A gay story: Cursed Gift Copyright 2008 Patricia Osmundsen
For those of you who so kindly asked for another story, here it is. Something new, in many ways. My first short story, my first story written specifically for you wonderful people, my first foray into anything other than simple sex. (Well, when is sex really simple? But you get my drift.) Also, my first try at creating some original lyrics within a story. I hope you enjoy this little piece.
Additional note: While working on a second Alex/Wade story, I re-read this one, and realized it needed a little more work. (I’m frequently guilty of tampering with intent to improve.) So I’ve added a scene or two, given a bit more information, and hopefully not ruined the whole dang thing in the process. My thanks to one brave reader who courageously pointed out that they caught the bad guy too easily. I’ve tried to fix that, as well. Hopefully, I succeeded. You be the judge.
pebo
**********
Alex Nightingale sat at the triple keyboard setup, fingers spread and waiting to lower as the stage lights came up and the house lights dimmed. He shifted on the stool and adjusted the battery pack that powered his hands-free microphone. He looked out at the tables that filled the lounge. The large club was crowded, and he knew the owner would be pleased. He looked toward the center of the stage, and watched the shadowy female figure become clearer as a baby spotlight brightened slowly. She was the reason for the large turnout. She was gifted, in more ways than one.
She was dressed as he was, in black leather pants, a matching leather vest, and a white tee shirt. He grinned. The outfit sounded boring, and on him it was. On Alison, however, it was sinful. The pants hung low on her hips, and clung to soft curves and lithe muscles like a living being that worshipped her form. Her tee shirt couldn’t possibly be any tighter, and the unbuttoned vest gaped enticingly, creating shadows that drew the eye and made you long for more light, so you could see what was hidden. Her long brown hair, straight and shining, hung to mid-back, thick and lustrous under the lights.
He played the opening bars to Evanescence’s Bring Me To Life, the piano notes falling soft and clear into an expectant hush. Alison began to sing and Alex could feel the crowd’s pleasure. Then the lead guitarist came in, Keith’s instrument and voice adding to the song, and Alison soared. Next was the drummer, then the base guitarist, Caitlin, who also sang backup, and the music filled the room. Alex provided the lead male vocal, his baritone blending effortlessly with Alison’s contralto. She prowled back and forth across the stage as the pace of the music picked up, and when they reached the bridge of the song, she moved toward him, leaned against him, and sang to him.
He felt the warmth of a blush creep up his neck. He didn’t like the attention, would have been perfectly happy if the light never fell on him, but he sang his part without faltering. Thankfully, she didn’t stay long. Once the refrain began, she was back at center stage, and he faded into comforting anonymity again.
They performed for two hours, the music ranging from current hits to tunes from the seventies, eighties, and nineties. They mixed in songs Alex had written. All were sung with Alison’s unique blend of smoky sensuality and hauntingly clear vocals. Alex stayed in the background, provided harmony or counterpoint vocals as needed, and played, his fingers gliding over the keys. When she announced a short break, he was off the stage and into the dressing room behind it before the house lights came up.
“We’ve got two requests for the next set,” Alison said, striding into the dressing room. She was glowing, her gray eyes sparkling and her lips curving in a wicked smile.
Alex leaned against the wall and sighed. “Why don’t I like the way you’re looking at me?”
“Probably because you’re a smart man, and you already know what I’m going to say.” She stopped in front of him, curled her fingers into his vest, and tipped her head to one side. At five-eight, she was only two inches shorter than her brother.
He frowned at her. “No way. I don’t mind providing back-up, but I’m not doing a solo number.”
“You can sit at the keyboard. I won’t make you take center stage.”
He shook his head. Keith and David started laughing, and he glared at them. Keith bent his head to needlessly tune his guitar, and David twirled a drum stick in his fingers. “I can’t, I’ll freeze up and ruin your show.”
“No, you won’t. You never do. Come on. I’ll even have them keep the light real dim, if that’ll help.”
He sighed. “What songs?”
She grinned at him. “Lonely No More and Ever the Same. And thank you.”
“A Rob Thomas fan. You’ve got the voice for it, Alex,” Caitlin said. He knew she loved Rob Thomas.
Alex glared at her. “I didn’t say yes, damn it.”
Caitlin chuckled. “You will. You always do.” The redhead looked over at Alison. “Who asked for those songs?”
Alison grinned. “The club owner.”
By now everyone was laughing, and Alex flung his arms up in exasperated surrender. “Okay, fine, two songs.”
“Three.”
“What?”
Alison nodded. “I want you to sing Cursed Gift tonight.”
“Why? No one knows it, so it wasn’t requested.”
“A hunch.”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “What are you playing at?”
“Nothing. Just sing the song, okay?”
“Shit. All right.”
Alison hugged him. “We’ll do the Thomas songs first, and save Gift for last. You’re the best, twin.”
“And you’re a terror. Tell the lighting guy to keep me in the shadows.”
The stage was dark when they returned, and Alex was thankful for that. He settled onto the stool behind the keyboard, heard the rest of the band move around and get ready, and felt a slender hand on his shoulder.
“Want me to stand here until you get going?
He nodded. “Thanks.”
“Can’t have my bro going all nervy on me. Just pretend we’re at home, rehearsing.”
He relaxed a little, heard her chuckle, and felt her confidence flow into him. He began to play, swinging into the opening bars and waiting for the band to join him. Once he started singing, he forgot the audience, and his voice rose smooth and clear, carried to the entire room over the sound system. He sang with his eyes half-closed, never leaving the safety of his keyboards, and kept his head in the music.
**********
He sat at the bar, nursing a drink and watching the keyboard player. Oh yes, what a wonderful choice those songs were. Perfectly suited for the smooth power of the masculine voice. He was a handsome devil, with thick, brown hair that dove off his forehead toward sleepy-looking gray eyes, full lips that formed each word with care, and a dimple that appeared when he smiled. The white tee shirt hugged wide shoulders and lightly muscled arms, the ends of the open vest dangled over a flat stomach, and pointed the way to the top of the low-slung pants. He wanted the man to come out from behind his equipment. He wanted to see if those pants were as tight on him as they were on the woman.
He wiped his upper lip clean of the sweat that had collected there. He shifted on the bar stool and tried to ease the pressure that was building in his groin. He kept his eyes on the man who’d captivated him. He looked so young and innocent. Just the way he liked them. I’ll have so much fun with you.
**********
The band continued playing two hour sets until the club closed, Alison taking the lead for everything except their final song. The crowd quieted when she took center stage and announced their final song. “This will wrap it up, folks. Let’s send you home with a song my brother wrote.”
The stage lights dimmed and Alex began the intro, joined by Keith and Caitlin, now playing acoustic guitars. For this song, Alison and the others provided backup vocals, letting Alex take the lead. Slow and melodic, David wove in and around the tune with a flute.
I’d give it all up in an instant,
the touch that brings knowledge and pain.
For one moment of silence, the warmth
of a kiss, things I’ll never know again.
This cursed gift that rules me, secludes and precludes
me from reaching out.
Left here alone, the arms of another, something
that I live without.
Once the song ended, the stage lights went out. There was a long moment of silence, and then applause that grew and built. Alex returned to the here and now with a shock, dismantled his keyboards and carted them backstage. He had them packed in their cases and was ready to leave when Alison showed up.
“Come on, shy one. The owner wants to talk to us.” She ignored the frown he sent her. “He already knows you don’t like to shake hands, so relax.” She latched onto his arm and dragged him out of the room and into the club proper.
The other band members were at the bar, grouped loosely around a tall, blond, and devastatingly handsome man, dressed in black jeans and a red tee shirt. The shirt strained over his muscular chest, hugged his arms tightly, and emphasized the strong abdomen. Alex felt a jolt that went straight to his dick, and wanted to turn around and leave. This gorgeous hunk was their boss-to-be? He’d noticed him while they were performing. Noticed? Couldn’t keep my eyes off him.
The blond smiled as they approached, and leaned against the bar. “Wade Turner,” he said, his blue eyes direct. “You left the audition before we could meet. Alison told me you’re not used to singing lead. I wanted to thank you, personally, for making the opening week a success. And for singing for me.”
Alex ducked his head and felt warmth stain his cheeks. “Oh, well, Alison and the band make me sound good.” Turner was a walking wet dream. At least, my wet dream, Alex thought. Broad shoulders that arrowed down to trim hips. A deep tan that made his teeth whiter and eyes bluer. Topped with a chiseled jaw, strong face and thick, wheat-blond hair. Probably straight as a plumb line, too. Down boy. He felt a ripple of amusement in his mind, and gave a mental grin. What the hell, I can drool, can’t I, twin?
“I listened carefully during your solos, and you’re good. Your last song gave me chills.”
Alex shrugged. “So would fingernails on a chalkboard.”
“Are you always this self-effacing? Trust me, I’ve spent the last six months auditioning bands and singers, and you guys are great. I’m prepared to offer you a contract, if you’ll answer one question.”
“What?”
“Why is the band named TFB Relativity? I’ve been trying to figure it out for two weeks.”
Alison grinned. “My weird twin’s idea. We’re all trust fund babies, and sort of related. Keith and Caitlin are brother and sister, Keith and I are married, and Caitlin’s married to David. See?”
Wade chuckled. “I thought it was some obscure musical reference.” He gestured toward the bar. “I’m buying, if anyone wants a drink.”
“I’ll take a club soda with a twist.” Alex chose a stool halfway down the bar, glanced around the table area as the last of the patrons left, and rubbed at the back of his neck. The hair there, which should have rested on his skin, was standing up. He lifted the glass the bartender set before him, took a swallow, and spotted an empty glass six inches down the bar. He watched his hand reach out to pick it up, and felt the room fade and fall away.
**********
“Is your brother all right?” Wade tipped his head toward the other man. Alex was holding an empty glass, his face white and his hand shaking.
“Oh, shit.” Alison reached him in three long strides. “Alex, what is it? Come on, come out. Alex, come out.”
He turned his head slowly, and she saw his eyes. Pupils widely dilated, surrounded by a thin ring of steel gray. “Loverboy was here. Watching. He’s already picked number seven.” In the last nine months, the Loverboy Killer had struck six times, three in the last six weeks. The citizens of Phoenix were terrified. He was escalating, and the police were frantic to find him. Alex blinked, and his eyes slowly returned to normal. He set the glass down, but waved the bartender away from it. “Call Frank. Maybe he can lift prints from this.” His hands trembled.
She nodded, used her cell phone, and hung up thirty seconds later. “He’s on his way. Did you get anything else?”
“Maybe.” He looked past her. “Wade’s walking this way. Head him off.”
She nodded and intercepted the blond before he could reach them.
Wade looked at her, a frown knotting his brows. “What the hell was that about?”
She looked over his shoulder to the other band members, and jerked her chin toward the back of the club. They took the hint and headed for the dressing room. Alison sat down and pointed at a barstool opposite her. Wade perched one hip on the stool, grimaced slightly, and waited.
“Listen, we’d like to work here, but you have to understand something first.”
Wade raised an eyebrow. “I’m listening.”
“Alex has a gift, and I’m not talking about music. He calls it a curse, and I can’t say I blame him. It’s certainly brought him nothing but grief.” She shrugged. “What’s your opinion of psychic abilities?”
Bright blue eyes studied her carefully. “I’m undecided.”
She tilted her head. “It always comes down to show and tell. Okay.” She curled her fingers around his wrist. “Ah, that’s why you’ve been favoring your left leg. Sciatica. Okay, hold on.” She closed her eyes, hummed an odd little tune, and then released him. “How’s the hip?”
Wade stared at her. He’d felt a strange tingle as she’d hummed, and now the pain from the pinched nerve was gone. “How’d you do that?”
“Not a clue. This is my gift, and it’s more or less benign. His isn’t, and that’s why he doesn’t like to shake hands, or be touched, at all.”
“His song. But why would he consider it a curse?”
“I told you, his gift is different. I tune in on hurts, and heal them. Alex tunes in on thoughts, and hears them. Mine is voluntary and under my control. His isn’t.”
“Which means … what?”
“He’s a touch telepath, and wide open all the time.”
**********
He sat in his car and watched the rest of the band leave. The twins were still inside, along with the owner and the bartender. Well, he could wait. His prey couldn’t stay in there forever. Another car pulled up, a man got out, strode to the front door, and was admitted. The beefy, dark-haired man was so obviously a cop, the word could have been branded on his forehead. Shit, now he had to leave. Were they onto him? He’d done nothing to create suspicion. Unless the rumors he’d heard about his latest prey were true. If so, what did it mean to him? Should he go ahead, or find another?
He smiled. He’d just change the plan a little, alter the timetable. He was nothing if not flexible. He’d still get what he wanted. He drove around the parking lot to the back, where the employees parked. He kept his mind quiet, and waited. This could be fun.
**********
Frank saw Alex at the bar, an empty glass sheltered within the circle of his forearms. He looks tired. Damn, let us catch this bastard soon. He sat down next to Alex, squeezed his shoulder in a brief hello, and gave him a smile. “What an opening night, huh?”
“Oh, yeah, I live for moments like this.” One corner of his mouth lifted in a weary smile, and he drew his arms away from the glass. “You might get his prints. Which probably won’t help you, because I don’t think he has a record. He’s too careful for that. Still, I had to call you.”
“What did you get?”
“First, a promise. You have to keep this from Alison.”
Frank leaned back. “I thought you two don’t have secrets. That you’re in each other’s heads too much to hide things.”
“She told you that, not me. I learned a long time ago to shield part of my mind from her. I had to.” He ran his finger through the condensation on his glass and stared at the top of the bar. “The things I’ve seen … no way she should share that. No one else should ever see the monsters that inhabit my mind.” He looked up again. “So, give me your promise. Alison doesn’t hear this from you.”
Frank stared at the pale face, the shadowed flesh under steel gray eyes, and the determined mouth of the younger man he’d come to consider a friend. “All right. You have my word.”
“He has a new target picked out.” Alex rubbed the back of his neck. “He’s focused on me. I’m his next victim. And I think he knows I’m onto him.”
**********
Wade drummed his fingers on the top of the bar. He’d seen the man touch Alex’s shoulder, and had to suppress an unexpected surge of jealousy. “He’s a telepath. You’re not shitting me?”
“Believe it or don’t, but see the guy sitting with him? He’s a detective with homicide. Hard-nosed as you’ll ever meet. He believes.”
“Your brother helps the cops? How?”
“He’s also clairvoyant. He picks up things about people from items they’ve handled. Sometimes the cops bring him things from cases they’re working. Sometimes, like tonight, he calls them.”
“So, Alex touched that empty drinking glass, and ‘picked up’ something that made him call the cops? What, is some guy gonna go home and shoot his wife? How the hell does that help?”
“If only it was something that simple.” She watched Wade’s blue eyes grow wide.
“He’s working on the Loverboy Killer.” So named by the media, the Loverboy Killer singled out gay men. Wade swallowed as news accounts of the atrocities committed by this beast flickered through his mind. “Jesus, Alison, every gay man in town is looking twice at people they’ve known all their lives because of this bastard. Big as I am, I haven’t even dated in six months, wondering if some new guy might be him. Your brother’s trying to help catch him?” He saw her eyes close briefly, noticed the sudden trembling of her hands. “Tell me Alex isn’t gay, please.”
“Well, I’d be lying. He isn’t in the closet, either. Hasn’t been for years.” She looked down at her hands. “I tried to get him to take off with me, just cut and run. He wouldn’t. I told him he could at least stay out of this one, keep his head down. He didn’t.”
“Hopefully his partner keeps an eye on him.”
“He isn’t involved with anyone. Not in a long time. It’s … difficult.”
Wade rubbed his eyes. “That’s what his song was about. That touch thing?”
She uttered a strangled laugh. “Yeah, that touch thing. After a few dates, most guys run. Too … intrusive. It isn’t like he can help it, but they don’t see it that way. One guy stuck around long enough to … shit, what the hell am I doing? I never talk this much.”
Wade spread his hands, palms up. “I’m a good listener. And right now, you’re worried. Anyone can see that.” He looked over at the slender man and felt the urge to scoop him up and hide him somewhere safe. What the hell? I don’t even know him. Maybe not, but he’d watched him all night. Alex had a beautiful body, the voice of an angel, and devilish eyes. And he didn’t even know it. He was completely unaware of how captivating, sexy, and flat out gorgeous he was. Wade turned his head with an effort to find Alison’s gray eyes on him.
“One guy stuck around long enough to what?”
She shook her head. “Not my place to say. Anyway, he’s done talking and will be here soon.” A tiny smile curved her lips upward. “Yeah, we have a stronger link than most twins. You’ll get used to it. Or not.”
Frank and Alex stood and shook hands. Frank had the glass tucked in an evidence bag, and headed for the front door. Alex walked toward them and paused at Alison’s shoulder. “I’m going to load up my equipment and head home. I need a shower and sleep.” He nodded at Wade. “Sorry to cut and run, but I’m beat.”
Wade stood. “Need a hand?”
“No, thanks. I’m used to it.” He waved a casual goodbye and walked toward the back of the club.
**********
Alex dropped his keys in his pocket, put the cases in the rear of the Blazer, and shut the hatch. He sensed someone behind him, started to turn, felt an explosion of pain in his head, and fell forward into the Blazer’s rear window. Over the roaring in his head, he heard a faint voice.
“You’re mine. I’ll come for you, soon.”
He struggled to turn, felt another blow, and collapsed onto the gravel of the parking lot. Blackness claimed him.
**********
Alison gazed thoughtfully at Wade. “You’re attracted to him, aren’t you?”
He leaned his elbow on the bar and toyed with his coffee cup. “He’s not my type, but … yeah. There’s something about him that….” He scratched his chin and shrugged. “I don’t know. I want to … protect him.”
Even, white teeth worried at her lower lip. “The attraction’s mutual. I just … I don’t think he’ll do anything about it.” She sighed. “What is your type?”
He grinned. “Usually big guys, like me. Alex seems almost fragile.”
She snorted. “Don’t kid yourself. I’ve seen him take down hunkier men than you. He’s not … oh, no.” She was up and running for the back door.
Seeing the sudden fear in her face, he found himself right behind her.
**********
Alex pushed himself to his knees, his head bent, and tried to figure out why he was on the ground. He wobbled to his feet, felt an unfamiliar hand on his arm, and grabbed at the strong wrist attached to that hand. He pivoted and shoved a hard body against his Blazer. He held the captured arm against a broad chest, and brought his right up for a disabling blow.
Alison’s voice, frantic, finally reached him. “It’s okay, twin, let him go. He’s just trying to help.”
He was face-to-face with Wade Turner, one hand still holding the bigger man’s wrist, the other inches from striking at the vulnerable throat before his eyes. “Oh shit, sorry.” He opened his hands, held them up at shoulder level, palms forward. “Thought I was being pulled up for round two.” He stepped back, heard a strange roaring in his ears, and saw the gravel of the parking lot rush up at him. Damn, not again, he thought. And then, nothing.
**********
Wade caught him around the shoulders before he connected with the ground. He bent, tucked his other arm under Alex’s knees, and lifted, holding him against his chest. “Let’s get him inside. He’ll need some tlc from you.”
He carried Alex into the dressing room and deposited him gently on the couch. Alison sat down beside her brother and touched his forehead, humming. Wade shoved his hands in his pockets and watched as lines of pain eased from the other man’s face. At last she stopped and sighed.
“Well, I’ve done what I can. I’m not strong enough to heal him completely, but I’ve helped.” She reached into her bag a pulled out a power bar. “I burn a lot of calories doing this,” she explained as she bit into the bar. “Alex insists I carry these, even though I don’t do this very often.”
“On a scale of one to ten, how strong is your gift?”
“Ten being highest?” At his nod, she chewed another bite while she thought. “Maybe a four. On a good day.” Another bite, and she eyed him quietly. “You don’t seem to have much trouble accepting this.”
“I tend to believe my own eyes. What about Alex? How strong is he?”
“Eight or nine, on an average day. Other days he’d blow the top off that scale.”
“So he’s taking in stuff all the time?”
“No, not quite. Touching things isn’t as sure as skin to skin, and doesn’t cause as strong a connection. Even with direct touch, he only connects about fifty percent of the time.” She grabbed a bottle of water from the small fridge, and drank half of it. “You do realize, in the parking lot…”
“He knows, twin.” Alex spoke quietly from the couch. His forearm was draped over his eyes and shadowed the rest of his face. “I’m sorry, Wade. I wouldn’t have done it if I’d known it was you.” He pushed himself upright, stood, and stretched. “Thanks, sis. A good night’s sleep and I’ll be fine.” He pulled his keys out, dropped a kiss on Alison’s head, gave Wade a troubled look, and left.
“He’s going home? Alone?” Wade shook his head. “Like hell he is.” He strode to the door and looked back at Alison. “You gonna back me up on this?”
She grabbed her bag and preceded him through the door. “Nope. You’re on your own, tiger.”
Wade followed slowly, watched her say something to Alex, get in her car, and drive off. He was left facing wary gray eyes that gave away little of what the mind behind them thought.
“You don’t have to worry that I’ll trespass in your head, Wade. I’ll stay away.” Alex edged toward the door of his vehicle. “I know what a violation it is. That’s why I don’t shake hands, or mix with crowds. Once a connection is made, I can’t break it. The only thing I can do is avoid the person. You don’t have to ask me to do that.” He turned away and unlocked the Blazer’s door.
Wade thought he’d never seen a person as lonely as the man before him. “You can’t be reading me very well if you think I’m worried about that.” He took the three steps necessary to close the distance between them. “Alison said you were strong, but I didn’t ask about accuracy.”
“I’m very accurate.” The rich baritone was tight and clipped. “I’m also trying like hell not to listen in right now.” The slender body was trembling, almost vibrating.
“I can see that. Why?” He was close enough to smell the man under the scent of cologne. A fresh, crisp smell, like the air before a storm. Close enough to feel the tremors in his body. Close enough to need to be closer still. Oh, how I want this man. He dropped his voice to a soft murmur. “Why don’t you want to hear my thoughts, Alex?”
**********
Through binoculars, cold eyes watched the two men. This won’t do at all. He’s mine. I won’t let you interfere. He set the binoculars aside and drove away.
**********
Alex leaned his forehead against the driver’s window. “Maybe it sounds exciting or interesting at the moment, but after a while, trust me, you’d hate having me in your head. Everyone needs to feel their mind is inviolate. That their thoughts are private and theirs alone.” He could feel how close Wade stood behind him, and he wanted to scream, shout, or cry. To find release one way or another. He wouldn’t take any of those routes. He tried to explain.
“If it were mutual, it might be different. If it weren’t so one-sided, that might make it at least bearable. But it isn’t.” Alex took a deep breath. “You should leave. Now, please. I don’t know how long I can hold the block.” He felt a large hand on his shoulder, his body was turned around, and he watched as the blond head drew closer to his.
He felt firm lips on his, warmth that started at his mouth and spread to suffuse his entire body, and he couldn’t stop himself from leaning into that heat. Power and passion, desire and need, lust and comfort, all were there in that kiss. He knew what he was letting himself in for, he knew it wouldn’t last, and he just didn’t give a damn. His mind and body responded, his arms curved around the big man pressed against him, and he surrendered.
Wade claimed his mouth. There was no other word for it. His lips were mapped and charted, the ridges on the roof of his mouth were investigated, his inner cheeks were probed without mercy, and his tongue was stroked and coaxed into submission.
He set his fingers into denim belt loops, snaked a leg up and around a strong thigh, and pulled Wade’s hips into his. The blond grunted as hardness met hardness, and rubbed.
“You don’t fight fair, do you?” Wade found the junction of neck and shoulder with his teeth and bit down.
Alex gasped, slipped his free hand into thick, blond hair, and tugged until their mouths aligned again. “Should I?” He sucked Wade’s lower lip into his mouth, closed his teeth over it, and nipped gently.
“Fuck, no.” Wade lifted his head, his breath ragged and his voice raspy. “I live on First and Thurgood. You?”
“I’m closer. Stevens and Hawthorne.” He murmured this into Wade’s ear, felt the other man shiver, and grinned. “Follow me?” Please, say yes.
“Oh, yeah.”
**********
Wade parked in the driveway behind the Blazer, shut off his car, and asked himself what the hell he was doing. He wasn’t into casual sex, and somehow Alex didn’t strike him as the type for a one-night stand, either. He watched leather-clad legs descend to the concrete, followed by a tight ass that begged to be touched. Oh, hell, I’m sunk. Might as well go gracefully. He got out of his car and joined Alex at the rear of the Blazer.
Gray eyes swept over him, smoky and intense. “This time I’ll let you help,” Alex said, and opened the hatch. “I don’t leave the equipment out here.” He grabbed two of the cases, Wade took the third, and followed him to the front door, and into the house. Alex flipped a light switch and Wade looked around, surprised.
The exterior didn’t match the interior. Outside the house was a single-story ranch, tradtional and somewhat staid, yellow paint with white trim. Inside it was loft-like, spacious and modern. To the right of the huge central space was a hallway with three doors off it. “Spare bedrooms and bath,” Alex said. He walked into the middle of the open space, set the two cases on the floor, and motioned for Wade to put down the one he carried. This area was obviously the music studio. A baby grand sat on a raised, wooden dais, surrounded by stools, chairs, and music stands. Other stands held various instruments, and Wade wondered how many of them Alex played. Woodwinds, brass, a violin, and three guitars were scattered throughout the area.
To the left was comfortable seating, leather chairs and sofas, stands with lights, and large area rugs in shades of blues and greens, shot through with gold. Across from that was a modern, utilitarian kitchen setup, complete with rolling workstations, a breakfast bar with high-backed stools, and a metal and granite dinette set. Beyond this, on the left side of the house, was the second interior wall, with a door set left of center. “My bedroom,” Alex said, a faint smile on his face. “Do you want something to drink? No booze, but I have water, soft drinks, tea and coffee.”
“Water would be good.” He cleared his throat. “Stupid question, but how old are you?”
“Twenty-eight, why?” Alex moved to the refrigerator, pulled a bottle from it, and turned. He didn’t seem surprised to find Wade directly behind him, although the bigger man knew he’d moved quietly. A corner of Alex’s mouth lifted in a wry grin, and he handed over the water. “It isn’t easy to sneak up on me,” he said quietly. “Why did you ask how old I am?”
“Wanted to be sure you’re old enough for me. I was afraid of that cradle-robbing thing.”
“Ah. Well, five years isn’t a huge gap.” He walked past Wade and opened the door to his room. “If you don’t mind, these pants are hot and I need a quick shower.” He sent a glance over his shoulder, and his dimple flashed as he smiled. “You’re welcome to join me.”
When had he forgotten how to breathe? Wade felt his cock thicken at the heat in that gray glance, fumbled the bottle onto the counter, and followed Alex. He entered the room, stared at the king-size four poster bed, and heard water running to his left. The open floor plan had been carried through into this area. There was only one interior wall, which he figured hid a toilet, allowing for some privacy. The rest of the left side of the room was given over to a huge, glassed-in garden shower, double sinks set in gray granite, and mirrored cabinets above the sink. The effect was stunning, and he might have taken more time to admire and appreciate the layout, but the moment he turned his head, his eyes were filled with a sight more arresting than any architecture on the planet.
Alex stood in front of the shower, completely nude and obviously aroused. Steam from the shower curled around long legs and slender feet, which were spread slightly apart. Wade’s gaze stuttered up to wide shoulders, traveled down to find the slender hands set on narrow hips, fingers spread and pointed toward a neatly-trimmed thatch of brown hair. Rising from the dark curls, framed by long fingers, was an equally long and extremely hard cock.
Wade toed off his shoes, hooked his socks off one-handed, and stripped the tee shirt off, all the while trying to keep his eyes on that thick piece of meat. What he lacks in body size, he makes up for below the waist. He unbuttoned his jeans, pulled them over his hips along with his briefs, and left them behind on the floor as he took the two steps remaining between him and Alex.
He set his hand in thick, brown hair, tugged, and bent his head to capture Alex’s mouth. He was surprised when Alex resisted, and gasped when the other man’s teeth fastened on his nipple. “Oh, fuck.” His back arched at the sharp, delicious pain. Not too hard, just enough to make his skin sizzle.
“I’ve got a surprise for you, Wade Turner.” Gray eyes slanted up at him as slender fingers found and tweaked the other bud. “I’m in the driver’s seat for now.” Alex rose and covered Wade’s mouth, and when Wade lifted his hands to slide them around Alex’s neck, his wrists were caught, and his hands were dragged behind his back. Alex pushed, exhibiting strength his slender form belied, and Wade found himself giving way and backing into the shower. His hands were placed around a grab bar, steel gray eyes bored into his, and a low voice growled out three words. “Don’t let go.”
A hot mouth traveled slowly down his chest, teeth biting hard enough to leave marks that were immediately soothed by a warm, wet tongue. Wade’s hands held fast to the bar behind him as Alex moved farther south, his tongue dipping into Wade’s navel before moving on, and following the thin trail of hair that led to the waiting cock. Alex veered to the side and buried his nose in the thicket of hair that surrounded that throbbing pole, his smooth cheek brushing against rigid warmth in passing. His tongue licked the inside of the left thigh, his mouth fastened on soft skin, and he sucked hard.
“Ah, shit.” Wade’s hips thrust forward at the quick, sharp pain, and his hands tightened on the grab bar. His breath was coming faster now, and he struggled to make his mouth form the words he needed to say. “C-condom, Alex. You have one?”
Alex flattened his tongue and drew it along Wade’s perineum, up and over his balls, and straight up to the tip of his weeping, twitching dick. “I’ve never barebacked. Tested clean a couple of years ago, after my last … encounter. What about you?”
“Shit, I could say anything. How would you know if it’s the truth?”
Alex stood slowly, drawing his tongue up the center of Wade’s chest, over his neck and chin, stopping below his lips. “I’d know.” He paused, his eyes darker than the night sky. “In fact, I do know. You’re clean.” His eyes cleared, and he smiled. “But if you want me to wear one, I will.”
Wade swallowed, nearly losing himself in those eyes, and shook his head. “I trust you.” He realized he did. He knew Alex wouldn’t lie to him. He didn’t know how he knew, but he did.
At that, Alex crouched before him, licked his lips, and slowly engulfed him, moving steadily down until his mouth met the flesh of Wade’s groin. He contracted and relaxed his throat rhythmically, and began to hum.
“Oh, fuck!” Wade tried to thrust forward, but strong arms settled across his stomach and thighs, and held him still. He’s playing me like an instrument. Teeth scraped lightly over sensitive skin as Alex pulled back, and Wade hissed in a startled breath. The slow journey back down his cock began, and he was reduced to whimpers and moans, unable to move, unwilling to let go of the bar behind him. He held on, enjoying the sweet agony of always approaching, but never reaching, release. When he knew he couldn’t take another second of torment, it stopped.
He panted harshly, muscles strained and rigid, eyes closed, and hands locked behind him. He felt the slender body brush against him as Alex rose, felt warm hands cup his face, and hot breath wash over his mouth. Oh please, kiss me.
Alex covered his mouth gently, teased his lips apart, and caressed his tongue softly. He lifted his head and Wade’s eyes opened to see his smile. “Your turn, big guy,” Alex said, and removed Wade’s hands from the grab bar.
Wade pulled him close, hands cupping and kneading the firm cheeks of Alex’s ass. “Did you really need a shower?”
Alex tipped his head back and laughed. “No, I just wanted to see your gorgeous body wet and writhing.”
“Bastard.” He crushed his lips on Alex’s, bit at the lush lower lip, and then dragged his mouth away. “What I want is you, dried off, and stretched out on that big bed of yours.” He delivered a light swat to the pert rear as Alex reached to turn off the water, and was rewarded with a snatched breath and a yelp.
They dried each other with big, fluffy towels, turning that simple activity into an erotic moment. Wade had never thought of a towel as an aide to arousal, but in the talented hands of the younger man, it became just that. Soft fabric caressed him, brushed in the cleft of his ass, stroked over his rigid erection, and teased deliciously at his sensitive nipples. He made sure he returned each and every touch with one of his own, and was pleased to see steel gray eyes turn hazy with desire.
Suddenly he dropped his towel, bent, wrapped his arms just under Alex’s butt, and lifted the smaller man straight up. He swiped his tongue over the weeping cock, licked up the juices collected there, and then draped Alex over his shoulder and headed for the bed. “Payback, songbird. You ready?”
**********
Alex expected Wade to drop him on the bed, but he didn’t. Instead, he lowered him slowly and carefully, as if he were fragile and too precious for careless handling. Aw, hell no. Don’t treat me like spun glass. Not now.
Wade’s blue eyes widened and a small vertical line appeared between his brows. He reached out, flicked a fingernail over an erect nipple, and smiled at the gasp it provoked. He bent his head, set his teeth around the same nub, and pulled back, allowing them to scrape over the sensitive flesh.
Alex arched his back, his chest pushing against Wade, and his head pressing into the pillow under him. Shit, yes, that’s it. The other nipple was given the same treatment, and he groaned. Open-mouthed kisses rained over his chest and belly, and then down, stopping just inside his hip. Wade’s mouth settled on the tender skin at the juncture of hip and leg, his tongue swept out to taste, and then he sucked hard.
“Ah, god!” His hips bucked, not to get away, but to beg for more. Somehow, Wade understood, and gave it to him. He was roughly flipped over and hauled to his knees. Strong fingers pulled and kneaded the cheeks of his ass, and his hands clenched on the bed cover. He felt his buttocks gripped and spread apart, and then wet heat flicked over his rear entrance. He grunted and thrust back, needing more. A barely wet finger was shoved in, the burning pain delicious and welcome. So good, just right, don’t fucking stop. Wade reached around, his hand touched Alex’s mouth, and Alex smiled. Oh, yes. He sucked in three fingers, nipping at them, wetting them with his saliva.
“Good boy,” Wade murmured. He pulled his fingers away and shoved them hard into the tight channel of Alex’s hungry ass.
Alex cried out harshly at the invasion, his asshole tightening in reflex, trying to expel the fingers. His body jerked forward and then he shoved back, and he felt the fingers curl and rub over his prostate. Sparks ignited behind his eyes and his whole body tightened. Wade quickly pulled his fingers out and Alex growled. Wade chuckled. “Hang on, songbird.”
Alex knew what was coming and he wanted it. Hard and fast, he thought. No mercy. A stray thought skittered across his mind. Lube. He panted, his body in overdrive, and thought of the bottle in the drawer of the night stand. He tried to make his mouth form the words, felt the bed shift, and Wade pulled away. Alex didn’t move, couldn’t think, aware only of the need that burned and raved inside him. Hurry, please, hurry. The bed shifted again, and Wade was behind him once more, blunt heat pushing at him, demanding entry. He spread his legs farther apart, felt large hands grip his hips, and then Wade rammed in, all the way, until they were balls to balls.
This time Alex screamed, his back arched at the exquisite pain, and his hands clawed at the bed cover. Wade held him tight, and Alex could only ride it out. “Too much?” Wade’s voice, pushing through the fireworks that consumed Alex.
“Not … not too much,” he panted. “J-just right. Don’t stop.” He managed to force the words out to reassure the bigger man. Dear god, don’t stop now.
Wade pulled back, withdrew nearly all of his cock, and then slammed forward, again and again. Alex cried out with each thrust, his prostate hit every time, and felt himself begin to peak. Nothing this intense could last for long, and now Wade moved faster. The room filled with the slap of flesh against flesh, the grunts and groans that spilled from the bigger man’s mouth, and then a long, climbing wail that was torn from Alex’s throat. His climax was ripped from him by the hard length that still drove into him. That length twitched, swelled, and released into him, and he was filled with hot fluid. Wade collapsed against his back, and Alex fell under him, both men trembling and weak.
He felt the bigger man stir as their heartbeats slowed and synched. Now he’ll pull out, he thought sadly. Instead, a strong arm wrapped around him as Wade rolled onto his side and brought Alex with him, the two of them still joined. Broad, hairy chest to slender, smooth back, Wade held him close. He felt Wade soften, finally, and slip out. Gentle kisses were pressed into his neck, shoulder, and back. God, he’s fucking perfect.
He felt a rumble of silent laughter against his back and heard Wade’s amused voice in his ear. “I’m hardly perfect. But that was.” He nuzzled Alex’s ear lobe. “I hope you intend to return the favor, songbird.”
He turned over, stared into bright, blue eyes, and ran his fingers from temple to chin. “You feel so good, your skin against me, all those strong muscles overpowering me, and your furry chest rubbing over me.” He slid his hand through the thick chest hair, combing it with his fingers. “Just enough, in all the right places.” He outlined the furred areas with his thumbs, tracing below the hollow of Wade’s throat, across his upper chest, over the breasts, and down the ripped abdomen to his navel, where the hair thinned to a line that led to a neatly trimmed patch surrounding his manhood. Oh yeah, all man.
Wade shivered at his touch and smiled. “You’re a study in contradictions. You look almost frail, dressed. Undressed … well, still slender, and smooth. I love it. All that sleek, warm skin over those whipcord muscles. But you’re stronger than you look. That was a … pleasant surprise.” He drew strong fingers up Alex’s thigh and in, letting them sift through the curls between Alex’s legs. “How can a man be so slim, so delicate, and still so strong and macho? Not just physically, either. You may have been submissive just now, but I think you can give as good as you get.”
Alex groaned, pressed the bigger man back on the bed and leaned over him. He kept his body close, brushing against Wade, soaking up the feel of him. His hand moved slowly over the strong chest, stroked up a shoulder and down a sculpted arm. He levered himself up, swung his right leg over, and straddled him, resting his butt on the powerful thighs. Now he used both hands to caress, from the top of the blond head to the valley where their members rested together, slowly coming back to life.
Wade reached up, returning the touches, and Alex closed his eyes and leaned into the large hand. So good, so warm, so long since I’ve been touched. And never like this, so tenderly. He fastened his teeth on his lower lip, holding back the words that wanted to pour from him. Better to keep quiet. It would be easier later, when their time was through. No, don’t think about that now.
He moved back, nudged Wade’s legs apart and settled himself between them. He lowered his mouth to the base of the thick cock and licked the fur-covered balls, taking first one and then the other gently in his mouth, caressed them with his tongue, and released them. He sent his tongue lower, along the taut, warm flesh to the tiny, puckered ring, and smiled when Wade gasped.
Wade tasted of musk, man, and some indescribable something that was just Wade. Spicy, tangy … he had to have more, and he delved for it. Wade spread his legs, drew up his knees, and invited him in. Alex stiffened his tongue and pressed in, delighted when the bigger man grunted and pushed against him. Like that, do you? He lost track of time as he feasted on the small portal and the surrounding skin, reveling in the sounds of arousal from above. Wade’s fingers were buried in his hair, and he began to tug.
“Please, god, I need, I want, oh shit….”
Alex reached blindly for the end table, fumbled over its surface, and finally grasped the lube. He coated his fingers, circled that enticing rosette, and eased inside. He started with one finger, slowly added another, and waited to make it three, but Wade derailed him. “Enough, I’m ready, I need you in me now.”
Alex raised up, coated himself, and eased inside the tight. slick furnace of Wade’s ass. He gasped as he felt himself surrounded for the first time in his life, and struggled against the urge to thrust and plunder. He closed his eyes, withdrew a little, and moved back in carefully. He heard a whimper of need, and realized it came from his own throat.
Wade tilted his hips up and drew Alex in. “Harder, baby, faster. Don’t hold back. Take me, make me scream.”
Alex gave in to what they both wanted, and drove into silken heat again and again, matching every upward lunge of the powerful hips with a hard thrust. He felt the head of his cock brush against the bundle of nerves in Wade’s tight channel, heard Wade groan, and changed the angle of his entry so he hit that spot every time.
Large hands played over his chest, his back, and his butt. Alex leaned in, letting his stomach stroke Wade’s hardness. He bent his head, found a taut nipple, and bit down. At the same moment, strong fingers settled around and tweaked his own nub. He felt the jolt run from his nipple to his cock, twitched, and without warning he came. Oh god, I didn’t know it would be so good.
His hips stuttered as he drove hard into Wade, each stutter a thrust, each thrust a pulse. He felt wetness bloom against his stomach, felt the warmth that sheathed him grow tighter, felt it suck him dry and he fell forward, limp and exhausted. For a few moments, the only sound in the room was that of two men trying desperately to draw more air into their lungs.
Wade pressed a kiss to Alex’s forehead. “I can’t believe this was your first time to top. Your other lovers were insane not to want this.”
Something about the comment bothered Alex, but he was too damn tired to chase it down. He sighed, relaxed against the broad chest, and slept.
**********
He’d watched with angry eyes as the two men entered the house. When it became obvious that the blond was staying, he felt hot rage turn cold and vengeful.
“You sullied my innocent, you bastard. He was meant for me, not you. You’ll pay for that.” He sat in his car for a long time, fuming.
**********
Alex woke slowly, warm, comfortable, and relaxed. In sleep, they’d shifted, and Wade once again nestled behind him. He felt strong arms around him, holding him close, and felt a pinch of despair. Oh, god, why had he given in? There was only one way this could end. Already, he could feel Wade’s presence in his mind, feel the other man’s thoughts slipping into his brain. He tried to shield his mind, and couldn’t. Much as Wade’s body wrapped around his, Wade’s mental presence enfolded him. He kept his eyes closed, trying to fight against the bond that was forming. Not just a mental bond. If he wasn’t careful, he’d give his heart to this man.
Wade stirred. “Quit worrying,” he mumbled, half-asleep. “I don’t mind. Feels good.”
Alex’s eyes popped open. “What?”
“You were muttering about the connection, the bond. I don’t mind it.”
Alex jerked upright, staring down at the sleepy blond. It isn’t possible. How … oh god, was it real? He stretched out facing Wade, slipped one arm over the powerful hips, and tucked his head into the junction of shoulder and neck. I’m hungry, he thought.
“Mmm, yeah, so’m I. Gimme a minute to wake up.”
Alex felt the room spinning, and realized he’d forgotten to breathe. He dragged air into his lungs and released it on a sob. He tried to stop, but the tears took over, and he shuddered against the broad chest.
“Baby, what’s wrong?” Wade tried to pull back, to lift Alex’s head, but Alex refused to let him go.
You can hear me, he thought. How is that possible?
“Well, I have ears, and they work just fine. How else?”
Alex wiped his eyes, relaxed his hold, and leaned back. He stared intently into blue eyes, and smiled. I love you, he thought.
“I love you, too, even though it seems way too soon,” Wade said. His blue eyes grew wide and round. “Holy shit, how the fuck did you do that?”
Alex decided it was time he used his voice. “I don’t know. It’s never happened. Before, it was always just me, hearing hidden thoughts. Just me, listening to secret desires. Never … never anyone hearing me, except Alison.” He traced kiss-swollen lips with his thumb. “You heard me, earlier. Gave me just what I wanted, what I needed, every moment.”
“Hell, you’re not shy about asking. I was only too happy to meet your needs, since they were mine, too.”
Alex shook his head. “I hardly said a word. You heard me, anyway. You even knew you were … my first.”
“I was honored … and surprised.” Blue eyes sparkled for a moment, and then grew heavy-lidded and hazy. You’re a wonderful lover. He ran a slow hand along the inside of Alex’s thigh, trailed lightly through the dark curls that surrounded his shaft, and fitted strong fingers around the growing hardness there.
“Oh, god. Feels so good.” He moved his hips lazily forward, and then laughed when his stomach rumbled.
“Food first, songbird.”
You really are fucking perfect.
**********
He crept closer to the house, unseen in the pre-dawn darkness. He reached what he thought was the bedroom window, and peered in. His eyes narrowed as he took in the scene before him. The two men were asleep, a sheet over them, his intended draped obscenely around the big blond. No, this was all wrong. The muscleman had ruined his beautiful boy, dirtied him, and he had to pay.
They couldn’t stay in there forever. When you’re alone, I’ll be ready. You’ll wish you’d never met my boy.
**********
Wade felt Alex jerk, heard the restless mutter of his voice, and tightened his arms around him. “Shh, just a dream.” Alex sighed and relaxed. Wade looked over at the clock and groaned. Seven o’clock. Shit, he had a meeting at eight with a banker. He began to unwind himself from Alex, reluctant though he was to leave. “Baby, come on, I have to get up.”
Alex grumbled and muttered, the frown on his face too cute to resist. Wade kissed him awake, felt other parts of them start to raise their heads, and realized he might not make that eight o’clock appointment.
“Appointment … important?” Alex sounded a bit more awake.
“Well, yeah. Papers to be signed to move funds around, so I have a hefty reserve to run the club with.” He bent his head to sleep-warmed skin and inhaled the musky odor of man, sex, and sweat. “I could reschedule,” he said absently, concentrating on memorizing the scent and taste of the man beside him.
Alex relaxed into the bed. “Mmpf, gwan, needaseep.”
Wade translated that and grinned. Go on, I need to sleep. “I’ll only be a couple of hours.” He got up, cleaned up, and dressed before returning to the bed. “Will you be awake enough to let me in when I get back?”
A slender hand pointed at the dresser. House key. Love you.
“Thank you, baby. I love you.” He kissed the smooth brow and left.
**********
He watched the blond pull out of the driveway and smiled. Perfect. He followed at a safe distance, waiting for his chance to act.
**********
Alex woke to a ringing phone, fumbled on the night stand for the receiver, and answered without opening his eyes. “Yeah, what?”
“We’ve got a name and driver’s license photo,” Frank said, his voice excited. “I’m on my way to your place. I want you to take a look at this guy’s picture, see if you can pick up anything.”
Alex rubbed his eyes. “Okay. I’ll get dressed and have coffee waiting for you.” He hung up, trudged to the kitchen, and started a pot of coffee brewing. He didn’t have time for a shower, so he settled for a splash of water in his face, a damp washcloth over his body, and called it good. He pulled on a pair of bikini briefs, button-front jeans faded to an indeterminate gray-blue, and a black tee shirt.
He padded barefoot to the kitchen, poured a cup of coffee, added sugar and cream, and leaned against the counter to wait for Frank. He’d taken only a single sip of the hot brew before the doorbell rang. He set the cup on the table and went to let the detective in.
**********
The bank parking lot was too crowded and presented no opportunity to grab the big blond. He drummed his fingers against the dashboard, followed Turner’s car out of the lot, and hoped for another chance.
Turner pulled into the lot behind a donut shop, got out, and walked around to the front of the building.
Perfect. He parked next to Turner’s car and waited.
**********
Wade bought six jelly and six glazed donuts. Alex would need the carbs and sugar for energy. He chuckled as he paid for them, wondered just how far the mental link would travel, and felt for Alex in his mind. He wasn’t sure how to do what he wanted, and he paused just inside the door.
You like donuts, songbird? He felt a quick ripple of amusement, love, and joy in his head, and grinned.
Love ’em, big guy. So does Frank. He’s here.
Wade’s grin broadened. This stuff was pretty cool. Freaky, but cool.
**********
He watched Turner come around the corner of the building, got out of his van, and timed it so he crossed the front of the van as the blond slipped between the vehicles. He came up behind Turner, pressed the muzzle of his gun against the hinge of his jaw, and readied the wire tie.
“Nice and easy, now. Set the food on your car. Hands behind your back, fingers laced together.” He slipped the wire tie over the linked hands and pulled it tight. “Good. Into the van, hurry up.”
“Why? What do you want?”
“You took something from me. You have to pay.”
“Took something? Like what? I don’t even know you.”
“He was mine. I’ve watched him, wanted him, planned to take him. You came along and ruined him. He was pure until you touched him.” He shoved the gun harder into Turner’s jaw. “Get in the fucking van, now.”
**********
Trouble, baby. Bring Frank.
Alex dropped the coffee cup and it shattered on the floor. “Wade!”
Frank jerked in surprise. “What’s wrong?”
“He took Wade. At the donut shop. Jesus, no.” Alex grabbed Frank and shoved him to the door. “You have to drive. Hurry.” Show me the way, lover. We’re coming.
“Where are we going?” Frank started his car and waited for directions.
“They’re passing Fifth, on Grand, headed toward Sixth Street.” On our way. You okay?
Frank swore. “Damn it, all the way across town. What’s he driving?”
Yeah. Still on Grand.
“A gray van, Chevy, fairly new. Wade didn’t see the tags.”
Frank called for backup, racked the mike, and floored the gas pedal. “Any idea where he’s going?”
“No. Where’s the picture?” He took it from Frank, studied the ordinary face under dark, brown hair, and dark eyes that peered back at him. Nothing to suggest the monster within. He pressed his fingers to the photo, and shuddered. “Oh, god. He went after Wade because of me.” He looked at Frank, bit his lip, and swallowed. “Hurry.”
**********
Wade kept his eyes on the road, feeding information to Alex. We’re gonna win this one, baby. He messed with the wrong pair.
“Why are you so calm?” Dark eyes were narrowed at him. “You shouldn’t be so calm.” Restless fingers tapped on the steering wheel. “It’s true, isn’t it? He’s psychic. He knew about me, that’s why he called that cop to the bar.”
Smart guy. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. What cop? Who’s psychic?”
“Don’t play dumb. It really is true. That’s why you’re not worried. He knows where you are, doesn’t he?”
Uh-oh. “I still don’t know what you’re talking about.” We have another problem, songbird.
“Shit.” He lashed out with the gun and caught Wade on the side of the head.
Wade fought against the darkness, and lost.
**********
Alex was frantic. Wade was unconscious, the last location he’d given them was fast approaching, and he didn’t know where to go.
“Hang on, Alex. This is near the address on his license. We’ll try there.” Frank relayed the information over the radio, flipped on the siren, and cut through the morning traffic.
**********
Wade lifted his head, wincing as pain lanced through the side of his face. His left eye was swollen shut, his cheek was bruised, and he had the mother of all headaches. But he was alive, and he’d find a way out. He looked around, but that wasn’t very helpful. He was in a room that had only one small window, with concrete flooring and cinderblock walls. A basement? Maybe.
He was laying on something cold and hard. Ankles and wrists restrained, somehow. He swept his fingers back and forth. Whatever he was on, it was smooth. He lifted his head, looked down his body, and shivered. He was naked. This didn’t bode well.
The skinny, dark-haired guy came into Wade’s field of vision. “About time you woke up. I didn’t think I hit you that hard.” In one hand he held, of all things, a cheese grater. Wade didn’t want to know what the maniac intended to do with that.
“The cops are on their way.” Tell me they are, songbird.
Pulling in at his house.
“Sure they are. You’d say anything to make me anxious.”
“Possibly, although I’m not sure I like the idea of you being anxious. I think I’d rather you were calm. But the fact remains, the police are nearly here.”
The other man laughed. “I doubt that. The address they have for me isn’t this one.”
Oh, shit.
**********
The police had cleared the house. It was empty of people, containing a bare minimum of furniture. “I’ll have them run a check, see if he owns property anywhere else.” Frank spoke into the radio and then clipped it to his belt. “Give me something to go on, Alex. Anything.”
Alex still held the photo, his fingers moving back and forth over it. Where are you? Can you see anything? “Wade thinks he’s in a basement. That doesn’t make sense. People don’t build basements here.” He stared at the photo, his focus narrowing to the dark eyes in front of him. “We’re close, I can feel it.” He got out of the car, the picture pressed against his chest. “Not here, but … close.” Look out the window, what do you see?
**********
“I know this sounds trite, but you won’t get away with this.” Wade stalled for time, hoping to find anything that would help Alex find him. The window revealed patchy grass and raggedy bushes outside it. Grass and shrubbery? In Phoenix?
“And why should I believe you?”
“Because you were right. Alex is psychic. A telepath, to be precise. He knows who you are.”
Dark, dead eyes studied him, unblinking, and then the man smiled. It was, strangely, a cheerful, friendly smile. “He may know the name I’m using, but that’s no more accurate than my home address.”
“Your description, fingerprints from the glass at the bar … they’ll find you.”
The man shrugged. “Possibly. But will they find me in time?” He placed the grater on a shelf and moved to stand over Wade. “I’d like to keep you here for a while. You’re much bigger than the others. You might … last longer.” He ran his fingers up Wade’s leg, over his ribs, and up to his chin. He patted Wade’s face. “You’re not bad-looking, in a rough sort of way. Not as pretty as your friend, but … acceptable. Of course, you’re much bigger. I’m not sure those restraints would be adequate once I got to work.” He stepped back, his eyes cold and remote once more. “Yes, I think I need to take additional measures with you.” He left the room, his footfalls fading as he walked away.
**********
Frank walked beside Alex, ready to guide him around obstacles. Alex wasn’t seeing what was in front of him, he was almost sleepwalking. Frank looked at his eyes, saw the dilated pupils, and waited for Alex to speak.
“He’s in an underground room, on a table of some kind. It feels like metal. There are bushes outside the window. The room he’s in is small, but … the rest is bigger. I can hear water dripping.” He stopped, turned, and stared down the street. “What’s that building?” He pointed at a structure halfway down the block.
“Used to be a funeral home. Went out of business years ago. Someone bought it, tried to have the zoning changed so they could turn it into a home. The dopers and punks pretty much destroyed it when everything fell through. I don’t know who owns it now.”
Alex grabbed his shirt, his eyes no longer faraway. “Does it have a basement?” He didn’t wait for Frank to answer, just took off running. Frank followed, calling in the details and waving the two uniforms over.
He grabbed Alex, and had to use all his strength to prevent the man getting loose. “Damn it, you can’t go in there! Let us handle this.” Alex finally calmed down enough that Frank felt safe letting go of him. “Wait here. Tell Wade we’re on our way.”
**********
Tell Frank to be careful, songbird.
“I already did,” came a low voice.
Wade whipped his head around. “Alex! What the hell are you doing here?” He kept his voice low, but couldn’t control the fear that tainted it.
“Getting you out. Frank and the rest of the cops are up above. They told me to wait. Fuck that. I came through the window.”
Wade watched Alex pad silently to the door. “No lock. Damn.” He found a pair of wire cutters on the shelf and snipped the ties holding Wade’s hands and feet. He found Wade’s clothes under the table and tossed his jeans to him. “Come on, let’s get our bad selves outta here.”
Wade slid quickly into the jeans and frowned at the small opening high on the wall. “Alex, baby … no way I can fit through that window.”
“Sure you can. Put one arm and your head through first. Then wriggle like hell. It might take a minute or two, but you can do it. I’ll have to support you until you get your other arm through. Then you can pull me up. Easy, see?”
“No, but you haven’t left me much choice.” He eyed the small window doubtfully. “How are you going to support me?”
“Kneel on the table, facing away from me.”
Wade frowned, but did as Alex asked.
“Spread your legs, big guy. I’m coming in.” Alex tucked his head between Wade’s legs, shoulders under and hands over the powerful thighs, and lifted the bigger man.
“You’ll give yourself a hernia, damn it. I’m too big.”
“Shut up,” Alex grunted. “And get your dick outta my ear.” How can you be hard right now? He moved to the window and held Wade there. “Start working through it. Just grass on the other side, so dig your hand in and pull.”
Wade didn’t argue. Alex was standing rock still and steady, but the strain had to be enormous. Shit, I weigh at least sixty pounds more than he does. He got his right arm and shoulder through, pulled himself forward three inches, and felt his left shoulder and right ribcage scrape against the sides of the window. Great, I’m stuck.
“Push all the air out of your lungs and relax. I’ll shove you through.”
And he did. Wade’s shoulder popped through, leaving behind a bit of skin, but he didn’t care. He was out. He pulled his legs through, swiveled around to reach for Alex, and saw the killer enter the room.
“Give me your hands, now!”
Alex jumped up, arms stretched for Wade to grab, perfect trust in his eyes. Wade latched onto his forearms and yanked, dragging Alex through the window and onto the grass. He felt a sizzle of pain flicker through his mind, looked down, and saw the killer below the window with a knife in his hand. Frank burst into the basement, gun drawn. The maniac turned and rushed him. Frank fired twice, and the man went down.
**********
Alex was propped up in bed, pillows piled high behind him, and another cushioning his left leg. The killer, Brian Weiss by name, had managed to slash at Alex as he was pulled through the window. It took fourteen stitches to close the wound on his calf, but the doctor didn’t think there’d be any permanent damage. Even so, Wade fussed over him.
Alison sat on the edge of the bed, glaring at him. “Woke me from a sound sleep, all in a panic, and not a damn thing I could do but wait. I knew what was happening and I kept waiting for a phone call. So who calls? Frank! What kind of brother does that to his sister?”
He looked up at Wade. Will you send her home, please? “Alison, I’m fine. You saw my leg, you did your healing thing, so you know I’m okay. Quit ragging on me.”
I’m not getting on your sister’s bad side. Take it like a man, songbird. “He really is all right, Alison. Honest.”
She transferred her glare to Wade. “I’m going to count on you to make sure he stays out of trouble.”
“I’ll do my best. I kind of like having him around, you know?”
She leaned over and hugged Alex. “I’m sorry. I was scared.” She kissed his cheek and released him, and turned to Wade. “Your bruise looks better.” She gave him a kiss and a hug, as well. “I hear you’ve bought into this crazy family.”
“Not much choice, even if I wanted one.” Which I don’t, so not a peep out of you. “Once this guy gets into your head, you’re kinda stuck with him.”
Keith leaned through the doorway. “Time for us to go, sweetheart. Hey, Alex, hurry and get well, okay? The guy subbing for you sucks in harmony, and he’s fumble-fingered in the piano solos. Strictly amateur night.”
Alex laughed. “He can’t be that bad, but I’ll be back on stage by next weekend, bro. The doc already said so.”
“Good deal. Bye, Wade.”
Alex sighed after they left. Between police taking statements and visits from the other band members, the house had been crowded since they’d gotten home in the afternoon. He looked over at Wade, sitting quietly at the foot of the bed.
“What are you doing so far away?”
“Thinking that having you incapacitated could be fun.” He moved up to settle at Alex’s right side.
“How so?” Alex lifted Wade’s left arm and draped it around his shoulder, snuggling in and leaning against the bigger man.
“I thought I’d see how you like slow and easy.”
Alex ducked his head, suddenly shy. “I’ve never tried that. There’s only been one other man. He … liked it rough, no other way. I couldn’t handle a steady diet of that, so … well, it didn’t work out.”
“Alison said something last night. She said one guy stuck around long enough to … and then she stopped. Said it wasn’t her place to say anything.”
Alex kept his eyes down. He knew it had to be said. “He stuck around long enough to put me in the hospital. He figured, if I liked it rough sometimes, that equated to all the time, and rougher. When I objected, he decided to teach me a lesson. Forcibly.” I’m sorry.
“Why are you sorry? It wasn’t your fault.” Wade shook his head. “You didn’t deserve it, you didn’t ask for it, and I don’t blame you.”
“You’re forgetting something. I should have known.” He still wouldn’t raise his head. “I think I did, even though I tried to keep to just his surface thoughts. I was … so damn lonely.” His voice was softer than a whisper.
“Do you know how many people think they can change their lovers? It’s universal.” He coaxed the dark head up. “Did you get some licks in?”
“That’s how I ended up in the hospital. It turned into a total brawl. He had a bed in the next room. Complete with handcuffs.”
He tightened his arm around Alex. “Just because you like a little mild pain doesn’t make you a doormat for a sadist. You stood up for yourself. So forget the guilt, okay? You don’t need to own that.”
“Okay.” He relaxed into Wade’s arm. “I always had the idea that a little spice now and then made the tender times better. But I never got to test that theory.”
“Hmm, you could be right. You realize, you’re not supposed to move that leg much for a couple of days?”
“Yeah, so?”
“So you have to agree to let me do the work. All you get to do is sit back and enjoy.”
“That sounds interesting.”
Wade grinned. “Oh yeah. Ready to find out if you’re right?”
“Bring it on, stud.”
Wade rearranged the pillows so Alex was flat on his back, two pillows tucked under his delectable ass, and his left leg propped on two more. He looked open, vulnerable, and incredibly sexy.
Wade started with a kiss. His mouth moved over Alex’s slowly and softly, his tongue traced over warm lips, and delved inside the hot mouth. He gave oral worship to the slender neck, strong collar bones, and the hollow of his throat. He wrung soft cries and silken shivers from his love when he suckled gently at each nipple. He stayed with those sensitive nubs until they were achingly hard and then moved down to tease the muscles of the flat stomach.
Alex’s hands were in his hair, sifting through the wheat-colored strands. Alex’s skin was under his mouth and hands, warm softness over hard, wiry muscle. Alex’s presence was in his mind, a mix of passion and calm, as comfortable as faded jeans, and as electrifying as a lightning storm.
He lowered his mouth to his lover’s hardness before the slender hips could thrust up and heard a moan from above that matched the one he uttered. You taste wonderful, salty and sweet. Like chocolate-covered pretzels. Alex laughed, mind and body, and Wade stilled the laughter, changed it into pants and gasps by moving a lubed finger gently into Alex’s hot channel.
Without lifting his mouth, he added another finger, found and stroked that magic button inside the greedy ass, and was rewarded with a deep-throated growl of pleasure, and more of Alex’s essence in his mouth. Long legs shifted restlessly, and he pinned the left one. Not supposed to move that leg, lover.
Alex levered himself upright, his weight on his elbows, and his hair in his face. Peering out through the fall of straight hair, his gray eyes were bright, almost fevered. “I’m more than ready for you. If you don’t take me now, I’ll pin you to this bed and fuck you. The hell with the damn stitches.”
Wade lifted his head from the hard, dripping length in his mouth and chuckled. “Can’t have that, songbird. Here I come.” He lubed his cock thoroughly and slid inside his lover. Slow, baby. Want you to feel every inch slipping into you.
“Oh, god, yes. Fill me up, make me yours.” Alex set his right heel on the bed and canted his hips up. “More, all the way, all of you,” he panted. Need you, want you, love you. His leg locked around Wade as the bigger man set a slow, steady rhythm in and out.
Wade lowered himself over Alex and rested on his forearms. His hands turned and curved over the wide, slender shoulders from beneath, and his mouth settled on his lover’s lips. Slender hands mirrored Wade’s as Alex gripped the muscled shoulders. Their breathing and heartbeats steadied and synched, their eyes closed as they concentrated on the slide of belly against hardness, hardness pushing into soft heat, and hands gripping sweat-slicked shoulders.
Their thoughts joined and flowed until neither could tell where one began and the other ended. Alex felt Wade’s rigid warmth move inside him, Wade felt hot silk surround him, and they shared those feelings with each other.
There, like that, so tight, so hard, so strong, so hot. Thoughts pulsed together, hearts beat together, bodies strove together, and they came together. They were, in every imaginable way, joined. They were one.
**********
Alex sat at the triple keyboard setup, fingers spread and waiting to lower as the stage lights came up and the house lights dimmed. He shifted on the stool and adjusted the battery pack that powered his hands-free microphone. He looked out at the tables that crowded the lounge, found the man he loved, and smiled. The spotlight came up and he sat bathed in its warm glow, for the first time happy to be there.
“I’ve got a new song for you tonight,” he said. His fingers moved over the keys, a soft background to his words. “It’s a surprise for someone special, although it was very difficult to keep it a secret.” He smiled again, his eyes, heart, and mind seeking and finding Wade. For you, love. He pressed the program button to play the music he’d written, and walked to the center of the stage.
You claimed me with a kiss,
showed me everything I’d missed,
filled the empty, aching hollows of my heart.
Two hearts that beat in synch,
two minds forever linked,
two people who will never be apart.
This gift that led me to my one,
that brought me from my darkness
to stand shining in your sun.
You are my own, you are my one,
I am the shadow to your sun.
You give me light, I give you shade,
I am the evening to your day.
And everywhere we are,
we are one.
By the time the song was over, he was standing in front of Wade. He didn’t need his ears to hear his lover’s words, he didn’t need his eyes to see his lover’s joy. Yet, even as his mind was filled with warmth and love, he feasted his eyes on the smiling blond, and let his ears hear the words meant for him alone.
“I love you, songbird.”