Nicolas

by Dianne Hartsock

  “May I ask why?”

  “They hate who I am. Have always tried to change me. Toughen me up, my father said.” He clenched a hand. “I guess I’m no one’s image of what a man should be.”

  The old pain rose inside him and he couldn’t look at Nico.

  Chapter Six

  NICO RAN fingers through his curls, absently untangling a few knots as he contemplated Jamie on the couch beside him. How could anyone be cruel to this gentle, nurturing man? Jamie was a miracle, really, a gift to end Nico’s loneliness after an eternity of isolation. But did he have the right to accept him, to knowingly put him in danger?

  He sighed in frustrated doubt and Jamie glanced at him and away, but not before Nico saw the anguish on his face. Damn, he’d hurt him deeply, when all he wanted was to crush him to his chest and kiss him breathless. His heart jumped and pride swept through him when Jamie raised his chin and turned to face him, looking determined. So brave!

  “Who is Piter?”

  Nico blinked at him, stunned. “You know of him?”

  “He brought you to the cabin.” Jamie looked suddenly panicked. “You don’t remember?”

  Nico slowly shook his head, dread creeping along his spine. “He spoke to you?”

  Impatience flashed over Jamie’s face. “Yes! Will you tell me what the hell is going on? You’re starting to scare me.”

  Nico searched his face. Yes, fear made him pale, emphasizing the scattered freckles across his nose and cheeks. But courage swam with the uncertainty in his eyes. And deep inside, behind the fragile walls of his heart, the first embers of love flickered.

  Nico drew a quick breath. Anything was possible, if Jamie loved him. He’d have to move with care, though. Such tiny sparks were easily crushed out. Before, he’d wanted to push Jamie away. He now ached to keep this joy for himself, however selfish the thought. But how much to tell him? And what would Jamie think of him afterward?

  While he mulled over what to say, the hope faded from Jamie’s bright face, replaced by a sadness he failed to hide. He looked into the fire, and Nico heard his discouraged breath. “You won’t tell me.”

  “I will. I don’t know where to start.”

  “Beginnings are good.”

  Nico snorted and the hint of a smile on Jamie’s face eased the tightness in his chest. He picked up Jamie’s clenched hand and coaxed the fingers open, clasped it in his. “First, will you please tell me how you know Piter? Then I’ll tell you my story.”

  Jamie nodded, looking at their twined hands. Nico raised them to his lips and savored Jamie’s gasp when he kissed his knuckles. “Angelo mio,” he murmured and lost his heart a little more when Jamie blushed.

  But then Jamie’s expression turned serious, and he sat up straighter, coughing slightly to clear the roughness from his voice. “I dreamed of Piter right before I found you on my dock that night.”

  “What?” Nico tried to temper his anger when Jamie looked at him in surprise. “What was this dream?”

  He frowned when the color deepened in Jamie’s cheeks, and he clenched his free hand, rage burning white hot in him when Jamie moistened his lips before confessing, “He was in my bed.”

  “Bastardo! Lo scortico vivo—” Nico broke off, realizing he was muttering Italian in his fury. “I want to skin the bastard alive. No need to ask what you were doing with him.”

  “Nico! It was only a dream. At least, I think it was a dream.” Jamie sounded uncertain. “I woke up before it went too far.”

  Nico let go of Jamie’s hand and rubbed his own face, unaccustomed to the jealousy biting at him. But he needed to know the rest. “But you saw him again, here?”

  “Yes. You had fallen in the snow and I couldn’t carry you. He appeared out of nowhere, and brought you here on his snowmobile.” Jamie looked him over, the fear back in his eyes. “I think he cured your pneumonia, or whatever you had. You were asleep when I arrived. And he knew about my dream of him. How is this possible, Nico?”

  It was time to tell him. Nico watched Jamie’s face. “Piter has certain… abilities. It is his nature. Be very careful of him. He can climb into your thoughts.” Doubt flickered in Jamie’s eyes. “What happened after you got here?”

  Jamie lifted a shoulder but there was a tremor in his voice. “Nothing, really. He wanted to have sex but I told him to go to hell.” He crossed his arms over his chest, raised his chin in a challenge. “But he’s very beautiful, and at least he wants me.”

  Nico nodded at the defiance in Jamie’s expression. His little angel had claws and would fight back. He found he liked that very much. But the thought of Piter’s hands on him made him see red. He couldn’t deny the jealousy and hunger burning inside him. Maybe it was time to show Jamie how he felt.

  Jamie had turned his gaze back to the fire, and Nico moved on the couch, leaning to pull Jamie to him. At first he resisted, then melted against him, hiding his face on Nico’s shoulder.

  They sat in silence a moment, Nico running a soothing hand over Jamie’s hair. Jamie’s stifled sob made his heart constrict. “Nico, I’m hurting. If you don’t want me, say so. Let me go home.”

  “Tesoro mio,” he murmured, kissing the shell-like ear peeking through the glorious red hair. “My treasure.” He ran his fingers down Jamie’s intricate braid and unraveled it. Threading his fingers through the soft tresses, he tightened his hold and eased Jamie’s head back. The pretty eyes blinked at him, bright with tears and sadness. He stared at his trembling mouth, aching to plunder its sweetness again, feel the heat of Jamie’s mouth on his body.

  He laughed a little, easing an overwhelming emotion in his breast. It might have been awe. “This should be impossible so soon, my angel, but I think I’m falling in love with you. My soul is singing, recognizing yours. We belong together. Do you not feel this is so?”

  Nico held his breath, the gossamer threads of his happiness dependent on Jamie’s next words. Jamie’s lips parted on a soft breath of wonder, then a fire sparked in his eyes, and he stretched up to bring their lips together. Sweet Lord! Taken by surprise, all Nico’s control on his lust snapped. He thrust his tongue between Jamie’s plump lips, needing to taste him. Jamie sucked on his tongue, inviting him in, the slide of their tongues drawing an instant response from his thickening cock.

  Jamie moaned into his mouth and twined his arms around Nico’s neck, tugging him down onto the cushions with him. Rolling to his side, back to the fire, Nico put a leg over Jamie’s hip, pinning him against the back of the couch. He gentled his kisses, running his tongue in delight over Jamie’s soft lips. Biting tenderly on the bottom one, he pulled a shared groan from deep inside them both as he sucked the tender flesh.

  Wriggling, Jamie shoved into him, sliding the length of his hard cock against his hip through their clothing, and smirked when Nico shuddered with need.

  “You want me,” he teased, his eyes gleaming with laughter and lust, shifting on the couch to grind their dicks together.

  Nico groaned at the delicious friction and grabbed Jamie’s wrists, pinning his arms over his head. “You know I do.” He growled the words, raking the sweet body against him with his gaze, wanting him naked, now. Jamie arched up and nipped his chin, and Nico looked in his face, lightly flushed with desire. Mine! He let go of Jamie’s wrists and wrapped him in his arms.

  “I’m glad you sent Piter away,” he murmured against Jamie’s lips, wondering if he could ever get enough of his kisses.

  Jamie’s sweet breath warmed his face. “He’s not the one I want,” he panted, nibbling Nico’s mouth. He pulled back, a frown creasing between his brows. “Besides, he frightens me.”

  Nico’s heart stuttered. “How so?”

  Jamie blushed, but the troubled look returned to his eyes. “He’s passionate and beautiful, Nico, and I can’t help responding to his sure touch. But he also repulses me, as if there’s something rotten inside him. And twice now he’s called me naughty in a triumphant tone, as if he’s won something from me, though I don’t know
what it could be. It scares the hell out of me, though.”

  Nico’s arms convulsed around Jamie. Cristo! What had he done? He never should have come here. Better if he had let the current on the lake take him out into the middle. He would have frozen and ended his torment instead of bringing it upon this lovely man.

  Jamie struggled and Nico loosened his hold, though he wouldn’t meet his eyes and resisted when Jamie cupped his face to turn him. Jamie made an exasperated sound and sat up, pushing against Nico to make room. “You need to tell me what’s going on, right now, Nico.”

  Panic had seized Nico, the fear that Piter would at last win. But Jamie’s firm tone sent hope surging through him. Very few men had stood by him in the past. Piter had seen to that, either driving them off in terror or taking them to his own bed. Neither of these things had worked with Jamie. They still had a chance.

  He looked up and met Jamie’s worried gaze. “Piter and I have long been enemies. He hates me, and because of this will try to hurt me through you. He’s done it with others. I fear you’re not safe with me.”

  “I won’t let him come between us.”

  Nico shook his head. “You don’t know what you’re saying. He’s very powerful, more so than you can comprehend. I betrayed him in the past and he will stop at nothing if it means wounding me. Understand, he can climb into my mind as well. There is no place I can hide from him. I wish to God I could send you away, Jamie! But it’s too late for that. I will not deny you and he knows my feelings.”

  “I’m not afraid of him.”

  “Then you are a fool.”

  Jamie’s eyes flashed as he fought to keep his anger in check. Nico waited. Jamie would leave now and Nico would be alone again. Despair filled him, but it would be better this way.

  A touch on his hand pulled him out of his dark thoughts, and he blinked at his lover’s determined expression. Jamie suddenly reached out and grabbed the back of his neck, pulling him down for a harsh kiss. Jamie plundered his mouth, his probing tongue seeming to caress his cock as well.

  Then Jamie let him go, his chest heaving. “You hold my heart, Nico, though I haven’t asked for this. It’s no good to try to send me away. I won’t go! I know Piter has powers I don’t understand. I see that he’s healed you. So be it. I accept this.” He laughed without humor. “I’m yours, Nico! Piter won’t come between us.”

  Nico’s blood surged at his words. He wanted nothing more than to take his man to bed and put his mouth on every inch of his body, claim him once and for all. It took all his effort to steady his features. He had to be cruel.

  His lip curled with disdain. “You speak like a child, not knowing the danger of the wolf outside the door. I have no need of your protection. Nor your love.”

  Jamie’s face whitened and he pushed to his feet, looking down at Nico with hurt eyes, though his chin lifted with pride. “You’re a poor liar, Nico. But I am too tired to argue with you. I’m going to bed. Good night.” He put a hand on Nico’s shoulder, bent to his ear to whisper, “If you leave here in the night, I’ll follow. Be very sure of that.”

  Nico gaped at him as he turned on his heel and crossed to the bedroom door, slamming it shut behind him. Despite his best effort to control it, his heart bounded with joy. Jamie loved him. His precious angel, pure and true, would stand by him.

  He thought of Piter, the Krampus, the dark spirit he’d set loose centuries before that now dogged his every step. Piter exacted his cruel revenge while Nico struggled through the empty years, doing what good he could in the world. But now Jamie loved him, waking his heart, giving him hope and purpose.

  “We’re coming, Piter,” he warned, and for the first time since that horrible night so long ago when his and Piter’s fates had become woven together, he felt the end of his arduous journey was drawing near.

  Chapter Seven

  NICO ROLLED to his side and stared at the glowing embers of the fire. He should stir them up and add more wood, but he was more tired than he’d been in a long while. Piter might have healed his illness, but now he needed sleep and a chance to recover. He settled further into the cushions of the couch, pulled the blanket tighter across his shoulders. The pillows held a trace of Jamie’s scent and he breathed deeply, his body aching for his lover sleeping in the next room.

  He groaned and turned on his stomach, praying for sleep to come. He’d risen twice already to go to Jamie’s bed, only to return to the couch in defeat. Maybe if he remained cold to Jamie, Piter would believe he’d been mistaken in Nico’s affections. Maybe.

  His heavy lids closed on his gritty eyes and his mind drifted, but not toward the peace he desperately sought. The nightmare came swiftly, before he had time to throw up walls to defend against it.

  THE FAMILIAR path, dim in the evening light, rose up at his feet, and he started along it, his heart a stone weight in his chest, once again unable to stop the horror from unfolding around him. The thick trees closed in, the forest unusually silent as if it held a breath, listening for a whisper on the air.

  The children’s laughter came, faint, somewhere in the distance, and sent a shudder along Nico’s stretched nerves. He caught a glimpse of them flitting through the trees. Heart pounding, he quickened his steps along the desolate path. Drought followed by famine had struck them hard that year, making men desperate, and he kept a tight hold on the cudgel in his hand. It was not uncommon for thievery and murder to take place in the forest after dark.

  The merry sound repeated, echoing hollowly in his straining ears. He broke into a trot, dangerous on that uneven trail through the trees. A damaged ankle could cost him his life, this far from—

  His thoughts broke off. The house stood to his left as he rounded a large pine, crumbling into rotten decay in the small clearing almost hidden in the trees. The sluggish thump of his heart sent pain knifing through his chest. No! He wouldn’t go in there this time. But like the hundreds of times before, the nightmare had him enthralled. Powerless, heartbroken, Nico took a step toward the terrible place.

  The salty smell of brine rose from the house and nausea rolled through him. Fighting the bile at the back of his throat, he mounted the broken steps and flung open the door, almost recoiling from the heat and stench that billowed out around him. A fire roared on the hearth and the smell of copper hung heavy on the stale air, rising from the butcher block and the black stains in the dirt. Bright blood colored the man’s hands and shirtfront, the cleaver in his fist shining in the firelight.

  Nico’s voice shook, dread choking his throat. “What have you done with them?”

  The large man stared at him with cold, glittering eyes. “I don’t know you.”

  The cleaver fell, slicing meat and bone, and Nico jumped at the loud thwunk as it struck the thick wooden block. He swallowed his fear and took a step into the house. “I heard the boys playing in the woods. Where are they?”

  The butcher swung the sharp blade again, carving through the haunch of meat on the table. “There’s no boys here. Only this boar I caught.” He indicated the slaughtered animal. “Go away.”

  Nico’s gaze darted around the room and landed on the fire blazing on the hearth. It offered sweltering heat when the warmth of spring stirred the evening air. He watched the flames, mesmerized, and horror shuddered through him when a small pair of boots stood clearly outlined in the conflagration. The sleeve of a coat smoldered, then burst into flame as the leather boots flaked into ash.

  “You killed them,” he whispered, pain knotting his heart. “Cristo.”

  The cleaver slammed on the block and the butcher rounded the table. “Get out of here!”

  Nico shook his head, unable to tear his gaze away from the man’s hands. Blood dripped from his fingers, dotting the dirt at his feet. A single crimson teardrop fell and a scream rose in his throat, anguish ripping through him at the sight of the scrap pail under the table and a child’s severed hand amidst the discarded entrails.

  PAIN BURST in Nico’s head, his scream resounding off the wal
ls, drawing him from the vivid nightmare. He sat up on the couch, disoriented, confused. He was in the doctor’s cabin in America, not halfway across the world in another time….

  A terrified cry came from the bedroom. “Jamie?” He scrambled off the couch, heart pounding as he rushed across the oak floor. Flinging open the door, it took a second for him to locate the light switch on the wall. Low light kept the room almost in shadow, but he could see Jamie struggling in the blankets, clearly in distress.

  “Angelo mio,” he murmured and sat on the bed, pulling Jamie close. Jamie fought him at first, half asleep, sweat matting the hair to his forehead. His eyes shot open, wide with horror, and he pulled away with a cry of fear.

  But then recognition lit his eyes and he clutched Nico’s arm, pushing his face into his shoulder. “Oh God, Nico! Such a terrible dream,” he gasped, shaking in Nico’s embrace.

  “Hush, baby. I’m here. You’re safe.” Nico pressed a kiss to the top of his head, stroked his long hair.

  Jamie’s voice held tears. “But it was so real! I saw boys playing in the woods. They were lured into a house. Nico, he killed them! I saw it happen. They begged him, but he took an axe to their small bodies—”

  Panicked, Nico stopped his words with a sudden kiss. “It’s over, my love. I’m so sorry. That was my dream, a recurring nightmare. You must have picked up on it, somehow…. Or Piter made us share it.”

  Jamie’s gaze flashed up to his, wide-eyed, but he sat up, seeming calmer. “Then I’m sorry, Nico. It’s a terrible dream. Seeing it once is enough for me.”

  Nico tucked Jamie’s hair behind his ears. “Would it help to know the children were brought back to life and enjoyed many years of happiness afterwards?”

  A tentative smile crossed his lover’s face. “I like that ending. I’ll pretend that’s what happened.” He nestled into Nico’s arms. “Nico, will you stay with me tonight? In case the dream returns?”