“You’re whispering you love us because you think we’re asleep.”
A surprised laugh burst from Rocky at Hudson’s interjection. “I tell you I love you when you’re awake too.”
“Do you, though? I mean, you’ve never done a grand declaration of love or anything. Not with me and not with Jinx, as far as I’ve seen. You just started saying you love us one day.”
“Grand declarations aren’t me, baby. I try to take care of you two and tell you both I love you. Other than that, I’m not very romantic or soft.” Rocky’s chest tightened at the confession. He rubbed the spot that ached. He realized how lacking he was the more he spoke. “I’m sorry I’m not better at this.”
“Don’t apologize. You don’t need to be soft. That’s Jinx’s job. I’m the romantic one. You have to be the one strong enough to keep us together. We each have a place, but sometimes we need to hear the words. I’m feeling pretty wiped clean right now. It’s not your fault.”
Rocky wanted to fix Hudson, but he didn’t know how. Words escaped him in his desperation. “I love you. Being with Jinx and you, that’s all I have. No one taught me how to be loving, but I can’t imagine my life without you two anymore. You two are the reason I wake up.”
Silence met his confession.
A soft chuckle escaped Rocky. “Did my declaration of love put you to sleep?”
“No. I was just thinking about life and our current situation. I love you too. When I get home, I’ll show you just how much.”
“I’ll hold you to that. You need to get some sleep, baby.”
Hudson’s voice seemed somewhat sluggish when he responded, as if sleep already tried pulling him under. “You too. Go hold Jinx for me.”
“I will. Love you and goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
Rocky disconnected their call and stared at the blank wall across from him. There was definitely something going on with Hudson. Rocky wondered if Hudson had ever gone to therapy or if he was mostly just dark-natured. Not everyone was a ray of sunshine. Some people were cloudy days. The world needed both.
With no answer for anything, Rocky stood and headed back to his bedroom. He found Jinx still sleeping peacefully. Rocky stripped and joined Jinx in bed. The moment his head hit the pillow, Jinx snuggled closer, as if looking for Rocky’s warmth. Rocky towed Jinx into his arms. For a long time, he stared at the ceiling and held the other piece of his heart. A smile exploded across Rocky’s face from nowhere. It made sense he would fall for men who needed him. He was self-aware enough to know he thrived on being a caretaker. Rocky had watched over Zayn for fifteen years. He had built his life and personality around being strong. He loved the universe’s choice for him. If given a different path in life, he would still pick Jinx and Rocky in every scenario. He was so ready for them to be together again.
Six
Hudson: Are you alone?
Jinx: Yes.
Hudson: Is it okay if I call you?
Jinx: Of course. I’m not busy and I love hearing your voice.
The phone rang half a second after Jinx hit send, as if Hudson had been poised with his finger over the call button. Jinx couldn’t answer fast enough to suit his heart.
“Hello?”
“Hey, sexy baby. What are you wearing?”
Jinx couldn’t control his smile. The happiness was too much. “Nothing.”
Hudson whimpered. “I’m not alone. Why do you torment me?”
A chuckle rose in Jinx’s throat. “I’m sorry, baby. I love you and couldn’t resist. What’s up?”
“I’ve been thinking a lot and missing you even more. There’s a thought I’d like to run by you.”
“Shoot.” Jinx was more than happy to work through anything with Hudson.
“Do you think Rocky would be willing to move in with us?”
Another smile exploded across Jinx’s face. “Us?”
“Yeah. Us,” Hudson said without missing a beat. “My thought was that you could move in first, in secret—like Wednesday when I get home. Then we could tag team Rocky to convince him to move in too. I don’t think he would move if I just asked, but I want you both with me full time when I get home.”
Honestly, Jinx didn’t think Rocky would move either. Rocky’s home was with Zayn. It would take a lot to budge him. “Are you sure you want me full time? That’s a big leap from barely seeing me in the past six months.”
Hudson didn’t as much as hesitate. “The idea of having the two of you in my bed every night and under my roof every day, that’s all that’s kept me sane. I’m ready to be happy again.”
Hearing Hudson say he wasn’t happy now had Jinx’s heart aching.
“I love you so much. There’s no place I’d rather be every night than in your bed.” Jinx had to massage his chest as he said the words. Being in Hudson’s bed every night might mean leaving Rocky’s. Jinx equally loved both men. He didn’t want to choose. “We’ll convince Rocky.” They had to. Jinx couldn’t let Rocky say no.
“Yes. Thank you. I’m so excited.” Jinx heard the excitement in Hudson’s voice. Hudson kept talking like a kid high on sugar. “I love you, baby. You’ll be the happiest man alive with me. I swear it. I plan to spoil you so much. You’ll beg me to stop.”
Jinx laughed at the idea. “Will I? I don’t know. I’ve never been spoiled. Obviously, I have a lot of nice stuff because I live with Zayn, but I know it’s not mine. I never forget I’m a guest.”
“You won’t be just a guest here,” Hudson said, sounding firm. “Everything that’s mine is yours. We’re getting married someday, right?”
“Right.”
Hudson released a happy sounding sigh. “Damn. I can’t wait to be home with you.”
Jinx closed his eyes and wished time away. “I’m so ready for you to be here. It feels like you’ve been gone forever.” Jinx heard someone talking in the background.
Hudson groaned. “I’m sorry, baby. I have to go. A car is waiting to take me to my next show. I love you. Go snuggle with Rocky so I can picture you two happy.”
“I will. I love you too. See you soon.”
“Bye.”
Hudson was gone again. Jinx didn’t know how to feel. On one hand, he was days away from the next chapter of his life. That was exciting as hell. On the other, there was a real chance Rocky wouldn’t join them. He was too entrenched here with Zayn. All Jinx could do was hope and go find Rocky like he said he would. Jinx set his phone aside and went on the hunt. He had some low-key hints to drop. There was no time like now to start.
With his paperwork balanced on one knee, Rocky worked on the next week’s schedule. He needed to be off this Wednesday and possibly Thursday so he could enjoy Hudson coming home. Two guys had quit recently. One had moved for his wife’s job. The other had retired, so technically, he hadn’t quit. Rocky was down two people nonetheless. He would have to pull some double shifts to fill the spots until he hired some new people. That was no big deal since he lived here. It was only an inconvenience because Hudson was coming home. Rocky wanted to be there for that.
Jinx's hand ran across the back of Rocky’s neck. Rocky’s breath caught. His eyes fell closed. He could pick Jinx from a crowd of a thousand people without ever seeing his face. Jinx made his heart beat faster just by being in the same room.
The paperwork disappeared from Rocky’s knee. Jinx pushed until he straddled Rocky’s lap. Rocky drew a steadying breath as he stared into the light blue eyes that he loved more than anything.
“Hey, sweet angel. What are you doing with your day?”
Jinx stared at Rocky’s mouth as he answered. “Resenting your work. It’s keeping you from me.”
Rocky grabbed Jinx’s ass and towed him even closer. “I’m not working on anything that can’t wait.”
Jinx kissed Rocky’s chin. “Good. We only have a few days left alone before we’re at Hudson’s every night. I know I’ll still get to seduce you, but...” he kissed the corner of Rocky’s mouth, “this is last time I’ll
be doing it alone.”
Fuck. Rocky was torn. He had to work. Also, he couldn’t wait for his men to seduce him at the same time. Not to mention, he really, really loved it when Jinx initiated things. Jinx made Rocky feel wanted, like no one else ever had. Rocky couldn’t explain it. He had fucked a lot of good-looking men over the years. Jinx was special. Not only was he incredibly sexy, but he also owned Rocky’s heart. No one could say that before Jinx.
Jinx coaxed him into a kiss. It wasn’t until their tongues brushed that Jinx’s words sank in. He pulled away. “We won’t be at Hudson’s every night. He usually stays here.”
His pants loosened. Jinx seemed to barely listen. “He’ll have a lot to catch up with at home when he gets back. I can’t imagine he’ll stay here for a while.” Jinx went back to kissing Rocky before Rocky could respond. Then he forgot their conversation. Jinx set Rocky’s erection free and stroked. Rocky’s head spun. They were in Rocky’s private living room, but it was still open to his employees. Everyone knew where he was in case they needed him. Anyone could walk in any second. Rocky couldn’t make Jinx stop. He didn’t have the strength.
Rocky moved against Jinx’s hand, taking his pleasure. Jinx sucked Rocky’s tongue while pumping faster. A pant escaped Rocky as he moved closer to blowing in Jinx’s hand.
“Hey, Rocky. We snagged that same teenager on the property that we caught a few months back. What do you want us to do with him?”
Jinx froze.
They stared at each other.
Rocky doubted, from the angle of the doorway, Sam could see what they were doing exactly. He had definitely seen them making out, at the very least. Rocky cleared his throat and tried to sound normal. “Go ahead and call the police. I’ll be out there in a minute.”
“Sure thing.”
Sam disappeared, and Jinx fell forward, burying his face against Rocky’s throat. He shook with silent laughter. Rocky’s dick was still in his hand.
Adrenaline pumped through Rocky’s veins. He couldn’t believe they had been caught and he would have to face his team afterward. Sam might not say anything. Hell, he might not have seen anything since he hadn’t acted as if he had. Still, they had been caught. It was kind of hot. Rocky grabbed two handfuls of Jinx’s ass and stood, leaving Jinx no other choice than to wrap his legs around Rocky’s waist.
“You’ll pay for that one.”
Jinx's eyes swam with laughter. “Is that so?”
Rocky headed inside his bedroom. “Yep. I’m about to fuck you hard and fast because I have to deal with the police. But I promise I’ll come back and make love to you like you deserve later.”
“I’ll take it.”
Rocky tossed Jinx on the bed and tore at his clothes. “Yes, you will.”
Jinx moved every bit as quickly as Rocky, proving he was every bit as turned on as Rocky. In no time, Rocky was suited up, lubed, and inside Jinx. Their mouths clashed. Rocky’s heartbeat pounded in his ears. Whimpers and harsh breaths filled the room. Rocky held Jinx’s jaw in a tight grip, forcing Jinx to hold his stare while Rocky fucked him. “You’re mine.”
“I know.”
At Jinx’s words, Rocky blew. He came faster than he had in years. Being with Jinx, even in the quickest of trysts, was everything to Rocky. He was in love. There was nothing he wouldn’t do—no low too low—to be with Jinx. He couldn’t leave his baby hanging. While still trying to catch his breath from his mind-blowing orgasm, Rocky slithered down Jinx’s body and swallowed his cock. The cry that tore from Jinx’s throat as Rocky’s lips closed around his cock was like music to Rocky’s ears. He wanted to stay here all night. Rocky swore he would be back the moment he was done working.
Jinx pulled his hair and rode his tongue. He was wild beneath Rocky. As cum filled his mouth, Jinx cried his name. Rocky swallowed every drop as his prize. He was completely over-the-top enamored. Rocky would be until the day he died.
No one regretted him having to leave more than Rocky. He kissed his way back to Jinx’s mouth, whispering his regrets. “I don’t want to go.”
Jinx kissed him deep before forcing him away. “I know. Go, so you can hurry back. I want to hold you.”
A groan tore from Rocky as he moved away. He tossed the condom in the trash before righting his clothes. A whimper escaped him as he watched Jinx stretch. “Are you trying to kill me?”
A sexy smile stretched Jinx’s lips. “Nope. Just trying to motivate you to come back sooner.”
Rocky stared down at Jinx, debating whether he actually needed to deal with the police. Surely someone else could do it. His mind warred with itself. In the end, it was his job. He couldn’t leave this big of a decision to anyone else.
“I’ll hurry.” Rocky raced from the room. He had to get back as fast as possible. Luckily, the police were already waiting for him by the time he reached the security office. Rocky spotted the same dirty kid he had booted from the property months earlier. He was in handcuffs and staring at the floor.
A blond cop stepped into Rocky’s path before he made it inside the office. “You’re Rocky Valdes, correct?”
Rocky nodded. “That’s me.”
The cop handed him a clipboard. “All you have to do is sign the paperwork, stating you’re filing charges, and we’ll take him off your hands.”
Rocky eyed the paperwork. “I hate to do this, but he keeps coming back. At least he’s a minor. I doubt he’ll get any time.”
“Actually, he’s eighteen. He’ll likely get a year.”
A groan escaped Rocky before he could call it back. He eyed the kid sitting inside the office. He tapped the pen on the clipboard. If he signed, he could ruin the guy’s life. It looked like he already had enough problems. “Do you know his deal?”
The cop glanced toward the office before meeting Rocky’s stare again. “Yeah. We pick up Cooper about once a week. Usually, it’s just to make him move. People don’t like him sleeping on their property. Big places like this are a better choice for some of the homeless, especially teens. He’s less likely to get caught or molested. It’s likely he’s slept in your yard several times, and that’s why he keeps coming back. That, or someone on the staff is feeding him.”
Rocky took a slow, steady breath. “Fuck.” He handed the clipboard back to the cop. “I’m not pressing charges. We’ll deal with him.”
“Whatever you want. If you change your mind, just give us a call.”
It wasn’t a matter of changing his mind. Rocky already didn’t want to deal with this, but he couldn’t go back to his warm bed and even warmer man with this on his conscience. He waited until they uncuffed Cooper to join him in the office. Once the cops cleared out, he motioned for Cooper to stand. “Let’s go.”
Cooper stood, grabbing a dirty duffle bag.
Rocky held up his hand. “No. That has to stay behind.”
“Fuck you. You’re not stealing my stuff.”
Rocky rolled his eyes. “Nobody wants your stuff, but you’re not taking that dirty—likely lice-infested—shit in the house.”
Cooper’s light green eyes flashed with anger. “My shit isn’t lice-infested.”
“I can call the cops back.”
Cooper eyed the bag and then Rocky. Finally, he stepped over the bag and followed Rocky outside. Rocky waited for him. They walked side by side to the house. “Are you an addict?”
“Fuck you. I ain’t no junkie.”
Rocky sighed. “Do you have any other retorts?”
Cooper didn’t respond.
Rocky took the silence as an opening to ask more questions. “Have you ever held a job?”
“Nobody’s gonna hire someone like me.”
“I was thinking about it if you could drop the attitude for half a goddamn minute.”
Cooper snorted. “This isn’t your house. Your pants cost forty dollars at best.”
Rocky couldn’t argue. “No. It’s not my house, but this is my security team and I’m free to hire anyone I want. The pay is good, and you’d have a roof
over your head and food in your stomach, as long as you do your job and everything you can to protect the people living here.” Rocky would never take this risk if Zayn and Spencer were in town. Luckily, they had taken a year to tour the world. There were three months left in their trip. If the kid didn’t work out, Rocky would replace whatever he stole. Rocky risked his whole ass on this. He bet a lot on Cooper being loyal for a home.
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