by Gale Stanley
Chapter Nine
By the time Luke showered and dressed, his mother and Becca were home. He heard them talking as he walked downstairs. But he got a surprise when he saw Ally sitting at the kitchen table. It made him feel a little guilty when he thought about the dirty talk between him and Luke.
Lily put a coffee mug in front of Ally. “Look who we found in town shopping.”
That’s just fucking great. “Morning, Ally.”
“It’s afternoon now, Luke. Aren’t you working today?”
“I was sick, thanks for asking.”
Ally frowned, but Lily diffused the awkward moment by setting a box of donuts on the table. “Look what we picked up, Luke. Your favorites.”
Luke grabbed a glazed donut and ate it by the sink.
Ally munched on a French cruller. “Becca told me that Sam didn’t leave town like he was planning.”
“How do you know what he was planning?”
“He told me last night.”
“So you were at the meeting?”
“No. I called him to say good night.”
Bitch.
“He decided we needed him more than Idaho did,” Becca said quickly.
Ally planted a stern look on her face. “Now don’t you get any ideas, Becca. I saw him first.”
Becca grinned and winked at Luke. “Oh, you don’t have to worry about me.”
Luke had enough. “I have some errands to do. Anybody mind if I take the truck?”
“You go ahead,” Lily said. “Drive safe.”
* * * *
Luke was still trying to make up his mind when he got into town. He parked in front of Jack Tat and sat there thinking. A tattoo was a lifelong commitment. It had never occurred to Luke to get inked before, but now it seemed the perfect way to show his commitment to Sam. Sam wanted a life partner, and finally Luke realized that he did, too. Maybe he should thank Ally for helping him come to his senses. Her possessive comments about Sam stirred Luke’s emotions. He couldn’t imagine Sam with anyone else. It hurt too much. And that made Luke realize he could never be with anyone else either. They were truly meant for each other, and Luke was going to do this to show his love for Sam.
He climbed out of the truck and entered the shop. It was small, dim, and empty. Luke scanned the walls while he waited for the proprietor. They were covered with photos of tattooed flesh.
“See anything you like?”
Luke looked up as a tall man in a tie-dyed T-shirt stepped through a beaded curtain that hung over a doorway to a back room. He walked behind the counter. Luke stared at his heavily inked arms.
Luke wasn’t crazy about pain, or blood. He wondered how someone could have so many tattoos on their body. “I, uh, want to get a tattoo,” Luke said nervously.
“Well, you’re in the right place. I’m Jack. Did somebody recommend me?”
“No. I’m here because you’re the only game in town.”
“Well, you’re in luck. I usually take appointments, but I’m not busy today.” He looked Luke up and down. “Is this your first time?”
Luke’s face burned hot. He felt like a virgin. “Yes.”
Jack grinned at him. “Don’t worry. I’ll go easy on you. Do you have any idea what you want?”
Luke handed him a paper with the words on it. Sam’s Ursus Albus.
“What’s it mean?”
Luke’s cheeks heated. Again. “Sam’s white bear.”
“Where’s it going?”
Luke pointed to his lower pelvic area.
“Cool.”
They picked out a font, and Jack waved at the beaded curtain.
Luke was out of his comfort zone. This place, this world, was alien to Luke. It made him realize what a sheltered existence he lived in Sanctuary. But he knew this would mean a lot to Sam. Today he was ready to jumpstart their new life together. He straightened his shoulders and walked through the curtain.
Jack pointed to a leather chair that looked like it belonged in a dentist’s office. Metal carts holding a variety of equipment surrounded it. “Get undressed and have a seat.”
Luke hesitated and broke out in a cold sweat. What the fuck am I doing here? The answer was obvious. He was doing this for Sam.
Luke took off his pants and sat in the chair. Jack put some R&B music on and covered Luke with a sheet. Then he put on a pair of gloves. A buzzing noise sounded as Jack turned on the needle. It reminded Luke of a swarm of bees and his bear came to life. Adrenaline flowed and kicked up his fight-or-flight instinct. Luke took a few deep breaths and calmed himself. You can do this. The needle pressed on Luke’s flesh. The vibrating sensation and hot scratches on his flesh were annoying more than painful. Listening to the music helped. Luke was pleasantly surprised the time went by quickly.
“All done,” Jack said. “I think it came out great. Have a look.” Jack handed Luke a mirror. “The redness should disappear in a day.”
Yeah, he was a little swollen and red, but the tattoo was perfect. Any discomfort had been totally worth it. “I love it.”
Jack grinned. “I bet Sam will, too.”
Luke felt his cheeks heat. “I hope so.”
Jack covered the ink with cling film, and Luke got dressed.
“Keep it clean,” Jack said. “Wash it with an antibacterial soap. Pat it dry and apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment.”
“Thank you.”
“I'm glad you’re happy with it. Next time bring Sam. I’ll give him a good price.”
“Maybe I will.” Having Sam’s name inked on his body turned Luke on. He hoped Sam would be impressed by the sign of commitment and come in to have Luke’s name added to his tat.
Chapter Ten
Already late afternoon, Luke drove straight to the club. He couldn’t wait to show Sam his tattoo. This is it, Luke thought. He’d been anticipating this moment, yet fear still held him back. What if Sam changed his mind? What if he hates the tattoo?
Luke told himself to stop making excuses. All he was doing was sabotaging himself. It was time to man up and live the life he was meant to. He parked the truck and walked up to the entrance. Luke threw open the door and stopped dead in his tracks.
Ally and Sam both turned to Luke at the same time. Ally looked surprised to see him. Sam, in sweatpants and nothing else, grinned sheepishly and shrugged behind Ally’s back.
Equally surprised, Luke composed himself. “Hi, Ally. Hate to interrupt, but Sam and I have to talk.”
Ally’s bitchface came to the surface. The one she gave when she was angry or annoyed. Luke knew it well. It was meant to stop him in his tracks. She spoke in clipped tones. “Sam and I were just talking about having dinner. Your little security meeting will have to wait.”
Luke sent up a silent prayer. Please let me and Sam be on the same page. “This has nothing to do with security. We have a date.”
Ally’s eyes opened wide, and her mouth made a perfect O shape. She looked like an emoticon. Ally stamped her foot. “I was here first. You can’t just barge in.” She looked at Luke, but spoke to Sam. “Tell him, Sam.”
But Luke answered instead. “Sorry, Ally. Sam and I made this date before he left my bed this morning.”
Anger smoldered in Ally’s narrowed eyes. “Oh, so that’s how it is. I should have known.” She looked from one to the other. “I’m going to find myself a real man.” The door slammed behind her as she stormed out.
“I didn’t invite her,” Sam said. “She just showed up.”
Luke walked over to Sam. “Hope I didn’t spoil your evening.”
Sam couldn’t hide his grin. “You could have called first.”
“Want me to go?”
Sam abandoned pretense and gripped Luke in a fierce bear hug. “If you try to walk out of here, I’ll…”
“You’ll what?”
“There’s a length of rope in the back, and I know how to tie some knots you’d never get out of.”
“Promises, promises…” Luke pressed himself against Sam. “
Ouch!” Luke pulled away. He didn’t want this moment to end, but he’d irritated his new tattoo.
“What’s wrong, baby?”
Luke winced. “My pants are too tight.”
Sam grinned seductively. “We can fix that.” He reached for Luke’s zipper.
“Uh-uh. Let me do the unveiling.”
Sam put his hands up and stepped aside. “I’m not one to turn down a striptease.”
Luke kicked off his shoes and removed his shirt. Then he dropped his pants. Sam’s eyes looked as though they might pop out of his head, but he didn’t make a sound.
Did I make a mistake?
* * * *
Sam was speechless with surprise. His heart was beating a mile a minute.
Luke looked stricken. “Say something.”
“I love you.” Sam stepped closer and kissed him. He came up for air still amazed by Luke’s show of commitment. “I can’t believe you did this for me. I want a closer look.” He removed the cling wrap. “You don’t need this anymore. We heal quickly. Look, the redness is almost gone.”
“So? Do you like it?”
“It’s perfect.” Sam’s voice trembled. “I’ve never been completely sure how you feel about me. Until now.”
“Just because I haven’t said the L word yet doesn’t mean I don’t love you. I was raised to live a certain life. It took me a while to realize my future is with you.”
“What made you come to your senses?”
“When I saw Ally getting all possessive, I had to come to your rescue.”
Sam punched his arm. “Be serious.”
“Seriously, I think about you all the time. When we’re apart, even for a short time, I’m miserable. I know there will be tough times ahead, but I know we can get through them and be happy, because you’re the one I want. I love you, Sam.”
“I love you, too, babe, and I promise to do my best to make you happy. I always want to see your eyes sparkle like that when you look at me.”
Luke averted his gaze for a moment. “There’s, uh, something we never talked about.”
“What?”
“Where we’re going to live.”
“I don’t have any family, but you do, so I’m prepared to move to Sanctuary if that’s what you want.”
Luke leaned his head against Sam’s. “Thank you.”
“Don’t ever feel uncomfortable about asking me anything. I’ll always listen and try to work it out. And I’ll do my best to love your family and care for them.”
Luke cupped Sam’s jaw. “And I promise to never put my family first anymore. From now on you are my priority, and the center of my world.”
“Baby, I feel like we just got married.”
“We did, Sam. When I got this ink, I made a lifetime commitment to you.
“And I commit to you. As soon as possible, I’m getting your name inked over my tat.” Sam leaned in for a kiss.
“Sam,” Luke whispered.
Sam’s heart fluttered at the sound of Luke’s voice. Never before did his name sound so wonderful.
Luke put his arms around Sam and pressed against his chest. The contact of their body heat made Sam moan, and the emotion he saw in Luke’s eyes made him gasp. He covered Luke’s mouth with a hungry kiss. Their lips crushed together and it was magic. Warmth spread through Sam’s body and he could barely breathe. Luke was the half that made Sam whole. He vowed it would always be like this.
They broke for air, and Luke’s eyes searched Sam’s as if asking, What’s next?
Sam’s heart beat faster. “Now, I’m taking you into the bedroom to consummate this commitment. I’m going to make you come like never before.”
“That’s a pretty tall order.” Grinning, Luke started to push him toward the back room. “What are we waiting for?”
Sam was so turned on, but he let Luke take control, at least for the moment. Luke opened the door and practically threw Sam on the bed.
Sam’s heart pounded with anticipation as Luke leaned in for a kiss, but Luke stopped before making contact. Sam parted his lips in invitation, and Luke captured them. His tongue pressed inside Sam’s mouth in a sensuous exploration.
Sam’s cock grew hard, anticipating Luke’s touch. “Luke…”
“You want something?” Luke ran his fingers through Sam’s chest hair, pulling on it gently.
“Suck me. Come on, suck me.”
Luke slid down Sam’s body and reached for his cock. The head was peeking from the foreskin. Luke parted his lips, took it into his mouth, and started sucking. He gripped Luke’s head, as Luke took more of his cock into his mouth. Sam watched his dick appear and disappear as Luke’s mouth slid up and down his shaft, and he groaned in response. “Enough.” And he pulled Luke’s head off his prick.
Luke gasped. “What’s wrong?”
“Not a thing. I love watching your head bob up and down on my dick. I don’t want you to stop, but I want to suck you, too.”
“I like that idea.”
Luke straddled Sam’s head and leaned over until the tip of Sam’s cock nudged his lips. He tongued the slit for a taste of precum. “Delicious.”
Sam growled. “I have a lot more for my dirty boy, but you have to earn it. Come on, suck me.”
Luke’s cock was dangling over Sam’s face. Sam rubbed his stubbled jaw along the shaft. Luke stopped sucking and let out a moan. “Oh shit. That drives me fucking crazy.”
“That’s the idea.” Sam did it again, then he licked Luke’s tender flesh. Luke writhed on top of him. “Oh yeah, boy, I’m gonna make you see stars today. Now get to work.”
Still moaning, Luke went down on Sam and nuzzled his balls. Sam returned the favor by sucking Luke’s balls into his mouth. Then suddenly, Sam’s cock was encased in wet heat as Luke sucked on his length. Luke had an amazing mouth. He sucked cock as if he’d been doing it forever. Groaning at the tight suction, Sam instinctively started pumping his hips. It felt so damn good. Sam let himself enjoy it for a minute before getting back to business.
It was time to take care of his boy. He swallowed Luke’s cock, and sparks went off behind his closed eyes. The gratification he got from giving Luke pleasure doubled his own pleasure. Soon the room echoed with their moans and grunts as each man gave his attention to the other.
Sam devoured Luke with a fierce intensity. Luke’s hips pumped faster and with increasing urgency. Sam pressed a finger to Luke's hole as he took his lover’s thrusts. Finally he pushed inside. Luke went wild. His cock swelled and hot cum filled Sam’s throat.
Sam had managed to hold back until Luke climaxed, but now he gave in and fucked Luke’s mouth without restraint. His upward thrusts became jerky and erratic. Blood roared in his ears as he exploded in Luke's mouth. Luke swallowed Sam’s load, and then licked him clean, before rolling off Sam’s body.
Sam grunted. “Turn around, boy. I don’t want to lick your toes. Not now anyway. I want to see that pretty face.”
Luke snickered and shifted on the mattress so he could face Sam.
“That’s better,” Sam said. “Jesus, you’re so fucking sexy.”
“And you're fucking amazing.” Luke paused uncertainly.
“Is there something you want to ask, boy?”
“Yeah. You’re not much older than me. Why do you call me boy?”
Sam smiled. “It’s nothing to do with age. Sometimes when I’m in a dominant mood, I think of you as my boy. Do you mind? I’ll stop if you want me to.”
“No. I like it. I like everything you say and do.”
Sam’s seductive gaze slid down Luke’s body. “I’m a lucky man. Ally’s loss is my gain.”
Luke rested his head against Sam’s shoulder. “Ally and I weren’t meant for each other. She’ll be better off with someone else.”
Sam pulled him closer. “You’re right, babe.”
Luke yawned. “We didn’t consummate yet.”
“We will,” Sam murmured. “But I think you need some recovery time.”
“Ha. Speak fo
r yourself.”
But the way Luke snuggled against Sam was proof that he wasn’t moving any time soon. Neither was Sam for that matter. He was content to watch his lover sleep until he felt himself drifting off.
* * * *
When Luke woke, he heard Sam’s soft snores behind him, and he tried not to move. This felt good. It felt right, and Luke didn’t want to mess up the moment. Not yet. Not ever. Snuggled in Sam’s arms, he felt at peace for the first time in forever. Luke’s back and ass were pressed against Sam’s big warm body. Their legs were tangled, and Sam’s arm lay possessively over Luke’s waist. Luke slid his hand over Sam’s and threaded their fingers. They were made for each other, and he felt utterly content. This is where I belong.
Sam kissed the back of Luke’s neck. His stiff cock prodded Luke’s ass. “Are you awake?”
Luke moaned, eager to be fucked. “If I wasn’t, I am now.”
“That’s my boy. Are you ready to consummate?”
“Sounds like you want to top.”
“Do you mind?”
“Hell no. Do you want me on my knees?”
“No, baby. Just stay put.”
Luke felt the mattress shift as Sam pushed two fingers inside his hole. Sam crooked them and touched a spot that made Luke yelp.
“Fuck. If you keep that up, I’ll come before you’re inside me.”
“Guess that means you’re ready.” Sam adjusted his position and pressed his cock to Luke’s hole. Luke arched his back to give Sam a better angle, and Sam penetrated him, taking possession slow and easy. Too slow. It was torture for Luke.
“You can be rougher than that, Sam.”
“Not this time, baby.”
Despite Luke’s pleas, Sam refused to speed up his pace, and when he was finally balls-deep, he stopped. “You okay, baby?”
“Yes,” Luke hissed. “I want more.”
“Relax and enjoy,” Sam said. “We’re consummating, not fucking. Right now, I just want to make love to you.” Sam slid his big warm palm up to Luke’s nipples, teasing and tweaking.
Luke arched into his touch. “I love you, Sam.” He pressed his head back against Sam’s shoulder, enjoying the feeling of being filled by his lover. Sam’s warm familiar hand moved down over Luke’s belly and gripped his cock. Heat simmered inside Luke as he waited for Sam’s next move.
