by Andrew Grey
“Sure,” Tartus said, and Elliott could tell he felt like he was being brushed off.
“He’ll call, and maybe you can make up for scaring the hell out of me with dinner and some war stories or something.” Elliott smiled, and damned if the big lug’s expression didn’t brighten a little. “You have a good night.” He opened the door, and Salvatore promised once again that he would indeed call, and Tartus left the house. Elliott waited until he was out of sight before closing the door and jumping into Salvatore’s arms, his legs wrapping around his waist. “Take me to bed.” He rested his head on Salvatore’s beefy shoulder and let him carry him out of the living room and back to the bedroom.
Salvatore’s hands cradled his butt, and Elliott moaned softly as they passed into the bedroom. Salvatore kicked the door shut before laying him back on the mattress. “Someone is wearing way too many clothes.”
“Make that two someones,” Elliott said, and nimbly began pulling Salvatore’s shirt up and over his head. Damn, he was sexy as all hell, and Elliott got his own shirt off as Salvatore slipped off first his own pants and then went to work on Elliott’s. It wasn’t long before they were both naked, with Salvatore leaning over him and Elliott pressing upward for as much contact as possible.
God, he needed all of Salvatore that he could get. Elliott practically devoured his mouth and held him around the neck as tightly as he dared. They needed to be quiet, but Elliott wasn’t sure that was possible, not now. No matter what happened down the road, he wanted all of Salvatore, and Elliott fully intended to take whatever Salvatore was willing to give. At the moment, that seemed to entail a great deal of touching and stroking, which only increased the heat that was nearly driving Elliott completely out of his mind.
“We shouldn’t let our guard down,” Salvatore said weakly.
Elliott pulled him into another kiss. He was becoming addicted to the feel of Salvatore’s weight on top of him, and he wrapped his legs around his waist once again, holding Salvatore tightly. Salvatore might be right, but Elliott was relieved that whoever had been in the house hadn’t been sent by his stepfather, and quite frankly, being on edge all the time was getting to him. He needed to feel safe, and Salvatore did that.
Elliott groaned as Salvatore lifted him farther up on the mattress, his hands kneading Elliott’s buttcheeks. God, it felt good to be touched, to be held and cared for. He had spent so much time on edge and afraid, and he didn’t want to do that any longer. Elliott desperately needed to be able to feel anything other than fear, and as Salvatore pulled back, his hands roaming slowly over his chest and then down his belly before reversing course, that made him forget the rest. Soothing, caring caresses that sent him floating were all he could think about. Just like during the massage days earlier, Elliott was able to let go and just breathe and be, comfortable in Salvatore’s ministrations.
He trusted him. It surprised Elliott how much, but it was so easy—maybe too damned easy—to just let go with Salvatore.
Elliott closed his eyes as Salvatore’s hands moved slower, creating trails of heat and longing along his skin. “Sal….” Elliott groaned as one of Salvatore’s thumbs slowly circled a nipple, followed by a tongue that seared into him. He arched forward for more pressure as Salvatore sucked at his bud, groaning and trying to stay quiet so he didn’t disturb the others but finding it hard to keep in the sounds.
Salvatore pulled everything out of him, and Elliott found it impossible to keep it inside, so he stopped trying. He ran his fingers through Salvatore’s silky hair, thrusting his hips forward in unabashed need that grew more intense by the second. Then everything stopped. Elliott blinked and met Salvatore’s gaze as his lips drew closer. Salvatore tugged him upward, hugging him tightly, his lips growing slowly closer. Elliott parted his own, and Salvatore kissed him, the most intensely passionate kiss of his life. It seemed like Salvatore had put all of himself into that kiss, and it damned near short-circuited his brain. The wrinkles in the sheet under him tickled, the softness only adding to the sense of safety, which allowed Elliott to give as much back to Salvatore as he could.
“Is all this so you can forget?” Salvatore whispered as he pulled back.
Elliott shook his head. “No. It’s so I can remember.” He closed the distance between them. “I want to remember what it feels like to be truly alive and to hold my own life in my hands.” He smoothed his hands along Salvatore’s rough cheeks and then up to his hair, gripping the strands slightly. “I want to know what it’s like to have someone in my life who likes me for me and isn’t interested in controlling me or having me under their thumb.” He drew closer. This was way too heavy a conversation for this moment, and Elliott didn’t want to spoil anything. “I want you.”
Salvatore held just far enough away that Elliott wondered if he’d said something wrong. “Do you mean that?” He placed his hand in the center of Elliott’s chest. “I can feel your heart.”
Elliott sniffled as a lump instantly formed in his throat. “That’s because you stole it.” He bit his lower lip and placed his hands on Salvatore’s chest. “Please don’t ask for any more right now, okay?” He inhaled deeply and closed his eyes as a wave of vulnerability washed over him. He needed to keep things like that under control as best he could.
“Why?” Salvatore said. “I’m not going to treat you the way your stepfather did, and I won’t abuse your trust or support anyone who does.” Salvatore’s gaze was as heated and sharp as a knife from the fire. “That sort of thing isn’t love.”
Dammit, just like that it seemed like Salvatore could see into his heart, feel what he felt, and he understood. “Love in my family is twisted and….” Elliott didn’t even want to utter the words that came to mind in front of Salvatore in case they tainted him and this moment.
“You met my family…,” Salvatore said, and Elliott nodded, drawing closer.
“I did, and I love your mom. She’s amazing,” Elliott said.
Salvatore chuckled and looked down between them. “Can we not talk about my mother at a time like this? It makes things want to go south….”
Elliott smirked slightly. “Then why don’t we talk about how hard it’s going to be for me not to scream while you’re fucking me into oblivion.” He pulled Salvatore down once again, cutting off more talk by putting their lips to much better use.
The energy between them, which had waned slightly, zoomed right back to high voltage. And damn, Elliott liked to be in control, but Salvatore’s strength and surety had him giving that up to him. It was easy to put himself in Salvatore’s hands—too easy. And he realized what that meant. He trusted Salvatore, cared for him… and yes, he loved him, even if Elliott wasn’t ready to say the words yet.
“Why are you shaking?” Salvatore asked.
Elliott shook his head, trying to control the whirlwind of emotions swirling and churning in his head. “Because….” He opened his mouth and nothing came out. “It’s hard to believe that what you say is real, and yet I know it is. I feel that you’re true and honest in my heart. But my head is so used to being screwed with….”
“Then listen to your heart,” Salvatore whispered. “Unlike your head, it isn’t going to steer you wrong. What does your heart tell you?”
Elliott drew himself closer and kissed Salvatore with everything he had. His heart had been easy to read because he already knew the answer. It wanted Salvatore in a big way and spoke plenty loud and clear.
Salvatore groaned and held him in return, his lips tugging on Elliott’s as their cocks slid past each other, sending a sweet frisson of desire racing through him. Even though he started it, Salvatore quickly took control of the kiss, his lips exploring as he rolled them on the bed. Elliott had more freedom of movement once he was on top, and he relished each and every touch. Salvatore seemed to have this thing for roving hands, and Elliott soaked it in, the heat winding up and down his back, everywhere Salvatore touched him.
“Dang,” Elliott moaned softly. “I feel a little like a cat being st
roked, and….”
“Oh, honey. You’re no cat…,” Salvatore whispered into his ear. “You’re one hella hot man.”
Elliott couldn’t help smiling. “Where did that come from?” Those words sounded so strange coming out of Salvatore.
“I can be cool,” Salvatore teased.
“I’d rather you were hot,” Elliott retorted. “And you are.” He placed his palms on Salvatore’s chest, a finger circling his nipples. Salvatore hissed softly, and Elliott leaned forward to suck and lick on one of them until Salvatore shivered under him. He loved that he could make the huge, strong man quiver and shake under him. It was sexy as all get-out.
Elliott slid lower, trailing his lips over Salvatore’s chest and down his flat, tight belly. Damn, he could practically get lost in the grooves he found there, his fingers tracing the deep indications of many hours of intense physical activity.
“You like those?” Salvatore crooned with a flex of his belly.
Elliott raised his gaze. “You know you’re hot as hell.” He ran his fingers over Salvatore’s side just once, the muscles spasming a little, and Salvatore squirmed. “I know your weakness.” And he loved how responsive Salvatore was to him. He had always figured that a huge guy like Salvatore would be stoic and all about body and muscle control. Salvatore was so intensely present and in ways vulnerable with him that it only added to his heart’s intense draw to Salvatore.
“Tickling isn’t nice.” He chuckled slightly.
“Is this nice?” Elliott asked, cocking his eyebrows before sliding his lips slowly down Salvatore’s cock.
“Yes…,” Salvatore croaked, and Elliott took more of him as rich musk burst on his tongue. He wanted more, and from the way Salvatore’s breathing intensified and grew shallower, more urgent, he did as well. Cupping Salvatore’s balls in his hands, he massaged them while taking as much of him as he could. This was a challenge, because, like the rest of him, Salvatore was no small guy. Everything in proportion, and fuck, what proportions those were.
Elliott bobbed his head, using his lips to provide suction, and holy hell, Salvatore writhed on the bedding. He tasted so good, and Elliott wanted to make him feel as amazing as Salvatore made him feel.
“El…,” Salvatore pleaded. “Please don’t stop… I’m….” He gasped for breath. “So close….” He sounded desperate, and Elliott loved that, but he wasn’t ready for this to be over. Elliott pulled back, and Salvatore groaned and gripped the bedding in his fists. “Man….”
Elliott leaned closer. “Can’t have the show over before the main event.” He reached to the bedside table and handed Salvatore one of the condoms, flashing him his best smirk.
Salvatore’s eyes grew darker, and his hand shook a little as he took the foil packet. He hesitated, and Elliott wondered why, tilting his head slightly and waiting. “Do you…?” Salvatore handed the packet back.
Elliott blinked and took it, his hand the one now shaking. “Are you sure?” Elliott’s entire body went on overdrive at the thought.
Salvatore nodded and reached to the nightstand, pulled open the drawer, and fumbled inside. Elliott chuckled and found the lube for him, showing Salvatore the bottle. Then he popped the top and put a dollop on his fingers. “Go slow—it’s been a while,” Salvatore whispered, and Elliott leaned closer, teasing Salvatore’s opening with his slicked fingers as he kissed him.
The trust in Salvatore’s eyes was nearly overwhelming, and when Elliott’s hand shook a little, he steadied himself before pressing a digit into Salvatore. The heat and the pressure were incredible. Salvatore groaned, and Elliott continued slowly, finding the spot inside, and when Salvatore rolled his eyes, he pressed again. Salvatore quivered on the bedding, his cock bouncing against his belly.
Elliott made sure to take his time, and only when the soft sounds Salvatore made became more urgent and his eyes had become nearly black with desire did he know he was ready. Then he reached for the condom and rolled it on, got into position, leaned over Salvatore, and slowly pressed into him.
Elliott almost lost his nearly shredded control when the pressure surrounding him grew more intense by the second. It took everything Elliott had to hold back and not go too fast. God, he wanted this, wanted Salvatore, and the way he was laid out under him on the bed only tended to drive him forward. Only when Salvatore tapped his hip did he sink the final way into him. This was amazingly mind-blowing, and when Elliott slowly pulled back, they gasped in unison and Salvatore reached for him. Elliott leaned forward and rocked slowly, wanting to make sure that Salvatore had a chance to adjust and that he was ready. Judging by the way he moved along with him, Salvatore was more than ready, and he tugged Elliott a little closer just as Elliott’s hips started to roll.
“Damn, this is going to be fast,” Elliott breathed.
“Oh God, yes.” Salvatore quivered under him, and when Elliott changed angles, he gasped, and Elliott sped up, instinct taking over as one leg shook, the excitement inside him needing to find an outlet.
Salvatore was stunningly gorgeous, laid back on the bed, eyes shining up at him, a light sheen of sweat sparkling in the glow that filtered around the edge of the curtains. Elliott saved that image to memory because it was something he wanted to keep and hold on to when things got tough, for the rest of his life.
“Elliott…,” Salvatore whimpered as he stroked himself.
Elliott groaned and pushed Salvatore’s hand away, wrapped his fingers around Salvatore’s cock, and stroked him in time to his undulations. In a show of trust that held Elliott’s heart, Salvatore raised his hands over his head to grip the headboard as he moved with him.
Elliott had never been so in sync with another person in his life. It was like he could read Salvatore’s heart and mind and give him exactly what he needed. Salvatore’s knuckles turned white as he held on, his cock throbbing and growing hotter in his hand. “I know you’re so close.”
“Yeah….” Salvatore’s breathy words were filled with need.
Elliott felt the pressure building himself and slowed his speed just enough to hopefully prolong Salvatore by a few seconds. Then he tightened his grip, and Salvatore’s cock throbbed in his hand, his release painting his chest as Elliott lost control of his own body, pushing forward hard and holding still as he spun into a mind-altering climax.
Neither of them seemed in a hurry to move, and when Elliott slipped out of Salvatore’s body, he disposed of the condom and collapsed on the bed. He was barely aware of Salvatore cleaning up next to him, and then Salvatore rolled on his side, scooping him into his arms.
“Damn, that was intense.”
“Uh-huh…,” Elliott breathed, and slowly rolled over to kiss Salvatore without opening his eyes. “You’re amazing.” He nuzzled closer into his heat and let the happiness and contentment carry him into sleep. He refused to allow any thought of what the hell might be coming next to enter his mind, or what Salvatore really wanted. Elliott’s heart had settled on the big man, but….
He pushed the kernels of those thoughts away and just tried to sleep.
Chapter 10
A PHONE ringing pulled Salvatore out of his dream of Elliott and him swimming at a lake after dark, with Elliott climbing out on the dock, his bare, tight butt shining in the moonlight. “Make it stop,” he moaned even as he opened his eyes and his mind reacted to the intrusion. “Elliott, it’s your phone.” For a second he wondered who might be calling him and if his stepfather had found him again.
Elliott must have gotten up at some point in the night, because Buster lay at their feet, curled into a ball. He raised his head and glared at Salvatore as though the phone was his fault.
“I’m getting it,” Elliott said as he fumbled through his clothes and pulled out his phone. “Traynor?” Elliott said as he answered and listened. Salvatore sat up, growing concerned as Elliott’s posture stiffened and his shoulders grew more and more tense by the second. Then, like letting loose a coiled rubber band, the tension snapped away. “You’re kidding me
. They went after him? That’s what she said?” Elliott listened again and nodded, growing tense once more. “Thank you for letting me know. I’ll call her.” He paused again. “Buster is fine. He’s right here, and I think he knows I’m on the phone to you.” He petted Buster and thanked Traynor again before hanging up.
“What is it?” Salvatore asked.
“I’m not sure. Let’s get dressed, and I can tell you and Spook at the same time.” Elliott was already pulling on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt as Salvatore got out of bed.
Buster followed them out of the room, and Salvatore knocked on the guest room door. Spook opened it, peering through the crack. He nodded when he saw Salvatore’s expression and then closed the door once more.
“I’ll make some coffee,” Salvatore said. He figured they were going to need it, and the rich scent had just begun to fill the room when Spook passed by the doorway.
“What happened?” Spook asked, and Salvatore joined them in the living room.
“My friend Traynor called. He was the one who kept Buster for me and, well, he felt really bad about what happened before.” Elliott sighed. “He said that my mom called him and said that the police had been to the house with a warrant for my stepfather’s arrest, but that he hadn’t been home. Traynor said that she doesn’t know where he is, but it seems that the authorities have a manhunt out for him.”
“Do you believe him, or do you think he’s playing us somehow?” Spook asked.
“I want to believe him. I mean, he said he was wrong and was crying. Said that he was played, and he should never have talked to him.” Elliott hung his head. “That man has a way of getting to people, and if they seem impossible to break, he’ll find a way, some leverage somewhere.” He shivered, and Salvatore gathered him close as Buster jumped up and lay on the other side of him. “What I don’t know is where he is.”
