“Where’s Cody?” Mitch asked, looking over his shoulder toward the group.
“If you were in there taking care of him instead of putting your nose in my business, you would know, right?” Kreed said, looking through the crowd at the door, not seeing Cody at all.
“What happened?” Aaron asked, rushing down the steps. “Did you tear up their front porch like that?”
“Knox did,” Kreed said.
“Fuck you. Where’s Cody?” Mitch asked again.
“He’s passed out on the couch. He’s been there for a while,” Colt answered, lifting his hands as he turned toward the partygoers behind him. “Show’s over, folks. Everyone back inside.”
Mitch held his back, probably where Colt’s shoulder rammed him, and said, “How the hell weren’t you a defensive end? You can fuckin’ tackle.”
“You’re paying for all this,” Colt responded over his shoulder as he shooed everyone back inside.
“No. Sinacola is,” Mitch tossed out toward Kreed as he moved across the front porch, his hand still on his back.
“No, Colton is. Why would you shove them out the door like that? They were talking,” Jace said, kicking the broken pots out of the walkway.
“Babe, when chest bumps and hand shoves begin, it’s all downhill from there,” Colt replied, picking up the handrail and placing it in a corner of the front porch.
“Knox, clean this up in the morning,” Kreed called out when Mitch was at the front door.
“Yeah, about that. Fuck you.” Mitch never turned back. He just lifted his hand and shot him the finger as he shut the front door behind him.
“Are you okay?” Jace asked, making his way to where Kreed stood in the front yard. Aaron stayed quiet, but remained close by. He held both their jackets in his hand. Like always, Kreed was drawn to him. The moonlight filtered through the clouds, lighting his face just enough so Kreed could see Aaron’s eyes were wide with trepidation. Maybe a little shocked in what was going on, but Aaron was still beautifully handsome, more so than maybe ever before.
“I’m fine. I’ll get this all replaced. I’m sorry,” Kreed apologized.
“No, it’s not a problem. I’m just sorry things got out of hand with Colt. I think he misses all that on-field aggression at times. To be honest, we were all so relieved you finally took matters in your own hands,” Jace said, giving Kreed that smile that lit up his face. He was almost as handsome as Aaron in that few seconds.
Kreed didn’t turn to gauge Aaron’s reaction to Jace’s words. “We should go.”
He stretched a hand out, placing it on Aaron’s lower back. He shouldn’t touch him in public like this, and he wouldn’t continue to. He just needed the contact, even if only for a second. “Thank you for tonight. Good night.”
Jace was silent as he walked back up the porch. Even though Colt was right there, Kreed made sure they got inside before he left the yard. This was why he didn’t mix business with pleasure. They were in an active case and all these men had to keep them safe were Mitch and him. And now their two protectors had fought like adolescent boys in a schoolyard over some pimple-faced little girl. Except Aaron wasn’t a pimple-faced teenage girl. No, he was sexy as hell and exactly what Kreed wanted. They probably wouldn’t have come to blows; Mitch was right about some of the things he’d said. But what-the-fuck-ever. Mitch couldn’t even follow his own advice when it came to Cody. Why should Kreed start following it now?
“What happened?” Aaron asked as they got closer to the car. He stopped several steps away, and Kreed turned to ask him why. “Don’t you have to check it?”
“I can, but it’s not necessary. That’s the former president’s house.” He pointed to the house they had parked in front of.
“He’s a private citizen now,” Aaron said, confused.
“Yeah, but his security’s solid,” Kreed said, moving closer to the car.
“How do you know?” Aaron asked, remaining a few steps back.
“I can see the checkpoints.” Kreed moved back to Aaron’s side. He clicked the key fob, unlocking the door. “And they asked me to head it up.”
“No way.” That seemed to impress Aaron. Out of everything he’d done in his life somehow that one job instantly became the most important because Aaron seemed truly fascinated.
“I’m not a slouch. I’m good at my job,” Kreed said, taking Aaron’s arm, drawing him closer to the car. He pushed Aaron toward his side as he opened the driver’s door, resting his forearms on the top as he waited for Aaron to make his way around the vehicle.
“I know you aren’t a slouch. That’s obvious. So we can just get in?” Aaron asked, trailing slowly around to his side.
“Yeah, see?” Kreed lowered to his seat and started the engine with Aaron still back a few steps. After a second more, smart boy came forward and climbed inside the rental.
“Okay, so does that rule out his security as possible suspects in the case?” Aaron asked after closing the door.
“Good question. Probably. Who knows? But it makes it harder to act when other eyes are watching.” Kreed put his hand on the gearshift, but didn’t drop the lever into drive. Instead, he turned toward Aaron and asked, “Are we okay?”
“Yeah. I just needed time. I’m not usually like this,” Aaron answered.
“What’s that mean?” Besides the few expressions he’d caught on the kid’s face, Kreed had a hard time reading Aaron.
“Maybe it’s the situation. I don’t know.”
Great. Non-answers. Fan-fucking-tastic. “What’s that mean?” Kreed tried again.
“I was into the kiss,” Aaron confessed sweetly, keeping his eyes focused out the front windshield.
“Me too.” Kreed reached over and took Aaron by the chin, turning his head until Kreed could look him in the eyes. “I’m honestly into you. I have been since I first saw you back when we were in Kentucky. My interest never faded. You’re hot. More so in person, but you’re also smart. It’s a pretty damn sexy combination to me.”
Aaron didn’t say anything, but he did smile as he moved out from under Kreed’s hold and looked down at his hands.
“It’s just like that fight though. In a case like this, we don’t need distractions. You’re a big ole six foot, gorgeous distraction and I’ve gotta stay focused. You understand, right?” Kreed reached over again, this time threading his fingers with Aaron’s, pulling their joined hands to the center console.
“Yeah,” Aaron finally answered, tightening his fingers around Kreed’s. “Shouldn’t I drive?”
“Probably, but when we get closer, you can duck down. It’s dark and after midnight. No one should question or realize it’s not you if there’s only a single occupant,” Kreed said, relieved they’d been able to work this out, because honestly, staying away from Aaron Stuart might be about the hardest thing he’d ever do. Definitely an incentive to get this case wrapped up as quickly and safely as possible. Aaron’s safety had never meant more than it did at this moment.
Chapter 18
Not entirely sure if the pull-out sofa could be more uncomfortable, Kreed lay sprawled out, staring up at the ceiling. His arm was tucked behind his head, trying to make the old, flat pillow a little more appealing. He held a blade in his other hand. Sleep wasn’t coming easily tonight. Three forty-five in the morning and no amount of sheep had been able to lull him to sleep.
He’d been a jerk tonight, and he was better than how he’d acted. After they’d gotten back to Midlothian, he’d sent Colt and Jace quick messages of apology, and also one to Knox. His phone lit up with several reply messages from Mitch, but he’d never looked at any of them. He knew what Mitch had to say, and more so, he also knew the guy was right, but it didn’t change anything. His attraction to Aaron was too strong, and if he were smart, he’d remove himself from this case and get someone else in here that had a clearer perspective.
The problem was, he wasn’t a very smart guy—never had been. This case was too personal. Someone new might miss something
, and his gut told him they were in the right place to find the answers they’d been looking for.
Besides, he had intimate knowledge of gay bashing and the extent people went to in order to express their hate—a hatred that knew no bounds, especially in the ignorant and biased teachings of extreme religion. It was something a person could never fully comprehend unless they’d lived it. That had to give him an edge in searching out the facts.
Kreed closed his eyes and forced them to remain shut. Images of Aaron’s handsome face appeared. He replayed that moment of surprise right before Kreed had first kissed him. Yeah, that was a good moment. He’d never really considered how fluid the two of them truly were. They weren’t awkward at all. They’d connected on the first press of the lips then moved as if they’d been together for years. That was hard to find, and Kreed wondered if that would have continued had they been somewhere a little more private.
Fuckin’ shit. He’d gone there again. His eyes popped open and a small groan slipped free. His dick tented the blanket. He’d given up an hour ago on trying to get that irritating thing to lie down. A creak drew Kreed’s attention to his bedroom door as it opened. The blade in his hand stilled and his grip tightened in preparation for attack until he saw Aaron’s head peek around the corner.
“Are you asleep?” Aaron asked. Kreed contemplated not answering. “I see your eyes open.” Kreed sighed inwardly as he pushed up slightly on the couch.
“Yeah. It’s not a good idea for you to come in here.” Aaron didn’t pay any attention to him. That was another thing he liked, since he intimidated almost everyone he came in contact with—but not Aaron.
“See? I was lying in bed, thinking about you, and I realized, no matter what we do, this attraction is gonna be a big huge distraction between us now.” Aaron pushed his way fully inside the room and Kreed narrowed his eyes. Aaron held something in his hands and his stride was purposeful. “We have a better chance if we give in to it, fuck, and get it out of our system than we do by ignoring it.”
Kreed held out his hand to stop Aaron as he lifted the blanket. He watched as Aaron dropped several packets on the desk, probably condoms and perhaps lube.
“Stop, Stuart. It’s not gonna work that way with us and you know it. It’s not gonna be enough, because once I get a taste of you, I’m not gonna wanna stop.” Kreed jerked the covers back and scrambled from the makeshift bed as Aaron quickly pushed his pajama pants down. Kreed froze and almost swallowed his tongue when Aaron’s beautiful erect cock sprang free and bounced against the bottom of that firm, tan belly. He let out a defeated groan; the kid was fucking killing him. Him and Aaron? Such a bad idea—a terribly, stupid idea in fact.
“This between us will only complicate things.” Kreed gestured between himself and Aaron as he spoke. He needed to walk out of the room right now, needed to leave while he still could. Kreed’s legs were rooted in place, and he couldn’t move. His heart hammered in his ears, and all of a sudden, he lost all ability to speak. Aaron climbed on the pull-out bed and crawled to the middle on his knees as Kreed stood on the other side of the bed watching, completely dumbfounded. Need flared, and hunger possessed him.
Fuck! His dick began to push its way out of his underwear while questioning why he’d made these stupid rules in the first place.
“You don’t know that.” Aaron sat up on his knees and gave his erect cock a long, slow tug. Double fuck! All Kreed could do was watch, his gaze transfixed. The kid was fucking gorgeous. The light glinted off the silver rings in Aaron’s nipples and the straining of his muscles made his tattoos come to life and dance across his skin as he stroked himself. Kreed’s mouth watered. He could feel his defenses slipping away with every pass of Aaron’s hand. Fuck, the guy was sexy. Kreed reached down to adjust his cock, which was as hard as a fucking chromium rod and demanding him to go to Aaron at once.
Aaron bit his bottom lip and jacked himself a little faster and a lot bolder. “I want to feel you slide inside me.”
Aww shit! That was all it took. Kreed stepped forward, never breaking eye contact.
“I’ll regret this in the morning,” Kreed hissed as he shoved his briefs down his thighs, almost tripping on them before getting them completely off his legs.
“You don’t know that either,” Aaron repeated, hand still working his dick.
“But I absolutely do,” Kreed said, wrapping an arm around Aaron, drawing him up against his body as he leaned in for an intense but swift kiss. Aaron’s hands clutched at him, fingers sliding through his hair. He had no doubt this was a bad decision, but he was selfish and foolish and he wanted exactly what Aaron was offering, consequences be damned.
“You’re gonna be my demise, church boy.” Kreed broke free, resisting even as Aaron tried to pull his head back to his lips. “Not here. This bed’s too uncomfortable.”
Kreed stepped away, reached for the packets Aaron had tossed on the desk, scooped them up, and turned back to Aaron. “Come on. Your room has a bigger and more comfortable mattress.”
Aaron climbed off the bed and shot past him before they hit the doorway.
They made it as far as the hallway when Aaron spun around, took Kreed’s face between the palms of his hands and fused their mouths together. Aaron’s tongue was down his throat before he could react. Kreed hadn’t ever been kissed as passionately as Aaron kissed him. The kiss was aggressive and raw and full of need.
Aaron hoisted himself up Kreed’s body, his knees almost buckling when the kid wrapped those long muscular thighs around his waist and began to rock his hips back and forth. Aaron’s cock slid up and down his stomach, leaving a wet trail of pre-come along his skin. Kreed turned them and pressed Aaron’s back against the wall, holding him in place so he could plunder that seductive mouth. Jesus, he’d never experienced anything as seriously hot as this moment.
Kreed dropped the foil packages in his hand and slid his palms under Aaron’s ass, pressing his fingers into the flesh as he squeezed and kneaded the firm globes. God, Aaron had the most magnificent ass. The need to breathe made him tear his mouth away from Aaron’s. Demanding fingers tightened in his hair and pulled his head back. Soft lips nibbled along his jaw. Hot breath ghosted across his neck. “Fuck me, Sin.”
Kreed’s dick jerked at the name as desire spread through his veins.
“Yes.” The strangled word escaped Kreed’s lips.
Kreed carried him down the hall to the master bedroom, their mouths fused together in a hungry kiss. Their tongues twisting and tangling, their breath mingling as they swallowed down the other’s needy sounds. Aaron couldn’t have pressed any harder against this man if he tried. He groaned at the sensation of Kreed’s cock sliding up and down his crack with every step, tempting him with each and every stroke. Aaron wanted nothing more in this moment than to feel Kreed’s thickness sliding into him inch by inch, stretching him wide and making him burn. He wiggled his hips, increasing the friction on his own leaking cock caught deliciously between their bodies.
“I want you in me now, Sin,” he panted. Kreed’s breath hitched, and his grip tightened. Aaron smiled at Kreed’s reaction. Just knowing he could cause that kind of response with no more than a few words was a heady feeling. He loved the way Kreed’s nickname danced in his mouth and rolled so easily off the tip of his tongue.
Sin… Tempting, illicit, seductive. It fit the man so well. From the minute his eyes had locked with Kreed’s in the airport, Aaron had known sex with this guy would be like a drug, intense and addicting. He’d be hooked from the first taste. So far he’d been right. He craved Kreed, even though sex with the deputy marshal could lead him down the path to possible ruin. He’d tried to resist, for everyone’s sake, but Aaron really couldn’t find it in himself to care at the moment.
Kreed held him close as they tumbled down onto the king-size mattress. His back hit the cool material of the sheets, contrasting deliciously with the heated wall of man pressing into his front. Kreed’s body lay half on his and half not as they continued to
probe each other’s mouths with their tongues. Kreed abruptly pulled back from the kiss.
“Fuck! The condoms.” Kreed jumped off the bed with a curse, then leaned back over for a peck to the lips. “Hold that thought, church boy. I’ll be right back,” Kreed said breathlessly, before rushing out of the room.
“What the…?” Aaron’s brain played catch-up as he propped up on his elbows to watch the doorway. Damn it, as the man had done at Jace’s house, it was full steam ahead one minute and brick wall the next. He was starting to worry Kreed had changed his mind again, but the deputy marshal bounded back into the bedroom, waving condoms and lube in the air before jumping on the bed.
“They were in the hall.” Kreed’s grin lifted at the corners of his mouth, and his eyes twinkled with wickedness as he dropped the bottle and foil packets on the bed. “Now, where were we?” Kreed crawled on top of him, picking up right where they’d left off. The deputy marshal kissed him deeply, their cock’s rubbing and bumping hard, creating the perfect amount of friction as their bodies slid together.
“You were gonna fuck me.” Aaron rolled his hips and ground them into Kreed’s groin as he slowly licked across Kreed’s lips. He slid his hands down Kreed’s back and over the taut globes of his ass before gripping them. A low growl rumbled from Kreed’s chest. Their mouths fused together, locked in a sizzling kiss. Aaron mapped the muscles of Kreed’s body with his hands as they rutted desperately against each other. After several minutes, Kreed broke from the kiss, trailed his lips over Aaron’s cheek then nipped at his lobe.
“Gonna take care of you, sweetheart. Give you what you need.”
Aaron melted at Kreed’s words. He loved Kreed’s nicknames for him and that one just might be the most endearing.
“Promises, promises,” Aaron managed as Kreed’s full weight rocked between his thighs. Aaron groaned and lifted his hips, pushing his groin up against Kreed in an effort to spur him on. He wrapped his legs around Kreed’s waist and ground hard as he squeezed his thighs together.
Nice Guys Collection With Added Bonus Material Page 92