Out to Protect

by Amber Skyze

  “Stay put, Grant. I’ll keep you posted. Once he stops, I’ll give you a location so you can meet up with me.”

  Fine by Grant. As much as he wanted to catch the killer, if it were Ralph, Grant preferred to remember his friend as a hero, someone who saved lives, not ended them.

  “Are you sure?” Grant held his breath, waiting for Parker to change his mind.

  “Yes. I’ll get back to you shortly.” Parker ended the call.

  Grant sat in his car outside the pizza place. He wouldn’t be eating now. His appetite fled once he learned Ralph was on the move. He rested his head against the side window. Where did everything go wrong? How had things come to this? He knew he wasn’t to blame for the killings, but shit if he didn’t feel partially responsible. They seemed to come out the same day he told Ralph, and that was the day the killer took the life of a male prostitute. It seemed there had to be a connection to Grant coming out. It was the only thing that made sense.

  As much as he wanted to believe Ralph was innocent, there were the phone calls. They basically pointed a guilty finger at him.

  “Fuck.” How much more could go wrong?

  A car honking caught his attention. He looked up and realized it was directed to another driver. Unable to wait any longer, Grant grabbed his phone and dialed Parker.

  “Hello.”

  “Where are you?”

  “You really want to know?”

  “Of course; why the fuck do you think I asked?” What was wrong with Parker? Had he lost his mind?

  “He’s headed in the direction of your house.”

  Grant’s lungs constricted. He couldn’t breathe. Ralph was headed in his direction. What did that mean? Was his life in danger?

  “Are you certain?” He knew the answer, but hoped it wasn’t true.

  “I’m certain. Stay out of sight. I can’t protect you if I’m not there yet.”

  Grant wanted to laugh. Parker acted like Grant wasn’t capable of protecting himself from Ralph.

  “Have you forgotten how long I’ve been a cop? I can handle Ralph if I need to. Besides, we’re not certain he’s coming after me.”

  Grant watched the street, looking for signs of Ralph’s car. Shit, the chief would be extra pissed at Grant once he found out he and Parker had separated. Grant would need to be honest and let the chief know it wasn’t Parker’s idea; he’d take all the blame for this one. He couldn’t allow his new partner to get in trouble for Grant’s actions.

  “I’m not saying you can’t handle Ralph. It’s just that we’re better as a team than alone.”

  Grant wondered if his comment had more meaning to it than just protecting him from Ralph. Pumped up from a possible encounter with Ralph, Grant felt the adrenaline flowing through his veins. The idea that Parker may feel something for Grant added to his blood flow.

  He didn’t have much time to contemplate Parker’s feelings, because Ralph drove by him.

  “He just passed me.” Grant pressed the Off button and turned his car around to follow Ralph. As predicted Ralph pulled up in front of Grant’s house. He turned off his car and got out. Ralph didn’t look around to see if anyone was following him. He didn’t appear to have any weapons on him, but that didn’t mean anything. If he was using a syringe filled with antifreeze, Ralph could easily hide that in his pockets.

  Ralph entered the front door to Grant’s apartment building.

  “Shit, he’s here to kill me.” Grant parked his car and jumped out to follow Ralph.

  Once inside the doors he found Ralph waiting for the elevator.

  “What are you doing here, Ralph?” Grant asked. He didn’t want to take his eyes off Ralph, but he wanted to see if they were in the camera’s view.

  “We need to talk, Grant.”

  “Freeze,” Parker said, coming up behind Grant.

  Grant turned to see Parker standing there with his gun pointed toward Ralph.

  “What is wrong with you?” Grant asked through clenched teeth. “Is it really necessary to barge in here with your guns blazing?”

  Parker dropped his gun and apologized. “Sorry.”

  “Not good, Parker.”

  The two bickered for a few seconds. Fed up, Grant turned his attention to Ralph. Much to his surprise he was gone. Vanished. Disappeared without a sound.

  “Just great, Parker. Now he’s gone. Fucking gone.”

  “Sorry. I had to be sure he knew you weren’t alone. He needed to know you had protection.”

  “Stop talking about protection. I’m not some green kid off the street. I’ve been a cop for a long time. I can handle myself.” Grant stomped off into the night. He wouldn’t go back to his apartment now. He needed to know what Ralph felt they had to talk about.

  Ralph didn’t look like someone who had murder on his mind. He looked—what was the word he was looking for? Ralph appeared almost concerned.

  “I’m sorry, Grant.” Parker appeared beside him. “I didn’t mean to make you feel inadequate. I thought you were worried about Ralph killing you. I only wanted you to feel secure.” Parker did it again. He reached out a reassuring hand to Grant. When his skin touched Grant’s arm, he felt the flames flickering, even though there was a layer of clothing between Parker’s hand and his arm. Heat radiated over his body, straight to his groin.

  The intensity of the heat had him groaning.

  “It’s all right, Parker.” Grant moved away from his touch, afraid of what he’d do if the heat increased. If it raised another notch, Grant would pull Parker in for one helluva kiss, and with Ralph lurking around somewhere, it was the last thing either of them needed.

  “We need to find Ralph. Should we take my car or yours?”

  Grant shook his head as he bit the inside of his cheek, fighting the urge to throw caution to the wind and invite Parker up for a quickie. Their lives were in danger, and Grant couldn’t get sex off his mind.

  PARKER WAITED WHILE Grant battled some internal demons. He could see the struggle written in his expressions. Grant’s nose flared one minute and then eased another. Whatever was bothering him had nothing to do with Ralph. Parker couldn’t help but wonder if Grant felt the electricity between them. He’d felt it the moment he connected with Grant. His cock had sprung to life. Fuck if this wasn’t a difficult situation to be in. He wanted Grant, but he had to hide his identity, or should he say sexuality. They were chasing a possible serial killer. There wasn’t time for sex or thoughts of feeling Grant’s cock in his hand. No, Parker had to clear his mind and focus on catching a killer.

  “We’ll take your car, Parker. I don’t feel like driving.”

  Parker wanted to drive, but not the car. He wanted to drive his aching cock into Grant’s ass. He wanted to feel Grant’s anus tightening around his dick, clenching and eventually milking him of all he had.

  “Parker!”

  “Right, I’m driving. Let’s go.” Parker silently cursed as he walked to the car. He had to get rid of these thoughts consuming his mind. They’d both be in danger if he didn’t.

  “He couldn’t have gotten far on foot,” Grant said, climbing into the passenger’s seat.

  Parker agreed. What bothered him the most was where he took off to.

  “Why aren’t we checking the building?”

  “Do you honestly think he’s going to stick around the building, Parker? He likely took off out the back door and is long gone. Now instead of arguing with me about what we should be doing, let’s drive around and see if we can’t find him.”

  “You’re the boss.”

  Grant mumbled something under his breath, but Parker decided it best to ignore him. Grant was obviously in a mood, and anything Parker said would only fuel the fire.

  “Hey, what do you make of Ralph being without Stanley?”

  “I hadn’t thought about it. Come to think of it, they should be together. Good point, Parker.”

  “Odd.” Parker left it at that. He didn’t know what else to say.

  They drove around in silenc
e, except for the occasional direction from Grant. Parker’s hard-on tempered down as he followed Grant’s orders. They drove around aimlessly with no trace of Ralph. When they decided to head back to the apartment to search the building, they were both shocked to find Ralph’s car gone.

  “How the hell had that happened?” Grant asked.

  “Because you decided we shouldn’t bother checking the building,” Parker spat. If Grant had listened to them, Ralph might not have given them the slip. In that moment Parker wondered if he could trust Grant. Had Grant insisted they drive around to allow Ralph time to get away? Parker didn’t like the thoughts clouding his mind, but he had to be aware of every possibility. If Grant was giving Ralph enough time to escape, then he was just as guilty.

  “What are you accusing me of, Parker?”

  “Exactly what I said. I think you purposely had me on the wild-goose chase. You provided Ralph with plenty of time to get away.”

  Grant’s fist slammed the dashboard.

  “Don’t go accusing me. You don’t know what you’re talking about. I want Ralph caught just as much as you. Maybe more so now that he’s threatened my life a few times.”

  Parker watched as Grant nursed his sore knuckles. Parker pulled the car over and looked at Grant. “I’m sorry. Is your hand all right?” Instinctively he reached out and touched Grant’s hand.

  Parker expected Grant to pull away, but he didn’t. Parker eased Grant’s hand closer to inspect the damage. He massaged the area Grant used to punch the car.

  “Does this hurt?”

  “No,” Grant said.

  Aside from one knuckle being swollen, it looked like Grant would be okay. “Nothing feels broken.”

  “Yeah, I didn’t think so. It’ll be sore for a bit.”

  Parker’s gaze moved from Grant’s hand up his chiseled chest to his powerful blue eyes. Parker melted when he witnessed desire in Grant’s eyes. Grant felt the connection too. Ever so slowly Parker watched in anticipation as Grant leaned forward, his lips grazing Parker’s.

  Parker thought he’d died and gone to heaven. Grant tasted delicious. He was afraid to move, afraid if he did, Grant would pull away, ending the kiss before it started.

  Grant surprised him by moving closer and wrapping his arms around Parker. Parker opened his mouth, greeting Grant’s lips and tongue, welcoming them. Heat mixed with lust consumed Parker with each gentle touch. Grant’s lips were soft. It took all the restraint Parker had to resist the temptation of enveloping Grant.

  Desire won over fear. Parker pulled Grant tighter to him. Their mouths blended to one. Hands moved over each of their bodies. Parker exploring Grant’s body and Grant doing the same to Parker. Grant’s five o’clock shadow scratched at Parker’s face, but he ignored it.

  The outside world be damned. Parker couldn’t hide his growing feelings for Grant. He needed him. He wanted him. He longed to have Grant naked in his embrace.

  He considered asking Grant to move this to a hotel or something, but didn’t want to rush things. Who knew if this would progress to more than the kiss? When Grant placed his hand over his groin and caressed, Parker nearly lost his mind.

  A moan escaped his lips, only to be swallowed by Grant. Parker’s cock throbbed, straining against the confines of his pants. If only he could reach the button and release his dick from the pain. His member needed to breathe. It longed for Grant’s mouth wrapped around it.

  Grant continued kissing Parker while rubbing his cock. Parker was a puddle of mush in Grant’s strong hands.

  Unable to stand it any longer, Parker broke the kiss.

  “Let’s go to my place,” they said in unison.

  They laughed.

  “You first,” Grant said.

  “We can’t go to your place. What if Ralph comes back looking for you?”

  Grant nodded.

  There was the issue with Ralph, but the way Parker’s cock felt, he didn’t care. They could talk it to death later, after he’d had his way with Grant.

  “So it’s settled; we’ll go to my place.” Parker couldn’t believe he was asking Grant back to his place. He hadn’t brought someone home in…well, ever. Fear of being exposed kept him from bringing a lover home. Now he was risking everything because of his raging libido. He hoped he didn’t live to regret it, but right now his hard-on reigned supreme, and they were going back to his apartment.

  “Works for me.” Grant settled in his side of the seat.

  Parker moved so he faced forward and clutched the wheel. His hands at ten and two, he moved his right hand to shift into gear. Once in drive he sped away from the curb. He considered using his lights but thought better. No use in drawing attention to them. He drove, silently cursing the red lights they encountered and any stop signs. Being an officer, he knew he could get away with running them, but again didn’t want to chance having the spotlight on them. After all, they weren’t doing what they were supposed to be—staking out Ralph.

  As they drove Parker wanted to question Grant about the man who’d been at his apartment. He wanted to know if the man was someone serious. He’d met a few cheaters in his time.

  The questions lingered on his tongue, but he couldn’t speak the words. He didn’t want Grant to tell him that he was taken. He wanted him to be free. Or did he? If Grant was taken, it’d be easier to accept this as a onetime deal.

  * * * *

  The drive felt like a lifetime by the time they reached Parker’s complex. Grant silently prayed he wasn’t making a huge mistake. He knew he had to fuck Parker and get the newbie out of his system. There hadn’t been another who made him feel this way since Martin. Martin the terrible. The one who broke his heart.

  Now here was Parker Sloane making Grant break all his rules. Never date anyone at work. Don’t get involved, and mostly don’t care about anyone. Caring always led to heartbreak. Too late. Grant cared about Parker.

  The complex was hidden off the street. If Grant had driven up the road, he’d never have noticed the entrance to the place.

  Not two words were spoken as they climbed the outside stairs to the second floor.

  Parker put the key in the door. The rattling of keys was the only sound in the eerily quiet night. He turned the lock and swung open the door. Parker stepped in and flipped the light switch.

  Fluorescent lights lit up the living room. Grant was taken aback by the cleanliness of the place. It didn’t look like anyone lived there. There wasn’t a speck of dust to be seen, and everything was orderly and obviously in its place.

  The deep brown cushions on the sofa didn’t have that sat-in look. The throw on the back of the couch appeared crisp and just out of the bag.

  Another thing Grant noticed was that there weren’t any pictures. No family members adorned the walls or end tables.

  “Nice place. Is it yours, or the model apartment?” He couldn’t help but ask. It really looked more like a display apartment than an actual rental.

  “It’s mine. I know it’s a little clean. I’m a bit OCD when it comes to housekeeping. It’s just the way I am.”

  “Understandable.” Grant liked a neat home, but he also liked a lived-in look. This was just a bit too much for him. He wondered if they’d have to lay a towel or something down to have sex.

  “I know what you’re thinking.”

  “You do?” Grant was sure shock was written all over his face. If Parker could read his thoughts, that would be scary.

  “Yeah, I’ll bet you’re wondering if I have something cold to drink.”

  “That would be nice.” But so far from what he’d been thinking.

  “Are you sure you want to…you know.” Grant followed Parker as he headed into the kitchen. He turned on lights as he went.

  “Get busy in my place?” Parker hung his keys on a key rack and walked over to the fridge. “I have ice-cold beer, soda, or water.”

  “I’ll take water.” Grant didn’t need to add drinking to this night.

  Parker handed him the bottle, and Grant
twisted the cap. His long, lean fingers were wrapped around the water bottle, and he imagined them enveloping Parker’s hard cock. His dick filled his briefs, straining to be released.

  “To answer your question, yes. Why not?”

  “It’s immaculate, Sloane. I’m almost afraid to get it dirty.”

  “It’ll be fine. I’m not that over the top.”

  Grant hoped he hadn’t offended Parker. He just didn’t know what to make of the totally spotless place.

  When Parker closed the refrigerator door, he turned and looked pointedly at Grant. “Do you not want to do this? Are you trying to get out of it? Because if you are, it’s fine. I’m not pressuring you in any way. Shit, twenty-four hours ago I wouldn’t even admit I liked men, let alone kissed you.”

  Grant closed the distance between them. “It’s the first time I’ve heard you admit you’re gay, and it turns me on immensely. I’m not looking to back out. I just want to be clear it’s okay to do it here. I don’t want to step over any boundaries you’re uncomfortable with.”

  That was an understatement. It surprised him when Parker spoke candidly. He hadn’t expected the acknowledgment, but it was nice. Though Grant had already known Parker was gay, it was nice of him to come right out and say it.

  “Besides, the kiss gave you away.” Grant attempted to make light of the situation. He didn’t want this to turn serious. They were there to have a good time. A fun, sexual time. They didn’t need to cloud it up with serious crap.

  “I guess it did.” Parker laughed and Grant melted.

  The guy had a way with his handsome smile. There was a slight dimple on his left side when he smiled. It could bring a man to his knees—literally.

  Grant fell to his knees in front of Parker. With shaky hands, he reached for Parker’s belt and unlatched it. He then eased the button from the hole and slid the zipper down. Grant licked his dry lips as he stared at the bulge waiting inside Parker’s burgundy boxer briefs. The outline in his pants revealed a large penis dying to be sucked.

  Without waiting for permission Grant peeled back the undies and freed Parker’s cock from its restraints.

  The sound of Parker sucking in a deep breath brought a smile to Grant’s lips. The masculine smell radiating off Parker’s penis fueled Grant’s appetite, leaving him hungry to taste Parker. Grant snaked his tongue out and swiped along the rigid organ. Parker’s taut skin stretched as his cock swelled. Grant blew on the tip before opening his mouth and covering the purple head.