Conned

by Charity Parkerson

  “Ah, he’s using my hatred of the cold against me, but I’m determined to hear this story. Maybe I can come by the library sometime for a visit.”

  Linda brightened. “I’d like that.”

  “It’s a date, then,” Brit said, slinging his arm over Army’s shoulders and starting away. “It was lovely meeting you,” he called over his shoulder as he steered Army toward the car. “You’re telling me about this book,” he warned, making Army groan. For some reason he couldn’t explain, the sound made his night.

  Army reached past Brit to hang a porcelain gingerbread man on the tree. His fingers lingered on the ornament as his lips found the place where Brit’s shirt met his neck. When Brit had suggested a tree, Army hadn’t expected decorating it together to hit him in the chest. For the rest of his life, he would know this was his first normal Christmas, and he would remember who’d thrust it upon him. Army cast a wish to the universe he wouldn’t look back on this night with sorrow. Brit hadn’t moved in. They weren’t partners. This was temporary. Any day now, Brit would leave. He’d return to a life Army couldn’t compete with.

  “Tell me about this book,” Brit demanded, pulling Army from his thoughts.

  “There isn’t one.” He wrapped his arms around Brit’s waist and drew the man back against his chest. “When Linda’s husband left, I started telling her stories to take her mind off things under the guise of working on a book. Rather than making her think I felt sorry for her, I made her believe she was helping me work through plot holes.”

  Brit massaged Army’s forearms. “And that’s what made her think I wasn’t real?”

  Army shrugged even as he kissed Brit’s nape. “Maybe you’re not.”

  He felt Brit tense. “What?”

  “I don’t know,” Army said, struggling to explain. “Before you, I’ve never had a single wish come true.” Brit relaxed in his arms. Army’s lips moved from Brit’s nape to the spot below his ear. “I dreamed and hoped for you—your kindness and your smiles.” His hand moved to Brit’s throat. He gently held the man in place as he nibbled on his ear. His cock hardened as Brit’s ass moved against him—like Brit unconsciously sought him. “You’re everything I’ve ever wanted and never expected to have. Maybe you’re just a dream.”

  He felt Brit swallow against his light grip. Brit buried his hand between their bodies and rubbed Army’s erection. The angle was awkward with Brit reaching behind him, but Army’s dick didn’t care. Brit’s touch was all that mattered. It was everything he craved. “This tree will never get decorated at this rate.”

  A smile curved Army’s lips that felt wicked even to him. “Did you know, I’ve already bought you one gift?”

  Brit writhed in Army’s hold as Army tongued the cords of his neck. “You must be feeling unusually cruel tonight, teasing me with your tongue and the idea of a present for me hiding somewhere in this house.”

  An evil-sounding chuckle vibrated from Army’s throat. “I’m thinking I should let you have it a little early. Better yet, maybe I’ll tell you what it is but make you wait.”

  “Jesus.” Brit’s harsh whisper only made Army more daring.

  Army slowly dragged his hand down Brit’s body, heading for the man’s jeans. His palm itched to stroke Brit’s sexy cock. “You said when I touch you, I make you useless,” he said as he shaped the bulge in Brit’s pants with his fingers. Brit sucked in a ragged-sounding breath. The sound drove Army to keep up the torture. “The way I figure it, you’ll probably buy me some present I’ll never be able to match, so I got creative. I’m giving you the gift of control. I bought you handcuffs. They come with a guarantee that you can use them on me any time you like.”

  Brit’s chest expanded as the man sucked air. “They come with a guarantee, huh?”

  Army lightly bit the shell of Brit’s ear. “Yep.”

  “Then I’m calling it in now,” Brit said, turning in Army’s arms and meeting his stare. “I want you nude, on the bed, and restrained.”

  Army’s dick jumped. No doubt the front of his underwear was soaked in pre-cum.

  He wanted to capture Brit’s lips. Instead, he walked away and headed for the bedroom. Army could feel Brit on his heels. Now that he wasn’t holding Brit any longer, Army hoped he didn’t chicken out. He’d never actually let anyone handcuff him before. The gift had been a spontaneous move. Telling Brit about the gift had been even more impetuous. Army pulled his shirt up and over his head while clearing his mind. He didn’t want to think. Army wanted to feel. He reveled in the desire pumping through him as he shed his pants and underwear. Without thought, he stroked his cock. His eyes fell closed at the sensation of his palm teasing his over-sensitized nerve endings.

  “Holy fuck. You’re gorgeous.”

  Army’s eyes shot open at Brit’s claim. He’d almost forgotten he had an audience. Lust slowed his brain. He motioned toward the dresser. “The handcuffs are in the drawer under the clothes.” As Brit dug through the clothes, Army climbed onto the bed. “Do you want me on my stomach or my back?”

  “Your back,” Brit answered while testing out the handcuffs and keys, as if he didn’t want to make a mistake.

  Army settled down in the center of the bed and obediently raised his arms above his head, waiting for Brit. “Whatever you want, I won’t tell you no, but no tickling. I fucking hate that.”

  “Good to know,” Brit said, flashing him an evil smile as he snapped one cuff in place before weaving the chain through a wooden rung and snapping the other one in place. Hunger radiated from Brit as he dragged his gaze down Army’s nude body. As Army looked on, Brit stroked himself through his jeans before releasing the button. He slid his zipper down. Army’s gaze never wavered. He held his breath, anticipating the first glimpse of the dick he craved. “You look so horny right now,” Brit said, setting his cock free.

  Saliva filled Army’s mouth. He swallowed it down and licked his lips. “I swear I can taste you already.”

  At Army’s claim, Brit’s eyes flashed with desire. “I’m sure I can work something out,” Brit said, stripping. “They say men think about sex quite often,” Brit added once he was nude. He set one knee on the bed. “I can’t remember how often, but when I’m with you, it’s almost the only thing I think about.”

  “Almost?” Army squeaked out as Brit bent at the waist and lick Brit’s erection from root to tip.

  “I think about other things too,” Brit confessed as he tossed one leg over Army’s body, straddling him. He sucked Army’s bottom lip between his teeth for a quick nip. “This mouth, for example,” he said before inching higher on the bed. “I love tasting it and having it taste me.”

  Army almost sighed in relief as Brit finally made it high enough to offer Army the tip of his cock. “I think that falls under sex,” he said before sucking Brit’s crown. Their position made it impossible for Army to reach any other part of Brit’s dick.

  Brit’s breath hitched hard enough for Army to hear. “Maybe,” he said, bracing one hand against the headboard. “But those thoughts don’t always feel sexual.”

  Army had no idea why Brit still sounded like he could formulate coherent thoughts. He tongued Brit’s slit, trying to steal his reasoning.

  Brit backed away, nearly causing Army to whimper. He slipped down Army’s body, occasionally stopping to press a kiss to a new spot. When he reached Army’s stomach, Army’s cock strained to reach Brit’s mouth. Brit had the most amazing tongue. Army craved its talent. Instead of giving Army what he yearned for, Brit shifted positions and rolled from the bed. Army wondered if he’d cry before this was over. He was certain he would when Brit dug the box out from underneath Army’s bed. Brit took his time pulling out condoms, lube, and—finally—an oversized dildo.

  Army’s stomach cramped. “I think it’s only fair to warn you, I’ve never actually used that. Linda gave it to me last year on Valentine’s Day as a joke.”

  Brit fingered the huge fake cock. “I think, given the right incentive, you could take it.”
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  Army wasn’t as sure, but it looked like it was happening, nonetheless.

  Brit climbed back onto the bed and popped open the bottle of lube. With his weight braced on his knees, Brit coated Army’s balls. He urged Army’s knees apart and took his time oiling Army’s asshole. No matter how hard he tried, Army couldn’t stop lifting his hips, openly fucking Brit’s lubed fingers. A puddle of pre-cum soaked Army’s stomach. He was leaking and moaning, straining toward pleasure he was nowhere near obtaining.

  “Jesus, Brit.” The harsh whisper was out of his control.

  Brit’s fingers disappeared.

  A cry of denial escaped Army.

  Brit coated the dildo while holding Army’s gaze. “You look desperate for what only I can give you. I think this is quite possibly the best gift I’ve ever received.”

  Army automatically spread his knees wider as Brit rubbed Army’s asshole with the lubed toy. He would’ve done anything—fucked whatever Brit offered—if the man would just set him free from the torment. Army gasped at the first intrusion. Brit went slow, retreating before pushing even deeper. Army’s gaze sought for any purchase before landing on Brit’s cock. It stood proud, tapping the spot above his navel. Pre-cum shined on the man’s stomach. He wasn’t unaffected. This torture went both ways. Army sucked in a deep breath. Another pulse of longing ran through him. Another drop of pre-cum dripped onto his stomach. Brit visibly sucked air as he fucked Army with the toy. Army had never been stretched wider. There was no missing all his hot spots with such a huge dildo. Army wrapped his fingers around the wooden rung and held on. He dug his heels into the mattress and openly fucked the fake dick in his ass. Brit shoved it deep and left it. Army fought to breathe. Brit rolled a condom down Army’s length and was riding his cock before Army could think a clear thought.

  On his knees with his head thrown back and Army’s dick buried in his ass, Brit took his pleasure from Army even as he jacked off. Army couldn’t even blink. His eyes itched from lack of moisture as he watched Brit. Army’s senses were on overload. Every nerve ending was lit. The cries coming from Brit’s throat were like music. The first jet of semen hit Army’s chest. His body jerked involuntarily as a wave of ecstasy overtook him. He convulsed as Brit’s tight ass milked every drop of cum from Army’s balls. Still, he couldn’t look away from the sexy man riding his cock. Their bodies were locked together, making them one person. He’d never felt closer to anyone. Army had never been more complete.

  The light spilling from the open bathroom door gave Brit all the incentive he needed to watch Army sleep. For the sixteenth time, he smoothed the blanket over Army. He didn’t want to wake him. He needed to know his man was comfortable. There was also a bit of need to touch Army driving him. Brit had never felt like this. Not ever. Before Army, the only thing Brit had ever been passionate about was his work. Not only had Brit never dreamed his life could be like this, he never expected to want this.

  Army rolled over, facing Brit, but didn’t wake. Brit blatantly stared at the man who’d stolen him. His face was perfect. Army had been blessed with beautiful skin and sexy angles. Gorgeous lips. Brit’s fingers itched to trace Army’s jawline. Army had one of those unique jaws—that always seemed to flex. The man should’ve been a model instead of a librarian. Not that Brit was complaining. He loved the idea of no one knowing his sexy book nerd existed—like Brit had discovered a hidden treasure. Every day, Brit wished a little harder Army had found a treasure in him rather than a shit show, waiting to explode all over Army’s life.

  Brit lost the battle not to touch Army’s face. He stroked the man’s cheek. A smile curved Army’s lips a half second before his eyes opened.

  “Why aren’t you sleeping?”

  “I will in a minute.” Brit hoped he wasn’t lying.

  Army’s snaked his arm around Brit and dragged him closer, snuggling in tight. “Sleep now,” he demanded, pulling a chuckle from Brit.

  “It’s hard with such a beautiful man beside me,” Brit whined.

  Army exploded into action, placing loud kisses all over Brit’s face, making Brit’s stomach hurt from laughing. Just as quickly as he’d exploded, Army settled back down with his face buried against Brit’s neck. “You need a project. Sitting around all day has given you too much restless energy.”

  “Don’t say that,” Brit warned, running his fingers through Army’s hair. “I might decide to start a class, teaching all the local housewives how to suck dick.”

  “You’d be amazing,” Army said, sounding more asleep than awake.

  Brit smiled into the darkness. “Or I might redecorate.”

  “Whatever makes you happy, baby.” Army’s words were slurred.

  Brit’s smile grew. It might be a blessing Army probably wouldn’t remember giving, but Brit wouldn’t let that hold him back. Brit fully intended to take over Army’s life and give the man everything he didn’t know he needed.

  To Linda’s credit, she made it through the weekend without calling to get answers. She also managed to make it through three hours of working without bursting at the seams. By the time she finally broke, Army was ready to hand over the information without her asking.

  “So,” Linda said, sounding too much like she was going for disinterest. “Brit seems nice.”

  Army continued cataloguing resources. “He is.”

  “I hope I didn’t offend him by saying I thought he wasn’t real.”

  “You’ll have to dig deep if you want to break through Brit’s confidence and land an insult,” Army said, still not looking her way.

  “That’s good. Of course, that doesn’t change the fact I’m still mad at you.”

  Army’s head whipped around. His gaze landed on Linda. “Me? What did I do?”

  “You let me think he was a story you’d made up,” Linda said, sounding upset.

  Army turned on his stool and gave Linda his full attention. “I’m sorry.” Army meant it. He would never hurt her. “It’s just that I don’t think we have any real future.” It pained Army to admit such a thing, but it was the truth. “When Brit goes away, I figure it will hurt a little less if I can trick myself into thinking he was never real.” He shrugged. “That probably sounds nuts. It’s just that he’s so far out of my league, and I don’t know…” He trailed off, feeling defeated now that he’d admitted too much.

  Linda slammed the three-ring binder she’d been holding down onto the counter. “Enough of that. Brit is the one who’s lucky to have you. You’re gorgeous and steady. Most of all, you’re loyal, and that’s worth its weight in gold. Brit had better be too, or I’ll hunt him down and unman him.”

  A low chuckle escaped Army. “He’s really amazing,” Army admitted on a whisper, slightly embarrassed to admit how bad he had it for Brit.

  “Who’s really amazing? Am I being thrown over?”

  Army heart raced into his throat at Brit’s unexpected appearance. Heat climbed up the back of his neck over getting busted bragging. Army pasted on a fake smile. “Our boss,” Army said, lying. “He’s giving us a four-day weekend for the holiday. You’re here,” he tacked on before Linda called him out.

  Without warning, Brit leaned over the counter and stole a kiss before backing away again. “I couldn’t stay away. Would you like to go to lunch?”

  “Um.” Army checked the time on his computer. “Sure. Just let me clock out.” He logged into his time sheet and made note of the time before closing out the screen. “Okay. I’m ready,” he said, gathering his coat. He tossed a wave Linda’s way. “I’ll see you in an hour.” After linking fingers with Brit, they headed for the door. Army waited until they were outside before peppering Brit with questions. “What have you been up to today? What made you decide to stop by? Ooh, what do you want to eat?” he tacked on, incapable of giving Brit time to answer.

  Brit’s laughter made Army smile. “I’ve been working on my new project. More specifically, your Christmas present. As I said, I couldn’t stay away. I needed to see you. What are you in th
e mood for?”

  Army turned and walked backward. Happiness filled his chest—like always when Brit was near. “You.”

  “Me?” Brit asked, sounding confused but still smiling.

  “A kiss,” Army explained.

  Brit pulled the dark-blue stocking cap he wore under his coat’s hood down before scratching his chin. “Hmmm, that seems a pretty sparse meal.”

  “Well, if you don’t want it,” Army said with an offended sniff before turning away.

  A low growl sounded at Army’s back, causing his breath to catch in his throat. Brit snagged the back of his neck, pulling him to a stop before spinning Army in his arms. “I want it.”

  Army’s insides turned to mush at the lust in Brit’s voice. Goddamn, he was in love. Brit made him strong and weak. He scared Army shitless and filled him with limitless courage. Brit licked Army’s bottom lip. “But I can want it, and feed you. Let me spoil you.”

  It was hard to deny Brit anything with the man’s tongue brushing his skin. “Only if you let me spoil you too.”

  Brit gently held Army’s face between his hands. He brushed noses with Army while grinning like a fool. “You already do, baby. You already do.”

  It felt like the truth in Brit’s arms. “I’d give you anything.”

  The wicked-looking smile pulling at Brit’s lips had Army clinging to the lapels of the man’s jacket. “Give me you,” Brit demanded, going back to brushing noses with Army.

  “You have me.”

  Brit pressed a light kiss to the corner of Army’s mouth. “Yeah, but I want you to love me as much as I love you.”

  The rest of the world disappeared, along with all the oxygen. Not only had Army never dreamed Brit would love him, he doubly never expected the man to say the words. Even though his throat was like sandpaper, Army refused to let the moment pass unnoticed. “You already have that too.”

  While cupping Army’s jaw between his hands, Brit’s gaze moved over Army’s face, as if searching for the truth behind his claim. “Say it.”