He urged Marshall onto his stomach. Marshall went willingly, surprising Maksim. Maksim expected another argument about no one fucking him. Maksim was about to, except this time, he intended to take it easy—the way he should have the first time. Maksim’s lips skimmed Marshall’s spine. Marshall gasped. An evil smile tugged at Maksim’s lips. Making Marshall writhe was addictive. There wasn’t a doubt in his mind that very few, if any, men had ever explored Marshall’s body the way Maksim intended to do. There was something empowering about that—like he was special. Marshall had held tight to his desires, never letting himself cave before Maksim. Maksim wanted to worship the man’s body and honor his gift.
Maksim sank his teeth into Marshall’s ass cheek while massaging the other globe. “Damn, I love your ass. Such a sexy man.”
A ragged-sounding breath filled the air. Maksim did it again. He needed that noise caressing his ears. “I’ve never longed for anyone the way I crave you.” Maksim slid his hand up the back of Marshall’s thigh, massaging until he reached the man’s ass again. He spread the man’s cheeks and licked.
“Mak.” The harsh way Marshall said his name drove Maksim on. He urged Marshall onto his knees. Maksim tongued the man’s asshole, licking and dragging moans from Marshall. Marshall’s back arched. He rode Maksim’s tongue. Maksim dug beneath the blankets, finding the lube and condoms he’d stashed there when Marshall hadn’t been watching. He kept Marshall on edge while prepping him to get fucked. The last thing Maksim wanted was for Marshall to come down from his high. With a condom covering his cock and lube coating the sheath, Maksim shifted onto his knees behind Marshall. He swiped his cock across Marshall’s asshole, positioning himself. Marshall pushed back against him.
“Please?”
At Marshall’s plea, Maksim froze. Marshall was the proudest person Maksim knew. Yet he humbled himself time and time again for Maksim. Maksim wanted to be a better person for Marshall—earn him.
Maksim gave Marshall what he begged for. He thrust, sliding inside. The sound escaping Marshall fucked with Maksim’s heart. He wasn’t supposed to care about this man who pretended to be straight. Fuck his life, he did. He cared. Maksim rocked against him, making love to Marshall. He kissed the man’s spine. Licked Marshall’s shoulder. Bit his skin. Marshall kept time with his movements. Every sound the man made screamed how much he loved what Maksim did to his body. Sweat coated their skin. Marshall jacked his own cock while Maksim fucked him. Pressure built in Maksim’s balls and tightened his skin. He was so fucking close to blowing. His fingers found Marshall’s hair and pulled. He licked the man’s ear, surging toward the release his body begged for. Marshall’s body tightened, squeezing Maksim’s cock almost painfully. A low cry bounced off the walls. Marshall’s orgasm triggered Maksim’s. Maksim gasped for breath as each wave of ecstasy hit. Even after the height of his pleasure passed, Maksim continued pumping inside Marshall. His heart refused to let the moment go.
“I can’t get enough of you,” Maksim confessed against Marshall’s ear. His admission gave him the strength to collapse into Marshall, pinning him to the bed and holding him tight. “See me again,” Maksim pled. He didn’t know why, but Maksim couldn’t let this man go. Maybe they’d never be more than they were now, but Maksim wasn’t ready to let go.
“Just tell me when and where,” Marshall said, easing the ache in Maksim’s chest.
“Anytime. Everywhere,” Maksim said, shifting where he could kiss the man who was under his skin. One day at a time. That was how he would win Marshall.
Chapter Six
Maksim: Look what I found.
Marshall: Is that a coffee mug?
Maksim: Yes. As soon as I saw your name on the back of the little football jersey, I knew I had to have it. I didn’t realize it was a mug until I paid for it.
Marshall: That’s awesome. Now I can be on your lips even when I’m not around.
Maksim: Exactly so.
Marshall: Any luck getting Herschel signed with Ontario?
Maksim: You have no idea how diva-like some of these people are.
Marshall: Lol. Is that a yes or a no?
Maksim: I’m still not sure. It looks like I’ll be here at least one more night.
Marshall: okay.
Maksim: I’m sorry. I know we had plans.
Marshall: Don’t worry over me. You’ve never made me any promises.
Maksim: I have a meeting with Kieran Steele next Tuesday.
Marshall: Do you need a place to stay while in town?
Maksim: What I need is to see you.
Marshall: Done.
Maksim: Do you remember that Kentucky guy from a few months back?
Marshall: The big-headed Winger? How could I forget?
Maksim: You were right. New York signed him and he’s already out for the season with a leg injury.
Marshall: Maybe I should go with you more often to check out these players.
Maksim: I like this plan. You. Me. A hotel room with a jacuzzi.
Marshall: Let’s make it happen.
New Year’s Eve…
Marshall: What are you doing right now?
Maksim: Sitting here with a cup of hot cocoa and waiting for the fireworks over Park Slope.
Marshall: Sounds nice.
Maksim: It’s cold as fuck. What are you doing?
Marshall: Sitting downstairs, enjoying the silence.
Maksim: Sounds lonely.
Marshall: It’s not so bad.
Maksim: Can I call?
Marshall: I’d like that.
There was something about the tone of Marshall’s texts that had Maksim needing to hear the man’s voice. Marshall answered on the first ring—like he was excited to hear from Maksim. The idea warmed Maksim’s insides quicker than any amount of cocoa.
“Hey,” Marshall said, sounding breathless.
“Hey, sexy. What are you wearing?”
A soft chuckle caressed Maksim’s ear. He buried the lower half of his face inside his scarf to hide his huge grin. “Workout shorts. I just got home from the gym ten minutes ago.”
“Is that it? Just workout shorts?”
“Is that the only reason you called?” Marshall asked. “To find out what I’m wearing? If so, you should’ve FaceTimed me. I could’ve given you a real show.”
Maksim had never been more thankful for his thick coat, hiding his instant erection. Even the cold couldn’t douse his desire for Marshall. “I have faith you could talk me through the process.”
“Hmmm, I don’t know. You’re in the park with cocoa. That sounds like some wholesome shit where you can’t touch yourself.”
Maksim was having the time of his life. “True, but I enjoy having my mind fucked too.”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Marshall said. His voice turned sultry. “The shorts are coming off. Don’t scar anyone’s kids. You still have time to change your mind.”
“I’m all in, baby. Let me have it.”
Marshall’s dark chuckle had Maksim bracing himself. “I’ve been thinking about you all night.”
“Have you?”
“Yep,” Marshall said, sounding the same as when Maksim fucked him. Jesus. This was torture. “Every place I look, I see a spot where you could fuck me.”
“Maksim?”
Maksim jumped at the man’s sudden appearance over his shoulder. He’d been so engrossed in his conversation with Marshall he’d forgotten he was in public. He turned to find Kentucky, hopping on crutches and smiling like they were old friends.
“Hi,” Maksim said, sounding nervous even to his ears. It felt like he’d just gotten busted fucking Marshall in the park.
“Who is that?” Marshall asked. All hint of lust had disappeared from the man’s voice.
“Kentucky.”
“You haven’t forgotten me,” Kentucky said, as if Maksim had been speaking to him.
“Kentucky? Are you being serious?” Marshall asked. His irritation sounded loud and clear through the line.
<
br /> “Unfortunately,” Maksim said. He couldn’t help the dry tone. This was bad.
“Wow,” Kentucky said. “I wasn’t expecting that greeting.”
Maksim felt like a complete ass. “No,” he rushed to explain. Maksim motioned toward the phone. “I’m having two conversations at once,” Maksim explained. “That wasn’t about you.”
Marshall’s sexy chuckle had Maksim ready to groan. “Liar.”
“Oh,” Kentucky said, brightening. “I didn’t realize you were busy. I’ll leave you to your call.”
“It’s okay, Mak. Go chat with the guy. He’s probably down about being out for the season.”
Maksim bit back a growl. “Hold on a second, baby.” He moved the phone away from his mouth and focused on Kentucky. “Let me finish my call and I’ll catch up with you in a few, okay?”
Kentucky’s smile let Maksim know Marshall was probably right. The thing was, Maksim didn’t want to spend New Year’s Eve with a guy he barely knew. He wanted to be with Marshall. Plus, the last thing Maksim needed was for Marshall to think he was interested in anyone other than him. Sometimes he thought he might be winning the man’s heart. Maksim didn’t want to lose ground.
“That’s cool,” Kentucky said, motioning toward a spot nearby. “I’m hanging out over there with a few of my teammates.”
Maksim flashed him a smile. “Be there in a few.” He watched the man hop away before returning to his phone call. “So, are those shorts still off?”
“Sounds like you’ve got more men than you can handle tonight.” Marshall didn’t sound upset, merely resigned.
Maksim stared at his feet as he toed the ground. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” Marshall rushed to reassure him. “I know I’m not the only...” Marshall stopped and didn’t say anything else for a full five seconds, making Maksim want to scream. Finally, he sighed. “It’s okay, gorgeous. Go. It’s New Year’s Eve. Have fun.”
Maksim didn’t know how to fix this, so he bailed. “Okay. I guess I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Sure,” Marshall said, sounding like he didn’t believe it.
Fuck. “Goodnight, babe.”
“Goodnight,” Marshall said, disconnecting their call.
Maksim stared at the night sky as he stuffed his phone inside his jacket. All he cared about was in New Orleans. He was stuck in New York.
Kentucky appeared at his side, startling him a second time. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt a call with your man. How long have you been seeing each other?”
Maksim flashed him a quick smile. “It’s okay. We’ve only been together a few months. It’s long distance, so nights like this aren’t easy.”
Kentucky looked more solemn than Maksim ever imagined the man could be. “When you travel as much as we do, it doesn’t matter where you live; everything is long distance. Sometimes you meet someone worth it, though.”
Despite the way the night had gone to hell, Maksim’s lips turned up in the corners. “He’s worth it.”
“Then why are you here?” Kentucky asked. Curiosity dripped from each word.
Maksim shrugged. “By the time I got there, I’d have to head to Chicago the next day.”
“So,” Kentucky said, staring off into the distance. “That’s twenty-four hours with someone worthwhile. That’s more than some people get.”
Maksim shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. He kept his gaze locked on the sky. No doubt he could see the stars in New Orleans. Not here. “I guess I should try to grab a flight.”
Kentucky slapped him across the back. “Off with you. Tell Marshall I said hi.”
Maksim’s head whipped around at Kentucky’s words. The man was already hopping away, stealing Maksim’s chance to ask how he’d known. Fuck. All he could do was hope the man kept his correct assumptions to himself. Marshall would never forgive Maksim otherwise.
With his arms crossed over his chest, hoping to protect his heart, Marshall stared at his phone. Thirteen hundred miles away, Maksim was with Kentucky. Now that Kentucky played for New York, he lived in the same town as Maksim. He could be in Maksim’s bed every night. The dude was out for the season. His life could revolve around Maksim. Marshall rubbed his chest. His heart hurt. Kentucky was sexy, arrogant, and secure in his sexuality. The man was everything Maksim deserved. Marshall didn’t stand a chance.
He had no idea how much time passed while he stared at nothing and ached. Marshall sighed and stood. Maksim was single. Marshall couldn’t stop him from fucking anyone else. He would take a shower and go to bed. Maybe tomorrow he wouldn’t still feel sick at the thought of Maksim’s name. Marshall let the water scald his skin. He stood under the stream until it turned cold. After turning off the water, Marshall didn’t bother getting dressed. That was one of the perks of having no one love him. There was no one there to tell him to put on pants. He ran through the nightly routine of brushing his teeth and locking doors. Still, he didn’t go to bed. Instead, Marshall paced the floor. Was Kentucky beneath Maksim yet? It was an hour ahead in New York. The fireworks would’ve flown, the ball dropped, and Kentucky had taken his place.
When a loud succession of knocking rang out, Marshall’s gaze flew to the door. “Who in the hell?”
The knocks came again. Marshall checked the peephole. He bit his lip, trying to temper his smile. Maksim stood on the other side. Marshall opened the door, keeping his nudity hidden behind the wooden barrier. “You’re here,” Marshall pointed out unnecessarily.
Maksim’s violet eyes shone bright with mischief. “I hopped the first flight I could—” Maksim’s words died a swift death as Marshall closed the door. “Do you always answer the door in the buff?”
“Only for sexy talent scouts.”
Humor filled Maksim’s gaze. “That narrows it down a bit.” Maksim’s palm slid across Marshall’s hip. “Damn. You’re an amazing sight for starving eyes.”
Marshall’s cheeks ached. Happiness owned him. He couldn’t stop smiling. “You’re here,” Marshall said again. There was no way Maksim could know how he’d appeared at just the right time, saving Marshall’s sanity.
Maksim shrugged off his jacket and tossed it aside. “I couldn’t stay away,” Maksim confessed as he shuffled closer. His hands found Marshall’s hips, towing him against his body. “I was standing there, staring at the light-polluted sky, waiting for fireworks I didn’t care to see with Kentucky talking my ear off, and it hit me. I missed you, and there’s no one else I’d rather be with tonight.”
Marshall didn’t want to be moved. He was scared to read too much into Maksim’s claim. “I’m glad you’re here,” Marshall said, choosing to live in the moment. They were evenly matched in height. Marshall didn’t have to move far to steal a kiss. He thought to be quick and move away. Then their lips met, and all bets were off. The uncertainty of where he stood with Maksim was always a stone in his gut. The only time the pressure eased was when Maksim touched him.
“I feel overdressed,” Maksim said as he changed angles, coming at Marshall from a different direction.
Marshall went for the button of Maksim’s jeans. “We should fix that.”
With both of them tearing at Maksim’s clothes, he was nude in no time. When their bare skin touched, Marshall sucked in a hiss. Maksim was cold to the touch from being outside, but he still set Marshall on fire. Maksim’s kiss softened. The move punched Marshall in the heart. It was almost sickening how badly he wanted to call Maksim his. There was a hint of bitterness mixed with his longing because he knew it would never happen.
Marshall’s lips moved to Maksim’s jaw and then to his neck. Maksim palmed Marshall’s hard cock. “Let’s take this to my bedroom.”
“I want to bend you over the couch,” Maksim said, offering Marshall an alternative he couldn’t resist.
“Oh, god,” he breathed against Maksim’s throat.
As if Marshall’s desperation was the cue he’d been waiting for, Marshall found himself staring at t
he dark couch cushions with no clue how it happened. Maksim massaged Marshall’s ass, teasing him. He heard Maksim rip into a condom. Marshall bit back a whimper. There was something about Maksim. The man possessed something no one else did. He made Marshall want to submit to his every desire. As Maksim pushed his way inside, making Marshall beg for release, Marshall realized something about himself. For the right person, he’d ruin his life. If Maksim ever decided he wanted to be that person, Marshall would give him the world.
For the fifth time, Marshall buried his face in the crook of Maksim’s neck and inhaled. Each time it happened, Maksim couldn’t hold back his chuckle. He adored moments like this—when Marshall let Maksim hold him.
“Why do you smell different?” Marshall asked, explaining the constant sniffing.
“A salesman shot me with cologne earlier before I could get away.” He tightened his hold on Marshall. “I can’t tell you what it does to me, knowing you can tell the difference—like you’ve memorized my scent.”
Marshall’s lips lightly brushed Maksim’s neck. “You could blindfold me, and I could pick you from a crowd.” Before Maksim had time to pull something stupid—like confess he was falling for Marshall, Marshall changed the subject. “What kind of place sprays innocent people?”
Shopping reminded him of something important. “A high-end department store near my apartment, which reminds me, I’ll be right back,” he said, climbing from the bed. Maksim found his pants in the living room and dashed out to the car. He was back with his bag in hand in a matter of minutes. After returning to the bedroom, Maksim stripped again before unzipping his suitcase. “I didn’t get to see you at Christmas like I hoped.” He pulled a red-wrapped box from his bag and held it out to Marshall. “I didn’t get to give you your gift.”
Bang (Hard Hit Book 13) Page 5
