“I’m sorry.”
“About beating up my brother?” he asked as he put his hand on Ennis’s.
“I’m sorry Jarrett is acting like a prick,” Ennis answered. “I know he loves you. He’s just dealing with this badly.”
“All his life he’s been the good son. Everything he did was because our parents wanted it. He used to talk about being an architect, but our dad wanted him to take over the business. So, he manages the business and makes sure the company gets some of the big contracts that come along.”
“He could have followed his dreams.”
“There was talk of me joining the business. Dad still talks about it, but it was never what I wanted. I think Jarrett resents me for living my life as I see fit while he…” He shrugged.
“He made choices,” Ennis said softly. “And honestly, I don’t think he resents you for that.”
“But he regrets,” he said. “That’s why he won’t go out with that girl at the bar. She’s not middle-class wife material. My mother will never approve of her.”
“I don’t think either of you are giving your parents enough credit,” Ennis answered quietly. “They love you and want you to be happy.”
“I’m hoping that’s true, but with my mom, it’s hard to tell,” Jase said. “She has this belief that things are a certain way, and she tends to hold to that at all costs.”
“You think she’ll reject you and have your dad doing the same?”
“I’m afraid of that, yeah, but I’ve been afraid too long,” he murmured. “I’m basically in the closet around them because I know it’s hard for them.”
“They’ve had years to adjust, so maybe they have,” Ennis said.
“Some things don’t change, Ennis, especially when my mom brings religion into them,” Jase answered. “The Bible is the law of human nature in her mind.”
He brought Jase’s hand to his lips and kissed his knuckles. “Religion is an individual decision. We all have to make our peace with deity in our own way. So, what do you want to do?”
“You.”
Ennis snickered. “I bet you do have your twisted little fantasies of topping me,” he teased.
“My wholesome fantasies are all about you dominating me, making me your bitch.”
“Mmm. We’ll have to delve deeper into some of them then,” Ennis murmured. “What’s your favorite domination fantasy?”
“Hard to say.” He put his hand on Ennis’s thigh when he released his hand. “They all end the same way, though.”
“How’s that?”
He slid his hand up to rest on the bulge between Ennis’s legs. “With this buried inside me.”
“They all sound like a happy ending to me.” He put a hand on Jase’s and Jase squeezed him. Ennis moaned. “Hard.”
Jase did just that. “Your parents always seemed so down to earth. You have any siblings? I saw pictures but you never mentioned any brothers or sisters.”
“A brother on the Gulf coast in Mississippi.” He put both hands on the wheel. “Enough, Jase.”
Jase drew his hand back. “You weren’t close?”
“No, not really, but that’s not why he didn’t come around much.” He shrugged.
“Do your parents know you’re gay? You never seemed like it.”
“I was never obvious about my sexuality,” Ennis murmured. “But my parents are fully aware that I’m gay and have no issue with it.”
“Is there a chance I could ever be more than a casual fling to you?” Jase asked as his brother’s words came back to haunt him. Ennis had never had a serious relationship or at least he’d never mentioned a lover.
“That’s all I’m interested in with you,” Ennis answered. “I thought I made that clear from the beginning. I want to be the only man in your life, Jase.”
Jase’s jaw dropped. “Are—do you mean that?”
“Yes. Now, do you want to shower and then have dinner?” Ennis turned off the engine.
“You’re not going to pull back or let Jarrett scare you away?”
“Do you see me running?” Ennis asked and then unbuckled his seatbelt and climbed out quickly. He was around to Jase’s side before he could even open the door. “Here are the keys. Go ahead and unlock the door for us.”
Jase took the keys and did just that. Ennis was behind him in what seemed like seconds. His speed was disconcerting sometimes. “You move so fast.”
“I know how to slow down when I need to.” He gave Jase a teasing smile.
“Yes, you do.” Jase leaned toward him and stole a kiss and then backed away. He headed to Ennis’s bedroom and his lips curved into a smile as he recalled the last time he’d been here. Tonight he would be sharing Ennis’s bed and Jarrett would not be interrupting.
Jase turned and Ennis dropped his bags at his feet. Jase stared up at him, his heart going pitter-patter.
“Let’s get you cleaned up.” Ennis reached down and unbuttoned Jase’s shirt. A royal blue T-shirt stared back at him. He pushed the button-down from Jase’s arms, allowing his fingers to cares down his warm skin.
Just that simple action made his pulse race and his dick twitch to life.
Ennis worked the button of his pants free and unzipped them before dragging a finger over Jase’s thickening cock. Ennis pushed his hands down Jase’s pants and cupped his royal-blue-clad ass before pushing his pants down his narrow hips.
Jase stepped out of his pants. “Undress and come take a shower with me?” He backed away from Ennis and turned and strode into the bathroom.
Jase could feel Ennis’s eyes on him. He knew he was checking out the micro briefs and enjoying how they snugly clasped his ass and hips. His partner’s reaction was why he spent so much money on his underwear, Jase thought. He hoped Ennis wasn’t just looking and lusting but looking and caving something more lasting.
“Be there in a minute,” Ennis called.
In the spacious bathroom, a sea of purple and green with kisses of white, Jase crossed the marble tile to the large floor-to-ceiling shower and turned it. He climbed in and gave the suction cup restraints a curious stare.
“I hope you’re up for some fun and games.” He caressed the restraint and a shiver of anticipation rushed through him.
Chapter Sixteen
Ennis stepped into the shower moments later and his arms went around Jase’s waist and pulled him back against him.
“You finally made it,” Jase said over the water. A sharp bite to his shoulder had him moaning. “I love it when you do that.”
“Do you love it when I do this, too?” Ennis turned him and put his back against the marble wall as he claimed his mouth. Jase’s legs went immediately around his strong hips. Ennis pressed Jase’s hands to the wall and ground his swollen cock against his. His lips skimmed over Jase’s throat, nipping and licking.
“I think I do,” Jase said breathlessly as his fingers flexed against his lover’s. He moaned as the side of his neck was nipped. “Why do I like this? I have never liked being bitten.”
“You like what I do to you,” Ennis murmured as he closed the waterproof restraints around one wrist and then the other. “Feet on the floor,” he ordered and instantly Jase obeyed.
Ennis stroked his hands down Jase’s chest to his hips and back up. He pinched both nipples in tandem and Jase hissed from the snick of pain.
Ennis gave each nipple a light thump before lowering his head to flick his tongue over one and then the other. He pinched them again before gliding his hand down to stroke Jase’s engorged penis.
“Yes, Ennis. Touch me. Your touch makes me so hot.”
“Touch you like this?” He slapped the head of Jase’s dick lightly.
Jase drew in a ragged breath. “You make me so crazy.”
Ennis reached for a tube of lube in the built-in caddy. “That’s what you do to me, Jase.” He squeezed some onto his palm and worked it along Jase’s shaft. “So crazy I can’t fight how much I want you.” He gave his thick cock a pull before allowing his
palm to play over the tip.
Jase moaned and pulled against the restraints. “I need you,” he said in a pleading tone.
“You’ll have me soon, lover,” he murmured softly and reached behind Jase to squeeze a dollop of the warm liquid down the seam of his ass. He cupped his cheek, whacked it, and then drew the lube around the puckered rosette of his anus.
Ennis breached the tight channel with the tip of his finger, pushing it just past the tight ring of muscle. Jase closed his eyes. He could feel Jase’s pleasure, was feeding off it.
“Look at me. Let me see your pleasure,” Ennis ordered. Damn he tasted so good. He could drown in the smell and the taste of Jase. Only a mate had this effect on a gray spade. They loved to give pleasure, to feed on it, but they only gave a damn how good they were to their mates.
Jase groaned as Ennis fucked his finger in and out of him. He arched his body into Ennis’s, rubbing his chest against his lover’s. “I want to taste you, baby.”
“Do it, Jase, sweetness.”
Jase licked the drops of water from his shoulder before nipping at his muscled flesh.
“Bite hard,” Ennis said, a growl in his voice. Jase’s sharp little teeth were a tickle to his tough skin until he bit down harder, drawing a growl from man and demon. He pushed his finger deeper, stroking in and out as Jase licked and nibbled at his chest.
“Feels so good.” Jase whimpered. He ground his cock against Ennis’s thigh and groaned as pleasure rippled through him. “Oh, yes, baby. I’m going to go up in flames.”
Ennis pushed two fingers into Jase’s tight space and fucked him harder, deeper.
Jase brushed his lips against Ennis’s and his lips parted. His tongued pushed insistently into Jase’s mouth as he drew his fingers from his ass and lifted him against the wall to fit the tip of his cock against Jase’s anus. He pushed in as their tongues tangled, and the heated water sprayed over them.
“Ahhh!” Jase threw his head back as Ennis filled him in two strokes. His inner muscles contracted on the thick length. Ennis growled and Jase strained closer.
Ennis gripped Jase’s hips and set up a steady rhythm. Knees bent, he thrust into the tight channel. Bliss was a caress over his skin as he pumped in and out of Jase’s tight clasp. “Jase. Fuck!” There had never been a man who smelled and felt this good.
“Yes,” Jase cried. “Oh, baby, yes. Fuck me!”
As if those words were a trigger, Ennis pinned Jase tighter against the wall and pounded into him. He was going to lose his mind in one little man and it felt so good. “Jase!”
“Ennis!”
Ennis sank his teeth into the flesh of Jase’s shoulder and Jase bucked against him, his orgasm pouring down over him.
Jase trembled, and Ennis brushed a kiss to his temple.
“Damn condom broke,” Ennis said.
“Ennis,” he groaned.
“Sorry, babe.” He released him from the restraints. “But I swear I’m clean. There is nothing I will give you except more loving.”
Jase snorted. “Casanova.”
“Let’s clean you up and get you fed,” Ennis said and opened the plastic door of the caddy that kept the two towels inside dry. He grabbed one and quickly moistened it and squeezed bodywash into it and worked it into a lather before firmly scrubbing Jase’s chest.
Once he’d washed him, he grabbed the sulfate-free shampoo and washed and conditioned his hair, massaging Jase’s scalp with the pads of his fingertips. The soft moans were his reward along with a stolen kiss.
After drying Jase’s back, Ennis dressed, leaving Jase to dry his hair. He hurried to his living room to prepare it for dinner by candlelight and soft music.
* * * *
Jase’s steps slowed as he heard Ennis’s deep rumbling voice.
“Bale, just do as I asked you to, okay? Who I’m with isn’t your concern… Yes, it’s Jase, so what? I’m protecting him remember? Bale… My wanting him has nothing to do with your rejection, Bale. You’re a great guy, and some man is going to be happy to have you in his life.” Ennis sighed.
Jase leaned against the wall as he listened closely. He had always wondered about the depth of their relationship. He’d seen them flirting off and on over the last few years. He’d thought they were lovers, but he’d never seen any real sign of it. Would Ennis dump him if Bale finally decided he wanted him now?
“Listen to me, I have a chance to have something real with Jase, and I’m not going to let you or Jarrett take that from me. Now, I want you to back the fuck off…Thank you. Have you had a chance to talk to Hollis’s husband?”
There was silence as he listened and Jase sagged against the wall in relief. He contemplated going in but decided not to distract Ennis. Mostly that was the reason.
He admitted he was a little insecure and afraid of getting hurt. So, he was eavesdropping to see if Bale made more one plea to Ennis to break up with him.
“What was your impression of him?
There was another silence. Jase was starting feel like a jerk, but he couldn’t make himself go in yet.
“Okay, well, I want you to finish checking Hollis out. I want to know everything there is to know about him. Something made him or someone want Rebecca and her friend dead. We’ll talk tomorrow. Goodnight, Bale.”
Jase pushed away from the wall satisfied, but he knew he had to find a way to get past the fear. Their relationship wouldn’t survive if he was always afraid Ennis would leave him for Bale. He stepped into the room, stopping short.
Candlelight greeted him and the faint hint of vanilla floated on the air. Warmth washed over him smoothing some of his fears away. “Ennis, this is fantastic.” He brushed a wisp of hair off his cheek. “I can’t believe you did this for me.”
Ennis frowned. “Why wouldn’t I, sweetness, you’re absolutely worth it.” Ennis held his hand out to him and Jase went to him. “Sit.”
Jase looked down at the coffee table dressed in red cloth with a centerpiece of strawberries. The fruit surrounded a pool of smooth delectable chocolate. “This is all so—so romantic. I’m supposed to be the one doing the wooing.”
Ennis shrugged. “Can’t I do a little wooing of my own?”
Jase laughed. “You’re getting off to a good start.” He rounded the table and threw his arms around Ennis’s neck. “Thank you, baby.” He tenderly kissed his jaw.
Ennis gave him a shy look. “Sit. Let me pour you some wine.”
Jase grinned at him. “You’re embarrassed. How cute.”
“Jase,” Ennis groaned.
Jase giggled. “You’re so sweet you’re giving me a toothache.”
Ennis chuckled. “That’s my line, sweetness. Sit.”
Jase sat down on a cushion. “I thought you were just going to put the food on a plate.”
Ennis handed him a glass of wine. “I bet you did. So did you get any work done today? I know it was a little distracting with so much going on.”
“I managed to do a few sessions,” Jase said as Ennis sat down across from him. “How much are you going to charge me for this babysitting service and the security system?” He accepted the plate Ennis held out to him. “Thanks.”
Ennis cocked a brow at him. “I think we can take it out in trade.”
Jase’s lips twitched as he picked up a strawberry and dipped it in the chocolate. He held it out to Ennis. “I can see how that might work.”
Ennis took a bite of the fruit with his eyes on Jase. “Mmm.”
Jase smiled. “So, how many times would you say I’d have to let you ravish me before my bill is paid in full?” He tried to keep a straight face and Ennis finished off the fruit, giving him a benign stare.
“Umm, let’s see,” Ennis said. “What would be fair?”
Jase reached for another strawberry and swirled it around in the chocolate and took a bite. “Mmm. Mmm. Good chocolate!”
Ennis smiled. “When you look enraptured like that I might be persuaded to take a few dinners as payment.”
“H
ow utterly gentlemanly of you,” he teased. “This is really good chocolate, baby. Where’d you get it? It would be perfect for a cake.”
Ennis laughed. “You bake?”
“Of course. While my mother was out doing her social butterfly thing and Jarrett was out with his friends, I was home with our housekeeper learning to cook. I was curious so she taught me. She had a son that I had the wildest crush on. I must have been nine or ten. He hooked me on photography.”
“I’ll have to treat you to some of the chocolate now and then.”
“You’ll have to tell me where you got it, so I can make a chocolate cheesecake for you,” Jase said, reaching over to stroke Ennis’s hand as he gave him a beguiling look.
“I’ll get you some soon.” He chuckled. “Eat. Jarrett will complain that not only am I fucking you into exhaustion I’m not feeding you enough.”
Jase grinned. “I don’t care what he says. You make me happy.”
Chapter Seventeen
Jase woke the next morning, not to the sun peeking in through the curtains, but near total darkness.
He opened his eyes wondering if it was cloudy to find himself staring at dark drapes. The faint smell of cinnamon and cloves reminded him he was in Ennis’s bed. A slow smile stretched over his lips, and he rolled onto his back. He stretched and the smell of rich coffee wafted to him.
He rolled out of bed and over to the window. He pushed open the curtain and the sun pressed its smiley face to the window. “That’s better.”
As the heat of the late summer sun bathed him, an ear-splitting screech rang through the room. Startled, he let out a cry as the sound cut across his nerves, setting them on edge. His hand fell away from the curtain, going to his ear, allowing the curtains to fall closed, blocking out the offending light once more.
Jase quickly turned to pan the room for clues of the offending noise. He saw a shadow on the wall, but nothing more, and wondered if the noise had come from outside instead of behind him.
“Ennis?” He moved away from the window heading to the bedroom door to peer out into the hall. “Ennis?”
Seducing His Brother's Best Friend Page 9
