by Elise Whyles
Chapter 8
Luke rubbed his eyes, kicked his front door closed, and hurried to grab the phone. “Hello.” He eyed the cool tidiness of his house with utter disdain. He missed Sean, missed the click of the keyboard as he did the reports, the soft sound of his muttering as he worked on his bird collection.
“Hey, you’re home. Good. Was calling to see if you were around.” Jack’s familiar voice drifted through the phone.
“Just got in, bro, what’s up?”
“Gilli and I are going out to dinner tonight, was wondering if you’d mind if we stopped by for a quick visit beforehand?” The rustle of papers competed with Jack’s voice.
“Ah, you mean I finally get to meet this mystery woman who is so different from everyone else you’ve ever slept with?” Luke teased.
“Yes, Luke, you’ll get to meet her. Be nice, though, she’s a bit shy.”
“Shy? A woman you’re interested in?” Luke laughed. The woman sounded completely different from anyone Jack had ever brought by, and he was curious. “Sure, what time?”
“After work. I’ll pick her up around seven, say seven-thirty.”
“I’ll put coffee on, and I think I have a couple of beers in the fridge too. Rick said something about the girl you’re dating not being a fashion plate.”
“Gillian’s gorgeous, she’s just not the in-your-face pretty.” Jack’s voice cooled considerably. “She’s a great lady. If you think it’s an issue, we’ll just…”
“Hey, man, don’t think it’s on me to decide what you do. Or who you’re with. Frankly, I think you’re wasting your talents on the ladies, but hey, that’s just me.” Luke laughed at the familiarity of the old joke. Jack was too much of a lady killer to ever be gay, and he liked him better for it.
“I gotta go but we’ll see you at seven-thirty. Don’t do anything to embarrass me, or so help me, I’ll call your mother.”
“Ooh, now there’s a threat.” Luke chuckled at the thought of his mother. Still at home on the farm, she spent more and more time with Jack’s parents rather than alone. He wondered if she was contemplating joining the two properties. “See you tonight.” He hung up and glanced at the clock. He had about four hours before Jack and his new girlfriend stopped by, just enough time to make a quick store run.
Keys and wallet in hand, he stepped out the door and turned to lock it before he jumped down the steps and headed for his truck. Beer, steak, and maybe something sweet for dessert. He was looking forward to seeing Jack’s new love interest.
* * * *
“Come on, man.” Jack leaned against the wall, his gaze on the hall leading to the restrooms. “I’m desperate here, Luke. You’re my best friend, I need help.”
“I’ll say.” Luke downed the last of his beer and waved the bottle at the barmaid. “Just so we’re clear here, you want me to do what?”
“Just come home with Gilli and I.” A whiny note crept into his friend’s voice. “Please, I don’t want to fuck this up.”
“I’m not into women.” Luke jabbed him in the chest. “I’m into men. I like cock. Not pussy.” He smiled when the girl handed him another beer. “And you’re not into men. So unless you’re willing to give up that fine ass…”
“I’m not.” Jack glared. “I need someone there to stop me from doing something I shouldn’t. Gillian’s special, she’s the one, and I don’t want to rush into a sexual relationship with her right now.”
“You fucked her at the wedding, so what’s…”
“I didn’t fuck her!” Jack slammed him into the wall. “Look, it’s a no strings, no sex thing. Can you help or not?”
Luke glanced behind Jack to see Gillian hurrying from the back. “Fine, I’ll help, but you owe me, bro. Sean would kill himself laughing for this, you know. Man’s got a killer sense of humor.” He paused, his jovial mood swinging slightly. Whether it was the alcohol loosening his control or not, he had to admit he missed his partner.
“You look melancholy.” Gillian rested a hand on his arm.
“Just thinking,” Luke replied. He finished his beer as Jack tossed back another shot. “So, let’s get you two lovebirds home.”
“I’ll drive.” Gillian dug out the keys and nudged Jack toward the door. “You’ll have to crash at my house.”
“That’s fine.” Jack pulled her close, pressing a kiss to her neck. Luke glanced away, a bolt of longing flooding him. He truly was pathetic.
Chapter 9
Alcohol was a wonder drug, Luke mused as he lay on the hard floor of Gillian’s bedroom. It had certainly helped relax him and given him a chance to think of something other than his own misery. Moonlight filtered through the blinds, casting silvery fingers on the couple curled onto the bed. He’d laughed at Jack’s pleading for him to stay and Gillian’s pointed looks to get him to leave. It wasn’t often his friend needed help, and getting to see his tight ass in those white briefs was a bonus.
He punched the pillow and rolled over, closing his eyes. Immediately, he was flooded with images of Sean. His hard body bare, spread out on his bed. With the slow play of pornographic images, Luke could feel his body betraying him. Blood pooled, his cock thickening with heat as the faint smell of Sean’s cologne filled his head…
The rise and fall of his chest, his fingers flexing in the tangled sheets. His leg bent at the knee. The shadow of his balls and ass highlighted by the flickering flame from the candles on his headboard.
Ragged breathing filled the room as he trailed hot, moist, nibbling kisses down his chest. He sucked in a breath as he nuzzled into Sean’s dark curls. His hard cock throbbed, purple, moist. Precum leaked from the slit at the top, begging to be tasted. Luke held his gaze and started at the base of his shaft, licking up with the flat of his tongue. Again and again, as though the sweetness of his dick was a lollipop, Luke devoured it. Sean’s eyes darkened to emerald as Luke opened his lips, wrapping them around the head, his tongue flicking along the top of the head.
He moaned at the salty tang of Sean’s essence. He dipped his tongue into the slit with unfettered joy. Luke relaxed his jaw and eased down the shaft, swallowing several times until he had the thick head deep in his throat. Sean’s rough breathing and harsh groans drove Luke wild.
“Damn, darlin’, yeah. Do it again,” Sean pleaded, his fingers flexing in the tangled sheets. “It feels so good, babe. I can feel your tongue. God, don’t ever stop.”
“Mmm, you taste so good. I could eat you all day, all night. Never get tired of tasting you.” Luke gasped for breath, his saliva glistening along the shaft as he traced his lips down it to the tight, heavy balls. He flicked his tongue over them and sucked one into his mouth, rolling it around. He let go, it popped out, and Sean groaned. Tea-bagging him, Luke chuckled with Sean’s balls in his mouth. He could feel Sean’s orgasm building, the tremor racing through him as he released the tight, hot flesh and trailed his tongue further down. He lifted one of Sean’s thighs up, revealing the puckered rosebud to his gaze. Luke breathed in the hot, musky smell of Sean and bent his head…
Luke groaned, bolting upright at the sound of an alarm clock going off, the annoying beep filling his head. His body ached, hovering on the edge of an orgasm, the dream fading. The slim woman slipped her glasses on before she shot a glance at the man lying asleep behind her. She hurried from the room, her shoulders hunched a bit.
Luke threw the blanket aside, pulled on his pants, and followed Gillian out into the kitchen. “Morning.” Luke yawned, scratching his chest as he padded barefooted into the kitchen.
With a small smile, Gillian reached for a coffee mug. “Morning. I’m sorry I made you sleep on the floor.”
“Oh no, don’t worry about it. Highlight of my night was seeing Jack in his tighty-whities. Besides, Jack wasn’t so sure of his control, and knowing my bro like I do … well, let’s just say sleeping on your floor was a small price to pay for my peace of mind. And Jack’s.” Luke chuckled. “You want breakfast?”
“I still don’t get why you�
�d want to do such a thing.” Gillian fidgeted with her housecoat’s belt. “I mean…”
“Jack wasn’t feeling in control last night. Wanted to be sure and do things right with you. First time I’ve known him to think of anything besides his dick. Must care about you a lot,” Luke explained. “Breakfast?”
“Uh, I’ll have some cereal.”
Luke brightened as he dug through the cupboard. He spotted the familiar blue box and grinned. “Frosted Wheats? I’ll have some of those.” He pulled on the box, a Tupperware container coming with it to crash to the floor. The lid skidded across the tile, spilling the contents into a gruesome display of Polaroids and file folders. With a strangled cry, Gillian dropped to her knees and scrambled to collect the pictures, the letters.
Shocked, Luke reached for her, his eyes scanning the pictures. None were what he would consider to be mementos worth keeping. Hearing her panicked breathing and sobs, he leaned down and touched her arm. “Gillian.” She shook him off and crawled toward several pictures. Her fingers shook as she lifted them and stifled a sob.
“Gillian.” His heart breaking, Luke pulled her into his arms. He rocked her and tightened his grip at her weak struggles. “Hey, it’s okay.”
“No, I have to…”
Luke tugged on the Polaroids and placed them face down in the box. His stomach turning at the horror recorded for eternity on the film. “It’s okay. Come on, how about a coffee, and we’ll tuck this away.”
“I can’t.” Gillian pressed her fingers to her lips as uncertainty and shame filled her gaze. Luke followed her horrified stare into the bin and saw the battered face, the bruises, the cuts in his mind. His stomach twisted with disgust, with pity, but he forced his voice to be clear of any hint of either.
“You don’t have to do anything.” Luke glanced over his shoulder. Jack would be up shortly, and he didn’t think his friend would be overjoyed to see his girlfriend upset. “Why don’t you let me get coffee on while you go have a shower?”
“Don’t say anything. I don’t…” Gillian looked as fragile as crystal.
“Hey, I may not know what happened, and I’m not about to ask, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to say anything. I promise, this is between us.” He gave her a quick squeeze and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Trust me.” Accepting his help, she smoothed her hands down the front of her robe. Shaken, she lingered as he put the lid back on the box and slid it into the cupboard, hiding it behind two other containers. Head down, she hurried to the bathroom. Luke listened to her retreating steps, his heart in his throat. She’d survived hell and come out of it stronger. But how much had she revealed of her past to Jack? Judging by the way she acted, he doubted it was more than minimal.
“You always lurk in the shadows?” Luke waited for the shower to start up before glancing at Jack who hovered in the doorway.
“What did you do?” Jack stalked into the kitchen, his eyebrows drawn together in a fierce frown.
“Nothing.” Luke handed him a coffee. He stretched his neck in a vain attempt to see Gillian. “Tipped over something, and it upset her.”
“What?”
“Jack, I’m not going to tell on her.” He stared pointedly at Jack and sighed. Jack looked as immovable as stone. His hard stare revealed his concern for Gillian. It was obvious he cared, and it was just as obvious the man wasn’t going to back down before he knew what had happened.
“Look, it’s not my place to say anything. I’m not going to betray her confidence.” Luke paused before closing his eyes. “But I will say this: she’s stronger than she looks, Jack. And any fool with eyes can see she’s falling in love with you. If you aren’t serious, let her go. If you are serious, and I say this as a friend, hold tight to her, and don’t let anyone get between you.”
“Fuck.” With a final dark look, Jack headed for the bedroom. Luke watched him go and wondered if Gillian could handle Jack knowing the truth about her. He rubbed his eyes and tried to force the images of the young woman’s tortured past from his mind.
* * * *
Luke buttoned his jeans before tugging his shirt down. Wrinkled, the stench of smoke and booze on them made him long for a hot shower and his own bed. To be beyond the memory of Sean’s voice whimpering and moaning in his dream and stirring his own lust.
He held his jacket before him, stifling a groan as his hard cock throbbed at the images playing out in his mind. The sex wouldn’t be good, it would be mind-blowing, addictive. Luke exhaled and swallowed; he wanted Sean. Wanted him in his bed, taking his cock. Wanted him clawing at his back, at his chest. Riding his shaft until they both came, spewing hotly over each other.
“Uh, um…” Gillian coughed slightly, her face turning red as Luke walked past them.
“I’m going to call a cab.” Luke forced a smile, his body throbbing, the need to get home pressing more than the pounding of his hangover.
“Okay, take it easy, man.” Jack ducked his head. “Thanks.”
Luke chuckled. “What are friends for?” He slipped out the front door, grimaced, and adjusted his shaft beneath the tight confines of his jeans. “Man, this sucks.” Tottering down the stairs, Luke pulled his cell from his pocket and dialed for a cab.
“Luke, baby.” Tony’s voice drew his attention as he hung up.
He groaned as his ex-lover hurried toward him. He caught the flare of lust in Tony’s eyes as his eyes canted downward. Embarrassed, angry, Luke crossed his arms over his chest. “What is it, Tony?”
“Baby.” Tony stopped a few inches away, a look of remorse on his face. “Please, I just wanted to talk to you.” He shuffled closer, his fingers plucking at Luke’s collar. “I, um, I wanted to apologize. I know I made a mistake.”
“No mistake.” Luke shook his head. “You fucked another man in my bed. It’s not really…”
“I can make it up to you.” Tony pressed closer, his eyes darkening with lust. He stared into Luke’s eyes, his hand trailing down his body to cup his cock. Tony stroked him through the denim, his touch familiar, heated, yet it left Luke cold.
With a muttered expletive, Luke shoved his hand away. Any traces of lust fading from his body at Tony’s touch. “Not interested, Tony. Go slither back to lover boy and leave me alone.” Luke stepped around Tony and hurried toward the cab that was rolling to a stop.
“You’ll be back,” Tony hollered, his tone turning hard, cold. “You need me.”
Luke shook his head. “Not likely. We’re through.” He slammed the car door and gave the directions to the driver. He sank back into the leather upholstery and sighed. Caught between the willing and the wanted—with only my hand to get me off.
Chapter 10
The zippo snapped open and closed with each flick of his thumb as he kneeled beneath two large spruce trees. His gaze remained steadfast on the tall, dark-haired man walking around the yard. The large station house stood with the front door open. Several chairs lined the deck, and a large green barrel with a garbage bag sat next to the woodshed. A couple of older trucks sat under the overhang, dust, leaves, and debris on the windshields. New, the paint shiny, a quad peeked from beyond the corner of the house.
He slid the lighter into his pocket and lifted the 303 at his feet. He raised it to his shoulder and took aim. The loud rapport of the powerful weapon sent birds screeching from the branches. His target ducked, his body hitting the ground.
He grinned, looped the strap over his shoulder, and darted back along the trail. Swinging into the saddle, he nudged his horse into a gallop, heading for safety. He glanced at his wrist; another hour and he’d call in. Tomorrow was another day to get some work in … and he’d need to get supplies.
* * * *
Sean closed and locked the house door behind him. His gaze landed on the splinters in the railing from a bullet. He’d pulled the slug out the day before. With Luke due back by nightfall, he debated heading into the nearest town, two hours away, to file the report with the office, but decided against it. He’d e-mail it in; probab
ly a poacher’s shot gone astray. He wondered if he should tell Luke, but finally decided he didn’t need to know.
He stepped out onto the porch, and his gaze swept the area. The forest surrounded the yard, the rich smell of spruce and pine hanging in the air. He could hear the sounds of birds, the faint sound of running water, but there was nothing more than the sounds of nature.
With a shake of his head, Sean headed for the woodshed; there wasn’t anything pressing they needed. He stuck a hand in his pocket, reaching for the keys to the quad. The green paint had a fine layer of dust all over the vehicle. Sean dusted the seat off and slid the key into the ignition. He glanced down at the gas tank and swallowed.
Written in a jagged scrawl, the message of hate made his skin crawl. Sean stepped back and reached for his cell. A couple of clicks later he had the image recorded on his cell, his hand trembling slightly. Nerves firing, he shot a glance at the deck and shuddered; maybe the bullet wasn’t a stray shot after all.
Sean glanced around, his eyes scanning, ears searching for any indication of someone or something beyond himself. All he could hear was the roaring of his heart, the racing beat filled with fear, with dread. He backed away from the quad, turned, and walked toward the house.
The creak of the wood beneath his feet was welcome as he reached for the screen door. He lifted his head at the faint roar of an engine. A few moments passed, the silence stretching as thin as wire before the faint flicker of lights appeared on the road. Relief flooded him as he caught the familiar winch on the front of a green four-by-four. Sean swallowed against the rising emotions and stood, one hand on the screen door, the other on his gun as the Conservation Services truck rolled to a stop before the steps.
He leaned against the wall, his heart in his throat as the door opened and his partner stepped out. Sean tilted his head back and the tears burned, his throat tight with emotion. He offered a quick wave and darted inside, hoping Luke hadn’t seen his face. He scurried to his room, closed the door, and leaned heavily against it. The relief at seeing Luke again tangled with the itch in his fingertips, the butterflies in his gut. He wanted Luke. Wanted the man in his bed, in his life, and now he was back, he just wanted to crawl over him and never stop.
