Beau's Redemption

by Royal Blue

  “Fuck, yes, that’s it,” he pants.

  It doesn’t take long for me to push him over. My fingers dig into his thighs, and I deep-throat him a few times. When I hollow my cheeks and swirl my tongue around him, he loses it with a roar that fills the bathroom and washes through my body.

  He releases my hair and grasps the back of my neck. Bending, Beau shoves his tongue into my mouth, taking and demanding. I take back and demand as well.

  “Stand up and turn around,” he commands.

  He backs away just enough to give me room to do so. My palms plant against the wall, and I look over my shoulder to see him drop to his knees. More water splashes, but Beau ignores everything but me.

  He slaps my ass before kissing and licking the sting. He parts me open for his hungry mouth and goes to work. Reaching between my legs, he massages my balls, kneading them with care as his mouth works magic.

  My head dips between my shoulders, and I reach for my dick to start stroking it. He slaps my ass again. I look back at him once more.

  “Don’t touch yourself. That’s my job tonight,” he says.

  I grin at him, biting my lip. He’s so damn sexy like this. I give in to his request just to see where this will go.

  He lifts to his full height, reaching for the coconut oil we keep in here. After pouring some in his palm, he begins to stroke himself. He pours more oil down my back, ceasing his stroking to massage the moisture into my skin.

  His hand slips between my cheeks, and he starts to massage. The feel of his warm chest against my back has me leaning back into him. His free hand wraps my throat.

  “If only you knew how much I love you,” he whispers in my ear.

  Before I can reply, he’s easing into me. I bite down on my lip, bowing my back as I take him. He starts easy, but soon all thoughts of gentle go out of the window. His hand flexes every few strokes, adding to the mix of sensations he’s inflicting on my body.

  His hand on my hip digs in, dragging me back into him. I’ve learned that Beau likes to fuck hard when he’s full of emotions he can’t or won’t express. I’ll take it.

  Our grunts and groans mix in their own conversation that fills the air. Beau slows long enough to plant a foot on the edge of the tub. My fists clench against the wall as he uses the leverage to push deeper and pound my ass harder.

  “Coño, so good. Fuck, yes.” I groan. “So, so good. Damn, Beau.”

  “You like that?” he says in my ear. “You feel how hard you make me?”

  “Yes, Papi, don’t stop.”

  My teeth chatter as he rocks into me. I know when he’s close. He shifts his hand from my throat to my shoulder, then down to my dick. His hand is slick from a mix of my sweat and the oil, helping him slide over my flesh. My eyes roll back. He stills his hips for a moment, stroking me until I begin to swell in his palm. He begins to thrust again, and soon we come bellowing our release together.

  His kisses against my shoulder are much more tender than the fucking we just did. His arms wrap my waist tightly as he slips from my body.

  “Sorry,” he says.

  “For?”

  “I really thought I was going to lose you. I think… I just lost my head,” he replies.

  “Not complaining.” I laugh. “Lose your head whenever you like.”

  He grunts. “Say that in a few hours,” he says, licking my shoulder before nipping it.

  Chapter 24

  Family Engaged

  Beau

  “Here goes nothing,” Angel breathes, leaning across the console to kiss my cheek.

  “One way or another we’re all going to be family soon,” I reply. “There’s my family. Let’s catch up with them.”

  We step out of the car, pulling Andy’s attention first. He says something to Kyle, and everyone halts for us to catch up to them. I may have spent the day trying to settle Angel’s nerves, but mine aren’t too much better.

  “You two look stunning together,” Mama says as she kisses each of our cheeks.

  “You’re looking lovely as always,” Angel says with his dimpled smile in place.

  “Flattery will get you everywhere, sugar,” Mama says, patting his cheek.

  I embrace Emma and give Mason a high five. Andy is next to hug both Angel and me. Kyle and I give each other a one-armed hug and pat on the back.

  “Four times in one week. I might be getting tired of seeing you.” Kyle laughs.

  “You took the words right out of my mouth,” I toss back.

  We’ve approved the plans for the apartment and started to pack up my place. Andy and Kyle have been coming over to help us get things done quicker. It’s surreal how fast things are moving. I mean, I watched Kyle date Andy for almost two years before they got engaged. Angel and I are taking a much different approach.

  We’ve both fallen hard and fast. We still have a lot to work out, but we have the same vision for our future. I think in the end we want it all sooner rather than later.

  “You sure you want your family to meet this dude?” Kyle says to Angel.

  “If he can make it through this, I’ll marry him tomorrow,” Angel replies, patting me on the back.

  Today I’m meeting the Hernández family. I know deep down in my core my daddy raised me as old-fashioned as it gets. He’d be pissed if I didn’t sit down with Angel’s daddy and ask for his son’s hand, since I’m the one that did the proposing.

  “I’m still waiting to hear how you proposed,” Kyle says.

  My cheeks heat and I glare at him. Kyle’s proposal to Andy was much more romantic than mine. I honestly don’t think Angel’s the type for all of that shit. I mean it was great. I was proud of my brother, but that just ain’t me.

  Suddenly concerned with if I did things the right way, I turn to look at Angel. I search his face, but he’s smiling with a twinkle in his eyes. I release a relieved breath.

  “That’s a story I don’t think we’ll ever share,” Angel replies as he beams at me. “Some things should just remain private.”

  “Was it at least romantic?” Kyle snorts.

  “It was Beau,” Angel says.

  “Nope, not romantic at all. Um, I’ll fix that,” Kyle croons.

  I narrow my eyes as he steps into the restaurant behind Mama and Emma. I don’t like the sound of that. I told him already I don’t need his help.

  There was a time I’d get Kyle to help me out in the romance department, but it’s been so long since I’ve leaned on him as a wingman. He better not do anything that embarrasses me tonight.

  “I think it’s my turn to tell you to relax,” Angel leans to whisper in my ear.

  I turn to him and give a tight smile. My heart is currently in my throat as we move to the outdoor area where the rest of our party is already waiting. We’re not late. Angel told me that his mother forced everyone to arrive early as to not embarrass her. Andres has been texting Angel to complain for the last two hours as he rushed to meet her demands.

  “Here we go,” I say as we step into the area reserved for our party.

  It took us almost a month to be able to get our families together all at once. There’s been no shortage of excitement in our lives between this dinner, Billy’s surprise party, getting my lawyer on starting the process to adopt Billy within the next year, me training to come out of retirement, and getting out of the apartment so construction can start. I feel like I’m going to bounce right out of my boots as we enter the sunroom.

  “Hola, peoples, the party has arrived,” Angel croons.

  All heads turn to look at us. I look around at all of the smiling faces, which causes the one not smiling to grab my attention. He’s not scowling, but not smiling either.

  I don’t really know what to make of it. He looks like I imagine Angel and Andres will look when they’re older. Not that he looks past his midforties, which from what Angel told me, I know he is.

  “You must be Beau.” A little woman with black curly hair stands, rushing to me with open arms.

  “Yes
, ma’am, that would be me,” I reply.

  “Angel has told me so much about you and what you do for the little ones at your gym and the orphanage,” she says with a beaming smile.

  “This is my moms, Paula,” Angel says.

  “Sí, where are my manners? I’m so excited to meet you. I haven’t heard Angel so happy in so long,” she says excitedly. “Come, come. Meet the rest of the family.”

  “This is my sister, Martina, and her husband, Devin. These three are their kids, Natisha, Rosia, and Justin,” Angel introduces.

  “Nice to meet you,” Devin says, reaching to shake my hand. “You look familiar.”

  “Oh my God, I told you he’s a professional boxer, ay,” Martina says. “Nice to meet you. Ignore my husband. He be bugging.”

  “It’s fine. I don’t box anymore, so I’m sure that’s not where he knows me from,” I reply.

  Devin snaps his fingers. “No, that’s exactly it. You were in that Golden Gloves tournament back in the days. The white boy that came in and fucked shit up. I remember now.”

  Martina slaps him in the shoulder. “Watch your mouth. Stop embarrassing my brother,” she chides, glaring out the corners of her eyes at her husband.

  “He’s fine.”

  “So you box or you don’t? Mi hijo says you’re training. Which is it?” The older man has come to stand beside Paula. He moved so stealthily, I didn’t see him get up from the table.

  “Papi, this is Beau. Beau, this is my father, Alejandro,” Angel says proudly.

  “Nice to meet you, sir,” I say, holding out my hand.

  “Well, which is it?” he says, leaving my hand hanging.

  “I’m retired, but I’ve been training to fight again,” I reply.

  “Umm,” he grunts, grabbing my hand as I begin to drop it. “Retired. You’re just a baby. You don’t retire from boxing. It retires you.”

  “Alejandro, don’t you start. Cállate, we don’t want to spend the night talking about boxing. Por favor, my nerves,” Angel’s mother says.

  “Um, fine, we can talk about when we’re going to eat. I’m hungry,” he replies. “Do you know she wouldn’t let me eat all day, m’ijo?”

  “Is that why you look so grumpy?” Angel chortles, moving to pull his dad into a hug.

  “It’s more than a look,” Andres says. “This is what I’ve been dealing with.”

  “Let’s get some food on the table, then,” I say.

  “Gracias, I just might like you.” Alejandro nods and pats his belly.

  We all laugh. I make quick introductions between my family and Angel’s, and we sit to eat. It’s a good thing I booked the room. This is one lively bunch. Heated discussions about boxing, plenty of teasing and laughter, and everyone begins to play musical chairs at one point. This one or that one moving here or there to join a different conversation.

  I’ve spent the night relishing in the smile on Angel’s face that I want to see there for life. Knowing how much he wishes he could visit longer with his family in their homes, it warms my heart to see the joy on his face. I make a vow that I’ll figure out how to do this for him again.

  “Come,” Alejandro says to me and Angel after everyone has eaten and dessert has been served.

  We stand and follow him to a table in the back corner. Angel grabs my hand and squeezes it. I lace my fingers with his and return the squeeze.

  “When I was younger, that would’ve guaranteed you trouble,” Alejandro says pointedly, looking at our intertwined hands. “I grew up in the Bronx. I watched some shit happen in my time. Things I never wanted to see my boy go through. Siéntate, siéntate.”

  Angel and I take the seats across from him as he encourages. Angel pulls our locked hands into his lap. I feel like he needs me as an anchor as much as I need him.

  “I love my son. I don’t think he understands how much. When he brought his first boyfriend home, I was shocked, angry, but most of all afraid for him. I’m old. I’ve seen things. I’ve been fed stereotypes.

  “I apologize, m’ijo. I should’ve told you that I wasn’t ashamed of you. I feared for what life would bring you because of your choices. Again, I’ve grew up on stereotypes. I say choices, but this is who you are, not a choice,” he says to Angel.

  “I waited to tell you because I didn’t want to break your heart.”

  “Break my heart? You didn’t break my heart. Angel, when I was fifteen, I watched my transgender neighbor and her boyfriend dragged up the street. Those guys beat them with bats. Your great uncle, Caesar. I watched him disappear into nada.

  “AIDS ate him until he was nothing. Everything I knew from a boy made me fear for you, my son. Not for who you loved.”

  “Papi, all I ever wanted was to make you proud,” Angel replies.

  “And you have. It hurt me to find out you enlisted. I thought you would go on to box or do something with your cooking. War alters a man—” He swallows as his eyes mist. “—as it did you.”

  “But you talked of your days as a Marine with such pride,” Angel says.

  “Yes, but I’m not without my own scars from my time. I didn’t want that for you. I was too stubborn to see what my fear and stupidity was doing to you. However, when it comes to my children, I educate myself to be a part of their lives.

  “I still fear the cruel people of this world, but you are the son of an Afro-Latino man. I already live in fear of the reality outside my front door. Yet I don’t ask you to change your skin.

  “Coño, I had this thought out. You know, how I would say this,” he says, drawing a hand down his face.

  Angel grins. “What are you trying to say, Papi? Just spit it out.”

  “I did research on safe sex and how AIDs is really transmitted. I’ve gone to the gay pride parade for the last five years. I wear a shirt with your name on it. I keep a candle lit for your safety at the cathedral.

  “I do all this because you are my son and your happiness means the world to me. You can’t stand to sit in my home for more than five seconds. That pains me. I want more time with you, but I understand. The pills I’ve been taking since you were a boy… that’s how I’ve come to cope with my return to civilian life,” he says.

  “I didn’t know that. I always thought they were for your blood pressure or something,” Angel says.

  “Shit is expensive, joder. But I’m one of the lucky ones. It works,” he says and looks at Angel sadly.

  “All this time. I thought that look was because you were disappointed in me,” Angel says.

  “What look?”

  Angel sits back and takes a minute. I squeeze his hand for support. He frowns.

  “I don’t know. It’s this look you give me,” he says.

  “You and Andres are my sons. Do you know some days it takes me way too long to figure out which one of you is which? It frustrates me. I think it has something to do with the meds or it could be from getting knocked around in the ring. If I give you a look, I’m probably pissed because I don’t know which one you are,” he says and shrugs.

  “Yo, you’re serious?” Angel says incredulously.

  Alejandro shrugs his shoulder again.

  I turn my focus to Angel’s profile. Seconds tick by; a frown marks his face as he processes this. Suddenly recognition lights his features. Angel bursts into laughter.

  “I can totally see that,” he says through his laughter. “You don’t call us by our names.”

  Alejandro cracks the biggest smile I’ve seen him give tonight. Angel’s smile shows through in his dad’s. It makes Alejandro look younger.

  “You learn to make life work for you. You both answer to m’ijo. I’m sorry if the confusion in my head has made you feel like I love you any less than I do,” he says more solemnly.

  “I should’ve talked to you about how I felt,” Angel murmurs.

  “I think you’re good for my son,” Alejandro says, turning to me. “He has remained here with us for almost three hours now. He looks happy, and he has been calling his mother more. You
’re a good boxer too.”

  “How do you know that?” Angel asks.

  “I know how to use YouTube. I told you, when it comes to my children, I educate myself,” he says.

  “You’ve seen me fight then.” I grin.

  “I have.”

  For the first time tonight, I fully relax. I understand the man sitting before me. He reminds me of myself and Angel rolled into one.

  “I want to marry your son and start our own family. It’s important to me that I have your blessing,” I say.

  He looks between us. I feel like all of the air is sucked from the room as I wait for him to speak. That smile lights his face again.

  “What makes Angel happy makes me happy. You both have my blessing. I want to meet this Billy. My wife says Angel can’t stop talking about her,” he says.

  “She is something.” I snort.

  “She’s lucky. I can see she will have a life full of love.”

  Angel

  “How are you holding up?” Andres’s voice pulls me from my thoughts.

  I turn to my brother and smile. I stepped out of the restaurant to get some air and truly let my father’s words settle in. I have so many thoughts floating through my mind. I’ve made so many decisions based on my perception of things.

  “Have you ever felt like you want to press rewind?” I ask.

  “All the time. I would’ve done so much different with Tati. I can see all the shit we did wrong, the day it was truly over, and the moment we fell out of love,” he replies.

  “Yeah, I know what you mean. After talking to Papi, I know the day I changed my life forever. I can see it so clearly, and now that I have his side of things I see how wrong I was.”

  “But I can’t say I regret any of it, you know. I love my daughter. My mistakes with Tati have taught me how to love the next,” he says.

  Andres and Tati were bad for each other. Their divorce wasn’t a surprise to anyone but Andres. I wish I could’ve saved him the heartache.

  “Does that mean we’re about to marry into the same family? Should we plan a double wedding?” I tease.

  “Nah, we’re not that far yet, but I care about Emma. I can see getting there,” he says with a grin.