Nicolas

by Dianne Hartsock

  “Get Andy in the truck….” His words trailed off when John marched past him, Andy tucked against his chest. Instead of stopping at the vehicle, he continued toward the river’s edge and Nico’s heart stumbled when it looked like John would walk right into the gray torrent.

  “Wait—” Nico’s breath caught in his throat. A woman stood on the bank, still pretty, though her hair hung in wet tendrils around her pinched, white face. Her clothing was soaked through, already freezing on her body. John halted and Nico came up to them.

  “Helen,” John whispered hoarsely. Uncertainty swept his face. “How…?”

  The woman didn’t answer but her eyes grew wide, dark pools of anguish and anger. She held out her arms and John moved as if to hand her the boy.

  “Don’t.” Nico put a firm hand on his shoulder. “She’s not really here.”

  John didn’t respond to his touch, seeming lost in his painful vision. Tears glittered on his lashes, tearing at Nico’s heart. “You were gone. We dragged the river…. Oh God, Helen, I’m so sorry.”

  She made no sound, not even a rustle of clothing in the snow when she moved the few steps between them, reaching for the child still sleeping in the doctor’s arms. John bowed his head, hiding his eyes in Andy’s mop of hair. His voice broke when he spoke. “Don’t take him, please. He’s all I have left of you.”

  Enough! Nico’s temper snapped. “Piter, end this!” He shoved between John and the terrible apparition. The thing halted, the mask it wore of John’s wife contorting with rage. Its lips drew back on rows of small, sharp teeth. Snarling, it sprang forward. He shot up his hand, gripping the creature by its neck.

  “Don’t hurt her,” John begged behind him, tears choking his words. Nico swallowed the ache in his throat at the sound of his loneliness.

  “She’s not here,” he reiterated, pushing away the pity that weakened him when he needed all his strength against the Krampus’s demons. He stared into the thing’s dark eyes, which swirled with hatred and madness, and saw no soul in their depths. “Go away,” he commanded, firm, confident, and he stifled his gasp when the creature raised its face to the gray sky, its wail piercing his ears. It thrashed against his hold, then suddenly stilled. With a final growl, it became a black wisp in his hands that swirled into the air. He tracked it with his eyes as it moved away from them, blending with the thickly falling snow.

  John let out a soft cry and stared into the rushing river. Nico turned to him, but the doctor averted his face, shoulders shaking on silent sobs. Nico ran a hand through Andy’s damp hair, dusted with snow. The boy’s face was pinched with cold, but his pulse was strong when Nico pressed fingers against his neck.

  “You need to get the boy warm,” he said and coughed slightly to clear his throat, rough with tears. “Take him into town. We’ll follow.”

  “He won’t wake up….”

  Nico winced for the desperate tone of John’s voice. “He will. Piter’s forgotten him.” He flicked a glance at the house almost lost from sight in the swirling snow. “His mind is elsewhere.”

  “I can stay—”

  “Get the boy safe. I’ll see to Piter.”

  “But—” John closed his lips on his protest at Nico’s impatient look. They turned and trudged the short distance to the truck, Nico leaving them there and making his way to the snow-covered porch. He heard the truck door open and a moment later slam shut; then he put the doctor and his son from his mind, shoving open the front door to the house.

  Chapter Sixteen

  JAMIE FOUGHT to control the tremors that ran through his body, knowing he had failed when Piter laughed softly against his right breast and licked his nipple. Piter seduced him, determined to gain his surrender with deep kisses and gentle bites and featherlight strokes of Jamie’s cock. After the others had left the living room, Piter had shoved him into the adjoining parlor and up against the wall, undressing him as if he had all the time in the world.

  “Hurry,” Jamie begged Nico in his mind as Piter cupped his ass while continuing to lick his way down his body toward his painfully arching dick. Closing his eyes, he drew deep breaths against the orgasm gathering in a fierce ache in his balls. He didn’t want to come for the beautiful creature, hating the way his body responded to its unwanted touch. But Piter’s mouth had tasted every inch of his body, nibbling and sucking his most sensitive places.

  He shouted when a warm mouth engulfed his cock. God! So good. The wicked tongue darted into the slit as the plump lips slipped down his shaft.

  “Nico!” he shouted, fire burning along his nerves, spreading a warmth through his stomach, knotting in his back. Oh God, so close. Piter laughed, muscles constricting around the head of Jamie’s cock buried deep down his throat, pushing him to the edge. He hardly registered the crash of the door across the room, but suddenly Piter was plucked away from him.

  He blinked his eyes open, panting, exposed. “I can’t….” He groaned as pleasure tore through him and out his cock in violent waves, his spunk splattering the carpet at Nico’s feet. Spent, shame quickly replaced the bliss swimming in his head, and he sank to the floor, covering his face.

  “I’m sorry,” he moaned, deeply embarrassed.

  “Get out, bastardo,” he heard Nico hiss, then Nico knelt beside him. But Jamie hid his eyes. He’d done the only thing he could think of to help save the boy, but….

  “I didn’t fight him,” he confessed painfully. Nico touched his chin but Jamie wouldn’t meet his gaze, not wanting to see Nico’s reaction. His lover sighed and Jamie didn’t resist when arms went around him and he was pulled against Nico’s chest. Nico’s pounding heart comforted him even while tears stung his eyes.

  “I’m sorry,” he said again, his throat so tight he couldn’t continue.

  “Amore mio,” Nico whispered, nuzzling against his neck. “Look at me.”

  Jamie raised his head, sucking in a breath at the fierce light in Nico’s eyes. Nico cupped his cheek, rubbing his thumb over his trembling lips. “My brave little angel. Did you think I’d be angry? We saved the boy. John’s taking him home.”

  “I didn’t know what else to do.” Jamie looked away. Didn’t Nico even care…?

  His lover’s grip tightened on his chin and Jamie’s gaze swiveled back to him. Before he could speak, Nico’s lips covered his, his tongue plunging at once into Jamie’s mouth, making his head swim. Nico’s arms crushed him, and then he drew back, letting him breathe.

  “You know I care, angelo mio,” Nico ground the words out against his lips, anger lacing his voice. “I hate that Piter touches you, knowing you’re mine. At least as long as you wish to be. He has no right—”

  Jamie sat up, his gaze darting around the parlor. “Piter—”

  “Fled, but I can find him. But first….”

  Heat rose in Jamie’s face when Nico stared at him, his hot gaze traveling slowly over his bared skin. His blush grew painful, his body hard when Nico moistened his lips. Fuck. When had he become such a slut, wanting Nico’s mouth on him so badly he ached? All his life his lovers had sneered at the curves of his body, finding him too gentle, feminine. But here were two beautiful men vying for his time. Could he be blamed for wanting their attention, a balm for his tattered pride?

  Nico leaned close and ran his tongue over Jamie’s lips, sending pleasant shivers through him. Fingers traveled up his thigh, teased the sensitive skin beneath his balls, and gooseflesh broke out on his skin. Leaning his head back, he allowed Nico access to his neck, and moaned at sharp little nips along his collarbone. His lover’s fingers strayed lower, rubbed the puckered skin of his hole, and he swooned at the eroticism of the moment: Nico still fully dressed, having his way with his naked body.

  “Um… maybe we should go….” Jamie tried to clear the lust from his mind. He groaned when one of Nico’s fingers wiggled into him.

  “Not yet.” Nico sat up and tugged Jamie until he lay with his back on the soft rug, then covered Jamie with his body, nudging a knee between his thighs. His fi
nger found its way deeper into his body, and Nico gently fucked him, going deeper each time.

  “It’s my kisses I want you to remember.” Nico nibbled Jamie’s lips. “My touch I want in your fantasies, not his.” Nico hooked his finger and grinned wickedly when Jamie cried out as he stroked over his prostate.

  Again Nico sat up, and Jamie watched him through heavy lids, lost in the heat of lust. Danger still surrounded them, but at that moment, he didn’t care. “Love me, Nico,” he begged, shivering with bliss when his prostate was brushed again.

  “That is my intention,” Nico said and lowered his head. His tongue teased over the crown of Jamie’s cock, then Nico’s warm mouth sealed around him, swallowing him down into tight, wet bliss. Nico worked him roughly after that, sucking hard while his finger pushed deep inside him. Jamie let go, allowing the orgasm to sweep him into ecstasy and forgetfulness.

  Nico still suckled his spent cock when he came down, and Jamie stretched, feeling wanton, naughty, knowing two separate men had swallowed his dick within minutes of each other. In other circumstances they might have fucked him; individually or together, made no difference to him. But what would it be like—those two fat cocks pushing inexorably into him, stretching him impossibly wide while he slowly lost his mind in bliss?

  Jamie blinked at the thought, pushing up on his elbows. “Nico, stop. I think Piter is still here.”

  Nico let Jamie’s cock slip from his mouth, his lips glistening when he glanced up. He swallowed quickly and sat up on his heels. “Why do you say that?”

  Jamie stared at Nico’s wet lips, then leaned up and licked away the trace of his cum, drawing a groan from both of them. Nico put a hand on the back of his head, deepening their kiss, and it took all of Jamie’s will to put a hand between them, nudging Nico back.

  “Because, my hot Italian, I want you to fuck me right here, despite our danger or even if little Andy’s still at risk.” He put his lips against Nico’s ear, bit gently on the tender lobe, saying thickly through his lust, “And I don’t care if the world is watching, I want your cock inside me right now, shoving hard.”

  Nico groaned and buried his face on Jamie’s shoulder, panting. “I want that too, your body tight and hot around me.” Jamie felt the tremors in his lover’s body and Nico laughed painfully. “Cristo! You are hard to resist. I want you writhing in my arms, begging for my love.” He moved suddenly, rising to his feet, pulling Jamie up with him. “But you are right. I’ve put the boy completely from my mind, which isn’t right.”

  He glanced down Jamie’s body, fire flashing in his eyes, then he sighed and began to braid Jamie’s long hair. “Get dressed, amore. We need to go hunting. I won’t let the Krampus escape this time.”

  Jamie nodded, but closed his eyes, taking a moment to enjoy the feel of Nico’s fingers threading his hair. The warmth of Nico’s body enveloped him, and he breathed in his musky scent, sweat and wool and heated skin. He loved that Nico wanted him, but more than that, it had been forever since someone had needed him.

  Nico tied off his braid, his thumb caressing Jamie’s neck, and Jamie opened his eyes and met his intent gaze. “I love you, Nico,” he whispered, knowing it was true.

  Heat flashed in the lovely hazel eyes, but then Nico smiled ruefully, brushing their lips together. “Get dressed,” he murmured abruptly, letting Jamie go and crossing the parlor. Jamie watched him walk into the living room, already missing his touch.

  “Don’t be stupid,” he growled at his rousing body. “Piter would love to see you beg.” He pulled on his clothes and went to find Nico. What more did the creature want from them?

  Nico was returning from down the hallway when Jamie entered the living room. They met at the bright Christmas tree, and Nico shook his head. “He’s not in the house.”

  Fear slithered up Jamie’s back. “Is he a spirit?”

  Nico shook his head, avoiding his gaze. “His soul remains between this world and what comes after. But he’s not trapped. He stays through sheer force of will.”

  “Is that possible? I’m not doubting you!” he hurried to say when a shadow crossed Nico’s face. “But I’ve never believed in ghosts.”

  “He’s not a ghost.” Nico’s shoulders slumped and he looked defeated, hurting Jamie’s heart. “I don’t know what he is. I only know he stays to torment me.”

  For a second Nico looked haggard, haunted, and Jamie closed his lips on the myriad of questions screaming in his head. “Then let’s find him,” he said firmly, though he had no idea what they’d do with the creature once they caught up with him. He had to have faith that Nico would know.

  The man gave him an intent look, then took his hand, holding it in his own. “I’m sorry I involved you—”

  “Stop, Nico. Don’t say anything more. I’m here by my own choice.” He took a step closer, slipping his other hand into Nico’s and holding them tightly. “I don’t know how this day will end, but I thank God you chose my dock to land on that night. You saved me! I was hiding in that cabin from a world that has hurt me too many times. I buried myself and didn’t see any way out of my loneliness. But you’ve shown me there is still wonder and beauty in the world, if I open my heart to it. Thank you for that.”

  A soft gleam entered his lover’s eyes and Nico’s lips curled into a fond smile. He leaned down, brushed their lips together. “Ti amo, my Jamie,” he murmured, voice husky, and kissed him, wrapping Jamie in his arms as if he were something precious. Love flooded from Jamie’s heart, echoed in Nico’s passionate kiss, in the strong arms holding him so gently.

  He whimpered a little when Nico pulled away, and Nico’s rumbled laughter sent a warm shiver through him. “We either leave right now or I’m taking you here under the Christmas tree. Decide quickly, mio caro.”

  Jamie smiled, allowing his joy to show. “We’d better go. But you can unwrap me later, if you wish.”

  “I do wish,” Nico said, then tugged on his arm, pulling him toward the door. Jamie put on hat and gloves and adjusted his goggles when Nico opened the door on the white scene outside. Snow poured from the leaden sky and it was growing prematurely dark in the late afternoon. The truck’s tire marks were already filling with snow and drifts began to build up in the street from the stiff breeze.

  “Where to?” Jamie asked, squinting at the swirling flakes sweeping onto the porch.

  “Back into town. Someone may have seen Piter. He’s hard to miss.”

  Jamie thought it better not to reply, flashing on Piter’s face and brilliant green eyes. Definitely memorable. Nico snorted, stomping down the snow-encrusted stairs and starting for the snowmobile. Jamie’s boots crunched in the snow as he caught up to him, and they mounted the vehicle in silence. Jamie smirked, glad his scarf hid it.

  “You can’t possibly be jealous,” he said when Nico had the engine idling.

  Nico made a rude sound, but then his rueful words floated to Jamie as they started down the street. “Ask me again when this night is over and the Krampus is out of our lives.”

  Jamie slipped his arms around Nico. “I will,” he murmured, the air lightening between them as they sped over the street. Ice was mixing with the snow, and Jamie shivered despite his layers of clothing. His feet felt it the worst, his boots packed with snow until even the thick wool socks failed to keep them warm. They turned at the street corner and headed toward the center of town. Most of the businesses looked dark, everyone having closed early for the storm.

  “Maybe we….”

  Jamie had begun to suggest they should knock on the door of the next home they passed and ask to use their phone, when the incongruous tinkle of a Christmas song drifted on the blowing wind to them. His gaze searched the street, cheery with Christmas lights despite the gray sky.

  “I think that place is open,” he said in surprise, pointing to a rustic-looking building off the street, a tavern whose sign boasted the best “bar-be-que” in town and a few rooms still available for the night. Several trucks dotted the parking lot. Nico started
in that direction without replying, and Jamie sighed at the sign of smoke curling from the stone chimney on the shingled roof. The thought of a spot by the crackling fire almost brought tears to his eyes.

  They parked and walked up to the entrance, kicking against the cement steps to knock the snow from their boots. Nico opened the heavy wooden door, and they entered the spacious room. Tables and chairs were placed in attractive groups on the light pine floor, empty of occupants except for the fairly large gathering at the stone hearth. Comfortable couches and armchairs were pulled up to the fire, seating about a dozen men and women and even a family with two small children. Conversation was desultory, as if they didn’t know each other. Jamie guessed they were stranded like he and Nico were, not having made it out of town before the storm swept in.

  Nico paused in the doorway; Jamie gave him a curious look, and then he smiled. Nico’s gaze had gone immediately to the large Christmas tree in the corner next to the long antique bar. He slid his hand in Nico’s and tugged him into the room. “Come on, I’m sure they won’t mind you looking.”

  They removed hats, coats, and scarves as they crossed the floor. The group by the fire gave them curious stares, then most returned to their conversations. Jamie watched his lover’s face, noting Nico’s rapt gaze on the glittering lights and tinsel and bright baubles on the tree. A sudden thought brought a small pain to his heart.

  “Have you ever had a tree of your own, Nico?” he asked gently, knowing his reply.

  Nico shrugged as if to make light of his answer. “I’m rarely at home for Christmas, and when I am, it’s not worth the effort to put one up just for myself.”

  Jamie gave his hand a little squeeze. “Next year we’ll decorate one together.”

  Nico drew a quick breath and looked at Jamie, stared hungrily at his lips. “I would like that,” he whispered fiercely, his fingers caressing Jamie’s hand. He let go when a pretty woman, maybe midforties, approached them from behind the counter.