A buzzing sounded and Steve pulled his vibrating phone out of his pocket. After he answered it his face became red and he started grinding his teeth. When the call ended Steve jammed the phone back in his pocket.
“Trouble?” Synn asked.
“That was Dean. His tires were also slashed last night, and now Job called and said there is a skinned cat on their porch.”
Chapter Eight
Synn rode in the passenger side of the Jeep and took a few minutes to get his mind in order. Some of the puzzle pieces of the illegal activities going on were coming together. The problem was that the pieces didn’t all connect yet.
He did know that the slashed tires and dead cats on Steve and Dean’s porches were a warning. He suspected it had something to do with Leonel Heartland. On the other hand it could have been some teenagers that were unhappy about a party that had been broken up last week.
Synn didn’t believe in coincidences. Skinned cats and skinned bodies turning up all within a few weeks would be one hell of a fluke it they weren’t connected in some way.
Old man Peterson’s description of a skinny man with a pockmarked face rang a bell with Synn. Yet, he couldn’t fit that piece of the puzzle in with anything yet. Was the guy at the abandon building site the same guy that was following Craig at the bar the first night they’d met? Now that was an interesting idea.
Then there was the man next to him. Their fight had brought home that for the first time in his life he was insecure. Craig was everything Synn wanted in a partner and more. Unfortunately everywhere Craig went, people were drawn to him. The plain and simple fact was Synn was jealous.
The good news was he had something in his suitcase back at Craig’s apartment that would calm down some of Synn’s urges to tie Craig up and keep him away from everyone else. Sitting in the Jeep, with Craig humming the latest hit about bases and trebles, Synn had to face the stark truth. He was in love with Craig.
“We’re coming up to Industrial Drive,” Craig said, interrupting Synn’s stunning revelations.
Synn looked down at the piece of paper in his hand. “Steve said the building was at the back of the park. The address he gave me is 228 West Industrial Drive.”
“That should be right up here.” Craig reached over and touched Synn’s leg. “Synn, look at that. There’s a gray van with dark windows backed up to the loading dock.”
“Just keep driving by, baby,” Synn instructed. “Keep facing forward. We don’t want to give ourselves away.”
The Jeep had almost passed the van when Synn caught a glimpse of a dark-haired skinny man with a severely pockmarked face getting into the driver’s seat.
“Go to the end of the street and turn right. We’re going to have to circle around the block,” he said. “Keep an eye out. The gray van is getting ready to pull away from the warehouse.”
“What are we going to do?” Craig asked.
“We’re going to follow the van.” Synn answered.
“You have a theory about what’s going on,” Craig accused. “I can feel it.”
Synn smiled. He liked it that Craig was able to read him. “Let’s just see where it goes,” he said.
When they got back to the main highway, Synn spotted the van one block down turning onto the highway going away from them. In his opinion this was perfect. This gave them a better chance of not being spotted.
“There he goes,” Synn said. “Follow him, but keep at least two cars between us.”
Craig gave Synn a hard look. “You do know I went to school and actually learned about this? I have even followed a suspect in the past a time or two. I’m not stupid.”
Oops, Craig was right. “Sorry, baby,” he said.
By the appeased look on Craig’s face Synn had narrowly dodged a bullet. Craig may be young, but he was a good police officer.
Looking over at Craig, he asked, “How old are you anyway?”
Craig blinked at the sudden shift in their conversation. “I’m twenty-five. How old are you?
Huh, somehow Synn had thought Craig younger. “I’m thirty.”
“Oh, I thought you were older,” Craig commented.
Synn wasn’t sure how to take that, so he kept quiet.
Almost three hours later they were driving along the Mississippi River. By now it was early evening, but at this time of year it would be still light for another couple of hours.
Up ahead the van turned left off the highway. When they got closer, Synn saw the boat ramp sign.
“Go past. We’ll give him a little time to do what he’s doing and then we’ll turn in and observe,” Synn instructed.
After driving about a quarter of a mile, Craig turned around and headed back to the boat launching site. Turning into the parking lot Synn observed there were still a lot trucks with empty boat trailers attached to their hitches, lined up in at least three long rows.
To the side near the launching ramp was the gray van parked next to two trucks, with shiny bright-colored pleasure boats sitting on the trailer’s attached to their bumpers.
“There’s an empty parking spot one row over. Do you see it?” Synn asked, pointing by the van and trucks.
“I got it,” Craig answered.
Craig parked the Jeep and both men watched the proceedings in front of them. Two men in their late teens were preparing their boat for launching it into the water. They were laughing and joking with a middle-aged couple who were also preparing their boat to put it in the water.
The pockmarked man had parked the van between the two boats. Three other men were helping him take coolers, picnic baskets, and patterned oversized beach bags out of the van and set them on the ground. Casually one of the teenagers would pick up a cooler or bag and put it in one of the boats.
To anyone watching the group was preparing to enjoy cruising the water and having a good time partying on one of the sand bars along the river. But Synn knew better.
“Let’s get out of here,” he ordered.
Once Craig had the Jeep on the highway and headed back to Granite County, he turned to Synn. “What are your thoughts?”
“I’m thinking the pock-faced guy is working for Leonel Heartland.”
* * * *
Craig was tired. By the time they had gotten back to his apartment it was after nine. They ended up grabbing burgers to go through the drive thru for supper. Synn had showered first while Craig fed and gave Pete and Lola some attention.
Now that he had finished his own shower, Craig was ready to get some much-needed rest. Leaving the bathroom, Craig stopped at the sight in front of him.
Acres of dark, tanned skin were a stark contrast to the cream sheets tangled around the naked man in his bed. Long jet-black hair was spread like a huge halo all around him. It was one of the sexiest pictures Craig had ever seen. But what melted Craig’s heart, were the two little turquoise birds hopping all over Synn. Since the first moment Synn walked into the apartment, both the birds and the big man were enamored with each other.
Currently Lola was busily burrowing in Synn’s hair while Pete stood on his bare chest and let Synn rub the side of his head with a gentle finger. Synn was a better man than Craig. By now he would have erupted into giggles having those small sharp nails digging into his skin.
“If you aren’t careful, Lola is going to make a nest in your hair and lay an egg,” Craig teased.
Synn’s smile was bright and wide, melting Craig’s heart even more. “Then we’ll be grandparents,” Synn teased back.
“I don’t think that’s how that works,” Craig said, lazily crossing the soft carpeted floor until he put one knee on the bed. Synn’s eyes smoldered as he watched every step Craig took.
The sexual tension in the air thickened when Synn lowered his eyes to Craig’s bare cock. He hadn’t bothered putting underwear on. A night hadn’t past since their first time together that Synn hadn’t woken him up during the night to steamy kisses and sweet demands that Craig let him inside his body.
Craig watched s
omething in Synn’s expression change. When he looked back up at Craig there was still lust burning in his eyes, but his face had become serious.
“Come sit up here.” Synn’s hand patted the empty spot next to his hip.
Settling himself on the mattress where Synn had indicated, Craig sat there wondering why this felt like such a big moment.
“Have you ever thought about having children someday?” Synn asked.
While Craig coped with the shock of Synn’s question, he watched Pete launch into the air and fly out of the room. Not to be left behind, Lola quickly followed. Craig knew they were heading to their cage to settle down for the night.
Looking at Synn, he answered, “Not really. I’m not opposed to the idea, but I guess I never thought it would be possible for me.”
“When we ditched the condoms, we became exclusive,” Synn began. “Would you consider a total commitment with me?”
Craig’s heart started beating so fast he could hear it pounding in his ears. Synn rose up until he was leaning on one elbow and took Craig’s hand. “I love you, Craig.”
Clinging to the love shining in Synn’s dark eyes, Craig said what was in his heart, “I love you so much, Synn. In the past I tried to protect myself so I wouldn’t be hurt, but with you my heart knew it would be safe.”
Synn let go of Craig’s hand and reached under the sheet. Craig felt his eyes widen at the two shiny silver necklaces Synn pulled out. Synn sat up in the bed. Opening his hand palm side up, Synn spread one of the necklaces over it.
Suspended on a silver chain was a beautiful hand crafted, silver arrowhead. Set into the center was a stunning stone containing red and pink ripples across its surface.
“The people of my heritage believe silver contains strong magic. I picked the symbol of the arrowhead because they believe it promotes strength and adventure. I thought it a fitting representation of the strength of our emotions toward each other and the adventure we will live together.” Synn ran his fingertip over the stone. “This is a Rhodochrosite stone. It is believed to provide strength to help heal trauma and give balance with loving vibrations. We have both been through emotional and physical trauma. Together through our love we will continue to heal.”
“It’s so beautiful,” Craig whispered, fighting the tears clouding his eyes. He didn’t want to miss anything about this moment.
“Will you wear this neckless, Craig Collins, as a symbol of your commitment to our relationship?” Synn asked, holding the neckless up, ready to put it around Craig’s neck.
Craig lost his battle and a trail of tears made their way down his face. Looking at Synn, he answered simply, “Yes.”
The silver was surprisingly cold against the center of his scared chest, but it warmed quickly. When Craig touched it he could almost feel the love and healing magic Synn talked about.
Picking up the other identical necklace, Craig held it up. “Synn Romeo, will you wear this as a symbol of your commitment to our relationship?”
Synn’s dark eyes blazed with emotions. “Yes,” he answered, the husky quality of his voice causing Craig to tremble.
Craig lifted the necklace and placed it around Synn’s neck. Neither man spoke, the emotions encompassing them were far too big for words.
Warm hands encircled Craig’s shoulders and pulled him forward as Synn lay back onto the bed. Craig didn’t stop moving until Synn’s lips were against his. The kiss was long and deep, a seal to their promises.
Spreading his legs, Craig loved the rasp against his sensitive inner thighs when he slid them over Synn’s legs. One of Synn’s hands left his shoulder and he heard the plastic snap as a cap was opened. As their lips continued to cling together, warm wet fingers brushed over Craig’s hole.
Craig’s eyes flew open in surprise when Synn broke their kiss and in one motion flipped them over until Craig was on his back. Synn held Craig’s gaze as he leaned up and greased his cock. Craig’s own cock was reaching up between their bodies, straining to get Synn’s attention.
“Lift your leg, baby, I need inside,” Synn ordered.
Bending his leg, Craig lifted his leg until it was against Synn’s side. The wet blunt head of Synn’s cock pushed against his hole demanding entrance. Craig’s mind tried to grasp the importance of Synn’s actions. He was being asked to give Synn his total trust and submission.
Slowly pressure was put on the muscles of Craig’s hole spreading them wider. Craig started panting, breathing through the slight sting. Grabbing ahold of Craig’s open thigh, Synn rocked back and slid forward until the wide head of his cock slid into Craig.
“Synn, it’s too big.” Craig reached up and clung to Synn’s shoulders, unable to catch his breath.
Synn buried his fingers into Craig’s hair and pulled until Craig was looking at him. “I would never hurt you.”
“It’s not your cock, it’s the feelings. They’re too big. Please, help me,” he begged.
Eyes blazing with emotion, Synn smiled. “I can help you with that.”
One large hand held his hip and one buried in his hair holding Craig immobile while Synn inched his cock deeper into Craig’s body. The wider his ass was spread, the more Craig’s emotions built up.
“Push out, love,” Synn ordered.
When Craig obeyed, Synn’s cock slid all the way home. Now they were hip to hip, bodies unable to stop moving, skin rubbing and moving against skin.
Craig ran his hands over his handsome lover, loving the feel of smooth skin over hard muscles. Finding the large dark nipple dissected with the scar, Craig played with it for a few moments before moving on to the other one which he knew was much more sensitive. Rubbing, pinching, and pulling the hard nip had goose bumps breaking out on Synn’s dark skin.
“Put your arms around my neck, baby,” Synn ordered.
Reaching up and locking his hands around his lover’s neck stretched Craig’s body full length against Synn. Never before had Craig felt like he was being possessed, taken, and cherished as when Synn’s body came down on top of him and started thrusting his cock into Craig’s body.
The feelings of love, trust, and hope that had scared him with their intensity now freed him to meet Synn’s demands. They were a couple, partners in life. Craig couldn’t ask for anything more.
Synn’s thrusts turned sharp, hitting Craig’s prostate causing him to scream. Craig’s hips rocked forward meeting every movement, the pressure building as his ball sack pulled up tight.
“Synn,” he yelled.
“Come.”
That’s all Craig needed for his cum to paint stripes across his and Synn’s chest. Moans and groans escaped him as his orgasm went on, never letting up until he collapsed in sated exhaustion. Above him Synn was grimacing and warm cum filled his hole, while the body against his shook.
Craig’s hole was overflowing with Synn’s spunk by the time Synn collapsed. Craig loved the big body covering him, it made him feel warm and protected.
It took a few minutes for them to catch their breath and Synn could reach over to the night stand for the rag they kept there. He wiped up Craig and then himself before lying on his back and pulling Craig into his arms. Craig knew they would have to go and clean up properly in the bathroom soon. But for now it felt too good being in his partner’s arms.
Synn’s whisper broke through the quiet of the room. “Marry me in the way of my ancestors.”
Chapter Nine
“Tell me about your family,” Craig requested. It was early in the morning and neither of them was in a hurry to leave their little world where they spent the night renewing their feelings of love and commitment.
When Craig woke up, he lay there and touched the necklace Synn had given him. That was when the guilt hit him. Synn had asked about his family, but for some reason Craig had never asked about Synn’s.
“My father was quite a character. He was half Creole and half Cherokee. He took after the Creole side, with his curly black hair, dark skin, and barrel chest. He was short and square
.” Synn laughed. “My mother was tall and thin. When they stood next to each other she towered over him, yet he had such an overpowering presence she seemed delicate.”
“Was? Did something happen to them?” Craig could see by the look on Synn’s face that he held deep love for his parents.
“When I was young, we moved around a lot. We lived in Louisiana and Georgia, before they finally settled me, my two brothers and a sister in Alaska.” Synn’s voice became husky and Craig rubbed his belly. Big arms wrapped around Craig holding him tight. “All of us kids scattered around Alaska when we grew up. My sister’s married with a couple of kids. One day my parents were going into town on snow machines to get supplies. They hit a soft spot traveling over a lake and drowned.” The pain and loss in Synn’s voice broke Craig’s heart.
“I’m so sorry.” Craig climbed on top of Synn and took his face in between both of his hands. “I love you, and I want with all my heart to be your family.” Craig desperately tried to kiss away the hurt and sorrow covering Synn’s face. Their kissed turned from comfort to passion. Tongues tangled and the kiss became wet and wild.
Synn broke the kiss with a wet pop and said, “It’s a good thing you feel that way, baby, because I’m never letting you go.
The world tilted, and Craig found himself on his back blanketed by Synn’s big body. Spreading his legs Craig wrapped them around Synn’s waist. Immediately Synn started rubbing his weeping cock against Craig’s exposed still-loose hole.
It was some time before they left the bed to start the day.
* * * *
The phone next to Synn’s elbow buzzed taking his attention away from his computer screen. He had spent the last hour trying to get a lead on Craig’s twin brother. Even contacting a few of his friends from his old job hadn’t produced anything. It looked like finding Craig’s brother as a wedding present wasn’t going to work out.
Adjusting to the Situation [Granite County 3] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic ManLove) Page 8
