Conned

by Charity Parkerson

  “This place is gorgeous. Just not as much as you,” Army added. It was funny how Army’s tone hadn’t changed—like he spoke of the weather. Yet Brit’s body reacted as if the most sultry of words had been spoken against his neck.

  “Three days is too long without you.”

  A slow smile stretched Army’s lips. “I’m a librarian. Traveling as much as you do is out of my reach. I’m trying to come to you as often as I can.”

  Brit nodded. “I know, and I’m trying to come to you as often as I can. That still doesn’t change the fact that three days is too long without you. Who was your friend downstairs?” Brit asked, changing the subject before he jumped Army and all chance at conversation was lost.

  Army moved closer to Brit. “Jaylah. We met about an hour ago. You’re changing the subject.”

  It wasn’t like Brit could call him a liar. “You should take up acting. Your reaction to me handing you my jacket was priceless.”

  The distance between them disappeared. Army pressed against him. Their matched heights had them nose to nose. Brit loved the man’s blue eyes. He was gorgeous. “I wasn’t acting. Having any part of you is like a dream come true. You’re right. Three days is too long.”

  Brit broke. His lips found Army’s like opposite ends of a magnet. The shirt he wore pulled tight against his back as Army tightened his hold on the material. It was a dangerous game he played with Army. Brit was wrong to spend so much time with the man. He hadn’t thought anyone could get to him. Brit also hadn’t anticipated Army’s kiss. Army kissed like he’d taken a fucking class on the subject. He hesitated at just the right moments, drawing Brit in before sucking Brit’s bottom lip. Everything was perfectly timed with the precise pressure and skill to rock Brit to his core. Army made Brit forget a world existed outside of them.

  Army loosened the button on Brit’s jeans.

  Brit’s breath caught. If there was anything Army did better than kiss, it was the way he fucked. Jesus. The man was an addiction.

  Army’s lips moved from Brit’s mouth to his jaw. Cool air brushed his hips as Army dragged the material lower. Brit’s hands never moved from holding Army’s jaw. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to touch Army everywhere. Army made him useless. Brit had no clue why Army came back for more. He had to be the most boring fuck Army ever had. When Army touched him, Brit surrendered.

  Army cupped Brit’s erection through his underwear. “You mess with my head. The way your cock leaks like you’re dying for me is the biggest high. Damn, I must’ve been very good in a past life.”

  Brit tilted his chin up and gave Army better access to his throat. Army licked his pulse once more before pulling away long enough to steal Brit’s shirt. He threw his off too, making Brit whimper when their bare chests met. Through a haze of lust, Brit struggled for air and watched as Army calmly removed his glasses. He set them on the nearby table. Their gazes met. Army didn’t look away as he slid Brit’s underwear down his hips. He walked backward, holding Brit’s stare. A condom appeared between the man’s fingers. He bit the corner and ripped the package open. Brit couldn’t look away as Army set his erection free and rolled the condom down his length. Brit kicked out of his clothes and followed. Army sat on the couch. Brit didn’t need verbal instructions. He obeyed Army’s silent commands. The man held him hostage with his intense blue stare. Brit straddled Army. A cry of relief ripped from his throat as Army’s cock filled him. Brit didn’t know how one person could feel so goddamn empty without another person around, but he was there with Army. He let those thoughts fall away as he rocked himself on Army’s dick. Army watched him as if studying his every reaction and adjusting his pace to Brit’s needs.

  “Tell me nice things,” Army demanded.

  Brit couldn’t think straight. His body burned with desire.

  Army reached between them and jacked Brit’s dick. “You mean you don’t have a single good thing to say?”

  Brit had no idea how Army managed to appear so unaffected while Brit thought his mind might snap. He wasn’t sure he could still formulate words, much less a thought. “Bloody, hell, Army. You’re killing me.”

  The man’s smirk only managed to set Brit on fire even more than he already was. “That’s it, Brit. Use that sexy accent against me.” Army’s eyes fell closed for a second, as if the pleasure was too much. “Goddamn, sexy. You’re amazing.” His hips lifted as he pumped inside Brit. “I could stay inside you forever. You’re so hot and tight. Perfect.”

  Brit’s cock leaked on Army’s stomach. He dropped his head to Army’s shoulder and stared down at the mess. With a tight grip on the back of the couch, Brit took his pleasure from Army. He was so fucking close. The air felt devoid of oxygen. He couldn’t catch his breath. The ecstasy Army promised was just out of reach. Brit wanted the orgasm only Army could give him, but he equally didn’t want the moment to end. The only time he felt like anything other than a puppet was when Army set him free. In Army’s arms, he was just Brit—real and raw.

  Army’s long fingers encircled Brit’s soaked dick. Brit’s lips parted on a pant. The sight was more erotic than the raunchiest of porn. Then Army stroked, squeezing near the tip, and swiped his thumb across Brit’s crown. The thin floodgates holding back his insanity snapped. A cry tore from his lips. His teeth sank into Army’s shoulder as he tried hanging on to reality. He couldn’t breathe past the bliss choking him.

  “Jesus, Brit. I don’t know how to stay away,” Army admitted as he continued pumping inside Brit. He pulled Brit’s hair, forcing his mouth to Army’s. Brit’s bottom lip stung as Army’s teeth sank into his flesh. He moaned around Brit’s tongue as his orgasm hit. Brit wanted to beat his chest. Army made him feel like he was invincible. Their kiss softened as the fire simmered to a warmth. As always, the moment the insanity passed, the guilt set in. Army didn’t know him. Not really. If he did, he’d despise Brit. He could never, ever let Army find out the truth about him. Brit couldn’t lose this connection. The problem was, the more Army came around, the bigger the risk. Brit shifted, kissing Army’s jaw before pressing light kisses against the man’s ear and throat. There had to be a middle ground. Surely there was a way he could keep Army and not lose everything else.

  The large hotel suite felt way too big without Brit’s larger-than-life personality filling it. Army found himself trailing from room to room and back again. The entire place smelled like Brit. Too many times to count, Army forced himself to rearrange his features to temper his out-of-control smile. The only time he felt like this was with Brit. He didn’t know how to stop coming around. In the past four months, he’d shown up four times. It would’ve been more if Army could afford it, but as it was, he could only attend the conventions closest his home state. Even then, the expense was killing him. Luckily, Brit didn’t have any problem turning up at Army’s door. Between those visits, their countless Facetime visits, texts, calls, and every other way they could think to be together, Brit had completely stolen Army. He knew he was sick with love and want. The problem was, so was half the rest of the population. What real shot did Army have?

  The convention raged on without Army. He could’ve gone out and enjoyed the fun while Brit finished his appearances and panels. Instead, he chose to ramble around and pine. A huge grin spread across his face again, forcing Army to rearrange his features once more. He also didn’t want to run into Jaylah. She would want a story. The truth was for Brit and him alone.

  Army paused at the edge of the bed. He could strip and wait, but that seemed desperate, even to him. His cheeks ached, making him realize how big his smile had grown again. Jesus, he had a problem. The sound of someone banging around in the outer room had Army headed for the door. He couldn’t get back to Brit fast enough. This time, Army didn’t try beating back his grin. Brit had obviously knocked over a footstool. He was bent, straightening the furniture. Army enjoyed the view. Damn, everything about the sexy actor was hotter than hell.

  “Now, that’s a gorgeous sight.”

  Brit
spun and startled slightly at the sight of Army—like he’d forgotten Army was there. “Hey.” Brit’s voice was deeper than usual, as if his throat hurt from talking too much.

  “Hey, to you, too. I didn’t expect you back for at least another hour. Panels usually run longer.” Army eyed Brit’s outfit. He’d been wearing a t-shirt and jeans when he’d left. Now he sported some crazy ninja costume that covered him from head to toe, including his head and face. Only the man’s gorgeous blue eyes were visible. “What are you wearing?”

  “It’s for my latest movie.”

  Despite the oddness of Brit’s costume, Army was still turned on. Damn, Brit made everything sexy. He sidled closer to the sexy man of his dreams. “When did you change?” He eyed Brit’s odd ninja-style shoes. “And what kind of shoes are you wearing?”

  A line appeared between Brit’s eyes, as if confused by Army’s questions. His gaze dropped to Army’s feet before slowly coming back to rest on Army’s face. “What did you say your name was again?”

  Army blinked. He looked closer at Brit. The man’s eyes were dilated to the point Army could barely tell their color, and he hardly blinked. Army stopped breathing. He knew that look too well. He’d grown up with a junkie. “It’s Army. What are you on?”

  One corner of Brit’s mouth lifted in a smirk. “Like the actor.”

  Army tried taking a breath, but it hurt. His eyes stung. “Yeah, except it’s spelled differently. What did you take?” he asked again. Damn, Brit couldn’t even remember his name, or that they’d had this conversation before.

  Brit dug a prescription bottle from his pocket. He shook it at Army, but Army couldn’t read the label. “You want some? God knows, there’s no shortage of doctors willing to write me whatever prescription I need.”

  “No, thank you,” Army said through clenched teeth and crippling pain. “I think I’ll head back home.”

  “What’s the rush?” Brit asked as he closed the space between them. He wrapped his arms around Army and grabbed two handfuls of ass before hauling Army against him. There was no missing the erection between them. And, fuck, it was like Brit’s muscles were twice as big. Army didn’t like the sudden disadvantage. Brit never manhandled him. “You should stay and take care of me. Surely you don’t want to leave me in this condition.”

  “If you can still get it up as high as you are, you’re capable of taking care of yourself.”

  Brit shoved him away. “Why did you let me fuck you the first place if you plan to get pious now?” Brit didn’t give him time to answer. “You fucked me because I’m some vampire you saw on TV and crushed on, that’s why. You don’t know me. Nor do you want to. You like the idea of fucking a celebrity. The excitement of it all. Well, here I am, Army. I’m offering you all the thrills you’ll ever need.”

  Army ground his back teeth. He didn’t know what was going on, but he didn’t like this version of Brit. He never would’ve messed with the man if he’d known about the drugs. It had been a long time since Army hated himself. If Brit knew him at all, he wouldn’t have pulled this shit with Army here. “What about you?” Army asked, taking even himself by surprise with his deadly tone. “What do you know about me?”

  “Not a goddamn thing,” Brit answered without an ounce of shame in his voice. Not that the man was capable of feeling much at the moment, Army was sure. “I don’t want to know you. Tomorrow, you’ll be gone, and I’ll move to the next town, where there’ll be another one of you waiting.”

  “No.”

  Brit’s eyebrows hit his hairline at Army’s denial. “Oh, I promise you, there’ll be another.”

  Army shook his head. “Maybe, but I won’t be gone tomorrow. I’ll be gone tonight.” He headed for the door, intent on making good on his threat.

  Brit blocked his path, moving faster than Army thought possible, considering his high. “If you walk out now, don’t come crawling back.”

  Rage had Army firing back. “Do you have any idea how ridiculous you sound right now? You think I want to see you again? That’s rich.” Army slammed the door closed behind him with more force than intended. In a matter of hours, his life had gone from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. He should’ve known better. The minute they’d met, Army had known the man was too good to be true. Not to mention, nothing good ever happened to Army. Why should this be any different? When Army reached his car, a snort escaped him. It was an ugly sound, echoing through the parking garage. The fact that he’d found his way around the hotel with ease while leaving Brit, when it had been hard as hell to find the man, was all the sign Army needed. He shouldn’t have come here. He was also a goddamn idiot who would never have anything.

  Army climbed behind the wheel and crammed his keys in the ignition. The rage bled from him, leaving him deflated. He glanced up. The mirror on the back of the sun visor met him. His reflection stared back at him. Army looked every bit as ripped to shreds as he felt. Right now, anger saved him from falling apart. But he already knew it would be short lived. The moment his temper cooled, pain would be waiting. Right or not. Ridiculous or not, Army had fallen for Brit. It was over. They were done. Chances were good that Brit would never think of him again. He was no one. Just as Brit had assured him.

  Chapter 2

  To anyone else, it might seem a ridiculous waste of time to run home on his lunch break to grab his forgotten lunch. Unfortunately, Army’s tall frame required nourishment to keep moving. On paper, being a librarian didn’t sound taxing. In reality, there was a lot of walking and lifting involved. Plus, since coming home from the convention, Army’s mood had been complete shit. When he went hungry, he was twice the asshole. The two things combined meant ugly things for his co-workers and patrons. No one deserved that. He was saving everyone from himself.

  A plain black sedan sat in the driveway of Army’s two-bedroom cabin-style home. Damn, he hoped it wasn’t someone serving him with court papers. He thought he had all the collection agencies held at bay, but who knew. There might still be someone out there he didn’t know about. His mom had fucked up his credit and life beyond all repair. Things kept hitting him from left field. Army had never been more tired in his life and there wasn’t an ounce of hope in sight, much less a light at the end of the tunnel.

  He parked in the grass beside the car, leaving room for the vehicle to get out of the driveway around him. Even though the windows were tinted, he could see there wasn’t anyone inside. With a final deep breath, Army headed for the door. When he caught sight of the black clad figure, dressed in a stocking cap and sunglasses, sitting on his front steps, Army almost turned around. He only had so long for lunch. There weren’t enough hours in the day to deal with Brit. It had only been a week since the last time he’d set eyes on the man. Damned if it didn’t feel like an eternity. There was no excuse for how his heart skipped a beat at the first sight of him.

  “Hey,” Brit said, sounding every bit as unsure of his welcome as he should.

  Army swallowed around the hurt and anger. “Hey.”

  Brit came to his feet. “I couldn’t stay away.” He didn’t sound happy about it.

  “You should have.”

  “Okay. Ouch,” Brit said in the driest tone Army had ever heard.

  Army rocked back on his heels and buried his hands in his coat pockets. “Seriously, Brit. You shouldn’t be surprised. You made it clear I don’t mean anything to you.”

  “I need a favor,” Brit said before Army could work himself up.

  An ugly-sounding snort escaped Army. He pushed his way past Brit and shoved his key in the door. “Of course, you do. Every fucking junkie in the world needs something from me. That’s why my life is a fucking mess. You may as well join the team.” He was too pissed off to tell Brit to fuck off. The man followed him inside. His phone was ringing. Army raced to answer while doing his best to ignore Brit’s presence.

  “Hello?” Even to Army’s ears, he sounded winded.

  “May I speak to Army Nelson?”

  Army pinched
the bridge of his nose. He recognized the nasally voice of the woman who worked for the company that financed his car. “This is he.”

  “Mr. Nelson, are you aware you are forty-five days late on your car payment?”

  “Yes, I’m aware. I spoke to you last week, and you extended my grace period. As far as I’m aware, that deal still holds.” Fuck. Of course this would happen while Brit stared at him. Life did enjoy kicking him around.

  “It’s company policy to do a follow-up to ensure you intend to you hold up your end. Can we still expect payment by Friday?”

  Army nodded, even though she couldn’t see him. “Yes. I get paid on Friday. I’ll pay online after my direct deposit goes through.”

  “Okay. Let me give you my name, number, and the extension where I can be reached, in case you run into any snags.”

  Army grabbed a nearby pen and scratch pad. “Sounds good.” He scratched out the woman’s information while avoiding Brit’s gaze. Brit probably hadn’t been late paying a bill in his life. In fact, he probably had someone who handled all this on his behalf. With his phone call at an end, and nothing else to hold his attention, Army had no other choice than to focus on Brit.