Nicolas

by Dianne Hartsock

  “Welcome. I’m Susan Walker, the owner.” She motioned to the snow covering their boots and clothing. “Looks like you got caught in the storm.”

  “We did.” Nico smiled, and Jamie quickly hid his grin when the woman flushed softly. He couldn’t blame her. Nico’s accented voice and the mass of dark curls spilling around his attractive face were sexy as hell. Seemingly unaware of his effect on them, Nico continued. “I’m Nico and this is Jamieson. Do you mind if we warm up before moving on?”

  “Be my guest, but come over to the fire. It’s hard to keep this room heated during a storm.”

  They followed her toward the large hearth and the woman gave them a curious glance. “Did I hear you correctly? You’ve never had a Christmas tree?” she asked Nico with interest.

  Nico gave his characteristic shrug. “It’s true, but you have a delightful tree. Is it from the nearby forest?”

  “My father-in-law owns some property west of here, and we make a big deal out of picking our tree. My husband rents a sleigh and we take the kids and a thermos of hot chocolate and make a day of it. Glad we got it in before the storm.”

  They reached the crackling fire and Jamie was surprised when a couple rose from the couch to give them their seats. “It’s okay. We can stand….”

  “No problem,” the man said cheerily. “We’ve been here awhile.” The young woman with him nodded. “Go ahead and warm up.”

  “You’re very kind.” Nico bowed slightly. Jamie expected the couple’s amusement, but they gave Nico a friendly smile and took chairs at a nearby table.

  The hostess waved to the couch. “Make yourselves comfortable. Can I bring you a hot drink? Coffee or chocolate? Or would you prefer something stronger?”

  “Hot chocolate would be perfect for me. Jamie?”

  “Sounds good,” Jamie agreed, thinking a shot of bourbon in his would be about right, but he needed to keep his head clear. Susan nodded and left them with a wave of her fingers, disappearing into a room behind the bar. Nico held his hands out to the fire, but Jamie settled back into the cushions with a sigh, allowing the warmth of the blaze to seep into his chilled body. Nico nudged him and helped him remove his wet boots and placed them with others on the hearth. Jamie stretched his legs, putting his damp socks toward the flames.

  One of the men on the couch across from them cleared his throat and leaned forward, studying Nico. “I’ve seen this young man about town a couple times.” He nodded to Jamie. “But you don’t look like you’re from around here. Foreigner?”

  Jamie gave him a wary look, but the man was smiling, merely curious. The older man with him laughed out loud at Jamie’s expression. “No hiding that red hair, boy. Seen you with the doctor a few times. Who’s your friend?”

  “I’m Nico De Mira,” Nico introduced himself. “And no, I’m not American. I make my home in Italy and am here visiting friends.” He gave Jamie a warm glance. It startled Jamie when the woman sitting at the table with her two children snorted, turning her head away when Jamie shot her a glance. The man with her seemed uncomfortable, twisting the band on his finger as he kept his eyes steadily on his mug.

  Jamie sighed inwardly and moved several inches from Nico’s side. He panicked slightly when Nico draped an arm across his shoulders, pulling him close again, but no one else seemed to notice. In fact, the men on the opposite couch appeared amused. The rest of the group kept to themselves, faces lined with worry as the wind howled outside.

  Susan returned with their drinks, and Jamie asked for the restroom, wanting to remove some of the layers of clothing he wore as he began to sweat so close to the fire.

  “Through that door beside the Christmas tree,” she told him, picking up a carafe she’d set on a hot plate and making the round of the group, filling the coffee mugs held out to her.

  “Excuse me,” he said to Nico and rose wearily to his feet. The warmth in the dining room was making him sleepy.

  Nico reached out and tugged him down, whispered in his ear. “Be safe,” he warned, concern in his eyes.

  “I’ll be right back,” Jamie promised, though his heart pounded at the reminder of their danger as he walked in his stocking feet to the glittering tree and pushed open the bathroom door.

  Chapter Seventeen

  JAMIE LET out a relieved breath as he stripped off his thermal clothing and the cool air touched his skin. Much better. Pulling back on his pants and thinnest sweater, he met his own gaze in the gilded, framed mirror over the sink. Dark wood and a couple of scenic pictures made the bathroom a rustic but comfortable room. His eyes seemed huge in his pale, tired face, the few freckles more prominent on his cheeks and across his nose. He didn’t like the fear lurking in his blue eyes and sighed as he plaited his hair again. This had to be the strangest day of his life.

  He dropped his gaze as another emotion flickered in his eyes, not wanting to see it. He tried to push away the doubts creeping into his thoughts. Was he a fool for believing in Nico? He’d only met the man a few days ago. What if his lover was… delusional? Was Piter a dream?

  Heat rose in his face at the memory of Piter licking down his chest, the rough edge of his tongue sliding over his nipples. A shiver ran over him. Piter was real enough, but he was a man, wasn’t he? Not the demon Nico insisted on. Nico was simply a man….

  Jamie shut his mind to those thoughts, wondering if he was falling blithely into Nico’s madness. And if he was….

  He raised his gaze again to the mirror. “Would it matter?” he asked his reflection, searching the wide blue eyes full of uncertainty. “Would it change anything?”

  “No,” he whispered, recalling Nico’s sure touch on his body, the kisses that stirred a fire in him, his lover’s gentle smile. “I love him.” The confession had been easy to make, but would his love be enough if Nico was… unstable?

  “And if he’s telling the truth?” The blue eyes in the mirror widened, the fear sweeping in again. His heart thumped painfully. He’d never believed in magic and fairies and Santa Claus. Who was this man being chased by a demon across the world? Another thought made his heart trip. How old was he? He seemed young, thirtysomething….

  Jamie’s pulse jumped, his blood flashing heat through his veins as he recalled Nico above him, a sheen of sweat glistening over his muscular body in the candlelight. Damp ringlets curled against his forehead, and he grunted with effort as he thrust his cock again and again into Jamie until Jamie’s release splashed between them….

  A moan escaped him with the memory and Jamie quickly covered his mouth, darting a look around the small area. Thank God no one had come in! He’d been lost in his thoughts, his dick growing hard and needy. He shoved his hands in his pants to adjust it, wondering if he had time….

  No, he’d already been in here long enough, taking the time to clean up in case Nico…. He saw his blush in the mirror. People would start wondering what he was doing. And he had the unsettling thought that Piter would watch him. He quickly picked up his thick underclothing and left the bathroom, hoping his blush was gone by the time he reached the others. Hearing animated voices, he paused by the Christmas tree and a slow, bemused look spread on his face. Nico still sat on the couch, almost hidden by the chairs pulled closer, the group chatting merrily. Nico’s low voice carried to him and the others laughed at whatever he’d said.

  Jamie’s chest swelled. What was it about Nico that drew people to him? When they’d first arrived, the group had been quiet, keeping to themselves. Now they appeared to have forgotten the storm raging outside, talking together like old friends or family. In fact, with the Christmas tree and the holly and cedar garland on the mantel, the firelight bright on the smiling faces, the scene would make the perfect Christmas postcard.

  Nico looked up and found his gaze and Jamie’s heart sped up. God, the man was easy to love! Nico waved him over and an opening was made in the circle for him to join Nico on the couch, closing him into the friendly group. The older man on the couch opposite them leaned toward him, holding out
his hand. “I’m Frank McKorkle.” He nodded to the younger man next to him they’d spoken with earlier. “This is my son, Robert.”

  “Bob.” Robert shook Jamie’s hand in turn. He lost track of the names as the others introduced themselves, and blinked at the mug of hot chocolate that seemed to appear in front of him. Nico nudged his shoulder and he glanced up into his warm gaze. Nico didn’t kiss him, but Jamie saw the desire in his eyes.

  “Hey.” Jamie coughed slightly, clearing his throat. “Having fun?”

  “He’s been telling us stories of his travels,” Bob informed him. “Met some pretty interesting people.”

  “Can you tell us a story with kids in it?” a small voice piped up. Jamie looked in surprise at the young boy and girl edging closer to them. He glanced around for their parents and saw them nodding encouragement when the little girl looked over her shoulder at them. Relieved they’d gotten over their initial animosity, he turned back to Nico as the children settled on the floor at his feet, faces raised expectantly. Nico smiled at them and Jamie settled back into the cushions. He stiffened when Nico took his hand, lacing their fingers together, but when no one reacted to the gesture, he squeezed Nico’s hand and relaxed, curious to hear the story as well.

  “I met a boy and girl just your ages one Christmas Eve in Amsterdam,” Nico began and delighted grins touched their faces. Jamie guessed the boy was about six years old with the girl a little younger. Cute.

  “I was a young man, far away from home, and didn’t know who I could spend Christmas with. I didn’t know anyone in the city at that time.” A fleeting smile crossed his face when a sympathetic exhale ran the room. Jamie held his hand tighter, and the warmth in Nico’s glance stole his breath. “It was a long time ago,” Nico assured him.

  He turned back to the children, their faces expectant. “Amsterdam is a magical place at Christmastime. The whole city is decorated with bright lights and decorations. There are markets and parades and caroling on the street corners. I found a spot out of the cold in the city square near the largest Christmas tree I’d ever seen. I almost couldn’t breathe, it was so beautiful.”

  Nico paused and took a sip of the drink near his elbow on a side table. “But I felt lonely, and also very hungry. I had only a few coins in my pocket until the bank opened the day after Christmas. I hoped no one would drive me from my warm haven on the secluded bench. I planned to spend the rest of the night there and huddled into my coat, trying to make myself invisible to the passing people in the square. Then I was discovered.”

  He nodded when the children gasped. “I was scared. A family had walked by the bench talking animatedly about the tree and presents waiting for them at home. I wished I could go with them, though I knew it was impossible. I didn’t mean to stare, but the little girl with them looked right at me and made everyone stop. I thought they might call for the law enforcement to have me removed from the square. No one was supposed to spend the night there. But a miracle happened. The family gathered around me, asking questions in the kindest way. When they found out I was traveling alone and had nowhere to spend Christmas, they took me home with them. Me, a stranger.” Nico’s voice dropped low. “It was the nicest Christmas I’ve ever had.”

  The soft words tore Jamie’s heart. He’d spent his share of holidays alone, being an only child, estranged from his parents, but the tremor in Nico’s voice spoke of long years of solitude, as if he never fit anywhere. Jamie tugged on his strong fingers and Nico looked at him, bending his head so Jamie could whisper in his ear, “I have you now, honey.”

  Nico turned his head, hazel eyes smoldering, and kissed the corner of his mouth. Jamie gasped, and Nico took advantage, sliding his tongue between his lips, making him shiver with want.

  A slight cough broke them apart, and Susan Walker gave them a sheepish look, thrusting menus into their hands. “Everyone here had dinner earlier, but if you’re hungry, we can make you something. Come sit at the bar.”

  “Thank you,” Jamie stammered, scrambling to his feet. Nico rose more slowly, not looking at all embarrassed, though Jamie knew his own face was the color of his hair. “Bastard,” he muttered without heat. He never liked drawing attention, even though the eyes watching them cross the short distance to the bar were kind.

  Nico pulled out a stool by the Christmas tree, and Jamie sat beside him, then touched his arm when he kept his eyes on the merry lights and tinsel. “Did you want something?”

  “Maybe a bowl of soup?”

  Susan rounded the bar and stood opposite them. “We have a nice vegetable lentil soup and the lamb stew is very popular.”

  “The soup will be perfect. And maybe some warm bread and butter?”

  “I’ll take the same,” Jamie put in, not really caring what he ate. Now that they were away from the others, fear trailed a cold finger up his back again. He leaned close to Nico when Susan exited into the back kitchen. “Do we need to go? Do you sense Piter anywhere?”

  Nico shook his head, brushed their lips together. “No, angelo mio, and I think if he were going to cause mischief tonight, he would have already done so. I thought we could get a room here and take up the search in the morning.” He blushed suddenly. “Or we could get two rooms—”

  “Not on your life!” Jamie clapped a hand over his mouth while Nico laughed, making his delight plain, his eyes flashing with mirth and growing desire. Jamie lowered his gaze. No one had ever aroused him as quickly as Nico could, and he felt embarrassed by the blood pounding through his veins. Nico stroked a finger down his arm, caressed his fingers, and Jamie snatched his hand away, feeling as if the touch had trailed over his throbbing cock, thankfully hidden under the bar. Nico’s knowing smile added to his confusion.

  “I’m sorry, Jamie. I won’t tease anymore.” Jamie glanced up and caught his wink. “At least not until we’re alone.”

  Jamie barely contained his moan. Jesus! Had the man bewitched him? All his senses were heightened. He heard Nico’s panting breaths, the pounding of his heart. He smelled the spicy muskiness of his lover’s body, the unmistakable scent of his arousal. Oh God, he wanted to be in their bedroom now! Nico’s hands and lips on him, his thick cock thrusting into Jamie’s hand, between his lips.

  Footsteps approached and he dropped his gaze to the dark wood of the bar, his face hot with embarrassment and undeniable need. Nico chuckled next to him, and he tightened his hands into fists. He was going to kill him when he got him alone! Well, after fucking the life out of him first.

  A glass of ice water appeared next to his hand, and he lifted it thankfully to his lips, drinking it down. Nico and Susan spoke for a moment but Jamie ignored them, the cold water soothing his parched throat. He wondered if his fierce desire for Nico was somehow kindled by Piter, a vulgar desire to watch them, but decided he didn’t care. He wanted the pleasures of Nico’s sure touch. He wouldn’t be denied.

  Nico touched his hand and he jumped at the spark of lust that crackled up his nerves. Nico whispered in his ear and he trembled at the warm breath against his skin. “Are you all right, amore mio?”

  Jamie risked a glance at his face and drowned in the tender hazel gaze looking down at him. Flecks of green and brown splintered in a gorgeous starburst from the dark pupil framed by impossibly long lashes. Jamie’s gaze dropped to the soft lips and his dick hardened. God. He wanted to suck the full bottom lip, lick Nico’s sweet tongue. Desperate, he tore his gaze away to become mesmerized by the firm chin and the column of Nico’s neck. A moan rumbled through him as he imagined sliding his tongue down the warm, olive-tinted skin, pressing his mouth to the strong pulse beating in his throat.

  “Jamie.”

  He jerked his head up at Nico’s firm tone, confused. What was happening to him? Nico’s stern expression softened. “Susan’s coming,” he warned, nodding toward the kitchen doorway. Jamie straightened, looking at his hands on the counter when their hostess came up.

  “Thank you,” he murmured through a tight throat when she set the steaming bowl i
n front of him.

  “No problem, love. Eat up.” She placed a basket of bread and butter between them. Jamie heard her and Nico speaking together again, but conversation was beyond him. He shivered when she moved away, and Nico bent to his ear. “You okay?”

  He shook his head. “No. I think Piter is near.”

  “Bastardo!” Nico drew a hard breath, putting a hand on Jamie’s arm. “It doesn’t matter. We can’t leave in this storm. I’ve retained a room for the night. We’ll sleep, then face him in the morning.”

  Jamie nodded, staring at Nico’s hand. He knew the strength in those fingers; they’d traveled down his body, across his belly, palmed his dick. The nails were kept short and neat, a smattering of dark hair disappearing under his long sleeve. Jamie licked his lips, longing to paint openmouthed kisses up Nico’s muscular arm, suck his coppery nipples, follow the trail of dark curls downward with his tongue.

  “Eat, amore,” Nico murmured gruffly, causing him to startle. Throwing Nico a sheepish grin, he attacked his vegetable-lentil soup, using bread to sop up the broth. He ate quickly, wanting the chore over with so they could retreat to their bedroom, and he could crawl up his lover’s hot body.

  They ate in silence and in a few minutes Susan came up to gather the empty dishes. “You were hungry! Room for dessert?”

  Jamie nearly choked on a wild laugh, turning it into a cough instead. He’d never felt so ready. Susan gave him a curious look, but Nico distracted her. “I think we’re more tired than anything. Could we see our room?”

  “Of course. Let me take these to the kitchen and I’ll be right with you.”

  While she carried the bowls to the back room, Nico rose to his feet. Jamie slid off his stool and had to steady himself with a hand on the countertop. He felt a little drunk, as if he’d been sipping on a fine wine, warm and giddy. Nico took his elbow and led him back to the others by the fire. Everyone looked up and smiled at them as they approached, and it struck Jamie again how Nico’s presence seemed to bring a sense of peace and quiet happiness to a room.