by A M Snead
A soft laugh drifted out of him and he folded the heart, tucking it back in his pocket. “I’ll give it my best shot, Jilly bean,” he murmured.
“Are you looking for someone?”
Jack flinched, startled by the sudden voice behind him. He turned and found himself face-to-face with a dark-haired young man of about nineteen or twenty dressed in a white polo shirt and tan Dockers, and wearing wide, black leather, silver studded bracelets on both wrists—a fierce contrast to the rest of his attire. “Uh, yeah. Gideon.”
The boy looked him over skeptically, his rich brown eyes not at all friendly or welcoming. “He’s setting up a shoot.” He didn’t offer any more information as he stared at Jack and slid his fingers through his soft, sable strands, much like Jack’s own. He was cute enough, almost delicate; not Jack’s type. Which was a good thing, he supposed, considering the guy was practically shooting daggers from his eyes. What the fuck did I do? Jack thought, I just got here.
“Can you point me in that direction?” Jack asked. “I don’t really know my way around just yet.” He hesitated then held out his hand. “I’m Jack Heart.”
The young man gazed at him dully. “Yeah.” It was damn near a scoff. “I know.” He didn’t offer to shake Jack’s hand. “Garrett’s latest…conquest.”
“Excuse me?” Jack frowned, a sudden uneasiness twisting his gut. The kid stared at him but gave no indication he would be offering up an explanation. “What do you mean—”
The front door opened behind Jack and the young man’s eyes darted past him. “Speak of the devil,” he drawled sourly, “and he appears.”
Jack frowned as the boy retreated and walked off. The closing of the door shifted Jack’s attention and he turned around. Garrett smiled. “You’re here. And on time.”
“Actually,” Jack corrected. “I’m early.”
“Even better.” Garrett walked forward and slung his arm across Jack’s shoulder. “Gideon’s out back.” He steered Jack to the left and led them toward a rear door.
“Who was…?” He glanced in the direction where the other young man had disappeared.
“Scotty,” Garrett replied with a slight catch in his tone.
Jack cocked an eyebrow. “I take it he isn’t very fond of you?”
“What makes you say that?”
“He called you the devil.”
Garrett chuckled and slid his arm around Jack’s neck, squeezing. “Maybe I am,” he whispered darkly and kissed his ear.
“Well that’s comforting,” Jack muttered with a smile. “Since apparently I’m your latest conquest.”
Garrett’s step faltered. “He said that?”
“Yeah.”
Sighing, Garrett shook his head and moved them forward again. “Ignore him.” Some of the lightness left his tone. “He can be unpleasant.”
Jack nodded. “So…am I?”
“What?”
“Your conquest?” Jack posed.
“Shit,” Garrett snorted, “we fucked as soon as we met.” He kissed Jack’s head hard. “What else would I be after?”
Jack laughed short. “Good point.” He wasn’t at all at ease with the sudden sour feeling in the pit of his stomach though. Shouldn’t he be relieved that Garrett wasn’t after anything else?
♥
“Good, you’re here.” Gideon clapped Jack on the shoulder, his hand resting there as he gestured at the outdoor scene being set up. “I thought we might do some split scenes. We’ll shoot a couple segments inside, with you on the sofa giving the viewers some personal info about yourself, help them get to know you as a person. Another scene of you on the bed…you can give a little insight to what you enjoy sexually, any fetishes you might have, favorite positions, etcetera.”
Jack nodded, rubbing his lips together. He found it strange that he felt more nervous about this solo shoot than he had about his first sex scene. Garrett just naturally demanded attention, though, and that had helped take some of the direct focus off Jack. And he was certain that at least half of the viewers who watched that scene would likely be Garrett “fans” and there to watch Garrett rather than the “new guy.”
“Then we will do a segment outside,” Gideon said and gestured to the “set” which consisted merely of an old shingle oak tree under which sat a large hammock fastened to a heavy wood stand. Woven of thick white rope with oak spreader bars, it was at least seven feet long. “You’ll relax on the hammock wearing swim trunks and a light button shirt, opened. You can make mention of the scenery, what you like about it, and then a couple of the boys will casually stroll by and join you on the hammock. And the three of you will get acquainted.” Gideon looked at him and smiled. “Do you have any questions?”
“Uh…no.” Jack shook his head. “Sounds like fun.”
Gideon chuckled. “Well, that’s good. If you’re not enjoying yourself in this business, you shouldn’t be in it.”
Garrett stood back and kept quiet while Gideon had been explaining the layout of the shoot. He moved closer now, his arms crossed loosely over his chest. “So, who are the two lucky boys who get to frolic with Jack on the hammock?” he asked, grinning.
“Well.” Gideon rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “I was thinking…the twins.”
Nodding, Garrett smiled. “Good choice.”
“The twins?” Jack glanced between the two men doubtfully. Surely, they didn’t mean actual twins—as in brothers.
Gideon laughed softly. “They’re just known as the twins around here because they resemble one another in appearance and are inseparable.”
“And sexy and adorable as fuck,” Garrett added with a flick of his eyebrows.
Jack shot him a quick look, and Scotty came back to mind; why had he thought that Jack was some conquest for Garrett? Had Scotty been one of Garrett’s “conquests”? The guy had seemed pretty adamant about his opinion of Garrett.
“None of this is rocket science.” Gideon smiled, bringing Jack back to the moment. He squeezed Jack’s shoulder. “So just relax and be yourself.” His gaze shifted to Garrett. “Why don’t you introduce Jack to the twins, then show him to the day room? We’ll start there.”
Gideon’s hand dropped away and was replaced by Garrett’s arm resting across his shoulders. “Come on.” Garrett winked. “You’re going to love these boys.” He released a pronounced sigh. “I know I always do.”
How many of the boys did Garrett fuck “off camera”? Lucas and Garrett might have tossed jabs at one another, but it was easy to see they didn’t have any real animosity between them, and in fact their play had struck Jack as some degree of flirting. And Scotty had come off as a spurned lover. Did the man just make his rounds through everyone?
If he thinks I’m going to be one of his boy toys, he’s got another think coming, Jack thought with determination. His conviction waned a bit though as his and Garrett’s bodies bumped gently together on their journey back inside, and a sudden stiffness in his nether regions threatened to affect his stride.
9 “The Twins”
“HEY, my lovelies.” Garrett tapped his fingertips on the open door of the bedroom. His other arm remained draped across Jack’s shoulders. Two young men, no more than nineteen or twenty, were sitting side by side on the bed, playing on an iPad. Both sported short blond hair, styled similarly, and were of the same lean build. When they looked up, Jack was met with two pairs of clear blue eyes framed in thick blond lashes. He was beginning to have his doubts that they weren’t related.
They each wore plain white t-shirts and blue jeans. If it wasn’t for the tattoos on the arms and hands of one of them, Jack would have had difficulty distinguishing between the two. Both boys smiled and their faces lit up.
“Garrett.” The tattooed boy grinned and radiated sweetness and innocence. Jack suspected that the innocence probably wasn’t the case, all things considered. The boy’s voice cooed with sensuality and he slinked off the bed, followed by the other one who appeared bare of any ink.
Garrett smiled as t
he two young men approached, arms entwined. They were the same height, just a fraction shorter than Jack himself. The swaying of their bodies reminded Jack of a snake hypnotizing its prey. No, these boys were not innocent at all—they knew exactly what they were doing.
“Jack.” Garrett squeezed his shoulder. “I’d like you to meet Mickey”—indicating tattoo boy—“and Marcus.”
Nodding, Jack flashed a wavering smile, a little unnerved at the way the boys’ eyes locked onto his face, gazing at him as if he were an all-new dish on their buffet. “Pleasure to meet you.”
Marcus smiled, casting him a shy, sexy look. “It will be your pleasure.” Both boys sidled up to him boldly, pressing against him. “Soon.” Marcus blew in his ear and Mickey slipped a hand around to lightly squeeze his ass. Each of them caressed all over his chest and down his stomach.
Jack was stunned by their extreme forwardness and glanced uncertainly at Garrett who chuckled softly and dropped his arm, stepping back.
“You’re very cute,” Mickey cooed. “Really love your hair.” He released Jack’s ass and raised his hand, sliding his fingers slowly through Jack’s dark strands. He fingered the tattoo on Jack’s neck. “Beautiful. I got lots more tattoos hidden on my body…wanna go on a treasure hunt?” He grinned and flicked the tip of his tongue under Jack’s earlobe.
Clearing his throat, Jack glanced at Garrett helplessly as the twins practically wrapped around him and engulfed him.
“Don’t be frightened.” Garrett laughed and casually folded his arms over his chest, clearly amused. “This is just how they say hello.”
Marcus ran his fingers through Jack’s hair and nuzzled his ear. “Oh, Garrett, Jack isn’t frightened,” he said as if that were a silly notion. His breath warmed Jack’s ear as he murmured, “Are you, Jack?”
Drawing his head back, Jack glanced at him with unease. “Uh…little bit…” He gasped suddenly as Mickey fondled his crotch.
“Doesn’t feel like fear to me,” Mickey whispered and nipped his earlobe then gently squeezed Jack’s cock—which had started responding to the boys’ caresses without his conscious knowledge.
His head twisted anxiously toward Mickey and the boy’s crisp blue eyes were right there close to his. Mickey smiled, eyelids heavy with a dreamy look.
“Okay, my beauties.” Garrett chuckled and stepped forward, rescuing Jack from their seduction, drawing him away from their roaming hands. “You’ve greeted him enough for now. You’ll get your chance to welcome him properly in just a little while.”
The twins pressed against each other and eyed Garrett with soft, hungry gazes. “So, when are you going to shoot with us again?” Marcus murmured, smiling at the sexual innuendo.
Garrett winked softly. “Soon, soon, my lovelies.” He slid his arm around Jack’s shoulders and turned him around.
“See you soon, Jack,” Mickey cooed.
“Can’t wait to play with you,” Marcus added sensually.
Jack cast a quick, uncertain smile over his shoulder and then Garrett walked him back into the hall. “Whoa,” Jack murmured and shook his head.
“Adorable, aren’t they?” Garrett laughed.
“Uh…sure…” Jack smiled, brow pinched. “In a…creepy…V.C. Andrews kind of way.”
“Fuck.” Garrett kissed his head and laughed again. “You’re a funny guy, Jack.”
♥
The day room mildly resembled the studio in which he and Garrett had shot their first scene. This room was bigger with a large, floor-to-ceiling single-paned window in the right far corner that brightened the interior with natural light. Rather than a black leather sofa, a padded chocolate suede sectional was set up in an L-shape in the corner before the window, the sun’s rays warming the thick cushions.
As in the studio, on the far side of the room was a bed made up in white linen. The cameras and equipment were currently set aside out of the way. Garrett let loose of Jack and walked to the sofa and flopped down in the corner crook, arms stretched out along the back. His dark blond hair shimmered with gold highlights in the sunshine.
Jack silently insisted that the response in his shorts was merely the leftover effect of the twins’ mild seduction, but there was no accounting for the sudden erratic beat of his heart. It’s just a sexual reaction, he told himself, you just fucked the guy yesterday—and it was great—so of course you’re going to have lustful aftershocks.
Garrett flicked his hands. “Have a seat.” A wry smile jerked his lips. “You can sit on my lap if there isn’t enough room.”
Jack surveyed the spacious sofa. “Yeah. I think there’s room.” He sat one cushion length away from Garrett. “This sofa is more comfortable.”
“It is.” Garrett gazed at him, the smile still on his lips. “Maybe we can do a scene on it sometime.” His eyes roamed over Jack’s body. “We could do a quick little rehearsal right now…if you like.”
Shaking his head, Jack looked away, lips tight. “I thought I was supposed to be getting ready for my solo piece.”
“Can’t shoot it until the camera crew arrives.” Garrett reached over and fingered the strands of Jack’s hair. “You’re not scared of me, too, are you?” He smiled teasingly. “After all we’ve been through…” He made a tsk sound with his tongue.
Jack laughed. “After all we’ve been through?” He cocked an eyebrow and looked at the guy. “We just met yesterday.”
“Yes, but what a”—he licked his lips—“meeting that was.” His lips curved into a sexy smile.
Jack exhaled and shook his head. “Are you like this with all the new guys?” He posed it in a joking manner, but it was a question that had been floating around in his head since yesterday.
“Like what?” Garrett asked innocently.
“This.” Jack laughed softly. “Flirting like crazy, making sexual innuendos—breaking into my motel room and trying to seduce me.”
“Hey.” Garrett grinned and held up a finger. “I didn’t break in anywhere. Your window was open. And I wasn’t trying to seduce you.”
“Really?” Jack stared at him skeptically.
“Yes, really.” Garrett chuckled and leaned forward, rubbing his hand up Jack’s back. “If I had wanted to seduce you, I would have done so…no trying about it.”
“Your confidence is mind-boggling.” Jack smirked and looked away.
Garrett leaned closer and caressed his hand slowly up Jack’s side. “You don’t think I could have?”
Jack’s pulse quivered then went wild as Garrett’s fingertips played a sensual tune against his ribs. He swallowed thickly; how was he supposed to answer that? How could he deny his desire for the man when they had been back in his motel room? He had been right there for the taking and Garrett clearly knew it.
“I wasn’t denying or confirming.” His voice rasped, and he cringed a little. He hated that he reveled in Garrett’s touch and wanted more of it. This guy was an obvious player and Jack didn’t wish to get caught up in his “game.” But as much as he was determined to resist the man, whenever Garrett was right there—especially if he was touching him—Jack’s resolve dissipated in an instant. He didn’t know what it was about Garrett that weakened him this way—he’d been with guys before who were as hot and sexual as Garrett, and he’d remained in total control. What was different about Garrett North?
Maybe you actually “like” him. Jack squashed that thought real quick; he didn’t “like” Garrett, not that way. But again, his conviction wavered and crashed when Garrett’s lips touched the back of his neck.
“Come on, we need to do something to pass the time until you start the shoot,” he whispered. He gently tugged the tiny neck hairs with his teeth and Jack swallowed the whimper before it made it up his throat. But he could do nothing to discourage the pleasurable shiver that rushed through him or the swelling in his crotch. Garrett kissed the back of his neck with more firmness, his lips dragging to the curve of his shoulder then up to his ear. “I know you want to. Come on. It’s just rehearsal…
we’re not actually going to do anything.”
A shaky breath worked itself up Jack’s throat. “Don’t you have anything else to do besides stalk me?”
Garrett chuckled softly and kissed his shoulder. “Don’t think of it as stalking, but rather…obsessively shadowing.”
“Obsessively shadowing?”
“Mm-hm.” Garrett smiled against his ear.
Jack shifted and cleared his throat, then stood up. “Maybe I’ll just—” He gasped sharply when Garrett grabbed his hips, spun him around, and pulled him down on top of him. Jack dropped onto his lap with a grunt, straddling the man’s body. His eyes widened with surprise as they locked with Garrett’s. He swallowed hard, unsteady. “What’re you…”
Garrett’s hands went up under the back of Jack’s shirt and his fingers sank into flesh, dragging slowly back down. Jack inhaled quickly and gripped Garrett’s shoulders for balance. “I told you…it’s just a little rehearsing.” He leaned up a bit and sucked Jack’s neck, then breathed hotly, “No big deal.”
It feels like a “big” deal, Jack thought with a groan as Garrett’s cock swelled thick and hard beneath him. Garrett shoved his fingers under the rear waistband of Jack’s pants and groped the upper swell of his ass cheeks. Jack shuddered and pressed closer to Garrett’s chest, the man’s soft hair brushing his face as he feasted on Jack’s neck. “Fuck.” Jack swallowed thickly, his head tilting back as Garrett’s lips worked across his Adam’s apple then lower to the base of his throat. He gripped the back of Garrett’s head, tangling blond strands in his fingers.
An intense groan vibrated in Garrett’s chest and he shoved his hands deeper down inside Jack’s jeans, acquiring entire handfuls of ass flesh. He pulled Jack harder against him, lifting his own hips, grinding his and Jack’s crotches together.
“Uuhh…” Jack bit his lip and moaned. He dropped his head forward and buried his face in Garrett’s hair as he began to roll his hips slowly, wantonly, panting softly.
