by K. Sterling
“I’m sorry.” He murmured. “But you kept telling me to do more.” Ross sounded so concerned and Parker laughed into the pillow and shook his head. His hand reached for Ross blindly and patted his chest.
“I’m not complaining. I love it.” Parker reassured and he felt Ross relax. Parker groaned again as he rolled over. “I’m going to be sore for days. I’ll feel it in my ass, my back and my thighs when I’m teaching or sitting at my desk and I won’t be able to stop myself from thinking about it.” He confessed and Ross’ hand slid around Parker’s jaw and his thumb brushed over Parker’s lips.
“I’m not sure that’s a good thing.” He murmured. Parker grinned and Ross’ thumb traced the curving of his lips.
“Sure it is.” Parker argued. “I’ll remember that I drove you out of your mind and you wore yourself out, fucking me like a madman.” He rolled toward Ross and swirled his fingers through the thin mat of hair in the center of Ross’ chest. It had finally grown enough that it was soft again. Parker pressed his face between Ross’ pecs and sighed happily. “Will you let everything grow out again?” He asked and Ross chuckled as he cradled Parker’s head.
“If you want. You don’t like me being hairless?” He rumbled and Parker shrugged.
“I don’t mind it but I miss your hair and your beard. And I like how soft this is.” Parker mumbled as he rubbed his lips back and forth. Truthfully, he realized early on that it was the contrast between David’s immaculate, overly manicured appearance and Ross’ rugged, natural look that initially attracted him. But when Ross showed up with nothing but eyebrows and eyelashes, Parker knew that he’d take Ross any way he could have him.
“I’ll grow it all out, then.” Ross yawned. “As long as I can. Sometimes, I have to change my appearance and hair is the easiest way to do that. But I’ll do my best.” He promised. Parker felt a whiff of discomfort but pushed it away. He didn’t want to think about Ross’ missions.
“What about you? What do you prefer?” Parker asked as he raised his head. “I can’t grow decent facial or body hair so I’ve always shaved it all off. And my hair is ridiculous so I keep my head shaved. It’s that in between texture that gets big and frizzy if I don’t keep it straightened and use a ton of product.” He explained and Ross’ brows pulled together as he stared at Parker, trying to picture it. He shrugged.
“I think you’re sexy as fuck like this. The hair sounds like it would be a bit fussy but I can’t imagine anything that wouldn’t look good on you.” Ross’ eyes narrowed. “I think you’d look kind of like Lenny Kravitz with big hair. That would be crazy hot.” He said and Parker nodded.
“I could see that. It might be kind of out of context without the tattoos though.” He mused and Ross shook his head.
“I like you like this. You look clean and all I can think about is licking every inch of you when you’re naked.” He decided and Parker ignored the way his cock twitched and the tickle of warmth in his groin.
“I don’t feel very clean. I think I’m going to take a shower.” He sighed heavily as he pushed off the mattress and rose over Ross. “Want to join me?” Parker watched as Ross’ lips twisted as he considered.
“Do you think it’s safe? I could get carried away and lose my mind.” He rose on his elbows and stretched for Parker’s lips. Parker shook his head.
“You could try but I’m pretty sure I’m done for the day.” He admitted and Ross grinned.
“How about a long, hot shower and a massage? After that, we’ll see what happens. If anything, we’ll take a big ass nap and it’ll be heaven.” Ross said and Parker moaned contentedly.
“Sounds perfect.” He bit Ross’ lip before be sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed.
The shower was heaven. Ross’ fingertips slid over Parker’s soap slathered skin and dug into his muscles until Parker was boneless and his muscles felt like jelly. Somehow, Ross managed to tease Parker’s cock until it was straining, hard and heavy. Parker leaned against the wall and moaned in ecstasy as Ross’ hand slid and twisted around his erection until he was desperate. They quickly rinsed and dried and Ross’ lips were wicked and hungry as they feasted on Parker’s throbbing length before he had Parker sheathed and generously coated with lube.
Ross straddled Parker and groaned as he sat back, slowly taking Parker’s full length, deep into his clenching heat. For a moment, Parker was breathless as he watched Ross rising and falling over him. His eyes were heavy and unfocused, lost in the pleasure and connection they shared. Parker had never felt so much lust, so much awareness, so much adoration for another person. He craved everything about Ross. It went so far beyond sex. He wanted every thought, every taste, every sound… If Parker could sell his soul and keep Ross someplace safe, just for him and just exist there with him, he wouldn’t think twice. You love him, the words hit Parker in the chest and his eyes watered. Parker shook his head, trying to dislodge the thought and Ross fell forward, his hands bracing on the bed outside of Parker’s shoulders.
“What’s wrong?” He panted as he rocked forward, squeezing the muscles that wrapped around Parker.
“Christ!” Parker gasped as he wrapped his arms around Ross and thrust into him. “I just can’t believe how beautiful you are.” He whispered as he pulled Ross’ lips to his. “And you feel so good.” Parker breathed the words into Ross’ mouth before he sucked on Ross’ tongue.
Parker rolled them and slid his hands between Ross’ back and the bed and reached for his ass. He filled his hands with hot, muscled flesh and drove deep. Ross arched in his arms and his heels dug into Parker’s ass as he begged for more. Parker gave up on being smooth and steady. He clawed at Ross’ shoulders as he thrust and slammed into Ross’ tight heat. Ross screamed Parker’s name, urging him on as he reached above his head and fisted his hands in the sheets. Parker dug in with his knees as he ground his hips and bucked hard. Ross’ head lolled on the bed and he sobbed incoherently. Parker dove for Ross’ lips but his head snapped back as shoulders came off the bed. His eyes rolled back into his head and he started to convulse beneath Parker. Molten heat burst between them and Ross’ passage clenched mercilessly around Parker.
It felt like a fist squeezing his shaft, and it echoed in his sack before pressure and heat surge up the length of Parker’s cock. He thrust hard and his body froze as his head fell back and he gasped. He breathed Ross’ name as every nerve in his body contracted. Parker blinked and light burst behind his eyelids. Electricity slid through his veins and his body shivered and bucked wildly. Ross’ arms wrapped around him and pulled him into the heavy, warm haven of his body as Parker trembled and twitched. As soon as his body stilled, it became weak, almost liquid.
“Ok. Now, I’m completely done.” Parker mumbled drunkenly into the corner of Ross’ neck as his body melted over Ross’. “I’m not moving or doing a goddamn thing for the rest of the day.” He promised and he felt Ross nod.
“Just rest.” He whispered as his hands swept soothingly over Parker’s back.
When Parker raised his head again, Ross was sitting up and eating. Parker frowned and blinked rapidly as he waited for his eyes to focus.
“How long did I sleep?” He asked groggily. Ross laughed as he reached for the bedside table and grabbed a bowl as Parker rolled over.
“Almost three hours.” He said as he held the bowl above Parker’s supine body. “Sit up and eat.” Ross commanded and Parker scrubbed a hand over his face before he reached for the bowl and sat up.
Parker had never been so happy to see a chicken caesar salad in his life or a slice of french bread. He inhaled his food and the bottle of water Ross passed him as he made a passing attempt to follow the Civil War documentary Ross was watching. As soon as he was done, Parker passed his bowl back to Ross and fell back on the bed. He rolled toward Ross and wrapped an arm around his waist before he succumbed to unconsciousness.
The next time Parker opened his eyes, a shrill beeping filled the air and Ross swore violent
ly as he reached for his phone. Parker’s legs were wrapped around Ross’ and he hung on tight as he pushed his face into that warm, intoxicating corner of Ross’ neck. Ross’ hand cradled Parker’s head and a deep sigh echoed in his chest before he answered the phone.
“Yeah?” Ross’ voice was a resigned groan and Parker prayed it was a false alarm. Ross’ arm tightened around him and Parker’s heart sank. “Yup. I’ll be there in half an hour.” He stated before he set the phone back on the bedside table. Ross’ lips were warm as they pressed against Parker’s scalp before he rolled them. “I have to go. There’s a key on the kitchen counter. It’s yours. I want you to stay as long as you want. Lock up and leave whenever you’re ready. I’ll call you as soon as I can.” Ross whispered. Parker was momentarily stunned and allowed Ross to slide from his arms. Holy shit. I have a key.
“Please be safe.” Parker begged as he reached for Ross.
“I will.” He promised before he claimed Parker’s lips for a somehow brief yet lingering kiss. “Go back to sleep.” Ross ordered as he pulled free and backed away.
Parker hugged Ross’ pillow to his chest as he listened to him take a quick shower. In a matter of minutes, Ross was dressed and grabbing a black duffle bag on his way out the door.
Parker’s eyes were wide as they drifted around Ross’ dining and living room area as he leaned on the counter and drank a glass of juice. Everything seemed so much emptier without Ross’ large body and soothing presence. How does someone so large and strong pull off soothing? Parker wondered. Funny, that. He shrugged as he went to one of Ross’ many bookshelves. Ross had a lot of books. He read everything. Parker’s eyes swept around the room again. There were a lot of pictures. Mostly of Ross and Bryan in various exotic locations. There were a few of them when they were younger, in different uniforms. A bark of laughter burst from Parker at the sight of a young, skinny Ross in a green t-shirt and camouflage pants. He appeared to be polishing boots and he was all ears. He’d definitely grown into those ears. Parker’s finger traced Ross’ face lovingly and he frowned as he set the photo back on the shelf. He looked at the key and a shiver of excitement and mild panic streaked through him.
A key was serious. Keys meant commitment, sharing and trust. Especially with Ross leaving Parker alone in his house. Ross had nothing to hide. He wanted Parker to feel comfortable and in control. Parker’s cheeks puffed out as he exhaled loudly. You want this. You want him. Parker reminded himself. He nodded decisively as he went back to the bedroom and grabbed his phone off the dresser. He searched for the nearest lab as he went into the kitchen and poured himself another glass of juice as he scheduled an appointment.
Chapter 18
A small, ancient woman gestured wildly as she babbled and waved at the sky. Ross shook his head in disbelief as he stared at the still smoking pile of brick and charred wood. A few locals were carefully scaling and picking through the rubble and two bodies were stretched out on the dirt, beneath sheets. Mark was hunkered down next to them, holding the end of one sheet as he listened to a young boy describe their demise.
“It was a drone strike.” Hector announced and Ross nodded.
“That’s what it sounds like.” He agreed. He held up his hands and begged the woman to slow down so he could question her about who was in the building the night before. She was stuck on a loop, wailing about the noise and how she thought it was the end of the world. Eventually Ross settled on placating her so he could end the conversation and send her on her way.
“Let’s go.” Mark called as he waved toward the humvees.
“How the hell did this happen?” Ross asked as he dropped into the driver’s seat and Mark shook his head.
“No clue. They had to know we had this site as a target.” He frowned as he scanned the street around them. “Riker’s going to be pissed. His team spent months getting ready for this, now there’s nothing.” Ross nodded as he sped through the small village.
The likelihood of any insurgents remaining was slim, they would have cleared out as soon as their ears stopped ringing, but Ross didn’t want to take any chances. Being out in the open, early in the morning was dangerous. They would have rolled out and took the house at night but they heard that their target had been destroyed and they rushed out to see if there was anything salvageable before the scene was picked over. Instead, they found a smoldering heap of garbage and someone’s opium addled grandmother. Ross’ eyes focused on the buff colored wasteland ahead of them, impatient and bored. There was nothing they could do now, there was no point to them being in this hellscape.
Southern Afghanistan always made Ross restless and depressed. The country and the people felt lost to him; exhausted, wrung dry and empty from decades of war and the Taliban. And opium. It had always been the region’s burden but the Taliban made it a curse. Even the infants were addicted. Ross drove faster, he needed to get away from the heartbreaking squalor of that town, out of Afghanistan and back home as fast as possible. His eyes remained alert, watching for any hazards but his body ached with need. It had protested every moment and every mile that Ross put between him and Parker. The physical memory, the feeling of Parker’s body tangled with his just before he slipped from his bed and left him there haunted Ross. He hadn’t been able to shake the feeling that he was in the wrong place since he boarded the plane that carried him away from Virginia.
“I’m sorry it’s so late.” Ross kept his voice low and soft. He felt terrible for waking Parker but he wanted to check in and he couldn’t wait to hear his voice.
“It’s fine.” Parker mumbled. “Are you coming home?” He asked and Ross’ hand pressed against his chest in reaction to the warmth and the tickle of joy that spread within him.
“I’m in Kuwait City. I’m coming home.” Ross tried to keep his voice soothing, not wanting to wake Parker up completely. “I miss you so much, I can’t wait to see you.” He heard Parker yawn and for a moment, Ross imagined he was in bed next to Parker. His body relaxed and a combination of happy content and need spread through him.
“I went ahead and got tested after you left. I got my results back and I’m clean.” Parker slurred. Ross beat the phone against his forehead and swallowed a groan. The happy content evaporated.
“Ross?” Parker’s voice was a weak echo through the now very cold and uncomfortable hotel room.
“I’m here.” Ross sighed. “That’s great, Parker.” He said as he fell back on the bed.
“You don’t sound very happy about it.” Parker murmured and Ross laughed.
“I’d be a lot happier if I was there.” Ross squeezed his temples, hating that he had to get through the night before he could catch a flight out. Parker moaned softly and Ross clenched his jaw as his body tightened and heat settled in his groin.
“What would you do if you were here?” Parker asked and Ross’ cock pulsed angrily, suddenly hard and straining against the fabric of his boxers. He quickly striped them off and wrapped his hand around his rigid length.
“Right now?” He rasped and Parker hummed seductively. Ross growled softly as he began to stroke. “You’re killing me, you sound so fucking sexy.” He complained and Parker laughed softly. Ross shook his head as his cock throbbed in response. “First, I’d lick every inch of your cock. Your cock tastes so amazing.” He squeezed his erection, trying to hold off the climax that was already building.
“God.” Parker panted and Ross could hear the soft beat of Parker’s hand as it glided back and forth over his thick, hard length. “I love the way you suck my cock, Ross.” Parker whispered urgently. Ross licked his lips, he could practically taste him.
“Oh, fuck.” Ross whimpered. “And your balls. I love sucking on them.” He breathed and his own drew tight as the pressure built and pushed into the base of his cock. Parker gasped and Ross knew he was getting close. “But I really want your ass. I want to get my tongue so deep in your ass, Parker.” Ross’ jaw twinged and his hand pulled faster.
“Tell me ab
out your cock in my ass. I need to hear about that before I come.” Parker begged and Ross cursed silently as heavy, hot pleasure swelled in his groin. “Please, hurry!” Parker whimpered.
“It’s going to feel so good, fucking you without a condom on.” Ross’ toes curled and he arched his back as he squeezed hard, silently praying for a few more seconds. “I’m going to fuck you so hard and then I’m going to come so deep in your tight, perfect ass.” He promised and a loud explosion of breath and voice thundered in Ross’ ear and he let go.
Heat, pleasure and pressure surged up Ross’ shaft and he gasped Parker’s name as come burst from the end of his cock, landing in hot, thick drops and ribbons on his chest and stomach. Parker’s breaths huffed through the phone and Ross’ body shuddered as the last of his climax ripped through him. He twisted on the bed before he stretched and flung an arm over his eyes. His chest heaved as he hung onto the phone, wishing he was pulling Parker against his body and falling asleep next to him. There were words that tried to claw their way past Ross’ lips, that fought to break free from his tongue but he pulled his lips tight and forced his chest to rise and fall in a normal rhythm.
“You need to hurry up and get home.” Parker’s voice was warm and heavy and it was almost a physical pain, how much Ross needed to hold him.
“I’ll be there as soon as I can.” He sat up despite the drowsiness that tugged at his limbs and made his eyes heavy. Ross went into the bathroom and dampened a washcloth before wiping his chest clean. On the way back to the bed, Ross slid his foot under his boxers and kicked them into the air and caught them. “Don’t make any plans for the weekend.” He warned and Parker laughed.
“I know the drill. No clothes and make sure we’re stocked with enough food that we won’t have to leave the house for days.” Parker said and Ross smiled as he pulled on his boxers and dropped onto the bed.