by Tatum Throne
“Just doing my job.”
“Well it means a lot to us,” Adam said.
Their words were barely registering. Witt was having a hard time admitting to himself that he would have taken it personally if Leland had died. The moment he’d breathed life back into the man, it had done something to him. Something deep inside of him had clung possessively to Leland, hoping that he would survive.
“We were just in there. He was asking about you,” TJ said.
“He was?”
“Yeah, he wants to thank you.”
Witt stood up, stretching his tight muscles. He wasn’t used to sitting for so long. “I don’t know.”
“Just for a few minutes,” Adam said.
“Okay.”
Before Witt could stop it from happening, he was being led through the long hallway of MICU to Leland’s room.
To Witt’s surprise, Leland was sitting up. There was an oxygen tube stuck up his nose. He was still pale but no longer had the grayness about his lips. Leland’s eyes seemed to brighten as Witt stepped into the room. Pure raw sexual heat zipped through his blood as their eyes locked, leaving Witt completely struck senseless. Sexual awareness continued to course through his body as their eyes held. It was then that Witt knew he had to find out if there was anyone in his life he went home to at night. Better yet, he wanted to know if the man he saved tonight was gay.
“This is Lt. Witt Falken. He’s the man who saved you,” TJ said.
Leland frowned. “I know you. We went to school together,” Leland said.
Yeah, he knew him. Leland had told him on more than one occasion that Witt had been born with a silver spoon shoved up his ass. “Just doing my job,” Witt said.
Leland shook his head. “Man. I owe you my life.”
Uncomfortable with all the attention, Witt moved toward the windows to look out at the night sky. As he did, Adam gave Leland a pat on top of the head. “We’re heading out but I think we’re leaving you in good hands.”
“See you later.”
When they were alone, Witt looked over at Leland. Emotion played hard through Witt’s heart. For some reason, he couldn’t walk away from the man who had given him shit for being gay. The sadistic part of Witt wanted to know if the man had changed or was still the homophobic asshole who had made his high school years hell. “Do you need anything?”
Surprise moved through Leland’s eyes. “Yeah, can you convince my sister that I’m really okay and she doesn’t need to babysit me all week?”
Witt smiled. “I can try. When do you get out of here?”
“Not until I say so,” Dr. Woods came into the room.
Leland rolled his eyes. “How long is this observation crap going to take?”
“At least another four hours. I can release you then.”
“That will be the middle of the night. Rose can’t come to get me.”
Rose? Was that his wife? “I can give you a ride home,” Witt offered.
“You would do that for me?” Leland asked.
There was caution within Leland’s eyes that tugged at Witt’s heart. Witt wasn’t sure why he was being so nice to Leland but he was. Maybe it had everything to do with the fact the guy almost died tonight or the fact his mom raised him right. He wasn’t one to be able to turn his back on someone who needed help. “Yes. I would.”
“Thank you.”
“You’ll need someone to stay with you for a few days,” Woods said.
Witt felt his eyes lock with Leland’s again. The man really didn’t have anyone in his life who could help him out. “Would you?”
Oh, hell no. There was a silent pleading about Leland that made Witt want to say yes. What the fuck was wrong with him? “Not a problem.”
“See, I’m in good hands. Nothing to worry about,” Leland said.
Woods indicated the door with a nod to his head. Witt headed for the door, following Woods.
“No conspiring against me! I am getting out of here!” Leland said.
Something was thrown against the wall. Witt glanced back inside in time to see a plastic bedpan bounce off the floor. When the door slid shut, Woods looked up from the file in his hand. “I want you to stay with him for more than a few days. He’s high risk for infection.”
“I’ll stay with him.”
“Good. I was thinking for a least a few weeks.”
“I’ll work it out.”
“Thanks.” Woods started to walk away but stopped. “I’ve worked with the department as a SWAT doctor for a long time. I know Leland doesn’t have anyone in his life. He has a sister but Rose is a single mom. She’s got enough on her plate. He needs someone he can count on for a few weeks.”
“I understand. I’ll make sure he’s taken care of.”
“Good. I’ll go get the paperwork started for you guys to get out of here. You can go babysit.”
Witt ran a hand through his hair. As a Dom, he always had control of his life inside and outside the bedroom. Today that was not the case. He opened up the door. Leland had swung his legs from the side of the bed and was attempting to stand up.
“Whoa.” Witt rushed to his side, catching him before he fell to the ground. “You need to rest.”
“What I need is to get out of here.”
“Dr. Woods is getting your paperwork.”
Heat moved over Witt’s neck as Leland put his head on his shoulder. “God, you smell good. I still stink from my dive into the river.”
“I’m sure you have smelled better.”
He lifted his head. “You sure you don’t mind hanging with me? You don’t have to stay.”
“I’m staying. I made a promise to Woods to take care of you.”
A blush crept up Leland’s neck as he pulled away, getting back into bed. “I’ll be fine.”
“So, you like to play the tough guy.”
Leland flashed a boyish grin. “I am a tough guy. I don’t need a nursemaid.”
Witt leaned in close, running the back of his fingers along Leland’s jaw. “I’m sure you don’t but I’m still going to be around for a few days to catch you if you start to fall.”
“I was such an asshole to you in high school. Why are you being so nice to me?” Leland asked.
There were tears in Leland’s eyes. “You need me.”
Their eyes locked. “Yes, I do.”
The urge to kiss Leland was an overpowering chant within Witt’s mind. His gaze moved down over his full, manly lips and slowly moved back upward. The memory of his mouth on Leland’s for other reasons flashed through his head. He didn’t want to think about Leland dying ever again. With his hand still caressing his jaw, Witt moved his thumb over Leland’s lower lip, brushing it seductively. A sigh escaped Leland’s parted lips. It was then that Witt started to give in to temptation.
He leaned in close, putting his lips against Leland’s ear. “Answer one question for me.”
“Okay.”
“Are you gay?” Witt asked.
“Very.”
“I knew that was the reason why you gave me so much shit. I had suspected that you were gay. How long did it take you to figure it out?” Witt asked.
“I was nineteen before I stopped fighting the feelings I had for men.”
Witt brushed his hand along his jaw. “I knew you were going through hell, too, in high school.”
Teasing Leland was the last thing he should have been doing. Witt pulled away as the door to his private room opened. It was Woods. He had Leland’s discharge paperwork in his hands. Witt stepped back, putting his hands into his tactical pants, trying to keep his throbbing dick from sticking out so far. It didn’t matter. This entire situation was going to screw him over one way or another.
Chapter Two
Witt’s eyes were thunderstorm-gray. Leland had forgotten how beautiful Witt’s eyes were. Of course it’d been a really long time since he daydreamt about them. Twenty-four hours later, Leland inhaled the sweet scent of freedom on the air, trying to forget about the way Wi
tt had looked at him when he was standing over him in his hospital room. It was dark outside. Hospitals always made Leland batshit crazy. Having Witt there made all of it more bearable. He couldn’t stand that too clean smell or the overly invasiveness of the people he came in contact with.
Leland stood by the front entrance, waiting for Witt to come around with his car. He pulled up in a Range Rover. Leland slid into the passenger side. Damn, Witt looked and smelled good. Leland still felt tired from his near death drowning in the river. And God, he’d been such a shit to the guy in high school. He’d always had a really hard crush on him.
“You really don’t need to stay with me. I’m just going to spend the new few days sleeping,” Leland said.
“I made a promise to take care of you for a few days. I’m going to do that. Now, tell me where you live.”
A shiver raced through Leland’s blood at the way the order was given so that he had to obey. “376 Amberly in Covington.”
He really liked the way Witt drank him in with those heavy lidded bedroom eyes. Leland pulled his gaze away when he felt heat rush through his cock. He was thankful for the darkness in the car. He didn’t want Witt to see his hard cock waving in the wind.
A few minutes later, Witt pulled up in front of Leland’s place. The old Victorian was a project he needed to get his ass in gear on. “Thanks for the ride.”
“I’m coming inside.”
“No. You’re not. Go home, Witt. I’m fine.”
Leland got out of the car, not waiting for a response from Witt. He really liked the knight in shining armor business but he didn’t need any more rescuing. Halfway up the walk, a strong hand came up the inside of his arm. Leland froze, looking up at Witt. His heart raced as the moonlight shadowed his face.
“Don’t push me away,” Witt said.
“You’re not going to leave, are you?”
Witt came in closer. “Nope. So we can do this the easy way or the hard way.”
Leland’s mouth went dry when Witt’s leg brushed up against his hard cock. “What’s the hard way?”
“It’s where I tie you to the bed and teach you how to obey my commands.”
Leland’s cock contracted hard at the mere possibility of getting some action. He groaned when a shot of pre-cum shot from the tip of his cockhead.
“Something wrong?” Witt asked.
“No. Nothing.”
“Maybe we should finish this discussion inside.”
“Yeah. I think that’s a good idea.”
Leland led the way inside, opening up the front door. He was very aware of the way Witt came in close behind him, touching his hip as he shut the door. A shudder vibrated through his body, making a tingle of anticipation ripple over his rim. It’d been a really long time since he had sex with anyone.
“Are you seeing anyone?” Witt asked.
“No one serious.” A funny look moved over Witt’s face. It was as though he didn’t like the idea that there may be someone else in Leland’s life. “So you’re serious about looking after me?”
“Yeah. I’m not leaving. I have the next two days off of work.” Witt adjusted the overnight bag on his shoulder. “Which room is mine?”
“Upstairs. Second door on the right.”
“You get comfortable. Do you need anything when I go upstairs?” Witt asked.
“No. I’m good.”
Leland watched that big muscled man go upstairs. He’d never had another man live with him before. No roommate. No boyfriend. Nothing. This was going to take some time for Leland to get used to. That thought had him thinking about returning to work sooner than planned. He paced through the living room, running a hand through his hair. This tension between him and Witt needed to break. How was he going to handle the next few days with a man he wanted to fuck every time he was alone with him in a room?
“Leland?”
He never heard Witt enter the room. He’d been so consumed with thinking about the man that he didn’t even hear him approach. Leland moved away from him. “I’m good. I think I’m heading upstairs to shower and get to bed.”
“You’re unsteady. I’m going with you.”
Leland laughed. “I don’t think so.”
Witt used his size to block the stairs. “I won’t disturb you. I’ll just be there in case you need me.”
Leland knew it would be easier to just say yes to get him to move. “Okay.”
“All right then.”
Leland led the way upstairs. He got a towel from the linen closet. He was very aware of Witt following him in to his bedroom. The man looked around as Leland headed for the shower, turning it on. He shut the door, undressing. The door cracked open with Witt coming inside.
“Open door. I want to hear you in case you need me.”
Their eyes locked but they didn’t hold for long when Witt’s gaze moved down over his chest, landing on his hard cock. Leland expected Witt to leave but he didn’t. He came inside the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. He came in close, wrapping his hand around the back of Leland’s neck. Witt kissed him hard, reminding Leland he was a man with a lot of needs that hadn’t been met in a really long time.
Leland groaned, locking his hands down tight on Witt’s shirt. Witt brushed his lips back and forth until Leland opened his mouth in supplication. Their tongues dueled as Witt took the kiss deeper, backing Leland up against the sink. Leland groaned as his cock brushed up against Witt’s tactical pants. By the time Witt broke his lips away, Leland was breathing hard and there was a wet spot on Witt’s tactical shirt where his pre-cum had leaked.
“What are we doing here?” Leland asked.
“I don’t know but I want more of it.”
“Me, too.”
Witt kissed him again, stealing his heart and his breath away. Leland had never fallen so hard and so fast before in his entire life. The shock of it left him feeling vulnerable and needy. Perhaps it had everything to do with the fact that he nearly died twenty four hours ago. Maybe he shouldn’t get involved so fast with the man who saved his life. He had a little bit of hero worship going on that could easily be mistaken for love.
Without warning, Witt broke his lips away. “No. We shouldn’t be doing this. You had a rough night. I don’t want anything to be confused for something it’s not.”
Shock vibrated through Leland’s brain, making him momentarily too stunned to say anything. His cock flapped in the wind, quickly deflating when Witt pushed him away. When he physically pulled away, too, it nearly broke his heart. “You’re really going to kiss me like that and then tell me no?”
“Yes. I am. We can’t do this. We both work for the Cincinnati Police Department.”
“We’re in different districts. It doesn’t matter.”
“Not for much longer. I’m going to be transferring to District Four to train for SWAT.”
Their eyes locked. Leland licked his lips, wishing for another taste of the man who’d physically rocked his world. He wouldn’t be getting another taste of him anytime soon. Leland decided then that he was going to do everything in his power to seduce Witt.
“So we’re agreed. This can’t happen again,” Witt said.
There was a cool dispassionate look in his gaze that nearly tore a hole in Leland’s heart. “I’m not agreeing to anything.”
Witt shook his head, running his hand through his hair. He had no idea how persistent Leland could be when he wanted something. No never meant no when it came to something he was driven to have. Wittfield just didn’t know it yet but he was going to be his.
“Don’t look at me that way.”
“What way?” Leland asked as he stepped under the hot spray.
“Like you want me.”
“Maybe I do. Maybe I don’t. Either way, I don’t think anything else is going to happen between us tonight.”
“You can’t handle what I got.”
“Care to elaborate?” Leland asked.
“Not right now I don’t. I’m just warning you that we’re
not right for each other. This thing can’t go anywhere between us.”
Leland grabbed the soap, lathering up his chest and purposely going lower to clean his junk with long, punishing strokes. “I hear you loud and clear.”
As Witt’s smoldering eyes stared him down, Leland continued to stroke his junk until he was rock hard. Once he was hard, he started stroking himself and ignoring the fact that Witt was standing there watching him.
“I’ll give you and your hand some privacy.”
The bathroom door slammed shut with a jarring hit that shook the mirror on the wall. A grin tore at Leland’s lips as he thought about how inappropriate his actions were tonight. But he didn’t care. The man was a guest in his home. It wasn’t like he was going to leave him tonight. Would he?
* * * *
Witt’s heart hammered as he gripped the bathroom door handle. He could hear Leland moaning as the pressure in his cock mounted. He closed his eyes as his mouth watered at the possibility of taking Leland on as his submissive. Witt didn’t normally lose control so easily but he was today. It took all his effort to let go of the door handle and not open the door, march inside, and bend Leland over the sink to spank him for misbehaving. Still, he couldn’t walk away from that door. He wanted to hear the sounds Leland made as he climaxed.
Through the old wooden door Witt heard the hard grunts that came when a man was close to coming. Damn. He so wanted to be in there to catch a taste of his spunk. Witt had enough. He couldn’t take it anymore. He slammed open the door and crossed the bathroom tile in two long strides.
“Look at me when you come and say my name.”
“Oh, fuck! Witt!”
Hot jizz exploded from Leland’s cock, spraying against the tile. Four long lines of cum landed against that black-and-white tile. Witt reached out, running the tip of his fingers over Leland’s cockhead, catching a few dewy drops of his cum. He brought them to his lips, tasting the man he so desperately wanted but couldn’t have.
“Nice,” Witt said and walked away, leaving Leland in the shower to crash hard from his ride.
Witt’s cock was brick hard but there was nothing he could do about it right now. He’d take care of things later—after he made sure that Leland was settled in for the night. That thought had him heading downstairs to look for dinner. As to be expected of a man who worked all the time, his cupboards were practically bare. Witt reached for his cell phone and called the Chinese place he had on speed dial. They’d deliver. After ordering enough to feed a football team, Witt hung up the phone and looked around.
