Beautifully Angelic

by Charity Parkerson

  Declan was mesmerized by Ezra. He needed Ezra’s every thought. “What did you see?”

  A beautiful smile touched Ezra’s lips. “I caught the first real glimpse of what I’ve seen in my head every second since the first time we met. I saw us together.” Ezra moved closer with each word he spoke until their lips met. Declan lost himself in their sweet kiss until it wasn’t sweet any longer. Ezra tugged at Declan’s shirt until Declan let him have it. Declan’s body caught fire as Ezra massaged every place he could reach. He never tired of this feeling, being consumed. No one else had ever made Declan feel this way. He already knew no one else ever would. No matter what, they were in this life together. Nothing else mattered.

  Ezra wanted Declan inside him. That was the only thing that would make things better. Declan had admitted to being in love with Ezra since he was sixteen. All these years that Ezra had longed and hurt while needing Declan, Declan had felt the same for every bit as long. They needed to be one person right now. Ezra didn’t care about anything else.

  “Please,” Ezra begged when Declan didn’t do more than kiss him. “I want to watch us together.” Even he heard the desperation in his voice.

  Declan dragged him from the counter and sat him on his feet. The intensity in Declan’s eyes as he stripped Ezra was captivating. Once Ezra was nude, Declan kissed him sweetly before spinning him to face the mirror. As Ezra looked on, Declan led Ezra’s hands to the counter. “Don’t move.”

  At Declan’s order, Ezra had to stiffen his knees. Declan dug through a nearby box, coming out with lube and a condom. Ezra watched the reflection of his every move. When cool lubed fingers toyed with his asshole, Ezra’s gaze snapped to his image. His cheeks were flushed, and his lips were swollen from Declan’s kisses. He didn’t look like himself. For the first time, Ezra saw what Declan saw when he looked at Ezra. He couldn’t look away as Declan kissed his shoulders and back. They were beautiful together because their love couldn’t be missed. Suddenly, Ezra wanted the bed that should have always been his. This man belonged to him. Always had. It didn’t matter if they married tomorrow, ten years from now, or if they had married back when Ezra turned eighteen. They had been chosen for each other by a higher power long before they were born. They were meant to be.

  “Take me to bed.”

  Declan froze at the demand. His gaze met Ezra’s in the mirror. “Are you sure?”

  Ezra nodded. “That’s my bed. Take me to bed.”

  Declan swept Ezra into his arms. His long stride ate up the floor between the bathroom and their destination. At the edge of the mattress, he climbed on without letting go of Ezra. He stared down at Ezra as he finally settled Ezra on the bed. Declan looked hungry—like he had been waiting a million years for this moment. He massaged Ezra’s hip before moving on to his thigh. Declan urged Ezra’s leg up and his knees apart as he settled between Ezra’s thighs. Ezra’s eyes burned from his refusal to blink.

  “Tell me you love me.”

  “I love you,” Ezra said without hesitation.

  Declan’s eyes fell closed, as if he savored the sound of Ezra’s words. He surged forward and impaled Ezra with his cock. A gasp escaped Ezra. As always, they felt perfect and right. Declan lowered his head and captured Ezra’s lips. His kiss was so sweet that Ezra found himself clinging to Declan, matching his pace. They were making love. It couldn’t be mistaken for anything else. Even as pressure climbed his erection and tightened his balls, Ezra knew this moment was about way more than an orgasm. They were sealing a promise to each other. It was them against the world. Them against every battle—internal and external. As Ezra whimpered, cried, and shook in Declan’s arms, he knew this was a forever love beyond a shadow of doubt. He didn’t have to fight his battles alone anymore. It didn’t matter if he was beautiful. They were. That was all Ezra needed to know to survive.

  Eight

  Singing at a backyard wedding hadn’t been on Johnny’s agenda two weeks ago. Now, here he was. It was funny. When he had moved to L.A. from Illinois eight years ago, he had big dreams. Johnny had ignored all the statistics. He had known all the way to his soul that he would be famous. Instead, he had immediately ended up living as a private security guard for one of the most famous drummers in history. The life he dreamed of having was within sight, except it wasn’t his life. He kept someone else safe who had won the fantasy Johnny never would. As much as Johnny had accepted that he would never be the one on stage surrounded by fans, Johnny still couldn’t help but dream again while singing at Jessie’s wedding. After all, he had gotten to sing for famous people. That was pretty cool. Not everyone could say that.

  Johnny had been so nervous leading up to his performance that he hadn’t heard a word of the ceremony. Now that Ezra and Declan were married and Jessie and Theo had exchanged public vows, Johnny took in his surroundings with clearer eyes. Ezra had done an amazing job of throwing together a gorgeous outdoor wedding in a short time.

  The food looked amazing. Of course, that was all Wrecker. Johnny’s gaze slid Wrecker’s way. He was a big dude. Rumor was he used to be a linebacker for a pro team. Now he owned a popular coffeehouse and baked cakes, apparently. The odd thing about Wrecker doing such a good job with the wedding was the hatred in his eyes every time he looked Declan’s way. Johnny couldn’t take the curiosity any longer.

  Johnny carried a sleepy tux-wearing Icarus to Wrecker’s side and filled the empty seat next to him. He followed Wrecker’s gaze. The death stare he sent Declan’s way couldn’t be missed. “Does he owe you money or something?”

  Wrecker startled, as if he had been so lost in his hatred that he hadn’t known Johnny was there. A guilty-looking smile touched his lips. “Sorry. I know it’s their big day and I should be happy for them...” He shrugged, as if he didn’t know how to finish that statement.

  “Should I worry you poisoned the cake?”

  Wrecker flashed him an annoyed look. His lion-like eyes captured the sunlight, fascinating Johnny for a moment. He didn’t know what it was about Wrecker. Johnny wasn’t interested. He might work for and spend all his time with gay men, but Johnny was straight. He just liked Wrecker—like a friend. The color of his eyes was just cool or whatever. Johnny leaned away, putting a few more inches between them. He didn’t want Wrecker getting the wrong idea.

  “Ezra’s my friend. I would never ruin his wedding.”

  Johnny shook his head. He forced his mind back on topic. “Then why are you eyeballing Declan like you’re trying to decide where to stab him first? Do you have a thing for Ezra?”

  A smile exploded across Wrecker’s face, blanking Johnny’s mind. “Naw, man. Ezra is like a little brother or something. I just worry about him. That’s all. Declan isn’t who I would’ve picked for him. He doesn’t look at Ezra like he loves him. It’s darker than that. I just worry.” Once Wrecker started talking, it was like the floodgates opened. “I mean, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve spotted him sitting outside Ezra’s house late at night. I’ve also seen him sitting in the parking lot of my shop, watching Ezra. It’s fucking weird. I feel like Ezra just married a crazy person.”

  Johnny couldn’t stop smiling. It grew until he was full-on laughing

  Wrecker’s expression turned annoyed. “What? Why is this funny to you?”

  Johnny swiped at his eyes. “I’m sorry. It’s just that I’ve been Jessie’s night guard for a long time. It’s been illuminating. Would you like to know what I’ve seen?”

  “Sure.”

  Johnny smiled at Wrecker’s curt tone. “I’ve seen there’s no pride in love,” Johnny said, cutting right to the point. “Ezra stalks Declan every bit as hard as Declan stalks Ezra. Hell, they take turns at it. Declan leaves late at night to sit outside Ezra’s place. Ezra drives by here a million times to see if Declan’s at home. They’re crazy for each other. It’s long past the time they admitted it and put everyone out of their misery. If either of them ended up with anyone else, the world would’ve been less for it.”

 
Wrecker looked thoughtful. “Huh. I have the hardest time picturing Ezra pursuing anyone to that level. Before he told me he was marrying Declan, I’ve never seen him show an ounce of interest in anyone.”

  Johnny shrugged. “That’s because it’s always been Declan. Hell, the only reason he moved out at eighteen is because he couldn’t stand watching Declan sleep around anymore. Declan couldn’t settle down because he felt wrong for wanting the only person he cared to settle down with. They’re just in love, man. It’s made them crazy.”

  Wrecker went back to watching Declan. The hatred was gone from his eyes now. He nodded, looking thoughtful as his gaze swung back Johnny’s way. “May I buy you a drink from the complimentary bar?” Wrecker’s smile had Johnny’s gaze dropping to Wrecker’s lips.

  “I’m sorry if I’ve given you the wrong impression. I’m straight.”

  Wrecker’s smile grew, making Johnny realize he still stared at Wrecker’s mouth. “Dude, it’s a beer. Not a marriage proposal. Maybe it’s been a while since I had a straight friend, but—from what I remember—y’all drink too.”

  A snort escaped Johnny. He tried shaking off whatever spell Wrecker weaved over him. “Of course. Sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

  Wrecker slapped him across the back and stood. “You thought I was hitting on you. It’s cool, though. Maybe I was or maybe I wasn’t. I guess you’ll never know. Let’s get a drink.”

  Johnny took a breath and stood. He didn’t know what had gotten into him, but he would make it stop. Since moving to L.A., Johnny hadn’t made a lot of friends. Wrecker seemed like a cool guy. They could hang out, if Johnny would stop being dumb. Weddings always messed with him a little. That was all. There was nothing for him to worry about. Nothing at all.

  As Declan drew Ezra back against his chest, Ezra’s smile grew. He hadn’t thought he could smile any harder today. Declan’s lips skimmed the shell of his ear. Ezra’s eyes fell closed at the sensation.

  “I definitely have the greatest husband here.”

  Ezra covered his mouth, trying to control his out-of-control grin at Declan’s claim. “How would you know? I’ve only been your husband for like an hour.”

  “I didn’t need that long to know no one else could make me happier. I already knew that.”

  An idea struck Ezra. “Hey. Do you think anyone would notice if we disappeared?”

  Declan chuckled. The sound vibrated against Ezra’s skin, making him bite back a happy sigh. “Yes. People would notice. We still have to cut the cake. Wrecker already hates me. Imagine what he’ll think if I reject his fucking cake.”

  Devilry rose inside Ezra and wouldn’t let him go. “We should let Jessie and Theo do the cake cutting and slip away. Wrecker is hanging out with Johnny. He won’t even notice we’re gone.”

  “Um. No. You’re not leaving me the center of attention. This was your idea,” Theo said, appearing beside them. “I was already happily married. I didn’t need a wedding.”

  Ezra openly pouted. “Oh, come on. You deserve to be the center of attention. Let everyone take your picture and plaster it on every tabloid. Do you have any idea how many people will be pestering you for interviews and praising you for getting Jessie clean?”

  Theo’s light blue eyes slid Ezra’s way. He didn’t look amused. “Uh, yeah. They’re already calling all hours of the day.” Declan squeezed Ezra tighter and placed several loud kisses on his temple. Theo looked between them. “Fuck. You two really are about to disappear on me, aren’t you?”

  Declan took Ezra’s hand. “Nope. This is a rockstar’s wedding. If my baby wants a swift exit. Let’s make it a metal one.” Declan headed for the table where the cake sat waiting, and Jessie hid from everyone drinking. He looked the part of the rockstar—top hat and all black.

  As Ezra looked on in horror, Declan met Jessie’s stare and grabbed a handful of cake. A huge and evil-looking grin spread across Jessie’s face as he did the same. Ezra didn’t have time to react before he found the delicious dessert crushed in his face. He tried licking away what he could. Ezra heard Theo yelling and laughing as Ezra dove for the table. A mad scramble went down as everyone tried grabbing for a piece, ruining Wrecker’s creation. Declan was too tall for Ezra to get even, so instead, he smeared a piece of cake across Declan’s crotch. Declan yanked him off his feet and unabashedly licked icing from Ezra’s face while Ezra fought to get away.

  Theo and Jessie fought the same battle. Their dark tuxes were smattered with white icing. When Theo finally managed to get even with Jessie, Jessie grabbed Theo around the middle and dove for the pool. Loud peals of laughter rent the air before the water swallowed the sound. They came up kissing. It was such an intense display that Ezra turned his head. His gaze collided with Declan’s. Declan’s evil smile was all the warning he got before he too was sinking in the pool. All was forgiven when Declan rescued him. Their lips met as they surfaced. Laughter circled them as more people cannonballed into the pool. But the world slipped away for Ezra in Declan’s arms. All he knew was love and peace, even while surrounded by chaos, which pretty much summed up Ezra’s life. Only when he was in Declan’s arms did Ezra feel steady and complete. Now they were officially forever. Until death do they part, and beyond. That sounded damn good to Ezra.

  Keep an eye out for the next Candied Crush, Beautifully Wrecked.

  Please consider leaving a review at the retailer where this book was published. Reviews really help with a book’s visibility, which ensures I can continue writing. Thank you, Charity.

  About the Author

  Charity Parkerson is an award winning and multi-published author with several companies. Born with no filter from her brain to her mouth, she decided to take this odd quirk and insert it in her characters.

  *Eight-time Readers' Favorite Award Winner

  *2015 Passionate Plume Award Finalist

  *2013 Reviewers' Choice Award Winner

  *2012 ARRA Finalist for Favorite Paranormal Romance

  *Five-time winner of The Mistress of the Darkpath

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