"One of the best in a long time." Luis took Drew's bag. "You ready to go home?"
"Just one more thing." He pressed his lips against Luis', kissing him gently.
"Thank you for everything. I don't know how I'd have gotten through this without you.
It's been terrible at times."
"Say no more. I love you."
"Aw." The woman's voice interrupted their moment.
Luis gazed into Drew's eyes. "I think we have a fan." He nodded toward the receptionist.
Drew smiled. "Let's get out of here." As they passed the receptionist, Drew winked at her. "Thanks for everything."
She returned a warm smile. "Good luck, you two."
* * * * *
That evening, Drew stretched out in his recliner while listening to Christmas music. He had been ecstatic when the movers brought over his favorite chair a few days ago. He hoped never to spend another minute on the leather furniture if he didn't have to. Although Luis had balked about the awkward-looking fabric clashing with his elegant leather, he'd agreed it could stay until they found a suitable replacement.
Frankly, Drew wasn't going to argue the point. In his mind, he and the recliner were a package deal.
The other great thing about the day, so far, was not having a seizure. If he made it through tonight, that would be three days. A new record. Drew drifted on the verge of sleep, the excitement of being one hundred percent ambulatory again wearing him out. At this moment in time, contentment was stamped on his life.
Shaking in his right foot awakened, Drew. For a second, he thought a seizure was coming on.
"Wake up, ya bum. Dinner is ready."
Luis' playful tone reassured him all was well. He opened his eyes to see his lover's smiling face. He read Luis' apron: I like my men over easy. Smiling, Drew arched a brow. "How true."
Luis preened. "I think 'topping from the bottom' is overdone. You know how I hate well-done meat." He gave Drew one of his classic, shit-eating grins.
"So what did you burn for dinner tonight?"
Luis feigned offense. "Hey, now that you have that cast off, feel free to man the grill. I've never gotten the hang of it. I hope our neighbors don't think we're trying to burn the place down."
Drew liked the inclusive sound of the pronoun our. He rose from his comfy chair and rubbed his torso. "You know I'm teasing you. And I'm starved!"
* * * * *
While they dined, Luis watched Drew. He seemed on another planet. Luis always worried when Drew became too quiet. Today had been huge for him, and he was surprised that Drew hadn't conked out on the couch for the night. Check that—his ratty recliner. "Don't you like the salmon?"
Drew looked up. "Hmm? What?"
"The salmon, don't you like it?"
"Yes, it's good. The grilled green beans are great with it. Why?"
Luis' stomach felt a little queasy. "You seem preoccupied. What's on your mind?"
Drew looked him square in the eye and wagged his finger between them. "This."
Alarms went off in Luis's heart. He set down his silverware, the sterling knife and fork making an inordinate clatter on the bone china dinner plate. Jesus. His heart raced a mile a minute. He cleared his throat. "What about this?"
"I was thinking about how much I love being here, like this . . . with you."
Feeling like a huge weight had been removed from his shoulders, Luis exhaled and slouched in his chair.
Drew looked perplexed. "What's the matter?"
Luis tossed his napkin on his plate and got up.
"What's the matter?" He came to Drew and pulled him to his feet. "I'll tell you what's the matter. Not a goddamn thing."
Luis crushed Drew's lips against his. No foreplay or teasing nibbles; his passion had simmered for days. Since Drew had moved into his bedroom, Luis' nights had been agonizing. Often, he'd wake up with an erection so painful he could hardly control himself, and leave Drew alone. He'd go into the bathroom to rub one out, and count the days until that ankle cast came off.
Wrapping his arms tighter around Drew, he brought their bodies even closer and deepened the kiss. In Luis' mind, there was no way Drew couldn't know how much he wanted him.
Flushed complexion, hooded eyes, deep breaths; Drew looked like an aroused man.
"Make love to me, Old Man. It's been too long." His bedroom tone cinched the deal.
Luis kissed him again, his tongue sweeping into Drew's mouth. The sweet taste of white wine lingered there. Luis savored the flavor, along with every aching groan that left Drew's throat.
He broke from the kiss, intending to lead Drew to the bedroom.
Drew tugged him back. "No, out here, under the tree."
Luis frowned. "The bed will be so much more comfortable."
"Christmas is only a few days away, and I don't have a present for you. I want to be under your tree."
The romantic gift—so simple, so perfect—warmed Luis' heart. He spread a blanket on the floor while Drew turned on the Christmas tree lights.
They knelt on the blanket, facing each other. Luis nipped at Drew's lips while lifting the hem of his shirt. He tossed the garment aside. His hands trembled as he touched Drew intimately for the first time since his accident.
Seeming to sense his concern, Drew covered Luis' hand with his. "I won't break. I want you." Drew moved their hands down the flat plain of his stomach, and followed the downy thatch leading to his groin.
Luis unbuttoned Drew's pants. He kissed Drew's muscular shoulder and neck, while pushing down his jeans. Luis caressed Drew's sweet ass, hoping the long weeks of pent-up lust wouldn't overwhelm him.
Never breaking eye contact, Drew unbuttoned Luis' shirt.
Luis thought the unfastening part was taking way too long. He brushed aside Drew's hands, and ripped the fabric open, sending the remaining buttons flying.
Drew laughed, then kissed Luis hard while making quick work of opening Luis'
slacks.
Luis' black, silk boxers slid down his thighs while a shiver ran up his spine. "Lie down with me."
He reached for two pillows off the couch, then put one under Drew's head. He pulled off the rest of Drew's clothes, before sliding out of his own.
"Tonight feels like the first time." Wonder laced Drew's voice.
"I know. I'm nervous, too. I feel like I've been waiting years for this to happen.
Sometimes, I didn't know if it ever would. Those days and nights when you were so distant, in so much pain, I didn't know how to reach you. I wondered if you'd find yourself again, and where that would leave us when you did."
Drew's eyes clouded with pain. "I'm sorry I've put you through all of this. Most of the time, I'm amazed you haven't found a way to move me the hell out of here. Hear me, Luis Herrera, I'm right where I want to be. Let me show you."
As Drew worked their cocks together in his hand, Luis couldn't resist flexing his hips in synch with the movements. He devoured Drew's mouth, stroking his tongue, drawing it into his mouth, suckling it.
Luis broke from the kiss. "I need to taste you."
Drew smiled. "I thought you'd never ask."
Luis turned around and positioned his lips above Drew's rod.
"Damn, I've missed you." His words were a tortured whisper. He extended his tongue, and licked the crown of Drew's cock. He'd planned to take things a little slower, but Luis kicked into high gear. He could have sworn his toes were curling. His whole body tingled with building sexual tension.
Drew's wet finger moved into Luis's puckered hole. Christ, he's not wasting any time.
"Bend your knees." In some ways, he wondered if there was a bit of contest going on between them to see who could make the other come first. Not to be outdone, Luis spit on his fingers. "You ready?"
Never one to talk with his mouth full, Drew groaned while lifting his hips slightly.
That set off Luis' gag reflex. Son of a bitch. We're out of practice.
Drew hummed while he sucked Luis. Those tiny vibrations were making his ba
lls turn to steel. His orgasm was approaching very fast, especially in combination with the pump action of Drew's fingers in his ass.
He slurped the length of Drew's cock, flicking his tongue in and out of his mouth as he went.
Beneath him, Drew bucked his hips. He released Luis' dick. "Goddamn, here it comes. Pull my balls."
Luis took as much of Drew into his throat as he could. With one hand, he tugged the way Drew asked. He pushed two fingers into Drew's ass and wiggled them, trying to hit that ultra-sweet spot inside.
"Ah, ah. Shit. Yeah, I'm there." Drew's body stilled for a fraction of a second before the first spurt of cum hit Luis' throat.
He swallowed like a greedy cocksucker, and kept up his hand action while swallowing through the next ones.
Drew smacked Luis' ass. Hard. "Fuck me, Luis. I need it. You need it."
Luis was in no condition to argue. He had the presence of mind to ask one question. "Top or bottom?"
Drew remained lying on his back. "Bottom. As much as I'd love to sit on you, I don't want to stress my ankle."
Luis knelt between Drew's knees, and pulled him forward. He spat on his hand and then rubbed it over his cock. "Ready for Daddy?"
Drew pulled his knees against his chest. "What are you waiting for?"
Luis slid into Drew's ass like a base runner onto home plate. When his balls rested against Drew's skin, he stopped to gather his composure. Perspiration made the curls on his chest even tighter. Of all the men Luis had slept with, only Drew made him struggle for control.
"You feel . . . you feel like a tight, hot oven. My dick, it just wants you so bad."
"Then stop talking, and do it."
Luis began thrusting at a slow, even pace.
Drew held onto Luis' forearms, squeezing, pinching, scratching him. "Come on motherfucker. Is that the best you can do? You're not going to hurt me."
He let loose, and damn if it didn't feel like heaven. The sound of their flesh slapping together urged Luis on. Perspiration ran down his face and into his eyes. He squeezed them shut.
"Holy fuckin' hell, here it comes." He shot his cum deep in Drew's ass, the force of his orgasm tilting his world for a few seconds, and pushing his cock out of its tight canal.
Sounds coming from Drew made him open his eyes. Drew was having another orgasm. White spurts of semen streaked his stomach.
Luis leaned forward and licked Drew's skin clean.
Drew threaded his fingers through Luis' short hair. "I love you."
Luis kissed his way up to Drew's mouth. "What a perfect Christmas present that was." He kissed Drew lightly. "Thank you."
"Are you going to make it?"
Luis laughed. "Yes, but don't make me wait months to have sex with you again. I might have a heart attack. Jesus, you felt great." He gave Drew another quick kiss and pulled the blanket over him. "I'll be right back."
Luis returned with warm washcloths and towels. When he'd cleaned up Drew, he went to the kitchen and brought them each a glass of wine. Christmas music still played on the radio. Luis started laughing.
"What's so funny?"
"Seems kind of blasphemous to be making love to you while What Child Is This is playing."
"We were done before that came on. And what the hell, our romp drowned out the Beach Boys singing some God-awful carol."
"Good point. That was a good thing." He took a sip of wine. "Since you gave me a present, I'd like to give you one."
Drew gave him a suspicious look. "You've found a replacement for my recliner already?"
He laughed again. "No. We'll do that together. I don't want to be responsible for tossing out the only piece of furniture you ever liked." He reached under the tree skirt and produced a small, flat package. "Here. Since you don't have an official present for me on Christmas, I'll give you this now, and we'll be even."
"When those goons go to jail, and I can be out on the street like I'm not the criminal, I'm going to make it up to you."
Luis smirked. "You have to buy the new recliner. I don't want one. At all."
"Very funny. I mean it. We'll go shopping and buy something special for you."
Drew's eyes lit up. "I know. How about his and his tattoos?"
Luis took Drew's wine away and pinned Drew beneath him. "You've lost your mind." He kissed him. "If you want me to wear your tattoo, I will."
Drew laughed. "I was only kidding. I wouldn't mind getting mirrored tattoos, but your name on my ass, meh, doesn't do much for me."
"How about my lips on your ass?"
"They're cute, but that would be too effeminate for my tastes."
Luis rolled off him, his body shaking with laughter. "Open your present, you nut, before I change my mind and return it."
With a wiseass grin on his face, Drew untied the bow. "Never pegged you for an Indian giver."
Excitement bubbled in his chest. Luis leaned on his elbow, watching Drew open the box.
Surprise was written all over his face. "Wow, you're kidding me. An electronic tablet?"
Pleased with Drew's response, Luis nodded. "Your doctors thought it might be a great way to help with your memory issues. I don't much care what they say, I'm just tired of hunting for the card you lost of 'what's his name'."
Drew smiled. "Very funny."
"Do you like it?"
"Of course! I wanted to get one, but I thought I'd wait until I could go shopping.
They're pretty expensive."
"I know, but this could really help you. We'll set it up so your contacts have photos. That'll help you work on remembering names. I also found a bunch of word games and brainteaser apps you can play with. Of course, your doctors had some suggestions, too, but between you and me, they're boring." He stretched out the last word for added emphasis. "There're maps of the area, and even a link to your email at work."
"Ha! Like they'd let me look at my email. I'm pretty sure they're looking for my replacement."
Luis understood Drew's apprehension. "You're on leave. You still have a few more months before you have to decide about your future with the agency. Until then, you can refresh your memory, and start to get in the groove again."
Drew took a long breath. "Maybe. In any case, this is a perfect gift. One of a hundred you've given me since I moved here."
Drew gave Luis a lingering kiss that fanned Luis' desires again. Afterward, Luis traced the shape of Drew's jaw with his index finger. "Feel like doing a little more celebrating?"
Drew teased him. "Do you have it in you, Daddy?"
"I'd like to have it in you."
Drew's eyes shone with mirth. "Come unwrap your gift."
Luis untied Drew's robe. "This is my kind of present."
Chapter Twenty-Two
On a cloudy, mid-January morning, Drew and Luis rode in the back of a New Orleans police squad to the Orleans Parish Criminal District Courthouse. Since the series of events involving Drew had taken place in several Parishes, the District Attorney had gotten a change of venue. The grand jury hearings for Henrique Sandalio, and the head of the Retribution gang, began today.
Drew had burst out laughing when he learned the gang leader's real name.
No wonder he had a puissant nickname like 'Scorpion,' when his mother had named him Tommy.
Drew fidgeted in his seat, watching the city blocks pass by, none of which he'd seen since last fall.
Luis broke the silence. "You okay?"
He tried putting on a brave face, but reality was another story. Drew felt caught between wanting to even the score with a baseball bat of his own, and throwing up. He had no idea how he'd react when he retold his story. He turned on his electronic tablet.
Luis took his hand and gently squeezed. "It's charged, it works."
Drew swallowed the lump of clay that seemed to have taken up residence in his throat.
"You'll be fine, Drew. I'll be there every second."
"I keep telling myself that. What if they decide that my testimony isn't reliable?"
; The District Attorney had visited Drew and Luis on several occasions to prepare Drew for his testimony. He'd rehearsed his recollection of the events, and hoped the stress of today's questions wouldn't trigger a seizure. The last thing Drew wanted was to turn into a vibrating piece of human flesh while on the witness stand. The very idea made him nauseous.
"We've been through this numerous times with Sheila Parsons. You'll have your tablet on the stand, and be able to reference names if you get stuck. Today is your day, Drew. You're another step closer to reclaiming your life. Positive thoughts. Positive thoughts. Remember who you are. You're a law enforcement agent. You're strong and capable." Luis cupped Drew's chin. "And you're loved."
The car rolled to a stop. A large crowd of reporters had gathered near the stairs.
Satellite dishes perched atop the news vans. Cameras on tripods and on strong shoulders were poised to document his arrival.
The D.A. had told him to expect this attention. Keep your head down and your mouth closed.
Drew's stomach flip-flopped big time. "I need to use the bathroom." Panic rose along with the tone of his voice. "Luis."
Luis wrapped him in his arms. "Breathe. I'm here. You can do this. We're going through this together."
An officer opened the door, leaned into the car, and spoke to them. "Two other officers will escort you. Don't stop. Keep moving as quickly as you can. The others will keep the media back, and then follow you into the courthouse. A room has been prepared for you to wait in until you're called." He scanned the area. "If you're ready, so are we, Agent Rothem."
It felt strange to hear the courtesy title after so long. This also was the first time he'd worn his uniform since his last day in the office. The combination bolstered Drew's courage. He gave Luis' hand one final squeeze before leaving the car.
As instructed, Drew kept his head down, shielding his face further with his electronic tablet. Luis' hand rested on his back, pushing him forward, and giving him moral support through the myriad of microphones shoved in his face, cameras pointed at him, and questions hollered out, on the off chance he'd answer.
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