by Carol Lynne
Baz’s cries were music to Nick’s ears as he finally allowed his own climax to explode through his body. Nick thrust his cock as deep as it would go and ground his groin against Baz as he came.
“Love you. Oh, God, I love you so much,” he panted as he emptied his balls.
Baz pulled Nick down on top of him.
Nick hadn’t even regained his breath when the unmistakable sound of Baz’s phone began to ring. Nick rolled over and searched the floor for his lover’s pants. He dug into the pocket and glanced at the display before handing it to Baz.
“Lu,” Nick said.
His lover took a deep breath before opening the phone. “Baz.”
Baz sat straight up. “Already? Is he okay?”
Nick got out of bed and walked to the attached bathroom. He took a few moments to clean himself before running warm water over a cloth to take back to Baz. He’d hoped he would have a little more time to get used to the idea of Baz loving another man, but from the sound of it, Lu had found Galen.
He began to clean Baz as his lover finished up the call. “We’ll be there as soon as we can.”
Baz hung up and smiled down at Nick. “They’ve already found him.”
Nick nodded. “Yeah.”
“He was hiding in The Temple. Lu and Dominic started asking around the neighborhood where Lu had seen him. Someone told them where he lived. They went to his building, but the landlord told them he’d become spooked a couple of days ago and had taken off toward The Temple. Anyway, according to Lu, Galen’s refusing to leave the sanctuary. I told him we’d be down.”
Nick nodded again as he finished cleaning Baz. “I’ll get dressed.”
He stood and carried the washcloth back to the bathroom.
“Hey,” Baz said, meeting him in the center of the room. “You okay?”
“Sure,” Nick was quick to say.
Baz wrapped his arms around Nick’s neck and pulled him in for a kiss. “I love you. Don’t doubt that for a second.”
One of Nick’s biggest fears he hadn’t voiced, and he knew he wouldn’t... What if Galen wasn’t the same man Baz had fallen in love with?
“I know.” Nick kissed Baz again. “Let’s get dressed. The two of you have been apart long enough.”
Chapter Six
Baz entered The Temple with Nick close behind. He rubbed at his roiling stomach, praying he wouldn’t lose what little he’d eaten.
“Back here,” Dominic called.
Baz stopped and waited for Nick to join him. He wrapped his arms around his lover and leaned in for a quick kiss. “You ready for this?”
Nick stared at Baz for several moments before nodding his head. “I’m nervous.”
Baz smiled. He took Nick’s hand and pressed it against his stomach. “Feel that? I am, too.”
“Okay. So we’ll get through this together,” Nick said, leading Baz by the hand toward Dominic.
Baz took a deep breath as they neared the door to one of the chapels. What would he find inside? Did Galen hate him?
“He’s over there, hiding behind the statue of Mary,” Dominic pointed toward the corner of the room. “Lu’s with him, but he won’t come out.”
Baz squeezed Nick’s hand. “Will you wait here with Dominic?”
Nick returned the gesture before releasing Baz’s hand. “I’ll be here.”
I hope so. Baz turned and moved toward the large statue of the Blessed Mother. He spotted Lu on the floor with his back to the wall. Lu made a subtle gesture with his head, indicating Galen’s position.
Baz walked several steps before squatting down. Galen was rolled into a ball at the base of the statue. “Galen?”
Baz crawled closer. He longed to reach out and touch the thin, frightened man, but didn’t want to make the situation worse. Lu had been correct in his observation of Galen’s physical appearance. The once promising soldier was now a thin, scared man who still looked so incredibly young. What would it be like to be over two thousand years old and still be trapped in the body of an eighteen-year old?
“Galen? It’s me, Leo.” Baz hoped the use of Galen’s pet name for him would help bring him out of the trance he appeared to be in.
Galen blinked several times before glancing at Baz. The big brown eyes Baz had fallen in love with so long ago immediately filled with tears.
Galen whispered something Baz couldn’t quite hear. He scooted closer and lay on the cold floor facing Galen. “Did you say something?”
Galen licked his lips. “I’m sorry.”
“Sorry? You have nothing to be sorry for. I should be the one apologizing to you.”
Galen shook his head. “My fault.”
Baz started to reach for Galen, but stopped himself. “Is it okay if I touch you?”
“Why would you want to?” Galen asked.
By the expression on his thin face, Galen really didn’t understand Baz’s need to make sure he was all right.
“I’ve missed you. I just want to hold you to convince myself that you’re really here,” Baz tried to explain.
“I saw him,” Galen mumbled. “Lysander sat outside my building for days, but I wouldn’t leave my apartment. Then, a few nights ago, he was gone. I ran out and came here. He can’t get me here, can he?”
Baz inched closer and placed his hand on the floor close to Galen’s. “I’m sorry about Lysander. I’m here now, though. There are a lot of things I need to explain to you, but I’d rather do it in a safer place.”
Baz watched as Galen’s fingers slowly crept toward his hand. Galen looked at Baz, silently asking permission. Baz nodded. “I’m here for you now. You don’t have to be alone.”
Galen’s first touch to his skin, since his death, produced the same affect it always had. Despite their surroundings and the situation that needed to be dealt with, Baz went rock hard. He hoped Galen didn’t see it. Frightening his ex-lover wasn’t part of the plan.
Baz had to tell Galen about Nick, but he worried the younger man wouldn’t understand. By the look of despair on Galen’s face, it was obvious to Baz that Galen had been alone for some time. After what had been done to Galen, Baz wondered if the younger man had ever trusted enough to take another lover. Baz wouldn’t blame him. Baz should have protected Galen, but he hadn’t.
Galen traced the protruding veins on the back of Baz’s hand. “I can’t believe you’re here.”
Baz turned his hand over and lifted Galen’s to his lips. He placed a tender kiss on the back of Galen’s hand. “I’ve been in The City for a while. I never dreamed you would also be here. I don’t understand it, Galen. You’re so good, so kind and faithful. You don’t belong here.”
Galen jerked his hand away and tucked it against his body. “It was my fault. I deserve to be here.”
“What was your fault? What my father did to us?” Baz took a chance and wrapped his arm around Galen’s waist.
Galen nodded. “He tried to force me to leave you. I told him I’d rather die.” Tears filled Galen’s eyes. “I didn’t know…”
“Shhh,” Baz pulled Galen closer. “Lysander is to blame, no one else.”
Baz needed to tell Galen about Nick and what they were faced with, but he worried how Galen would take the news. “We need to work together to keep him from claiming you…and another man that is in my heart.”
Galen’s eyebrows drew together before a sad smile crossed his face. “I knew it was too much to hope that you’d still want me.”
Baz soothed Galen by running his hand up and down his back. “Nick’s a wonderful man. He’s waiting to meet you.”
Galen broke eye contact and looked down at himself and wrinkled his nose. “Not like this. I’ve been here for a few days.”
“Nick won’t mind. He’s not like that.” Baz brushed a black curl from Galen’s forehead. The thought of Galen being alone in The City twisted Baz’s gut into knots. “You don’t belong in The City.”
“Yes I do,” Galen whispered.
The longer Baz stared into Gale
n’s eyes, the more his feelings for the man resurfaced. He leaned forward and kissed Galen softly on the lips before drawing back. “Come home with us. We’re safer if we stick together.”
“What does Lysander want? Hasn’t he done enough to us?” Galen asked.
“He means to claim you like he claimed my beloved. We’ll need to go before an elder so I can fight for you and Nick,” Baz explained.
“You’d do that? Fight for me?”
Baz placed his hand under Galen’s chin and kissed him again, this time using the tip of his tongue to tease Galen’s plump lower lip. “I would’ve done it two thousand years ago if I had been given a chance. I’m sorry I failed you that morning.”
“Failed me? You didn’t. I failed you.”
Baz shut Galen up with another kiss. Baz got to his feet and held a hand out to Galen.
“We need to go.”
Galen uncurled his body and sat up. “Are you sure I won’t cause problems with your lover? You deserve so much happiness. I can’t bear the thought of ruining things for you.”
Baz helped Galen to his feet. He pointed toward the chapel entrance. Dominic, Lu and Nick were standing, waiting for Baz to bring Galen out. “See that big hot blond? That’s my man, Nick. I can’t wait to introduce you.”
With his arm around Galen’s waist, Baz led him over to the group of men. “Nick, this is Galen.”
Nick held out his hand. Galen looked from Nick’s big hand to Baz.
“It’s okay. He may be big, but he’s gentle,” Baz said with a playful grin on his face.
Baz watched as a vein in Galen’s neck began to pulse with the pounding of his heart. After several moments, Galen reached out and took Nick’s hand. “Nice to meet you.”
Nick gave Galen a genuine smile. “Same here.”
Baz waited for Nick and Galen to break their connection before gesturing to Lu and Dominic. “You’ve met Lu, and that’s his partner, Dominic.”
Galen bowed his head in respect of Lucifer’s position in The City before turning to Dominic. “Nice to meet you both.”
“Let’s go to my place,” Nick said.
“I thought we’d go to my house,” Baz challenged.
“My apartment makes better sense. Not only will we have Lu and Dominic close if we need them, but the rest of the employees, including Tao,” Nick explained.
Baz saw the logic in the suggestion. “You’re right.”
Nick chuckled and leaned toward Galen. “Don’t let him fool you. He’s not always this agreeable.”
Galen’s hand went up to cover his grin. “Then he’s not changed much in the last two thousand years.”
Nick laughed harder and placed his hand on Galen’s thin shoulder. “We’re going to get along just fine.”
* * * *
While Baz showed Galen around the apartment, Nick pulled out a pan and started making soup. From what they’d heard on the drive from The Temple, Galen hadn’t eaten anything but host bread in days. No wonder he looked so pale and thin.
Strong arms wrapped around his waist, and Nick leaned back against Baz’s broad chest. “How’s he doing?”
Baz kissed Nick’s neck. “Not sure, to be honest. Seeing Lysander outside The Temple really upset him. He’s in the bathroom filling the tub.”
The hair on the back of Nick’s neck prickled. The moment Baz had spotted his father, he’d yelled for Nick and Galen to cover their eyes. Knowing a single look from Lysander could once again put him under the man’s lustful spell, Nick had done what Baz ordered. Galen had also followed suit, but shook like a leaf as he hid from the man who’d stalked him for days.
He turned the burner down and twisted around to face his lover. He knew Baz was experiencing conflicting emotions. Nick could see it in his eyes. “Do you really love me?”
Baz’s brows drew together. “Of course. I’ve already told you that.”
Nick nodded. “I know you did. That’s why I’m going to suggest you take Galen a bowl of soup.”
“What?”
Nick leaned in and gave Baz a deep kiss before pulling back to stare into his lover’s eyes. “How long have you loved Galen?”
Baz shook his head. “I’m not sure what you’re getting at, but I’m not going to run off with Galen if that’s what you’re worried about.”
Nick had done a lot of thinking since he found out about Galen. He had two choices. Accept the fact that Baz also loved another man, or tear their relationship apart with jealousy and suspicion every time Baz left his side. Losing Baz wasn’t an option. He’d experienced life without the gorgeous Spartan, and he didn’t care to ever do it again. If accepting Baz’s feelings for Galen was what it would take, then so be it.
“I’m not sure what Galen has been through since you were last with him, but it looks and sounds like he needs you. Maybe someday he’ll become comfortable enough with me to let me into his world, but for now, I think I can deal with you being there for him.”
Baz closed his eyes and rested his cheek against Nick’s. “I don’t know what he wants or needs, but I’ll be honest with you every step of the way.”
“That’s all I ask, babe.” Nick turned his head enough to brush Baz’s cheek with his lips. “It may be a few days before Bruga is able to get us a meeting with one of the elders. We should use this time wisely. If you’re going to convince the elder that the three of us belong together, we need to see if it’s true. I doubt lying would get us far. I’m sure the elder would spot one in a heartbeat.”
Baz leaned back enough to look at Nick. “What’s going on?”
Nick rolled his eyes. What would he have to say to convince Baz he was serious? The two men had carried love in their hearts for each other for over two thousand years. Nick believed Baz when he’d told him he loved him. If Baz could love Nick and still love Galen, who was he to doubt him?
“It’s obvious the two of you need to connect again. I just want you to do it without worrying about me.” Nick gave Baz another quick kiss. “I love you, and I trust you.”
Baz knocked his forehead playfully against Nick’s. “I’ll go in and make sure Galen’s okay, but the three of us need to connect, not just Galen and me.”
Nick grinned and turned back to the stove. He took the soup off the burner and poured it into a bowl. “Don’t let him eat too fast, or he’ll get stomach cramps.”
Baz took the bowl and retrieved a spoon from the drawer. “It’s been a long time. I’m not sure we’ll even like each other anymore.”
Nick bit his tongue. It was obvious by the way Baz held Galen protectively in the car on the ride home that the feelings were still there. Nick sighed. Well, if they were willing to eventually find a plaything, it might as well be a man they knew and cared about.
* * * *
Galen was rinsing the shampoo out of his hair when there was a knock at the door. He swiped the glass shower door with his hand. “Who is it?”
The door opened and Leo stepped inside. “I thought you were taking a bath.”
Galen shrugged and finished rinsing his hair, unconcerned with his nudity. His body was thinner than the last time Leo had seen him naked, but Galen was too tired to care. “I figured the quicker I got cleaned up, the sooner I could eat something.”
“I brought you a bowl of soup.”
Galen turned off the water and opened the shower door. “I’m perfectly capable of eating at the table.”
The hurt expression on Leo’s face surprised Galen. “Leo?”
“Baz, please. I haven’t been Leo since that morning so long ago.”
“Baz,” Galen said, trying the new name he’d heard the others call Leo. “I might slip once in a while. You’ve been nothing but Leo for so many years.”
Baz nodded and once again held out the bowl. “Nick made it for you.”
Galen wasn’t used to seeing the insecure man in front of him. Is that what I’ve done to him? “I’ll be sure and thank him.”
Galen reached for a towel and began to dry hi
mself as Leo, no, Baz, continued to stare. Each swipe of the soft terrycloth was closely followed by Baz’s gaze. Galen knew he didn’t have rights any longer as far as Baz was concerned, but the attention from the other man was turning him on. By the time he got to his groin, his cock was half-hard. He bit his bottom lip as he tried to hide his arousal.
“Don’t cover yourself from me,” Baz said. Blindly, he tried to set the bowl on the vanity.
Galen dropped the towel. “I didn’t think…”
A sob broke from Baz’s throat as he pulled Galen into his arms. Baz buried his face in Galen’s wet curls as he continued to hold him tighter and tighter. “I never thought I deserved to see you again. But you’re here, and I’ve missed you so much.”
Galen tilted his head up and pressed his lips against Baz’s. A single swipe of the tongue was all it took to ignite the passion between them. Baz opened immediately and Galen thrust his tongue inside. More than a kiss, it was two thousand years of loneliness spilled out for Baz to witness.
He felt a sharp tug to his hair and broke the kiss to gaze into Baz’s eyes. Galen expected to find remorse in his ex-lover’s face, but instead he was confronted with emotions stronger than he’d ever witnessed. The hard cock pressed against him was further proof of Baz’s need.
“I love you,” Baz whispered.
Galen swallowed around the lump in his throat
“I love you, too,” Galen answered. “I prayed so hard for God to wash away my sins and bring you back to me.”
Baz ran his hand down the side of Galen’s cheek. “Oh, baby, you have nothing to wash away.”
Galen leaned in and gently rubbed his face against Baz. For him, everything he’d gone through led up to that exact moment. He would remember the day Baz held him again with fondness, even though it was mired in complications.
Baz began peppering kisses to Galen’s face and neck. “I want to feel you again.”
Although Galen wanted the same thing, he knew he couldn’t live with the guilt that came with cheating. “You have Nick.”
“Yes, I do. And he’s open to the idea of us all getting to know each other,” Baz explained.
