“Stop changing the subject. You’re fascinating. Keep going. So you went in the military…” Aaron prompted. Kreed stared for a couple of long seconds, but Aaron looked truly interested. Kreed lifted a foot and flipped the switch to turn on the jets. The water came to life in a gentle roll of soothing air bubbles.
“I did. I enlisted, and it was perfect for me. Gave me something to think about besides men, which is weird because I was around nothing but hot as hell guys. It should have been just more of the same as high school, but it wasn’t. I came into my own there.”
“And you moved around a lot. I read that in one of your reports.”
“I love that you were digging around to find out things about me. I knew you were into me,” Kreed said smugly, lifting Aaron slightly so he could scoot lower in the tub, aligning their chests. Kreed grabbed Aaron’s thick hard-on and urged him to shift positions so both their cocks slid deliciously together between their bodies in the slick water.
“Keep going, big guy,” Aaron encouraged, moving Kreed’s hand from between their bodies. Kreed barked out a laugh at the double meaning, but Aaron kept going, “Your career’s fascinating. It’s like a real life Call of Duty.”
“There’s a reason that information isn’t anywhere,” Kreed explained, and when it looked like Aaron was going to persist, he put his fingers to his guy’s lips. “I really can’t talk about it, for my safety as well as my family’s. Even you, Stuart. Everybody in my life. But I did leave the military about ten years ago. It wasn’t necessarily my decision, but it was time to go. I left with an honorable discharge and chose the marshal service. I moved up quickly. It was Skinner who talked to me about the US Marshals Service Special Operations Group—SOG for short. He introduced me to Mitch. By then, I had calmed down quite a bit.” When he felt the vibration against his chest, he goosed the man on top of him. “Stop laughing. I did, and Mitch was up-and-coming. Skinner couldn’t say to us that we fit because of the gay thing, but it definitely helped to pair us up. We did better with the staff. It was important, I guess. Skinner’s a good guy.”
“Did you ever doubt him in the Redemption Tabernacle deal? Because you had to suspect everybody once Agent Langley’s involvement came out.”
“Never him. I was talking to Skinner behind everyone’s back almost from the beginning. Well, at least since the Grayson kid went down. I never doubted him one time,” Kreed said.
“What about Connors or Brown. Did they set off any red flags?”
“Of course. What about you? What did you think?”
“I had insider information, but I trusted you. You’re too honest not to, if that makes any sense.” The words coming out of Aaron’s mouth didn’t quite match the look in his eyes.
“Yeah, it makes sense,” Kreed agreed, but he couldn’t shake the feeling Aaron was hiding something. From the moment he’d met Aaron, he sensed the kid was trying to skate under the radar. At first he thought it was because Aaron didn’t like him, but that clearly wasn’t the case. As it turned out, they had amazing chemistry. Everything felt right with Aaron. He had fallen hard for his best friend’s gaming buddy, and if he were reading all the signals correctly, he was certain Aaron felt the same way about him. But none of that changed the fact that he was certain Aaron was keeping something from him. Kreed sat forward, turning the faucet on, warming the water before sitting back against the tub.
“Did you ever think we’d be working together?” Kreed lightly traced circles up and down Aaron’s back.
“No, but I’m glad we did,” Aaron answered, turning his head so that his chin rested on Kreed’s chest.
“I still can’t believe you shot me down like that. I think it’s because you wanted me,” Kreed teased, grabbing Aaron’s ass and sliding their bodies together to pull him up for a kiss.
Aaron broke the kiss and lifted his head, smirking at him. “If I remember correctly, it was more you wanting me,” Aaron teased back.
Kreed pushed his hand between them again and ran his fingers along the sides of their erections as he spoke.
“I want to know everything about you. Things like, whether you like Oreos or Tim Tams, beaches or mountains, dogs or cats? I wanna be the one you share your dreams with. The one you tell your secrets to. I wanna discover all the things that make you, who you are.” Kreed felt Aaron’s body tense as soon as the words left his mouth, so he quickly added, “What was your childhood like? What kind of kid were you like growing up? Tell me about your job with the NSA. That sounds like it might be interesting.”
Kreed didn’t care what Aaron had done in his past, or what he may be hiding. Hell, there wasn’t anything the kid could say or do to change all this deep emotion developing inside him. But evidently he was doing a piss-poor job of getting that point across and getting Aaron to level with him.
“Nah, it’s not that interesting working for the NSA. And there’s really not much to tell. What you see is what you get with me.” Aaron shrugged as a determined smile spread across his face. “My life isn’t near as exciting as yours. Besides, I’d much rather talk about how I plan on taking care of you right now.” Aaron’s gaze drifted down their bodies and locked on his cock.
Desire and need flared in the pit of his belly when Aaron brushed persistent fingers against his length. The kid nudged Kreed’s hand away and firmly took hold of his aching erection. He still hadn’t gotten any more answers out of Aaron. Now it seemed his questions would have to wait, because Aaron’s grip was currently scrambling his brain.
“You aren’t playing fair, church boy.”
“Just leveling the playing field, Deputy.” The fragrant water sloshed against the side of the overly large tub as Aaron shifted his position and started to stroke him with purpose. Kreed was helpless against Aaron’s deflecting techniques, and he’d effectively derailed his Q&A session.
The kid was good. So good in fact that Kreed’s eyes rolled back in his head as the thumb circling the head of his dick pressed into his slit. He couldn’t think straight, not with Aaron teasing him like he was.
“Fuck that feels amazing,” he half said, half groaned. “But I’ve caught on to your game.”
“What’s that?” Aaron stroked him a few more times.
“Distracting me with sex,” Kreed answered as he thrust up into Aaron’s fist.
“We can always talk later. I just want to make you feel good,” Aaron reasoned.
Kreed gave in. “Yes, later. And just so you know, what you’re doing right now feels just fine to me.”
“I’m gonna try to make it so much better.” Aaron smiled at him then released the grip on his cock before pushing up and off him.
“Just relax against the tub,” Aaron ordered, nudging him as he inched between Kreed’s open legs. The back of his thighs rested lightly across the top of Aaron’s. The kid used his hand and tugged him closer before fully rising up on his knees, the warm water rolling down Aaron’s body, splashing between his spread legs. In this position, Aaron’s balls pressed against his as he bent forward, and took both of their dicks in hand and started stroking again.
The feel of Aaron’s hard-as-steel cock firmly pressed along the length of his sent a jolt of electricity straight to his balls. Kreed drank in the sight in front of him. Aaron was one hot motherfucker. His gunmetal blue eyes stood out against his dark hair and tan skin. And those damn nipple rings made Kreed’s mouth fucking water.
The sensation of Aaron’s fist gliding up and down his length and the feel of Aaron’s hot sac against his almost pushed him past the point of no return, and he was already dangerously close to losing his load. Aaron slowed his rhythm and swept his thumb across Kreed’s swollen head spreading the pre-come leaking from his cock. There was so much tenderness in his touch. Aaron’s fist tightened around him, moving up and down his shaft in long lazy strokes that had him arching his hips in search of more friction.
“Ahh, fuck!” Kreed gasped. Aaron continued to pump their cocks with one hand while teasing his balls with
the other, those mischievous fingers pushing him to the brink.
Aaron’s rhythm sped up. That brilliant gaze locked on his. He could feel the air around them charge with electricity. The strong fist pumping his cock tightened and twisted wickedly on the upstroke. Fuck! The kid knew exactly what he was doing. And when Aaron licked his lips then pulled that plump piece of flesh between his teeth and smirked, he almost came. He hadn’t ever imagined he would find someone so perfectly suited for him, but he had in Aaron.
Kreed reached out, his hand joining with Aaron’s on their wet cocks as the kid leaned in and their lips touched. The way Aaron kissed him—soft and unhurried, almost reverent as he pushed his tongue into Kreed’s mouth and stroked, tongue against tongue, firm lips moving in tandem with his—made his knees week. Kreed tightened his grip on their pricks while still following Aaron’s lead, jacking them hard and reckless. The sweetness of the kiss didn’t match the intense stroking rhythm Aaron was orchestrating on their cocks and that unexpected variance combined with the feel of the water fucking amazed him.
“I’m almost there.” Kreed’s balls drew tight against his body and fire raced up his spine. He was completely helpless against the pleasure that seized his movement and made him moan.
“Fuck. Yeah. Aaron…” Kreed’s release flooded through him, and he came on a strangled cry. His dick twitched wildly as ribbons of come splattered on his stomach and chest.
Soft grunts filled his ears as Aaron followed right behind him. His lover’s body grew rigid but his guy’s hand never slowed as he continued to stroke their cocks through their release, and Aaron’s essence mixed with Kreed’s on his stomach. Kreed let go of their cocks to run his fingers through the warm come coating his skin as he caught his breath and allowed his racing heart to slow.
“Fuck! That was good!” Aaron collapsed on top of him, kissing him thoroughly and deeply. Kreed wrapped his church boy in his arms and closed his eyes, completely contented, drinking in everything that was Aaron. They stayed encased in each other’s arms till the water started to cool. Kreed pressed a kiss against Aaron’s hair.
“The water’s getting cold and we’re gonna turn into prunes if we don’t get out,” Kreed finally said after a few minutes. He would have stayed locked comfortably in Aaron’s embrace all night if the bath water hadn’t cooled so quickly.
“Oreos. I like Oreos,” Aaron mumbled.
“What?” Kreed asked, unsure he’d heard right.
“You wanted to know if I liked Oreos or Tim Tams. I like Tim Tams, but Oreos with a cup of ice cold milk is one of my all-time favorites. And just so you know, I don’t think I can move from this spot. I’m way too comfortable,” Aaron said, snuggling closer.
“I knew you were an Oreo guy. Me too. We’ll have to pick up a package and get some milk too.” Kreed shifted his position and trailed his fingers up and down Aaron’s spine. Goose bumps broke out across Aaron’s skin and his lover shivered. “Come on. The water’s cold and I have a promise to keep.”
“What’s that?” Aaron asked.
“I believe I told you earlier, at the club, that I was gonna claim what was mine, and I always keep my word. But first, I want to be claimed by you. That is, if you’re up for it. You seem a little tired.”
“Is that a challenge, Deputy?” Aaron’s head lifted and his eyes met Kreed’s.
“I do believe it is.” Kreed grinned then kissed the tip of Aaron’s nose.
“In that case, challenge accepted.”
Chapter 31
Something had changed tonight. Aaron wasn’t entirely sure what, but that didn’t alter the facts. Kreed had been so into him—at least it seemed that way—and he was so into Kreed. Aaron tucked his pillow under his head. They were facing each other in bed and had managed to scoot as close to each other as possible. They pushed their hips together, tangled their legs, and Kreed rested one arm across his hip with the other shoved under his pillow. It was late or early, however you wanted to say it—somewhere around four in the morning—but neither wanted the night to end.
Honestly, the idea of letting this man go didn’t seem possible, but he had to. There was too much at stake. Besides, if Kreed found out, he wouldn’t want anything to do with him anyway. Tough, hard-nosed, incorruptible public servants didn’t mess around with people like him. That thought made him sad, so he pushed it aside like he’d done since he’d met Kreed.
“We’ve been talking like teenage girls,” Kreed said and let a yawn slip free. Once that one completed, another much bigger one came.
“Stop it. You’re making me yawn.” Aaron’s eyes watered as he yawned again. Kreed laughed and pulled him closer. It felt so good to have this time with Kreed, to be wrapped in his arms, to be wanted by this extraordinary man.
“You’re very comfortable just being you,” Aaron continued after a bit.
“I can’t be anything different. Besides, I learned that in high school. I’ve got to just own me,” Kreed said and shifted. In one swift move, Aaron was laying against Kreed’s side, who was now on his back. “We need to sleep.”
“Yeah,” Aaron agreed.
Another loud yawn came from above. “I don’t want this to end between us after we leave the island.”
Aaron didn’t say a word. He took a deep breath and shut his eyes, trying to block the pain that suddenly squeezed his chest.
“You don’t agree?” Kreed lifted his head.
Aaron opened his eyes and looked at Kreed. “I didn’t say that.”
“Good. Then what’s the problem?” Kreed gathered him closer, his fingers brushing lightly up and down his back.
“Logistics.”
Kreed cut him off. “We’re a global world. Long-distance relationships work now.”
“Yeah, maybe.”
“Yeah, maybe, like absolutely they do. Besides, I can live anywhere. Not that I’m packing up right now and moving closer, but if it works, I can. At least I’d be willing to try.”
Aaron was quiet again. His heart actually hurt. God, he wanted that, wanted it so much. How did he tell Kreed he didn’t live where he’d said he did? How did he tell him he wasn’t who Kreed thought he was? Better yet, how did this ever end with Kreed not arresting him on the spot when his secret activities came out? Karma was a bitch, making him fall for a man who swore to uphold the law while he spent his days breaking it, even if it was with the best of intentions.
“Stop being so head issue-y. One day at a time, as long as all your days are spent thinking about me.” Kreed gave that sexy chuckle that made Aaron snicker too. “Kiss me. I can’t keep my eyes open.”
Aaron lifted his head and had to push up on Kreed’s chest to get close enough to kiss him. He placed a small kiss on the deputy marshal’s lips. Kreed’s eyes didn’t open again. A few minutes ago, he’d been tired too, but not anymore. Worry was stronger than caffeine at keeping a person awake. Aaron moved his arm and Kreed tightened his embrace. He was beginning to expect that from Kreed; it was sweet and a little smothering as his face got buried in Kreed’s shoulder. He wiggled around, fought the hold until he was looking down at a sleeping Kreed, trying to etch his gorgeous relaxed face deep in his memory.
The sound of Kreed’s soft snores made him smile. Aaron lifted a finger, tracing the pad over Kreed’s brow before sliding his finger across the forehead to brush away a strand of hair. It was funny to think, but he was beautiful—one of the most handsome men Aaron had ever laid eyes on. Even stranger, he’d been able to draw the attention of someone like Kreed.
There was no question that he loved this man—a life-altering kind of love. He’d remember this time with Kreed for the rest of his life. Aaron suspected that the pain that always slashed across his heart when he thought of having to leave Kreed would just grow more pronounced until he eventually died from his broken heart. Even if he could stay, Kreed’s career—his entire life, everything the man had worked for—would be on the line if word ever got out that the deputy marshal was shacked up with a fugitive. K
reed would lose his credibility, and so would Mitch. He had more to consider than just Kreed. Ruining someone’s life might be a little too much to overcome.
On that depressing thought, Aaron started to roll from bed, but he couldn’t force himself to leave the comfort of the arms holding him. Instead he put his cheek on Kreed’s chest, memorizing how his warm skin felt against his face. He gently moved up and ran his jaw along Kreed’s. The stubble had grown in, and, God, did he like the feel of that. The cadence of Kreed’s even breaths lulled him, somehow making him feel so safe and secure. After a few more minutes of just staring, he whispered so softly he could barely hear his own words, “I love you, but I’m not who you think I am. I’ve got too many skeletons to make this work. I’m so sorry.”
His heart almost stopped in his chest when Kreed’s eyes opened, and he was suddenly staring into those dark chestnut pools that saw too much. “I already know that. I could tell you’re hiding something. You just don’t understand, Aaron. Your secrets don’t matter to me. I know what’s in here.” Kreed lifted a hand to Aaron’s chest, covering his heart. “At some point, you’re gonna realize you can trust me. I’m willing to give you that time.”
Aaron was absolutely certain his face must have morphed into a million different expressions before he pulled his mask in place. He’d thought Kreed was sleeping. No, he knew Kreed was sleeping, but he’d been wrong. He should have known years in Special Forces would allow him to pick up a few survival skills. Aaron started to move away, but Kreed’s arm became a vise, holding him in place.
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