by SF Benson
Colton’s hips pick up the action, gyrating as he drops lower and spreads his legs. My fingers clutch the arm of the sofa. I was right. Colton’s moves will bring him a tidy sum each night.
His eyes lock with mine. Licking his finger, he drags it down the center of his body. Colton’s hand stops at the edge of his sweater. A flash of bare skin catches my eye as he teases his top up.
My dick twitches. Who turned the damned heat on?
Seeing what’s underneath his sweater is asking for trouble and will rapidly move us out of the just-friends zone. A nervous laugh escapes my mouth as my jeans become too tight.
Since when has a man put me on edge?
“Okay. I believe you.”
Colton, panting, turns off the music. “But will your friend hire me?”
“Yeah.” I swallow hard. “He will.”
With his moves, Colton will get hit on by every man in the club. He might even score a few side deals, but I don’t want to think about that. A cold shower is what I need to consider. No. A run. Alone. That would be better. “We’ve got time to kill. I’m going to the gym.”
“Want company?” Colton’s practically bouncing on his toes.
“Sure.”
Why in the hell did I say that?
CHAPTER SIX
Colt
Why the hell did I ask to come along? It’s not like I’m interested in a workout. All I want to do is explore the possibilities with JJ. Something clicked between us while I danced. If I’m going to tire out my muscles, I’d rather do so between the sheets. Lifting weights is the last thing on my mind. Now if he wants me to spot him on a bench press, that’s a different story. One that starts with my cock in his face and ends with him telling me to forget the barbell.
Maybe I misread the signals? Nonetheless, I believed they were clear. The entire time I performed JJ struggled for control. If I go back and check the arms of the sofa, I’m sure I’ll find deep finger marks.
Heavy breathing grabs my attention. JJ is on the treadmill, running like his very existence depends on him breaking a record. His gaze stays fixed on the people passing by the window. His headsets block out my presence. JJ’s ignoring me intentionally. Two can play this stupid-ass game. I hop on the other treadmill and start a slow jog before breaking into a full sprint. In a few moments, the incessant motion actually clears my mind and helps put things in perspective.
Maybe this is the reason JJ runs? The reason why he’s doing it now. He needs time to think.
I’ll check my attitude for now. JJ isn’t the only one who needs to contemplate shit. My problem is I’ve got too much on my plate—all centered around Grandfather’s conditions. What if I can’t meet them? Thankfully, JJ helped with finding a place to live. It’s quite possible landing a job will be as easy.
Making friends and finding that special someone… Grandfather wants me to cultivate relationships, but that doesn’t come easily for me. Rocco, the Mazrels, even Cash—it took me a long time to become friends with them. Time is ticking down. It was my hope that JJ would become… What? Friend? Lover? That special person?
My doubts grow as I glance at the man trying his hardest to put virtual distance between us.
If I’m honest—and I do think honesty is required—he wouldn’t be more than a quick lay for me. I’ve never had sex more than once with the same person. Ever. Once I’ve enjoyed the experience, I have no desire to repeat the process. It’s like how there are humans who don’t read the same book twice. When you know how it ends, why go down that road again?
Do I really want more with JJ? The man is so handsome. He’s like a fine bottle of brandy and should be appreciated as such. Slowly. Thoroughly. One sip at a time. Rinse and repeat. Over and over again. The horrible truth, however, is if I don’t get laid soon I might do something drastic.
Like calling Marjorie.
The prospect alone leaves a sour taste in my mouth. A fucking hand job would be better than unearthing that can of worms. After our one encounter, I had to avoid the bar whenever she worked. The woman assumed I enjoyed my time with her and was eager to repeat it. Unfortunately, desperation doesn’t make everything worth suffering.
I side-glance at JJ again. He’s panting. The muscles in his long legs ripple as he runs faster and faster. His shoes pound against the treadmill’s belt, the sound resonating through the room. Sweat rolls down his neck in thick beads. My imagination runs wild. Instead of sweating from exercise, he’d sweat after a night of my fucking him. The salty taste of him on my tongue…
This is useless. Imagining the possibilities without action is a waste of valuable energy. I hit the equipment’s emergency brake. Why the hell did I ever think I could be human? I should pack my clothes, call Grandfather, and go home. I’m a fucking incubus—a demon. Demons torture, not get tortured. Especially like this.
JJ’s treadmill slows down and comes to a halt. His hand wraps around my wrist before I can jump off the equipment. “What’s bothering you?”
“Nothing. Nothing at all,” I lie and yank my arm away.
I storm across the floor, but I don’t get far. JJ steps in front of me. I walk right. He goes left. I try going in the opposite direction to no avail. His eyes study me before he says, “You’re lying.”
My gaze doesn’t leave his. At the moment, I don’t want to be read by anyone, especially the man I’m lusting over. As I said earlier, two can play this game. I’m not the only one who needs to face the truth.
“So are you.”
“What?” His head flinches back, but he’s still blocking my path.
“I saw how you looked at me upstairs.” I push my finger into his chest. “When are you going to admit you feel something for me?”
He grabs my arm to keep me from shoving him again. “Fine! You turn me on, and I have feelings for you. Is that what you want to hear?”
“Among other things,” I mumble. Shirking from his grip, I start to walk away.
It’s a useless motion. JJ blocks me again and shoves me hard. My back collides with the wall. I move, but he stops me, pressing his sweaty body against mine. JJ leans in close, erasing the difference in our height. “Yes, I find you incredibly hot, but I don’t know you. You don’t know me. Colton, I’m not looking for a one-night stand. If that’s all I wanted, you wouldn’t still be in my apartment. Give me a moment to find out who you are before you start sucking my dick.”
He retreats, shaking his head, and rushes from the room, leaving me to wonder what the fuck just happened.
Half an hour later, I ease the door open to the apartment. JJ’s not in the bathroom nor in his room. Instead, I find a note attached to the front of the stainless-steel refrigerator.
Colton,
I don’t apologize for what happened in the gym. I’m not ready to hop into bed with you no matter how much I’m attracted to you. Give me time or leave. I’ll hate to see you go, but those are my terms. Oh, I’ll speak to my boss about giving you an audition. It’s going to be a late night. See you in the morning.
JJ
Right now, I’d give anything to bend anyone’s ear. It’s not often I need to air my issues with others, but when I do, I usually call one of the fellas.
You used to call Cash.
Well, that isn’t happening whether I’m human or otherwise.
Next…
I crumple the note in my hand and toss it in the trash can. JJ is asking for patience, something I’m not familiar with. A real human might relish in JJ’s truthfulness. It does nothing for me. The man rejected me. That’s never happened. I’m fucking Colton Najex, a royal incubus prince from the house of Khan Najex.
Not while you’re human.
Even so, is humanity really worth the price?
This sucks. Being hopelessly horny doesn’t make the situation any better. I haven’t been like this since I was a teen and had yet to discover all of my powers. Back then I sported raging boners non-stop. I’m surprised I didn’t develop carpal tunnel as much as I jerked
off.
Humans must be a bunch of wrinkled fuckers, I think, as I walk toward the bathroom. It’s been a long time since I’ve been reduced to repeated fucking cold showers with lots and lots of soap.
A night of TV, pizza, and beer was not on my agenda for this evening. Thanks to JJ’s unexpected departure, I have few choices. Fortunately, Father’s continual torture taught me how to entertain myself. Instead of letting the fellas see me at my lowest, I stayed home and watched TV. It was enlightening, educating me on all the dumbfounded beliefs humans embrace regarding supernaturals. One of my favorite comedies is the one about the two brothers chasing down various demons because of a family obligation. Hilarious!
Without my powers, I don’t want to chance walking the dark streets alone, but I’m bored. As an incubus, all my activities end in one way. Sex. What am I supposed to do as a human?
JJ’s guitar catches my eye. As a kid, I took all sorts of music lessons—piano, violin, guitar, and even clarinet. In all honesty, I never required any formal training. I endured it for the sake of appearance—my parents didn’t want anyone questioning my talent. But music is a form of expression that comes easily to me. Picking up the acoustic instrument, I run my hand over the polished wood. The last time I played one of these I was seventeen, horny as hell, and learned why Lilin shouldn’t fall in love. My fingers caress the nylon strings, and the first notes of Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” fill the room. I close my eyes and get lost in the rich tones.
Around four in the morning, I hear JJ’s key rattle in the door. His shoes whisper across the carpet. He stops in the kitchen and tosses his keys on the table. JJ starts to leave but looks up. I’m still on the sofa—living room light blazing—with the guitar resting on my lap.
“Why are you still up?” JJ asks. The smell of beer reaches me before he does.
Why did he drown his emotions in alcohol? Stupid ass. Booze never solved things.
“I couldn’t sleep.”
He points to the instrument. “You play?”
“Yes. Hope you don’t mind.” My words become harsh. “I had to keep myself entertained.”
“Glad you found something to do.” JJ’s words have their own edge. “Well, I’ve had a long night, so…”
I notice he’s wearing the jacket I bought for him. It fits like it was cut for him alone. “The jacket looks good on you.”
He stops and rubs a hand over the sleeve. “It feels good on, too. I appreciate your gift.”
Tension continues to ebb within the space between us. Even with JJ in the room, solitude bears down on me. This stifling awkwardness is my doing. Either I fix this or move out.
Go home. That’s the easy way.
The coward’s way.
I swallow my pride. “JJ, can we talk?”
His head rocks up. “Isn’t that what we’re doing?”
Ignoring the sarcastic reply, I pat the sofa cushion. “You said you wanted to get to know me. Here’s your opportunity. Ask me anything.”
JJ’s eyes narrow. “Remember I don’t do bullshit?”
“I remember.”
I’m hoping I can paint a believable picture. Humans have a difficult time accepting the concept of Heaven and Hell. The truth of supernaturals walking the earth might cause JJ to kick my ass to the streets.
Reluctantly, he shrugs off the jacket and sits down near me. “First question. What’s your last name?”
Damn. He would start with a hard one. Not knowing whether JJ is human or supernatural makes this difficult. If he’s not human, hearing the name Najex might freak him out. I recently watched that movie with the actress who was a call girl and wore a red dress. What was her name?
“Roberts,” I say quietly.
JJ’s face tightens while his nostrils flare. Can he see through my lies?
He exhales. “Let’s try this one. What’s the real reason you’re in New York?”
Thankfully, that’s an easier question. “To find myself.”
“Explain.” He pushes up the sleeves of his long-sleeved, black T-shirt.
“I’ve spent the last month living with my grandfather. He knows I’m having issues with my father, so Grandfather agreed to run interference for me while I take a break from it all.” JJ doesn’t have to say it. My explanation is full of holes. If I hear them, I know they register with him too.
“Why didn’t you stay with your grandfather?”
First hole.
“My grandfather’s house can be a little lonely.” Not a huge lie. Nobody goes to Hell to make friends.
JJ drags a hand through his sandy blond hair. “What kind of issues?”
“Expectations.” How much more do I say before he starts doubting me?
“About?”
Second hole.
Okay. I can be truthful on this one. “My family arranged a marriage for me twice, and twice I screwed it up.”
JJ’s nose wrinkles, and his head dips to the side. “I didn’t know people still did that sort of thing.”
“Not all people,” I murmur. “My family’s a little special.”
The largest hole.
He shakes his head. “Not buying it. I call bullshit.”
“What do you mean you don’t buy it?” My voice rises. “When I didn’t measure up, my father started badgering me. I couldn’t deal with it anymore.”
“And there’s the truth,” JJ says.
I stare at the floor, not wanting to acknowledge his words. Yes. I wanted out. I wanted Father’s abuse to stop. That’s why I made the deal with Grandfather. Anything was better than enduring more agonizing nights. How the hell did JJ figure it out?
Maybe he’s not human?
“Why haven’t you stood up to your father?” JJ asks.
“I can’t,” I confess. After the first time, I never attempted it again. His crippling torment made it impossible for me to try once more. Hell seems a friendlier place than confronting Father.
“Can’t? Or won’t?” JJ stands. “When you’re ready to really talk, come find me. Otherwise, I’m tired. I’ll see you in the morning.”
The coward in me doesn’t say a word. Instead, I simply turn off the light. The only way I can answer JJ’s question is to reveal who I am, but that’s not possible. Instead, I need to face facts. I need to make this humanity experience work because there’s nothing waiting for me in Falls Creek outside of hanging with the fellas. Eventually, the Mazrels and Rocco will move on. Then I’ll be alone. Incubi don’t do well with solitude.
Unfortunately, my fate is tied up in my lineage—training to take over my father’s place, and then eventually Grandfather’s place. Frankly, I have no desire to become the next Najex or the next King of Hell.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Jeremiah
I hang my jacket in the closet and yank my T-shirt over my head. No need to turn on the lights. I drop my jeans and slide beneath the covers, desperate to end my night. My mind, however, has other plans. All I can think about is my new roommate.
What the hell am I going to do about Colton? Better question: what do I want to do about him? Earlier, I lied when I said I didn’t want a one-nighter. It’s been a year since my last relationship—the reason why I stopped dating. I’d gladly welcome a quick fuck, but I’d like a little honesty with it too.
Colton couldn’t even give me his real last name. There was too much hesitation in his answer. When it comes to this man, dishonesty peals loudly, but I can’t figure out where the falsehood lies.
Picking up my phone, I notice the late hour, but I need to talk to somebody. Whenever I have issues, Azaria, my best friend since childhood, listens to them. Helps me figure things out. I appreciate having her nearby. When I left home, she came with me. She didn’t have to do it, but she chose friendship over family. Years ago, we tried being more than friends, but she couldn’t see me as anything other than a brother, and I couldn’t see past her femininity.
Azaria’s bright voice answers on the first ring. “Jeremiah, do you r
ealize what time it is?”
“I do, but I need to talk.”
“Want to come by?”
“Naw.” My ass doesn’t want to leave a warm bed. “This is fine.”
She breathes into the phone. “Want to tell me who’s occupying your thoughts?”
“Who says there’s anyone on my mind?”
“Because I know you. Who have you fallen for now?”
I flinch. The words still bother me even after all this time. “My new roommate.”