“Hear what?” Reed backed up to the counter and tried to avoid eye contact.
“I thought it was just a college crush. Playing with Andy and Jude made me see that bisexuality was real, and I was into it. But I’ve never gone the easy route. The guys who were into me weren’t who I wanted.” DC was used to the agony of the hard road, but blurting it out at Reed would mean he’d shut down.
“Andy and Jude aren’t hot enough for you? You want to troll the gay bars for younger hotter guys? We can use all the fighters you want, but I’m not letting Phoebe be used like that.” Reed held his ground.
“No! Damn it, I don’t want any other guys. I want you. I know you’ve never shown any interest -- and it might all be in my head -- but we clicked in college. Not like anyone else. You might think it’s friendship, but it’s more on my end.” DC stepped back. “I’m not going to make it hell, but Phoebe said at the beginning, if we’re not honest and open the spell won’t connect us as well. I could be the one holding it all back, because I can’t tell you I’m in love with you as much as I love Phoebe.”
Reed’s face went blank and hard with control, as if he was taking a blow to the gut and not flinching. The relief DC felt was short lived. He waited for a real reaction.
“Andy and Jude aren’t enough?” Reed asked.
“It’s not about them. It’s different. What we have is deeper than what I have with them. Friendship and sex is fine but it’s not the same. You can tell me it’s all on my side and to get the hell out, but if you do -- I won’t come back.” DC hadn’t told the others but he couldn’t play games. He and Reed were blunt with each other, and DC wasn’t going to torture himself by living with Reed and the pain.
Reed shook his head. “How can you do this to me? To the group? After all these years?”
“You didn’t know? You didn’t feel it?” DC couldn’t believe it.
“I thought Andy and Jude were looking at me. Like we all look at women. You’re going to ruin everything? I can’t do this without you.” Reed kicked a kitchen chair.
“This isn’t about the group or the mission. Stop putting up walls and think about it.” DC put his hands up. “You know what? You’re right. If you don’t feel it, you don’t. If saying I love you doesn’t make you think or pause or feel at all -- I don’t want you. It’s all in my head.”
DC turned and headed toward the stairs.
“Where are you going?” Reed asked.
“Packing up my things and saying good-bye. I can’t handle it. And I’m your weakest link anyway.” He held up his healing arm. “You’ll be stronger without me.”
* * *
For a few minutes, Reed stood frozen in the kitchen. DC had done the unthinkable. Bailing on the group? The pain hit Reed in the chest. It wouldn’t work better. It wouldn’t work at all!
Storming up the stairs, he pushed DC into his bedroom and locked the door behind them. “You can’t leave, you coward. You can’t quit on this. You’re the brains. We need you.”
DC shrugged and grabbed his suitcase from the closet. “Keep blaming everyone else, Reed. You had a messed up childhood, poor you. I know you got the abuse, and then yanked between strict religious obedience and the pagan side. That’s why I let all this slide for so long. That’s my bad for letting you use it.”
“Use it?” Reed wanted to hit DC and do other things. “Use it? I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”
“It’s an excuse for not letting people in.” DC dumped a drawer full of clothes in his suitcase.
“Phoebe.” Reed felt his control slipping. The edge was coming up on him, and he couldn’t jump or fly. “I love her.”
“So do I. That’s not the problem. Are you really so locked down you don’t get it?” DC paused his packing. “Back in college, I wasn’t the only one. Andy and Jude thought you and I would be a couple. Part of them inviting me into that group thing was to see if I liked both. We were such good friends, and they thought you were into me. Maybe it’d make you jealous or get some interest. I trusted their instincts. They know gay men. Immature college crap, maybe, but it felt good. If I’m wrong, tell me.”
Reed leaned on the door. DC couldn’t go. It just couldn’t happen. “I had an uncle who was gay. My dad found out and refused to talk to him. Ever. My mother couldn’t see her brother.”
“Your dad is an asshole. How many times have you told me that? You feel guilty because you can’t live up to everyone’s expectations, but that’s because you know they’re wrong. So you just go be miserable. Enjoy the suffering, and try to please everyone but yourself. I’m done.” DC opened his closet and yanked clothes off hangers.
In the years they’d known each other, Reed had seen DC lose his temper so rarely it was like a nightmare. DC was the rock. They could all think Reed was the tough one, but DC was the core to Reed. The longing he’d shut down so hard forced its way to the top.
“You’re right.” Reed exhaled loudly. “My dad screwed up my life, my mother’s, and my whole family. If Nana wasn’t a secret pagan, I swear I’d be as much of a jerk as Dad was.”
DC shook his head. “No, you wouldn’t. You’re not. You’re worried about Phoebe and saving people dumb enough to go into a demon dive bar. You’re good, Reed. You deserve to be happy, but you won’t believe it.”
Reed couldn’t figure out what to say. His emotions welled up, and he had no voice.
“Or maybe I’m just not who will make you happy. Either way, it’s the same result for me.” DC zipped his bag. “Andy can send me the rest.”
“No!” Reed stepped up as his brain gave up the fight. “You’re not leaving. You’re not wrong.”
“I’m not debating with you, Reed. No more arguing or excuses. You’ll feel better. One less guy so you won’t feel like Phoebe is being overwhelmed. I won’t be staring at you. We’ll both be better off.” DC looked for his shoes.
Reed laughed. “Phoebe loves all of it. She can take care of herself, and no one here would push her or take advantage. I know that, okay? I know. It just feels like I need to protect all of you. It’s dangerous enough work without adding new elements.”
“Do what you want.” DC shoved his feet in his shoes and reached for the bag.
The idea of DC leaving erased all the nonsense Reed had used before. All those excuses that made it easier to stay in the safe zone. Shoving the bag out of DC’s hand and onto the floor, Reed got in DC’s face, so close he could smell DC’s unique scent. Old books and the leathery cologne DC favored.
“What? You want me to fight you?” DC stood his ground.
“No. Never.” Reed grabbed DC’s face with both hands and kissed him. Hard.
When DC tried to back up or move, Reed refused to let go. Finally DC pulled Reed in, and the fear evaporated. The kiss deepened, and Reed tasted DC’s tongue as their noses bumped.
“I’m sorry.” Reed held onto DC and kissed him again.
“You’re shaking.” DC curled his arms around Reed. “The world didn’t end.”
Smiling, Reed opened his eyes and saw DC’s glasses had fogged up. “You know me better than I know myself.”
“That’s love. Phoebe knows us better too. I don’t think she’d mind if we spent a little one-on-one time here.” DC eased Reed onto the bed.
Pulling off his shirt, Reed couldn’t believe what he’d done or what it meant. “You don’t think she’ll mind being with two gay couples? I mean, we’re with her too. I don’t want her to feel left out.”
DC laughed as he stripped off his clothes and kicked his shoes under the bed. “You worry so much, no wonder you never had any time for me. Stop it. We’ll make sure Phoebe is never left out of anything. I bet she’s having fun with Andy and Jude right now.”
Staring at DC’s naked body, Reed couldn’t think. Reed ran his hands over DC’s chest. “You’re right. We’ll be good to her and each other.”
“I want to hear it.” DC straddled Reed’s lap.
“I love you. Hell, I always have. Damn it, I didn
’t want to lose you -- hurt you. That’s all I’ve been doing for years, hurting us both.” Reed ran his tongue over DC’s chest and up his neck.
“You can’t deny it. I want you to prove it now.” DC opened Reed’s fly and tugged his pants and briefs all the way off.
“I will. Get over here.” Reed reached for DC.
DC was reaching into his nightstand drawer. Reed’s cock tightened at the sight of the condoms and lube packets DC tossed on the bed. All of it. He’d get everything he’d ever dreamed of and refused to allow himself with the one man he wanted.
Reed pushed DC down, sucking DC’s cock. DC lifted for more and Reed savored the way DC’s cock throbbed for relief. DC flipped over and took Reed’s cock. Instead of fighting for control, Reed stretched out on the bed and watched DC. The feel of DC’s tongue and the confidence in his touch collapsed the final barriers of Reed’s resistance.
“Fuck me,” Reed said.
DC paused and then nipped at Reed’s sac. “You know how long I’ve wanted to hear that from you?”
Nodding, Reed pulled DC’s head back down to suck more. When DC kept going down, Reed gasped. DC had Reed’s whole cock down his throat. Fucking DC’s mouth sent Reed over fast. He came in DC’s mouth like it was his first blow job. Reed groaned, the pleasure knocking him back on the bed.
“My turn.” Reed reached for DC’s cock.
“No. Still mine.” DC turned Reed onto his stomach. “You asked for it.”
As naturally as bringing Phoebe into their lives, Reed got onto his knees and lifted his ass.
“Is this why you were holding back with the group?” DC lubed Reed’s ass. DC’s touch was strong and shameless, everything Reed needed and had never admitted except in his darkest fantasies.
“Yes. I didn’t want to mess things up, throw off the balance. I thought it would confuse everything.”
“Does it?” DC asked.
Reed heard the condom packet open, and buried his face in a pillow for a second. It was real. He turned his head. “No, everyone knew but me. The leader is the last to know.”
DC’s lips pressed to Reed’s ass, and he trembled in anticipation. “I’ll make it up to you. I swear I’ll never stop screwing your brains out.”
“Right now, you’re the one getting screwed.” DC pressed to him. “And you’ll make it up to all of us. Give yourself to the group. Tell the truth and no more hiding.”
Reed nodded and tried to relax. “I’ve never done this before.”
“I figured that much.” DC paused. “Nothing? Not a toy?”
“No. A toy? You’re it. You’re all I want. Take it easy, okay?” Reed braced himself.
DC’s hot chest pressed to Reed’s back and those lips caressed his shoulder. “Relax, you virgin.”
Chuckling, Reed eased his hips back as DC advanced. He’d imagined it so many times, but that thick cock spreading him was real now. When it got tight, DC’s hands teased behind Reed’s sac, and he opened more.
“Like it?” DC asked.
“Is that all?” Reed teased.
DC pressed more, and Reed groaned at the sensation. Stretched and unimaginably full, Reed closed his eyes. He’d seen Andy and Jude screwing around with DC, but now it was just the two of them. Watching was not living it.
“That’s all. You’ve taken all of me.” DC rocked gently.
Reed punched the pillow as new levels of ecstasy hit him. DC fucked him slowly until Reed got the rhythm, rocking back onto his new lover. “I love this.”
“Good.” DC wrapped his arms around Reed’s torso.
“Faster?” Reed suggested.
DC gave it to him little by little. Before he knew it, Reed was slamming back on DC, demanding his cock. DC’s hips snapped forward, delivering Reed’s pleasure. Reed lost his grip on reality when his release tore through him.
At the end he heard more shouting and felt DC grinding. Hearing DC scream his name tugged at Reed in a way the sex alone couldn’t. He collapsed and his brain took back command from his body.
“I’m so sorry.” Reed rolled over and pulled DC to him. “I’m sorry I wasted the time. I’m an idiot. You should’ve hated me and walked out years ago.”
DC smiled. “Maybe, but without Phoebe I don’t know if I’d have had the courage. We’re good but the group thing is our family. It’s all or nothing.”
Nodding, Reed finally understood what the rest of them seemed to have figured out instinctively. They weren’t meant for traditional relationships, gay or straight. “We’re like the really kinky five musketeers.”
DC’s laughter filled the room. Reed was now free. Leaving the past behind, he had everything he needed to fight evil and be happy. He pulled DC in for another kiss. It’d never be enough.
Chapter Eight
Andy added sauce to the spaghetti and stirred. Jude set the table, watching so Andy didn’t double up on the sauce.
“Hot garlic bread.” Phoebe set the basket on the table. “Only burned one.”
“Mine!” Andy grabbed the dark piece of bread. “I love the dark ones. And extra sauce.”
Jude chuckled. “Heat up extra sauce in the gravy boat. Don’t overload the noodles.”
Grumbling, Andy put the spaghetti on the table and went for the second jar.
“You guys are so cute.” Phoebe opened a bottle of wine.
Jude hugged her from behind. “True. Think the two upstairs will come down for dinner?”
“They’re a lot happier now, less stress.” She shrugged.
“We heard that.” Andy grabbed a glass, pouring himself some wine.
Phoebe poured wine for her and Jude and sat at the table. “We’re not waiting for them; I’m starving. Just don’t tease Reed, okay?”
“It’s so tempting.” Jude never would, but there would be a little ribbing about how long Reed had held off.
“Come on. The guy was in denial for how long?” Andy bit into another piece of garlic bread.
“Be nice or it might justify every fear he had.” Phoebe scooped out pasta onto her plate. Jude sat next to her and passed around a salad as DC and Reed stepped into the kitchen.
“Room for two more?” DC asked with a smile.
“Always.” Jude nodded. “Wine?”
Reed took the bottle. “Yes, thanks.” He poured some for himself and DC. Jude gave Phoebe a look.
“What?” Reed asked.
“I think you have the answer to that.” Phoebe took a piece of garlic bread.
DC took a sip of wine and couldn’t hide his smile. “They heard us.”
Reed turned red. “I should’ve figured it out sooner. My family would’ve freaked if I had brought DC home in college, but that’s not an excuse for not exploring how I felt.”
“About time.” Jude lifted his glass.
“No kidding!” Andy clinked his glass against Reed’s. “I need beer. Wine’s nice but too fancy for me.”
Phoebe looked at Reed and DC. “So how are things? I can already feel more openness and love.”
“You were right. There was a block. It was me not telling the truth.” DC’s glance at Reed nearly sparked.
“It wasn’t all your fault. I should’ve let my guard down.” Reed leaned over and kissed DC. Jude clapped and everyone joined in with approving comments. Reed and DC both went red this time. “It’s all sorted out now.” Reed nodded.
“Think the spell will work better?” DC asked.
Phoebe shook her head. “Don’t worry about that now. I’m sure the energy will flow much better. This helps, but it’s important to your life more than to a spell. It’ll help everything.”
“She’s right. Don’t think you did this for the spell or to kill demons. You did it for you, for all of us to have a happier family.” Jude shrugged.
Reed glanced at DC and twirled his fork in his pasta. “I’m not sure if I’m ready to share yet. I mean, go beyond DC sexually. It’d feel like cheating.”
“It’s okay.” Jude nodded to Andy. “We were wild i
n college, but after that we didn’t share with other guys. At least, not until Phoebe came into our lives and we were all together. DC needed it.”
“That’s what friends and lovers are for.” Andy added sauce to his pasta.
“I thought bisexuality was crap. For me, I mean.” Reed stared at his food.
“For some people it works. Not everyone feels that way. I only like men. So maybe I’m not as good as you guys.” Phoebe cleared her throat. “Now that you’re two couples, maybe you want me to move back to my apartment. We can still do the spell when you need it, but I don’t want to stifle your relationships.”
Jude frowned at her. She couldn’t be serious! “What? You’re not thinking of bailing on us?”
“You can’t leave us.” Reed dropped his fork.
“Yeah. You’re staying,” Andy said flatly.
“You don’t love us anymore?” DC asked with a pout.
Phoebe smiled. “I love all of you, but I sort of pushed myself in and stayed here. Maybe you just needed me to help you with these demons and this problem. I don’t want to force myself into your life.”
“You’re not forcing yourself on us. We can tie you up if you want. Prove it.” Jude kissed her slowly.
She shivered and relaxed under his touch. “Most people fall in love with one person and that works. They’re happy. I think to find the beauty in both sexes, or being open to loving more than one person, requires not only an open-minded attitude but a bit of advanced evolution. It won’t be easy. I want to stay but it’s not fair to assume.” Phoebe shrugged.
“So we’re more evolved?” Andy asked.
“Would most people share like this?” Jude asked. “I agree with Phoebe. We’ve got something special, and we don’t want to screw it up.”
“No, we don’t.” Reed stood up and leaned over the table to kiss Phoebe, and then sat down and kissed DC again.
“You’re not leaving.” Andy dumped his extra wine into Phoebe’s glass and drank his beer.
“Fine, you win. But we’re not demon hunting tonight. We need to figure out a way to get us all in one room, in one bed comfortably, and sleep well.”
Warrior's Craft Four Guys & A Witch Page 6