by Tatum Throne
“Don’t.”
Phoenix came in close. “Tell me who hurt you.”
Pain ricochet through his eyes. “Don’t do that again.”
Off in the distance, a train horn blew. Wind whipped Hunter’s hair over his forehead. He was gorgeous in a sweet and innocent way. Phoenix’s cock was thrumming. Someone had done a number on Hunter’s head and heart, and now Phoenix was paying the price for it.
“I’m sorry. I won’t kiss you again.”
Tears started to mist through Hunter’s eyes before he turned away. As he headed alone toward the cabin, Phoenix knew he had royally fucked up. When he saw Hunter disappear into his cabin, Phoenix headed for the shower of his own. He needed to deal with the raw, thrumming need racing through his veins. Hunter had awakened him and the fire burning deep within him wouldn’t extinguish anytime soon. He slammed open the door to his private cabin and headed for the shower. He wouldn’t be getting any sleep tonight.
Chapter Three
The next morning Camp Tack was buzzing with activity. After a rough night, Phoenix got going early, avoiding Hunter as much as possible as he and TJ set up the night OP. That didn’t stop him from watching Hunter from a distance as he set up communications in the tower with Chief Rask at his side. Over the last few hours, he replayed their first kiss over and over.
“Did you hear what I said?” TJ asked.
“Sorry.”
“I’m moving some bunk assignments around due to Cleveland’s SWAT showing up late.”
“Okay.”
“Dude what is wrong with you?” TJ asked.
“What?”
“You’re off this morning.”
“I’m solid.”
He wasn’t. He was distracted with Hunter. That thought had him training his binoculars on Hunter. He licked his lips as mind humped the idea of kissing Hunter again. He wondered if Hunter was as twisted up as he was. There were dark shadows under his eyes. He had obviously slept poorly the night before, too. Phoenix reluctantly lowered the binoculars. He should have been forgetting about Hunter and concentrating on work but he couldn’t.
At dusk, their coordinated night OP began.
Night operations were going well. Phoenix looked through his night vision goggles as SWAT worked magic and circles around their competition. Hunter was coordinating dispatch for the training session.
Phoenix pressed his radio. “Switch to channel three, TJ.”
“Copy, switching to channel three.”
Phoenix wanted to talk to TJ privately about the fact that Hunter wasn’t taking a hands-on role in the training. “I want Hunter in the field.”
“Copy that. Get his ass out here and start his training. Marco is up in the communications tower.”
“Copy.”
Phoenix switched off of channel three and headed toward the communications tower. With fifty pounds of gear on, Phoenix started his free climb up the side, loving the way that he used the darkness of night to cover his climb up the side. They didn’t notice his presence until he was up and over the side.
“Shit!”
Marco fell backward off his chair when he took him by surprise. Disbelief moved through Hunter’s eyes.
“I see you still don’t like to take the stairs,” Hunter said.
Instead of answering Hunter’s accusatory tone, he looked at Marco. “I need you to handle communications for the rest of the night.”
“Sure. What’s going on?”
“I need Hunter to start his field training tonight.” There was something within Hunter’s eyes that put Phoenix on guard. “You ready?”
“You got this up here, Marco?” Hunter asked.
There was a slow pause. “Yeah. I’m good.”
Phoenix stepped back. “Good, let’s go.”
Relief moved through Phoenix as he headed down the stairway, listening to the sound of Hunter’s footsteps following behind. He wanted this man in the field and taking his orders tonight. They headed toward the locker room deep within the gym where they conducted indoor training sessions. He led the way into the locker room, finding a pair of black tactical pants and a SWAT shirt.
He looked Hunter up and down. “Undress and put these on.”
“Right here?”
They were in the open common area of the locker room. There were dressing rooms in the back, but Phoenix didn’t want to deal with showing Hunter where they were. “Here is fine with me.”
As Hunter undressed, Phoenix went to his private locker and shucked off some of the gear he wouldn’t need to train him. When he shut his locker door, he turned around in time to see Hunter pulling up his tactical pants. All of his breath left him when he saw that Hunter wasn’t wearing a shirt. His chest was chiseled and completely smooth and free of chest hair.
Phoenix thought about the dark hair that he had to keep trimmed short on his chest—just short enough to cover some of the scars from three childhood surgeries on his trachea and esophagus. He loved it when his submissives were smooth and perfect in a way he was not.
It wasn’t just the fact that he was smooth that caught his attention. Hunter had tribal tattoos that twisted around his chest and seemed to lick at the six pack he had. Not to mention the biohazard symbol on his chest was fucking hot. Who knew he was hiding that much under those clothes? Phoenix vowed to never judge any man he was interested in again.
Their eyes locked and for the first time since their lives had been thrown together, there was sexual confidence in those eyes. Hunter hooked his thumbs into the front of his tactical pants as though he were waiting for something. Before Phoenix could stop himself, he was across the cool tile and muscling him up against the lockers by pressing his legs and chest against his. They were inches apart.
“Don’t fucking look at me like that unless you have permission to.” A gasp sounded from the back of Hunter’s throat. “If you don’t want me kissing you again, you don’t ever get to look at me that way.”
Hunter licked his lips nervously. “Sorry.”
“No, you’re not fucking sorry. This is how tonight is going to go. You’re going to do my training and do it well. Clear?”
“We’re clear.”
“Good.”
Phoenix’s radio spun to life, breaking the moment. He pulled away abruptly. “Get dressed.”
He took a deep breath as he headed out of the locker room. His cock was pulsating within his tactical pants. Phoenix firmly adjusted it as he waited for Hunter to come out. When the door opened, Phoenix headed for the training session outside.
Special operations were running a mass casualty field operation. There were actors playing victims within the urban setting. Usually, Hunter was out of the way as he ran communications. Hunter looked like a dear frozen in the headlights.
“Snap out of it.”
Hunter blinked as though he were waking up. “I’m not made for this.”
“Yes, you are.”
They headed toward the action where TJ was setting the stage. Hunter was immediately pulled into the mix. Phoenix fitted him with a shoulder radio, clipping it to his shirt. Phoenix was going to do everything in his power to test Hunter and to find and take him to his hard limit. He wanted to prove to Hunter that he could do it. He knew that as long as Hunter trusted his instinct in the field, everything would be okay for him. He did not understand Hunter’s lack of confidence, and he wanted to shake him to the core.
Tonight was all about proving to Hunter that he had what it took to become a member of SWAT, and to run communications for them in the field. If the man didn’t trust his instinct, he didn’t know what he was going to do to prove to the man that he could do it. They had already crossed the line once. Phoenix had no intention of crossing that line again—if he could help it.
As tactical got underway, Hunter fell right in line behind him. Taking up communications where he knew he should. It impressed Phoenix. He knew Hunter had what it took to be in the field. Now, if he could only prove to Hunter that he was meant to
be at his side.
As the training exercise became more intense, sweat broke out on his temple. He seemed more unsure and unsteady as he thought through what he needed to do. Phoenix crossed his arms as he stood back and watched him work. He was clean and concise as he worked with dispatch and communication, listening as TJ repeated orders.
It should have all been going well, but there was a crack within Hunter’s composure. Phoenix had pushed him too hard, and he was sorry for that. He didn’t want the man to break before he had a chance to mold him into the SWAT communications expert he could be. Hunter started to pull away emotionally and physically from the field training exercise. Phoenix knew he had to intervene before he cracked completely. And that’s exactly what he was going to do.
“Come with me.” Phoenix took him away from the night operation and headed for the main building. He found a private conference room and shut the door behind them. “What’s going on?”
“I’m not cut out for this. I can’t work in the field.”
Shock vibrated through Phoenix as Hunter turned away from him and headed toward the door. Phoenix grabbed hold of his arm and stopped him. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”
“Just stop.”
There was pain and hurt within Hunter’s gaze. “Tell me what’s going on.”
There was uncertainty within his eyes. “I can’t handle it.”
“Yes, you can. You just need to trust your instinct.”
Ignoring Hunter’s plea to stay away, Phoenix stepped in close, knowing he had to tread carefully so he didn’t scare him away. “The first step taken in any new adventure is always the most difficult.”
Hunter blinked several times. “Sexy and smart. You’re killing me here.”
A grin lifted the corners of Phoenix’s lips. The urge to kiss Hunter was an overwhelming one he couldn’t resist. He knew he needed Hunter’s consent before he stepped in and took what he wanted though. Phoenix licked his lips purposely, hoping that Hunter would notice the move.
When his eyes lowered to his lips, Phoenix bit the corner of his lower lip before releasing it on a sigh. Lust spiraled through Hunter’s eyes before he shut it off. Outside, operations were wrapping up. It wouldn’t be long before everyone would be heading to bed. Time was slipping away. He didn’t have long before Hunter would find an excuse to run from him again.
“Operations have finished for the night.”
Hunter nervously crossed his arms. “I guess I haven’t passed your test.”
“Not yet, but I have confidence that you will.”
“I’m not so sure.”
“Trust me.” Not wanting to scare him away, Phoenix headed toward the door, opening it. “We should get back.”
As Hunter passed by, his arm brushed against his. Phoenix was not prepared for the complete physical reaction his body had. His cock flooded with heat and his mouth watered to suck his sub’s cock. The fact that he wasn’t yet his sub put him on notice. He wouldn’t take anything from Hunter until he was completely ready, but he wouldn’t be waiting long. He only had so much patience.
He followed Hunter back toward the cabins. Shock ran through him when he realized that they were sharing the same cabin tonight. That meant they would also be sharing the shower. TJ had mentioned in passing this morning that they would need to move some bunk assignments due to more attending the night operation this year. He didn’t think this would happen.
Unable to follow him inside, Phoenix headed toward the woods to take a much needed deep breath. He ran his hand through his hair, trying to forget all about the way Hunter would be changing and having a shower. As the light clicked on within the shower, Phoenix headed back toward the cabin. He was going to change and go straight to bed.
At least, that was what he was telling himself he was going to do. He undressed and looked down at his throbbing cock. Instead, he grabbed his towel and shower kit and headed toward the shower. Armed with a six pack and cold, hard determination to knock Hunter’s guard down, Phoenix made sure that Hunter saw him as he walked completely naked into the shower room. There were six stalls with tile dividers and no curtains.
Hot water rained down upon Hunter as he stood within the open shower stall. His mouth hung open in shocked surprise as his gaze landed on his prick. Phoenix gave him a hard stare as he crossed the room and purposely took a shower stall where Hunter would have a full view of everything. From the corner of his eye, Phoenix saw as Hunter whipped around, trying not to take advantage of what he had a chance to see.
Hunter shut off the water and wrapped a towel around his waist. He took two steps toward the door before he stopped abruptly. Phoenix could see another crack in his composure. They were both lucky that everyone would be leaving early tomorrow morning to go back to the real world.
Hunter turned and took several steps forward before he stopped. “You’re a fucking bastard.”
Naked and feeling a little too confident, Phoenix left his shower stall and crossed the tile to stand in front of the man who so thoroughly caught his attention. He could see the sharp intake of his breath as he was cornered next to the bench in the middle of the room. He let his gaze fall on his neck where he saw his vein thrumming wildly.
“I can be exactly what you need me to be if you give me the chance,” Phoenix said.
Hunter moved around the bench backing away toward the door. Determined to make a move, he hunted him down, pinning his back to the door. When he was trapped, Phoenix took advantage of the moment to prove a point. He could see the outline of Hunter’s thick shaft beneath the towel with the tip of his cockhead starting to peek out. That simple edge made Phoenix’s mouth water with a hunger he hadn’t felt in a really long time.
“Leave me alone.”
“I know you want me. You’re hard for me.”
Hunter swallowed roughly as he tried to regain his composure. A moan of pent up frustration escaped his wet parted lips. With his target in sight, Phoenix hooked his finger into the towel and gave it a seductive tug. The terrycloth towel slipped off his narrow hips and fell to the floor at their feet. His cock slapped out, hitting against Phoenix’s.
Shock and confusion moved through Hunter’s eyes as he struggled to fight back what he was feeling. Their dicks bump together. Pre-cum leaked from Hunter’s tip, dripping seductively down his ridge, reminding him of the way an ice cream cone melted in the summer. Stunned by his thick, long size, Phoenix used his cockhead to rub up and down his shaft. As he flexed his hips, he skimmed his lips up over the curve of Hunter’s ear.
“I know you need me.”
A sigh escaped Hunter’s mouth as he slumped against the door. With his palms on either side of him and against the cool wooden door, Phoenix used his hips to thrust and stroke his cock along Hunter’s. Frustration burned brightly within Hunter’s eyes as he skimmed his lips over his cheek to see how thoroughly he was effecting him.
“I want you as my bottom.”
Another groan whispered from Hunter. “We need to stop before we do something we’re both going to regret.”
Tilting up his chin with his thumb while smoothing his palm over his throat, Phoenix leaned in close as their cocks tangled together. “Is that what you really want?”
“Yes.”
With his palm gripping his neck, Phoenix felt their dicks thrusting back and forth. He squeezed his neck just enough to let him know he was the one in control. As he thrust his cock, Phoenix moved his free hand down over Hunter’s balls, giving them a possessive squeeze and to feel how big they were. Excitement pumped through his veins when he realized how large they were.
“Too bad. I wouldn’t mind having you getting a taste of my load.”
A violent shudder went through Hunter’s body, causing the balls in his fist to pull up and his shaft to tighten down. A milky white shot of cum burst from his tip, landing on Phoenix’s chest. Hungry for a taste of him, he reluctantly let go of his balls and slid his fingers through that jizz. He lifted his fingers to
his tongue, tasting Hunter’s spunk as his eyes stayed locked on his target.
“I did not give you permission to come.”
Something snapped within Hunter’s eyes. “And I didn’t give you the right to fuck with me.”
Ducking out of his hold, Phoenix stepped back, letting him go. He left the shower room, slamming the door. Regret moved through Phoenix’s mind. He hated shattering Hunter’s resolve, but he needed to do something to rattle his cage. He went back and shut off the shower, wrapping the towel around his waist. The line of jizz still dripped down his chest. Again he touched that spunk, bringing his finger to his lips. He closed his eyes and moaned as the salty sweet taste of his load fluttered over his tongue. It’d been way too long since he had gotten a good taste of anyone.
“Fuck.”
He went to find Hunter to apologize, but it was too late. Hunter was gone. His bunk was empty and his duffel wasn’t there.
“Fuck.”
Phoenix dressed and took off outside toward the parking lot. Hunter’s car wasn’t there. Frustrated, he ran both hands through his wet hair. He had just royally fucked up. He’d be lucky if Hunter didn’t report him to H.R.
* * * *
A whimper of desperation escaped Hunter’s parted lips as he felt Phoenix’s hands caress his ass cheeks. He arched his hips out, exposing his hot rim to his lover. He moaned as Phoenix tipped his cockhead up against his rim, pushing inside. He was so fucking close. He was ready to explode.
A horn sounded, startling Hunter out of the moment with his lover. What the fuck?
Hunter startled when the horn went off again. He was awake. It took him several moments to realize he wasn’t within Phoenix’s arms, but in his car, slumped across the front seats. His head had hit the horn when he rolled over.
