Sinister Shadows

by Brittany Cournoyer

  “Then maybe we should look into getting another bed for one of the guest rooms,” Duncan suggested.

  “As great as that sounds, we can’t afford it right now. Not with your doctor bills.”

  Duncan scrubbed his hand over his face. “I know what you’re probably thinking right now, Pierce.”

  Pierce raised an eyebrow. “Oh yeah? What’s that?”

  “That it’d just be easier for you to sleep in here with me.”

  Pierce hadn’t been thinking that at all, but now that Duncan had mentioned it… “It’s not a bad idea. We are married and shared this bed before the accident.”

  “I’m not ready, Pierce.”

  “I know you’re not, which is why I haven’t pushed the issue and I’ve been sleeping on the couch—”

  “And I appreciate that,” Duncan cut in.

  “But, will you ever be ready?” Pierce asked.

  Duncan locked eyes with Pierce, who held his stare until Duncan shifted his gaze to look over Pierce’s shoulder. “I don’t know. I wish I could give you a more definitive answer, but I can’t say yes or no.”

  “Then I will just have to try to be more patient. Just tell me one thing, Duncan.”

  “What’s that?”

  “If you don’t regain your memory, will you want to continue with our marriage?”

  Pierce held his breath as he watched Duncan contemplate how to answer the loaded question.

  “That’s another question I can’t give you a definitive answer to. Right now, you’re taking care of me until I’m healed, and while I care about you, I can’t say if it’s because of some deep feelings that are trying to resurface, or if it’s from gratitude.”

  Pierce should’ve known that answer was coming, but it still felt like a punch in the gut to hear the words spoken. “I see. Well, I hope your memory comes back sooner rather than later. And on that note, I’m going to go get some shut eye before work tonight. Do you need anything before I get settled?”

  Duncan shook his head. “I have everything I need, thanks to you.”

  “What are husbands for?” Pierce asked softly, and as he started to leave the room, he could’ve sworn he heard Duncan say, “I wish I knew.”

  Rather than ask Duncan if he said something, he left the room and went downstairs to stretch across the couch. He had a long night of work ahead of him in a seedy part of town, so he was going to need all the rest he could get. As Pierce stretched out on the lumpy couch, he couldn’t help but long to be lying on that big, comfortable bed, cuddled up next to Duncan.

  The phone in Pierce’s hand rang relentlessly as the unfamiliar number flashed tauntingly on the screen. Pierce didn’t answer calls from people he didn’t know, and he waited for the ringing to stop. Finally, it did, and a few seconds later the notification of a new voicemail popped on his screen. He wasted no time pressing the button and bringing the phone to his ear. It was most likely a new client in need of his services. But the voice on the other end was not what he expected.

  “Hello, Mr. Reynolds. This is Gina, and I work in the billing department at Riverview Hospital. I was going through the paperwork for Duncan Reynolds and noticed a discrepancy with his social security number. Please call me back or stop in my office so I can file his paperwork. My office is open Monday through Friday, eight AM to four-thirty PM. And my number is—”

  Pierce disconnected from the voicemail while she was still rattling off her number. He paused just long enough to debate whether to call her back before he erased the voicemail and dropped the phone on the seat beside him. He was too tired and busy with other matters to worry about an issue with hospital paperwork. The biggest issue he had was Duncan, and the fact he felt like Duncan was slipping further away from him each day. The last thing Pierce wanted was to lose him. He loved him too much to let him go.

  Pierce started the ignition to his SUV and headed home. The drive wasn’t nearly as bad, since the clouds decided to have mercy on them that day, and he didn’t stop at the store. After parking his car and going inside, the first thing he did was head upstairs to check on Duncan. As he neared the top, a low moan startled him, and he paused in his tracks to make sure he’d heard it correctly. A few seconds later, he heard another one, followed by a whimper. The sounds had Pierce wondering if Duncan was somehow hurt, and he sprinted up the remaining stairs. What he saw made him pause in the doorway. A strangled noise emanated from his throat, and his jaw nearly came unhinged and dropped to the floor.

  Chapter Eighteen

  The breath was ragged in Duncan’s ear and hot against his cheek as Duncan’s back pressed against the wall and the rock-hard body pressed flush against him. Duncan ran his fingers under the man’s shirt until he could feel his warm skin and pressed his fingertips deeply into the dips of the man’s hips as the warm lips brushed against his.

  “Hurry,” Duncan gasped when the kiss broke. “I need you.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I am. I want you.”

  No more words were spoken as the man rushed to unbutton Duncan’s pants before he slipped a hand inside. Duncan closed his eyes and leaned his head against the wall. He let out a low, guttural groan when the warm hand wrapped around his hard cock, using his pre-cum as lube.

  “Fuck,” Duncan whimpered as soft lips pressed against the pulse that beat wildly in his throat.

  “In a minute. I want to taste you first.”

  Duncan wanted to protest, to tell him he didn’t have to do that, but every stroke of his date’s hand seemed to erase any words or thoughts that’d form in his head. His teeth nipped at Duncan’s neck as he continued to stroke him to near completion, and just as Duncan thought he’d explode right there, the hand disappeared.

  Duncan didn’t have to ask what his date was doing. Instead, he kept his eyes closed, and a few seconds later, a warm, moist mouth enveloped his cock, and a tongue started to tease the swollen head. Duncan dug his hand in the man’s soft hair, helping to guide him as he felt his full balls start to draw up to his body. He was close; so fucking close. And when his date took Duncan to the back of his throat and hollowed his cheeks, Duncan didn’t have time to give any warning before he came.

  A loud moan had Duncan waking with a start. Fuck, that dream had been so surreal, and the intensity with which he came had left him feeling breathless. But as he sat up, he became aware of two things. One, his hand was still wrapped around his cock, while his pants were covered in his sticky release. Two, he wasn’t alone in his room. His cheeks flamed with embarrassment as he withdrew his hand from his pants, and he slowly turned to look at Pierce.

  Duncan could see from Pierce’s position in the doorway how his eyes blazed with heat, and his breaths came out in quick bursts. His gaze was on Duncan’s crotch, rather than his face.

  “Pierce...” Duncan choked out.

  Pierce slowly ran his gaze up Duncan’s body before meeting his eyes. Duncan held his breath as he waited for Pierce to say something. He wasn’t sure why he was so embarrassed or ashamed. Guys had wet dreams all the time, so it was no big deal, right? And yet, he was embarrassed that Pierce had witnessed Duncan masturbating in his sleep.

  “I’ll go get you a towel so you can clean up,” was all Pierce said as he disappeared into the bathroom.

  Duncan nodded, though Pierce didn’t see it, and a few seconds later he heard the faucet turn on. Pierce returned with a damp cloth and passed it to Duncan so he could wipe up the mess he’d made.

  “I think I’m going to need a shower,” Duncan mumbled.

  “Must’ve been some dream.”

  “It was.”

  Duncan still couldn’t look Pierce in the eye as he scrubbed at his hand.

  “I used to make you come like that.”

  “Pierce,” Duncan said, but it didn’t matter.

  “We were pretty hot and heavy. It was like you were insatiable.”

  “Pierce,” Duncan said a bit firmer.

  “Nearly every surface of your old apartmen
t was broken in by us, and then we started on the rooms in this house before your accident. Just touching you would get you riled up and ready to go.”

  “Pierce, please, stop it. It was a dream, okay?”

  “I miss that. I miss you, Duncan.”

  Duncan sighed and stared down at the washcloth he was twisting in his hand. “I know, and I’m sorry for that. But I can’t force feelings that aren’t there right now. Like I said before, I feel…something for you. But I can’t say for certain what those feelings are. I’m trying to remember, but it’s like something is blocking those memories. I know it’s a lot to ask after everything you’ve done for me, but please, can you be a bit more patient?”

  Pierce sat down on the bed beside Duncan and patted his leg. “That’s not asking a lot at all. I’m your husband, Duncan, and I’ll do anything for you.”

  “Thanks, Pierce. I wish I could return the sentiment.”

  “It’s okay. Let’s get you cleaned up so I can get a nap. Looks like you could use a shave, as well.”

  Duncan reached up and scratched his chin where the stubble of hair had grown in. “I guess. I haven’t really looked at myself in the mirror when I’m in the bathroom. I’m sure I look like a mess and could also use a haircut.”

  “You look great. And if you want a haircut, I can do it for you after I wake up.”

  “That’s not necessary. Why don’t we just go to the barber you go to?”

  Pierce sighed at Duncan’s question. “He’s out of town for a few weeks. Why do you think my hair needs a cut as well?”

  “Oh, that’s inconvenient.”

  “Tell me about it. And I refuse to go to anyone but Jamie. He’s the best, and he knows what I like without me telling him.”

  “Maybe I should wait for him to return, then,” Duncan suggested.

  “Are you opposed to me trimming your hair? I’ve done it for you before.” The hurt was evident in his voice.

  Duncan shook his head and rushed to reassure Pierce. “No, I just know you need rest for work, and I don’t want to impose.”

  “I see. Well, it’s not an imposition at all, but if you want to wait, that’s fine. Let’s get you in the shower; I’m beat.”

  Duncan didn’t say another word as Pierce helped get him in the shower, and after he was finished, he noted the razor and can of shaving cream on the sink. It took a bit of courage to look at himself in the mirror, and he wanted to gasp at the reflection that stared back at him.

  Granted, the only knowledge of how he used to look before was from dreams and the pictures Pierce had given him, but he didn’t recognize the man in the mirror. The man who looked at him had sunken eyes, pale skin, shaggy hair, and a patchy beard. His eyes looked uncertain and almost haunted, and he looked confused as he continued to search his face for any shred of familiarity. But none came. Duncan had no clue who he was, but as he picked up the shaving cream to spread some on his face, he knew one thing for certain: this wasn’t the man he used to be.

  Every night Pierce left for work, Duncan practiced on building his strength to climb the stairs to the attic. Each night he’d work the stairs, climbing one at a time until he couldn’t anymore and had to catch his breath before going back down. And each night, he’d make progress, until finally he neared the top. Finally, tonight was the night to go up those stairs and see what was at the top.

  He wasn’t getting his hopes up, since he was certain the attic was empty, but climbing the stairs had been a goal he’d set, and he was determined to meet it. If he could climb up those stairs, then he most certainly would be able to go down the other ones so he could explore the downstairs.

  He’d been skipping his pain pill—something Pierce wasn’t happy about—and was pleased that he didn’t get nearly as drowsy, so he was able to stay awake until Pierce left. After waiting a bit to ensure Pierce didn’t return, Duncan would get up to practice. This night was no exception, and with his teeth gritted in determination, he pulled himself up the stairs. His ankle was feeling better, and he was able to bear a bit more weight on it to help make the climb easier. Thanks to the practice, he didn’t get as out of breath.

  Duncan was still mindful of his ankle, and he used the railing to help pull himself up the stairs. With each one he climbed, the more determined he became to reach the top. Tonight. Tonight, he’d achieve his goal. Tonight, he’d find out why the door was locked, and nothing was going to stop him. Not even being a bit breathless.

  After what seemed like hours, Duncan’s foot touched the top step, and he breathed a sigh of relief when he finally stood on the attic floor. He felt around on the walls and found a switch, and after flipping it on, the room was bathed in a pale light from the bulb that hung from the center of the ceiling.

  Much to Duncan’s surprise, the room wasn’t empty at all. It was filled with boxes. Lots and lots of boxes, as well as some furniture. Duncan eyed the floor lamps, the end tables, and the armchairs that looked fairly new. With a frown, Duncan limped over to one of the chairs and sat down. It was surprisingly comfortable, and he allowed his body to relax as he pulled a box closer to him. His hands shook slightly with excitement as he pulled back the flaps, and when he looked inside, he saw quite a few picture frames.

  “What the hell?” he asked as he pulled out a few of the frames.

  The pictures in each one showed the same family throughout the years—an older man with thinning black hair and a blonde woman who appeared to be a few years younger. Their smiles were warm and inviting, and in each photo, he saw a boy and a girl who looked strikingly similar to the couple who must be their parents. Some frames held school photos of the children during various stages of their youth, while a few were from their graduation days.

  “Who are you?” Duncan asked out loud. “Why are your photos still here?”

  Duncan flipped through the rest of the photos before pushing the box to the side and pulling another one over. That one held various items of women’s clothing. Shirts, pants, skirts, and even pajamas and underwear. He wasn’t sure how long he stayed in that attic going through the boxes, but it seemed as if an entire family’s life was up there, packed away in that room.

  When the first rays of sunlight began to stream through the window, Duncan started to panic. He needed to get back down the stairs and in bed before Pierce returned home. He hated to leave, since there was still more than half an attic left to explore, but he reassured himself he’d return later that night. All he had to do was wait for Pierce to leave again.

  Going down the stairs was much easier than going up, but he still had to take precaution with his ankle. By the time he had the door closed to the attic, he heard the crunch of tires as Pierce pulled up the drive. His heart beat erratically in his chest as he tried to limp as fast as he could to the bedroom. It seemed like the floor lengthened by a mile for every step he took, and his panic increased when he heard the front door open.

  Duncan’s first instincts were to pause in his tracks and hold his breath to see what move Pierce would make next, but something inside him told him to keep moving. Rather than race toward his room, he crept slowly across the floor, mindful not to make the wood under his feet creak. With each step, he could hear Pierce moving around downstairs, and he was certain Pierce could hear Duncan’s wildly beating heart.

  Finally, he reached his room, and just as he stepped inside, he heard Pierce start to climb the stairs. It was a close call, yet again, and as Duncan felt Pierce’s gaze penetrate his back as he laid still on the bed, he knew he had to be more cautious next time.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Duncan wanted to ask Pierce a question. Pierce could tell by the way Duncan kept eyeing him curiously and opening his mouth before snapping it shut. Pierce was busy removing the bandage from around Duncan’s ankle to see how it was healing, but he could sense Duncan’s hesitation.

  “The bruising is almost gone,” Pierce noted as he pulled the last of the bandage away. “The swelling has gone down notably, too. It’s lookin
g much better.”

  “Great. That’s great.”

  Pierce noted the distraction in Duncan’s voice but didn’t comment on it. “How about we let it breathe for a while before I rewrap it? And then maybe before I leave, we can practice you walking on it a bit.”

  “Uh, shouldn’t that be something I do with a doctor or a physical therapist?”

  “Yes, but since it’s been hard to get in to see your doctor, the only options you have are to wait or trust me to help you get back on your feet.”

  Pierce tried to keep the hurt out of his voice, but sometimes Duncan’s comments would hit him wrong and he’d get offended. He tried to rationalize that Duncan was being cautious and didn’t want to cause any further injury to himself, but Pierce was his husband, and he wanted Duncan to trust him. He wanted Duncan to need him for more than just meals and help to the bathroom.

  Duncan chewed on his lip. “You’re right. If it’s going to be a few weeks, I’d rather get back on my feet sooner rather than later. It’d be nice to practice with you later.”

  Pierce could almost feel the heat of Duncan’s body pressed tightly against his, and memories of Duncan writhing on the bed as he jerked himself off filled his mind. He could easily recall Duncan’s panting breaths and hear his deep moans as he came in his hand. It was an image he’d never forget, and the only regret he had was that it wasn’t his hand that stroked Duncan until he shattered.

  Pierce had to clear his throat before he could speak again, and he shifted on the bed to hide the bulge that’d formed in his pants. “Great. I’ll be back later. Try to nap so you can build up energy for later. After being off your feet so long, you’ve probably lost some muscle mass, so you’ll be a bit weak.”

  “I will. I hope you get some rest as well, Pierce.”

  “On it. I’ll see you soon.”

  Pierce gave Duncan a brief smile and patted his leg before standing to walk out of the room, but Duncan’s voice stopped him.