“Chasity Clover, your car is ready in Automotive.” Aaron quietly mimicked her last word. “Oh my God, that’s golden,” Aaron cackled, bending over, grabbing his belly, laughing hysterically.
“What?” Kreed found himself chuckling because Aaron’s laughter was contagious, but he had no idea what was so funny.
“Ootttoomoottiiivvve!” Aaron mimicked her sound. “She was so country. Oh my God. When she said automotive, that was like twenty fucking syllables.”
Kreed did laugh at that. He lived in Louisiana, making him used to that slow Southern twang, but Aaron had a point. That particular woman’s voice had taken the accent to a whole new level. As if on cue, there she came again, saying something new, yet long and drawn out. Aaron went into a second giggling fit. This time he held on to the shelves, trying to keep himself on his feet. He was almost as funny as the woman speaking overhead.
“Quit throwin’ shade,” Kreed said, still laughing, trying hard to mimic her as he spoke. “Grab what you need. We need to get goin’.”
Chapter 27
Aaron sat in first class, looking out the small window with his new earbuds in, but they did little to drown out the noise around him. They were about twenty minutes outside of Kauai, and the fasten-your-seat-belt sign had just flashed on the display screen above his head. Kreed had been up, stretching his legs, before disappearing inside the bathroom. The man was so big and muscular that he didn’t fit well in cramped surroundings, so when he exited the small door and had to twist awkwardly to navigate that part of the cabin, the action captured Aaron’s attention…and Aaron noticed he wasn’t the only one drawn to the sight.
The heat of Kreed’s gaze landed right on him, his dark brow lifted and a knowing smirk curled the corners of his beautiful lips. Since he’d spent the last nine hours dodging the suggestion of joining the mile high club, Kreed must have been checking out the space possibilities for the flight home. What did it mean that he was so in tune with Kreed that he instinctively knew what was on the deputy’s mind?
The weight of that thought made him instantly antsy, so he mentally shoved it aside and concentrated on the new look. Kreed had managed to change his clothes and was now wearing a pair of walking shorts and a T-shirt. He wondered where Kreed might have hidden his weapon under that tight-fitting shirt. He carried his backpack and boots in his hands in front of him as he squeezed down the aisle toward his seat. Kreed’s eyes continued to hold him transfixed with that small grin in place as he lifted his beefy arms to open the overhead bin to place his items inside before taking his seat.
“Seatbelt on, Kreed,” a flight attendant said absently as she passed by on a final sweep through the cabin. It seemed Kreed had close to free rein, able to do just about anything he wanted on any flight he took. The rules barely applied, and by extension, they were easier on Aaron through most of the flight.
“Sure thing,” Kreed mumbled as he leaned over, angling his head until he was in Aaron’s direct line of vision and reached up to tug the earbud free from Aaron’s ear. Kreed had performed that move five or six times during the trip. “Just so you know, we would’ve fit.”
Seriously, the guy had a one-track mind. “No, we wouldn’t. I saw you have to turn those big ole’ muscles to the side to enter the bathroom.” Aaron used that Southern accent, imitating the lady from Walmart to describe the width of his shoulders and making Kreed’s smile grow.
“We would’ve fit. There was enough room. I measured. No more excuses. We’re doing it on the way home,” Kreed declared.
“Pretty sure of yourself,” Aaron replied, placing the earbud back in his ear. Kreed reached up to pull it out again.
“Don’t be tryin’ to get out of it.”
Kreed’s face was right in his, the ever-present, sexy little smirk in place. Aaron actually liked that Kreed didn’t allow him to divert the conversation, and he smiled back.
“I’m fucking you,” Aaron whispered and winked.
“Whatever you want. You know I’m up for anything. Just want to join that club so I can get the T-shirt. Mitch has the hookup, but there’s gotta be some kind of proof.” Kreed finally reached for his seatbelt as the plane began its descent. Aaron had no idea if Kreed was serious or what kind of proof would be necessary. Man, he was in serious trouble with this guy.
Aaron opted to drive, forcing Kreed to sit idly in the passenger seat of the rental car, watching out the side window, with his cellphone stuck to his ear. Aaron continued to cement his grandma-driver status as Brody Masters efficiently caught Kreed up on everything they’d missed since leaving Dallas nine hours earlier. He gave several muttered yeahs and yeses, but as a whole, he just listened. Four of the five fugitives had been apprehended and a nationwide manhunt was in place to execute that final arrest. They were tying up the pieces with the entire Department of Justice focused on nailing this terrorist cell to eliminate any lingering threat they might pose to American citizens.
The closer they got to Jace’s place, the more beautiful the scenery became, drawing him into an automatic peacefulness. Between Aaron’s driving pace, Brody’s voice, and the water churning in the distance, Kreed relaxed, paying less attention to Masters and more to the tropical paradise surrounding him, only tuning back in when Brody got to the last point that seemed to frustrate the boys at the bureau as much as anything that might have happened with the case.
For the first time since the call had started, Kreed turned away from the breathtaking view outside his window and spoke directly to Aaron to relay the new information they had.
“Some group took over the church’s website today. They redirected it to a website with the words ‘God hates no one,’ before then redirecting it to a human rights group. There’s a big video posted, already received millions of views, and this one got a lot of public help. It’s fucking everything up for Connors.”
“How so?” Aaron asked, and Kreed lifted a single finger as he continued listening to Brody before he spoke.
“Okay, call me in the morning,” Kreed said and lowered the phone, swiping a finger to end the call before turning to Aaron. “Right now, the FBI thinks that for the time being they’ve managed to downplay the arrests to the media. You know, to keep status quo—at least their considered normal state of affairs. But everything with the bureau has a spin. They feel like the church has a solid following, and they wanted to control how all this information got out to the public, swing the propaganda in their favor, make the FBI look like heroes instead of an agency that refused to even consider all this evidence for a good solid year. Now that the national news has the story, everything will slowly be leaked. The media keeps doing breaking news reports over and over, reporting on the case. To Connors, he’s saying it’ll stop the progression of the case, and Masters said the bureau’s already preparing for damage control.”
“Huh,” Aaron said, seemingly unaffected. He was a young techie, so he’d probably agree with the hack, maybe even wish he’d been able to take part in it all instead of flying to Hawaii. “I wondered how long it would take. I bet it was Protector. They can’t stand stuff like this. They hate Redemption Apostle Tabernacle Church. They’ve targeted that church for years. They’ll probably track the hack down to a farmhouse somewhere in Nebraska.”
“Yeah, I guess. I get what they’re doing in trying to keep society informed, but they’re a giant pain in the ass. They always pop up at the worst possible times. I just can’t figure out how they know shit so quick. They’re on it, and don’t hesitate to jump right in there. Sometimes they do it before we even know,” Kreed said as he turned back in his seat, taking in more of the picturesque view of the ocean. The water seemed to go on forever.
“The deal about Protector… It’s really anyone who wants to be involved. Sure, it’s organized by a few, but we can all jump in and clog up the different systems,” Aaron explained casually.
“You and I both know that statement’s a load of crap. There’s a small cell of people orchestrating the attacks, gui
ding the outcome,” Kreed shot back.
“Regardless, it wouldn’t work if it weren’t for everyone playing a part. I was reading on the marshals’ internal network that a couple of those guys in Protector made it to the top fifty most wanted list. They think it’s two or three guys that started it. But they don’t really know who they are so it’s real open-ended. No name, no face, not even a clue as to how to find them. How’s that gonna work for those in the field?” Aaron asked, appearing somewhat distracted by the traffic forming on the road.
“It’s more about the reward that gets attached to each person. Somebody’ll turn them in. Somebody in that inner circle knows what’s going on and will eventually get greedy,” Kreed said, but on a happier note, he turned back to Aaron. “Then, I’ll go get ’em. Keeps me employed.”
Aaron gave a humorless laugh, but didn’t comment. Kreed decided to keep it light where Protector was concerned. Now wasn’t the time for a discussion on such a monumental difference in point of view. Protector had fucked up many a raid he’d been on over the last few years. They were absolutely a huge pain in the ass, and Kreed had to make a mental note to remember to tell Aaron not to show his support out loud again if others were around. No division in the Justice Department appreciated those hackers or their so-called social conscience. Better that no one knew Stuart was a Protector sympathizer. “Do you know any of them?”
“Not that I know of, but there’s a possibility. Those hacktivists that orchestrate all that, they keep that shit quiet. I could see it just being one or two people and no one else knowing,” Aaron said. GPS sounded off and Aaron followed the instructions off the highway.
“It’s just a matter of time. It always goes bad,” Kreed said absently, looking out over the ocean again. “It’s beautiful here.”
Work wasn’t even on the top million list of things he wanted to be thinking about right now. He’d been impressed with how easily he’d been able to keep work back on the mainland and mentally move on as a man on vacation. Kreed would receive daily updates and worst-case scenarios. He might even have to head back to Dallas or DC if something broke, but that just meant he needed to make the most of every single day.
Man, it felt good to get away and completely relax. He wasn’t in a frame of mind to let that easily slip away. Months of intense stress had made being on this island with Aaron that much more appealing. After Aaron made the turn onto a sand-covered road into a residential area, Kreed reached over to entwine Aaron’s hand with his. The act of holding this man’s hand balanced him. Aaron made him feel lighter, and that thought settled inside his heart. It might have been years since he’d experienced this much inner peace, and Aaron seemed to be clueless at the power he held.
“This is where they met?” Kreed asked, trying to remember the story Colt had told them as they turned down a long street that ran alongside the ocean.
“Nah, I don’t think so. I think they came here on vacation when they were younger and Jace bought the place years later when it came up for sale.”
“Who would’ve known cheerleading paid so well,” Kreed added, watching the houses as they passed by. The farther they got on the street, the more space separated each home.
“I know, right? That’s all I kept thinking in Dallas.” GPS interrupted them again, so they paid closer attention to the house numbers until they came to a stop in front of a very nice cottage-style home.
“Man, it was nice to have them offer this up,” Kreed said, unbuckling his seatbelt. Aaron hopped from the driver’s side. The tropical backdrop stood in stark contrast against the kid’s dark, winter wardrobe of jeans and long-sleeve shirt. Kreed worked his feet back inside his flip-flops he’d shoved to the corner of the floorboard then opened his door. He stepped out, breathing in the clean, salty air. No doubt the place was beautiful.
Kreed headed toward the trunk as Aaron clicked the key fob to open the latch. He grabbed both the heavy bags, letting Aaron get his backpack and laptop. Those two items were always the first things cared for in any trip they made.
“I need to change,” Aaron said, standing near the front porch, waiting for Kreed to make his way up the sidewalk by the driveway.
“Yeah, I checked the temperature on the way here. It’s close to eighty degrees.”
Aaron reached for the handle of one of the bags Kreed carried, trying to take his own luggage, but Kreed held on tight, nodding in the direction of the house to get Aaron moving. Of course, Aaron was more than capable of carrying his own heavy shit, but Kreed just liked doing it for his guy.
Aaron finally relented, moving forward, walking first toward the house, fishing something out of his front pocket. The closer they got to the front door, Kreed saw some of the repairs Jace and Colt said they’d made. The porch looked pretty new, though the house appeared to be in need of a new paint job.
“They haven’t been here since the accident?” Kreed asked, taking the steps up to the front door. “Didn’t they say Michaels repaired the roof?”
“Yeah, that’s pretty funny. Jace put him straight to work, didn’t even give him a chance to breathe. Colt must’ve been trying hard to get his foot back in the door.” Aaron swung the front door open, showing an entry that looked right in the middle of a remodel. Colt’s accident had stopped the progress they’d made while trying to spruce the place up. The kitchen sat right off the entry with the dining room and living room straight ahead. Curtains were drawn shut along the back wall, and Kreed supposed that was a sliding glass door, but instead of looking for himself, he headed toward a hall located to the side of the living room.
He found one small bedroom, a bathroom, and the door at the end of the hall leading into the master bedroom. He opened the door all the way and stepped inside the large, nicely decorated room. The master suite had a modern feel, decorated in soothing island colors. If he ever owned his own place, this would be exactly what he wanted. His senses relaxed even further. The room looked very much like one you’d find in a high-end, expensive spa. Right up his alley! Man, he was going to love this place.
After looking around, Kreed placed both suitcases in the closet before going back in search of Aaron. The living room curtains were now open and Aaron stood at the back porch railing, looking out over the ocean.
“It’s peaceful here,” Aaron said, never looking back. Kreed smiled as he came through the door, wondering if Aaron knew how telling that move was. They were truly in sync with one another if Aaron could sense when he was around.
“Yeah, I was thinking that driving up,” Kreed confirmed, moving in behind Aaron and wrapping his arms around his waist. He didn’t stop pressing against Aaron until they touched from head to toe. Aaron’s body relaxed into his, his back resting against Kreed’s chest. Several minutes passed as Kreed got lost in the churning white and blue of the water as the waves broke over the surface of the ocean. He needed a place just like this in his life. Maybe someday.
“This is so beautiful. I can’t believe I’m here with you. That day at the airport when I first saw you in person, I never imagined I would be in Hawaii, let alone wrapped in the hot leather god’s arms, staring out at the Pacific. You’re unexpected,” Aaron said quietly, seemingly just as lost to the lure of the ocean as Kreed.
“You too. I knew I wanted you when you shot me down in front of Mitch on Skype, but that was something different. I don’t know how many times I jacked off with thoughts of fucking that smart mouth of yours fueling my fantasies. And when I saw you at the airport in person, you confused the hell out of me. So yeah, you’re unexpected in the best way,” Kreed responded, whispering the words before brushing his lips against the sensitive spot on Aaron’s neck right behind his ear. “Change clothes. Let’s make a quick store run so we can go down to the beach and stay there. I see a fire pit. We can cook and eat down there tonight.”
Aaron nodded, but didn’t really move. Instead, he began to unbutton the front of his long-sleeve shirt before undoing his wrist buttons. “That’s a good plan. We n
eed to add condoms to the grocery list; we’re almost out. But I was thinking a swim wouldn’t be bad. The water looks so tempting.”
Aaron took a step from the embrace and peeled his shirt off, dropping it before quickly unfastening his jeans. Kreed’s mouth gaped open when those pants hit the steps, then Aaron’s underwear was lost in the sand a few feet from the water’s edge as Aaron ran into the surf and motioned for Kreed to join him seconds before disappearing under the water. That cute bouncing butt held his gaze until it disappeared into the surf.
Kreed shook his head and pulled off his shirt. He dropped the worn cotton on top of Aaron’s. His shorts carrying his cell and his wallet made a heavy thump on the wooden deck. Kreed jogged down the steps, losing his underwear about the same place Aaron had shed his. Aaron broke the surface just as Kreed hit the water wearing nothing but a smile. As he plunged under, then up again, he decided Aaron might be the death of him, and if that were the case, then it would be a spectacular way to go.
Kreed swam to where Aaron floated. One strong tug had Aaron against him with his lips descending as he captured his mouth, lazy and slow. Yeah, the kid was going to be the death of him… Aaron encouraged Kreed by wrapping his legs around Kreed’s waist and kissing him back. Kreed loved that fucking move. Aaron was so in tune with him. The kid read his mood and body language like a fucking book, knew exactly how to get him riled up.
“Fuck, you’re a bad boy, aren’t you?” Kreed panted against Aaron’s mouth.
“If you only knew the truth about me, Deputy Marshal, you’d be hauling me into custody.”
“That can be arranged. I do have handcuffs.”
“Mmm…tempting.” Aaron licked at his lips and ran his fingers down then up his back before cupping the back of his head.
Kreed melted when Aaron’s swollen cock ground against his. He slid his fingers between Aaron’s ass cheeks and pressed the pad of his pinky finger against the tightly puckered flesh of his entrance.
Nice Guys Collection With Added Bonus Material Page 102
