Black Leather & Knuckle Tattoos

by J. M. Dabney

  Jumping into the unknown couldn’t be easy. Troy hadn’t found a man he’d been comfortable with until he was nearly twenty. In the end, he’d learned the mistake it had been. The few men he’d dated were never right, and the sex had left him empty and wanting more. Just touching and kissing Win left him more satisfied, although still aching.

  “You don’t have that healthy glow of plentiful sex,” Miller whispered in his ear. The small man jumped over the back of the couch to curl up against Troy’s side.

  “Why is it you’re always sex-obsessed?”

  “I’m not. I would be if a certain sexy Silver Fox would pounce on me,” Miller purred, and the implication disturbed him.

  “Leave my dad out of this.” His friend needed to find a new obsession, but it had been years, and nothing changed.

  “You’re no fun. Win has finally given in after years of unrequited lusting and given me hope that a certain hot daddy will confess his undying lust for me.”

  “Miller, you are never going to sleep with my dad.”

  “I didn’t say anything about sleeping, my dear Troy.”

  “I hate you with a loathing that knows no limits.”

  “No, you don’t, you absolutely adore me. What’s the news on dating the man of your dreams and playing the happy little family?”

  “He wants to take things slow, and I get it, but it’s killing me.”

  “Win doesn’t seem like the slow type. What’s the deal?”

  “I don’t know. I think he’s trying to not repeat the past or make me feel like some one-off.”

  “Which is a good thing, right? You’re one of those happily ever after guys, with that cute white picket fence, kids and a dog lounging in front of the fire—all Norman Rockwell and shit.”

  “You don’t have to look and sound so disgusted.”

  “I’m not. I’m jealous as all get out, but it’ll never work for me. It’s better if I pretend you commitment-minded people are deluded.”

  Troy slipped his arm around Miller and cuddled him close. Miller rarely let anyone close, very few people other than Brent and him made it into Miller’s life. “What’s with the cuddle session on my couch?” They both looked over their shoulders to find Brent lounging in the doorway. Brent scrubbed his hands over the salt and pepper stubble that was slowly growing back in. The weight gain and new healthy glow had gone a long way to ease Troy’s lingering fears.

  “He’s avoiding me since he’s got the new boyfriend, I have to steal my best friend for time.”

  “Speaking of my son’s boyfriend, why is he calling my phone and not yours?” Before Brent finished the question, he was reaching for his cell, finding it off and the battery dead.

  “Shit, is he okay?”

  “Yes, he’s fine, just said to call him when your phone charged. He seems to think you forgot to plug it in.”

  “Yeah, yeah, he always plugs it in when I forget.”

  “Use mine.” Troy caught the phone Brent tossed him. “Come on, Miller, I made dinner.”

  “Real food,” Miller shrieked and launched from the couch.

  His friend only ate take out unless Brent cooked for him. Troy turned in time to find his friend plastered to his dad’s side.

  “Grope my ass one more time, and I spank yours,” Brent growled.

  “You say that likes it’s a threat,” Miller purred, and Troy shuddered.

  “Is there anything you won’t turn sexual?” Brent asked without an ounce of discomfort.

  “Maybe.”

  Their voices faded, and Troy quickly searched for Win’s number in his dad’s contacts. As soon as the call connected, Win’s amused voice caused him to smile.

  “Let your phone die again?”

  “Don’t sound so smug.” He couldn’t contain his happiness at hearing Win’s voice. Sometimes he still felt like that teenage boy with a crush on the older man.

  “Bella was wondering when you were coming over.”

  “Only Bella was wondering?”

  “Of course not, um, but she didn’t really ask for you.”

  His brow furrowed and he frowned. “Then who did she ask for?”

  “Daddy,” Win barely whispered it.

  “What?” His question was a mere squeak.

  “I didn’t know what to say. I kinda freaked, this wasn’t a conversation—”

  The panic in Win’s voice was clear, and as much as he was on the edge of a freak out himself, he needed to calm his man down. “Easy, easy, baby, deep calming breaths, in and out, in and—” A growl cut him off. “Why are you growling at me? I’m trying to help.”

  “I know, but my mind went to the gutter.”

  Troy chuckled.

  “It’s not funny.”

  “I know, I’m sorry,” Troy apologized.

  “You’re still laughing. This isn’t the time.”

  “I personally think it’s past time.”

  “I wasn’t talking about that. The humor is misplaced. What am I supposed to tell her? She thinks we’re…” Win hesitated.

  “Together? Aren’t we?” He held his breath and waited for Win’s answer, terrified that what the other man was about to say would gut him.

  “Of course, but…” Win didn’t sound like himself.

  “But what, Win?” Troy prodded.

  “What happens when you grow tired of me?”

  The questions made all amusement disappear because it wasn’t so much the words that caused him to pause, it was the certainty that he would grow tired of Win. He didn’t have any intention of doing that.

  “I’ll be there in twenty minutes, hold that thought.” He disconnected the call without waiting for Win’s protest and jumped up from the couch. Exiting the living room, he cast a glance towards the kitchen, he thought about saying bye, but instead, he set his dad’s phone on the table. He picked up his keys and walked out the front door.

  This thing between Win and him wasn’t going to last if the older man didn’t believe Troy was there for the long haul. Doubts and indecision had to go because he knew what he wanted, and that was Win. It was long past time for Win to know exactly how he felt. He opened the door of his car and slid inside to make the short trip across town to claim his man.

  Fifteen minutes later, he took the steps to Win’s apartment two at a time, and the door opened. He smiled realizing Win had watched for him. Reaching up, he twined his arms around Win’s neck and took the other man’s mouth in a hard possessive kiss. The time for uncertainty and what-ifs were no longer. He pulled back and smiled. “Hi.”

  “Hi.” Win held him tight seemingly attempting to squeeze every bit of oxygen from his lungs. Troy had no intention of going anywhere, and he was going to do everything to prove it to the insecure man in his arms.

  “Where’s our girl?” he asked.

  “I just set her down with a snack while I decided what to make for dinner.”

  “Come on, baby, let’s have a talk.” He wiggled out of Win’s embrace and grabbed his hand to tug the bigger man behind him.

  “Talk about what?”

  “What it means to Bella to have two daddies.” He entered the kitchen still dragging Win behind him, and he smiled as a huge smile blossomed on a beautiful heart-shaped face. “Hey, Bella, how’s my girl?” Troy asked and released Win’s hand to scoop the little girl into his arms.

  “Troy, you spend the night again?”

  “Yes, could I stay away from my two favorite people?”

  “No, you love us.”

  “Yes, I do.” Troy didn’t look at Win when he said it hoping that the older man wouldn’t freak out. He sat down with Bella straddling his thighs, and he smoothed her soft hair back from her face. “Dad said you asked for me.”

  “I asked for Daddy. Dad got mad.”

  “No, your dad didn’t get mad, baby girl, because you didn’t do anything wrong. Why did you ask for Daddy?”

  “You love me like Dad. You read me stories. You braid my hair”—she leaned in close—“Dad
doesn’t do it right.” Troy couldn’t help his laugh, and he took her face in his hands. “Devon at daycare has two Mommies.”

  “Oh, do you know what that means?”

  “Devon says they’re married like Mommies and Daddies.”

  Troy never thought he’d have a conversation like this with a four-year-old. He really didn’t know how much she’d understand. Clifton was progressive for a larger town, but bigots still existed. The possibility of kids bullying Bella broke his heart. “Your dad and I aren’t married.”

  “You love me, and we’re family.”

  “Of course we love you. And yes, we’re a family.”

  Chair legs scraping across the linoleum pulled his attention away from Bella to find Win sitting down close by them. Troy wanted that family more than anything, something in his gut told him that they weren’t at the declaring their feelings stage. He didn’t even know if he could call them dating. Although, Troy typically stayed most nights at Win’s, yet he didn’t know exactly where or if their relationship was going anywhere. He was a worrier by nature, and he’d wring his hands over problems real or perceived for hours.

  “Baby girl, I really wasn’t mad, just surprised.”

  “Are you my daddies?” She looked at them both with teary eyes.

  Troy remained silent; this wasn’t a question he could answer. Win had to make the decision, and Troy knew what he wanted it to be because truthfully, the other answer would break his heart.

  “Is that what you want?” Win asked his daughter.

  Troy held his breath, his heart pounding so loudly and fast his head became light.

  The softly spoken answer caused joy to bloom white hot in his chest.

  “Then yes,” Win answered, and an ear-splitting squeal broke the tense moment.

  Skinny arms wrapped around their necks. With the joy came a bit of uncertainty, yes, Win told her she had two fathers, but nothing else was decided. Another waiting commenced, and his patience was wearing thin. Win’s large, calloused hand stroked his back and the other man’s arm wrapped around his waist hugging him close to his side. Troy knew this was the start of the conversation and more decisions needed to be made. It wasn’t a conversation he was looking forward to having.

  10

  The lights were low, and Troy turned down the bed as Win watched his every move. Months ago, he never thought he’d have Troy in his life, much less his bed. The pessimistic part of himself still waited for it to all fall apart. This was like the dreams he’d had over the years, yet he hoped it didn’t end with him waking up reaching out to find the spot beside him cold and empty. He’d done that too many times, lost within visions that came when his mental walls weren’t up, and it showed him those moments where he was happiest. The reality was it had come true and yet he was terrified.

  The slender man was unusually quiet the whole evening, and he wondered if he’d done something wrong—if he didn’t handle the situation with Bella correctly. “Did I do something wrong?”

  Troy turned to him with a smile. “You sound like your daughter. To answer your question, no you didn’t do anything wrong.”

  “Then why are you so damn quiet?” Win hesitantly asked.

  “What did you agree to earlier?”

  “You’re answering a question with a question. I hate that shit.”

  Troy knew that annoyed him, yet he made a habit of it.

  “Yeah, yeah, just tell me.”

  “What I already agreed to, we’re together.”

  “What happens if we’re not together anymore?”

  Win’s heart fell into the pit of his stomach. “Are you saying we’re—”

  “Stop!” Troy barked out the order and closed the distance between them.

  Slender arms twined around his waist, and his dick decided to have a mind of its own. Serious conversation time, but the taking it slow option had run its course.

  “You’re worse than I am about jumping to conclusions. You can’t take her away from me now, even if we’re—” Troy’s eyes darkened.

  “Quit planning the breakup. I’ve waited too long to get you right where you are.” He tightened his arms around the smaller man and leaned down to conform his lips to Troy’s, and he groaned at the immediate heat. He nudged Troy’s mouth open with the tip of his tongue and traced the blunt edges of his teeth. As he stroked one hand upward to wrap around Troy’s nape, he dragged the other down to the tempting curves of a rounded ass. He pulled the man closer, yet it wasn’t enough.

  “You have? Just how long have you waited?”

  “Longer than I want to admit to.”

  “Dirty old man.” Troy chuckled.

  He tipped his head to the side as Troy nuzzled the side of his throat. “You know you love this dirty old man.”

  “Maybe.”

  He gripped Troy’s ass tighter in his large hands and pulled the smaller man to him. Pleasure zinged through every inch of his body at the flat stomach that pushed against his achingly hard cock. Sleeping with Troy in his arms most nights had become a torture he both despised and savored. He stroked his hands upward to push Troy’s soft t-shirt out of the way to the even softer skin beneath. They’d touched, kissed and sensuously rubbed their bodies together countless times over the past month, but silently agreed they’d take it no further.

  He didn’t separate their mouths and kissed Troy softly between each word. “Only maybe? You can do better than that, baby.”

  “Make me.”

  The challenge from the sexy man was all he needed. Win may be insecure about his semi-new relationship, but the Alpha part of himself pushed it aside. He jerked Troy’s shirt off and threw it to the floor, then slipped his hands beneath the pajama bottoms at Troy’s hips and shoved them down along with his boxer briefs. Win reached for the button of his jeans and hesitated as he took in every inch of Troy. His small, leanly muscled frame, his flat pecs and stomach, and the pretty little treasure trail that led to a long, slender dick in a nest of trimmed curls.

  Oh fuck, his mouth watered to taste.

  “Going to stand there staring all night or let me see?” Troy asked him as he backed up towards the bed.

  He stalked his boyfriend’s every move and reached over his head to grab his shirt to remove it quickly. His jeans disappeared almost as quickly but cursed his heavy boots. He bent over to jerk the laces of his work boots loose. As he straightened, he kicked everything aside and let Troy look. He could practically feel the heat of Troy’s gaze, but also, he noticed the nervousness as Troy nibbled at his bottom lip—a clear tell that always gave Troy away.

  “Wow, um, that’s, yeah.” Troy nearly squeaked as he talked.

  He wrapped his hand around his thick uncut cock and stroked it as he listened to Troy whimper. Troy’s pretty dick glistened with pre-cum and jumped.

  “What’s wrong, baby?”

  He reached the head, squeeze his fingers just under the crown and pulled his foreskin back. When he pressed his thumb against his slit, Troy whimpered louder. The ache in his balls intensified, and he released his cock before he reached the point of no return. He stepped forward and for every step he took, Troy countered.

  “No-nothing.”

  Reaching out, he snatched Troy’s hips, and their naked bodies met for the first time.

  “I was such a fucking idiot,” he groaned.

  The warm, soft skin was perfect against his bigger, hairier body. He thrust his hips forward, and Troy’s arms twined around his neck, short nails pricked his back.

  “Wha-What?”

  Win flexed his arms and lifted Troy off his feet, then tossed him back onto the bed. He loomed over Troy. The way Troy was splayed across their bed made him harder. And it was theirs—had been from the first night Troy stayed over. Nervousness and desire warred with his need to take care of Troy. With the women he’d been with everything seemed so much easier, and he understood the difference, and it wasn’t about Troy being a man—this was because the slender man on his bed mattered more
than a one-off. Wow, how much of an asshole did that make me?

  “You’re thinking too hard, Win. If you’ve changed your—”

  “I could’ve had you naked years ago.”

  “All you had to do was give me a signal, and I would’ve been all over you.”

  “Is that all it would’ve taken?” he asked as he leaned over, placed his hands on the bed and started crawling towards Troy until he lay between Troy’s legs.

  “Yes.”

  He closed his eyes as Troy carded his fingers through his hair. He still waited for the time when he'd fuck up somehow, but for now, Troy was his. He had Troy right where he wanted him.

  “I always thought you were so beautiful,” he whispered the words against Troy's mouth.

  As Troy brushed their lips together, he savored the warm caress of breath. Compared the coldness of fantasy with the overwhelming heat of reality. The fine, brown hairs on Troy's thighs teased his hips as he slowly rubbed their notched cocks together. Short nails dug into the clenched muscles of his back.

  He kissed Troy, slow and easy and when the thrust of his hips increased, he pushed his tongue between Troy's lush lips. He loved the contrast of rough, stubble-covered skin and the soft curves. Their grunts blended as they rutted together. Troy's heels pushed into the backs of his thighs. The blunt edges of Troy's teeth caught his bottom lip and Troy's body tensed before wet heat spread between their bellies. He gripped Troy's hair tight as he rode his man faster until their sweat and Troy's release caused their bodies to slip easier together.

  His toes curled in the sheet as he kissed his man harder. Felt his muscles spasm as his balls drew up and he let out a long, low growl as his seed joined Troy's. And he couldn't stop, didn't want to stop, and they rubbed together until it was too much. He rolled them to their sides and kept Troy's leg draped over his thigh.

  He brushed Troy's damp hair back from his forehead and brushed his mouth across his man's small smile. Troy cuddled up to his chest. He didn't want the moment to end. He'd waited so long for Troy, and no matter how much he had imagined having Troy, it hadn't prepared him for that.

  They lay there in silence, touched each other and shared kisses.