by K. Sterling
“Thanks for starting with the good news,” he said and Wal’s lips pulled tight before he pointed.
“Most of the stuff in your apartment is ok. We can go in and get your stuff whenever we want,” he added and Marco’s eyes lit up as his jaw fell.
“That’s great news! I’ve got to get over there with my brothers and get everything before people get brave and start picking through it,” he said and Wal nodded. “I already talked to your dad and he’s taking care of it. He’s getting your uncle with the construction company to go over there with him and they’re going to handle it,” he said and Marco sagged with relief as he pulled Wal close.
“Then the rest will work itself out. I’m going to have a fight on my hands with the insurance company but I’ll worry about that later,” he said as his lips teased Wal’s. “Dinner’s almost ready and I don’t want to think about the shop or work or anything but us. You’re amazing and I’d rather spend the night thanking you,” Marco murmured silkily as his fingers plucked at Wal’s tie. “Do something about this while I finish in here,” he ordered then pushed away from Wal and went to check the oven. Wal’s eyes followed Marco’s bare ass and his mouth became dry as he bent over.
“Where did you get that?” He asked again but it was strangled and a little too high. Marco tossed a wink over his shoulder as he turned something in the oven.
“I left a bunch of stuff at Rocco’s and he dropped it off,” he said and Wal nodded vaguely as he leaned against the fridge. Rocco was Marco’s oldest brother and he often stayed with him, when he didn’t feel like driving back into the city. Marco’s parents’ house filled up fast during holidays and special occasions. He was one of eight kids and all were married and had several kids of their own, except Marco and his sister, Angelica.
“That was really nice of him,” Wal mumbled as he watched Marco. He checked the pots on the stove then leaned to grab something from the refrigerator and Wal’s heart began to throb and grew warmer. He felt lightheaded and was glad he had the fridge to hold him up as he watched his only dream come true. It sang softly under its breath as it stirred a cream sauce. Wal grabbed Marco’s hand as he turned to get something from the fridge and pulled him into his arms. “I still can’t believe you’re here. I didn’t think this would ever happen,” he said as his hand slid around Marco’s jaw and their lips collided. Wal’s tongue swirled ravenously through Marco’s mouth, devouring the sweet taste of his tongue and his breath. He kissed him deep and hungrily and Marco gasped as he pulled his lips free.
“Hold on!” He hissed as he leaned and his hand flailed franticly over the stove’s knobs before he shut two off and dialed one down. He turned back to Wal and sucked on his lip before he slid down his body. Marco bit Wal’s erection through his trousers playfully as he quickly unbuckled and unzipped his fly then ripped it open. He pressed his face into Wal’s boxers as he tugged his pant legs. Wal’s weak moan was shredded and his control was frayed as Marco freed his cock and lapped at the head. “I’ve got about three minutes before I have to take the salmon out of the oven,” Marco whispered and Wal nodded as his eyes went to the clock.
“Got it,” he huffed then melted against the refrigerator as Marco’s lips wrapped around his shaft. He sucked hard and Wal’s toes curled and his jaw clenched as he cradled Marco’s head tenderly. “Are you sure you should be…” The thought died along with Wal’s brain as Marco opened his jaw wide and swallowed almost all of his erection. Marco made a loud slurping sound as he raised his head then grinned up at Wal. His lips were bright red and swollen and glistened with saliva and Wal thought he was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. Wal’s eyes flicked to the stove to check the time and he whimpered. Less than a minute left, he noted.
“You can’t kiss a man like you’re about to fuck his soul then ask him if he’s considered the health risks. But I think I’m fine. Don’t punch me in the back of the head or slam me against the cabinets,” he ordered before his tongue wound around and around and around the head of Wal’s cock, making him dizzier and more desperate. Wal looked at the clock and swore.
“Time,” he said and Marco’s lower lip pushed out before he hopped to his feet.
“To be continued,” he promised as he backed away then spun and opened the stove. He cheered excitedly as he pulled the pan out of the oven and Wal shook his head as he hurried and reached around him.
“Turn it all off,” he ordered as he shut the oven door then flicked all the knobs to 0. Wal pulled Marco against his chest as soon as his hands were free and dragged him with him as he backed out of the kitchen. “Now,” Wal growled against Marco’s neck as he bit and lapped then pushed his face through his hair. He reached behind him then fell into a chair. Marco spun and his eyes were drowsy but full of heat as he lowered to his knees, between Wal’s legs.
“I love when you get demanding,” he said and his tongue stretched then washed up Wal’s length. Marco worshipped his cock with his lips and hands, getting him painfully hard and slick before he stood and climbed onto Wal’s lap. He spit on his fingers then rubbed them against his hole and Wal held onto the chair and the table as Marco lowered.
“That’s too tight,” Wal ground out as Marco’s passage clung to his shaft. Marco bit down on his lip and cringed as he rocked tentatively and Wal groaned as a thread of heat pushed up his erection. Marco hummed drunkenly and bounced slightly.
“Not for long,” he sang shakily and Wal hissed as Marco sucked on his earlobe then tugged with his teeth. There was another burst of pre-cum and Wal could already feel Marco sliding easier. The tightness was nearly excruciating but Marco became slicker and hotter with every drop of his hips until he was riding Wal smoothly. “Christ, that’s so good,” Marco whimpered as his head fell back and Wal tightened his arms around him as he sucked on the end of his chin.
“So beautiful. You’re so perfect,” Wal said as intoxicating heat and pleasure swirled in his groin. His hands roamed as Wal feasted on Marco’s lips and the moans and gasps that poured from his throat. Wal’s hands tightened around Marco’s ass and he gripped tight and pulled him harder and faster as he rocked. The pleasure became astounding as Marco’s whispers became higher and tighter and his pants more desperate. Wal was so hard and deep in Marco and he was so hot and exquisitely tight around him. “I can’t,” Wal groaned and pushed his face into the corner of Marco’s neck as he held him tight against his groin as a hard wave of heat rolled through him. Pressure exploded in his sack and the base of his cock and Wal squeezed his jaw and his eyes shut and a heavy burst of cum pumped from his cock, flooding Marco’s passage.
“Wal! Fuck!” Marco screamed as he arched in his arms then bucked and jerked. Hot flecks of cum flicked from Marco’s shaft and landed on his chest and stomach as he swayed on Wal’s lap. Wal gathered them with his finger as his other hand spread across Marco’s back, supporting him. Wal made a deep, contented rumble as he sucked his finger clean then caught Marco’s chin and pulled him close for a kiss.
“Thank you. I was in a terrible mood until I stepped out of the elevator and remembered I was about to see you. I feel a lot better now,” he said and Marco sighed dreamily as he rested his forehead on Wal’s.
“Who are you and what have you done with Jack Walden?” He asked and Wal snorted.
“I spent a lot of time wishing I could tell you things but holding back because I was scared. Right before I found you in the shop, I told myself I had to tell you how I felt and beg you for another chance. Then, I almost I lost you and I thought I’d never get a chance to tell you the truth. I realized when I was at Geller’s that I would have been with you, if I hadn’t wasted years being scared to tell you how I felt. I don’t want you to doubt how I feel. I don’t want to lose you or fail you again because I couldn’t tell you something as simple as I love you,” he explained quietly and Marco made a soothing sound as his lips nipped at Wal’s.
“I know now and believe it or not, I was just about to call you and ask if we could talk a
bout us and if you wanted to give it another try,” he said then laughed under his breath. “I came to my senses before I got hit in the head,” he pointed out and Wal needed a moment. Rage and fear made his heart race and he felt sick as he saw Marco’s pale, lifeless face and he stretched his neck as the muscles in his shoulders tightened. Wal shut his eyes and forced it away as he pressed his hands to Marco’s back and felt the warmth of his skin and the soft rise and fall of his chest as he breathed.
“You’re safe now. I won’t let anyone hurt you ever again,” he vowed.
“Stop it! We’re not worrying about anything tonight and I’m thanking you for being amazing. Again,” Marco added then pressed a quick kiss to his lips then slid off and limped into the kitchen. “I won’t be thanking you for that tomorrow,” he muttered as he readjusted his jock strap and Wal watched until Marco’s ass disappeared behind the counter then pried himself out of the chair. He got out of his suit and ate dinner in his t-shirt and boxers then spent the rest of the evening in bed with Marco, reading and flirting. It would have been the most perfect night of Wal’s life if he wasn’t so damn worried he’d lose Marco again.
Chapter 16
“We should go on vacation, when this blows over,” Marco said as he checked Wal’s omelet.
“Whatever you want,” Wal growled softly as his arms slid around Marco and he nibbled on his ear.
“No,” Marco said as he tilted the pan over a plate and let the omelet slide onto it. “What do you want?” He asked as he carefully turned in Wal’s arms then leaned back so he could offer him the plate. Wal took it and set it on the counter then pulled Marco against his chest.
“I want to go back to bed. I really enjoy watching you cook in your underwear,” he said as he nuzzled his face in the corner of Marco’s neck and it felt hot against his skin.
“Our food will get cold!” Marco protested. Sort of. He was also dancing Wal into the living room, toward the hall.
“I’d rather eat you,” Wal panted before his tongue washed up Marco’s neck, leaving goosebumps in their wake.
“I’m going to ride you so hard,” Marco promised and they both froze when someone leaned on the buzzer.
“Who do you think…?” Marco asked as he looked at the door and Wal shook his head.
“It could be a mistake,” he said but they continued to stare at the door then jumped when there was a loud knock. Wal released Marco then ran to his holster, on the table, and took out his gun before he hurried to the door. He pressed his eye to the peep hole then pulled his head back before he checked again. “Mrs. Kiminski?” He asked loudly.
“Marco’s mother and sister are here and I went ahead and let them in,” she called through the door and Wal shrieked as the back of the hand holding the gun rubbed across his forehead.
“Thank you!” He said then slid Marco a panicked look and they both swore when there was another knock.
“Marco?” His mother demanded as she pounded on the door and Wal gasped as he flew through the living room, darted around the table and down the hall. Marco caught a laugh before it could fly out of his mouth then ran to the door. He pulled it open and hid behind it as he waved at Mrs. Kiminski.
“Thanks, Mrs. K!” He said then stumbled back as his mother pounced on him.
“Let me see you!” She cried as her hands went to his face and Marco’s sister winced as she stepped around them.
“Hey! You said this place was sad but it just needs a little more work. And rugs,” Angelica declared and Marco rolled his eyes as his mother made him bend and twist so she could inspect the back of his head.
“I said it made me sad but Wal did a lot of work and I’ve added a few touches,” he said and Angelica cleared her throat and raised her brows at Marco suggestively as she pointed at him.
“I realize you’ve got an obligation to all your fans on Instagram but, jeez, give it a rest. You almost died,” she scolded then craned her neck as she rose on her toes. “Is Wal…hanging around too?” She asked as she flailed at his groin and Marco was glad he’d changed his mind and put something on before he made breakfast. He offered his mother and Angelica a sheepish smile.
“I think he’s getting dressed. Or scaling down the side of the building,” he added and Angelica giggled. “Are you still here, Wal?” Marco asked loudly.
“Yes,” Wal mumbled from the bedroom.
“Would you like to come back out?” Marco asked.
“No, thank you,” Wal replied and Marco’s mother’s hand clapped over her mouth as she laughed.
“Come on out, sweetheart, or I’ll have to go back there. Don’t think I’m leaving here without thanking you for saving my baby’s life,” Marco’s mother warned and they heard Wal groan.
“I have some ideas, if you’d like to know how to thank me,” he said and Angelica bit down on her knuckle as she giggled harder.
“Just put something on and come out,” Marco ordered and Wal stepped into the hall then took several heavy steps until he was just inside the living room. He was in a pair of jeans but still shirtless and Angelica made a dreamy sound before she looked at Marco.
“Please tell me this is what it looks like,” she said and Marco’s mother gave him an expectant and threatening look.
“This better be what it looks like,” she warned Marco and he smirked.
“Someone finally knocked some sense into me,” Marco said and winked at Wal. “And it put things into perspective for both of us,” he added and Wal ducked his head in agreement.
“I won’t mess it up this time,” he promised and Marco, his mother and Angelica all groaned.
“You’re perfect just the way you are,” Marco’s mother insisted as she went to Wal and grabbed his cheeks and gave them a pinch.
“I’m not but I appreciate that,” Wal said as he gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze and she cooed as she rose on her toes and pulled his face to hers. She kissed his cheeks loudly before she released him and threw up her hands.
“I have groceries on the way. We’re going to take care of the place and set up your fridge and pantry so you boys don’t have to worry about eating,” she said as she took off her coat and Marco swore as he hurried after her.
“We’ve got food, ma! I just made breakfast and I’m making lasagna for dinner,” he said and she threw him a dubious look as she went into the kitchen.
“You let me mama take care of it while you rest. And you rest too, Wal,” she said as she pointed at him. “I heard about how you carried him out of that shop while it was on fire. You risked your life and breathed in all that smoke and all those chemicals,” she stated and Angelica sighed as she hooked her arm in Marco’s.
“It’s so romantic,” she said and Marco threw her a suffering look.
“It was about to get a lot more romantic before you showed up,” he muttered and she snorted.
“Should you be doing…all of that?” She asked and Marco raised a shoulder.
“It was just my head, everything else works fine,” he stated and she pulled a face.
“You’ve been operating without a properly working head for a while,” she said and he nodded.
“Yup. Situation normal, really.” He groaned as his mother opened the fridge and began removing containers and bottles. “What are you doing?”
“Making room. Most of this can probably go out,” his mother declared and he threw his hands up.
“I just made that last night and Wal just went grocery shopping,” he complained as he saved the Tupperware of salmon.
“Where’s this psychotic comic collection?” Angelica asked and Marco slid Wal a sheepish, apologetic smile but he waved dismissively.
“It’s in there, sanely resting,” he said as he pointed at the spare room and Angelica swung her head toward it.
“You’d better come with me, I can’t be trusted,” she said and Wal ducked his head obediently then followed her. Marco suspected she had a different agenda but he knew Wal could handle himself.
“
I saw some peaches. I’ll make a crostata,” Marco’s mother said as she opened cabinets then clapped her hands together. “He has vanilla. You said he was impossible,” she scolded him and Marco pushed a hand through his hair.
“He was! But he’s trying really hard,” he said and she sighed adoringly as she reached for Marco’s cheek.
“He’s such a good man and I could always tell he loved you. Don’t screw it up this time. You’re not going to find anyone as good as him,” she promised and Marco glared.
“We’d be having ice cubes for dinner if I hadn’t nearly died. My shop had to burn to the ground before Wal would allow dairy products to cross that threshold. Spoiled milk terrifies him,” he said as he pointed at the door and her eyes filled with tears as she reached for his face.
“I’m so glad you’re all right!” She cried and he shushed her softly as he pulled her close.
“I’m fine now and I’m not going anywhere,” he promised and she nodded as she held him as tight as she could.
“Baby… Please talk to me if you ever start to think about…”
“Hey!” Marco said and leaned back so he could see her eyes. “I have never considered hurting myself and I will never try to end my life,” he said firmly as he held her gaze. “I’m really happy and there’s a lot I want to do,” he insisted and she relaxed but she was still hunting for something as her eyes searched his.
“You’re sure you’re really happy? You’d tell me if something was wrong?” She asked and he nodded.
“I always tell you if something’s bothering me. Things were really tense with Wal and I was just about done with men but I was in a great place, otherwise. I didn’t try to kill myself,” he said very clearly and she pulled in a deep breath then let it out slowly. She nodded but her lips were tight as she looked to the spare room.
“He’s looking for whoever did this to you?” She asked angrily and Marco hummed in agreement as he rubbed her shoulders.
“He’s absolutely certain someone was there with me. I know he’s going to track them down and put them away for a long time,” Marco told her and her eyes narrowed before she humphed.