Unarm (Hooked Book 5)

by Charity Parkerson

  Whoa. That was more than Tyler had been expecting. If that was what Jace wanted, then he should see how ugly Tyler’s life was, because it wouldn’t get better in the future. The world got a little nastier every day. “Tell me to stop if I’m telling you more than you can handle, okay?”

  Jace nodded.

  Tyler took a deep breath. “That guy who held Jimmy for six years, his name was Matthew Stephens. He raped and murdered more than twenty kids.” Saying those words out loud still felt like razorblades in Tyler’s throat. To this day, he didn’t understand how anyone ever let their kids out of their sight. “He molested countless others. I imagine we’ll never know a true number. See, there used to be this drug dealer who would sell you anything for the right price. If a person wanted to sell the pleasure of their child’s company for their next hit, this guy knew just the buyer—Matthew. All of those kids got off lucky, even the ones who died, because they weren’t Jimmy. Something about Jimmy held Matthew enthralled.” Tyler swallowed. He hoped somewhere in Hell, Matthew was getting the devil’s personal attention. “The first time I saw Jimmy, he was covered in blood from slitting Matthew’s throat. He sat there calmly as if nothing had happened. It was another day. But it only took one look in his eyes to see he was dead on the inside. Despite all of that, I wanted to hug him. Jimmy had done something I’d wanted to do for years; he’d killed the man who raped and murdered my little brother.”

  Tyler fell silent. There were a thousand more thoughts he could tell Jace—like how Jimmy wouldn’t have gotten the treatment he needed in foster care. But, in the end, it boiled down to one thing—Jimmy was the executioner who’d brought Tyler justice. Jace hadn’t run away, but Tyler still couldn’t bring himself to look Jace’s way. Tyler cleared his throat. “He’s the same age as my brother, you know? They even share the same birthday. It’s as if it was fated.”

  “What was your brother’s name?” Jace asked, startling Tyler out of his dark thoughts.

  “Caleb,” Tyler said, still not looking Jace’s way. “Don’t tell, okay?” Tyler said, finally meeting Jace’s stare. Tyler snorted. “I’m sorry. You’re not that kind of person. I know you won’t say anything.”

  “I’m surprised that tidbit didn’t turn up in that book written on Jimmy’s life.”

  Tyler growled before he could call it back. “That fucking book.” Some asshat had made a fortune exploiting Jimmy’s life. “I’ve tried a hundred times to talk Jimmy into suing that fucker. He wants to leave it all behind him and suing will drag everything up again. I know he’s right, but fuck. It drives me insane knowing that bastard is making a single dime off Jimmy’s pain.”

  “Where’s he live? Let’s slash his tires.”

  A roar of laughter hit Tyler unexpectedly at Jace’s suggestion. Tyler snorted before he could call it back. “You’re a little evil under all that sexy. I love it.” To his surprise, Jace’s smile fell at his words. Tyler wanted Jace’s happiness back. He leaned closer to Jace and held his stare while whispering his confession. “In fact, that’s not all I’ve come to love about you. Actually, I’m in love with everything about you, except your singing. That’s something only your momma could love.”

  Jace punched Tyler in the arm. “Shut up. It’s not nice to tease people.”

  Tyler caught Jace’s fist and held it. He brushed his thumb over Jace’s knuckles. “I’m just playing. I love your singing too. Actually, I’m just in love with you.”

  Jace’s jaw dropped before his teeth audibly snapped together.

  Tyler scoffed. “Come on now. It can’t be that big of a surprise. I spend every free moment with you and can’t get enough of you.”

  “Lusting someone isn’t the same as loving them,” Jace argued, even though there wasn’t any real heat behind his words.

  “Seriously, Jace. Do you honestly think this is only lust?”

  For a minute, all Jace did was stare at Tyler and blink. “Not for me, no.”

  It was Tyler’s turn to blink. “I’m equal parts ecstatic and insulted and can’t decide why.”

  Jace’s mouth lifted in one corner, showing off just one dimple. “Probably because we just failed epically in saying our first I love yous.”

  “Fuck that,” Tyler said from the bottom of his soul. “No way am I looking back on this moment as a failure. Come here,” he said, snagging the front of Jace’s shirt and dragging him forward. Once they were nose to nose, Tyler held Jace’s stare. “Length of time together doesn’t mean shit. My heart chose you. I love you.”

  Jace pressed his lips together, visibly fighting back a smile. Once he appeared to have it under control, he cleared his throat. “I love you too.” As soon as the confession left him, a smile exploded across Jace’s face. “Holy shit. I just said that and I’m not even scared.”

  “You don’t ever have to be, babe. I’ve got you now.”

  “Yeah, you do,” Jace agreed. He cast a quick glance around as if searching for something. “I’m going to run to the restroom, okay? I’ll be right back.”

  Tyler nodded. “All right, babe. I’ll be here.” Tyler took a sip of his drink and leaned back in his chair. The night air brushed over his skin. He was happy—like he hadn’t been in a really long while. Maybe he could talk Jace into staying a few days longer? Jace’s phone rang, startling him. Tyler hadn’t even seen it sitting there. After sitting forward, he checked out the face. It was Paige. Tyler answered.

  “Hello?”

  “Who the hell is this?”

  Tyler blew out a sigh. Paige was one of the most abrasive people he’d ever met and that was saying a lot, being as how he’d raised Jimmy. “It’s Tyler.”

  “What the fuck are you doing answering Jace’s phone? Don’t you trust him?”

  While rubbing the spot between his eyes that ached at the sound of her voice, Tyler snorted. “He’s in the restroom and we’re at dinner. I didn’t want his phone disturbing the people who are seated around us trying to enjoy their meal.”

  “Well, hang up. I didn’t call to talk to you.”

  “Wow,” Tyler breathed before he could call it back. “I’ll let him know you called.” Without giving her time to respond, Tyler hung up on her.

  Jace reappeared. “Who was that?”

  Tyler tried damn hard to keep the hatred from his voice as he answered. “Paige.”

  “Oh,” Jace said, not sounding any more happy than Tyler. That piqued Tyler’s curiosity, but he wouldn’t ask. Jace turned his phone off without returning her call.

  “You can call her back. I don’t mind.” Jace would never know how it pained Tyler to say those words. He harbored a secret hatred of Paige, but she was Jace’s best friend, so he stamped it down.

  Jace shook his head. “I mind. This is our time. She knows that. I only had my phone on in case Adam needed me. Anything Paige has to say would be drama, and I’m on vacation.”

  He wanted to ask why Jace wanted to be friends with someone so exhausting, but he kept the question to himself. They’d known each other a long time. Tyler knew from experience sometimes those friendships were hard to shake, especially in the day and age of social media. People were connected in a million ways. Not to mention, she knew where Jace lived, and she struck Tyler as crazy.

  A glass of white wine appeared at Jace’s elbow, pulling Tyler from his musings. “The glass of wine I promised you earlier,” Spa Lady said, coming out of nowhere.

  “Wow. Thank you,” Jace said, sounding every bit as grateful as his words suggested. Tyler couldn’t believe the man was so blind. “That’s so nice of you.”

  She winked. “I always keep my promises.” She stuck out her hand. “I’m Jana, by the way. It occurs to me I didn’t introduce myself earlier.”

  Jace accepted her handshake. “Jace.”

  “What an awesome name,” Jana said. She pushed a curl behind her ear and rocked back on her heels before cramming her hands in the front pockets of her jeans. The move somehow managed to pull her shirt down an inch, revealin
g a generous amount of cleavage. “If you get lonely, I’m at the bar.”

  A line appeared between Jace’s eyes, making Tyler wonder if Jace intended to point out he wasn’t alone. Instead, he flashed his sweetest smile. “Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind.”

  With another smoldering inspection of Jace’s body, she gave Jace a short nod. “Hopefully, I’ll see you soon,” Jana said before heading for the same door Jimmy and Eli had disappeared through.

  The instant they were alone, Jace cast a desperate look around. “Should I pour it out? Is she looking?”

  A roar of laughter escaped Tyler as he realized Jace wasn’t as clueless as he’d pretended to be. Tyler snuck a peek at the bar. She was looking. “Oh, yeah,” Tyler said, hating to confirm Jace’s fear. “Her gaze is locked on you like a lion stalking prey.”

  “Oh my God.” His horrified whisper had Tyler fighting back his smile. “I don’t want to hurt her feelings. She obviously doesn’t realize we’re together.” His shoulders fell. Defeat was written in his every line. Tyler got it. Jace was nice, and he didn’t like making anyone feel unwanted, even if they were.

  “It’s fine, baby. I got this.” Tyler rearranged his chair and reached for his beer. As he did, he accidentally on purpose knocked over the glass of wine. Jace’s shooting to his feet appeared genuine, because it was.

  There weren’t any napkins on the table besides the cocktail napkins under their drinks. Their waitress rushed over, helping to clean away the mess. Tyler apologized several times, just in case the waitress knew the spa lady.

  “Can you do me a favor?” he asked the waitress, pulling her attention his way. He pointed toward where Jana sat. “Do you see that woman sitting there?”

  After casting a quick glance Jana’s way, she nodded. “Yep. She works at the resort’s spa,” she said, proving Tyler’s suspicions.

  “Will you take her a glass of champagne and offer her my apologies for spilling her wine?” He handed her two twenties to sweeten the deal.

  As the money exchanged hands, the waitress’ smile grew. “Of course.”

  While he had Jace on his feet, Tyler set his hand on the small of Jace’s back, urging the man toward the closest elevator. “Time for dessert, baby.”

  Jace glanced over his shoulder. “What about Jimmy and Eli?”

  Tyler’s steps didn’t slow. “Sweetheart, they were headed back to their room halfway through their first dance.”

  “Oh.” Jace chuckled. The sound caressed Tyler’s ears. “I never saw them leave.”

  The elevator door slid open. Finding it empty, Tyler crowded Jace inside. He kept moving until Jace’s back hit the wall and the door closed them inside.

  “You have to hit the button for our floor or we’ll never get there,” Jace reminded him with laughter lacing each word.

  Tyler growled over having to give up touching his man. He quickly hit the seven and went back to holding Jace. His eyes fell closed as their bodies collided. They fit perfectly. Every time Tyler thought about him, thinking—for even a moment—he could give this man up, he was ashamed of his weakness. Only a fool would sneak from this man’s bed. Jace should’ve made him suffer—grovel. Instead, he’d quietly forgiven Tyler. Damn, Jace hadn’t even mentioned it again. Tyler wasn’t worthy of that type of forgiveness. He buried his face in the crook of Jace’s neck and inhaled.

  “I love you.”

  At Tyler’s confession, Jace shoved both hands underneath Tyler’s T-shirt and held on. “I love you too.” Jace sounded breathless. A dark hunger rose in Tyler. No one had said those words to him in years. He wanted to hear them again, in every tone. Tyler craved knowing how they sounded, tearing from Jace’s lips on the verge of orgasm. He even needed to know how they sounded when Jace was enraged and exasperated with Tyler. In his heart, Tyler already knew he’d never tire of hearing those three words on Jace’s tongue.

  By the time the elevator door opened again, setting them free, Tyler was on the verge of promising Jace anything he wanted as long as he never stole those words from him. He couldn’t go back to never hearing them. The loss would kill him. Jace’s laughter followed him down the hallway as Tyler raced to the room, dragging Jace along with him. He needed to get this man alone and give Jace a reason to keep him. Right now, they didn’t feel square. Surely Tyler didn’t give him as much as Jace did for Tyler.

  The instant their hotel door closed them away from the world, Tyler turned to Jace and held his gaze. “Tell me what you want.”

  Jace’s nose curled, the way it always did while he tried puzzling through Tyler’s words. “You’ll have to be more specific. I mean, I have you, and that’s all I want. Unless you’re talking about something else—like, what I want out of life or what I want to eat tomorrow.” Jace laughed. It was a nervous sound. “See? I need more to go on.”

  “Yes,” Tyler said, doing his part to further muddy the waters.

  Jace twisted his fingers and glanced around the room as if that would help him figure out Tyler. “Um… what?”

  Despite the odd change his mood had undergone, a smile spread across Tyler’s face. “Exactly. What, Jace? What do you want out of life? I’m dying to know what you want to eat tomorrow and the day after that. Tell me in what way you’ll rock my world next. What do you want from me, from us?”

  Jace stared at him in silence for so long Tyler wondered if the man was plotting his escape. His expression gave nothing away. He eyed Jace while holding his own council until Tyler thought he’d scream. When Jace finally spoke, he did what he always did. Jace rocked him to his soul. “Don’t break me. That’s what I want. I need for you to never tear down this beautiful thing we’re building. Don’t make me wonder if it was all lies or I’m a fool. The thing is—I don’t know what it’ll take for you give to me what I want, because I’ve never had it.”

  Tyler closed the distance between them. “Don’t worry. I know how to give you what you need,” he said as he buried his fingers in Jace’s hair. With a tug, he pulled the man closer and covered Jace’s mouth. As always, when their lips met, the world disappeared and fire consumed him. Tyler didn’t know if he’d survive the weekend.

  *

  With their bare feet planted in the sand and waves lapping at their ankles, Tyler and Jace stood at Jimmy and Eli’s back, witnessing them exchange their vows. A lump moved into Tyler’s throat. He feared it was permanent. Never in his wildest dreams had he expected to see this day. To his shame, Tyler had secretly believed Jimmy would kill himself eventually. The man had been trying to do it with alcohol for years, but Tyler expected he’d eat a bullet or drive his truck off a cliff. It would’ve killed Tyler. But honestly, Tyler didn’t know what had kept Jimmy fighting before Eli.

  Now there was Eli, and he stood so proud and strong at Jimmy’s side. The urge to pull Eli into a bear hug was overwhelming. Until the day he died, Eli would have Tyler’s love and respect. Eli and Jimmy kissed. Without thought, Tyler tugged Jace closer. There was no one else Tyler would rather have at his side. He hadn’t been lying when he’d told Jace he loved him. This was real. He would fight to keep it.

  Jace’s grip tightened on his hand.

  Tyler glanced over.

  Jace mouthed, “Are you okay?”

  With a nod, Tyler mouthed, “I love you,” because he couldn’t say it enough.

  Jace winked.

  He never wanted to leave this place. Without thought, he towed Jace into his arms and covered the man’s mouth in a searching kiss. The tongues met and retreated. Heat exploded through Tyler’s body. He wanted to consume Jace. The desire to crawl inside the man’s head, set up shop, and take over his life was a real thing.

  Someone cleared their throat. A blush climbed up his cheeks as he realized what he’d done. The older man who officiated the wedding was watching them. The man’s eyes danced with humor.

  “Am I marrying you today too?”

  Chapter 7

  December

  Jace had learned two things in the pa
st few months. One, he should never have dinner waiting, because it was always cold before Tyler got home. Two, he shouldn’t bother waiting up. Since tomorrow was Christmas Eve, Jace was staring down the barrel of two glorious weeks off. That was the awesome thing about working private practice. His boss always closed up shop this time of year to be with her kids for the holidays. That meant Jace had nowhere to be. He was free to wait up for Tyler as long as he liked.

  It had been an odd day. One that left Jace in a strange mood. That was why, after firing up the fireplace and pulling the cork on a bottle of wine, he plopped his ass on the couch and hadn’t moved. Jace glanced over at his glass. Oops. Make that two bottles. He hadn’t bothered with the lights or TV. The way the orange flames cast a dancing glow on the walls of the silent room was entertainment enough.

  He’d surpassed a light buzz over an hour ago. Now he was deep in wishing Tyler was home so he could do bad things to him territory. As if the universe felt his need and wanted him to get fucked, Tyler came through the back door. From his vantage point, he could see Tyler unstrapping his gun and leaving it on the counter. When he turned, Jace’s heart fell. A dark scowl marred Tyler’s features. It had been one of those days. A day where Tyler had seen shit he wouldn’t talk about and Jace didn’t want to hear about. Luckily, he knew how to fix him.

  Tyler leaned his shoulder into the living room’s doorframe and crossed his arms over his chest. As he eyed the empty wine bottles and took in the entire scene, Jace eyed the way the muscles moved in Tyler’s forearms. Damn. He wanted this man.

  “Why are you sitting in the dark?”

  Jace patted the spot between his knees, beckoning Tyler closer. “Just enjoying the silence. Come here. You look like you need some TLC.”

  A small smile touched Tyler’s lips. He crossed the room. His lips lightly brushed Jace’s before he dropped down to the floor between Jace’s knees and leaned his head back into Jace’s lap. This had become their thing. This was all Jace knew how to do to ease Tyler’s burden. His fingers found Tyler’s soft locks. In the same pattern as always, Jace dragged his fingers through Tyler’s hair while massaging the man’s scalp. Tyler’s eyes fell closed and his face relaxed. Jace loved these moments. Not only was he free to enjoy staring at Tyler unimpeded, he also brought comfort to Tyler’s life.