After being bullied into the closet by his conservative senator father, Jay Molloy reconciles himself to a life of one-night stands instead of the loving D/s relationship he craves. When he meets the man of his dreams, trained Dom Eric Keger, all Jay dares to hope for is a quick fling. Eric has other ideas. He’s been hired by Jay’s father to run security at the family’s hunting resort, but now he has his heart set on Jay.
When murder victims begin to turn up at the resort, Eric and Jay start an investigation, but chasing down the killer proves less frustrating than dealing with Jay’s abusive, homophobic father. Exploring their new relationship would be hard enough on their own, but Eric and Jay also have to deal with politics, Jay’s fake fiancée, and a murderer who may be something more than human.
Chapter One
THE only sound Jay Molloy heard was the echoes of his footfalls off the hard-packed dirt trail he jogged down nearly every morning. The air was sweet and clean, the woods he ran through quiet. This was his favorite part of the day: no one wanted him to pretend he was something he wasn’t, no one wanted something from him, and no one depended upon him.
The path wound around the Great Bear Hunting Lodge and Resort. His parents owned it, but Jay lived on it and was manager. It was his pride and joy, and someday, he hoped, he would be its owner. Not bad for a guy two years out of college. His parents mostly left him alone to run the place, only requiring he join them for certain political events.
Jay knew his parents loved him, even if they didn’t understand him. Rather, his father didn’t understand Jay’s life, and some days while Jay wanted to believe his father loved him, he doubted his father liked him very much. His mother honestly didn’t care what his sexual orientation was as long as he was happy. Jay’s mother was accepting, but in general the social strata his parents circled weren’t so much the same. Senators such as his father didn’t have openly gay sons. Something his father reminded him of often and loudly.
Except when they did.
The change from the Montana woods’ dirt path to concrete road jarred Jay for a few paces until he adjusted his steps. Slowing to a cooling-down walk, Jay went up the long, winding drive to his log-cabin home and took the front steps three at a time. He groaned when the door pushed open as he touched the key to the handle; he’d locked it, and there was only one reason it would be unlocked.
Mom and Dad had come to visit.
Jay sighed and dropped his keys on the table by the door, calling out, “Hey, I’m going to hit the shower.”
His mother, Jeanette, coiffed, stylish even in a dark-gray running suit that had never actually run anywhere, appeared in the kitchen doorway. “I made coffee. Don’t you have real cream? Breakfast will be ready soon. I hope you didn’t eat before your run.”
“In the fridge,” Jay said, kicking off his shoes and stretching.
“Not that flavored stuff. Where’s the real cream?”
Jay sighed, put his hands on his hips and twisted side to side. “I like the flavored stuff.” He slipped through the bathroom door and into the shower. “And you know all I have before I run is a protein drink. I’m starved,” he stuck his head out from behind the curtain and shouted.
Ten minutes later, cleaner and more relaxed, he wandered into his kitchen, kissed his mother’s cheek, and nodded to his father, Stephan.
“I wish you guys would call first. What if I’d had company?” Jay leaned over his mother’s shoulder, inhaling deeply the aromas of her cooking.
“Then they should dress before coming out of the bedroom.” Jeanette turned and did that thing where she kissed his cheek without actually touching him. Jay thought it was sort of funny and endearing in a mom sort of way. It was in direct contrast to the mother who’d taught him to fish and hunt as a child. Some days he was amazed this woman and that one were really the same person. Multilayered, that’s what she liked to be called.
Jay snorted and sat at the table, flipping open the crisp linen napkins his mother insisted he have. “Well, you cooked so I can overlook it. These things are girly.” He flicked with one finger at the napkin.
“They are tea-dyed and classy.”
“And probably way overpriced. You shouldn’t waste your money getting me stuff like this, Mom.” He dug into the omelet.
“You’re my only son, and I want you to have a nice house. I thought gay men were supposed to be super decorators?” Jeanette poured a glass of orange juice and sat between Jay and his father, forever the buffer.
Jay grinned; it was a game he and his mother played. “And I thought society ladies were supposed to fritter away their hours in book clubs and charity luncheons.”
Pointing at him with her fork, Jeanette smiled. “Touché.”
He loved his mother. She was kind, smart, and the most nonjudgmental person he knew. On her own, she would have welcomed any man into Jay’s life he loved, bought him overpriced tea-dyed linen napkins too, and called him her second son.
“We have a press conference and photo ops day after tomorrow, three in the afternoon. Be an hour early and be prompt,” Stephan said.
Jay’s father was a different story altogether from his mother. It wasn’t that he didn’t love his father; he did. It was much harder getting close to him, however. Jay would likely never have the easygoing, banter-slinging relationship with his father he so enjoyed with his mother. There were days Jay even wondered if his father cared for him or felt nothing but contempt for him.
“I’ve never been late and I’ve never let you down.”
“You might have Kellie stay here, at least for appearances. There is enough room,” Stephan continued.
“What, and risk the scandal of premarital sex?” Jay sighed and put down his fork. “Look, I agreed to this fake marriage for your public image, and I’ve gone through with everything you’ve asked. I’ve kept the proper appearance, never been arrested. Hell, half the press doesn’t even know my name. In comparison to some other politicians’ siblings and children, I’m pretty damn good. You literally throw this girl at me I don’t even know. I get no explanation how you found her, and I’m supposed to pretend she’s the love of my life. Which I have done, and damn well.”
“She’s a nice girl, Jason. You should try to get to know her more,” Jeanette said.
“You like her so much, Mom, you sleep with her. I’ll hold her hand and put up a good public front, that’s as far as it goes. This is my home. I don’t want to have her here, and I don’t need to explain why. And Dad, next time? Call first.”
Stephan snapped out a harsh, “Jason!” He accompanied it with a hard slap to the tabletop, making Jay jump. His father hadn’t hit him in a good four years, not since he was in college and still an inch or two shorter than his old man. The threat, however, always simmered just below the surface. His father had boxed in school and was still in decent shape. Even now, Jay wasn’t sure he’d be much of a match in a physical confrontation. He never wanted to find out, either.
Jay pulled in a few deep breaths and forced his body to relax. “I do my job, I run this resort, and I keep my nose clean. You’ve got no reason to be angry or constantly ride my ass.”
“Don’t use that fag lingo on me, boy.”
“Dad, I wasn’t.” He pressed his finger and thumb to his forehead and rubbed, turning his head sideways and mouthing “help me” to his mother.
“You boys stop arguing and finish breakfast. I ordered a supply of the same napkins for the resort dining room, and I want to check the shipment myself. The other thing I want to do is stop at that farmer’s market on the way back home. Jay, I’ll make sure Kellie has the details.”
Jay could do nothing more than smile gratefully. His smile faded when his father’s mouth opened and more words came out.
“I also hired a new head of security. He’s from Cleveland, was a homicide detective with the police department.”
“Ohio or Tennessee? And you hired someone without my input? I’m in charge of staffing. All of it.”
“Ohio, not that it matters. I only took the action you wouldn’t. Three of our clients have—”
“My clients. I run this place. You don’t know the dining hall from the shooting range,” Jay retorted. He bunched his hand under the table and forced himself not to wince when his father’s hand hit the table again. “I know what’s going on. The police have investigated all the deaths. They can’t find a suspect. What else would you like me to do?”
“You? Nothing. That’s why I hired a professional, to look into these deaths. We’ll lose business if this keeps up.” Somehow Stephan managed to make a simple conversation sound as if Jay was the biggest disappointment on the planet.
Jay’s insides wilted.
“Boys!” Jeanette patted Jay’s arm. “I think what your father is saying is he’s very concerned about more people dying.” She leaned around Jay and aimed a sharp look at Stephan. “All those poor young men were found on our resort, even if it was obvious they didn’t die there.”
“Fine,” Jay sighed. “But I get the final say on this guy, and if I don’t like him, he goes.”
Jeanette smiled and pushed Jay’s coffee mug closer to him. “There, all settled. Jay will give the new employee a chance to wow him, and if not, then he’ll exercise his right as manager to fire the schmuck.”
“It’s not my fault there is some wacko killing people and dumping them here. It’s probably because we have a lot of remote woods.”
“Which reminds me, dear, can’t you do your running on an inside track and not through the woods?” Jeanette asked.
Jay wanted to cut off the tears he knew his mother was working herself up to before they started. “Mom, seriously? I’ve been jogging in those woods since I was what, twelve? All the bodies were taken to the same spot. That the police have established for sure. They’re all killed elsewhere. If I thought it was dangerous, I’d close the resort in a heartbeat and stop running in the woods.”
A few hours later, their meal finished and his mother’s self-imposed little chores around the resort completed, his parents were ready to be on their way. He pulled his mother into a hug, whispering in her ear, “I love you. A lot. Thank you.”
Jeanette patted his cheek, then reached down and took his hand, squeezing. “I’ll e-mail you the details. We’ll see you in a few days. I love you too.” She pecked his other cheek and headed down the front steps and into their car.
Jay went back inside, shut the front door, and leaned against it, letting his head thump on it a few times. He sighed and pushed off the door. There was some freak killing and maiming young men in the area and then dumping them on his resort. So far all the victims were tourists—that and the fact that they were all men in their twenties were the only similarities. None had been from the same geographic area, none knew one another or were in the same professions. One was married, one a single gay man, and one didn’t appear to have any attachments or preferences. From the reports Jay read, they didn’t even seem to like the same food. The only connection was they’d all been on the resort a day or two before dying. Everyone who worked on the resort had been questioned, re-questioned and, in some cases, watched for a time. As far as Jay knew, no one was a firm suspect.
Rubbing his temples, Jay decided he needed to forget forced marriages and murders for one night. He had a day and a half until the press conference, and he had his favorite watering hole he could go to. That’s exactly what he intended to do after work. If he was really lucky, he could find some other distraction. It was all he could ever hope for. The relationship Jay wanted was out of the question and out of his reach. He’d come to accept that fact.
At least he could relax, have a beer, watch a game, and eat some food.
It was an average bar he drove to spend the evening in, one that was far enough away no one would likely know or recognize him. Inside it was homey, with a friendly staff and wide-screen televisions playing every game within reception. There was always a good mix in the crowd—gays, straights, men, women, some alone, some with others. Mostly, all of them were there for the food and, tonight, pro basketball. It was a nice place to get lost in and become one of the crowd.
Across the street was a clean, decent, small motel in case he found a friend or simply didn’t want to drive back that same night. If he had more than a few beers, it was his habit to wait until the morning to head for home.
Settling at the bar, Jay ordered a beer, preferring local brews to the bigger name brands. While he waited for his drink to show up, he scanned the menu, not sure what he wanted yet. When his beer arrived, he swiveled the bar stool around and leaned back against the bar to watch the start of the game. People filtered in and out, and the barmaid brought him a second beer along with some nachos and cheese.
The door swung open and a gust of cool air hit him. Jay glanced at the man coming through. He was tall, maybe an inch or two taller than Jay, older, with light brown hair and dark brown eyes. His trim waist blossomed to a powerful chest, round, muscled shoulders, and beefy arms. Thick thighs were encased in his well-fitting jeans, giving just enough of a hint of their bulging muscles. Jay liked a man with muscle, and he definitely had a thing for powerful legs. The guy was easily half again as wide as Jay, and he judged him to be early to midthirties, making him roughly ten years Jay’s senior.
He was gorgeous and the type of man Jay fantasized about but never really felt he could win. Jay was nice to look at but nothing like this. He considered himself more average. He was in shape, but leaner. He’d never have the sheer bulk and powerful physique gracing this man.
The man settled in a corner, out-of-the-way booth and ordered a beer, gaze skimming the bar before coming to rest on the television and the game. Jay hoped he’d looked away fast enough and wasn’t caught staring at the newcomer.
Too bad Jay was being forced into a marriage he didn’t want, to a woman he barely knew or liked. He knew exactly what he wanted but doubted he’d ever get it: a man who understood him. One who knew what he wanted and went after it, knew how to take without violence. A man who took the time to learn what Jay wanted—needed—and had the smarts to provide it.
A man like that one.
Jay’s quick glances in his direction morphed into longer looks until he realized he was staring again.
The man in the corner nodded to him and tipped his beer bottle at Jay when one team scored a basket. Jay hadn’t turned away fast enough and had been caught staring. Cheeks burning, Jay smiled back and ducked his head, breaking eye contact. A few minutes later, he took a deep breath and turned his head, looking to the side. The man’s gaze at once flicked from the game to Jay, a slow, easy smile spreading over his face.
Jay’s radar tingled. He knew that look, and it made his stomach go giddy and his cock get warm and thick. He offered a shy smile back. This man was definitely the right type of man for Jay, on a few levels.
The man tipped his beer at Jay before wrapping his lips around the bottle neck, taking a swig and watching Jay with dark, smoldering, lusty eyes. Jay gulped and looked down again, picking at the material of his jeans where they covered his knee.
Jay waited, wondering what would happen next. Was this man a man who knew what he wanted and how to get it? When the man shifted around, planted both feet on the floor, and leaned forward, gaze moving from the television to Jay and back a few times before he settled on watching him, Jay decided maybe he was indeed a man who saw what he wanted and then took it. The thought of this big man pinning him to a bed or wall, taking him and giving to him, made Jay’s heart race.
Jay was never that lucky.
“Eric.” The man was standing beside Jay a few seconds later, hand extended, warm expression in his eyes and on his face.
Jay shook his hand, returning the smile with a shy one of his own. “Jay.”
Eric eased onto the stool beside him and tipped his chin at the television. “Who you rooting for?”
“Not the Heat.”
Laughing outright, Eric waved at the barmaid and ordered them each another beer. “Me either.” He punched the air next to his head and grinned. “Go Cavs, then.”
Jay was immediately impressed. The man had done his homework in the short time they’d been in the same bar. Instead of ordering what he had been drinking, Eric was sure to ask for the local stuff Jay was drinking. He went so far as to use the specific name of the beer.
Picking up both new bottles, Eric used them to point at his booth. “Let’s sit there—more comfortable.”
“I’d like that, thanks.” Trailing after Eric, Jay was doubly impressed when Eric stepped aside as they reached the table, letting Jay slide into the booth.
Eric slipped in across from him. “Hungry?”
“I had some nachos earlier but I could always eat.”
Eric chuckled and nodded. It was sexy, endearing, and thrilling all at once.
Scanning the menu, Eric stretched long, rock-hard legs out and brushed Jay’s leg lightly, igniting sparks that ripped along his inner thigh. “I’ve never been here before—just passing through. I’m on my way to a new job and stopped here for the night. How about you?”
“I live an hour or so away, come here a couple times a month just to get away, less a chance of being recognized. The pizza is good, so is the steak sandwich, though you can practically hear your arteries harden with every swallow.”
Eric chuckled again, and Jay loved how his voice rumbled. It was deep and pleasant. He watched as Eric turned the menu over a few times and imagined what those large hands and long fingers would feel like against his skin. The flesh between his legs firmed and stiffened, making his jeans tighten.
When Eric waved the waitress over and ordered dinner, Jay was again impressed. He’d taken the hint, ordered Jay a pizza, with Jay filling in the toppings he wanted. Eric didn’t go for either the pizza or the sandwich but opted for a burger.
This man, Eric, was cut from a rare cloth. Jay was a natural submissive, and picking out the right Dom, even for one night, was a job and a half. This guy obviously wasn’t new to the Dominant-submissive scene. He knew what he was doing, cared about his partner’s needs, and was willing to see his sub was provided for properly.
They ate, watched the game, cheered and booed, and it was the most fun Jay had had in longer than he cared to remember. He could fall for this man and fall hard if he wasn’t careful and didn’t keep his wits about him.
Jay excused himself to use the bathroom. When he returned, Eric was leaning against the end of the table. “Needed to stretch.” He grinned, and when Jay slid into the booth, Eric didn’t sit across from him but this time eased in beside him. “It’s getting pretty late to drive any distance home. Shouldn’t drink and drive anyway.”
“No, that’s never good and I don’t do that,” Jay said softly.
Eric’s hand rested on Jay’s thigh making his stomach clench, his breath quicken, and his jeans snug in even more closely. When Eric’s fingers inched down to his inseam and dug in slightly, Jay let out a long, slow, very low moan. It had been a while since anyone had bothered seducing him instead of simply picking him up for a fast lay or blow job.
While watching the game, Eric leaned back and relaxed against the booth, casually sipping his beer, and continued to work his fingers up and down Jay’s inner thigh until his heart rate had to have at least doubled. Leaning back, Jay slid down a bit in his seat and opened his legs wider, inviting Eric to touch more.
Moving his fingers farther up, Eric pressed in against the crease of Jay’s groin, causing him to rock his hips forward ever so slightly. Eric continued working Jay through his jeans, applying pressure to his balls, moving back to his thigh, then up to his balls again. It was enough force to make Jay rub against Eric’s fingers and moan softly each time the heaviness of Eric’s touch eased away.
“Keep your hands and beer on the table; we wouldn’t want to attract the wrong kind of attention.” Eric’s voice was low and soft, but the command still came across loud and clear. Jay was only too willing to comply. “Better stay quiet too. I’m not up for a bar fight tonight.”
By the time Eric eased Jay’s zipper down, he was already wet and sticky with precum, his heart pounding, teeth digging into his lower lip to keep from groaning loud enough to be noticed or defy the quiet order Eric had given him.
Using just one finger, Eric rubbed up and down Jay’s cock, following the thick vein from base to crown. The edge of his fingernail scraped very gently around the soft, tender flesh. Jay slid farther down in the booth and let his head rest against the wall, spreading his legs even wider as he pulled in a few quick shuddering breaths. Eric repeated his touches a few more times before pulling his hand away and resting it on the table.
“Sit up straight and zip yourself up. My car is outside. Where are you parked?”
“Parking lot outside.” Jay followed Eric’s instructions, leaning heavily against the tabletop, trying to organize his thoughts. “Green Jeep Cherokee.”
Nodding, Eric stroked Jay’s thigh again. “You sit tight, I’ll go pay up our tab, and we can go over to my room.”
Jay couldn’t do much more than nod before Eric was out of the booth and heading to the bar. When he returned, Jay looked up at him and smiled. “Ready?”
“You betcha.”
The air was crisp and chilly but did little to cool Jay as he watched out of the corner of one eye how Eric moved, fluid and muscular. He was a powerhouse. Jay was a runner with a completely different body build. He admired how Eric’s muscles slid under his skin, bulging and stretching as he moved. Eric’s shirtsleeves were rolled almost to his elbows and the soft glow of the outdoor lighting accentuated the ripples of muscle, enhanced by veins along his forearms.
They walked to Jay’s Jeep, which was near the edge of the lot. It was parked so the driver’s side wasn’t easily seen by either street or bar. He hadn’t done that on purpose; it was just a very lucky turn of events.
After walking with him to the driver’s side, Eric extended one arm and leaned his hand against the vehicle. He glanced up at the sky. “Looks like we might get a storm tonight. You should stay the night with me.”
“Yes, sir,” Jay murmured, shivering when Eric’s other hand ran along his shoulder and down his arm.
A soft rumble from deep inside Eric’s chest eased free. He stepped closer to Jay and took hold of him, pulling him in close and winding one of those powerful arms around Jay’s middle. “I’d like very much to give you what you need.” He licked Jay’s lower lip, sucking it between his teeth. Stepping even closer, he pressed one hard, muscled thigh between Jay’s legs, pressing up while at the same time applying steady pressure with his hands to push Jay down.
“Thank you,” Jay whispered, sliding his arms around Eric’s waist and moving his hands over his back, appreciating the smooth, firm muscles stretched over Eric’s frame.
When Jay rocked his hips forward against him, Eric pushed his tongue inside Jay’s mouth, skimming everywhere, thrusting in time with the rocking of Jay’s hips. Breath coming faster and shallower, Jay returned the kiss, reveling in how Eric’s body felt against his.
Eric lifted his leg higher, applying more pressure, and broke their kiss. Nipping along Jay’s jaw line, he whispered in Jay’s ear, “You’re not even close to me letting you come yet.”
Jay gulped down a deep breath, nearly shooting his load in his jeans. He moaned and tipped his head back, giving Eric complete access to his throat, shuddering when the man’s teeth caught and nipped his flesh, tongue licking a path afterward. Eric gripped him harder and pushed him down even more against his leg.
Groaning, Jay didn’t try to stop when his knees sort of gave way and he did a slow, delightfully excruciating slide down Eric’s leg, loving how it pressed against his swollen cock. As soon as he was kneeling in front of Eric, Jay brought both hands up, palms flat, and rubbed on either side of Eric’s cock. He was incredibly hard; Jay could feel it even through his jeans, and another shudder raced through him at the thought of that huge cock buried deep inside him while those big hands held him wherever Eric wished Jay to be.
He mouthed Eric through his clothes, moving his hands in a steady rhythm.
“Hmm.” Eric worked his fingers through Jay’s hair, then fisted a large chunk and kept his head in place. “You’ll do very nicely.” After a few seconds, he tugged on Jay’s hair and Jay stood, swaying slightly, struggling to catch his breath. Nodding at a small, dark car a few rows away, Eric leaned in and spoke in Jay’s ear, blowing hot breath against his already overheated skin. “That’s my car. I’m in room seventeen, near the end. Drive over there and wait at the door for me. Surprise me.”
Jay nodded and fumbled in his pocket for his keys. He had no idea how he managed to get them out, unlock his Jeep’s door, and get in to start the vehicle and put it into gear. Eric smiled, turned, and headed for his own car. After Jay was parked in the lot across the street, he went to room seventeen. Facing the wall next to the door, he loosened the button of his jeans and worked the zipper partially down. Then he put his hands flat on the cool surface and planted his feet wide apart, dropping his head.
He waited.
There weren’t a lot of people around, and it was too early for most of the bar patrons to be leaving, so it was unlikely anyone would see him other than Eric. The thought of someone other than Eric seeing him like this sent another spark of thrill slithering up from Jay’s stomach.
A few minutes later, Jay heard a car engine cut, a door open and close, and footfalls crunch over the parking lot, coming to a stop behind him. He started when warm hands, fingers spread wide, moved up and down his sides. One hand skimmed over his belly and dipped inside his jeans, gripping his cock.
Eric leaned his weight against Jay’s back and spoke in his ear. “Very nice.”
“P-please… I need….”
“Don’t worry, Jay, I’ll get you exactly what you need.” Eric stepped away and at once Jay missed his warmth and strength.
Jay heard the motel room door being unlocked and how it squeaked when it swung open. The thing needed oil or something but not nearly as badly as Jay needed oiling up, a few good, solid smacks to his ass, and a firm hand opening him.
Light flooded the sidewalk from inside the room.
“Inside. There’s a dresser. Strip and put your clothes on top of it. Present yourself so I can get a good look at you.”
Silently, Jay walked into the room and did as he was told, taking off his clothes and folding them neatly on the dresser. Shoes and socks were stuffed underneath. He moved to the middle of the room so Eric had clear access to him from all sides. Standing, feet shoulder-width apart, he folded his arms behind his back, hands gripping his elbows. He lowered his gaze to the floor and waited.
Eric paced around him, at first not touching him, which made Jay’s cock twitch and leak even more. When he moved in close enough, Jay felt the denim of Eric’s jeans against his skin, and his belt buckle caught and scraped along Jay’s abs a few times. Eric used one finger to trace a vein running up from Jay’s groin, then circled his belly button.
“You may answer any question I put to you. Otherwise make all the noise you want, but no words. Understood?” Eric used two fingertips to brush down Jay’s flank.
“Yes, sir.” He couldn’t help following up with a long, shuddering sigh. Eric smiled and ran his fingertips up Jay’s ribs and across his back. Jay had the impression Eric liked hearing sounds of pleasure.
“You’re in good shape. Work out?”
“Run, sir.”
“Nice.” The fingers swirled over Jay’s thigh before skimming back along his abs, never coming close to his cock. Eric took Jay’s left nipple between thumb and forefinger, turning and pulling gently on it until Jay gasped and moaned. He used the heel of his other hand against Jay’s other nipple, rubbing until it puckered and stood.
Tingles of electricity shot through Jay from every point on his body Eric touched. There didn’t seem to be enough air, and every exhale was a soft, needy moan. Jay thought he’d died and gone to heaven when Eric finally reached between his legs and gripped his balls, tugging, twisting, and rolling them in one hand. Eric’s other hand mimicked those movements against Jay’s nipple until his breath faltered.
“God, you’re amazing.” Eric moaned, swiping his tongue up Jay’s neck, then back down, dipping his head and biting Jay’s collarbone. He spun Jay around and moved him a few feet to an armchair. “Hands on the back of this chair, and hold it.”
The instant Jay’s fingers gripped the back of the chair, Eric pushed him forward so he was forced to balance mostly on his hands. Pulling back one hand, he landed a hard smack on Jay’s rear. Leaning in close again, tongue skimming the shell of Jay’s ear, Eric said, “If you want me to stop….”
“The word is Sahara, sir.”
“Excellent choice.” Eric delivered another smack and used the side of his foot to kick Jay’s feet farther apart, giving him enough access to Jay’s inner thighs. Those received a few well-placed hits, making Jay squirm and wiggle his hips back into the oncoming hand. “Slut,” Eric chuckled when Jay’s moans came faster and louder with every crack to his ass. “My stuff—bedroom stuff—is packed and in a moving van, so I hope you don’t mind if we improvise?”
“No, sir,” Jay panted and shoved his hips back, meeting Eric’s hand when it landed firmly against the flesh of his ass again, making his skin tingle and heat rise between his thighs. He wouldn’t have let anyone, even someone like Eric, restrain him for real until he knew them well enough to feel safe.
Though Jay already had the sense that with Eric he was very safe. Shoving away the thought he’d not be able to see this man more than very casually, Jay moaned and gasped when slick, cool lube oozed from a point just above his crack and dripped between his cheeks.
Eric’s fingers, slippery with the lube, rubbed the spot right behind Jay’s balls while the pad of his thumb pressed against his entrance, making small circles. With every twitch of his thumb, Eric’s fingers pushed more insistently against the sensitive skin of his perineum.
Jay leaned more of his weight against the chair back, panting and moaning, his entire world narrowed to the movements of Eric’s fingers. When he tried pushing back to get Eric’s thumb inside him, Eric’s other hand fisted in his hair and tugged with enough force to stop Jay’s backward thrusting. Heart hammering in his chest, Jay gasped for breath, fingers scrabbling over the material of the chair arms.
Without warning Eric’s fingers were gone from the heated flesh of Jay’s ass. He felt Eric shift around and loosen his belt one handed. “Stay.” Eric’s voice was husky and sent more shivers through Jay. He heard the sounds of Eric’s shirt, shoes, and jeans coming off. Jay cleared his throat and shuddered when Eric caressed his back with one hand, asking, “Yes?”
“May I… your condom?”
Eric wound one arm around Jay’s waist and pulled him upright, rubbing his cock between Jay’s cheeks and licking at his ear. “Hmm, I’d like that.” Eric’s free hand skimmed down Jay’s side and between his legs again, fondling his balls. “When I’m ready you may.” He pushed one oiled finger inside Jay up to the first knuckle, moving in slow, easy circles. Easing in farther, he crooked his finger and pressed for a split second against the sweet spot inside Jay, making his knees buckle.
A second finger was slowly pushed in, and Eric twisted and spread Jay until he was open, loose, and nearly whimpering. Eric pulled his fingers out and slowly turned Jay, drawing him close. Slanting his mouth over Jay’s, he moved one hand to Jay’s hair and held him still, swiping his tongue over Jay’s lips.
Jay sighed and parted his lips, the tip of his own tongue slipping out and brushing over Eric’s. In the next second, Eric’s tongue was inside his mouth, exploring everywhere. Eric tightened his arms around Jay’s back and parted his lips. Jay took the invitation, enjoying the warmth of Eric’s mouth.
Eric leaned away, ending their kiss. He dug in his pocket, extracting a small packet. “Put this on me, now.”
As he’d done in the parking lot, Jay did a slow slide to his knees, dragging over Eric’s thick, muscular thigh. He took the condom packet Eric held out and opened it, peeled the condom over the head of Eric’s penis with two fingers, then used his mouth to finish the job. Eric’s hips canted forward, and he moaned, deep and long.
A small voice far back in Jay’s mind wondered would they ever know each other well enough to dispense with the use of condoms. Jay reminded himself to worry about here and now, not a future he couldn’t have. The way Eric’s eyes tracked Jay’s every move, as if he were the only other person on earth, made warmth spread through Jay’s chest.
Jay swirled his tongue over Eric’s cock, delighted with the words and noises of pleasure coming from the man’s mouth. He picked the lube up off the floor, spread a generous amount on his hands and used them both to smear it over Eric’s cock. Hands gripped him under his arms and lifted, making him let go of Eric’s cock and urging him to his feet. “Bed,” Eric breathed out. “Now. Face down, legs spread for me.”
Jay stumbled and would have gone face-first into the carpeting had Eric not caught and guided him. Crawling onto the bed, Jay did as he was told and lay sprawled on his stomach, legs open and body wanting.
Eric’s weight pressed over Jay; his cock rubbed over his entrance, making Jay’s breath catch and his heart stutter. Jay’s wrists were gripped in one of Eric’s hands and held over his head. Eric’s other hand pressed the back of Jay’s head, holding him firmly in place. Pushing slowly, Eric buried himself inside Jay, pulled out even more slowly, and then snapped his hips forward, thrusting in deep.
Jay lifted his hips, impaling himself on the thick cock within him, groaning and gasping, desperate for more. Eric set a fast pace, each thrust more powerful than the last, until he bent his head and bit down on Jay’s shoulder. A series of short pants and husky moans and Eric came, throbbing and pumping inside Jay.
Gripping Jay’s wrists even harder, Eric let his entire weight drop onto his back. Jay’s own cock felt like it was on fire from the inside, and his ass stung from the sweat between them. Every inch of his skin felt ignited. He tingled inside and out, desperate for more.
Eric’s pace slowed. He nipped at Jay’s ear, then whispered, “You are incredible.” His warm breath filled Jay’s ear. As he softened inside, he moved his hips in slow circles, brushing Jay’s sweet spot again and again. Forbidden to speak, Jay could only moan and sigh.
Chuckling softly, Eric eased out and knelt beside Jay. One hand pressed to his back, he leaned down and murmured, “Stay still, very still.”
His fingers replaced his cock, twisting, turning, brushing over Jay’s prostate until Jay thought he’d explode. Hand moving slowly over heated skin, Eric slipped his hand between Jay and the bed. He finally, finally, took Jay’s penis in hand, pumping in time with the movements of his fingers inside Jay.
“Are you ready?” Eric asked in a low voice.
“Pl-please, please.” Jay barely managed to get the words out of his mouth.
Eric pulled his fingers from Jay’s ass and wound that arm under Jay’s hips, lifting him a few inches off the bed. His other hand stroked Jay faster, twisting on each upstroke and skimming his thumbnail along the underside of the crown of Jay’s cock.
“You’ve been very good. You may come now.”
Jay yelped, hips moving side to side frantically, hands clasping in the sheets as his balls tightened and liquid fire coursed through him, making every muscle jerk and spasm along with his pulsating cock. The world spun away for a few seconds, and the only thing Jay’s mind registered was the intense pleasure thrumming through him, centered on his cock.
Dragging in a few deep breaths, Jay came back to himself when he was moved, eased across Eric’s thighs, and rolled gently onto his back. Eric bent over him, pushed Jay’s hair away from his face, and smiled. Leaning in, he brushed his lips lightly over Jay’s forehead. “You needed that.”
“Yeah,” Jay agreed. “More than you know.”
“Good.” Eric sighed and ran both hands up Jay’s torso. “I need a shower, been driving all damn day.” He nodded toward the bathroom.
Pushing up on his elbows, Jay inched away and off the bed, lips curling to a shy smile. “May I warm the water, sir?”
Eric nodded and gave Jay a quick slap on his ass once he was off the bed.
As Jay headed to the bathroom, he glanced over his shoulder, pleased to see Eric watching him.
By the time Jay finished washing Eric’s long, muscular body, they were both hard again. Holding Jay to the shower wall, Eric sucked his cock, taking him to the brink and leaving him there, making him back away and then taking him there again. For the second time that night, Jay’s wrists were gripped in Eric’s strong hand, and Eric’s cock pounded into him, while Jay was helpless to do anything except stand there and take it.
It was the best night Jay ever had, and Eric was true to his word, making sure Jay got all he needed, making him wait and beg until he thought he couldn’t stand it anymore. Then Eric made him wait even more, but it was well worth it.
THE only sound Jay Molloy heard was the echoes of his footfalls off the hard-packed dirt trail he jogged down nearly every morning. The air was sweet and clean, the woods he ran through quiet. This was his favorite part of the day: no one wanted him to pretend he was something he wasn’t, no one wanted something from him, and no one depended upon him.
The path wound around the Great Bear Hunting Lodge and Resort. His parents owned it, but Jay lived on it and was manager. It was his pride and joy, and someday, he hoped, he would be its owner. Not bad for a guy two years out of college. His parents mostly left him alone to run the place, only requiring he join them for certain political events.
Jay knew his parents loved him, even if they didn’t understand him. Rather, his father didn’t understand Jay’s life, and some days while Jay wanted to believe his father loved him, he doubted his father liked him very much. His mother honestly didn’t care what his sexual orientation was as long as he was happy. Jay’s mother was accepting, but in general the social strata his parents circled weren’t so much the same. Senators such as his father didn’t have openly gay sons. Something his father reminded him of often and loudly.
Except when they did.
The change from the Montana woods’ dirt path to concrete road jarred Jay for a few paces until he adjusted his steps. Slowing to a cooling-down walk, Jay went up the long, winding drive to his log-cabin home and took the front steps three at a time. He groaned when the door pushed open as he touched the key to the handle; he’d locked it, and there was only one reason it would be unlocked.
Mom and Dad had come to visit.
Jay sighed and dropped his keys on the table by the door, calling out, “Hey, I’m going to hit the shower.”
His mother, Jeanette, coiffed, stylish even in a dark-gray running suit that had never actually run anywhere, appeared in the kitchen doorway. “I made coffee. Don’t you have real cream? Breakfast will be ready soon. I hope you didn’t eat before your run.”
“In the fridge,” Jay said, kicking off his shoes and stretching.
“Not that flavored stuff. Where’s the real cream?”
Jay sighed, put his hands on his hips and twisted side to side. “I like the flavored stuff.” He slipped through the bathroom door and into the shower. “And you know all I have before I run is a protein drink. I’m starved,” he stuck his head out from behind the curtain and shouted.
Ten minutes later, cleaner and more relaxed, he wandered into his kitchen, kissed his mother’s cheek, and nodded to his father, Stephan.
“I wish you guys would call first. What if I’d had company?” Jay leaned over his mother’s shoulder, inhaling deeply the aromas of her cooking.
“Then they should dress before coming out of the bedroom.” Jeanette turned and did that thing where she kissed his cheek without actually touching him. Jay thought it was sort of funny and endearing in a mom sort of way. It was in direct contrast to the mother who’d taught him to fish and hunt as a child. Some days he was amazed this woman and that one were really the same person. Multilayered, that’s what she liked to be called.
Jay snorted and sat at the table, flipping open the crisp linen napkins his mother insisted he have. “Well, you cooked so I can overlook it. These things are girly.” He flicked with one finger at the napkin.
“They are tea-dyed and classy.”
“And probably way overpriced. You shouldn’t waste your money getting me stuff like this, Mom.” He dug into the omelet.
“You’re my only son, and I want you to have a nice house. I thought gay men were supposed to be super decorators?” Jeanette poured a glass of orange juice and sat between Jay and his father, forever the buffer.
Jay grinned; it was a game he and his mother played. “And I thought society ladies were supposed to fritter away their hours in book clubs and charity luncheons.”
Pointing at him with her fork, Jeanette smiled. “Touché.”
He loved his mother. She was kind, smart, and the most nonjudgmental person he knew. On her own, she would have welcomed any man into Jay’s life he loved, bought him overpriced tea-dyed linen napkins too, and called him her second son.
“We have a press conference and photo ops day after tomorrow, three in the afternoon. Be an hour early and be prompt,” Stephan said.
Jay’s father was a different story altogether from his mother. It wasn’t that he didn’t love his father; he did. It was much harder getting close to him, however. Jay would likely never have the easygoing, banter-slinging relationship with his father he so enjoyed with his mother. There were days Jay even wondered if his father cared for him or felt nothing but contempt for him.
“I’ve never been late and I’ve never let you down.”
“You might have Kellie stay here, at least for appearances. There is enough room,” Stephan continued.
“What, and risk the scandal of premarital sex?” Jay sighed and put down his fork. “Look, I agreed to this fake marriage for your public image, and I’ve gone through with everything you’ve asked. I’ve kept the proper appearance, never been arrested. Hell, half the press doesn’t even know my name. In comparison to some other politicians’ siblings and children, I’m pretty damn good. You literally throw this girl at me I don’t even know. I get no explanation how you found her, and I’m supposed to pretend she’s the love of my life. Which I have done, and damn well.”
“She’s a nice girl, Jason. You should try to get to know her more,” Jeanette said.
“You like her so much, Mom, you sleep with her. I’ll hold her hand and put up a good public front, that’s as far as it goes. This is my home. I don’t want to have her here, and I don’t need to explain why. And Dad, next time? Call first.”
Stephan snapped out a harsh, “Jason!” He accompanied it with a hard slap to the tabletop, making Jay jump. His father hadn’t hit him in a good four years, not since he was in college and still an inch or two shorter than his old man. The threat, however, always simmered just below the surface. His father had boxed in school and was still in decent shape. Even now, Jay wasn’t sure he’d be much of a match in a physical confrontation. He never wanted to find out, either.
Jay pulled in a few deep breaths and forced his body to relax. “I do my job, I run this resort, and I keep my nose clean. You’ve got no reason to be angry or constantly ride my ass.”
“Don’t use that fag lingo on me, boy.”
“Dad, I wasn’t.” He pressed his finger and thumb to his forehead and rubbed, turning his head sideways and mouthing “help me” to his mother.
“You boys stop arguing and finish breakfast. I ordered a supply of the same napkins for the resort dining room, and I want to check the shipment myself. The other thing I want to do is stop at that farmer’s market on the way back home. Jay, I’ll make sure Kellie has the details.”
Jay could do nothing more than smile gratefully. His smile faded when his father’s mouth opened and more words came out.
“I also hired a new head of security. He’s from Cleveland, was a homicide detective with the police department.”
“Ohio or Tennessee? And you hired someone without my input? I’m in charge of staffing. All of it.”
“Ohio, not that it matters. I only took the action you wouldn’t. Three of our clients have—”
“My clients. I run this place. You don’t know the dining hall from the shooting range,” Jay retorted. He bunched his hand under the table and forced himself not to wince when his father’s hand hit the table again. “I know what’s going on. The police have investigated all the deaths. They can’t find a suspect. What else would you like me to do?”
“You? Nothing. That’s why I hired a professional, to look into these deaths. We’ll lose business if this keeps up.” Somehow Stephan managed to make a simple conversation sound as if Jay was the biggest disappointment on the planet.
Jay’s insides wilted.
“Boys!” Jeanette patted Jay’s arm. “I think what your father is saying is he’s very concerned about more people dying.” She leaned around Jay and aimed a sharp look at Stephan. “All those poor young men were found on our resort, even if it was obvious they didn’t die there.”
“Fine,” Jay sighed. “But I get the final say on this guy, and if I don’t like him, he goes.”
Jeanette smiled and pushed Jay’s coffee mug closer to him. “There, all settled. Jay will give the new employee a chance to wow him, and if not, then he’ll exercise his right as manager to fire the schmuck.”
“It’s not my fault there is some wacko killing people and dumping them here. It’s probably because we have a lot of remote woods.”
“Which reminds me, dear, can’t you do your running on an inside track and not through the woods?” Jeanette asked.
Jay wanted to cut off the tears he knew his mother was working herself up to before they started. “Mom, seriously? I’ve been jogging in those woods since I was what, twelve? All the bodies were taken to the same spot. That the police have established for sure. They’re all killed elsewhere. If I thought it was dangerous, I’d close the resort in a heartbeat and stop running in the woods.”
A few hours later, their meal finished and his mother’s self-imposed little chores around the resort completed, his parents were ready to be on their way. He pulled his mother into a hug, whispering in her ear, “I love you. A lot. Thank you.”
Jeanette patted his cheek, then reached down and took his hand, squeezing. “I’ll e-mail you the details. We’ll see you in a few days. I love you too.” She pecked his other cheek and headed down the front steps and into their car.
Jay went back inside, shut the front door, and leaned against it, letting his head thump on it a few times. He sighed and pushed off the door. There was some freak killing and maiming young men in the area and then dumping them on his resort. So far all the victims were tourists—that and the fact that they were all men in their twenties were the only similarities. None had been from the same geographic area, none knew one another or were in the same professions. One was married, one a single gay man, and one didn’t appear to have any attachments or preferences. From the reports Jay read, they didn’t even seem to like the same food. The only connection was they’d all been on the resort a day or two before dying. Everyone who worked on the resort had been questioned, re-questioned and, in some cases, watched for a time. As far as Jay knew, no one was a firm suspect.
Rubbing his temples, Jay decided he needed to forget forced marriages and murders for one night. He had a day and a half until the press conference, and he had his favorite watering hole he could go to. That’s exactly what he intended to do after work. If he was really lucky, he could find some other distraction. It was all he could ever hope for. The relationship Jay wanted was out of the question and out of his reach. He’d come to accept that fact.
At least he could relax, have a beer, watch a game, and eat some food.
It was an average bar he drove to spend the evening in, one that was far enough away no one would likely know or recognize him. Inside it was homey, with a friendly staff and wide-screen televisions playing every game within reception. There was always a good mix in the crowd—gays, straights, men, women, some alone, some with others. Mostly, all of them were there for the food and, tonight, pro basketball. It was a nice place to get lost in and become one of the crowd.
Across the street was a clean, decent, small motel in case he found a friend or simply didn’t want to drive back that same night. If he had more than a few beers, it was his habit to wait until the morning to head for home.
Settling at the bar, Jay ordered a beer, preferring local brews to the bigger name brands. While he waited for his drink to show up, he scanned the menu, not sure what he wanted yet. When his beer arrived, he swiveled the bar stool around and leaned back against the bar to watch the start of the game. People filtered in and out, and the barmaid brought him a second beer along with some nachos and cheese.
The door swung open and a gust of cool air hit him. Jay glanced at the man coming through. He was tall, maybe an inch or two taller than Jay, older, with light brown hair and dark brown eyes. His trim waist blossomed to a powerful chest, round, muscled shoulders, and beefy arms. Thick thighs were encased in his well-fitting jeans, giving just enough of a hint of their bulging muscles. Jay liked a man with muscle, and he definitely had a thing for powerful legs. The guy was easily half again as wide as Jay, and he judged him to be early to midthirties, making him roughly ten years Jay’s senior.
He was gorgeous and the type of man Jay fantasized about but never really felt he could win. Jay was nice to look at but nothing like this. He considered himself more average. He was in shape, but leaner. He’d never have the sheer bulk and powerful physique gracing this man.
The man settled in a corner, out-of-the-way booth and ordered a beer, gaze skimming the bar before coming to rest on the television and the game. Jay hoped he’d looked away fast enough and wasn’t caught staring at the newcomer.
Too bad Jay was being forced into a marriage he didn’t want, to a woman he barely knew or liked. He knew exactly what he wanted but doubted he’d ever get it: a man who understood him. One who knew what he wanted and went after it, knew how to take without violence. A man who took the time to learn what Jay wanted—needed—and had the smarts to provide it.
A man like that one.
Jay’s quick glances in his direction morphed into longer looks until he realized he was staring again.
The man in the corner nodded to him and tipped his beer bottle at Jay when one team scored a basket. Jay hadn’t turned away fast enough and had been caught staring. Cheeks burning, Jay smiled back and ducked his head, breaking eye contact. A few minutes later, he took a deep breath and turned his head, looking to the side. The man’s gaze at once flicked from the game to Jay, a slow, easy smile spreading over his face.
Jay’s radar tingled. He knew that look, and it made his stomach go giddy and his cock get warm and thick. He offered a shy smile back. This man was definitely the right type of man for Jay, on a few levels.
The man tipped his beer at Jay before wrapping his lips around the bottle neck, taking a swig and watching Jay with dark, smoldering, lusty eyes. Jay gulped and looked down again, picking at the material of his jeans where they covered his knee.
Jay waited, wondering what would happen next. Was this man a man who knew what he wanted and how to get it? When the man shifted around, planted both feet on the floor, and leaned forward, gaze moving from the television to Jay and back a few times before he settled on watching him, Jay decided maybe he was indeed a man who saw what he wanted and then took it. The thought of this big man pinning him to a bed or wall, taking him and giving to him, made Jay’s heart race.
Jay was never that lucky.
“Eric.” The man was standing beside Jay a few seconds later, hand extended, warm expression in his eyes and on his face.
Jay shook his hand, returning the smile with a shy one of his own. “Jay.”
Eric eased onto the stool beside him and tipped his chin at the television. “Who you rooting for?”
“Not the Heat.”
Laughing outright, Eric waved at the barmaid and ordered them each another beer. “Me either.” He punched the air next to his head and grinned. “Go Cavs, then.”
Jay was immediately impressed. The man had done his homework in the short time they’d been in the same bar. Instead of ordering what he had been drinking, Eric was sure to ask for the local stuff Jay was drinking. He went so far as to use the specific name of the beer.
Picking up both new bottles, Eric used them to point at his booth. “Let’s sit there—more comfortable.”
“I’d like that, thanks.” Trailing after Eric, Jay was doubly impressed when Eric stepped aside as they reached the table, letting Jay slide into the booth.
Eric slipped in across from him. “Hungry?”
“I had some nachos earlier but I could always eat.”
Eric chuckled and nodded. It was sexy, endearing, and thrilling all at once.
Scanning the menu, Eric stretched long, rock-hard legs out and brushed Jay’s leg lightly, igniting sparks that ripped along his inner thigh. “I’ve never been here before—just passing through. I’m on my way to a new job and stopped here for the night. How about you?”
“I live an hour or so away, come here a couple times a month just to get away, less a chance of being recognized. The pizza is good, so is the steak sandwich, though you can practically hear your arteries harden with every swallow.”
Eric chuckled again, and Jay loved how his voice rumbled. It was deep and pleasant. He watched as Eric turned the menu over a few times and imagined what those large hands and long fingers would feel like against his skin. The flesh between his legs firmed and stiffened, making his jeans tighten.
When Eric waved the waitress over and ordered dinner, Jay was again impressed. He’d taken the hint, ordered Jay a pizza, with Jay filling in the toppings he wanted. Eric didn’t go for either the pizza or the sandwich but opted for a burger.
This man, Eric, was cut from a rare cloth. Jay was a natural submissive, and picking out the right Dom, even for one night, was a job and a half. This guy obviously wasn’t new to the Dominant-submissive scene. He knew what he was doing, cared about his partner’s needs, and was willing to see his sub was provided for properly.
They ate, watched the game, cheered and booed, and it was the most fun Jay had had in longer than he cared to remember. He could fall for this man and fall hard if he wasn’t careful and didn’t keep his wits about him.
Jay excused himself to use the bathroom. When he returned, Eric was leaning against the end of the table. “Needed to stretch.” He grinned, and when Jay slid into the booth, Eric didn’t sit across from him but this time eased in beside him. “It’s getting pretty late to drive any distance home. Shouldn’t drink and drive anyway.”
“No, that’s never good and I don’t do that,” Jay said softly.
Eric’s hand rested on Jay’s thigh making his stomach clench, his breath quicken, and his jeans snug in even more closely. When Eric’s fingers inched down to his inseam and dug in slightly, Jay let out a long, slow, very low moan. It had been a while since anyone had bothered seducing him instead of simply picking him up for a fast lay or blow job.
While watching the game, Eric leaned back and relaxed against the booth, casually sipping his beer, and continued to work his fingers up and down Jay’s inner thigh until his heart rate had to have at least doubled. Leaning back, Jay slid down a bit in his seat and opened his legs wider, inviting Eric to touch more.
Moving his fingers farther up, Eric pressed in against the crease of Jay’s groin, causing him to rock his hips forward ever so slightly. Eric continued working Jay through his jeans, applying pressure to his balls, moving back to his thigh, then up to his balls again. It was enough force to make Jay rub against Eric’s fingers and moan softly each time the heaviness of Eric’s touch eased away.
“Keep your hands and beer on the table; we wouldn’t want to attract the wrong kind of attention.” Eric’s voice was low and soft, but the command still came across loud and clear. Jay was only too willing to comply. “Better stay quiet too. I’m not up for a bar fight tonight.”
By the time Eric eased Jay’s zipper down, he was already wet and sticky with precum, his heart pounding, teeth digging into his lower lip to keep from groaning loud enough to be noticed or defy the quiet order Eric had given him.
Using just one finger, Eric rubbed up and down Jay’s cock, following the thick vein from base to crown. The edge of his fingernail scraped very gently around the soft, tender flesh. Jay slid farther down in the booth and let his head rest against the wall, spreading his legs even wider as he pulled in a few quick shuddering breaths. Eric repeated his touches a few more times before pulling his hand away and resting it on the table.
“Sit up straight and zip yourself up. My car is outside. Where are you parked?”
“Parking lot outside.” Jay followed Eric’s instructions, leaning heavily against the tabletop, trying to organize his thoughts. “Green Jeep Cherokee.”
Nodding, Eric stroked Jay’s thigh again. “You sit tight, I’ll go pay up our tab, and we can go over to my room.”
Jay couldn’t do much more than nod before Eric was out of the booth and heading to the bar. When he returned, Jay looked up at him and smiled. “Ready?”
“You betcha.”
The air was crisp and chilly but did little to cool Jay as he watched out of the corner of one eye how Eric moved, fluid and muscular. He was a powerhouse. Jay was a runner with a completely different body build. He admired how Eric’s muscles slid under his skin, bulging and stretching as he moved. Eric’s shirtsleeves were rolled almost to his elbows and the soft glow of the outdoor lighting accentuated the ripples of muscle, enhanced by veins along his forearms.
They walked to Jay’s Jeep, which was near the edge of the lot. It was parked so the driver’s side wasn’t easily seen by either street or bar. He hadn’t done that on purpose; it was just a very lucky turn of events.
After walking with him to the driver’s side, Eric extended one arm and leaned his hand against the vehicle. He glanced up at the sky. “Looks like we might get a storm tonight. You should stay the night with me.”
“Yes, sir,” Jay murmured, shivering when Eric’s other hand ran along his shoulder and down his arm.
A soft rumble from deep inside Eric’s chest eased free. He stepped closer to Jay and took hold of him, pulling him in close and winding one of those powerful arms around Jay’s middle. “I’d like very much to give you what you need.” He licked Jay’s lower lip, sucking it between his teeth. Stepping even closer, he pressed one hard, muscled thigh between Jay’s legs, pressing up while at the same time applying steady pressure with his hands to push Jay down.
“Thank you,” Jay whispered, sliding his arms around Eric’s waist and moving his hands over his back, appreciating the smooth, firm muscles stretched over Eric’s frame.
When Jay rocked his hips forward against him, Eric pushed his tongue inside Jay’s mouth, skimming everywhere, thrusting in time with the rocking of Jay’s hips. Breath coming faster and shallower, Jay returned the kiss, reveling in how Eric’s body felt against his.
Eric lifted his leg higher, applying more pressure, and broke their kiss. Nipping along Jay’s jaw line, he whispered in Jay’s ear, “You’re not even close to me letting you come yet.”
Jay gulped down a deep breath, nearly shooting his load in his jeans. He moaned and tipped his head back, giving Eric complete access to his throat, shuddering when the man’s teeth caught and nipped his flesh, tongue licking a path afterward. Eric gripped him harder and pushed him down even more against his leg.
Groaning, Jay didn’t try to stop when his knees sort of gave way and he did a slow, delightfully excruciating slide down Eric’s leg, loving how it pressed against his swollen cock. As soon as he was kneeling in front of Eric, Jay brought both hands up, palms flat, and rubbed on either side of Eric’s cock. He was incredibly hard; Jay could feel it even through his jeans, and another shudder raced through him at the thought of that huge cock buried deep inside him while those big hands held him wherever Eric wished Jay to be.
He mouthed Eric through his clothes, moving his hands in a steady rhythm.
“Hmm.” Eric worked his fingers through Jay’s hair, then fisted a large chunk and kept his head in place. “You’ll do very nicely.” After a few seconds, he tugged on Jay’s hair and Jay stood, swaying slightly, struggling to catch his breath. Nodding at a small, dark car a few rows away, Eric leaned in and spoke in Jay’s ear, blowing hot breath against his already overheated skin. “That’s my car. I’m in room seventeen, near the end. Drive over there and wait at the door for me. Surprise me.”
Jay nodded and fumbled in his pocket for his keys. He had no idea how he managed to get them out, unlock his Jeep’s door, and get in to start the vehicle and put it into gear. Eric smiled, turned, and headed for his own car. After Jay was parked in the lot across the street, he went to room seventeen. Facing the wall next to the door, he loosened the button of his jeans and worked the zipper partially down. Then he put his hands flat on the cool surface and planted his feet wide apart, dropping his head.
He waited.
There weren’t a lot of people around, and it was too early for most of the bar patrons to be leaving, so it was unlikely anyone would see him other than Eric. The thought of someone other than Eric seeing him like this sent another spark of thrill slithering up from Jay’s stomach.
A few minutes later, Jay heard a car engine cut, a door open and close, and footfalls crunch over the parking lot, coming to a stop behind him. He started when warm hands, fingers spread wide, moved up and down his sides. One hand skimmed over his belly and dipped inside his jeans, gripping his cock.
Eric leaned his weight against Jay’s back and spoke in his ear. “Very nice.”
“P-please… I need….”
“Don’t worry, Jay, I’ll get you exactly what you need.” Eric stepped away and at once Jay missed his warmth and strength.
Jay heard the motel room door being unlocked and how it squeaked when it swung open. The thing needed oil or something but not nearly as badly as Jay needed oiling up, a few good, solid smacks to his ass, and a firm hand opening him.
Light flooded the sidewalk from inside the room.
“Inside. There’s a dresser. Strip and put your clothes on top of it. Present yourself so I can get a good look at you.”
Silently, Jay walked into the room and did as he was told, taking off his clothes and folding them neatly on the dresser. Shoes and socks were stuffed underneath. He moved to the middle of the room so Eric had clear access to him from all sides. Standing, feet shoulder-width apart, he folded his arms behind his back, hands gripping his elbows. He lowered his gaze to the floor and waited.
Eric paced around him, at first not touching him, which made Jay’s cock twitch and leak even more. When he moved in close enough, Jay felt the denim of Eric’s jeans against his skin, and his belt buckle caught and scraped along Jay’s abs a few times. Eric used one finger to trace a vein running up from Jay’s groin, then circled his belly button.
“You may answer any question I put to you. Otherwise make all the noise you want, but no words. Understood?” Eric used two fingertips to brush down Jay’s flank.
“Yes, sir.” He couldn’t help following up with a long, shuddering sigh. Eric smiled and ran his fingertips up Jay’s ribs and across his back. Jay had the impression Eric liked hearing sounds of pleasure.
“You’re in good shape. Work out?”
“Run, sir.”
“Nice.” The fingers swirled over Jay’s thigh before skimming back along his abs, never coming close to his cock. Eric took Jay’s left nipple between thumb and forefinger, turning and pulling gently on it until Jay gasped and moaned. He used the heel of his other hand against Jay’s other nipple, rubbing until it puckered and stood.
Tingles of electricity shot through Jay from every point on his body Eric touched. There didn’t seem to be enough air, and every exhale was a soft, needy moan. Jay thought he’d died and gone to heaven when Eric finally reached between his legs and gripped his balls, tugging, twisting, and rolling them in one hand. Eric’s other hand mimicked those movements against Jay’s nipple until his breath faltered.
“God, you’re amazing.” Eric moaned, swiping his tongue up Jay’s neck, then back down, dipping his head and biting Jay’s collarbone. He spun Jay around and moved him a few feet to an armchair. “Hands on the back of this chair, and hold it.”
The instant Jay’s fingers gripped the back of the chair, Eric pushed him forward so he was forced to balance mostly on his hands. Pulling back one hand, he landed a hard smack on Jay’s rear. Leaning in close again, tongue skimming the shell of Jay’s ear, Eric said, “If you want me to stop….”
“The word is Sahara, sir.”
“Excellent choice.” Eric delivered another smack and used the side of his foot to kick Jay’s feet farther apart, giving him enough access to Jay’s inner thighs. Those received a few well-placed hits, making Jay squirm and wiggle his hips back into the oncoming hand. “Slut,” Eric chuckled when Jay’s moans came faster and louder with every crack to his ass. “My stuff—bedroom stuff—is packed and in a moving van, so I hope you don’t mind if we improvise?”
“No, sir,” Jay panted and shoved his hips back, meeting Eric’s hand when it landed firmly against the flesh of his ass again, making his skin tingle and heat rise between his thighs. He wouldn’t have let anyone, even someone like Eric, restrain him for real until he knew them well enough to feel safe.
Though Jay already had the sense that with Eric he was very safe. Shoving away the thought he’d not be able to see this man more than very casually, Jay moaned and gasped when slick, cool lube oozed from a point just above his crack and dripped between his cheeks.
Eric’s fingers, slippery with the lube, rubbed the spot right behind Jay’s balls while the pad of his thumb pressed against his entrance, making small circles. With every twitch of his thumb, Eric’s fingers pushed more insistently against the sensitive skin of his perineum.
Jay leaned more of his weight against the chair back, panting and moaning, his entire world narrowed to the movements of Eric’s fingers. When he tried pushing back to get Eric’s thumb inside him, Eric’s other hand fisted in his hair and tugged with enough force to stop Jay’s backward thrusting. Heart hammering in his chest, Jay gasped for breath, fingers scrabbling over the material of the chair arms.
Without warning Eric’s fingers were gone from the heated flesh of Jay’s ass. He felt Eric shift around and loosen his belt one handed. “Stay.” Eric’s voice was husky and sent more shivers through Jay. He heard the sounds of Eric’s shirt, shoes, and jeans coming off. Jay cleared his throat and shuddered when Eric caressed his back with one hand, asking, “Yes?”
“May I… your condom?”
Eric wound one arm around Jay’s waist and pulled him upright, rubbing his cock between Jay’s cheeks and licking at his ear. “Hmm, I’d like that.” Eric’s free hand skimmed down Jay’s side and between his legs again, fondling his balls. “When I’m ready you may.” He pushed one oiled finger inside Jay up to the first knuckle, moving in slow, easy circles. Easing in farther, he crooked his finger and pressed for a split second against the sweet spot inside Jay, making his knees buckle.
A second finger was slowly pushed in, and Eric twisted and spread Jay until he was open, loose, and nearly whimpering. Eric pulled his fingers out and slowly turned Jay, drawing him close. Slanting his mouth over Jay’s, he moved one hand to Jay’s hair and held him still, swiping his tongue over Jay’s lips.
Jay sighed and parted his lips, the tip of his own tongue slipping out and brushing over Eric’s. In the next second, Eric’s tongue was inside his mouth, exploring everywhere. Eric tightened his arms around Jay’s back and parted his lips. Jay took the invitation, enjoying the warmth of Eric’s mouth.
Eric leaned away, ending their kiss. He dug in his pocket, extracting a small packet. “Put this on me, now.”
As he’d done in the parking lot, Jay did a slow slide to his knees, dragging over Eric’s thick, muscular thigh. He took the condom packet Eric held out and opened it, peeled the condom over the head of Eric’s penis with two fingers, then used his mouth to finish the job. Eric’s hips canted forward, and he moaned, deep and long.
A small voice far back in Jay’s mind wondered would they ever know each other well enough to dispense with the use of condoms. Jay reminded himself to worry about here and now, not a future he couldn’t have. The way Eric’s eyes tracked Jay’s every move, as if he were the only other person on earth, made warmth spread through Jay’s chest.
Jay swirled his tongue over Eric’s cock, delighted with the words and noises of pleasure coming from the man’s mouth. He picked the lube up off the floor, spread a generous amount on his hands and used them both to smear it over Eric’s cock. Hands gripped him under his arms and lifted, making him let go of Eric’s cock and urging him to his feet. “Bed,” Eric breathed out. “Now. Face down, legs spread for me.”
Jay stumbled and would have gone face-first into the carpeting had Eric not caught and guided him. Crawling onto the bed, Jay did as he was told and lay sprawled on his stomach, legs open and body wanting.
Eric’s weight pressed over Jay; his cock rubbed over his entrance, making Jay’s breath catch and his heart stutter. Jay’s wrists were gripped in one of Eric’s hands and held over his head. Eric’s other hand pressed the back of Jay’s head, holding him firmly in place. Pushing slowly, Eric buried himself inside Jay, pulled out even more slowly, and then snapped his hips forward, thrusting in deep.
Jay lifted his hips, impaling himself on the thick cock within him, groaning and gasping, desperate for more. Eric set a fast pace, each thrust more powerful than the last, until he bent his head and bit down on Jay’s shoulder. A series of short pants and husky moans and Eric came, throbbing and pumping inside Jay.
Gripping Jay’s wrists even harder, Eric let his entire weight drop onto his back. Jay’s own cock felt like it was on fire from the inside, and his ass stung from the sweat between them. Every inch of his skin felt ignited. He tingled inside and out, desperate for more.
Eric’s pace slowed. He nipped at Jay’s ear, then whispered, “You are incredible.” His warm breath filled Jay’s ear. As he softened inside, he moved his hips in slow circles, brushing Jay’s sweet spot again and again. Forbidden to speak, Jay could only moan and sigh.
Chuckling softly, Eric eased out and knelt beside Jay. One hand pressed to his back, he leaned down and murmured, “Stay still, very still.”
His fingers replaced his cock, twisting, turning, brushing over Jay’s prostate until Jay thought he’d explode. Hand moving slowly over heated skin, Eric slipped his hand between Jay and the bed. He finally, finally, took Jay’s penis in hand, pumping in time with the movements of his fingers inside Jay.
“Are you ready?” Eric asked in a low voice.
“Pl-please, please.” Jay barely managed to get the words out of his mouth.
Eric pulled his fingers from Jay’s ass and wound that arm under Jay’s hips, lifting him a few inches off the bed. His other hand stroked Jay faster, twisting on each upstroke and skimming his thumbnail along the underside of the crown of Jay’s cock.
“You’ve been very good. You may come now.”
Jay yelped, hips moving side to side frantically, hands clasping in the sheets as his balls tightened and liquid fire coursed through him, making every muscle jerk and spasm along with his pulsating cock. The world spun away for a few seconds, and the only thing Jay’s mind registered was the intense pleasure thrumming through him, centered on his cock.
Dragging in a few deep breaths, Jay came back to himself when he was moved, eased across Eric’s thighs, and rolled gently onto his back. Eric bent over him, pushed Jay’s hair away from his face, and smiled. Leaning in, he brushed his lips lightly over Jay’s forehead. “You needed that.”
“Yeah,” Jay agreed. “More than you know.”
“Good.” Eric sighed and ran both hands up Jay’s torso. “I need a shower, been driving all damn day.” He nodded toward the bathroom.
Pushing up on his elbows, Jay inched away and off the bed, lips curling to a shy smile. “May I warm the water, sir?”
Eric nodded and gave Jay a quick slap on his ass once he was off the bed.
As Jay headed to the bathroom, he glanced over his shoulder, pleased to see Eric watching him.
By the time Jay finished washing Eric’s long, muscular body, they were both hard again. Holding Jay to the shower wall, Eric sucked his cock, taking him to the brink and leaving him there, making him back away and then taking him there again. For the second time that night, Jay’s wrists were gripped in Eric’s strong hand, and Eric’s cock pounded into him, while Jay was helpless to do anything except stand there and take it.
It was the best night Jay ever had, and Eric was true to his word, making sure Jay got all he needed, making him wait and beg until he thought he couldn’t stand it anymore. Then Eric made him wait even more, but it was well worth it.
Elizabeth Noble started telling stories before she actually knew how to write, and her family was very happy when she learned to put words on a page. Those words turned into fan fiction that turned into a genuine love of M/M romance fiction. Being able to share her works with Dreamspinner is really a dream come true. She has a real love for all things sci-fi, futuristic, and supernatural and a bit of an unnatural interest in a super-volcano in Wyoming.
Elizabeth has three grown children and is now happily owned by three mutts, a foster mutt, and two cats. She lives in her native northeast Ohio. When she's not writing she's working as a veterinary nurse, so don't be surprised to see her men with a pet or three. When at work she meets all sorts of interesting characters who often find their way into some story or another.
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