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Jack

Page 33

by A M Snead


  Squeezing Jack’s shoulder, Lucas grinned. “So, Jack…were you nervous that first time on camera?”

  Jack nodded and smiled. “A little bit, yeah.”

  “And how you feeling now? Still nervous?”

  Jack chuckled. “A little bit. Yeah.” The others laughed, and Lucas hugged his neck, planting a kiss on his cheek.

  “You hide it well.” Lucas nodded. He glanced at Garrett. “Am I right? Could you tell he was nervous in your first scene together?”

  Shaking his head, Garrett directed his focus more toward the camera than to either Jack or Lucas. “Not really. Definitely didn’t perform like a newbie.”

  Lucas chuckled and leaned close to Jack. “That’s a compliment, baby. He’s saying you knew what you were doing, and he liked it.”

  A sudden pressure clutched Jack’s chest, closing his throat. Next to him, Garrett simply laughed quietly, and Derek and Zachary offered their own praise and approval. Jack cleared his throat and forced out a soft laugh. “Well, he was certainly skilled himself. But I guess that’s to be expected, he’s had plenty of practice, right?” Had he just delivered a veiled dig? The others didn’t seem to take it that way and simply responded with amusement. Garrett, on the other hand, stiffened a little. Jack hadn’t “consciously” meant anything by his words, but subconsciously…had he been going for a jab at the guy?

  “Indeed.” Lucas grinned. “But haven’t we all?” He laughed and kissed Jack’s neck. “I got some skills for you as well.” He looked at the camera. “You’re all in for a treat, as Jack and I will be starring together in an extended skit about a closeted rich guy—me—and his long-lost high school crush.” He hugged Jack hard. “Jack, here. All through high school neither of us were out but we exchanged plenty of looks that suggested we were hot for guys.” He grinned and nibbled Jack’s ear. “So, when we meet up again, neither of us is really certain whether or not we were right about the other, but…” He drew Jack tighter against him and kissed him full on the mouth. “…we will soon find out.”

  Jack’s pulse quickened at the thought of becoming immersed in the “role.” For just a short while, forgetting about his mixed emotions toward Garrett and simply being someone else.

  “What do you think, Jack?” Lucas posed. “Sound like fun?”

  “It does.” Jack rubbed his hand over Lucas’ thigh and into his crotch and smiled seductively. “Can’t wait to find out if you love cock as much as I do.”

  Lucas grinned and covered Jack’s hand, squeezing it against his hardening package. “Neither can I.” Despite his recent closet bash with Bailey, the guy was ready to go again.

  “And next,” Derek spoke up, leaning forward. “Jack will be starring with myself and Zachary here, in an enjoyable little ménage about good friends just sharing a fun afternoon together.” He leaned back and glanced between Jack and Zachary, smiling. “Sometimes guys like to do more than just talk sports and drink beer.” He rubbed his hand up and down Zach’s thigh. “Sometimes”—he caressed Zachary’s impressive bulge, well defined in his ultra-tight pants, and squeezed—“we like to get a little dirty.” He looked at Jack and winked. “You ready to get down and dirty with us good ol’ boys, Jack?”

  “Hell, yeah,” Jack returned with a country drawl.

  “All right then, good buddy.” Derek grinned. “After we get you all dirty…we’ll be sure and hose you off.”

  Jack smirked. “I’m counting on it.”

  They all laughed, although Garrett’s humor lacked real enthusiasm.

  “So.” Lucas flopped his head back and looked around behind Jack to Garrett. “You’re up, baby. Tell the good people what your scene is about.”

  Garrett glanced at Jack then Lucas, a cool look passing through his eyes—then turned his attention to the camera and grinned with such authenticity that Jack was forced to wonder how truly sincere Garrett had been during their first scene; had it all been just an act?

  It startled Jack when Garrett draped his arm around his shoulder as if it were the most natural thing to do and they were the best of friends. “Well, we’re going to take another route and tone it down a little.” He drew Jack against him and caressed the back of his fingers against Jack’s neck. “For you old-fashioned lovers out there looking for more than just sexy fun, we’re going to bring you a little intimate romance.” He exhaled slowly and turned his face to Jack, his lips right there, so close that Jack could feel the warmth of his breath. “You like romance, don’t you, Jack? You strike me as a man who believes in love, happily ever after, all the stuff fairy-tales are made of.”

  Jack stared at him, throat closing too quickly, mind hazing over. No words would come.

  “What do you say?” Garrett murmured, eyes locked with Jack’s stare. “You ready to be my true love?” His lips brushed over Jack’s mouth. “Hmm?”

  Love your enemy. Jack’s thoughts went haywire and he fell into the kiss with more enthusiasm than he had intended. Garrett gripped the side of his head and locked him in, kissing him deep and long. Jack moaned, and his fingers raked unsteadily at Garrett’s shirt, hooking in the small gaps between the buttons, clinging.

  “Oh, hell yes!” Lucas whooped, snapping Jack back to clarity. “I’d say he was ready, baby!”

  “Fuck,” Derek scoffed. “He didn’t kiss me like that. Come to think of it—he didn’t kiss me at all. Playing favorites, are we, Jack?”

  The three men laughed as Jack and Garrett released each other rather abruptly. Garrett appeared as flustered and surprised by the intensity of their kiss as Jack was. But he quickly recovered and cleared his throat, dragging his hand over his mouth as he flashed a charming grin at the camera. “Well, I think I got my answer.”

  45 The Promo (pt 2)—“Hearts In A Twist”

  Marcus cuddled against Mickey’s heated body, his head on Mickey’s damp chest. They were naked on top of the blankets, still fevered and slightly breathless from their intense lovemaking—though Marcus was already succumbing to sleep again.

  “Why won’t you tell me what’s wrong?”

  Once Mickey had gotten Marcus alone in the bedroom and locked the door, all he’d wanted was to smother him in love, desperate to be as close to him as possible. He broke down and cried when he’d climaxed, clinging to Marcus, terrified of the threat that lay beyond the bedroom door, so afraid of doing the wrong thing, letting down his guard at the wrong moment—and losing Marcus forever.

  And Marcus had begged Mickey to tell him what was wrong, why he was crying, fear rising in the boy’s beautiful blue eyes.

  “Please don’t worry about it, Marcus,” Mickey had whispered and kissed his hair, his arms tightening around the boy. “Everything is okay.”

  A voice in the back of his mind insisted he had to tell someone, that if he told, then they would take care of it, deal with the threat and Marcus would be safe. But what if they didn’t deal with it soon enough? There was that risk that he would get to Marcus before the others got to him.

  Mickey desperately wanted to believe the threat had been an empty one. Just put out there to scare him. But…that look in his eyes. Mickey thought he knew him…but that look. There had been nothing—and no one—behind it that Mickey recognized. And what he had seen in his eyes…it scared Mickey more than he had ever been scared in his life. Even if Mickey kept quiet, would he keep his word and not hurt Marcus? Or would he start to view Mickey as a potential risk and…and do something to him and Marcus both?

  The doorknob twisted and caught against the lock. Mickey instantly went rigid, crippling fear grabbing him. A single knock on the door and Mickey’s heart rate spiked, causing his already quickened breath to rush down his throat.

  A low, muffled voice came through from the other side of the door and another knock. “Guys?” Bailey spoke up. “You in there? Are you decent?” A soft chuckle. “If not, then can I please come in?”

  The tension drained from Mickey, though his heart continued to pound. “Just a minute.” He released a sh
aky breath and carefully untangled himself from Marcus to avoid waking him, covered him with part of the blanket then pulled on his pants and opened the door. “Sorry,” he said quietly. “We were…”

  Bailey smiled and nodded. “Don’t apologize for that.” When Mickey didn’t step back and invite him in, Bailey raised an eyebrow. “Can I come in, or…were you not finished?”

  Ducking his head, Mickey smiled and shrugged. “We’re done,” he murmured. He looked up again as Bailey laughed softly and reached out, ruffling his hair.

  “The two of you are too cute for words,” he said with affection. “You know that?” He glanced past Mickey. “Marcus asleep?”

  Mickey looked around at the boy on the bed. “Yeah.”

  “Wore him out, huh?” Bailey winked. “You little sex machine.”

  His lips tight with a smile, Mickey ducked his head again.

  “Lucas and the others are doing the promo,” Bailey said. “I was going to see if you and Marcus wanted to play a game of pool. I think Chase and some of the others are down in the rec room. We could team up and kick their butts.” He looked at Marcus’ sleeping form. “Or just you and me, since your boy surely needs his rest.” Bailey grinned.

  Leave Marcus alone? A quiet panic welled up in Mickey and he shook his head. “I…I don’t really feel like playing,” he mumbled and swallowed thickly. His throat hurt from being squeezed but he tried not to let it show.

  “Are you okay?” Bailey asked with concern. “Not feeling under the weather, are you?”

  Mickey shrugged and averted his gaze. “A little,” he said quietly and swallowed again, this time wincing a bit.

  “Your throat hurt?” Bailey frowned.

  “Kind of,” Mickey whispered. “Maybe…maybe I’m catching a cold.”

  “Are your glands swollen?” Bailey reached for him and touched his neck near the curve of his jaw. Mickey forced himself not to pull away. He didn’t have swollen glands. He wasn’t catching a cold. The soreness had nothing to do with any oncoming sickness. Bailey shook his head. “No, they’re not…” His frown deepened, and he leaned closer as he gingerly stroked Mickey’s skin. “Mickey…what happened?” Alarm strained Bailey’s words.

  “What…what do you mean?” Mickey drew away and self-consciously rubbed the side of his neck, avoiding Bailey’s eyes.

  “Your neck is bruised,” Bailey said, his brow knit tight. He reached for Mickey again. “Let me look at that.”

  Mickey pulled back. “I’m fine,” he whispered.

  “Mickey…” Bailey stepped closer and gripped his shoulder, preventing his retreat, and studied Mickey’s neck, running his thumb over his skin. “Mickey, these look like finger marks. What the hell happened?”

  “Nothing,” Mickey said thickly, eyes stinging. “It…it was an accident.”

  “How does someone accidentally choke you?” Bailey asked tightly. His slid his thumb across Mickey’s cheek. “If someone hurt you, baby, you have to tell me.”

  “I said I was fine,” Mickey choked and pulled away sharply. “I—” He went silent abruptly when Scotty appeared in the hallway behind Bailey, glancing his way. “There’s nothing to tell.” He trembled, blinking against a rise of tears. Fear surged through him; what if Scotty thought he was going to tell Bailey?

  Out in the grove, Scotty hadn’t wanted Mickey to be hurt…but he hadn’t tried to stop it from happening either.

  I didn’t tell! Mickey struggled desperately to convey with his eyes alone. I won’t tell—I swear!

  “Mickey?” Bailey pressed. “You have to tell me what happened.”

  “I told you,” Mickey insisted, his stare darting repeatedly to Scotty who had slowed his step. “Nothing happened. I’m fine.”

  Bailey frowned and glanced around behind him.

  Scotty looked away and quickened his step, moving on down the hall.

  Casting a quick look after him, Mickey trembled.

  “Mickey.” Bailey gripped his face with both hands, demanding his attention. He didn’t appear to connect Mickey’s anxiety directly to Scotty, and Mickey was thankful. “You have to tell me. Who the fuck did this to you?”

  Down the hall, Scotty shot him one last glance, a shimmer of fear in his eyes, then slipped into his bedroom and closed the door.

  Mickey swallowed rapidly and stared at Bailey. “Please don’t tell anyone,” he whispered, shaking. “Please. I’m okay. I am. It won’t happen again. It was just an accident. It was.”

  “Mickey…” Bailey frowned. “I can’t just…”

  “Please!” Mickey cried softly, shaking his head. “Please…just don’t tell.”

  Bailey slid his tongue over his lips, eyes watering. “Mickey…baby, I love you. We all do. If someone is hurting—”

  “No one is,” Mickey said quickly, tears thickening. “I swear. It won’t happen again. Please, Bailey, trust me.”

  The guy struggled with his reply but finally said quietly, a tightness to his voice, “For now, Mickey, I won’t say anything. But if I see any evidence that something is going on, I don’t care how miniscule, I will go straight to Gideon. I’m not going to stand back and let someone hurt you or Marcus.” He shook his head and rubbed his eyes. “Just tell me one thing. Did one of the guys here do this? You said it was an accident…were you trying some S & M thing? What?”

  Mickey glanced away. He didn’t want to lie to Bailey, but if he just let him think it…

  “Mickey.” Bailey touched his face. “Don’t get caught up in that stuff. And do not drag Marcus into it. If you try it with someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing…someone could really get hurt.” He kissed him softly then pulled Mickey into his arms and held him tight. “Just stay our sweet boys. You don’t need that in your life. You two are perfect, the way you love is perfect. Don’t go there, baby. Please.”

  Mickey hugged him tight and buried his face in his neck, tremors running through him. “I won’t,” he whispered thickly. “I promise.” He stared fearfully over Bailey’s shoulder, tears sliding down his cheeks.

  ♥

  Gideon smiled; as had happened in his office, the instant the two boys kissed—fireworks went off. The chemistry that had been present from the moment they’d met was still there. They fought it, denied it, tried to bury it…but it remained, smoldering just below the surface, ready to burst into a firestorm with the slightest intimate contact. Whatever had happened between them hadn’t doused the fire within.

  “Set up for the scene by the pool,” Gideon told Pratt.

  The man nodded as he went about preparing the camera for transfer.

  Gideon sniffed when an “out of place” scent touched his nostrils. “I smell…pine.” He looked at Pratt. “Is that you?”

  “Hm?” Pratt looked away from the camera, then shrugged. “Oh. Probably. I was cleaning with Pine-Sol earlier.” He chuckled. “It’s harder than hell to get that smell off your hands.”

  Gideon nodded. “Yeah, that stuff is pretty powerful.” He looked at Jack and Garrett. With the cameras off, they had put distance between one another, both shaken by the kiss.

  “So, what’s the deal with those two?” Pratt spoke up, nodding at the boys. “They seem kind of cool to each other when the cameras aren’t running.” He looked at Gideon. “Something happen?”

  “I couldn’t say,” Gideon murmured. “They’re adults. I guess whatever is going on, they will have to figure it out themselves.”

  Of course, when it was called for—Gideon wasn’t opposed to giving little nudges in the right direction.

  ♥

  Fuck. That kiss. Jack was unsteady on his feet—or at least that’s how it felt—his legs shaking. It was just a fucking kiss, for crying out loud. Yet the lingering effects were like a freight train barreling through his head, causing his heart to hammer erratically. He avoided all eye contact with Garrett and moved around to the other side of Lucas and Derek when they all stood up from the sofa.

  The director—Rich Shafer—an attra
ctive man in his early forties who had a knack for making casual dress appear classy, spoke with the four of them, which took any immediate focus off Jack. After that kiss, he was sure that Derek and Lucas would have something to say about it.

  Gideon spoke with Pratt while the cameraman and his crew gathered their equipment to move it down to the pool. Jack caught Gideon’s eye and the man seemed pleased by the events of the promo’s short intro. Had that kiss somehow been orchestrated as well?

  Or was the kiss Garrett’s idea? Jack waited, but the question wasn’t posed in Jill’s voice. Why would he himself ask it—or even care what the answer was?

  “Hey.” Jack jumped and gasped when Lucas smacked his ass and grinned. “You ready to get wet and wild?”

  Jack was snagged by Garrett’s brief stare, behind which hovered the same “accusation” as he’d seen in the man’s eyes two mornings ago when he’d spotted Jack emerging from the twins’ room. You fucking hypocrite. Righteous indignation bubbled in Jack and he flashed Lucas a sultry smile. “Fuck yeah, baby. You can use me for a slip-n-slide, whaddya say?”

  Lucas laughed out loud and flung his arm around him, crushing Jack against him. He kissed Jack’s head. “I say let’s get naked and wet—and get this party started!”

  “Let’s.” Jack smirked and cast Garrett a dry look, but the guy had already moved on and approached Gideon.

  “Am I done here?” Garrett asked stiffly.

  Nodding, Gideon said, “Yeah. We’ll shoot your promo scene with Jack tomorrow.”

  Garrett grunted and left the studio. Jack watched him go, annoyed not only by the look Garrett had thrown at him but at his own mixed feelings about the guy. Why couldn’t he just straight-up hate the fucker? Or even better—feel nothing? It pissed him off that Garrett could still turn him on, get him hard with just one kiss.

  It’s better this way. You get to fuck him on camera, deal with your lust for the guy, and not have to worry about it becoming anything more. Just think of him as a very satisfying sex toy. This is a “good” thing—enjoy it!

 

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