Run

by Mary Wasowski

  “Oh, shit! That was incredible,” he said.

  “It’s only going to get better. You up for another round?”

  “Yes.”

  I stripped out of my clothes and climbed on top of him. Forehead to forehead, he closed his eyes for a brief moment as he held me and gave me his intense stare again.

  “Are you real?” he asked.

  “Why would you ask me that?”

  “Because you scare the hell out of me, and to wake up again and not have you beside me is a feeling I don’t ever want again.”

  “You’re in my home. You’re in my bed. We’ve fucked, and I still feel your cum down my throat. It doesn’t get more real than that.”

  “Yeah, but am I in here?” He shifted our bodies to where I could straddle him like he did our first time together. He was so strong. Confusion washed over me, as the need of assurance was on his face. He placed his hand over my racing heart and asked his question again, “Answer me. Am. I. In. Here?”

  “Yes. As much as I tried to deny it, you are.”

  Satisfied with my answer, he let go of the breath he was holding and took my mouth in a savage and bruising kiss, which I knew I would feel for days.

  “Fuck me, now! I need you,” he called out.

  I leaned over to the side table and retrieved the condom packets and lube. Before Jake, I never had a reason to use them but was always hopeful and kept a fresh supply on hand.

  Foreplay could wait, Jake couldn’t. He was already prepping himself before I could even lube up my fingers. He was crumbling before me, and it was hot as hell to watch him get himself off. He was hard and so ready to come again.

  I pressed my two hands on his chest and took over. My left hand gripped his neck of corded muscles tightly, as my right entered his tight ass. He clenched around the invasion, but slowly accepted me as I added another finger. Once my digits hit his prostate, he bucked his pelvis up in the air. I felt him close, but then pulled back and reached for a condom.

  “Wait for me. Hold off,” I whispered and then sheathed my cock with the condom and applied more lube.

  I wasn’t going to ask how long it had been for him. I easily felt it as I stretched his hole. No matter how much he demanded, I took my time and worked him over into a blissed-out state.

  As he worked his cock in slow even strokes, I gripped the back of his legs and held him in place as I entered him, breaching his tight wall of muscle, inch by inch. He bit back the pain, as I soothed him to calm. Once he was used to me inside of him, his body visibly relaxed and urged me in deeper. Once I picked up the pace, my balls slapped against his ass, making Jake shout out even louder than the blowjob I gave him.

  “Harder!” he demanded more of me.

  I pulled out and flipped him onto his knees, where his glorious ass was on full display for me. I bit his ass cheek and then delivered a slap to the other, making him cry out in pleasure. I rolled my tongue over the stinging red marks I left on him and then plunged my dick back inside of him. I felt his balls fill with cum and harden in my hand. I knew he was going to blow at any moment. I was praying I would hold off and shoot with him. Seconds later, that’s exactly what we did. Jake went first, and ribbons of white shot all over my sheets and pillows, as my release filled the condom.

  Our bodies were slicked in sweat, as I remained connected to his. My chest was plastered to his back with my arms around his waist. I wanted him forever and didn’t want to ever let him go. I was lost to this man as he was to me. I didn’t care about the reasons why he came into my life. Being with Jake, and what we shared, connected us somehow in ways I never experienced with another person before.

  I know this is right, I feel it throughout my mind, body, and soul, but most importantly above anything else, my heart. He’s forced his way in, and now I would have to not only fight to keep him there but fight the Harpers to hold onto my son.

  Once I pulled out of his slicked ass, he winced a little, but then smiled up at me.

  “Shower with me?” I asked Jake, as he buried his face down in the pillow. “Um, you do know your face is sitting in a pile of jizz, right?”

  “I don’t care,” he mumbled.

  I got up and tied off the condom before tossing it in the wastebasket. I got back into bed and snuggled up to him, carefully avoiding the wet spots all over my bed.

  “As much as I would like to smell like you all day, I really need to shower. Coming?”

  “I already did, but I probably can go for three,” I said as I followed Devan into his huge shower. It was the size of my entire bathroom back at my house. It had a bench on both sides with more showerheads than I’d ever seen before.

  “What are you staring at?” he asked as he began to wash his body.

  “Your shower looks like a playland for water play. Is it?”

  “That’s one way to look at it, but I need a place to relax and think. I was always able to do that under the hot sprays of water as they eased the tension I always seemed to carry with me.”

  “Still tense? Because I know I’m relaxed,” I said. I took his mouth and then held him in place against the cool granite wall.

  “Thanks. Yeah, I’m getting there.”

  “It’s going to be okay, I promise you.”

  “Yes, you keep saying that, but you can’t imagine what I’ve been through and the fear of losing my son.”

  “I’m closer to that truth than you think. I know I don’t have any kids, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t experienced fear or even loss. While I was deployed and out on a mission, I was nearly captured by Taliban insurgents. I knew it was a risk going in, but it was also the job I signed on for and I was prepared to die if it came to that. My unit got lucky when others didn’t. My last rescue mission turned into a recovery. I was only able to bring three of my guys home, while the others were killed.”

  “Oh, baby, I’m so sorry.” He kissed me over and over again as the tears streamed down my face.

  “Devan, I never shared that with anyone before, not even my brother who I’m closest to. I need you to trust me as much as I trust you. No one is going to hurt your son. I’ve killed before, and I will have no problem taking out a threat against your family.”

  I gripped the sides of his head to make him hear and believe what I just said to him. His pupils were nearly blown with my words, but I didn’t see any doubt in them.

  His hand was linked with mine as we walked up the path that would lead to his parents’ front door. I tightened my hold on him to show him that it was going to be okay. In a flash, Paxton saw us and came charging toward his father. I had no choice but to let Devan go. He dropped to his knees and caught his son in his arms. Their smiles were bright and happy.

  “Daddy! I missed you so much. I thought you would never get here! Hey, what’s the coach doing with you?” Devan hugged his son again and then got up to his feet with Paxton still in his arms.

  “Coach Mercer…” he looked over his shoulder and winked at me. “Jake…is a friend of daddy’s, a special one.”

  “Like a boyfriend?” Paxton asked, and I nearly swallowed my tongue. This kid was too smart for his own good.

  “Yeah, like a boyfriend. Is that okay?”

  “You’ve never had one of those before,” he said, which made my heart smile knowing how true that was.

  I was Devan’s true first love, and I couldn’t be happier about it!

  “Come, let’s take a walk,” Devan said.

  He held his son’s hand and then squeezed and let go of mine as he stepped down off the porch. I watched them walk a few feet away from me, and I was already missing him.

  You can do this, Jake. Dinner with the parents? No problem.

  “Well, hello there. We meet again,” a soft and kind voice said behind me.

  “Hi, Mrs. Knight. How are you?”

  “I’m fine. How’s my son?” she asked.

  I smiled and then turned to answer her question, “He’s fine too. We both are.”

  “Good
, I was hoping you would say that. Please, call me Lainey, which is short for Elaina.”

  “Only if you call me Jake.”

  “Deal. Come in, and join us for dinner. My husband is waiting for us.”

  “Shouldn’t we wait for Devan and Paxton?”

  “No, they need to talk, and so do we,” his father said as he stepped out, putting me on notice.

  “Yes, sir. What do you want to know?”

  “I guess my first question is: are you a good man?”

  “I try to be.”

  “Do you care about my son?”

  “Very much. I love him.”

  “Well, that’s a start. You may call me Antonio, and while you’re doing that, take a breath before you pass out.”

  I did and welcomed the air flowing through my lungs. His father was downright scary, and I was a Navy SEAL for crying out loud. But you’d never miss how much he loves his family, and I would bet he would do anything to keep them safe.

  His mother set the table and placed the hot dishes down, which included a delicious smelling crown roast, while I had a drink with his father and shared a few military stories. He was retired Army. I told him what I did in the Navy, and he raised his hands up in understanding. We moved onto sports, which was an easier conversation to get through. They still didn’t know my true identity and the reason I was in their son’s life. I didn’t discuss with Devan how I would be explained and hoped they would understand after hearing my explanation.

  “Nonna, I’m starving,” the little boy said as he washed his hands and then took his seat beside his grandfather.

  Devan squeezed my shoulders and said, “I’ll tell you later. Just relax.”

  We ate with no awkwardness at all. They were kind people who immediately accepted me into their home. Paxton was going on and on about camp today and how much the boys missed me. He said, “Coach Miles is fun and all, but he’s no Hulk,” which made all of us burst out into laughter.

  While my nickname was brought up, Paxton also took the time to extend me an invitation to his birthday party for next Saturday. I looked over to Devan for some kind of sign. He just smiled and gave me the choice to accept or reject.

  I said, “I would love to be there, buddy, but I don’t want to make any promises until we get closer to the date. Is that okay?”

  “Yeah, that’s fine.”

  “Thank you. I really do appreciate it.”

  He smiled and ducked his head back down to his plate, and then Devan and his parents both covered their mouths to stop their laughter.

  “Am I missing something here?” I happily asked.

  Devan wiped his mouth and dropped his napkin down on his plate. He looked over to Paxton and said, “No.”

  “Oh, man! Why not?” Paxton retorted.

  “It’s a no because Jake is a person, not one of the Avengers. You may not paint him green!”

  A round of laughter followed, and I literally had to hold my stomach.

  “They really do call me the Hulk at camp?” I inquired.

  “Yes, all of the moms do.”

  “And grandparents too! Right, Nonna?”

  “Yes, Paxton, we do.”

  Devan squeezed my thigh under the table. Our morning was awful, and I believed he would hate me forever, and now I am sharing a meal at his family’s home and have never felt more welcomed and accepted.

  After we helped clear the table, Paxton was exhausted and Devan put him to bed. He told his son to stay here again tonight, but he would be back in the morning to take him to camp.

  We still had to talk to his parents about the Harpers and how I was involved with them. I pulled Devan aside after we knew Paxton was asleep, and I said, “Babe, it has been a crazy day for the both of us. Are you sure you want to do this right now? What if they freak and kick me out? I’m not sure I will be able to go quietly after everything we shared today.”

  “Jake, it’s going to be okay. My parents are well aware of who the Harpers are. Why do you think they followed me to Atlanta, and now to Boise? It’s because they love and protect Paxton just as much as I do. It’s going to be alright, trust me.”

  “I do, with all my heart.”

  “Good, then you have nothing to worry about.”

  His parents had a game room located downstairs in the basement, far away from the upstairs where Paxton could hear us. His father asked if we wanted to play a game of pool, but Devan told him that would have to wait because we needed to have a conversation. Showing concerned expressions on their faces, they took a seat at the bar.

  “Drink? You look like you could use one, Jake.” His father gestured over to the scotch in his hand.

  “Yeah, that would be great,” I responded.

  “I’ll take one too, Dad.”

  “So, what’s this all about?” asked his father.

  Before I said another word, Devan told his father to hear me out before saying or reacting to what I would say. With the permission to speak freely, I revealed who I truly was.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Knight, I didn’t just meet your son on a whim. I knew who he was when I met him for the first time in town weeks ago. The reason why is because I was hired by Ruth and Tobias Harper to locate Devan and Paxton.”

  “What?!” his father roared.

  “Dad, please calm down and listen.”

  “The hell I will.” His father reached down behind the bar and cocked and aimed a double barrel shotgun right at me.

  “Fuck!” Devan said, as he nearly fell back from his stool. I raised my hands up, showing him, I was no threat. I had enough training to know what to do in a situation like this, but this wasn’t the war, and I didn’t want to hurt his father.

  “Dad, what are you doing with a loaded gun while my son is right upstairs?”

  “Protecting him, that’s what I’m doing. Now, step back, Mercer, before I blow a hole through your chest.”

  “Antonio, stop it!” Lainey screamed. “Put the gun down and calm yourself before someone gets hurt. Antonio! Now!” she said. She was finally able to get through to him, and his angered expression softened when he looked over to his son and wife, and then back to the gun he was holding. He straightened his shoulders and slowly lowered the rifle.

  “Dad, give me the gun,” Devan asked, and then his father locked the gun in place and handed it over. Devan took the weapon and gave it to me to remove the shells. His father’s hands were shaking to the point that his wife rounded the bar to grab them.

  “Look at me. Just breathe for me,” she softly said.

  “Dad, it’s okay. I swear that Jake is no threat to us. At first, it’s exactly what I believed, but then he told me the whole story. I believe him.”

  “Devan, he’s a liar, don’t you see that? He used you to get to Paxton, and now the Harpers are coming for him. I will never allow that to happen.”

  I interjected, “I won’t either, sir. I swear it. I know you feel betrayed, but I swear to you that I’ve only been working this case to build one against them. Information has come to light that will keep him from ever coming anywhere near your grandson. I’ve given Devan my word.”

  Another round of drinks calmed us all down, and then I shared with his parents what I already told Devan. They were horrified in disbelief that the man they once called their friend before was filled with so much hate and could do such a thing as hurt that young girl. After the lengthy conversation, I wasn’t sure if his father truly believed or trusted me, but he gave me his word that he wouldn’t pull a gun on me again. His mother was shocked after we explained how the Harpers found out about Paxton.

  “I did this to you. I’m so sorry.”

  “No, mama, don’t ever say that. You had no way of knowing that those people would see the photo.”

  “We’ve been so careful all of these years, and to know one slip has brought him back into our lives…I am so sorry, Devan.”

  He rushed over to her and got on his knees, holding her delicate hands in his. “Mama, you did nothing
wrong. I couldn’t have made it all these years without your love and support. We will be okay, all of us. With Jake’s help, we will fight them and win. Not only for Paxton but for Carrie too.”

  “Oh, that poor girl. You don’t think…” Lainey said.

  “I’m not sure. She never said. You still have her boxes out in the barn?” Devan asked.

  “Yes, but we moved them to the storage unit behind it. Here’s the key.”

  “Okay, we’re going to say goodnight now, and we’re going to look through the boxes. Take care of Paxton, and I’ll be back in the morning.”

  “We love you, son.”

  “I know. I love you too.” He got up, and his father joined him, and they all embraced each other.

  They had so much love between them, and it would be my life’s mission to keep their family safe and protected. That’s what I do. I always get the bad guy.

  And his name is Harper.

  I never believed I would ever witness my father aim a gun at another human being, but tonight, he had no problem whatsoever aiming one at Jake. When he believed he was a threat, he was on the verge of eliminating him.

  I wasn’t sure what Jake would do, but he remained calm and did not hurt my father. As we went through Carrie’s boxes, we talked about it. Jake told me it was a military thing that my father did, on top of natural instinct to protect his family. From day one, soldiers were trained to serve and protect. Fear had no place in the mind and heart of a soldier. What my father did back there was the only way he knew how to do those vital things.

  I was still a little shaken by it, but it was already forgotten by Jake. After combing through two boxes, Jake was going through the third when he handed me what looked like a diary. I recognized it from one that Carrie had when we were kids. I ran my fingers over the tattered cover that had her scribble all over it.

  “Are you okay, babe?” he asked.

  “Yeah, I’m fine. I’m just remembering a time when I found this once when she lived next door to me. She didn’t freak but threatened to cut off my balls if I tried to read one page of her precious book. She said it was full of secrets and wishes. Some she said she wished she could forget and then the rest she wanted to come true. I can’t believe I remember all of that, and I never questioned her about it.”