Nicolas

by Dianne Hartsock

  “Piter won’t wait. He’ll hurt—”

  “He wouldn’t—”

  Nico quickly touched his cheek, compassion sweeping his face. “No, angelo mio, he won’t kill the boy. Never that. But he’ll frighten him, torment the father, to get to me. Do you understand? Piter hates me for the wrong I did him years ago, will never forgive me, and will use anyone to make me suffer for it. I can’t let him do that.”

  Jamie held Nico’s hand against his cheek, not above begging, “Please, Nico, you could die if you go out there. It’s so easy to get turned around in these storms. You could wander off track, fall through the snow into a crevice or something. When the sun comes up, I’ll hike with you into Alpena and visit John’s office. If they’re not there, someone in town will know where they are.”

  Doubt creased Nico’s face, and then his shoulders slumped in defeat. “You’re right, but I abhor the delay.” He let out a heavy, frustrated breath and returned to sit on the couch, burying his face in his hands.

  Jamie watched him, then sighed and went back to the kitchen. The milk had boiled over the pan slightly, but enough remained to make a mug of chocolate. He watched the cocoa and sugar dissolve, letting his mind drift while he stirred the darkening liquid. He loved Nico, but there were some hard questions he needed to ask, not sure if he could handle the answers.

  When the chocolate was ready, he poured it into a mug and carried it to the living room, setting it on a small table by the couch. Unsure, he nudged Nico’s arms out of the way and straddled his lap. Nico stiffened, but then put his arms around Jamie’s waist with a soft cry and pushed his face against his shoulder.

  “Piccolo angelo mio,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m so afraid. What do I do, little one?”

  “Hush, baby, I’m here. I won’t let anything bad happen,” he promised, though his heart stumbled with the thought that this strong man would ask his advice. He slipped his fingers under Nico’s chin and raised his face. His lover’s tears undid him, but he gathered his courage, needing to be strong. “Nico, we’ll find them. You said Piter won’t hurt the boy?”

  “Not physically, but he can be terrifying. You’ve seen his beauty, but he can wear many masks, things taken right from the boy’s nightmares. The Krampus can drive little Andy to madness or death, if he chooses.”

  “Krampus? Nico, who is Piter? What is he?”

  Nico’s expression turned grim. “He is my enemy.”

  “But—”

  Nico stopped his words with a finger on his lips. Jamie waited, his heart growing heavy as his lover remained silent. Nico ran his fingers through Jamie’s long hair, spreading it around his shoulders, his gaze caressing Jamie’s face. He pressed a soft kiss to his lips. “Bellezza mia,” he whispered against his mouth. Then he leaned back against the couch, shifting his weight. Jamie started to climb off his lap, but Nico put his hands on his hips, holding him in place.

  Sadness glittered in Nico’s eyes and there were tears in his voice when he spoke. “Many, many years ago, I stopped Piter from murdering three little boys. Now he gets his revenge by hurting as many children as he can. He knows their suffering tortures me more than anything else he could do. He makes me suffer their anguish in my dreams, over and over. I can find no way to stop it. I think one day he means to kill me.”

  “Good God, Nico! The man’s insane. You have to leave here. I’ll take you to the airport tomorrow and you fly far away. If Piter hurts John or his boy I’ll have the police deal with him.”

  Nico shook his head, his dark curls sweeping against his chin. “He’ll find me. He always does.”

  Jamie couldn’t hide his worry. “But why is he doing this?”

  “He hates me. I’ll never be rid of him.”

  Confused, Jamie tried one more time to understand what Nico was telling him. “Then why did he heal you tonight? Wouldn’t he rather have you sick?”

  Nico shrugged, looking into the fire. “Then who would he play his sick games with?”

  “God, Nico!” Jamie clamped his lips shut, then spoke more softly. “Does he have some kind of healing skills? How did he cure you?”

  Nico played with a strand of Jamie’s hair, curled it around a finger. “Some would call it magic, but he has a strong will and can heal when he chooses, just how he can harm someone with a thought.”

  Jamie narrowed his eyes, studying Nico’s face. There had been an odd note of admiration in his voice, hidden under the disturbing words. He trembled, afraid of the answer to his next question. “What is he to you, Nico? Is he your lover?”

  Pain squeezed his heart when Nico didn’t answer immediately. It was a moment before Nico moved his gaze from the fire and looked at him. For just an instant, Jamie saw a loneliness so deep it tore his heart to shreds. Then Nico blinked and only sadness remained in his gaze.

  “No. We’re not lovers,” he said quietly. “But Piter is beautiful and provocative, and there have been times I’ve found comfort with him. But that was a lifetime ago. He has no power over me, not anymore. I have seen too much suffering because of him.”

  Jamie lifted himself off Nico’s lap, and this time Nico let him go. He stood and picked up the mug of chocolate, taking a sip of the rich dessert. Comfort food. He handed the cup to Nico, who swallowed a few mouthfuls, then handed it back, a tiny smile nudging the corner of his mouth. “Grazie.”

  Jamie nodded and set the cup aside. “You’re welcome.” Sitting on a corner of the couch, he motioned to Nico. “If we’re chasing that bastard Piter tomorrow, you’d better sleep a little more. Here, put your head on my lap.”

  Nico stretched out, resting his head on Jamie’s thigh with a sigh. Jamie covered him with the throw blanket off the back of the couch and stroked his hair, watched the flames dancing on the hearth.

  “I love you,” Nico said softly.

  “I love you too,” Jamie assured him. “Sleep now.”

  He listened as Nico’s breathing evened into sleep, but it was some time before his own heavy lids closed.

  Chapter Nine

  JAMIE WOKE and snuggled deeper into the cushions, tugging the blanket up over his shoulder. A warm chuckle caressed his cheek and he giggled as his lips were nibbled. He opened his eyes and found Nico kneeling next to the couch.

  “Morning,” he said and pressed his mouth against Nico’s for a kiss.

  “Good morning, mio caro.” Nico kissed him back, tasting of coffee and his own delicious flavor. Jamie reluctantly pulled away and Nico’s smile slipped, worry evident in his gaze.

  “Is it time to go?” Jamie asked, though he’d rather pull Nico under the covers and spend the morning playing with his body.

  “Sì sta facendo tardi—”

  Jamie pushed up on an elbow and stopped his words with a swift kiss. “As sexy as that sounds, I have no idea what you’re saying,” he admonished.

  Nico’s blush delighted him. “I’m sorry. I only said it’s getting late.”

  Jamie glanced at the clock. Barely six in the morning. At least Nico had waited this long. Jamie kicked off the blanket and climbed stiffly to his feet. His heart warmed when Nico pushed a mug of coffee into his hands. “There’s breakfast on the counter,” he said, but Jamie could see the tension in his body, his eagerness to be on their way.

  “Give me ten minutes,” he countered and hurried to the guestroom, taking the coffee with him. He dressed in his clothes from yesterday, then paused a minute in the bathroom to braid his hair, not bothering to brush it out.

  “Nico can wash it for me tonight,” he told his reflection in the mirror, and an impish smile curled his lips. His gaze turned thoughtful and he checked his phone. Still no service. The storm must still be interfering. This made things more difficult. It was over an hour’s hike into town through the snow. And the doctor could have spent the night almost anywhere. Hopefully, they’d find John quickly or Nico would grow frantic with worry.

  “We’ll check his office first, then ask around,” he decided, still
liking his plan from last night. “Someone must know who needed a doctor.”

  He returned to the great room. Nico was already pulling his boots on by the door, and Jamie went to the kitchen, pouring the dry granola waiting for him on the counter into a plastic bag. He could eat on the way. After putting the milk in the fridge, he hurried to join Nico, and they finished getting ready in silence. Jamie shivered at a blast of cold air when Nico pulled open the front door.

  Nico glanced at him when they stepped outside, then reached over and pulled Jamie’s hat snug over his ears. He tightened Jamie’s scarf, giving him a gentle kiss before covering his mouth with the soft wool. It only took a moment to fasten on the snowshoes, then Jamie slung his pack over a shoulder and they clumped down the porch steps, starting across the snowbound yard in the direction of Alpena.

  Snow fell lightly, the new foot of powder covering the ground from last night’s storm making the hike more difficult. In less than half a mile, Jamie was already feeling the strain on his calves. He wasn’t much on exercising, spending most of his time in the apartment in Westport painting the ocean, only visiting the snow on the occasional ski trip. He envied Nico’s sure strides. Drawing a breath of cold air, he pushed on against the pain, determined not to slow him down.

  The mile marker passed in a blur of cramping muscles and chilled skin, but as they crested a hill, Alpena spread out in the valley below them and Jamie gave a small cheer. Nico shot him a look and halted.

  “You’re in distress, mio caro. Why didn’t you stop and rest?”

  Jamie shrugged. “We’re almost there. Let’s keep going. I want to get out of the snow and find a hot cup of coffee.” He couldn’t see Nico’s expression behind the dark glasses and the scarf wrapping his face, but he was sure he smiled. Nico took his arm, and they walked the remaining distance, Jamie turning down the first street toward the doctor’s office.

  The building looked dark and Jamie grimaced. It hadn’t been unexpected, but he wished they’d found the doctor and his son straight away, for Nico’s peace of mind. Nico shivered beside him, probably just as cold as he was, and Jamie nodded, deciding their next move. “Looks like he’s still out on a call. We’ll go to the diner and see if anyone knows where he is.”

  He heard Nico’s sigh, but his lover only motioned for him to lead the way. They trudged in silence along the nearly empty streets. It wasn’t quite eight o’clock in the morning and most of the stores were still closed, and due to the heavy snowfall Jamie doubted that many of them would open that day. He was more than relieved to spot the OPEN sign on the diner on the next block and the few cars parked out front. Strings of white Christmas lights on the building twinkled in the falling snow, inviting them into the warm, welcoming interior.

  They removed their snowshoes and stacked them against the building. Nico gasped when they entered the diner, making Jamie’s heart jump, and fondness spread through him when Nico approached the large Christmas tree in the corner almost reverently. “Che bello!”

  Jamie chuckled. Wow was right. Taking a stool at the counter near the fireplace, he set his backpack at his feet. He unwound the scarf from his face and neck and pulled off the heavy jacket and gloves, getting comfortable. Remembering the mess his hair was in, he left his hat on, wishing he had a comb in his pack.

  Nico continued to admire the tree, and the spark of Jamie’s love flared when he reached out a tentative hand and gently touched a glittering ornament. Jamie realized that he wanted to know everything about his gorgeous Italian, every aspect of his past, his future plans. What did he find so fascinating about that tree? What were his thoughts?

  He squirmed on the cushioned seat, knowing it was absurd to be jealous of Nico’s attention but wanting him to come back to his side, to touch him that tenderly. Christ, he was an idiot. He swiveled on the stool and smiled as the waitress came up to him. “Can I have a coffee, please?”

  She nodded, pleasant. “And your friend….” Her voice trailed off and Jamie turned his head to see what had caught her attention. Nico had removed his hat and scarf and approached him with a half smile on his attractive face, his mop of dark curls emphasizing his flawless olive complexion. A few unshed tears made his hazel eyes glitter.

  “Are you okay?” Jamie asked with concern, standing up to help him out of his coat.

  “Sì. Your tree is beautiful,” Nico said to the hovering waitress, and Jamie noticed her cheeks grow pink. “We didn’t bring a tree into the house when I was little, but Mama would light all the candles on the mantle to celebrate the birth of the Holy Child. The lights on the tree make me think of her. I miss her.”

  Jamie took his hands. “I’m sorry.”

  Nico shrugged. “She died a long time ago, but I remember her sweetness and gentle voice. She loved me.”

  Jamie cupped Nico’s face and wiped a stray tear with his thumb. “Of course she did. Sit down a minute, baby. Here, by the fire.” Jamie pulled out the stool closest to the crackling flames, and Nico settled on it with a sigh, putting his hands up to the bright blaze. The waitress poured him a coffee.

  “Grazie,” he said, making her blush again.

  Jamie caught her attention. “Do you know where Dr. Meiden is? We need to talk to him.”

  “Sure. Lizzie Reynolds had another stroke yesterday and he’s out at her place.”

  “Is little Andy with him?” Nico asked before Jamie could say anything more.

  “I think so. Unless he stayed in town with Anna MaGee. They were having dinner here when the doctor got the phone call from Lizzie’s husband.”

  “Could we get their address from you?” Jamie asked. “My phone isn’t working and we really need to talk to the doctor.”

  “No need. John called earlier and said they’d be by for breakfast in about half an hour. He thinks Lizzie should be in the hospital but her husband refuses to take her. The doctor’s going to have something to eat, then go back and stay with them today.”

  Jamie blinked at the amount of information, but then remembered it was a small town. He shouldn’t be surprised by the gossip. He looked at Nico and lifted a brow. “Can we get some breakfast?”

  Nico chuckled and surprised Jamie with a light kiss. Jamie pulled back with a quick glance around the dining room, but no one seemed to mind the small display of affection. In fact, their waitress—Karen by her nametag—smiled broadly as she handed over menus and the few patrons who caught his glance merely nodded and went back to their meals.

  “Hungry, angelo mio? I did pull you from the bed early this morning,” Nico teased, a wicked glint in his eyes when Jamie flushed with embarrassment. Nico’s gaze softened, and he pulled his stool closer to Jamie’s, leaning his head on his shoulder to share a menu. “What are you hungry for, amore?”

  Jamie turned his head and tried not to hope it was love he saw in Nico’s eyes. It was too soon for love between them, wasn’t it? His heart shouted otherwise, thumping when Nico brushed fingers over his thigh under the countertop. His cock woke up and he quickly nudged Nico away, loving his playfulness but too self-conscious to reciprocate. God, he wished they were alone! He wanted his lover’s hands and mouth on him. He could still feel that naughty tongue licking his nipples….

  Heat flared in Nico’s gaze and Jamie tore his attention back to the menu in his hand, trembling slightly. “I could use an omelet,” he murmured, and Nico’s soft laugh sent a delicious shiver along his nerves.

  Nico leaned into him. “Whatever you desire, lover,” he whispered and nipped Jamie’s sensitive earlobe. Lust blazed through him and he had trouble focusing when the waitress came up to them, hand poised over her notepad.

  Nico straightened, giving him room to breathe. “We’ll both have the omelet special, Karen,” he ordered, a grin playing on his lips. “And more coffee?”

  Jamie studied him. “You seem more relaxed. Has something happened, Nico?”

  Nico’s shoulders lifted in his characteristic shrug. “I have no sense that Piter is near us. I may have overre
acted, imagined a threat when I saw the doctor and little Andy’s picture.”

  Recalling the streak of cruelty he’d felt in Piter, Jamie didn’t think so, but kept his doubt to himself. It was nice to see the smile on Nico’s face. If anything should happen with Piter, they’d deal with it. In the meantime, he’d enjoy Nico’s fascinating company.

  “Tell me more about your childhood. Why didn’t you have a Christmas tree?”

  “It wasn’t a tradition where I’m from. In fact, I didn’t see a decorated tree until I was much older and traveled to Germany for the first time.”

  Jamie tilted his head, interested. “You’ve been to Germany? Anywhere else? I’ve never been outside the United States.”

  Nico gave him an inscrutable look as if not sure how to respond. What did that mean? He opened his mouth to ask, but a customer who had just paid for his meal walked over to them. He leaned on the counter beside Jamie, but his glance was on Nico. “You said you’re from Germany? I have an uncle over there.”

  “No, not Germany, though I’ve traveled there extensively. My family’s originally from Turkey, but I’ve lived most of my life in Italy.”

  The man straightened, startling Jamie when he yelled across the diner. “Hey, Sande, this guy says he’s from Italy. Doesn’t your boy want to go there after he graduates?”

  A woman glanced up from her breakfast and nodded, then exited the booth where she was sitting with a man, presumably her husband. “Yes, sometime this summer.” She came up to them and held out a hand. “Hi. I’m Sande Norson. Are you two moving to Alpena? It’s a lovely town.”

  Warmth flooded Jamie’s face, but Nico merely smiled benignly and nodded to Jamie. “No, I’m visiting my friend, but it’s kind of you to ask.”

  Their food arrived and Jamie ate, bemused, while the others chatted around him. The woman’s husband joined them and talked about the countries they’d visited or planned on taking a trip to in the future. It seemed that Nico had been everywhere and could talk knowledgeably about the cities and people of the world.