Tortured Souls

by Carol Lynne

  Reaching his hand toward Declan, Bram was grateful when he felt Declan’s hand settle into his. “Talk to me. What about your past aren’t you telling me? You didn’t even bother to tell me your mother had been murdered. Why?”

  Bringing Declan’s hand to his mouth, Bram kissed it. “I never considered Doreen to be my mother. That’s why I wasn’t upset enough by her death to tell you. I only thought about how you would feel when you found out she’d been murdered by your kidnapper. I just didn’t want to upset you any more than you already were.” He kissed Declan’s hand again. “I’m sorry if I made the wrong decision.”

  “Tell me all of it, Bram. You may be my knight in shining armor but I can help you slay your dragons.” Declan moved over as far as the console would allow. Leaning over, he kissed Bram’s cheek.

  “I will. I promise. But we’re only about three miles from the ranch.” Bram turned and gave Declan a kiss. “Tonight. While I’m holding you in my arms, I’ll tell you the whole sordid story.” Bram checked the piece of paper on the dash for the name of the road he needed to turn onto. When he made the turn, he slowed the car to a stop. He turned to Declan and kissed him again. Looking at Declan’s poor battered face, Bram sighed. He feathered a touch over the stitched area on the side of Declan’s cheek. “I love you. I’ll do everything in my power to keep you safe. And I’ve got a great group of friends who are all badasses. You’ll be fine.”

  Declan cupped Bram’s cheek. “I’m not worried about myself. Whoever this guy is, he’s sick. It was evident in the way he talked to himself. It’s like there’s a war going on inside his head.”

  Leaning in, Bram touched his lips to Declan’s. Declan parted for him right away and Bram’s tongue delved into the warm recesses of Declan’s mouth. After a few minutes, Bram pulled back and rested his forehead against Declan’s. “Maybe we’ll get lucky and Nicco and Mac won’t be there to meet us. I’d like a nice long nap with you.”

  “Mmm, sounds good to me too, knight.” Declan smiled at his new endearment for Bram.

  Bram chuckled and drove the remaining distance to the ranch. When they pulled in, Bram couldn’t believe his eyes. This ranch of Lilly’s must’ve been worth a fortune. It was the picture-perfect Southwestern-style ranch, complete with an expansive Spanish-style hacienda.

  “Wow,” Declan said from beside him. “This place is awesome.”

  “That it is.” Bram pulled his rented SUV behind Nicco’s in the circle drive. He turned to Declan as he shut off the car. “Doesn’t look like we’re going to get that nap.”

  Declan smiled, “We’ve got all the time in the world.”

  Bram got out and went around to open Declan’s door just as Nicco and Mac came out the front of the hacienda. “Hey, guys. Give me a second to help Declan.” Bram held Declan’s hand as he climbed out of the tall SUV. Leaning in, Bram kissed him. “Love you.”

  Declan smiled and nodded. “I know.”

  “Break it up. Nicco, get their bags out of the back.” Mac eased his way in between Declan and Bram. He gave Declan a big hug. “How’re you doing, Doc?” He pulled back to look at Declan. Bram could tell by the muscles in Mac’s jaw that he felt almost as angry about what had happened as he did. Mac looked over at Bram. “I’ll gladly help you catch the SOB who did this. Consider me, Nicco and Amir at your disposal.”

  Bram watched as Nicco took the two small bags and Declan’s backpack into the house. “Where’s Amir?”

  “He’ll be here by suppertime. He’s holding a class at the training facility.” Mac led the two men indoors. “Momma Lilly’s out riding but she should be coming in anytime. Step on into the great room and have a cool drink.” Mac showed them to the great room, its two-story ceiling beautiful with their exposed timbers.

  Nicco came in with a tray of lemonade. “I’d offer you two a beer but I figured Doc better stick with something nonalcoholic.” He set the tray on the coffee table and passed out the glasses.

  Declan and Bram took a seat on one of the red leather couches as Mac and Nicco sat across from them on the other one. Bram put his arm around Declan and tucked him safely against his body. Declan snuggled right up and yawned. Bram kissed the top of his head. “I think the journey wore my patient out.”

  Nicco smiled, “Why don’t we show the two of you to the apartment? We can talk at supper. That way you won’t have to go through everything twice. I’m sure Amir will want to know what’s going on, as well as Lilly.” Nicco and Mac stood and each picked up a bag. Nicco swung the backpack over his shoulder.

  Bram helped Declan up and followed them through to the kitchen. Mac opened a door and went up a flight of stairs. “I think you’ll be comfortable. The three of us lived here for a while until we bought our place in town.” Opening yet another door at the top of the staircase, Mac stepped into the room as Nicco, Bram and Declan followed.

  Looking around the spacious one-bedroom apartment, Bram smiled. “This will be perfect.” He pointed to the door. “Is there another way in from the outside?”

  Nicco walked over to the far side of the kitchen. “This door takes you outside to a small landing and a set of stairs. Both doors have deadbolts, so you should be safe.”

  Checking the door and lock for himself, Bram turned to Nicco. “What about Lilly? Aren’t you afraid she might get in the line of fire?”

  Nicco clapped him on the back. “Already taken care of. Mac and I bought her a vacation package. She’s going on a ten-day cruise through Alaska next week.” Nicco looked over at Mac. “We love you guys but I have to keep Momma safe. She’s delighted, though. She’s taking her horse trainer with her.” He winked at Doc and Bram. “I think she might be just a tad sweet on him.”

  Confused, Bram asked the one question which came to mind. “I thought Lilly was gay?”

  Shaking his head, Mac chuckled. “Lilly says she’s attracted to people, not genders.”

  * * * * *

  After Nicco and Mac said their goodbyes, Bram led Declan to the bedroom. “Come on, time to get you into bed. It looked like you were about to fall asleep on the couch a few minutes ago.”

  Following Bram to the bedroom, Declan reached out and ran his hand over Bram’s ass. “Good acting, wasn’t it? You said you wanted to take a nap, so I used my injuries as an excuse. Pretty tricky, aren’t I?” Declan stopped beside the bed and pulled his shirt off. He looked at a dumbstruck Bram. “Well, you gonna get naked or what?”

  Bram ripped his t-shirt off over his head and tossed it to the floor. He had his shoes, jeans and underwear off in record time. When he was completely naked, he began stroking his cock as he watched Declan take off his jeans. “Lube?”

  Declan looked up, zeroed in on Bram’s cock and licked his lips. “I don’t have any. I didn’t figure I’d need it when I left home.” He kicked out of his jeans and walked toward Bram. Wrapping his arms around him, he nuzzled against his chest as Bram’s cock left wet kisses on his abdomen.

  Moving his hands to grip Declan’s ass, Bram pulled him closer. He began to rub back and forth against Declan. “Maybe our friends left some behind.” Bram released Declan long enough to check the drawer beside the bed. He started laughing as he held up a giant bottle of expensive lube tied with a red ribbon. “Damn, I love those guys.”

  “Hey.” Declan bit Bram’s nipple. “I’m the man you’re supposed to love.” He tried his best to maintain a serious face but couldn’t hold it and smiled. He turned toward the bed and drew back the covers. “Come on, knight. Bring your mighty sword and get in here.” Declan held up the covers as Bram crawled in beside him. God, love was making him a corny fool.

  “Sure you feel up to this? I’d be content to just hold you in my arms while you sleep.” Bram ran his hand over Declan’s soft lips.

  “Need to feel you. I want to be one with you.” Declan parted his legs as Bram’s hand traveled down his body to grip his aching cock. Moaning, Declan spread even farther and thrust into Bram’s hand. Declan reached over and ran his hand up the le
ngth of Bram’s cock to the weeping crown. He pushed his thumb against the slit and was rewarded with even more pre-cum. Declan lifted his thumb to his mouth and licked it clean while maintaining eye contact with Bram.

  Groaning, Bram covered Declan’s body with his own. He insinuated himself between Declan’s thighs and slid down far enough to wrap his lips around Declan’s erection.

  “Oh God. Oh. Yes.” Declan began thrusting up into Bram’s mouth. Bram held Declan’s hips to the bed with his hands as he took him all the way to the back of his throat. “Oh fuck,” Declan rasped, watching as Bram deep-throated him. Never before had anyone been able to do this for him. When Bram introduced a spit-slicked finger into his puckered hole, Declan lost it and shot his seed down Bram’s throat. His cock continued to pulse as Bram eased off and sucked the crown of his shaft.

  After cleaning Declan’s cock, Bram licked his way up Declan’s body to his lips. Bram pushed his tongue inside and shared Declan’s flavor with him. “Mmm, I taste good.”

  “You sure do.” Bram reached over to the table and grabbed the bottle of lube. He squirted a generous amount onto his hand and fingers. Reaching down, he rimmed Declan’s rosette. Pushing one inside slowly, Bram looked into Declan’s eyes as he introduced another. The stretch and slight burn fueled Declan’s desire as he pushed against Bram’s hand, begging for more. Bram worked him with the two fingers for several more minutes before inserting a third. When Declan was sufficiently stretched, Bram pulled out and lubed his cock.

  Declan reached down and drew his legs up against his chest, presenting his well stretched hole. Bram knelt between Declan’s spread thighs and rolled a condom on. He bent over and kissed his stomach. “Damn, you’re sexy.”

  Giving Bram his most coy smile, Declan shook his head. “I’m just Doc. You’re the sexy beast.”

  Putting the head of his cock against Declan’s hole, Bram slowly pushed his way inside. “So good,” Bram moaned. Once he was fully seated, he allowed Declan a few moments to become accustomed to his size. “Ready?”

  “Yeah. Fuck me.” Declan groaned as Bram thrust in and out of his body. When Bram’s heavy cock brushed across Declan’s prostate he almost shot off the bed. “Yes. There. Again.” He managed to grunt the words out through clenched teeth. He started to feel like his entire body was going to explode as Bram pegged his gland again and again. “Oh love.”

  Wrapping his hand around his own cock, Declan stroked himself to the rhythm of Bram’s thrusts. “Gonna come.” Giving his cock a few more pulls, Declan shot cum all over his hand and stomach. “Yeeesss.”

  Bram howled as Declan’s body tightened around the thick shaft still buried in his ass. Bram grunted to the ceiling and came. Bram collapsed to the side of Declan so he could lower his legs and stripped off the condom, tossing it into the trash can beside the bed. Bram reached out and massage Declan’s still-quivering thighs. While he massaged, he dotted each bruise on Declan’s face with a soft kiss. “Love you.”

  Declan yawned. “Love you,” he mumbled as he tucked his head under Bram’s chin and fell asleep.

  * * * * *

  Waking several hours later, Declan rubbed his now-renewed erection against Bram’s soft, warm cock. Nibbling his way up his neck, he licked Bram’s lips. Bram smiled and pulled Declan tighter. “Hey, you.”

  “Hey, yourself.” Bram’s cock hardened in an instant as Bram rubbed back. “We should probably get a shower. But this is nice.” He kissed Declan slowly and deeply, thrusting his tongue to twine with Declan’s. Reaching down, Bram gathered both cocks in his hand and stroked as he continued to thrust his hips against Declan’s. “So glad you’re safe. So glad you don’t hate me.”

  Declan smoothed Bram’s hair out of his face. “Never could hate you. Love you, yeah?”

  “Yeah. Love.” Bram began to stroke faster as Declan’s breathing picked up. “I’m keeping you.”

  “Mmm. You’ve got me.” Declan thrust his hips faster to match Bram’s strokes. “Gonna.”

  “Yeah. Come for me. Shoot all over me.” Declan grunted and warmth spread up between them. The heat and grunts of Declan’s release pushed Bram over too, as his heat combined with Declan’s. Leaning in, Bram licked Declan’s earlobe. “Mine.”

  “Yours, forever.” Declan opened his eyes. “I love my job and the facility but I love you more. If I need to, I’ll move back to New York with you, but I won’t be without you again.” Declan reached over the side of the bed and picked up his t-shirt to clean them both up.

  Bram took the shirt away from Declan. He lifted his chin and looked him in the eye. “You’d do that for me?”

  Declan smiled, “In a New York minute.”

  Using the t-shirt, Bram began to clean the cum off Declan’s stomach. “I would never ask you to do that but just that you would offer blows me away. You love your job and that facility. You belong there, Declan. My brother’s there, and by the sound of it, I don’t think he’s leaving any time soon. So I guess my decision is made. I never loved New York. It was the farthest I could get from Arizona.” After he finished cleaning Declan, Bram cleaned his own hand and stomach.

  “Don’t really know what the hell I’m going to do for a living in Oklahoma. But as much as I love you, I’ll work at the damn gas station if I have to.” Bram threw the t-shirt on the floor and pulled Declan into his arms once more. “I need to tell all of you about my past. If you don’t mind, can I just tell the story once? At dinner, maybe?”

  Bram’s eyes began to sting and he could tell by the look on Declan’s face he saw Bram’s tears. Declan nodded, “I don’t want you to talk about it if it’s going to hurt.” Declan smoothed his hands over Bram’s chest.

  “You all have a right to know. I’ve involved too many people to keep my secrets to myself. One thing I’ll share with you now is my name. As far as I know, Thor and I are the only ones who know my real name.”

  Declan lifted his head and looked at Bram. “What are you talking about? I just assumed your name must be Abraham or something similar.”

  Shaking his head, Bram pulled Declan back down to his chest. “My name is Bramble. Thor’s name is Thorn. You get the picture of just how much our parents hated us from the time of our birth?”

  “I don’t understand. Why would they have you if they hated you?” Declan ran his finger around Bram’s nipple in thought.

  “They couldn’t inherit from my father’s family unless they had children. My parents used to joke about it all the time, the fact that they were smart enough to have a spare son in case something happened to me.” Bram bit the side of his cheek to keep from breaking down. “That’s enough for now. Let’s get a quick shower and head downstairs. Maybe Lilly’s back from her ride.”

  Chapter Six

  “Lilly, that was fantastic,” Bram said, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “It’s been ages since I’ve eaten a home-cooked pot roast.” He looked over at Declan’s almost full plate. “Not feeling well, Declan?”

  Shrugging, Declan mumbled something Bram couldn’t hear. He leaned closer. “What?”

  Declan looked up at Lilly. “I’m sorry, ma’am. I just don’t have much of an appetite.” He looked over at Bram and bit his lip. With tears in his eyes, he said two words. “Tell me.”

  Closing his eyes against the pain he saw in Declan’s face, Bram pulled him into his arms. “If everyone’s finished, I’d like a word with you all in the great room.”

  Nodding, the rest of the people at the table rose. Amir headed for the kitchen. “By the look on your face, I’m going to guess and say everyone will need a stiff drink.” Amir disappeared as the rest of the group arranged themselves on the two sofas. Lilly sat on the opposite end of the sofa with Bram, who pulled Declan into his lap. He didn’t care how it looked to anyone else. Bram could tell his man needed this right now.

  Amir came back with a bottle of whiskey and a bottle of red wine. He disappeared again and came back with glasses on a tray. After everyone had their drink of choice, Bram began
to tell them about his childhood.

  He spoke of the times he was locked in the basement for weeks on end and about being beaten several times a week by Lucky while his mother laughed. The cigarette burns to his young body, the way his parents forced him to eat the table scraps for his meals and, worst of all, the constant berating they did to their son. Bram choked on tears as he relived every horrifying act his parents had put him through.

  Declan couldn’t stand any more. “Shh.” He tried to dry Bram’s face with his shirt. “No more. I can’t watch you do this to yourself.”

  Bram kissed him and looked toward his friends. “They never touched Thor. I always thought it was just me they hated. That’s the only reason I left him there when Lucky kicked me out. It wasn’t until I got the call from the hospital in Flagstaff that I realized the magnitude of my mistake. It seems after I left, Lucky and Doreen just couldn’t help themselves. They began torturing Thor like they’d done me. When Thor tried to fight back during one of his beatings, Lucky hit him across the back with a pipe. He hit a ten-year-old boy hard enough to paralyze him.” Bram started to cry again. “It was my fault. I knew they were monsters and I left my own brother right in the middle of it. And Thor will pay for my mistake for the rest of his life.”

  “No!” Declan jumped off Bram’s lap and seemed to tower over him. “You did nothing wrong. You weren’t the one who beat his children, so none of it’s your fault. Thor’s a happy, well-adjusted man because of you. You did that. Not the people that should have been responsible. You. I won’t sit by and let you do this. I won’t.” Declan bent and poured a full glass of whiskey into his empty wineglass. He drank it in one gulp and sighed. Turning back to Bram, he crawled into his lap. “I love you, Bramble Blackstone. You’re a good man. No.” Declan shook his head. “You are a great man. And I love you.”