Player

by Sean Ashcroft

  Right now, he really, really hoped they were. This was so different than anything he’d had with anyone else.

  He’d always known Julian was special. Important. It was just now that he was realizing how special and important, how desperately he wanted to keep him in his life.

  “Love you too,” Isaac responded after a moment, since he’d never get sick of saying it, either.

  Julian laughed, soft and happy and in the exact way that always managed to make Isaac’s whole heart light up.

  Sex had never been like this before, and Isaac couldn’t wait to do it a thousand more times.

  He trailed his fingers up Julian’s thigh, tickling lightly, grinning as the tight muscles there twitched under his touch. Julian clenched around him, rocking his hips, letting his head fall back so he was looking up at the ceiling.

  That lasted until Isaac pressed a kiss to his knee and then nuzzled his way down the sensitive skin of Julian’s thigh, pausing at the top to lick a stripe over the softest part. Julian gasped, his hips jerking again.

  “You’re amazing,” Isaac murmured. “Gonna hold you down and kiss every inch of you someday.”

  “First you’re gonna fuck me,” Julian said, his voice thick with lust. “Then you can do whatever you want.”

  Isaac swallowed. “Need another finger?”

  Julian nodded. “Not normally, but…”

  “I get it,” Isaac responded. Being close felt good right now, and he didn’t want it to end any sooner than it had to, either.

  He lined up a third finger and waited for Julian’s nod, closing his eyes as he felt Julian relax under his touch. The intimacy of it made his pulse pound in his ears, need pooling in his belly.

  Tonight was going to be amazing if it kept going like this.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Anticipation made Julian’s skin feel hot and tight all over as he turned onto his stomach, spreading his legs apart. His cock throbbed under him, desperate and needy, leaking precome into the pillow under his hips.

  Isaac’s hand on his thigh held him in place, the callus across his palm a rough contrast to the gentle touch, the gentle everything they’d shared so far tonight.

  “This is a good look for you,” Isaac teased from behind him, his thumb pressing into the flesh of Julian’s ass as he kneaded it slowly. The pressure alone was enough to make Julian squirm, and he’d spent so long so close to the edge tonight that he was almost afraid even the lightest touch would tip him over.

  His brain almost shut off as Isaac’s cock pressed against him, hot and thick and perfect, so close to where Julian so desperately wanted it that he couldn’t stop himself from whimpering.

  Isaac’s hand moved to his back, smoothing the heel of it along Julian’s spine. Rhythmic strokes to match his breathing, each one sending a cascade of pleasure down his spine, the heat of it pooling in his belly.

  Julian’s toes curled as Isaac finally pushed inside him, his breath hitching at the initial stretch, the sudden fullness as Isaac inched his way inside with agonizing slowness. Pushing in a little way, waiting for Julian’s breath to hitch, and then pulling out to the head before trying again, working himself inside.

  Stars burst behind Julian’s eyelids when Isaac shoved in to the hilt in one fluid motion, his thighs tensing up with the urge to rock back, beg for more.

  It’d been a while since he did this, and he couldn’t even begin to remember why now.

  “Fuck,” Julian gritted out, somewhere between a sob and a command.

  Behind him, Isaac chuckled. “Yes, sir,” he said, rocking his hips once, making Julian bite his lip as he rocked into him, brushing against his prostate like he had a goddamn roadmap to it.

  Of course Isaac was good at this. He was good at every damned thing else.

  Laughter bubbled up in Julian’s chest at the thought of that, escaping him in stilted gasps as Isaac began to move in earnest, setting a pace that threatened to leave Julian coming all over himself way too fast.

  He wanted to last through this. Wanted to memorize the shape and feel of Isaac’s cock inside him, learn the weight of it, revel in the heat. It felt so damned good to have Isaac like this, so impossibly close, clearly, unmistakably aroused.

  “Isaac,” he gasped, lungs burning with the effort of drawing a breath as Isaac thrust into him, speeding up just a touch now.

  Isaac’s hands went to his hips, pulling Julian up onto his knees, and Julian went with him eagerly, crying out at the new, deeper, better angle of Isaac’s cock, at the way he could feel it inside him like this, clench his muscles around it and make every stroke seem harder if he wanted to.

  And he wanted to. He wanted Isaac hard and fast and his, claiming every inch of his body starting from exactly where he was now.

  “Harder,” he gritted out, desperate for Isaac to give him what he wanted. His head pounded with need, belly hot and tight and balls heavy, his orgasm building at the base of his spine.

  Julian could feel his cock leaking, a heavy bead of precome tickling its way down the length before dripping off, and sweat following in tiny rivulets down his thighs that left his skin prickling and oversensitive, too hot to bear much longer.

  A whimper escaped him as one of Julian’s hands moved from his hips to his shoulder, his fingers curling around it and holding him in place firmly, strong muscles more than capable of pinning Julian down if he wanted to.

  That was about a thousand different kinds of hot, and Julian would have other uses for Isaac’s strength some other time.

  Right now, he liked it exactly as it was being used—to hold him in place while Isaac’s hips pounded against him, every thrust bottoming out as deep inside Julian as it could possibly go, the solid weight of Isaac’s body making him shudder with every thrust, his knees slipping further apart as he pushed himself back and silently begged for more.

  Better still was the tender touch of Isaac’s thumb against the back of his neck, rubbing tiny, soothing circles even as Isaac sped up to a pace that made Julian gasp for breath, every thrust leaving him winded, his head getting light as he struggled to get enough oxygen into his lungs.

  That single, little touch told Julian how loved he was, how important, that Isaac wasn’t just fucking anyone right now.

  He knew that, of course, but Isaac’s thumb was burning it into his heart so he could never forget. That tenderness was his, his to keep, just like Isaac was.

  Julian let his head hang between his shoulders and his eyes fall closed, the muscles of his stomach twitching as Isaac’s other hand moved away from his hip and splayed over his belly, touching him just as lightly and gently as he was at his shoulder.

  A low moan tore out of Julian’s throat, his teeth digging deep into his lip, right on the verge of tasting blood.

  Dammit, Isaac was good.

  His back arched toward the mattress as Isaac curled his fingers around his cock, thumb sweeping over the head, spreading precome and the remainder of the lube to slick the way, leaving Julian sliding easily between his fingers, just enough friction to pull him toward the edge.

  The familiar, telltale knot of pleasure right in the pit of his guts made Julian moan aloud, no longer interested in holding back. He wanted to come, and he wanted to come now, and Isaac was going to make him.

  “Wanna come,” he demanded softly, though it came out as more of a whine, every part of him aching with need.

  Isaac tightened his grip on Julian’s cock, and all it took was two quick strokes before Julian felt the lightning bolt-pleasure of his orgasm ripping through him, a defeated groan rumbling in his chest as he striped his stomach, coming all over himself and Isaac’s hand, blood rushing in his ears.

  He whined and moaned his way through wave after wave of pleasure, Isaac still fucking him with jerky, irregular thrusts, still hitting his prostate as though his cock was made for it, and hell, maybe it was, maybe people really did have soulmates with perfect cocks sized to fit them.

  At least, if people didn�
��t, Julian did.

  His orgasm petered out just as he felt Isaac come inside him, the feeling unfamiliar but not unpleasant, sending a shiver down his spine and a final, tiny wave of pleasure rolling through him, a last spurt dribbling out of his cock with Isaac’s fingers still loosely holding it.

  Julian collapsed onto the bed the moment Isaac’s hands stopped holding him up, a low, satisfied groan the most coherent thing he could manage.

  He wanted to say I love you and that was amazing and holy hell I’m getting a cast made of your cock.

  Mostly I love you.

  The feeling welled up in his chest, the one part of him that hadn’t been achingly sore until he’d thought it.

  God, he was in love with Isaac. So hopelessly, stupidly in love.

  And somehow, by some miracle, Isaac loved him back.

  And Isaac planned on staying with him.

  The thought made Julian smile despite his exhaustion.

  He hummed softly as Isaac settled down beside him, slinging an arm over his waist and holding him close, their legs tangling together.

  “Okay?” Isaac asked, nuzzling the back of Julian’s neck where he’d been rubbing circles into it before.

  Julian’s face broke into a grin. “Amazing,” he said, which worked to describe both his mood and how good the sex had been. “You’ve got potential as a top.”

  Isaac chuckled. “Yeah, well… kinda used to doing it like that. Got a few tricks.”

  “Guess I only date bi guys, now,” Julian said.

  Still nuzzling the back of his neck, Isaac hummed. “Got any candidates in mind?”

  “Just the one.” Julian sighed, forcing himself to roll over and face Isaac despite his muscles protesting. His heart wanted to look at his beautiful, perfect boyfriend’s face, and his heart was always going to win out.

  “Good thing he’s kinda in love with you, then,” Isaac murmured, his eyes glittering as he smiled at Julian.

  “Kinda?” Julian raised an eyebrow.

  “Completely,” Isaac said. “Utterly,” he added, pressing a soft kiss to Julian’s lips that ended all too soon. “Entirely, one-hundred-percent in love with you. Better?”

  “Better,” Julian agreed. “Just the right amount.”

  He let his eyes fall closed as Isaac chuckled, humming softly as Isaac’s fingers carded through his hair, pushing the damp strands away from his face.

  They needed a shower, but that could wait.

  At least until they’d both recovered, so they could do this all over again once they got there.

  “You’re never getting rid of me now,” Isaac said softly.

  Warmth bloomed in Julian’s heart, giddiness welling up inside him. That was all he’d ever wanted. To have Isaac in his life, always.

  “Works for me,” he murmured, burying his face against Isaac’s chest, and smiling.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  “Mom,” Isaac said as he opened the door, surprised by his mother’s presence. She smiled at him, warm and soft, and then pulled him into a warm hug.

  “I’m so proud of you,” she said, tightening her grip.

  “Uh,” Isaac responded, not entirely sure what this was for, but happy to be hugged. “Come in?”

  His mother patted him on the shoulder as she backed off, walking straight into the kitchen like she always did.

  Straight to where Julian was still lounging around in his underwear.

  Isaac watched as his eyes widened like a deer in headlights, his back straightening as though he was torn between getting up and running away and preserving what was left of his modesty by staying seated with his legs under the table.

  “Mrs. Hudson,” Julian said, his eyes still wide.

  She broke into a broad grin, looking between the two of them. “I’m glad you two aren’t wasting any time.”

  “I, umm…” Julian began, clearly searching for a way to explain his presence at eleven in the morning on a Monday.

  “Julian’s sick,” Isaac said as seriously as he could manage. He wasn’t even slightly sick, but that was what he’d told his boss to give them the day together.

  Mrs. Hudson shrugged. “I’m not his manager, and you’re supposed to be taking a rest day, anyway,” she said.

  Julian visibly relaxed, as though he’d mostly been afraid she was going to yell at him for not being at work.

  “And I’m not planning on being in your way. I assumed I’d find Julian here,” she said. “But I didn’t want to wait on telling you that I love you and you’ll always have my full support, no matter what.”

  Isaac’s breath caught in his chest. He hadn’t realized how much he needed to hear that until he’d heard it. He’d known, obviously, that his mom wasn’t mad about any of this, but now that he’d clearly, officially come out, given a name to what was happening…

  It made a difference. Like it was the last piece of the puzzle slotting into place, and now he could be really, truly comfortable.

  “Thanks, mom,” Isaac said softly.

  “I’ll just get dressed,” Julian said. “Leave you two to talk.”

  Julian slipped away before Isaac could stop him, but he probably needed a minute, anyway. He was still riding the high of Julian wanting to be with him, and he couldn’t see that coming to an end anytime soon, and he wanted to share his joy with everyone.

  “I’m so happy,” he said as his mom sat down at the table. “I didn’t know… I had no idea…”

  “That you could be this happy?” she asked, a tiny smile playing around her lips.

  Isaac nodded. His stomach was in knots all the time, but in a good way now, one that felt like he just couldn’t contain everything he was feeling inside him. Julian… Julian made him feel like that a lot.

  It was terrifying, but it felt so good that Isaac couldn’t have given it up for anything.

  “Yeah, I… it’s just… wow,” Isaac said, sitting down opposite her before his legs gave out on him.

  “I love him,” he added once he wasn’t in danger of falling over at the thought. It was one thing to tell Julian that, another to tell other people.

  He wasn’t sure how he’d managed it last night, but he was proud of himself for it.

  His mom’s whole face was glowing when he looked up, her smile brighter than he ever remembered seeing it. “I know, honey,” she said. “And I’m so proud of you for telling the world. For being who you are.”

  Isaac nodded, overwhelmed. A whole lot had changed in the past twenty-four hours or so, but everything had been worth what he had now.

  Julian was worth whatever it took to keep him. Even public declarations of love and photos of them kissing being all over the internet by now.

  A tiny part of Isaac even liked that—people would know Julian was his, and he was Julian’s.

  And it’d really piss Adriana off, which was a nice bonus considering what she’d tried to do.

  “So you’re not even a little mad at the PR disaster I just caused?” Isaac teased. He’d done worse, and if people were mad about this… screw ‘em.

  “I’ve already politely hung up on a few contacts,” his mom admitted. “But if I’d known they’d take issue before now, they wouldn’t have been contacts. You both deserve better than that.”

  The smile that spread across Isaac’s face was unintentional, but he wouldn’t have wanted to stop it if he could. He didn’t need to worry about whether or not his mom would like Julian, or think he was good enough.

  Hell, he had to worry more about whether she’d think he was good enough for Julian.

  Apparently, she did.

  “You treat him right,” she warned. “That boy deserves the world.”

  “Planning on giving it to him,” Isaac said, his heart swelling with warmth. Excitement welled up in the pit of his stomach, the thought of all the things he was going show Julian making him grin.

  They had so much to do together. And, luckily, all the time in the world to do it.

  “What are we givin
g me?” Julian asked as he came back into the room, wearing a pair of Isaac’s sweatpants and one of his old t-shirts.

  That was a good look on him.

  “The world,” Isaac responded.

  “Where would I put it?” Julian teased, moving to stand behind Isaac’s chair, his hand resting on the back. Isaac could feel his fingers itching to touch, barely holding back because they had company.

  “We’ll find somewhere,” Isaac said softly, tilting his head back to look up at him.

  “How about just you?” Julian asked, and bent down to kiss him. A hot blush spread over Isaac’s cheeks and up to the tips of his ears, knowing that his mom was watching.

  When he finally managed to look at her again, she was just smiling smugly.

  “Stay for lunch?” Julian invited, because apparently he’d already moved in here in his mind.

  Isaac wasn’t about to argue if he wanted to do that.

  “I’d love to,” Mrs. Hudson said enthusiastically. “Seeing you boys together again does my heart good.”

  Isaac pushed his chair back, standing and stretching out pleasantly sore muscles. For once in his life, he was completely, utterly satisfied.

  He’d done what he set out to do, and everyone he loved was proud of him for it, and he had Julian back, and a trophy that meant more to him than pretty much anything else he’d ever walked away with.

  As happily-ever-afters went, this one was pretty damned good.

  Epilogue

  “Bacon sandwich, as promised,” Isaac said, coming to rest beside Julian on the edge of the bridge they’d found themselves on, looking out over the new and exciting city Isaac had whisked him away to.

  They only had a few days to themselves in London, but Julian planned on making the most of them.

  He accepted the bacon sandwich eagerly, having gone without breakfast and trailed behind Isaac through the city until they found somewhere they could get their hands on one.

  It was completely different to the one Isaac had made him two years ago, when there’d been nothing else in his fridge for breakfast, but just as good.