Return to Duty

by Elizabeth Hollows

  Jay stepped farther into the room. The moment the door slid closed behind them, Tristan tugged on Jay’s hand to make him turn then pulled him into another kiss. It was a slow, languid one. They had nowhere to be and there was no reason to rush. The affection that infused the kiss made Jay’s heart stutter. He curled an arm around Tristan’s waist but couldn’t let go of his hand. Tristan looped an arm around his neck and linked their fingers. When their lips parted, Tristan was smiling.

  “What do you think about being face-to-face, Jay?”

  “Damn,” Jay groaned.

  Tristan chuckled and trailed his lips down to Jay’s neck. He worried the skin with his lips and teeth, likely creating a nice red mark. It would be the first one between them. Jay tilted into the touch and let out a soft hiss of pleasure.

  When he finished, Tristan asked, “Was that a yes?”

  “Yes,” Jay replied while bringing a hand to Tristan’s hair.

  When Tristan reached the edge of Jay’s collar, he untangled his hand and started pushing off Jay’s jacket. When the material hit the ground, Tristan yanked the collar of Jay’s shirt aside to give himself more skin to mark, making Jay groan. He curled his fingers into the soft black locks of Tristan’s hair, closed his eyes and enjoyed the feel of Tristan’s hot mouth.

  It was the first time they’d managed anything resembling foreplay. The IA ship had been a rushed encounter and the oasis had been plagued with the fear of discovery. Now, they could finally take it slow.

  Traveling his hand down Tristan’s back, Jay went lower until he could cup the agent’s ass. He kneaded it and teased a finger between the seam of his ass cheeks. Tristan rocked back against him and Jay grinned. He gave Tristan one more brush of his finger before he went back to Tristan’s shirt. Tristan hummed and he brought his hands to Jay’s waist, catching the hem of Jay’s shirt and tugging. Taking the hint, Jay removed his hands from Tristan. He dropped his shirt to the floor and Tristan’s soon followed. When their chests were bare, they spent a moment admiring each other. Tristan looked gorgeous—but there was one thing missing.

  Jay closed the distance and pressed his lips to Tristan’s neck in a gentle kiss before catching the skin in his mouth. Tristan sighed and arched into the touch. Jay made the first of many love bites he intended to make all over Tristan before the day was through. Tristan’s chest was next, although Jay was distracted by sucking on one of the agent’s nipples. Tristan let out a soft, surprised moan as Jay lavished it with attention. He then brought his fingers to pinch the other one and Tristan’s breath hitched.

  “Jay,” he groaned.

  Jay smirked and continued to enjoy his teasing exploration. Tristan clearly liked his nipples being stimulated. He hissed and arched into Jay’s touch. Jay gave each one final kiss and planned to move down to Tristan’s stomach, but Tristan tugged at his hair.

  He gently pulled him up until they could kiss again. It was so distracting that Jay almost missed Tristan’s hands unbuckling his belt. His lover’s fingers moved deftly, and when he broke the kiss, Tristan stepped back with a grin before whipping the belt from the loops. Lust rushed through him.

  “Damn.” Jay’s voice was rough.

  Tristan smirked and dropped the belt. He grabbed Jay by the waistband of his pants, tugging him toward the bed. Jay was starting to get a real fetish for letting Tristan order him around. While Jay wasn’t naturally passive, he liked seeing Tristan’s smile. He also liked the direction Tristan was leading him. Who was he to complain? He’d let Tristan call the shots, at least for now.

  When they reached the mattress, Jay grabbed Tristan’s hips. He stroked his thumbs over the material before sliding one hand down to cup Tristan’s rock-hard arousal through his pants. Tristan let out a heavy gasp and pressed into the touch.

  “It’s almost a shame you want me on top,” Jay murmured. “I wouldn’t mind seeing what you’d do with this.”

  Tristan groaned, tilting his head back as Jay pressed the heel of his palm to Tristan’s cock, giving it some seemingly much-needed friction. It took the agent a moment to respond, and when he did, his voice was deliciously rough.

  “We’ll try it next time, Jay.”

  Next time? Maybe Tristan planned to stay long enough for a round two. Excitement flooded Jay. Maybe they could make a day of it? Sex on the ship, exploring the moon in the afternoon… They could have dinner, and—

  Jay cut the thought off and shook his head. He was not about to plan a date with Tristan. It would only disappoint him when the agent inevitably left. Maybe there would be round two or three, but he couldn’t think that far in advance. He’d work with the here and now and see where they ended up.

  Refocusing his wandering thoughts, Jay moved to the buttons of Tristan’s pants. He used each button as an excuse to rub his hand over Tristan’s arousal. Tristan’s cheeks were flushed and his eyes had become dark with desire. When he couldn’t draw it out any longer, Jay grabbed Tristan’s pants and underwear. He tugged them down to reveal the man’s beautiful, hard shaft. He licked his lips. Tristan’s firm thighs and muscled legs were revealed next. The pants caught around his shoes, but since Tristan wasn’t in boots this time, the agent kicked them off. His socks followed, as did the last of his clothes. Tristan stood naked and glorious.

  Jay was tempted to drop to his knees and worship Tristan’s cock. He wanted to make Tristan’s knees shake and divest him of all proper thought. He wanted to make this a lasting reminder for them both. Perhaps he’d do it in round two—or maybe he’d use it as a temptation so Tristan would stay the night.

  If Tristan were willing to stay on his ship, Jay would make it worth his while—hold him down and suck him off, flip him onto his stomach and finger him until he came again. Jay would fit in every intimacy the agent might want—starting with his request for face-to-face.

  Tristan undid Jay’s pants and Jay kicked them and the rest of his clothes off until he was as naked as Tristan. Their bodies weren’t new to each other, but they both took a moment to admire. Tristan ran his fingers up Jay’s chest, circled a nipple and rubbed over a love bite on his neck. Tristan looked pleased with himself.

  Jay was about to make a quip, but Tristan placed his hand on the back of Jay’s neck and coaxed him into another kiss. Jay closed his eyes and enjoyed the kiss as it slowly deepened. He touched Tristan’s hips, stroking them before inching closer to his true prize.

  He gripped Tristan’s cock, making him break the kiss to moan. Jay stepped closer and fisted their cocks . They both groaned as he pressed them together. When Jay stroked them, it offered lust-inducing friction. Tristan hummed with pleasure. He sucked at the skin on Jay’s neck as Jay continued to lazily pump their cocks. They rocked their hips in faint circles, but as nice as it was, it only left Jay wanting more.

  Tristan must have felt the same, as after leaving only a single love bite, he pulled away. Jay caught his gaze and Tristan raised his eyebrows.

  “Is that all you plan to do, Jay?”

  Jay laughed and released their cocks.

  “Then get on the bed and stop complaining,” Jay answered, unable to hide his amusement.

  Tristan looked equally entertained. His eyes were bright with laughter and lust. He took the few steps needed to reach the mattress. He dropped elegantly onto the bed, splaying himself in a way that made Jay’s blood race and his cock harden even more, if that were possible. Tristan’s legs were open in clear invitation and his eyes were half-lidded. His posture screamed ‘come take me’ and Jay knew the wanton image would be burned in his brain forever.

  Jay had slept with countless people. He’d even had a few semi-serious relationships. But he’d never wanted someone as much as he wanted Tristan.

  The man’s cock was hard and curved toward his stomach. Jay’s own arousal ached with the need to be touched. Jay climbed onto the bed, resting his body over Tristan. He kissed him, needing to taste his lips again.

  Their bodies slotted together perfectly and Tristan hooked a l
eg around his hips, bringing their cocks flush. Jay groaned into Tristan’s mouth then pulled away.

  “Keep this up,” Jay said, “and we won’t get to the main event.”

  “Then hurry up,” Tristan replied, his eyes twinkling. “I thought you knew better than to shoot early.”

  Jay was so surprised that he snorted with laughter. He pressed his smile to Tristan’s shoulder. He’d forgotten how funny Tristan could be—or rather, he hadn’t realized that side of him existed outside of Bryce.

  Trailing his mouth to Tristan’s ear, he lowered his voice to a rough drawl. “I’ll make sure to aim where it matters, Tristan.”

  He heard Tristan’s thick swallow and his smile turned wolfish. He pulled away and rolled to the side in order to tug open a nearby drawer and grab his lubricant. Tristan rearranged himself from his provocative sprawl to something more practical, allowing Jay to move down his body and position himself between Tristan’s legs.

  He planned to say something else—a teasing comment about where he was and what he could do—but he found his words stolen as he looked at Tristan’s face. His expression wasn’t one of unquenched desire or impatient need. It was soft and fond. It was the look of a lover. Jay stilled. The warmth in the man’s gaze formed a matching tenderness in Jay’s chest.

  Jay was the one to look away. He knew that if he stared too long, he’d do something he’d regret, so he focused on their bodies. He stroked his hand over Tristan’s leg before leaning down and brushing a gentle kiss to Tristan’s inner thigh. Tristan shivered. He brought his hand to Jay’s head, curling his fingers around the shell of Jay’s ear. He rubbed Jay’s temple softly with his thumb. It was the most intimate thing Jay had experienced in years and he closed his eyes at the swell of affection that overtook him. He tilted into Tristan’s touch.

  Jay pressed a final kiss to Tristan’s thigh before turning his attention to the lubricant. He opened it and poured some onto his fingers. Tristan lay relaxed beneath him. He hooked his leg over Jay’s shoulder without prompting, allowing Jay to arrange himself better, spread Tristan’s cheeks and press the first slick finger against his puckered entrance.

  Breaching Tristan was almost familiar and the agent responded eagerly to his touch. He grew accustomed to the stretch easily and was pressing back against Jay’s now-three fingers in no time. His soft, encouraging groans accompanied each movement.

  When Jay brushed Tristan’s prostate, he arched off the bed and moaned Jay’s name. He was stunning. His lips were red and his mouth was parted. His skin was flushed pink and his hair fanned out against Jay’s pillows. Jay would never grow tired of the sight. He wanted to experience it every day. He wanted to spend weeks getting to know Tristan’s body, as well as his personal habits and favorite foods. He wanted to spend months learning every quirk that made up the agent’s personality, his likes and dislikes, his history and his plans for the future. Jay wanted to spend years learning Tristan Fox—but years, months, even weeks weren’t possible and Jay closed his eyes against the wave of regret.

  Yet, if he’d learned nothing else as a soldier, it was to enjoy what he had while he had it.

  Jay slid his fingers free from Tristan, knowing he’d stretched him enough. He coated his hand and stroked his cock, getting himself ready. Tristan was watching him with the same contented smile on his lips. It made Jay’s arousal throb. It also made him want to forget his own pleasure to focus on Tristan’s. He wanted Tristan to lose himself to bliss. Luckily, he didn’t have to deny himself to give Tristan what he wanted.

  Letting go of his cock, Jay shifted into position. Tristan assisted as he hooked an ankle around Jay’s hip, encouraging him forward. Jay followed easily and placed himself between his lover’s legs. Grasping his rock-hard member with one hand, he pressed the head to Tristan’s entrance before pushing inside.

  They moaned and Tristan tightened his legs around Jay’s waist. Jay concentrated on sliding inside the heat and tightness of the other man. It felt so good, and it was difficult to take his time, but he wanted to give Tristan what he wanted. When Jay was fully sheathed, he pressed his hands to the bed on either side of Tristan. He buried his face near Tristan’s neck, trying to keep his hips still. Tristan’s hands were on his back, holding him close. It felt like a lifetime before Tristan tapped his fingers then slid his nails down Jay’s back. The move was deliberate and Jay arched his back and jerked his hips forward.

  “Yes,” Tristan moaned, “again.”

  Jay drew out then pushed back in. He started slow, but Tristan dug his ankles into Jay’s hips, urging him to go faster. He began a punishing rhythm. Jay drove his cock in hard and fast, gasping at the overwhelming pleasure racing up his spine.

  “Tristan,” he groaned.

  Jay dragged his mouth over Tristan’s neck and panted against his skin, rocking into every thrust and desperate for more. Tristan dug his nails into his back, doubtless leaving noticeable scratches. He pulled Jay closer, clearly not wanting a sliver of space between them. Tristan’s cock was hard and leaking as it rubbed between their stomachs.

  “Jay,” Tristan whispered.

  He nipped Jay’s ear before he slipped his hand between their bodies. Jay shuddered, loving the idea of Tristan stroking himself off. He shifted to see Tristan’s face. He was biting his lip and tilting back his head. Broken-off whimpers were escaping his mouth with every twist of his hand at the head of his cock. Jay wanted more. He started thrusting faster, aiming to hit Tristan’s prostate every time. Tristan cried out, arching his back.

  God, he’s beautiful.

  Jay turned his attention to Tristan’s neck. He sucked the skin into his mouth, leaving a mark and making sure Tristan had a lasting reminder, even if it was only for a few days. Jay’s own climax was building, but he wanted Tristan to fall over the edge first. He focused on Tristan, ignoring his approaching orgasm to keep up a brutal pace.

  “Tristan,” he murmured, “come on.”

  Tristan sucked in a shaky breath and tried to pull Jay closer. His hand was frantic on his cock and Jay knew he needed a final push. Jay shifted his knees to get a firmer position and thrust in at the same time as he grabbed Tristan’s hips to pull him up. Tristan cried out and arched his body. His orgasm seemingly snapped through him like lightning. He clung to Jay and clenched around him. Jay kept his eyes on Tristan’s face as he chased his own climax. It only took a few thrusts and he was coming in hot spurts, bliss rushing over his every nerve.

  He collapsed forward when he was finished. Tristan’s body was pliant and relaxed beneath him and he brought his fingers to Jay’s hair, stroking through the strands. Jay hated having to pull out and lose the softness of the moment—but at least he didn’t move far. He lay down beside Tristan, close enough that their arms and legs brushed. It felt good.

  Tristan shifted, but this time he didn’t pull away. He turned onto his side and propped his head on his hand, digging his elbow into the mattress. Tristan smiled at him and the expression was full of fondness. His hair was falling in little ringlets around his face and Jay wanted to reach up and brush them aside. He also wanted to cup Tristan’s cheek and draw him into a chaste, gentle kiss. He did neither.

  “Now what?” he asked.

  Tristan’s lighthearted expression suddenly closed off. “Are you asking me to leave?”

  “No,” Jay insisted.

  He rolled onto his side and curled an arm over Tristan’s waist, wanting to keep him there. Tristan relaxed at the gesture and his scowl began to fade. It gave Jay the confidence to continue talking. “No, I’m not asking that.”

  “Good,” Tristan answered, “because I didn’t come here just to sleep with you, Jay.”

  Jay frowned. “Then why did you come find me?”

  Tristan eyes fell to Jay’s chest. He looked unusually hesitant as he raised his hand and stroked it.

  “In all my years with IA and even during my time at the academy, I’ve never met anyone like you,” Tristan began. “You’re talented and en
tertaining. You’re attractive and smug.” His mouth twitched toward a smile. “I work well with you and I don’t work well with most IA agents.” He looked at Jay again, and his former uncertainty was gone. “Your skills were wasted as a thief and it will be the same as a bounty hunter.”

  Jay huffed out a sarcastic laugh.

  “Thanks for the compliment,” he said sardonically.

  “It’s why I have an alternative offer.”

  Jay tensed. He felt wary and suspicious. With anyone else, he would have pulled away, but this was Tristan and he trusted him.

  “What offer?”

  “You don’t want to be a soldier anymore. I understand that,” Tristan said.

  He was stroking a soothing pattern over Jay’s skin. He was trying to calm him down, and Jay could already feel himself relaxing.

  “You enjoyed the work we did on Asam,” Tristan continued. “I can offer you that again. Become a consultant to IA.” Jay’s eyes widened but Tristan didn’t stop talking. “You can choose your missions and we’ll pay you for the ones you complete. You won’t be a soldier with a rank. You’ll be a civilian contractor who can leave at any time.” Tristan licked his lips, a hint of his former nervousness returning. “You’ll also be able to work with an agent of your choosing.” A smile played at his mouth. “You’ll be able to work with me.”

  Jay couldn’t believe it. There was no way it could be real. He had been a last-minute option, an annoying solution to a bad problem. They wouldn’t want to keep him around.

  “IA couldn’t have agreed to this,” he said.

  “They know a good man when they see one.”

  The other man’s eyes were bright. He believed his words, and not only that, Jay was starting to believe them too.

  “They’re really offering this?”

  “Yes,” Tristan insisted. “The success from our mission on Asam and the reports I submitted have allowed them to consider you.” He hesitated before adding, “I want to spend more time with you, Jay. I want to see what a partnership between us could create.”