Fine, it made sense for other people. Oriana loved pain even more than he did. So much that it scared him. Scared Silver, and he’d spent a few late nights talking to his younger sister on the phone as she envisioned every worst-case scenario imaginable. Most which ended with their older sister dead in a ditch.
Always a ditch, because that was where bodies went, naturally.
He talked her down and reminded her that Sloan wasn’t a serial killer.
He was training Cort, after all. And Ford was still in one piece. Which led to questions about how much pain Ford enjoyed. Which was fun to talk about with his paranoid little sister.
“Not much. Just enough to reach that edge.”
The same lie every time.
But he couldn’t lie to Cort. Because Cort was learning to read him way too well. To see when he’d had enough. And when he needed more.
“I get off on it, Ford. And that fucked with my head at first. Still does.” Cort wrapped his hand around Ford’s throat and squeezed, just enough to bring on that brilliant haze Ford craved. “And Akira loves it when I go to her after. Because I can’t get enough of her sweet cunt.”
The man loves pussy. That hasn’t changed. And doesn’t have to. Ford laughed. “Hey, man. That you’re good with one cunt, with hers, works for me. I never thought you would be.”
“We’re not talking about Akira though. We’re both happy with her. Neither of us has looked at another woman.”
“She has. Maybe she wants—”
“Maybe she does. And we’ll figure that out. But this, right here, right now, is about you and me.” Cort’s brow furrowed. “I love you, Ford.”
Ford smiled. “I know.”
Cort’s grip on his throat increased. “Shut up. Not another fucking word, boy. Listen.”
Yeah, I’d like to continue living, so I’m good with that.
Laughing, Cort flicked his tongue over Ford’s bottom lip. “The things I want to do to you… Are you afraid of me?”
“Right now?” Ford had to fight to keep his eyes open. He felt high. Like Cort had just given him some damn good drugs. “A little?”
“Good. You should be.” Cort held Ford against the wall with one hand on his throat and the other in his hair. He spoke with his lips close to Ford’s. “You kissed another man. Don’t fucking do it again.”
“Are you gonna kiss me, Cort?” Ford wouldn’t stop him, but the teasing was torture. Like he was standing on the brink and everything would change. But he had no control over the next step. “Do it. Do it and we’ll see what happens.”
“No.” Cort released him, and he braced himself on the wall to keep from falling. “Not here. Not like this. I could hurt you, Ford. And you’d probably enjoy it. But I’m fucked up. I’m angry. And I won’t make you pay for that.”
As Cort turned away from him, all the messed up emotions burst out, impossible to contain. Ford slammed his fist into the back of Cort’s shoulder. “That’s it? You make me tell you everything, then walk away? Fuck you! Did you want something to use against me? I’ll give you plenty. If I want a man, I’ll find him. And I don’t need fucking permission.”
Cort caught his wrists and dragged him to the wall by the door. He wasn’t smiling anymore. His eyes were dark as he whispered. “You do. You need mine. Don’t push me, Ford. I’ll let you have everything, but when we’re both ready.”
“Fuck you.” Damn it, Ford hated the way his eyes burned. Cort made him feel stupid, and young, and completely out of control. “I won’t wait.”
“You will. Ford, I think Akira is pregnant. She’s been worried about Jami, who we both know is pregnant. She missed a few days on her birth control and, tough as she is, I can tell she’s not feeling good. She isn’t eating.” Cort sighed. “She hasn’t even considered it, but if she is? She needs us to figure this out. The right way. She’s so set on her plans; this will hurt her. And we’re hurting her.” Cort shook him. “Do you hear me, Ford? We’re hurting her. We need to show her she doesn’t have to sacrifice her dreams, even if she has our baby. Can you do that?”
“Yes!” Ford said the word, but he was terrified. And Cort would understand why. Ford had fucked up before. Gotten a girl pregnant. Been ready to support her.
To protect his family, Cort had been the one to drive them to the abortion clinic. To make sure every expense was paid. To check on the girl after. Make sure she was okay.
Three times. Three times, Ford could have been a father. He knew it hadn’t happened after because he’d finally smartened up. Those three times were all before he turned eighteen. With girls a bit older. Sweet butt, chicks that hung around the biker clubs and slept around.
Ford braced his hands on his thighs. “I was an asshole when…fuck, a girl can do what she wants. But, with Akira…I love her. We both do. If she doesn’t want the baby…”
“Ford, we’ll discuss it. Those chicks…kid, you probably weren’t the one to get them knocked up. But you were the only one who cared.” Cort pulled Ford up into his arms, framing Ford’s face with is hands. “I told you to set you straight, not to—”
“Straight? Cort, I’m not straight.” Shit, he wasn’t, was he? He’d have let Cort do whatever he wanted. Which was apparently nothing. He laughed. “Forget it. We’re good. Good talk.”
“Damn it, Ford!” Cort’s fingers dug into his jaw. He slanted his mouth over Ford’s, giving him a rough, bruising kiss that made Ford’s mind go blank. He could do nothing but groan as Cort deepened the kiss, cutting Ford’s lip on his teeth before he pulled away. Then Cort sighed and traced his thumb over Ford’s bottom lip. “Asshole. I planned to make the first kiss good.”
Ford grinned and licked his blood slicked bottom lip, touching Cort’s thumb with his tongue. “That wasn’t bad.”
“That was pretty bad. Maybe you should practice with Scott some more. You suck at this.” Cort’s brow furrowed. “Or…don’t. Because then I’ll have to kill him. And your team needs all their top scorers. He’s got the most points, right?”
“No, Vanek does.”
“Ah, cool, then don’t kiss him if you wanna win. Scott is expendable.” Cort smirked. “This could work out for the rest of the playoffs. You hit on the Cobra’s best players. I take ‘em out. Detroit gets The Cup.”
“Or I distract you and they all live.”
“A good option. I’d go with that.” Cort cupped the back of Ford’s head, pulling him close to press his lips to Ford’s brow. “We can’t afford to play the game, Ford. I mean the game everyone else is playing. Not now. For us, it’s all or nothing. You got it?”
“You gonna hurt me if I say no?” Ford ducked as Cort’s big hand swung at his head. “I kid, I kid! And I get it. I kiss Akira, or you, no matter how much you suck at it.”
“Boy, I am very good at it.”
“Meh, I’ve had better.”
That got exactly the reaction Ford wanted. One hand on his throat, the other under his jaw, Cort kissed him again. Holding him still, but taking it slowly. Teasing and torturing. Sucking on his bottom lip. Dipping his tongue into Ford’s mouth and stealing his last breath. He caught Ford’s tongue with his teeth and flicked his own over it, smiling as he released Ford abruptly and let him fall into the wall.
“Sure you have, kid. You wanna fuck a few guys before I take my turn, or we done talking?”
Shit! He’d never thought Cort would even go there, but now that he had?
Ford knew it would be good if it happened. And it would hurt. And with anyone else, it would feel so fucking wrong.
“Done talking.” Ford was done standing too, but he grabbed the hand Cort held out. “You serious? You’d—”
“Ford, I’ve had your dick in my hand when we’re playing with Akira. You’ve had your tongue touch my cock while I’m fucking her. Will I fuck you?” Cort chuckled. “Maybe. If you ask nicely. Now, go do your fucking job and stop acting like a needy slut.”
“Cort…” Ford’s cheek heated as the other man arched a brow.
“Not cool.”
“I’m not the one hitting on the team, Ford.” Cort checked his busted knuckles and shrugged. “Stop and I’ll find a new word for you. We’ll see how this goes down.”
“You were in prison too long.”
Ford, you need to shut up.
Cort’s eyes hardened. “Don’t go there. I know you like pain, but you’re pushing it. I didn’t fuck anyone in prison. But you want me to make you my bitch? Or would you rather me treat you like the man I love?”
“Cort—”
“Stop talking, Ford.” Cort rubbed a hand over his eyes. “You suck at that too.”
I really do, don’t I? He followed Cort back inside, wanting to say something even half as sweet as Cort just had. Something that didn’t involve jail time or killing anyone.
Maybe he needed to keep it simple. Just tell the man how he felt. “I’ve told you I love you, haven’t I, Cort?”
A crooked smile on his lips, Cort flung his arm over Ford’s shoulders. “Not since the last time you told me to go fuck myself.”
“Which was about ten minutes ago?”
“True.”
“So no?”
“No, Ford. And you haven’t bought me flowers ever. You’re a shitty boyfriend.” Cort smirked. “But I love you anyway.”
“Yeah…” Ford’s head hurt. He was gonna be a dad, and he hadn’t even gotten used to being in a relationship. And…he was going to puke. He bolted away from Cort and rushed into the closest bathroom. Made it just in time.
“What the hell did you do to him, Cort?” Akira sounded like an angry wildcat. Cort was in trouble now.
It also occurred to Ford that they were in the bathroom connected to the Ice Girl’s locker room.
“Hey, why wasn’t Justina down here with you?” Ford wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and sat on the floor beside the toilet. “Who’s taking her place?”
“And he remembers his job.” Cort snorted, cutting the sound short when Akira glared at him.
Akira knelt in front of Ford. “She tweaked her ankle during the opening performance. Nothing serious, but the trainers and I decided to give her some time to walk it off. Now, what’s going on with you?”
“I don’t think I’m ready to be a dad. I haven’t had the best example.” He took a deep breath. “But I’ll figure it out.”
“Good to know.” Akira brushed the sweaty strands of hair away from his face. “We’ll all be ready before we decide to take that step. I loved seeing you take care of Bran though. I think you’ll be an amazing daddy.”
“He better be.” Cort petted Akira’s hair. “When were you planning to tell us, Tiny?”
“Tell you…?”
“That you’re pregnant.”
Akira covered her face with her hands and groaned. “Everyone else is saying I’ve lost weight, and you two think I’m pregnant? Seriously?”
“You’re not?” Ford didn’t want to sound relieved. He wanted Akira to have their baby. Just…not until she wanted it.
She patted his cheek and laughed. “No. Is that why you look like you’re gonna pass out? I swear, when it happens, it won’t be a complete shock.”
Folding his arms over his chest, Cort frowned. “But you haven’t been eating. Or taking your birth control.”
“I’m on a different kind of birth control. It affected my appetite, but that’s it.” Akira stood. “Next time, ask, Mr. Nash.” She grabbed Cort by the collar of his shirt and kissed him. “Mmm, you smell like Ford’s aftershave.”
Damn, seeing Cort go all red was worth the humiliation of having burst in here to puke his guts out. Ford went over to the sink to wash his face and rinse out his mouth, chuckling as Cort shot him a dirty look in the mirror.
Then, because he really was a bit of an asshole, he grabbed Cort’s wrist and lifted his hand. “Gotta go take care of our man, Shorty. Miss you!”
“What the actual fuck, Cort! What did you do?” Akira stuck to Cort’s side, paling as she checked Cort’s other hand. She towed him out of the locker room like a fiery little tugboat. But, being the smart girl she was, it took her only seconds to turn that glare on Ford. “If he hit a wall instead of you because you were being a jerk, I’m going to smack you myself. What did you say?”
“Nothing!”
“Cort doesn’t flip out over nothing.”
“Cort used to flip out if a man looked at him the wrong way, Akira.”
“Cort’s not like that anymore!”
Pulling away from them both, Cort shook his head and sighed. “Cort is right here. And I can get someone to look at this on my own. You’re both at work, you do realize that, right?”
“So are you.” Ford frowned as he considered Cort’s hands again. “You think Keane will fire you?”
“Oriana’s in charge of personnel. I don’t think she’ll fire me unless she thinks I can’t do my job properly. Let’s not give her a reason.” He lifted Akira up, ignoring her laughing protests, and brought his lips to hers, kissing her softly. “Now that’s how it’s done. I’ll meet you both in about an hour.” He gave Ford a heavy lidded look. “I look forward to getting you home.”
Lust hit Ford like a heavy fist to the guts, and he couldn’t say a word as Cort took off down the hall. He almost didn’t notice Akira staring at him, arms folded, tapping her little ballet slippered foot.
“Ford Delgado, what happened?”
Heat rushed up the back of Ford’s neck. He didn’t have any issue telling Akira everything, but here? “Umm…we made up?” She wasn’t buying it, and he didn’t blame her. Since when had he started sounding this uncertain? He grinned. “Cort finally admitted Detroit sucks, and he’s gonna start cheering for the Cobras.”
“You’re a fucking liar. I’d say a horrible one, but I know better.” She sighed. “Fine, don’t tell me. He will.”
Hooking an arm around her waist before she could storm off, Ford cuddled his beautiful, very squirmy little fireball against his chest and spoke quietly, close to her ear. “I’d rather not discuss it here, pet. Let’s just say, the dynamics in our household are about to change.”
She went still and peered up at him with her brilliant green eyes wide. “You mean—”
“Whatever you’re thinking, yes, that.” Ford planted his most professional smile on his lips as several staff members passed. Not very effective, since he was shirtless, in the hall, holding his scantily clad girlfriend. At least his reputation couldn’t get much worse. “I need to go grab my jacket and…fuck, pray one of the guys has a spare shirt?”
“Scott’s image consultant makes him bring a spare to every game.” Akira straightened her skirt as she slipped away from him. “Game’s almost done. Go ask him.”
“Cort might not appreciate me going home wearing Scott’s clothes.” Look at me, thinking ahead and everything. I can be taught! “I’ll ask Max. He’s my brother-in-law, so should be fine, right?”
“Max’s shirt will float on you.” Akira took his hand and pulled him toward the locker room. “Cort can’t get mad at you if I ask.”
“Shorty, I don’t need you to—”
“Shut up, Ford.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Ford chuckled as he gave in. Fuck, he loved this woman. And their man.
Right now, the idea of everyone knowing what he still hadn’t adjusted to didn’t sit well, but that wouldn’t last. And then, if Akira and Cort were comfortable with it…
He’d tell the fucking world.
Chapter 23
Going to the game hadn’t sounded like much fun to Sam this morning. Or this afternoon.
Or, hell, an hour ago.
Jersey Shore was on Netflix. Finally! Ian wasn’t into it, but she binge watched whenever he wasn’t home. And she’d planned to do just that while he played. Only, she wasn’t a complete idiot. She knew a supportive girlfriend would be at the damn game. Showing interest.
Even pretending to was better than nothing, right?
By the time she got dressed in somethi
ng cute, hopped in a cab, and got there, the third period had started. Trying to convince security that she was Luke’s sister, and obviously should be allowed into the building without a ticket, took another half hour. To no avail.
She was still standing outside.
So she tried calling Jami. Then Chicklet. And finally, Silver.
“Hey, sweetie. Is everything okay?” Silver’s tone sounded strained.
Sam glared at the guard. “Yeah…just trying to get in to watch my brother play.”
Bringing up Ian would be pointless. She imagined fans tried dropping player’s names to get free tickets all the time. But she’d been here before. It wasn’t her fault the guard was new.
“Oh! What’s the problem?”
“This security guy doesn’t believe that I’m who I say I am.” Sam rolled her eyes at the man when he gave her a dirty look. “He’s being very mean to me.”
Silver went quiet. When she spoke again, her tone was ice cold. “Pass him the phone, honey. I’ll meet you inside in a minute.”
The man was a lot nicer by the time Silver was done with him. Face blotchy red, he held the door open for Sam, walking with her and letting the other guards know that she’d been given a pass from ‘management’.
As promised, Silver met her in the open area beyond the entrance and quickly took her hand to lead her to the first opening at the lower level of the rink. “You missed the last goal, but we’re leading three nothing. Luke has two assists and one goal.”
“So we’re winning?” Sam frowned, looking around as a concerned hum spread over the arena. “Doesn’t sound like it.”
“It doesn’t…” Silver glanced across the ice, the color leaving her face. “Why is Hunt in net? Where the hell is Landon?”
Without warning, Silver took off running back into the concession area, damn fast for a woman wearing stilettos. Sam did her best to keep up, but even in kitten heels, she found herself struggling to even keep sight of the other woman.
Cursing under her breath, she slipped out of her heels, picked them up, and bolted down the hall leading to the locker rooms. She scuffed her bare feet on the carpet and tumbled into one of the guards standing in the hall.
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