The Ripple Effect

by Alex Standish

  "Ah." Jack sighed softly. "I love you, too, Carson. The last thing I remember clearly is thinking of you. You were the last thing on my mind before the drug took over me. I can't tell you exactly why I did those things, but it obviously had something to do with the way I feel about you." He nuzzled Carson's cheek gently. "So, what now?"

  Carson grinned wickedly. "Well, like I said, you need to call your parents, and we need to tell the others you're all right, but first..." He kissed Jack passionately, hungrily. "Fuck. I missed you like crazy, Jack," Carson panted between kisses, his hands roaming eagerly over Jack's body. "The others won't be back for hours." He licked his lips teasingly. "I want you to fuck me. Right here, right now."

  Jack felt his groin tighten at both the words and the grin that accompanied them. He remembered the feel of having Carson beneath him at the cave, whimpering and thrashing as Jack rimmed him; remembered the urge to mate, to possess, to make Carson his.

  He growled deep in his throat as Carson slumped against the couch in silent invitation, eyes closed, head leaning on the armrest. Before he was even aware of what he was doing, Jack was moving forward, until their lips were barely touching, sharing each other's breaths.

  He stilled then, remaining that way until the green eyes opened and locked with his. They moved together as one, closing the distance, kissing for the first time in too long. Tentative and gentle at first, the kiss gradually deepened as their lips parted. Tongues met and dueled frantically, their senses overloading into the searing kiss.

  They broke apart long enough to tear at each other's clothes, tossing them carelessly onto the floor, then somehow Carson was on his back on the plush rug, Jack blanketing him. Hands and mouths moved over sweat-slick skin, everywhere at once, tasting and touching and exploring.

  Jack kissed a path down the smooth column of Carson's throat, across his collarbone, a wave of fierce possessiveness overtaking him as he sank his teeth into the muscled padding of his lover's shoulder. He began to nibble on the addictive flesh, applying a firm pressure until it left a mark--his mark; a proof of his ownership, a warning to any would-be trespassers.

  Wanting to savor more of the body offered so willingly to his touch, Jack turned his attention to Carson's muscular chest, eyes focusing on the two flat, rosy nipples. He licked and sucked one little nub into his mouth, his fingers playing with the other, teasing the protrusion to a hard, aching peak.

  Carson whimpered and groaned, head pressing back into the floor, body sliding against Jack's as his hands roamed over Jack's body, fingers digging into his back in ecstasy. Satisfied both nipples were now sensitive to the merest of caresses, Jack continued his journey down the canvas of soft skin spread out for his delight, licking and kissing his way down Carson's chest and abdomen. He spread his lover's legs apart then settled between them.

  His finger trailed over the tip of Carson's hard cock, drawing the moisture he found there and tasting it wantonly. Taking the throbbing erection into his hand, Jack ran his thumb over the head, Carson's body arching off the rug with a groan, hands clutching at it desperately.

  Jack's hand began a slow pumping motion, gradually increasing the tempo of his strokes as Carson responded to his actions. Carson was panting now, quick, shallow breaths as his hips thrust up, driving himself into Jack's hand.

  Needing to taste more of his lover's unique flavor, Jack shifted his body downward, nuzzling Carson's cock gently before taking the head into his mouth, sucking and licking until Carson was whimpering continuously. He wrapped his fingers around the base of Carson's length, letting his tongue flutter along the large vein on the underside, trying his best to take all of his lover inside. He relaxed his throat muscles, uncurling his fingers from the base, and lowered his head until every last inch was sheathed inside his mouth.

  It was all it took; he felt Carson's shaft swelling, felt his balls tighten up, and then Carson was coming, pouring himself down Jack's throat in long pulses, crying wordlessly as the orgasm ripped through him.

  Jack reluctantly released Carson's softening cock as his lover's tremors started to subside, patting the quivering belly gently. "Come on, let's take this to the bedroom," he whispered, rising up and pulling a still weak-kneed Carson along with him.

  They collapsed together on the bed, and Jack quickly found the tube of lubricant on the nightstand drawer. He turned to a still recovering Carson, who smiled sensually as he noticed the tube in his hand. Jack squeezed some lube onto his fingers, breath hitching as Carson opened up to him, legs parting to allow him access.

  Jack took his time preparing and stretching Carson, slick fingers twisting and burrowing into the tight opening, teasing and arousing. He was beyond aroused at Carson's response to his touch, as the other man writhed feverishly, crying out, pleading for more. He smiled wryly, acknowledging to himself that when it came to Carson, he really didn't need a drug to be a possessive bastard. He twisted his fingers, rubbing against the little pleasure point inside, grinning as Carson arched, sobbing broken pleas into the air.

  "Fuck, oh, please... I need you, Jack... Come on," Carson moaned, thrashing and thrusting against Jack's digits.

  Judging Carson to be ready for him, Jack withdrew his fingers, moving over the other man's body. He stroked his lover's thighs gently, raising Carson's legs over his shoulders, kissing first the inside of one knee, then the other, chuckling as Carson's legs quivered at the ticklish caress.

  Finally, he guided his aching cock to his lover's anus, pressing forward, slowly burying his length in the smooth warmth until he was fully inside Carson's body. He forced himself to wait, moving only when Carson bucked against him, trying to take him impossibly deeper.

  Jack began to thrust into the furnace that was his lover's body, backing out almost to the tip, then plunging back in, reveling in the overpowering feeling of having Carson beneath him, panting and twisting and moaning his name.

  Suddenly he ceased all movement, ignoring Carson's frenzied attempts to get him to move again. Pinning Carson to the couch by lying completely on top of him, Jack nibbled on an earlobe, then whispered into it, "Tell me you're mine," he ordered huskily. "Say it."

  Carson glowered at him. "You bastard," he panted breathlessly. "Move."

  Jack gave a single, hard thrust into his lover's body. "Say it, Carson."

  Carson arched off the bed, a sob escaping his parted lips, eyes squeezing shut. "Oh, God, please... I'm yours, Jack, always yours," he choked. "Please..."

  Jack growled his triumph, fingers gripping Carson's ass forcefully as he drove into him, again and again and again, until they were both groaning uncontrollably. He wrapped his fist around Carson's cock, milking it to the pounding rhythm of his hips. "Come for me, Carson... show me how much you love me..." he whispered seductively.

  His words seemed to have the desired effect, for Carson cried out, body tightening around Jack's shaft as he came for the second time that night, bathing both of their bodies and Jack's hand with his seed.

  Jack gritted his teeth and slammed into his lover one last time. He surrendered to the tight grip around his cock, emptying every last drop of semen into Carson's body.

  # # #

  Chapter Nineteen

  An hour later they had dressed and moved back to the living room, both sitting on the couch while they waited for the others to arrive. Jack had wanted to call his parents, but without knowing exactly how much Roger had told them, he couldn't. So he had called the others first, to let them know he was back and to talk to Roger. Knowing his friends, they were probably breaking every traffic rule in the book trying to get there.

  Carson lay between Jack's spread legs, his back to Jack's chest, head resting on his right shoulder. Jack was running a lazy hand over Carson's chest, while Carson traced aimless patterns on Jack's thigh.

  "I can hear the wheels going into overdrive inside your mind, Jack. Why don't you tell me what's bothering you?" Carson prompted gently, and Jack knew he was still uncomfortable with silence between them.<
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  Whenever Jack went quiet for too long, Carson would look at him, as if wanting to make sure he was still all right. Understanding Carson's fear, Jack smiled every time, touching him or kissing him, wanting him to know this was real. Carson's mind might be starting to understand that Jack really was fine, but his heart was obviously having a little trouble catching on.

  "I'm beginning to remember everything that happened these last weeks, everything I did. I've got one hell of an apology to make, especially to Roger."

  Carson looked up at him. "They understand, Jack. No one's blaming you, it was the drug."

  Jack cleared his throat, feeling his face warming slightly. "It wasn't the drug just now. I... Did I hurt you? I didn't mean to be that eager. Or possessive. Not that I'm taking it back, or anything. It was damn hot."

  Carson chuckled. "No, you didn't hurt me, although I think sitting down will be a challenge for a day or so. I'm definitely sore. But... I enjoyed it, both the eagerness and the possessiveness. I'd never believe I could get off on having someone dominate me, but I did. Maybe because it was you and I trust you. It was the hottest sex I've ever had," he confessed honestly, and Jack nibbled on his ear in appreciation of the truth. "It wasn't the drug talking, was it?" Carson asked suddenly, looking worried. "It didn't really cross my mind while we were doing it, I was so into it, and we've always been intense, but..."

  "I don't think so. I've always felt possessive about you, you know that. The thought of you and Bruce drove me up the wall," Jack replied candidly. "I guess it was never like this before because what we had was still pretty new, and we did agree to take things slow. But after everything that has happened... I think I needed it."

  Carson nodded. "Yeah." Silence lasted longer this time, but Jack took it as a good sign when Carson didn't try to look at him every five seconds, relaxing against him instead. "So... what did your parents say when you called them?" Carson asked eventually.

  "They were relieved that I was okay," Jack said, lacing the fingers from their left hands together. "My mother was crying and laughing at the same time," he added with a grin. "I told them all about you. They're dying to meet you."

  "Yeah?" Carson said, his tone cautious.

  Jack laughed kindly. "Don't sound so scared, they won't bite. I've told you before, they're going to love you." He cleared his throat. "Um, I told them we'd visit soon."

  Carson nodded. "That sounds good. We can go to New York first. I still need to take care of things there, before making my move to Jawara permanent. We can go see your parents when I'm done."

  "Can I go too?" a new voice asked.

  Jack looked up, and saw his friends standing by the doorway. He disentangled himself gently from Carson and rose from the couch, immediately finding himself surrounded by the others, all talking excitedly, touching him, hugging him, asking a thousand questions in a single breath.

  "Take it easy, guys," he laughed. "I'm okay, honest. And I think I'm back for good this time. I also remember most of what happened these past weeks." He took a step back and regarded Roger carefully, taking in his still bruised features. "I'm sorry, Rog."

  "You stupid son of a bitch," Roger whispered harshly, stalking closer and pulling him into a bear hug. "I'm so fucking glad you're okay," he breathed in Jack's ear. "The rest doesn't matter, you understand? And don't you ever scare us like that again, you hear me?"

  Jack swallowed, moving away from the tight embrace and looking into Roger's bright eyes. "Thanks."

  Roger took a deep breath to compose himself, then grinned. "You haven't answered my question. Can I go with you guys? I miss your mom's apple pie. Nobody does it quite like her. I've got the plane ticket and everything."

  Jack must have looked confused, because Carson, who was now standing beside him, said, "Roger and Brendan were going with us to New York." He stuck his hands in his pockets uncomfortably. "I didn't want to go alone," he admitted softly.

  Jack touched his cheek gently, understanding how hard the last weeks must have been for Carson. Maybe his biggest apology should be to him. "I'm sorry."

  Carson smiled, eyes filled with understanding. "No need to apologize, Jack, I've told you that." He swallowed convulsively. "Just don't go all zombie-like on me again, okay?" he joked weakly.

  "I promise." Jack touched Carson's hand briefly, staring into his eyes to seal the vow. When he saw Carson's nod, he turned to Roger wanting to lighten the somber mood. "You wanna come with? Fine by me. You know my folks would love to see you again. Carson?"

  "I don't mind either. Brendan?"

  Brendan shook his head. "I think I'll stay. Someone has to look after these guys," he gestured to the rest of the team.

  Jackie crossed her arms and gave him a look of feigned indignation. "Hey!"

  "Does that mean we'll get to meet your parents?" Roger asked Carson.

  "No." Probably realizing he sounded curt, Carson stuttered, "I mean, probably not. It's just I'm not... That is..."

  Jack's hand on his shoulder stopped the awkward flow of words. "It's okay, Carson, we get it. You're still not talking to them."

  Carson sighed. "Yeah."

  Something in his tone had Jack asking, "Is there something new going on I don't know about?"

  Carson grimaced a little. "This week was my mother's birthday. I tried to call her, but she refused to talk to me."

  "They sure know how to kick a man when he's down," Jarod said angrily. "I say you guys pay Carson's parents a little visit while in New York, make them see the error of their ways."

  Carson looked a little ill at ease. "Um, guys, we've been through this before. There'll be no anonymous phone calls," at this he shot a mock-glare at Jackie. "No surprise visits... My parents are my problem."

  Vivian crossed her arms and frowned at him. "What did we tell you about family and sharing stuff?"

  "Give me time, Viv," Carson said, giving her a half-smile. "I'm used to dealing with problems on my own. I'm probably going to screw up a lot, before I get this family stuff right." He shrugged. "As for my parents, I tried. The ball's in their court now, nothing more I can do." He took a deep breath. "So, we're really going to do this? Fly to New York and then to Colorado?" he asked, looking at Jack and Roger.

  "Damn straight," Roger said. "I can't wait to see what kind of trouble we'll get into there."

  Jack made a face. "That reminds me, maybe we should stay home until it's time to leave for the airport. And maybe we should lock all the doors and watch all windows. That way nothing can happen. We seem a little 'accident' prone lately."

  Brendan snorted. "A little?"

  "Sounds good, but no can do," Carson said. "I still want you to go to the hospital, make sure everything's okay."

  Jack rolled his eyes. "Fine. But I'm going to eat something first. I'm hungry."

  "How does an early dinner sound?" Roger asked, rubbing his hands together. "We can make plans while we eat. I haven't been to New York in years; I want to do some sightseeing."

  "And I've never been to Colorado," Carson chimed in, following the others to the kitchen. "I want to see the Rockies. Where is your parents' place anyway?" he asked Jack.

  "Near the town of Telluride. You'll like it there. The scenery's absolutely breathtaking and there's plenty to do for fun. We can drive there from Denver."

  Carson nodded and began to exchange ideas with Roger while Jack watched with fond amusement. He understood how worried Carson had been for him, and was glad to see him finally begin to relax, his smile getting bigger, his laughter freer.

  Jack had no illusions that life would be a bed of roses from now on. Theirs was still a dangerous occupation, after all, and Jawara was pretty much a lawless country. But he loved Carson more than he thought possible, and he had no doubt he was loved in return. And he had a family, friends he cared deeply for as well. So what if life wasn't always easy or pleasant? No matter what it threw at them, no matter how bad it got, above everything else, they were survivors... and they would persevere.

 
; # # #

  Carson felt himself relax as he bantered with Roger, some part of his mind surprised at how normal it all sounded. Just this morning he had been worried to death about Jack, afraid he had lost his lover forever. And now here he was, in the apartment that was to become his home, laughing and joking with his new family.

  He was a little apprehensive about going back to New York, about being confronted with his past. His real family, his detective agency, his flat, everything seemed like part of a different life. He wasn't the same man who had left New York with Bruce and for that he was grateful.

  He had come so far in so short an amount of time. In New York, he had gone from being the very unfulfilled son of rich, frivolous parents, to the very unfulfilled lover of a heartless bastard. Not much of a stretch. His career had helped, but even that hadn't filled all the empty spaces he hadn't even known he had inside.

  It had taken coming to Jawara, being shot at, nearly eaten, killed, and especially meeting Jack and his team to make him realize what he had been missing. Some people might think he was crazy, but he had never felt so alive.

  Or as strong. Jack had given him the strength to really love for the first time, to trust, to open up. To take a chance on life.

  So Jawara was where he would stay, where he belonged. He might come to miss some things from his native country, but everything he really needed was right here in this kitchen.

  And to think he owed it all to Bruce for bringing him here on vacation. Maybe he should send Bruce a thank you card. Then again, Carson had no doubt he would be seeing Bruce again and soon. He had every intention of visiting his parents while in New York. They might have washed their hands off him, but he still had some things he wanted to say, things he had resentfully kept to himself over the years. At this point there was nothing to lose, and if he could change this much, maybe his parents could too.