William nodded, not even missing a beat. “Congratulations.” He grinned as he pointed at the pile of shorts on shore. “Cover your dicks, everyone, then we’ll get this guy taken care of.”
Chapter Two
The urge to cough pulled Solomon out of the darkness he’d been floating in. His lungs burned, but he fought the need. He couldn’t take in more water or—
Wait a minute.
Solomon realized he was warm and dry... and on a bed. He stopped fighting the desire to cough. His chest heaved as he turned on his side and doubled over, harsh hacks racking him.
“Easy now. Try to breathe through your nose to gain control, and I’ll give you a sip of water.”
The sound of a melodious tenor’s urging words reached Solomon’s pain-addled mind. He felt a firm, lightly calloused hand rubbing up and down the bare skin of his back. Goose bumps broke out on his shoulders as he forced a breath in through his nose.
Cracking his eyelids, Solomon just about swallowed his tongue. The view certainly froze up his lungs enough to stop his next cough. The man leaning over him was truly stunning, and not just because he was shirtless, showing off a lean, toned body, a sexy pair of nipple bar piercings, and wearing only a set of board shorts. Solomon found himself stunned by the man’s warm, blue-gray eyes.
“Wh-Who?”
Solomon’s throat closed again, and another coughing fit took him. Bowing his head, he shook with the intensity of the hacking. His eyes even watered.
“Don’t try to talk yet,” the man urged, rubbing up and down his back some more. “There’s a straw in front of your lips. As soon as you can, go ahead and wet your throat. It’ll soothe you a bit.”
Nodding once, Solomon forced himself to breathe through his nose. He opened his mouth and instantly felt the straw pressed to his lips. Wrapping his lips around it, he sucked on it strongly.
Tepid water filled his mouth.
Solomon managed to get down two swallows before his urge to cough overwhelmed him again. Over the next several minutes, he alternated between coughing fits and sipping water. Finally, the need to hack tapered off, and Solomon began to breathe easier.
Opening his eyes once more, Solomon again swept his gaze over the handsome man caring for him. He guessed the guy couldn’t have been more than twenty-eight or twenty-nine years old. The stranger had short, thick, finger-combed auburn hair, and a warm smile curved his thin lips.
“Hey, let’s take a listen to that chest again, huh?”
Then to Solomon’s surprise, the man pulled away and crossed to a dresser. He placed the cup on it, then picked up a stethoscope. With what appeared to be practiced ease, he fitted it to his ears as he returned to Solomon’s side.
The man then placed the cool round piece on Solomon’s chest and instructed him to breathe.
Solomon obeyed, inhaling and exhaling several times. Finally, he couldn’t contain his curiosity. “You’re a doctor?” His voice came out raspy, and talking tickled his throat. He let out a light, rough cough, then settled again.
“What?” The man winked at him, spreading his arms. “Don’t I look like a doctor?” Grinning widely, he took the stethoscope out of his ears, resting it around his neck. “I found you while I was out swimming, so—” He glanced down at himself and shrugged. “Didn’t really think clothes mattered more than making sure you were okay.” The man’s expression of mirth fell away. “You have an awful lot of shallow cuts, handsome, and I can tell they aren’t from a boating accident. Are you a criminal? End up on the wrong side of a gang or something?”
Solomon instantly shook his head. “Naw, not a criminal. Ex-military.” Holding up his hand, he offered, “Solomon Lynch. Unemployed currently, because I disobeyed the order of a rich asshole bastard.” Thinking about the doc’s question, he realized something else. “Shit, guess I did end up on the wrong side of someone, just not a gang.”
The doc took Solomon’s hand, but instead of shaking it, he gave it a gentle squeeze before bringing it to his lips and kissing his knuckles.
The light touch of the doc’s lips caused goose bumps to rise on his arm. His blood heated and rushed to his groin. He sucked in a harsh breath, surprised at the level of attraction and arousal filling him. It’d been a long damn time since he’d reacted to a man so swiftly, if ever.
“Someone rich. Hmmm,” the doctor mused. “Anyone I know?”
That cooled Solomon’s ardor a touch. Right, doctors were normally wealthy, weren’t they? Or was that a stereotype?
The man’s brows shot up. “Oh, right.” His smile turned wry. “My apologies. I’m Doctor Anthony Keller. Feel free to call me Anthony.” His smile turned hungry as he swept an openly appreciative gaze over his bare chest. “Or lover, eventually.”
Anthony’s open come-ons couldn’t have been clearer. The man wanted him.
Solomon was honest enough with himself to admit he wanted Anthony, too. Spending an afternoon exploring the man’s lean torso and nipple bars would be fantastic fun. Unfortunately, he wasn’t about to drag the handsome doctor into his mess. Solomon remembered Jim as being one of his attackers. There was no way that was a coincidence. He had to figure out a way to prove that Armando Whitney was involved.
“Hmm, have I made you uncomfortable?” Anthony hooked a nearby chair with his foot and dragged it close. He settled onto it, leaned forward, and placed his palms on the bed. “Are you going to claim to not be gay, Solomon? Because I think we both know that’s not the case.” Anthony cast a pointed look at the blanket... and the blatant tent Solomon’s hard cock made of it. “If you weren’t littered with almost a dozen knife cuts, I’d already be sucking that like a popsicle.”
Solomon groaned softly upon hearing Anthony’s blatant words. There was something about the man’s open come-ons, something... that triggered Solomon’s sixth sense. It wasn’t that the man was lying about his desire for him.
So what’s bothering me about Anthony?
Shaking his head, Solomon told him, “I’m gay, and I ain’t in the closet. Just can’t figure out why a rich doc would want an out of work merc like me.” Then something occurred to Solomon. Having learned over the years that crass bluntness could often be used to reveal more than subtle questioning, he asked, “Huh. Ya got a fetish for being a hero and fucking those ya save, man?”
* * * *
Ooookay! Did I just offend him?
Except, Anthony didn’t catch a hint of irritation. He took a slow deep breath, hiding the fact that he was scenting his human. My human. I do like the sound of that. Shit. Focus, man! Since Solomon had been lying in the room for several hours, his scent permeated the space, making it damn difficult.
Fortunately, Anthony only smelled concern, disbelief, and arousal twisted amongst Solomon’s natural masculine scent.
“Well, I’ve never saved anyone in the ocean before, so I’m going to go with no.”
Anthony smirked at Solomon, folding his hands in an effort to resist his desire to touch the human. His shark kept urging him to climb onto the bed and bite him, mark and claim him. He figured he should really talk to Solomon first.
I did find him dumped in the ocean. I really, really need to get to the bottom of that.
“I know most people think love at first sight is a mythical notion,” Anthony began, trying to ease Solomon’s concern. “So let’s call this lust at first sight.” Seeing his human’s full lips part and his brows lift, his expression one of clear surprise, Anthony chuckled and shook his head. “I’m obviously not doing a good job reassuring you.”
Biting his bottom lip, Anthony found his focus straying to Solomon’s parted lips. He really wanted to kiss him, taste him... and more. His gaze strayed down Solomon’s broad, thickly muscled form.
Solomon’s shoulders were wide with a heavily muscled torso. That narrowed into a cut six-pack abdominals and a trim waist. While the blanket pulled to Solomon’s waist didn’t show it, Anthony remembered Solomon’s navy blue b
His mate truly was a gorgeous man.
Now, how do I calm him and woo him?
“You’re staring, you know.”
Anthony snapped his gaze back to Solomon’s face. To his relief, he spotted amusement shining in the human’s pale blue eyes. Anthony nodded, offering his mate a wry smile. He even felt his cheeks heat a little in a blush.
“Uh, I can’t help it,” Anthony claimed, then cleared his throat as he held Solomon’s gaze. “There’s something about you.” Then remembering his mate’s earlier question, he admitted, “And while I’d love to sink into you and pound you into the mattress, I’d be happy to bend over for you, too, Solomon.”
Solomon’s eyes narrowed a smidge, and he rubbed his hand over his close-cropped, pale blond hair. “Have sex on the brain, don’t you?”
When Solomon swept his gaze over Anthony’s chest, his focus on Anthony’s pierced nipples, Solomon’s body flushed with aroused heat. His breath caught in his throat, and a tremble worked through him. Anthony licked his lips, trying to get moisture to his suddenly dry throat.
“Not that I blame you,” Solomon murmured. He blinked and shook his head, swallowing hard enough to cause his Adam’s apple to bob. “So, uh, how injured am I that we can’t fuck?”
Anthony sure loved the idea of sex with Solomon, but the reminder of his injuries put a bit of a damper on it. He realized he really shouldn’t be thinking with his dick. Finding his mate sure had scrambled his brain.
“You have ten superficial cuts.” Anthony tried to focus on Solomon’s injuries. That helped ease the ache in his dick. Well, a little, anyway. “Six on your torso and one on each limb. Whoever tossed you into the ocean probably hoped the scent of your blood would attract aquatic predators to, uh—”
Anthony grimaced. He hated thinking of his mate being eaten by the sharks he’d driven away. Good thing the smell had drawn him, too.
“Well, between that and the cinderblock tied to my feet,” Solomon replied roughly. “They definitely wanted to do me in.” He began inspecting his arms and torso. The slices were already scabbed over, but Anthony had slathered green ointment on them to keep out infection. Solomon dabbed a finger into it. “What is this stuff?”
“A kelp-based ointment passed down through generations,” Anthony told him. Seeing Solomon’s lifted brow and the way he sniffed the gritty green paste on his finger, Anthony chuckled. “Some of my patients prefer home remedies over what they consider new-fangled modern inventions.”
Anthony’s good friend Eban, a great white shark shifter and one of the pod’s enforcers, felt that way. He used technology only because it was required to do his job. Another buddy who was a longnose sawshark shifter, Westram, loved technology and embraced it fully... or maybe that was just the Xbox he was always trying to get Anthony to play.
“New-fangled.” Solomon chuckled deeply. “Did they actually use that term?”
Snorting, Anthony nodded. “Yep. It’s one of my buddy’s favorites. Eban. You’ll meet him eventually.” His eyes narrowed, a thought striking him. “In fact, he might be able to help you with your rich man problem. I know William and Kaiser will want to know.”
Solomon’s brows furrowed. “Who are they?”
So much for sex.
“Well, William and Kaiser Roush are the primary owners of this place, but the rest of us have shares,” Anthony began slowly, trying to explain. “They’re the presidents of World of Aquatica.” It suddenly occurred to Anthony that he hadn’t explained where they were. “My apologies, I should have explained before. You’re in the infirmary of the condo and apartment complex of the Marine Park.”
To Anthony’s surprise, Solomon gaped. “I’m at World of Aquatica?”
Anthony nodded. “Sort of. You’re in the community infirmary.” Rubbing his palms over the sheet, he finally gave in to his urge to touch. “You’re safe here, no matter who’s after you. We can help.”
Solomon opened his mouth, then closed it again. His brows furrowed. “I was working for Armando Whitney. Do you know that name?”
It was Anthony’s turn to gape. Reaching out, he gripped Solomon’s hand. “You worked for Braylon’s father?”
“I did.” Solomon’s eyes narrowed as he nodded once. “He’s the one who did this to me.” After rolling his eyes, he continued, “Well, not him, but I know he hired the guys who attacked me. I recognized one of them. He was an ex-coworker.” His eyes narrowed, turning vacant. “I bet the guy who jumped me was his buddy, but my memory’s a bit hazy.”
“Damn,” Solomon whispered.
“Then it sounds like we’re not done with Armando, yet.”
Recognizing the deep voice, Solomon turned to see Kaiser Roush standing in the doorway. His younger brother, William, stood behind him. Both men had their eyes narrowed. While William’s green eyes held anger, Kaiser’s were cold.
“Uh, what?”
“We are the ones who helped get Armando off his son’s back.” Kaiser strode into the room, his smile malicious. “A little video of him and a prostitute.”
Solomon scoffed, drawing Anthony’s attention. “Yeah? Wouldn’t have pegged that of him, considering all the gold diggers who throw themselves after him.”
William actually laughed, although the sound was harder than the mirth Anthony normally heard from the friendly shifter. “Ah, but this was a male prostitute. Seems the apple doesn’t fall very far from the tree.”
“No way does Braylon use prostitutes,” Solomon stated, surprising them all.
Anthony could smell it.
Kaiser’s expression eased, his smile becoming something less angry and more amused. “Actually, my brother was talking about the fact that they’re both homosexual.” He pulled out his phone and, changing the subject, asked, “So, we won’t keep you long. I just want to know the names of the attackers you recognized. We’ll bring them in for... questioning.” His green eyes darkened with feral intent.
“O-Oookay,” Solomon murmured softly. “So, uh... wow.” Clearing his throat, he pressed the heels of his hands into the mattress and levered into a sitting position. He glanced around at everyone. “You helped Braylon, and you wanna help me? Why?”
“Yes, and because you’re someone special.” It was William who answered the question. His grin became friendlier, and he winked. “Very special, but I’ll let Anthony explain that to you.” William snickered, probably seeing or scenting Solomon’s confusion, just as Anthony did. “Now then, their names?”
Solomon turned his attention to Anthony, his left brow lifting in obvious question. He nodded, liking how his mate instinctively turned to him for reassurance. After another couple seconds of staring, Solomon nodded and gave the names of his ex-coworkers.
Anthony fought back a snarl. He was on the same page with his hammerhead. Jim and Thanos. If he had a chance, he’d totally take a bite out of those bastards.
Chapter Three
Solomon was feeling a little overwhelmed. He did his best to hide it, though. The pair of strangers were obviously brothers, and the one using his phone appeared to be the one in charge. He had total control written all over him.
“Uh, I’m sorry. Who are you guys?” Solomon needed to catch up and quick.
“My apologies,” the more serious, harder man stated, crossing to the side of the bed. “I am Kaiser Roush.” He held out his hand, and Solomon took it and shook. Releasing him, Kaiser stepped backward and indicated the other man. “This is my brother William. We are the presidents of World of Aquatica.” He waved his hand, indicating vaguely. “Has Anthony explained that you’re in the community infirmary for the park?”
Solomon nodded. “Yes. He said he pulled me from the sea, which I am extremely grateful for.” He cleared his throat and glanced around at all the men, his focus snagging once more on Anthony’s nipple bars. They really were distracting. “I—” He rested his head against the headboard behind him, then jerked forward and winced. “Shit.”
Touching lightly, Solomon felt a lump around the back of his head.
“Yeah, not a cut.” Anthony reached over and touched Solomon’s wrist lightly. “Do you remember how you got that?”
Solomon nodded, lowering his hand. “Yeah. I think it was Thanos who slammed something over my head.”
“Hmmm, want me to kiss it and make it better?” Anthony asked suggestively.
“Uh—” Eloquent, Solomon. Rolling his eyes, he muttered, “Still have sex on the brain, doc.”
Solomon was still trying to wrap his mind around the weird lust at first sight conversation.
“You know that I do,” Anthony replied, smiling, completely unabashed.
“Well, it looks like it’s time for us to scram,” William commented, clearly amused. He grinned broadly as he added, “You should probably explain everything pretty quickly, Anthony.” He glanced between them as he shoved his hands into his pockets. “Got a feeling this one likes to have all the facts.”
Anthony nodded, although he appeared a little discomfited. “Right.”
“Welcome to the rabbit hole, dude,” William said, confusing Solomon even further.
Then the brothers headed out of the room.
William paused in the doorway, turning back to face him. “Oh, I’m going to tell Braylon that you’re here. I’m certain he’ll want to thank you for opening the front gate. Although I’ll be sure to let him know that you won’t be available right away.” Solomon’s brows shot up, and William grinned broadly. “Yes, we know that was you.”
“You did?” It was Anthony who asked the question, which Solomon appreciated. “How?”
Kaiser answered. “You know how I love being in the know, Anthony.” His grin didn’t make his eyes sparkle like a man who was happy. “Must be the alpha in me.”
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