“I know. One o’clock,” Tomas said.
“Why’re you inviting me to a poker game?”
“Bernie would want you to come.” Tomas shrugged.
Bur looked unconvinced, but said, “One o’clock.”
He went down the hall. Tomas followed, locking the door after him. He went back to the bedroom. He lay next to Bernie, putting his arm over his waist.
“Nice of you to ask Bur to the game,” Bernie said sleepily.
“You wouldn’t want to leave him here alone. So he’s coming,” Tomas said.
“We have a few hours.”
“Yeah. You hungry?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll make us something to eat.” Tomas moved away.
“I’m not hungry for food.” Bernie pulled him back and straddled him.
Tomas looked at him, startled. Bernie leaned over and kissed him. Tomas held him away.
“What’s wrong?” Bernie looked confused.
“Are you okay?” Tomas asked.
“I’m f….” Bernie trailed off. He frowned and was silent for a bit, then spoke. “I’m not going to brush off what happened last night. Wilbur being back feels weird. And now we’re going to look for Dillard. I didn’t think I’d ever see them again. I know I have to deal with what happened to me in my childhood. And to be the man who is worthy of you, I will. I’ll ask Alejandro for a recommendation.”
“Get this you’re-not-being-worthy shit out of your head, kid. Te amo, Bernie. That has no restrictions.”
“I realize that. And it’s your support that will get me through this.”
“Get us through this. It’s us,” Tomas corrected.
“Us. I like the sound of that,” Bernie whispered.
Bernie leaned down and kissed him, and Tomas opened his lips. Bernie stroked his tongue inside his mouth, and their tongues dueled lazily. Bernie undulated over him, making Tomas gasp. His cock leaked as Bernie set up a steady motion, rubbing their cocks together. Tomas held his ass, grinding up against him. Bernie moaned against his tongue. Sliding his hand along Bernie’s crease, Tomas spread his cheeks and pushed his finger against his hole.
Bernie pushed back against the digit, moaning as Tomas scissored in and out of him. Bernie shifted across Tomas, then brandished the lube. Tomas held up his hand and Bernie coated his fingers. Tomas put his hand back and rubbed his finger on Bernie’s slit. Moaning, Bernie lowered his lids, biting his lip. A blush stained his cheeks. With each push of Tomas’s fingers inside him, Bernie’s breath hitched. He rode Tomas’s hand, squeezing his fingers.
“Yes… Tomas… I need….”
“I’ve got what you need, honey,” Tomas whispered.
Bernie moaned. Tomas spread the lube over his hole. Bernie slid down his body, licking along his chest. Tomas cupped the back of his head as Bernie suckled his sensitive nipples. Tomas shivered, moaning. Bernie swirled his tongue down the center of Tomas’s chest. His teeth scrapped along the flat plane of his stomach. Clenching the muscles, Tomas writhed.
“Tastes so good. Different tastes here… here… and ummmm,” Bernie murmured against his skin.
Tomas shuddered. Bernie’s hot breath fanned along the top of his cock. Wet heat engulfed him. Tomas arched back. Bernie swooped down onto his cock, sucking him down. The heated cavern of his mouth felt so good. Bernie made a humming sound. Tomas’s balls tightened. Bernie swirled his tongue along the top of his head. His tongue pushed into the hole, lapping up the pre-cum. Tomas arched, sacs tight.
“Ugghhhh…. What the hell?” Tomas roared as his orgasm stilled.
Bernie held the base of his cock. He raised his eyes.
“Not without me.” Bernie looked impish.
“Let me cum,” Tomas growled.
“When I’m ready,” Bernie said.
Tomas slapped his hand against the bed. Bernie chuckled and licked his cock. Tomas watched his hollow cheeks as he suckled him. The pressure and wet glide against his cock made his gut clench. He rocked inside Bernie’s mouth. Bernie widened his mouth and wrapped his fingers around his cock, jerking his erection. Tomas thrust into his mouth, pleasure rising inside of him. His balls went tight and he moaned. Pressure clamped down on the base of his cock again.
“Motherfucker. Come on,” Tomas whined.
“In me.” Bernie licked the head of his cock.
Tomas jerked him up. He knelt, pulling Bernie over him. Spreading Bernie’s cheeks, he rubbed against Bernie as Bernie gripped his shoulders. Aiming, he pushed into Bernie’s wet heat. No matter how often he had taken Bernie bare since they had gotten their clean results, the feel of being inside of Bernie without anything between them still overwhelmed him. He groaned. Bernie tightened around him, rising up and down. Holding him, Tomas spread Bernie’s legs. Clenching his fingers, Tomas moved him against his cock.
Bernie licked the side of his face, then said in a raspy voice, “You like me tight on you… the clench of my ass. Is that what you like?”
Tomas grunted. It drove him nuts when Bernie talked dirty. He thrust harder. Bernie gripped his head and pulled it back. His eyes locked with Tomas’s.
“Should I tighten around you… like this? Or grind myself on you? How about I ride you hard?” Bernie’s tone was pure devil.
Tomas whimpered as Bernie matched action to words. Bernie continued to talk and act out what he said. Each word drove Tomas higher and higher. Bernie was merciless as he rode him. Tomas shivered and held on. Bernie licked along his ear, then whispered into it. “Cum for me, Tomas,” he demanded.
Tomas quivered. His cock pulsed, filling Bernie. Bernie moaned, and wetness coated Tomas’s stomach. Smacking Bernie against him, Tomas kissed him hungrily. Bernie moaned, sucking his tongue.
“Let’s see how fast I can talk you into coming without any stimulation.”
“Oh boy. The mind is willing, but I don’t think I can come again so soon,” Tomas groaned.
“I bet you can.” Bernie smiled wickedly.
He rose up off Tomas and pushed him back. Tomas shifted his legs and spread out.
“I’m gonna make you cum a few times before we have to go,” Bernie promised.
“Are you?”
“Uh-huh.” Bernie lowered his lids, leaving only a flash of pale green eyes.
“That’s cheating. You know what that does to me.” Tomas’s cock went rock hard.
Bernie chuckled wickedly.
“IT’S eerie how much they look like,” Malik said.
“I can’t believe Bernie has a brother. Hell, two brothers, and he never said a word.” Alejandro sounded confused.
“What are his motives for showing up so suddenly?” Miguel asked suspiciously.
Tomas was pleased to hear him ask.
“He looks familiar for some reason.” Hector sounded speculative.
“Hello. He looks like Bernie. Well, except for the piercings, red-tipped hair, and that accent,” Malik replied.
“That’s not what I meant. I could swear I’ve seen him somewhere before. I wish Simon were here. He’s much better with faces,” Hector said.
“When will he be back?” Alejandro asked.
Tomas didn’t listen to the response. He touched Miguel’s arm and motioned for him to follow him. He went through the kitchen and outside. Absently, he noted that Malik had finished building the brick grill on the back deck. It took up the whole left side.
“What’s up?” Miguel asked.
“I want you to see what you can find out about Wilbur,” Tomas said, knowing Miguel would have access to more info since he was a cop.
“And is Bernie in agreement with this?” Miguel sounded surprised.
“He doesn’t need to know. Unless you find out something about Wilbur. I don’t like him just showing up like this. He claims that he received some letter and doesn’t know who it’s from,” Tomas said.
“Really? Who would send him a letter?”
“I don’t think there was a letter. I think Wilbur found Bernie on his ow
n. This letter is a convenient excuse.”
“What do you think he wants?” Miguel asked.
“He claims he wants to reconnect with his brother. But I don’t know if that’s true. Bernie is too trusting.”
“I’ll look into it and let you know what I find,” Miguel said.
“Good. Can you also check to see if you find anything on Dillard?”
“Sure. We’ll look out for Bernie. Make sure this Wilbur isn’t some kind of crook or out for something.”
“Yeah. I’m going to keep an eye on him,” Tomas said.
They headed back inside. Wilbur was laughing with Bernie, Robert, and Alex. Wilbur looked over at Tomas. He smirked, then went back to talking with the men.
“He and Bernie act like they’ve never been apart. Wilbur fits in so easily,” Miguel said.
Exactly. Too easily.
TOMAS drummed his thumb on the steering wheel. Humming with the radio, he was in a good mood. It was rare he had a Wednesday off. The job had wrapped up early for the day. He was heading over to Bernie, who had stayed home for the day. His cell rang.
Tapping his Bluetooth, he said, “Hello.”
“Tomas, where are you?” Miguel sounded grim.
“I’ll be at Bernie’s in ten minutes.”
“Good. I’ll meet you there,” Miguel said, hanging up.
Tomas frowned. As far as he knew, Miguel was on duty. Tomas was surprised Miguel had found out anything so quickly since it had been five days, including Saturday, since he asked Miguel to check Bur and Dillard out. In moments, he pulled up in front of Bernie’s. Miguel pulled up right behind him. Miguel got out of his squad car and came over to the truck. He got into the passenger side.
“I checked into Wilbur. I don’t know what he’s into, but I got a call from a man named Francis who said he was Bur’s solicitor. He said that if you wanted to know anything about Bur, to ask him directly. It was basically a warning to back off,” Miguel said.
“What the hell?” Tomas scowled.
“That’s not all. Moments after that one, I got another call. Some woman told me Dillard didn’t appreciate inquiries on his whereabouts. That if anyone was looking for him, to stop. She wouldn’t tell me who she was. Just told me to stop, or she would report it to my superiors. Made it clear she was talking about the head of the police force. What the hell is going on? Who the hell are Bernie’s brothers?” Miguel asked.
“I don’t know. If Dillard doesn’t want to be found, then fine. But as for Wilbur, that I’m going to find out,” Tomas promised.
He hadn’t actually seen or heard anything to match his suspicions that Wilbur was after more than renewing relations with his brother. Yet in his gut, he felt there was something off about Bur. Grabbing the bag next to him on the seat, he got out of his Avalanche. Miguel came over to him.
“I’ve gotta get back on duty. Call me with what you find out.”
“I will.” Tomas waved and went up to the door.
He tried the door, then shook his head when he found it unlocked. Going in, he went to the kitchen. Not spotting anyone, he went back out. Hearing voices, he went across the living room. Pausing, he placed the bag on the side table and then went down the hall toward Bur’s room.
“Get me some money?” Bur’s voice said.
Frowning, Tomas stood closer to the door.
“Let me get my checkbook,” Bernie said.
At the sound of his footsteps, Tomas stepped into the lab. He peeked out and saw Bernie turning into the living room. Tomas strode into Bur’s room. Bur glanced up, startled.
“I didn’t know you were home.”
“Obviously. How long have you been getting money from Bernie?”
“I don’t need money from Bernie,” Bur said.
“Really? I heard you asking him for it.”
“If you wanted to find out about me, you should ask me yourself.” Bur gave him a cool look.
“How’d you know I was having you checked out?” Tomas growled.
“Ah… Miguel got the call. You didn’t need to have him look into me. All you had to do was ask, and I would have told you.”
“Why should I believe anything you say? What the hell are you into that you have a ‘solicitor’ call to warn someone off? Christ, are you in the mob?” Tomas ran his hand through his hair.
“What is your and Bernie’s obsession with the mob?” Bur was exasperated.
Tomas gawked. “Bernie knows you’re a criminal?”
“I’m not a criminal. Here. This is who I am.” Bur took a CD off the nightstand and handed it to him.
Tomas took it automatically. The title TrebleBur was on it, along with a photo of a band. The man in the middle was striking, with his porcelain skin and waist-length dark brown hair with red tips. Tomas looked at Bur.
“What’s this supposed to tell me?”
“Look again.” Bur smiled.
“What am I looking for?” Tomas growled, studying the CD cover.
His eyes narrowed as he focused on the porcelain-skinned man. He looked back and forth between the CD and Bur.
“That’s you?” he asked in disbelief.
“When I was younger.” Bur smiled.
“Yeah. You’re so old at twenty-four.”
“Age is just a number. I’ve lived a lot in nine years.” Bur’s tone was solemn.
“So you have an al—” Tomas stopped as he realized why Bur’s name was so familiar. “You were on the top of all the world charts a few years ago. Then about three years ago, you up and retired. Simon was beside himself. He loved your music.” Tomas studied Bur.
He was an international star, known for his powerful lyrics and ability to play any instrument like a master. Tomas thought about what Bernie had said.
“You have a photographic memory too. Are you also smart?” Tomas asked.
“I do. And I’m just me.” Bur shrugged.
“I can’t believe this. Did they test your IQ?”
“Yeah, I did. I don’t want to talk about it,” Bur said uncomfortably.
“How is it possible?”
“I don’t know. But I think our parents knew. I remember our parents wanted to enroll us in preschool when we were three. They were told we were too young, but they convinced them to let us try it out, and if we couldn’t pick up what they were teaching, they would accept that. We picked it up and surpassed our classmates. The school wanted to test all of us. Our parents said no and pulled us from the school. We moved after that. They said it was because we were abnormal and they had to protect us before someone took us from them. It was another way for them to control us.” Bur was bitter.
“Probably.” Tomas glanced at the CD, then back at him. “Being a star and all, why’d you need money from Bernie? Did you go broke? If money is why you’re here, then leave. I’m not letting you take advantage of him.”
“He’s not,” Bernie said.
Once again, he hadn’t heard Bernie. He didn’t like being caught unaware, especially after learning he was mistaken.
“He was asking you for money.” Tomas glanced to him.
“Bur is going to help me pick out a car. I’ll meet you at the car, Bur.” Bernie gave him the keys.
Bur nodded, then left. Bernie stood in front of Tomas.
“Bur isn’t here for anything, except to be my brother.”
“You’re too trusting. He’s probably broke and looking for a handout,” Tomas said.
“He’s not.”
“How do you know that? Just because he says it doesn’t mean it’s true. He’s after money.”
“He is.”
“See? I knew it. I’m going to throw that little punk out.” Tomas headed for the door.
Bernie stepped in front of him. “He’s after giving me money.”
“What?” Tomas scowled.
“He gave me money,” Bernie said.
“Oh. Okay. But what does he want for it?” Tomas asked suspiciously.
“Nothing. I didn’t want it, but h
e insisted. And I’m glad I accepted. I’m going to do what we talked about the other night. Something that will fulfill me and will help others. We’ll talk about it later. I don’t want to keep Robert and Alex waiting. They’re meeting us.” Bernie kissed Tomas, then left the room.
Tomas followed him to the front door. “Why do you need so many people to buy a used car?”
“Oh, I’m not buying used. It’ll be new.” Bernie kissed him again, then went out the front door.
Tomas frowned. He stood on the porch as they drove away. Tapping the CD he held with his fingertips, he went back into the house. Pulling out his laptop, he booted up. Once in, he searched everything he could find on Bur and TrebleBur. Reading all the articles, Tomas scowled. There wasn’t much media about Bur after he left the limelight three years ago. There was only mention of his numerous awards for songwriting. The list was extensive. He recognized a few of the songs from movies and musicians he liked. Since Bur had stopped performing, it was as if the media wasn’t interested in him anymore. With his talent, that seemed strange. The fan forums still buzzed about him. They talked and loved the music he wrote for others, but wished he would start performing again. Closing the laptop, Tomas went into the living room. He put in the CD and sat on the chair.
The first strains of the first song started. By the middle, he was sitting forward. At the end, Tomas wiped his eyes. Without being told, he knew it was a song for Bur’s brothers. He had laid bare all the pain they had gone through. Tomas sat and listened to the whole album. By the end, he knew why Bur had been on the top. He was an artist. His voice was its own instrument, able to belt out powerful melodies, then go soft enough to make goose bumps break out on your skin.
Leaning back, Tomas tried to understand why Bur would walk away from his music like that. There had to be a reason. Bur might be there to reconnect with Bernie, but Tomas still worried about what he was after. Tomas clicked on the TV and flipped until he found something that held his interest. He jerked, startled, as the doorbell rang. Glancing at the clock, Tomas realized it had been hours since Bernie and Bur went out. Standing, he went to the door. After checking the peephole, he pulled it open.
“I said I would call you,” Tomas said.
Sparks Page 12
