped Tiny’s fist with his own.

  They were then allowed in through the massive black doors that clanged shut behind them as they entered. They were instantly engulfed in loud reggae music.

  “Whoa, look at this place!” Frederick yelled, looking around like a tourist. People crowded into the space, dancing, gyrating to the seductive beats. Frederick bobbed his head as they walked through. Vaughan’s large palm pressed into Frederick’s back, bringing Frederick into his chest. “Here,” Vaughan said, dropping his lips against Frederick’s right ear. “No one cares who you sleep with, how much money you have - It’s all about the music and the way you let it move you. Do you want a drink first, or did you want to dance with me?”

  “I can’t really dance, but I’ll try my best to follow your lead. Maybe you can teach me some moves,” Frederick said, leaning close to Vaughan to make sure he’d hear him over the loud music.

  Vaughan said nothing. He simply pulled Frederick even closer until their bodies were flush together. As Vaughan dragged his mouth up the side of Frederick’s head, his body began writhing against Frederick like they were making love. Vaughan’s palm slid down Frederick’s back and stopped just above his ass.

  Frederick gasped and his lips quivered, feeling Vaughan so close. Frederick wrapped his arms around Vaughan’s shoulders. His heart was beating fast, and his palms were moist. Frederick sensed his jeans getting tighter around the crotch.

  “You must not plan for us to stay long?” Frederick’s voice was breathy, needing. He pressed a kiss against Vaughan’s cheek. “You should strip me now, in front of all these people. Then you could show Tiny and everyone else how you live up to your name.”

  Vaughan licked at Frederick’s ear. “You like to be watched, Freddy? I’ll remember that.”

  Frederick shivered and closed his eyes, wishing they weren’t here and instead back on Vaughan’s bike. He curled his fingers around Vaughan’s neck, massaging his skin. “It would be interesting. Honestly, I’ve never, but with you … I would love to try it.” Frederick moved one hand from Vaughan’s neck to his jawline, gazing deeply into Vaughan’s chocolate pools. Frederick noticed the heat in Vaughan’s stare and softly kissed his lips.

  At first, Vaughan’s lips didn’t budge. It was like he was waiting for something. Then Frederick passed his tongue across Vaughan’s mouth. In that moment, Vaughan held the back of Frederick’s head and kissed him back. The song changed from one seriously sexy jam to another, but Vaughan didn’t seem to notice.

  “We should stay here for a while,” Vaughan said. “Because if we go home now…” He stopped and bit against Frederick’s ear.

  “If we do…”

  “You won’t be sleeping any time soon. But you have to leave tonight so you can prepare for tomorrow.” Vaughan’s voice cracked. “Let’s not talk about this now. Come on, I don’t know if I’ll be able to find Sprite for you here, but I’m
sure we can come up with something.”

  “All right.” Frederick swore he was in a trance now, following Vaughan to the bar. This was one of the times he wished he did drink liquor, to calm down the erection growing in his jeans. Or it might have the adverse effect, which would help neither one of them.

  Vaughan gripped edge of the bar and pushed himself upward. The bartender grinned and hurried right over. Frederick watched as both men exchanged a conversation before Vaughan lowered himself back to the ground. Soon the bartender returned with two red plastic cups. Vaughan gave one of the cups to Frederick.

  “Sprite for my king,” Vaughan said against Frederick’s ear.

  Frederick grinned, taking it from Vaughan. The minute his fingers slightly touched Vaughan’s flesh, he shivered. “Thank you. My king.”

  After a quick kiss, Vaughan took his free hand and led him through a throng of sweaty, gyrating bodies. They then climbed a few steps to where the DJ was busy bopping up and down to the music. When he caught sight of Vaughan, he removed his headphones, ran over, and hugged Vaughan while lifting him off his feet and spinning around. Vaughan laughed. “Good to see you too, Wiz. This is…”

  “Frederick Tremblay,” Viktor “Wiz” Sokolov said. “Damn, do you know where you are?”

  “I do. I’m at a pretty exciting party with my boyfriend.”

  “So, Sin, finally found a man to pull that nickname out of him, eh?” Viktor asked with a hearty laughed. “Well, congratulations!” He slapped Frederick’s shoulder.

  “What is this?” Vaughan asked, laughter filling his voice.

  “Listen, I’ve been telling you for two years now you needed to get laid,” Wiz said before excusing himself to put a slow jam on. When he returned, mischief flashed through his green eyes. “I’m so glad you listened.”

  Frederick only smiled. He couldn’t believe how freely his friends talked about Vaughn’s sex life. He was thinking Deena should fit right in with them.

  “So, your name is legend then. I’m glad I can be here to give them proof that there was no mistake in what to call you.”