It was true. He’d seen the shadows inside Rhys, but he’d be damned if he continued allowing her to believe he was in any way ashamed of loving Rhys. “I wanted to protect him from disparagement. He lives a very public life, in a world of harsh men,” he said, attempting to make her understand.
Kerry’s dark scowl said more than words could. It didn’t stop her from trying. “Have you ever seen Rhys give a fuck what anyone thought? He doesn’t care about those men. What matters to him the most is you. Not to mention, he’s too damn nice. Being mean to Rhys is like kicking a puppy. I might argue with him nonstop, but I wouldn’t bother if I didn’t care. Knowing how much he’s done for Dane over the years, he has my loyalty forever. He’s my brother by marriage now, so I’m allowed to give him shits, but most people would rather bite off their tongue than say a cross word against him. He doesn’t need you to protect him or buy him things. He doesn’t need you for anything, except he needs you.”
“I don’t know how to fix things,” he admitted. “He won’t talk to me.”
“You know exactly what needs to be done. If he won’t talk to you then you make him listen. The time has come to show off some of the alpha he fell for. Go take back what belongs to you. Quit allowing him to run roughshod over you.” Her features softened. “It just so happens, I know exactly where he is.”
Asher worked at keeping his face clear of all emotion. When had he decided to lie down, allowing Rhys to walk away without his say so?
“I’m listening,” he said when she didn’t tell him straightaway.
Her smile screamed of triumph at his words. “No Rival.”
Asher glanced at the clock. Aggravation crawled over his skin at the late time. “Still? At this time of night?”
“Yep.” Kerry’s satisfaction over his obvious anger could be heard in the way she emphasized the final “p” in the word, as if taunting him.
He ground his back teeth together to stave off his growing anger. He shouldn’t ask. It was only going to piss him off further. “Has he been there all day?”
“Yep.”
Asher ran his tongue over his front teeth behind pursed lips, feeling his eyes narrow. The fuck Rhys was going to kill himself while Asher had any say over the matter.
Pushing his chair away from the desk, he stood. “He needs a keeper.”
At his growling tone, Kerry’s smile hitched up a notch as she agreed. “Indeed.”
* * * * *
One. Two. Kick. Three. Four. Knee. Five. Six. Back kick.
“How much of what they’re saying is true?”
Rhys kept his eyes locked on the bag. “Does it have any influence on my position here?”
“Of course not.”
Drew’s immediate answer eased some of the tension in Rhys’ shoulders. “Honestly? I haven’t exactly heard what they are saying, but I can guess, and yeah, I imagine it’s all true.”
Rhys landed two more blows and a round kick to the bag before Drew reacted to his answer. “Huh. At least I don’t have to worry about you ending up as my son-in-law or some shit.”
Knee. Left hook. Right hook. Kick. Rhys felt the need to point out the obvious. “Adalyn isn’t even two years old yet.”
“My guess is you’ll still be every bit as overwhelming in seventeen years as you are now.”
Drew’s answer surprised him enough that Rhys finally snagged hold of the bag, holding it in place as he focused his full attention on Drew. “You’ve lost me.”
The gigantic fighter looked distinctly uncomfortable with the conversation. He shifted from one foot to the other. “Well, you’ve always been a bit of a player, but if you prefer men then you wouldn’t be interested in my daughter.”
A bark of laughter fell from Rhys’ lips without his permission. “So that’s what they’re saying? Dude, you can’t put a label on me. I want what I want. If I see someone I feel like going after, then I do.” He shrugged. “Hot is hot. It doesn’t matter to me if it’s a man or a woman.” To him, the words made perfect sense. He’d never been able to understand why people limited their choices to only one sex.
Drew being who he was, didn’t judge or question Rhys’ logic. Instead, he chose to turn back to the topic at hand. “Something has the media riled.”
“I have the title now,” Rhys pointed out. “Nobody cared what I was doing before.”
He was dodging, of course. He knew exactly what stirred things up, or rather who. His private life had always remained behind closed doors because he’d never cared enough to publicly display anyone for long. Until Asher. He mattered. Damn, he couldn’t breathe. Why wouldn’t the sexy lawyer get out of his head? All the “if only” questions bounced off his brain. If only Asher hadn’t tried hiding their relationship. If only he felt the same as Rhys did. The scent of his cologne, the texture of his expensive suits while clenched in Rhys’ hands and the sounds Asher made in the back of his throat. All of those things were slowly driving Rhys insane, but he straight up refused to ever be anyone’s dirty secret. That thought sent another sharp pain shooting through his chest. It didn’t help matters that Drew was eyeballing him as if he could read Rhys’ mind.
“You must have been seen with someone if you’ve got them talking. I mean, otherwise they wouldn’t have any reason, right?”
The memory of the final time he’d taken a shower with Asher suddenly flared to life in Rhys’ head. He’d run his thumb along Asher’s bottom lip while he’d panted out a breath. That delicious mouth haunted Rhys’ dreams. In an attempt to cling to his sanity, he tried harder to concentrate on Drew.
“Wow. Every day you find a new way to shock me with your busybody tactics.”
Drew’s shoulders lifted proving how unconcerned he was over Rhys’ opinion. “I’m just trying to figure you out.”
“Nothing to work out here,” Rhys said, wishing Drew would go away and leave him to his slow death. “What you see is what you get.”
“What I see is a friend twisted up in knots over someone. None of the other shit matters.”
Rhys looked away. Damn Drew and his observant nature. “Yeah. There’s someone,” he admitted. He couldn’t bring himself to say Asher’s name. “It’s over.”
He could see Drew rocking back on heels out of the corner of his eye. “Doesn’t sound to me as if it’s over.”
“Yeah, well,” Rhys said noncommittally as he watched Brian, along with a few of the guys, lingering nearby trying to pretend as if they weren’t hanging on every word.
“You know, for a guy who fights for a living you’re not much of a fighter. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you have to work to get or keep anyone.”
The panicked look in Asher’s eyes, when he’d said his final goodbyes flashed through Rhys’ mind. He’s embarrassed by me. He absolutely would not say the words aloud again. “I think I’m just—” The words died on his lips when Asher’s form filled the mouth of the hallway. Rhys blinked a few times to make sure his eyes weren’t playing tricks on him. Even then, he considered he might be hallucinating except Brian’s eyes fixed upon the man as well.
The shock of seeing the very man who was the topic of their conversation inside No Rival kept Rhys’ feet glued to the floor. His tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth. Asher’s determined stride and fierce expression held him completely captivated. Everything else around Rhys ceased to exist. Asher’s steps never faltered. Rhys couldn’t look away. Decked out in his usual business attire, the unbelievably expensive suit could not have looked more out of place than it did in that moment, but damn. He was gorgeous. Anger, lust and frustration showed clearly in Asher’s gaze. He didn’t look away from Rhys’ face as he bore down upon him.
What is he doing here? No sooner had the question pinged off his brain, than Asher snagged Rhys by the neck, hauling him forward. He slammed his mouth over Rhys’ with enough force that their teeth bumped. It didn’t matter who was watching when Asher curled his tongue around Rhys’. Every ounce of longing, hurt and emptiness Rhys had experienc
ed since losing Asher showed itself in their bruising kiss. The fine thread of Asher’s jacket balled in Rhys’ hands when he tugged the man who remained the center of his obsession flush against his body. It wasn’t anywhere near to being close enough. He wanted to be under his skin. It was only fair, since Asher was under his.
Asher growled against his lips. “Never, ever have I been ashamed of you. To me, you are amazing.” Rhys’ throat tightened at Asher’s admission. “You do not answer my text or return my calls. You will talk to me now, or as I’ve warned in the past, I am not above a public display. I grow tired of being ignored.”
A sardonic smile pulled at the corners of Rhys’ mouth at Asher’s threat. His accent had grown thicker, showing how angry he truly was. “I think it’s too late.” If people were getting a show, he didn’t care. Asher’s expression had him hypnotized.
Misunderstanding Rhys’ words, Asher’s eyes flared. “Fine. I will speak here then. You are mine, and I am proud to say as much. You may go out of town to compete making all the TV reporters sigh with your charming ways, but you will come home to me. Furthermore, you will not let me hear of you working yourself into the ground as you have done this day. Capisce?”
Rhys worked hard not to laugh. He did not think Asher would appreciate it. A ridiculous burst of happiness ran through him at Asher’s demands making it hard to stamp it down. “Got it,” he agreed.
At his acquiescence, Asher sealed his mouth over his once more. With one last nip of Rhys’ bottom lip, he pushed away. “You are busy. I will allow you a few minutes longer to finish up. Then you will come home. Ciao,” he called over his shoulder as he strolled away.
Shaking off the spell of Asher’s skill, Rhys finally glanced around. Brian kept his eyes averted but a tiny smile hovered on his lips. Drew still lingered at his side. With his massive arms crossed over his chest, he eyed Rhys carefully, waiting until Asher disappeared before speaking.
“It doesn’t seem things are over after all.”
“Guess not,” Rhys agreed, trying his best not to smile like an idiot.
“Damn boy. You snagged a sugar daddy.”
“Yep.”
Drew’s eyebrows rose. “And you’re still here, why?”
“That’s a damn good question,” Rhys admitted as he peeled off his grappling gloves.
* * * * *
For all his bravado, blood pounded in Asher’s ears. He’d not been sure at all. If Rhys’ had turned him away, damn, he couldn’t even think about it.
“Ash.”
The sound of his name brought him up short. His hand paused on the handle of his car door. Turning his head, he spotted Rhys bearing down on him. Before he had time to react, he was against the car. The taste of aroused male filled his mouth as Rhys fell upon him. He was everywhere. His lips moved from his mouth to his throat. Rhys murmured against his skin.
“Go straight home,” Rhys said.
“Not going to make it,” Asher admitted without an ounce of shame. Between the adrenaline running through his system and the built up frustration from having been too long denied, Asher nearly went up in flames at the mere hint of satisfaction. There were very few cars in the underground garage besides Rhys’ and his, but anyone could show up at any moment. It wasn’t a good time. After a quick glance around, Rhys eyed him carefully, as if assessing how serious his confession had been. His eyes darkened, making Asher want to know what he’d seen in his face.
“Open your jacket.”
At Rhys’ command, Asher’s already hardened cock, wept in anticipation. He didn’t question the order. The jacket fell open. Bypassing his belt and button, Rhys went straight for the zipper of his pants. “Do your best to block us.” Without further warning, he set Asher’s erection free, and fisted it. Leaning in close, Rhys used his large frame to hide his actions while Asher did the same. Pressing in even tighter, Rhys touched his lips to spot beneath his ear. “If we were anywhere else, this would be in my mouth.” He punctuated his promise by tugging upward and squeezing near the tip.
Asher’s knees nearly buckled. His balls were heavy. His spine itched. Every nerve in his body needed Rhys. Saliva filled his mouth at the thought of tasting him.
“I would curl my tongue around you, tugging at your soft skin with my taste buds before swiping over your crown.” He mimicked his words with his hand, swiping his thumb over Asher’s crown, and wetting it with his pre-cum. “All this saltiness belongs to me.” Dropping his forehead to Asher’s shoulder, he brought his thumb to his mouth. He licked away the moisture. “Damn, you’re delicious. Have you been thinking of me while touching yourself?”
Asher had lost the ability to speak. He could only feel. When he didn’t answer, Rhys stroked his shaft, bringing him closer to orgasm, while continuing to torture him with his words. “I have. I’ve been reliving every moment we spent together. Inventing new encounters that haven’t happened yet. The sound you make when you hit the back of my throat, I want to hear it now.” Increasing his pace, Rhys did his best to force Asher to give him what he sought.
Asher fought for breath as he strove toward release. “Sei bello.”
“Not as beautiful as you. Not as beautiful as you are going to be when you’re straddling my waist with my dick buried to the hilt inside of you. Come for me, Ash. Nothing is more beautiful than the sight of you right now. Goddamn I have missed you.”
Black spots appeared in his vision as his balls drew up tight. Semen shot from the head of his cock. Snagging the tail of his shirt, Asher did his best to keep from ruining both their clothes. Only Rhys’ strength and the solid surface at his back held him upright. The ecstasy rolling down his back and twitching in his dick stole every ounce of his strength. Even as he gasped for air, Rhys watched him with such hunger, he was ready to go again.
“I love you,” Asher confessed. His words came out in a rush. “I do not wish to share you or sleep another night without you. You are unique to me. Prezioso.”
Rhys seemed almost held in suspension as he stared into Asher’s eyes. He realized something monumental. Kerry had been telling him the truth. No one had ever openly loved Rhys before. Asher did. It was more than love. It was more powerful than anything he’d ever experienced before. He’d meant what he said. Rhys was unique. Unequaled.
His expression gave nothing away. Asher thought he might have heart failure before Rhys finally spoke. “As you said, I have to travel some for competitions. I can’t avoid it, but I’d like for you to come with me when I do from now on.”
Asher’s heart soared at the words. “I would be proud to cheer you on from your sidelines or whatever it is called.”
Rhys visibly fought back a smile at his answer. “My corner,” he supplied.
“Yes. That thing.”
“I don’t want to spend another night away from you, ever again, for any reason. I don’t care where we sleep. Wherever it is, it should be our bed.” Rhys was saying everything Asher dreamed of hearing.
“Good because this is what I demand of you. I should have made my intentions clear much sooner. My only excuse is, loving you has made me very stupid. I want to make you happy, but I cannot read your mind, so I try to second-guess you. I will not do that any longer.” He knew he was rambling. He couldn’t seem to stop. Twice he’d used the L-word and Rhys had not. Vulnerable and exposed were feelings he was not enjoying.
“Yes you will. You will try to guess which things make me the happiest, even as I attempt to do the same with you. There will be times when we will both be wrong, but you know what?”
“What?”
“It doesn’t matter, because that’s what people do when they love each other.”
A roar began inside his head, making it hard to hear. “Are you saying you love me?”
“I do. It killed me to think you didn’t feel the same way about me. When you looked at me and pretended as if I weren’t anything more than a client to you…shit…I couldn’t breathe.” He shook his head. “Couldn’t even function,”
he added. “Worst of all, I couldn’t talk to you. I knew I would end up looking like an idiot, because I love you so damn much. There is no way I could have kept it hidden, and I don’t want to get trampled again. Being with you is all I’ve wanted since the moment we met. I’m tired of pain and so sick of going without you.”
“That reporter woman at the charity event said your reputation would be ruined if people learned about us. Your career is important to me because I know it is special to you. I did not wish to become an embarrassment.” At Asher’s confession, a crazed light entered Rhys’ eyes. Tucking Asher’s body in as close as possible, Rhys went nose to nose with him. “I’ve never been as proud of anyone as I am of you. It’s not your stupid, crazy high-priced clothing or your ridiculously gorgeous eyes. It’s you. For all the massive outer beauty you possess, your inner beauty is phenomenal. You make me a better person.”
There were no words.
“I mean look at you,” Rhys continued. “Your clothes—which cost about a gazillion dollars more than mine—are soaked in your juices. I know you did that to keep me from getting dirty. Who even thinks that way? Why would you do those things?”
Asher drew his brows together. “There is no sense in ruining your clothing. You are worth more than this. I always want to treat you with the care you deserve. My clothes mean nothing while you mean everything. Do you really wish to go home wet and sticky?”
“Uh, yeah, I do. When we’re talking about this, I most certainly do.”
Asher’s confusion grew. “Why?”
Rhys’ eyes turned wicked. “I love the feel of your jizz coating my skin. It turns me on. I’m proud of myself for owning your pleasure. I feel sexy when you get off on me.”
Asher’s mouth fell open. He couldn’t stop it from happening. When he found his voice, he couldn’t hold back. “You are always sexy. Do not dare tell me you do not know it. I have seen your ‘I’m-the-most-charming-man-ever’ act. You cannot lie to me.”
A sad look passed over Rhys’ features and he began setting Asher’s clothes to rights. Once they were straight enough to make it home, Rhys reached up, taking Asher’s face between his hands. Forcing him to hold his gaze, Rhys didn’t hide a single thing from Asher. His eyes shone brightly with his every emotion as he spoke.
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