Bringing It Home (Code Of Honor Book 3)

by Reese Knightley

  He stared at Diesel in the growing silence. Saw the disappointment in the big man’s green eyes.

  “I’ll go.” His heart thundered.

  “I’ll call. Get cleaned up.”

  He rolled to his hands and knees and then found himself lifted before the shower curtain was pulled in place.

  “Hand your clothes through the curtain.”

  “Can you help me with my shirt?”

  The curtain was yanked back, and Diesel was helping him not only with his shirt, but with everything until he stood naked in front of the man.

  Diesel stilled and Triton froze beneath the hungry look he saw on the other man’s face.

  Cold, muddy, and miserable, his cock still rose beneath the heated gaze. He needed to feel those lips again.

  “Diesel,” he breathed.

  Diesel swallowed, his throat moved, and then a groan left the big man. Hands clenched at his waist as if Diesel was powerless over something.

  Triton let his head fall back and lips part, and Diesel took his mouth.

  He moaned into Diesel’s mouth, parted his lips further to let his tongue explore his. Diesel’s fist reached down and closed around his cock, bringing him to his toes.

  “Oh, oh,” he breathed, his hips bucking, thrusting his dick through the man’s massive grip. Diesel toyed with him, teased him until he couldn’t think, and he splintered apart. A high-pitched sound left his throat as the world whitened out, and cum pulsed over Diesel’s fist. He came back to find himself resting against Diesel with large hands smoothing over his back.

  “Easy, I’ve got you.”

  Tears dripped from his eyes at the most intense orgasm he’d ever experienced.

  “I lo-”

  Diesel pressed a finger to his lips. “Hush.”

  Triton swallowed back the words. His chest ached, and the tears fell faster. Diesel held him for a long time until he quieted.

  Then, the soldier lifted a plastic bag from the counter, covered his cast, and gently brushed the hair from his forehead before leaving him alone.

  Triton

  Yawning, he slipped on a zippered sweatshirt over his clothes. Spring time in Oregon was so much colder than Texas, and he found himself chilled most of the time. Making his way into the kitchen the next morning, he cooked up some bacon and waffles.

  His face heated at his total loss of composure in the shower the night before. It was Diesel’s fault for being so handsome. He smiled dreamily.

  “Smells good.”

  “It’s so easy to make.” His cheeks heated as he turned with two plates of food. Diesel looked mouthwatering wearing faded blue jeans, socks on his feet, and a black pullover stretched around his wide shoulders. Hurrying over, he placed the food on the table and slipped into a chair.

  He popped a bite of bacon into his mouth and spoke around it.

  “Breakfast or lunch person?”

  Diesel’s brow pinched before he answered, “Both.”

  Triton giggled. Some people claimed that food was the way to a man’s heart. He was of the mind that getting to know someone was the best way.

  “Winter, summer, fall, or spring?” He smirked.

  “Spring,” Diesel grunted and shoveled in several bites before catching on.

  “Movies or books?” Diesel said.

  “Books.”

  That was it. Diesel dropped back into silence and the game died. Triton finished his food with a sigh. Diesel finished eating, quickly rinsed his plate in the sink, and left the kitchen.

  “Diesel?”

  “Yes?” Diesel poked his head back through the doorway, looking wary.

  “Do you have a laptop I can borrow?”

  Diesel’s expression cleared, and he returned shortly with a laptop before leaving him again.

  He carried the computer to the table and fired it up, making himself a temporary profile. From there, he started looking at what it would take to get his driver’s license and massage therapy license in the state of Oregon. He was making his own plans.

  A half an hour or so later, the chair across from him scraped the floor and Diesel lowered into it. He could tell that Diesel had been outside again because he brought the smell of forest and rain in with him.

  When Diesel didn’t say anything, Triton finally looked up from the screen to find the man’s gaze locked on him.

  “What?” He bit his lip.

  Diesel reached out and carefully placed his muddy cell phone on the table between them.

  Shit.

  “We’re talking, and you’re not leaving anything out.”

  “What do you want to know?”

  “For starters, why did Molly bring this to me? Did you lose it or toss it?”

  “I tossed it.”

  Diesel nodded and held it up. The screen was locked. “Is there something on this?”

  He hesitated, but Diesel didn’t say anything, he just kept looking at him until finally, Triton reached over and took the phone and found Clay’s last text.

  Diesel’s jaw flexed as he read it.

  “I’m going to get a new number.”

  “You could have that changed with a phone call.”

  “I know.”

  “Then why throw your phone away?”

  “Because I thought it would be easier to say I lost it than I need a new phone number.”

  “You don’t need to lie like that any longer.”

  He hung his head, squeezing his hands together. The disappointing tone in Diesel’s voice killed him.

  “You’ve learned some bad habits that I’m hoping with time you’ll let go of.”

  Triton lifted his head and stared at the soldier. “I lie because it’s embarrassing.” Diesel blurred when his eyes filled, and Triton dashed a hand at his face.

  “Boy, I think you lie because that’s what you’re used to. And that right there shows you have self-esteem issues.”

  Teeth clenched, Triton bit back his protest and sat very still.

  “A man owns his actions. A confident person doesn’t need to lie to cover up issues. You’re young. Hopefully, that will change as you get older.”

  Triton lifted a hand to cover his mouth. He’d just proven to Diesel how immature he was by lying. Triton knew in his heart that Diesel would never lie. The age gap seemed far bigger than he’d ever imagined.

  Shakily, he dashed at his eyes again. “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be sorry. You’ll get through it.” Diesel’s strong hand reached and closed over his, bringing his head back up. Flipping his hand, he grasped the rough palm with his.

  Will I? He swallowed back the words and then yanked his gaze away from Diesel to stare at Clay’s threatening text.

  The screen went dark and he withdrew his hand to hit the button on the cell phone. The screen stayed blank.

  “Guess you’ll need a new phone after all. Get your coat.” Diesel’s smirking held a smile.

  Triton didn’t argue, he let the smile grow on his lips and jumped from the chair.

  The rain had stopped for a bit, but had left the ground muddy. Everything was green, the flowers were bright and colorful, and Triton drew in a deep breath of fresh air.

  Climbing inside of Diesel’s SUV, he closed the door. “This SUV is really nice.” He ran his hand over the door handle and the center console between them before buckling his seatbelt.

  Diesel gave him an amused smirk and pulled out of the garage and onto the street. “You rode in this the other day to the doctor’s office.”

  “I know, I just didn’t get a chance to say it was nice.”

  “Thanks. I bought it last year, but I don’t drive it much. I’ve taken it out more with you here than I have all year.”

  “Oops?” He gave a cheeky smile.

  Diesel snorted.

  “Where are we going?”

  Diesel took the short street that merged into the local two-lane highway.

  “The only phone store around is in Klamath Falls, a few hours away.”
>
  “Is that where the hospital is that I was taken to?” He squeezed his hand tightly on the door.

  “No, you were taken to Fern Community on the edge of town, but Fern doesn’t have a cell phone store.” Diesel tossed him a quick glance and Triton tried to smile.

  “Oh, okay.”

  Diesel stopped the SUV in the gravel on the side of the deserted highway and turned to him.

  Triton’s heart thumped and he hugged himself.

  “What are you nervous about?”

  “I’m not nervous.”

  Diesel’s jaw went tight. Triton could see in the older man’s eyes he was disappointed.

  “I’m sorry. I’m trying.”

  “I know you are. So let’s try this again. What are you nervous about?”

  “I’m scared Auto will find me,” he blurted, and then ducked his face into his hands. The long sleeves of the sweatshirt covered his palms and cast, and he rubbed his mouth into the softness. A hand touched the back of his head and then Diesel’s fingers stroked through his hair.

  “He won’t get you,” Diesel gruffly reassured him.

  Triton settled beneath the firm grip and lifted his head to gaze at Diesel. After a moment longer, Diesel gave one more warm squeeze and then pulled the SUV back onto the highway.

  Triton turned sideways and gazed at the big, silent soldier, but Diesel didn’t look in his direction until they reached the city.

  Not only a new phone, but they stopped at a clothing store and he picked up several pairs of jeans, shirts, and essentials Diesel insisted on even when he told the soldier he didn’t have enough money.

  “I’ll pay you back, I promise.”

  “Don’t worry about it.”

  “I will.”

  “I believe you.”

  A warm feeling swept into his chest and heat traveled into his face before he lowered his eyes.

  Diesel believed him.

  On the way back home, Diesel pulled into a parking lot in front of a plant and tree nursery.

  “Oh!” He clapped his hands, feeling giddy. “Are we buying plants?” He couldn’t remember a time when he’d felt this excited.

  “I thought we could get some flowers for the front of the house.” Triton saw the smile Diesel was trying to hide, but the man was happy. It showed.

  “Yay!”

  “Maybe a few more plants for the inside.”

  Sliding out of the SUV, he grew giddy when Diesel linked their fingers; the man’s grasp made him feel warm inside. A shiver raced over his skin at the firm, rough grip.

  A steady stream of customers wandered through displays packed with plants. He ran the tips of his fingers over a Philodendron and then a bright green fern.

  Diesel stopped next to a display of Marigolds and Poppies. “Which ones?”

  “Can we get both?”

  “Of course. We’ll get some seeds too.”

  Diesel smiled at his squeal, but Triton was too excited to care if he made a spectacle of himself. He loaded up the basket with several different colored flowers and several tall, healthy green house plants.

  They took turns bringing everything into the house. The flowers were stacked on the back porch and the house plants were tucked on the table. It was a tight fit, but they managed it.

  “We should put that big one in front of the window.”

  “You think?” Diesel gazed at the small window table.

  “Yep. Everyone will see it when they walk by,” he said, smiling.

  “You do the honors,” Diesel chuckled. “I’ll grab the potting soil.”

  In no time, Triton had the plants displayed around the house, moving some around here and there until all looked just right. Together, they headed outside and planted the flowers along the front of the house and near the front porch.

  “It’s so cool.” He stood, hands on his hips, surveying their work.

  “I usually plant earlier,” Diesel said, coming to stand next to him.

  “Why not this year?”

  “I put it off, because of my knee.” Diesel headed up the steps and held the door open.

  Triton shucked his coat and muddy boots by the back door and wandered into the living room.

  “I’ll start a fire, it’s still a bit cool.” Diesel stacked the wood and crouched to light the fire.

  “It’s a lot colder here than Texas,” Triton agreed, rubbing at his arm with his good hand.

  Cedar stalked up to the plant near the front window and batted at the hanging leaves.

  “Don’t even think about it, you,” Triton scolded, lifting the cat and placing him on the couch with a rub beneath his maw.

  “How about some hot cocoa?” Diesel murmured.

  He turned with a smile.

  “I’d love some.”

  Diesel

  The morning sun filtered through the window and brightened up his living room. It was extra bright for some reason and it had nothing to do with the new plants or flowers and more to do with the light-haired nymph currently curled up on his couch.

  He had to admit that his desire was growing after the shower and hotter than hell kisses, not diminishing like he’d hoped. If anything, his need felt stronger. After shopping in the city and spending the last several days together, he found it harder and harder to keep his hands to himself.

  You’re well suited to each other.

  Snapping open the morning paper with a crackle, he ignored his internal voice and turned to the financial section to check in on his investments.

  “Do you remember the abandoned mine?”

  “Of course I do.” He looked up from the newspaper.

  “I’m afraid of small places.”

  He folded the paper and put it away. The financials could wait; Triton talking about his experiences took precedence.

  “That’s understandable. That’s something you’ll want to tell Doc Vince when you see him today.” He glanced at his watch, they still had a several hours until the appointment.

  “I remember that day so clearly.” Triton flashed him a small, soft smile, and Diesel shifted a bit on the couch.

  “So do I.”

  “You told me that my attraction to you was only hero worship.”

  “It was.”

  “Was is the right term. I’ve gotten over that.”

  Diesel swallowed around a suddenly tight throat. “Oh, yeah?”

  “Yeah. I’m getting to know the real you. The one who isn’t running in to save the day.”

  “I’m not?” He arched his brow.

  Triton gave a small laugh. “Well, I guess you are.” Slim fingers waved around the living room. “You’ve opened your home to me, and you’ve saved the day once again. Maybe someday I can return the favor.”

  “Maybe,” he smirked.

  “You don’t think I can?” Triton gave him a look that Diesel didn’t quite trust.

  “Um…maybe?” Now he wasn’t too sure.

  “Maddox taught me how to shoot,” his boy said, fixing the cuff of the new skinny jeans Diesel had bought him.

  Not my boy. But his mind kept going there. What if he was my boy?

  “Shoot what?”

  “A nine-millimeter handgun.”

  “How’d you do?”

  “I hit the outline of the person on the paper.”

  “How far out?”

  “I don’t know. It wasn’t far. Maddox said it didn’t have to be far to be effective, that most encounters are up close and personal.”

  “Maddox is a smart man.”

  “So, see? I could protect you.” Triton’s lips pursed and Diesel smiled.

  “I have no doubts,” he conceded with a smile.

  His cell phone buzzed, causing Molly’s ears to perk up.

  “Hey, Memphis.” He answered the phone, holding Triton’s curious blue gaze.

  “Hey, Diesel. The Army surplus store was broken into an hour ago.” Memphis sighed, sounding frustrated through the phone.

  “By whom?”

&nbs
p; “Auto Martin and what looks to be several of his men. I got him and the small army on camera. Made no attempt to shield themselves. Probably thinks he’s dealing with hicks in a backwoods town.”

  “What did they take?” He traced his eyes over the slim blond curled up on his couch.

  “Cameras show they took weapons, rain gear, camping gear, bullets, and tranquilizer darts.”

  “How many men?”

  “Four as far as we can tell.”

  Four plus Auto, that made five people gunning for Triton.

  “Fuck.”

  Triton chewed his lip, looking worried.

  “Yeah. I just wanted to let you know. He’s still lurking around, and now he’s got friends. I’m positive he doesn’t know where Triton is, but be on your guard.”

  “We will. I’ve been setting the property alarm.”

  “That’s good. Stay safe.”

  “You too.”

  He pushed the end button on the phone and tossed it to the table with a clatter. Moving to set the outside alarm on the perimeter of his property, he mentally calculated how much ammunition he had in storage. If it came down to a fight, he could hold them off long enough for Memphis and his men to arrive.

  “What?”

  He found Triton behind him, the boy’s eyes wide with fear. He’d do anything to ease that look from Triton’s face, but he told him the truth. Triton deserved to know the truth.

  “Auto broke into the local surplus store. Sheriff says to be on our guard.”

  “Oh god, I should leave.” Triton twisted his hands and then wrapped his arms around himself as if that could ward off anything.

  “That’s the last thing you should do.”

  “Why?”

  Because I don’t want you to leave.

  “You’re safer here with me than out there.”

  “What about at the ranch?”

  “I don’t think Maddox or River are back in Texas yet.”

  “Clay threatened to hurt Bull.”

  Diesel kept his face expressionless by grinding his teeth and then said, “It’s better to bring this to my door than Bull’s place.”

  Triton pressed his fingers to his full lips. “I know. I just don’t understand why they won’t leave me alone. I told him I wouldn’t tell anybody.”

  “Maybe you’re a man worth having.”

  “No, I’m not.”