Equation for Love

by Sutherland, Fae

  There was a moment's silence and Skye realized-oh God. Liamdid. He did doubt it. Skye's heart ached and he glanced back over his shoulder, but before he could say a word, Liam bent low over him, teeth grazing his shoulder as their eyes met. "Prove it," he murmured, throwing Skye's challenge right back at him, like a gauntlet.

  Oh, Skye would take the challenge. He'd spend all day every day, all night every night, from now until however long it took to make Liam believe he really was his. For as long as Liam wanted him. And Liam did. Everything he did and said proved it, and this was just another example.

  Skye let his body relax, releasing all the tension and anticipation that had knotted his muscles. His hands where Liam held them caged eased, relaxing, shifting into Liam's grip, not holding tight as if fighting it. His body lost its tension and he rocked back against Liam witha soft sound.

  "I am yours, Liam...I swear it. Tell me what you want. Anything..."

  Liam fingers stroked the inside of his wrists. "Fuck yourself, my own. I want to watch you fuck yourself on mycock."

  Skye's stomach clenched hard, his breath going thready and shaky. Oh God. Not because he didn't want to, but because just the idea was almost enoughto get him there. He didn't know if he could keep from coming too soon. He'd have to try...maybe Liamwould just keep going anyway and wouldn't that be overwhelminglyhot, too?

  Skye trembled as he slowly rocked, forward a bit, then back, eyes closing in pleasure. Gradually, he rocked a bit harder, then began to clench in rhythm, then incorporated some hip circling he just couldn't seemto help. Before he knew it, the pleasure had taken over. All he could feel was Liamand it took his fucking breathaway.

  "Liam...Sir...please."

  Liam didn't ask what he wanted--he seemed to know--releasingSkye's hands so he could pushup onto all fours and get some real traction. Oh fuck, it felt so good. Skye glanced back over his shoulder as he worked himself hard and fast on Liam's cock. Liam's hands were on his hips and Liam's gaze was locked on his ass. Skye's cheeks heated, knowing Liam was watching his cock stretching and filling Skye's hole. His knees would have buckled if he weren't already on all

  fours."You shouldn't watch like that," he got out, even

  though he knew Liamcould and would do whatever he pleased. Skye found it ridiculously sexy, even if it embarrassed hima little. Liam grinned and squeezed his hips, slowing his movements, guiding him to a more sensual pace. "I shouldn't? Whynot?"

  "It's wicked,"Skye gasped, breathless.

  "Isn't it, though?" Liam sounded pleased, not at all regretful, and Skye had to smile. His lover was a wicked man; why should doing wicked things bother

  him?Before he could expand on the thought, Liam withdrew and flipped him onto his back again, settling over him and gliding deep back inside without pause. Oh God, it felt good. Skye had never even suspected how good the instant ofpenetration was. The way it felt to be stretched and filled and possessed by a man...no one ever had told himabout that.

  He wouldn't have believed them anyway. What Liam made him feel was so completely mind-blowing Skye would never have believed anyone could consume himthis way.

  Skye wrapped his arms and legs around Liam, then laughed shakily when the other man grabbed his legs behind the thighs and pushed themup and out, exposing Skye completelyas Liamfucked him.

  There was an intensity in Liam's eyes, a ferocity Skye hadn't seen before. An instant later, Liam had Skye's jaw in his hand, and Skye's breath hitched, staringup at him.

  For a long moment, neither said anything, then Liam seemed to ease and brushed a shakykiss to his lips.

  "You're going to find someone else, my own," he whispered.

  Skye's heart thumped. He didn't know where this had come from suddenly, but he shook his head adamantly, fingers digging into Liam's strong shoulders.

  "No."Liam smiled against his lips and nodded. "Yes, you

  are. And I want youto...I do." He didn't sound like he did. It didn't matter if he did; Skye didn't want to!

  "No. I won't." He was going to keep Liam, even if he couldn't say that out loud yet. He was going to keep him, damn it. Why didn't he deserve to have Liam? Somebody else deserved him more? Hell, no. If Skye was Liam's, theninreturn, Liamwas also his.

  He could tell this wasn't going to do anything but cause more friction and maybe next time Liamwouldn't show up and wouldn't change his mind like he had tonight. So Skye gave Liam's chest a little shove, enoughto pushhimback enoughto meet his gaze.

  "I'myours. Even when you don't want me anymore, Liam. I promise." Then kissed him, with everything in him, everythinghe felt, everythinghe didn't dare sayyet.

  Yet. Liam was going to learn Skye might be only a geeky scientist with not much life experience, but if there was one thing Skye had going for himit was pure, stubborn mule-headedness. It'd helped him find the answers to more equations thanhe could count.

  Now it'd help himsolve one named LiamMaddox.

  Chapter 11

  "I don't understand..." Skye frowned, glancing around as Liam led him by the hand out of the hotel. "Where are we going?"Maybe to the club again. Ohh, that'd be fun. He shivered just thinking about that

  night."It's called a date, my own. It's lesson

  number...whatever number we're on. But youwanted to learnthings, and now it's time to learnabout dating." Dating. Oh dear. Skye had grown very comfortable with the sexing part of his education, and he really kind of wanted to dig in his heels and demand they go back to doing only that. He couldn't mess that up, he didn't think.

  This, though? Dating was awkward. Because it was social. It involved conversation and being interesting in ways not related to how well he could suck a cock. Which, bythe way, was "reallywell"now.

  "Oh, Liam I don't know..." he hedged as Liam led himacross the enclosed skywayto the parkinggarage. Liam grinned at him. "Well, good because I do. Trust me."

  Damn him. Liam kept doing that. Now Skye couldn't resist because Liamhad asked himto trust and damn it, Skye did. He just didn't want to disappoint Liam, who was probably expecting him not to be a complete socially stunted asshole tonight. Skye couldn't reallyguarantee it.

  They'd spent the last couple of sessions doing things, not just sex, and Skye was beginning to jones. First had been Monday's lesson on limits and safewords, which had led to a very delicious scene involving nipple clamps and a blindfold that, unfortunately, had ended without a single orgasm. Wednesday was spent on a trip to a massive adult bookstore, where they'd browsed sex toys and various accoutrements that also, sadly, had not ended in trying out said new toys/accessories.

  Of course, there had been Tuesday night's impromptu visit, which had led to more orgasms than Skye could count, all completely unscheduled, entirely unexpected and not a penny paid for. Skye couldn't reallycomplain.

  But a date? That he could, and would, complain about. And did so as they stopped beside Liam's motorcycle.

  "I'd really rather not, Liam. A date sounds...complicated."

  Liamjust smiled, handinghimthe spare helmet. "No more complicated thantwo plus two, professor."

  Skye let out an aggravated sigh. "Says you, mister confidence onlegs,"he muttered, glaringat the helmet.

  "I love when you're miffed." Liam laughed and slid an arm around his waist, tugging him closer. "Gimme a kiss, myown."

  Skye's stomachwobbled and he couldn't eventhink to deny him. He leaned in and kissed him as directed, sighing in pleasure. When the short, sweet kiss broke, Liamgrinned and patted the seat behind him.

  "Come on. Hop on."

  Like he had any choice at this point. Skye did his best to ignore his reservations and climbed onto the bike, tugging the helmet on. Well, at least it was going to be a really pleasant trip to the gallows, all wrapped around Liamonhis roaring, rumblingmotorcycle.

  And it was, only not long enough for Skye's tastes because, frankly, he'd rather spend the whole night driving around clinging to his lover's muscular back than face the sure mortificationthe date promised to provide.
But regardless of his wishes, far too soon they arrived at Lake Mead, and Skye had to admit some curiosity as he climbed off and peered at the bright blue lettered signreadingLake Mead Marina.

  He turned to hand Liamthe helmet witha frown. "A marina? What are we doing here?" He had a sneaking suspicionand it made his heart race.

  Liam grinned at him, climbing off the bike. "What do you think we're doing at a marina, Skye? Going out onto the water."

  Skye glanced out at the massive, man-made lake. "It's dark, though. Isn't it dangerous at night?"

  Liam smiled and shook his head. "Nah. I know what I'm doing. Come on." He held out his hand and there was a sparkling, boyish excitement in his hazelgreen eyes Skye couldn't resist. Hell, he might as well just admit it--he couldn't resist Liam, period.

  He put his hand in Liam's and let himself be led down the long wooden pier to the marina itself. Skye admired allthe sailboats as they passed, then glanced at Liam. "Are we going on a sailboat?" He'd never liked how they looked on TV when he saw them, all sort of tipped to the side when they turned. He was always waitingfor themto tip over completelyand sink.

  Liam shook his head. "No. There are lots of them here--this marina caters to sailors--but I have a houseboat." He chuckled with a sheepish smile. "It's kind of the redheaded stepchild of the boating community, but I love it."

  Skye smiled. "Good. I don't like sailboats."He was glad he didn't because if he did, he might be disappointed witha houseboat and Liammight feelbad. Instead, he got to see Liamsmile wide and kind of puff up with pride a little. Like he was proud he'd picked somethingSkye would like.

  The man was going to be the death of Skye and that was allthere was to it. It was impossible not to love

  him.Some ofhis nerves eased withthe obvious desire to please Liam showing. How could Skye be nervous when the man he loved--even if Liam didn't know it-was doing everything he could to please him? The very least Skye could do was return the favor and do everything he could to please Liam, too. Which meant not digging his heels in stubbornly. Skye nodded to himself and determined he wasn't going to be a stubborn brat today--even ifLiamhad said a number of times that he did like a brattysub.

  He was so busy thinking to himself he stumbled a bit when Liam stopped. Skye braced his hands on his lover's back, savoring the warmth of him through the thincotton.

  "What? Why'd we stop?" Liam gestured above them and Skye noticed the sign for a restaurant called The Boat House. "Oh, are we eatingfirst?"

  Liam shook his head. "Nope. I called ahead for some food to take on the boat with us. I hope you like seafood."

  Skye nodded. "I do. I love it." Maybe this wasn't goingto be so bad after all. Food, a boat, Liamand him all alone on the water...Skye was pretty sure he could handle it. How hard could it be?

  He followed Liam into the restaurant, his mouth watering as the smell of fresh seafood and spices hit him. "Oh, wow, it smells good in here," he murmured, stillholding onto Liam's hand. Liamhadn't tried to pullit away, and Skye was goingto enjoythe intimacyas long as he could.

  "Best crab legs in the entire state. You're not allergic?"

  Skye shook his head. "Nope."

  Liamgave himanother of those prideful smiles, and again Skye was glad he'd unknowingly done something to make Liam feel that way. Even though he had no controlover whether or not he was allergic, just the fact it suited Liam's plans made himfeel good. Just pleasing Liam, period, made him feel good, in whatever small

  way.It didn't take long for the hostess to return with a big bag with the restaurant's logo on it and a short walk down the marina later, they stood in front of a modest little houseboat moored in a slip at the very end of the dock. Pretty gold lettering edged in blue on the side proclaimed RikkiTikkiTavi.

  Skye laughed. "Like the book. I loved that story as a kid."

  Liamsmiled. "Myniece named it."

  Liamhad a niece. Who he was close enough to that she'd named his boat. Skye soaked up the little bit of knowledge, thinking it suited the sort of man he was learning Liamwas--a man who was far more than a bythe-hour escort. A man Skye was falling in love with more and more everyminute.

  "What do you think?" Liam asked, and there was just enough inflection in his tone to tell Skye that this might be important to him. After all, this wasn't just any date to an impersonal restaurant at a casino or something. This was Liam's private world being opened up to Skye. He didn't ignore the importance.

  His smile was genuine when he turned to Liam. "I think it's great. Thank you for bringing me. Dragging me, really."He laughed.

  Liamlaughed, too, relief around his eyes, and Skye realized he'd beenworried. Like he'd thought maybe his boat or his date idea or whatever wasn't going to be good enough. The fact Liam could have those kind of worries and doubts was astounding to Skye. He was flawless; why would he worry what Skye thought? Unless he cared. Oh, Skye hoped so. Maybe he did.

  He forgot about being anxious and let Liam help himonto the boat, suddenlylookingforward to the night on the water, not dreading it. It was strange how Liam being a little nervous made Skye's own nerves ease. Was it the old "misery loves company" thing or more? Skye liked to think it was more about them balancing eachother out thananythingso self-serving.

  He set the bag of food on one of the built-in couches in the seating area behind the open entrance to the cockpit--was it called a cockpit on boats or only planes? "Is there anythingI cando to help?"

  Liamshook his head, touching his back lightly as he squeezed past himinto the cockpit. "Not yet. When I'm all set, you could untie us, but let me run through my checklist first."

  Skye moved over to the open entry to the wheel room/cockpit/whatever it was called and watched Liam. He moved around efficiently in the small space, flipping this switch, testing that knob. After a minute or two, Liam turned to head back out onto the deck and Skye smiled, turning to press back against the wall so Liamcould pass.

  Except he didn't. Skye's breath caught as he found himself staring into Liam's eyes. So close, even in the dim light, Skye was amazed by how beautiful they were. Mostlya warm, goldenbrownwitha ringofpaler green around the inside and scattered with bright gold flecks. Skye had never seen eyes like his before. Then again, Skye had never known anyone like Liambefore, period.

  "Hi." He was at a loss for what to say when Liam had him blocked back against the wall, looking at him allintense and delightfullyhot.

  His lover smiled, just a hint ofdanger inthe curve of his lips. "Hi."

  Then Liam kissed him, and Skye moaned into it, sliding his arms around Liam's shoulders, arching away fromthe wall and toward him. God, he craved the man like he never had anything else. It was this constant, gnawing hunger deep inside that nothing satisfied. An emptiness onlyLiamfilled.

  When the kiss broke, Skye whimpered in loss and tried to follow his lover's mouth, leaning in when Liam leaned back. Liam chuckled and caught his shoulders, pushinghimagainst the wall.

  "The food's going to get cold," he reminded with a smile. "Go and untie the moorings; we're just about ready."

  Just about ready? Skye bit back a frustrated groan. He was more than ready, personally, but it had nothingto do withthe damnboat.

  But he made himself do as he was told and forced down the desire to pounce on Liam and have his way with him. Not going to be a brat today, Skye, remember?

  Right. He tried not to sulk as he yanked loose the knot in the rope and unwound it fromthe mooring post. He turned back to Liam. "Allset."

  Liamgave hima knowing smile, as if he knew how worked up Skye was inside. "Thank you, my own. Come, sit down. I don't want youfallingoverboard."

  Skye plopped down next to the bag of food. "I can swim."

  He must not be doing a very good job at not being sullen because Liam laughed again. "Good. You know, Skye, the not kissing you isn't meant to be a punishment. This is about a date. Not sex." He glanced back over his shoulder as he started up the boat.

  "Sex happens on dates, you know. Even I know that much.
"

  Liamdidn't look back this time, apparentlytoo busy maneuvering them out of the slip and toward the open water of the lake. A few minutes later, cleared of the close quarters ofthe marina, Liamspared hima glance.

  "Don't you go fucking every man lucky enough to get you out on a date, Skye. Understand me? Be sparingwithyour body. It's precious."

  Says the man who sells his to the highest bidder every night. Skye didn't dare say it out loud. Most of himwasn't bothered by what Liamdid, but the part that was bothered mostly just wondered if maybe Liam didn't think he was worth more than only money. And that thought made him sad because he wanted to tell Liam he would give him more than money. He just didn't know if Liam even wanted it. Maybe he was perfectly happy--and he seemed to be--to take the cashand not the emotion.

  Then Liam smiled at him, and it was so warm and sincere, and Skye didn't believe for a second that this man didn't want somebody to love, to love him in return.

  Skye was goingto be that for him.

  Chapter 12

  Liam smiled as Skye walked into the hotel room. His dark eyes widened at the sight ofthe rope in Liam's hands, and Liamcould see himswallow hard.

  "Close the door, myown. Come here." Skye licked his lips and obeyed, though his steps might have been a little hesitant. "What's going on?" He nodded at the rope. "What's that for?"

  "So many questions, as usual. Today, Skye, I'm only going to answer the ones I think are necessary." He loved Skye's natural inquisitiveness, but the young manneeded to learnto trust his Dom, too.

  Skye bit his lower lip. "And mine wasn't?" Liamsmiled. "Not really, no."He took Skye's hand. "Come here."He led Skye into the bedroomand tossed the vivid blue rope--one he'd thought would look beautiful against Skye's skin--onto the bed. He took a step back and crossed his arms over his chest, gaze rakingover Skye. "Undress."

  It was a simple command, one Skye had been obeying for a couple weeks now, but still his lover's neck flushed, and Liamcould see the faint tremble in his fingers as they reached for the hem of his ever-present T-shirt.