Conned

by Charity Parkerson

  Linda chewed her bottom lip and stared at nothing as she seemed to think it over. “I’m not sure. That was a long time ago. But, nowadays, I know they prescribe some pretty hefty painkillers for people who suffer from debilitating migraines.” Linda gave him a sharp nod. “It never occurred to me, but I guess it’s possible Aunt Faye took something that had her so out of her head she didn’t remember what she’d done. That makes sense. You don’t think about those things when you’re young. That’s good information for your book, though. You should look that up.” A huge grin spread across her face. “How do you intend to take care of Brit while he’s suffering?”

  To Army’s horror, heat crawled up his neck and exploded through his cheeks.

  A loud snort escaped Linda, forcing her to bury her face in the book she’d been labeling. Her shoulders shook in silent laughter, making Army laugh. Several people shot annoyed looks their way. He didn’t care. They were usually the ones reminding people to keep it down. When he had his laughter under control, Army tried gathering real advice. “What do you think I should do? Massage? Cook him dinner? I’m not sure how to make his day better, besides letting him sleep.”

  “I don’t know,” Linda said with a shrug. “We used to leave my aunt alone until she was better.” She glanced at the clock. “Did you know you were supposed to clock out five minutes ago?”

  Army’s gaze shifted to the time. “Wow. This day flew by. Usually, Fridays drag.”

  Linda flashed him a smile. “It’s because we were chatting. Time always flies when we’re together.”

  “That’s true,” Army said, logging into the computer system and clocking himself out. With that done, he pressed a quick kiss to Linda’s cheek, making her blush. “Guess I’ll have to figure my Brit problem out on my own. Be bad this weekend; you deserve it.”

  She swatted at his arm, sending him on his way. “Go on. I’ve got half an hour left. See you Monday.”

  “You too,” he said, tossing a wave over his shoulder as he grabbed his coat and headed for the door.

  Halfway home, Army decided to grab takeout. The last thing he wanted was to bang around in the kitchen and wake Brit. Once the scent of food filled his car, Army felt a little better—like he’d done something productive. He hated that Brit was in pain. His stomach twisted in knots. He hated even more that he’d stormed off from the convention, thinking Brit was an addict. Army didn’t know how to come back from that. It seemed he had more baggage than he thought. Brit was the first guy to get under Army’s skin since his mom’s death. To his shame, Army had thought he’d been mostly relieved since his mom’s passing. It wasn’t until he’d stared into Brit’s dilated eyes that all the horrible memories had washed over him, reminding Army that a woman he’d once loved more than life had been slowly stolen from him by drugs. He was more bitter than he’d thought.

  The house was dark as Army came through the door. He checked on Brit after dumping the food in the kitchen. It looked as if Brit hadn’t moved since Army left. Army found himself making sure the man was still breathing. Brit’s chest expanded with each breath he took. Army shook off the panic that had gripped him for a second. He’d been the one who found his mom. Army never wanted to live through that again. He flipped the switch on the heating pad since the safety timer automatically shut it down after three hours. At some point, Brit had thrown off the mask. Army scooped it up and headed for the kitchen. He tiptoed around since he wasn’t sure if Brit still had in his ear plugs. At the kitchen counter, Army fell victim to his thoughts. He stared into space, trying to decide what to do. In truth, he wasn’t hungry and he kind of wanted to eat with Brit. Maybe he’d just crawl into bed next to him. He could keep his distance and let Brit sleep.

  Army startled as a solid body pressed against his from behind, trapping him against the counter. Brit’s lips brushed his nape.

  “Mhmm, damn. Did I sleep all day?”

  A pant escaped Army. He’d never been turned on as quickly as he was with Brit’s body melded against his. “Yeah, I just got home.”

  Another kiss warmed his neck. “Fuck. I’ll probably never sleep tonight.”

  “That’s okay.” He tried turning in Brit’s arms, but Brit held him still. “I’m off tomorrow, so we can stay up all night if you want.”

  Brit’s hand found its way beneath Army’s shirt. “I expected a library would be open on the weekends.”

  Army tried holding on to his quickly scattering thoughts. “Um. Yeah. We are. But Linda and I are full time, so they have college students who work the weekend shift.”

  “Good. I like having you to myself.” Brit’s hand slid lower, cupping Army’s erection through his pants. Army tried again to turn. Brit leaned into him, stopping him. “Nope,” Brit said against Army’s nape. “You make me useless when you kiss me. For once, you’ll hold still and let me be in charge.”

  Jesus. Army couldn’t breathe. “Feel free to be in charge anytime you want.”

  Brit chuckled. The sound vibrated against the back of Army’s neck. Goosebumps rose on his skin. He’d gone back to work after his lunch break horny as hell. Now Brit’s teasing had him fucked up.

  Still, he didn’t want to hurt Brit. “How’s the head?”

  “I’m good,” Brit said against Army’s shoulder. He loosened the button on Army’s pants and slid the zipper down. “Turns out, you’re a miracle worker.” His hand dove inside Army’s underwear. He stroked Army’s cock. “Damn, Army. I’ve changed my mind. I need to taste your tongue.”

  At Brit’s claim, Army exploded into action. He spun in Brit’s arms and slammed his mouth down on Brit’s. Their tongues entwined, both trying to get closer to the other. Army walked Brit backward until he had the man trapped against the bar that separated the kitchen from the living room. He tore at Brit’s clothes. The man’s t-shirt and sweatpants made it way too easy to strip the man bare. Army wasn’t an overly aggressive man. There was something about Brit that brought out a different side in him. He pulled the man’s hair and bit at his lips. When it came to Brit, Army was ruthless. He never hesitated to demand what he wanted.

  With his fingers buried in Brit’s hair, Army tugged, forcing Brit to meet his stare. “I want you to fuck me.” It wasn’t something they’d done. In truth, before Brit, Army had been exclusively a bottom. Life had just worked out that way. The type of men he attracted preferred things that way. With Brit, they hadn’t even discussed it. Army had just fallen on the man—like he needed to claim Brit as his. Now he wanted the same from Brit.

  A slow smile spread across Brit’s lips. “I’ve always known you were perfect for some reason.”

  “Does that mean you’re not opposed?”

  Brit linked fingers with Army and headed for the bedroom. “Luv, since you leave me useless, I’m sure you haven’t realized it yet, but I’m as twisted as they come. There’s probably not anything you’d suggest that I wouldn’t try.”

  Army fought the urge to overtake Brit and push him to the floor. Damn, the man moved with such confidence in his nudity. He had every reason, but it was sexy as fuck. Army was in love with this amazing man. The words lived on his tongue. He fought to keep them to himself.

  Once inside the bedroom, Brit tugged Army past him and urged him onto the bed. He set to work stripping Army. Since Army really wanted Brit inside him, he tried hard to be patient.

  “I don’t have any condoms or anything,” Brit said, not meeting Army’s gaze. For someone who claimed to be twisted and willing to try anything, Brit seemed unusually nervous.

  Army leaned over the edge of the bed and found a box of condoms and some lube. He passed them Brit’s way. “I’ve got you covered.” He paused for half a beat. “You don’t have to do this.”

  Brit finally met his stare. The heat in Brit’s gaze nearly scorched Army’s skin. Army made an important discovery. It wasn’t nervousness Brit tried hiding. It was intensity, as if he feared scaring Army away. Suddenly, Army was the one unbalanced. Brit’s feelings were in his e
yes, and Army wasn’t sure he measured up. Because he needed something to do with his hands, Army ripped open one of the foil packets and rolled a condom down Brit’s length. He coated the outside with lube. Damn, he wished Brit would make a move or say something. When there was nothing left to focus on, Army met Brit’s gaze again. None of the fierceness had left Brit’s eyes.

  “I haven’t slept with anyone else since I met you.”

  Army’s mind went blank. He had nothing. Of all the confessions Brit could’ve made, that one hit the hardest. There was no way Brit could know how he’d struck the heart of Army’s biggest fear—that he was only one of many. No one could see Brit’s expression and call him a liar. He hadn’t slept with anyone else since meeting Army.

  Army licked his lips. He didn’t want to ask. The answer might be more than he could handle. “Why?”

  Brit’s mouth slammed down on Army’s with enough force their teeth bumped. Army let Brit urge him onto his back. His heart skipped a beat when Brit’s chest touched his as the man covered Army’s body with his. They fit in every way—like they were made for each other. The backs of Army’s eyes stung. Brit kissed him like he loved him. By the time Brit draped Army’s knee over his hip and pushed his way inside, Army’s head was a mess. As many times as he’d told himself he was fine alone, Army would’ve expected to believe it by now. In that moment, he wanted to beg Brit to never leave. They felt more real than anything he’d ever had.

  Brit took turns kissing Army and staring at him with heat in his eyes. Army was right there with Brit for every moment. With his weight braced on one elbow, Brit reached between them and jacked Army’s cock in time with every pump of his hips. Army tried keeping up. He was useless. Nothing existed outside of Brit for Army. His body craved release. The pressure beating against his crown had him half insane. When his orgasm hit, Army lifted his head and claimed Brit’s mouth to keep from screaming his love. Cum coated the space between them. Brit moaned against Army’s lips. Army’s heart squeezed in his chest. Between the high of release and knowing he was the reason Brit cried out in pleasure, Army floated on air. He worked twice as hard to make Brit come.

  “I need to hear you scream,” Army admitted as he fought to get closer to Brit.

  Brit’s thrusts quickened. His hips slammed against Army’s ass. Army flattened his palms against the headboard to hold himself in place. Brit felt fucking amazing inside him. Every move the man made was sexy as fuck. Brit held Army’s jaw, forcing Army to hold his stare as he came. Brit was a step beyond beautiful in his ecstasy. Army knew he’d never forget Brit’s expression. It was hotter than any porn video Army had ever seen. He could jack off to the memory for the rest of his life. Army took a breath. His lungs burned, making him realize he’d been holding his breath while watching Brit own his pleasure.

  Brit collapsed against him, uncaring of the mess between them. He grabbed a handful of comforter and covered their bodies as if Army’s cum didn’t coat their skin and a used condom wasn’t ready to overflow onto the bed. A random memory of something his mom had once said slammed into Army. If a man doesn’t care if he sleeps in the mess you’ve made together, that man loves you. Army turned his head and eyed the beautiful man holding him. Tears pressed at the backs of Army’s eyes. Life had never given him a damn thing but heartache. He prayed, just once, he could have this one thing for himself without getting hurt.

  Chapter 4

  Even though Brit had only been with him a little over a week, Army craved these moments. The ones where they snuggled together, enjoying each other’s touch. Turned sideways on the couch, Brit sat between Army’s knees with his back against Army’s chest. Army loved the way Brit felt in his arms. The man seemed to have an endless supply of super-soft hoodies to wear. He constantly stayed bundled up inside them. Army could close his eyes and feel the man’s heat radiating through material against his chest and recall the man’s scent, even when Brit wasn’t around. His brain knew this arrangement was temporary. Army’s heart refused to stamp on the brakes.

  “You know what I’ve only now realized,” Brit said, breaking the silence. “We’re a week shy of Christmas and you don’t have a tree.”

  For the hundredth time, Army found himself inhaling Brit’s scent and tightening his hold on the man. “Why would I have a tree?”

  Brit snorted. “Um, because it’s Christmas time. That’s what you do, isn’t it? You decorate a tree and wrap presents. Sing carols and all that rubbish.”

  Army rested his chin on Brit’s shoulder. “The only present I usually buy is for Linda. I haven’t ever put up a tree.”

  Brit twisted in his hold, meeting his gaze. “Never?”

  Army shrugged. There was no sense in reminding Brit he had no one to celebrate with.

  “We should get one together,” Brit said, brightening. “Surely this town has a tree lot.”

  “Do we have to get a real one?” Army asked, curling his nose. He wasn’t very good at keeping plants alive. Much less an entire tree.

  “Yes,” Brit exclaimed as he jumped to his feet. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it. I’m aces at making green things flourish.”

  “Oh, you’re serious. You want to go now?”

  Brit nodded. “Of course. You’ve already almost waited too long. I bet all the good trees are gone. We’ll probably have to get some shite little one, but my baby is getting a real Christmas this year.”

  A shot of horror raced through Army, even as he came to his feet. Brit had already paid off his car. “I say we set a spending limit.”

  “For a tree?” Brit asked, looking confused. “Baby, we can only fit so much in this living room. I don’t think we have to worry about overspending.”

  “Not that,” Army said, laughing as he stamped into his shoes. “I meant for presents.”

  Brit dragged a coat on over his hoodie and tugged on a stocking cap before pulling his hood up as well. “No. I promise I won’t go overboard, but I won’t swear to some tenner deal that’ll just stress me out.” Before Army had time to work up any irritation, Brit pulled him into his arms. “If I see something amazing and perfect that screams to be yours, I want to be free to buy it for you. If you want to ensure we stay even on this, then go with me to get a tree. Spend a real holiday with me—like it’s our first in starting our own tradition. You’re not the only one who’s never had a normal Christmas.”

  Brit painted a picture Army couldn’t resist. The man made it sound like this was only the first of many years to come. Even if it wasn’t, Army wanted what Brit offered—a regular life. “Okay,” Army said, relenting. “Let’s go get a tree.”

  White puffs filled the air with each breath Brit released. He fucking hated the cold. It was impossible to put on enough layers to stay warm. If he wasn’t so driven to give Army the perfect Christmas, he never would’ve left his cozy spot on the couch in Army’s arms. He smiled just thinking about it. They’d only been under the same roof for a little over a week, but Brit hadn’t known there was so much happiness in the world.

  “How about that one?” Army said, pointing toward a decent-looking tree and surprising Brit with his willingness to get into the spirit.

  Brit eyed Army’s choice. “I like it.”

  “Army.”

  They both turned at the sound of the female voice. A slender woman with zero curves but nice jet-black hair hopped in her excitement when she had their attention.

  “I thought that was you.”

  “Linda, hey. Are you late getting your tree as well?”

  This was Linda? Huh. Brit had expected her to look older.

  She nodded. “Honestly, I almost didn’t get one this year. It seemed a bit pointless. In the end, I decided I’d kick myself later if I let the holiday blues beat me.” Her gaze slid Brit’s way. She held her hand out. “Hi. I’m Linda. I work at the library with Army.”

  “Brit,” Brit said, accepting her hand. Instead of shaking it, he drew her closer and brushed his lips across the top of her glove be
fore releasing her. “Charmed.” Her nervous giggle made his ridiculous move worthwhile. Brit couldn’t let Army’s friend think he didn’t have the best man possible.

  She cleared her throat. “I’m sorry. Did you say your name is Brit?”

  “A bit of humor on my father’s part,” Brit said. “He’s British, but I was born during one of my parents’ trips to America. He had to ensure I never forgot where I should’ve been born, but I’m ever the rebel.” He clamped his teeth shut to keep from confessing more.

  Army looked slightly confused. “I didn’t know that.”

  Linda’s gaze moved between them. She looked stunned.

  The man working the lot walked by.

  Brit didn’t want to lose him, and he doubly needed to shut his mouth. “Apologies,” he said, flashing Linda a quick smile before rushing after the fellow. “Excuse me. I’m interested in that one,” he said, pointing out the tree they’d chosen. Brit was somewhat surprised Army didn’t chase after him and browbeat him for paying. With his purchase made and arrangements set to have it carried to the car, Brit made his way back to Army. “We have our first tree together,” he said, cutting into their discussion. “Now we just need to go buy some of those Christmas-shaped bits and bobs. What the bloody hell are they called?”

  “Ornaments,” Linda supplied.

  He pointed at her. “Yes. Those. It was on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn’t grasp it. I hate it when that happens.”

  “You’re incredibly gorgeous,” Linda said, surprising Brit so much he snapped his teeth together. “I have to admit, I thought Army had made you up.”

  “What an odd thing to say,” Brit said, bemused.

  She waved a dismissive hand. “Sorry. That didn’t come out right. See, Army has been writing this book—”

  “You ready to get out of this cold?” Army asked Brit, cutting Linda off and making her smile fall.