Hotter Horizons

by JC Szot

  “Ugh, God,” Alec growled. His body went tight with effort. Muscles pulled and burned. Levi gasped. Alec watched his lover’s entire body quake with pleasure.

  Levi pulled out of her mouth. Fern’s sated brown eyes opened, mirroring all the passion. Levi continued to fondle his cock. Streams of pearly froth erupted from his body, decorating her breast. Levi tipped his hips, his head flinging back. Howling groans roared in Alec’s ears, the mating completed again, and marked with flawless perfection.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Over the next two weeks they settled into a contented routine that was fueled with profound exploration. They were experimenting, studying. There was so much you could do, especially with two men who loved each other the way Levi and Alec did.

  Levi’s candidness only made the bond stronger, uniting them as three along with the absolute balance of Alec’s softer side. It was a bond that was safe and solid.

  Fern had made arrangements for them to travel to Easton to see Jada and the Chippendales perform at the casino. Alec had taken a few days off from work, and Levi had asked someone to cover all his clients. They would be away for two days.

  As much as Fern couldn’t wait to see Jada, the fine edge of fear where Johnny was concerned was slicing through, spoiling the excitement. She didn’t want to talk to the men about it. Levi often got too riled up, and Fern didn’t want him worrying about it.

  Alec, on the other hand, had the skill of reading her like an unlocked diary. The morning they were packing the car to leave, he cornered her in the garage.

  “Hey,” he said lightly, his fingers in her hair. He always touched her when he spoke to her, needing that tactile connection. “I know what’s flitting through that pretty head of yours.” He gave her a knowing look.

  Fern shrugged, feeling her stomach roll over. Her morning yogurt was curdling in her stomach. Alec was shaking his head, his vibrant blue gaze direct.

  “Not gonna happen. This trip is ours, and no one else’s. Got that?” he said stiffly.

  Fern nodded.

  “Okay.” She sighed, taking his hand. His fingers tightened around hers.

  ****

  The trip felt longer than it should. Fern had forgotten about the issue of traffic and how she’d had to dodge all the chaos through Easton during the rush hour. They arrived at the casino a half hour before the show.

  After they checked in, flashing their IDs, Fern took both of their hands and pulled Alec and Levi through the crowded lounge, making her way toward the bar. Jada’s excited squeals trailed through the air before Fern could see her.

  “Fern, over here,” Jada called, waving frantically.

  Fern steered them through the clusters of bodies. Sweet fragrances mixed with a male spiciness. Swirling lights of red, blue, and green blinked in her eyes. The crowds parted for them. With the bar in sight, Fern quickly grabbed one of the stools.

  Alec and Levi folded in around her like two bodyguards. A wide, welcoming grin spread across Jada’s lips.

  “You made it!” She flung up her hands and rounded the bar. A short, black leather skirt grazed her thighs, her top a bold white with silver sequins. Dance music trembled in Fern’s ears, and Jada’s voice rose to converse.

  “Yup.” Fern opened her arms for a hug. “We wouldn’t miss this show.” She laughed, pulling back to see Jada’s face.

  Jada’s eyes sparked with humor, her perfectly arched brows waggling. Vivid colors streaked her platinum hair from the track lighting above.

  “I bet.” She smirked. “How are you fellas?” she asked, seeking Levi and Alec over her shoulder.

  “Great, Jada, how about you?” Alec leaned into her, grazing his lips across Jada’s cheek. Her friend blushed, waving away a rush of heat. She winked at Fern before intercepting Levi’s embrace.

  “Thanks for having us.” Levi rocked back on his heels, releasing her.

  Levi was manning his post tonight. Fern could see the lines deepen in his expression, taking in his unfamiliar surroundings and feeling the urge to protect. Jada’s voice broke through her thoughts.

  “What can I get you guys to drink?” She reached for her tray on the bar.

  “I’ll take a white wine,” Fern told her, swiveling around to Levi and Alec.

  The guys both ordered beer. As more stools were vacated by patrons wanting a piece of the dance floor, Levi and Alec claimed a stool on either side of her.

  Jada flitted around the bar, serving all the customers at her station, talking with them intermittently.

  When the lights began to dim and the music shifted tempos, Fern squirmed in her seat. The announcer’s voice reverberated through the microphone, quickly going through the rules and etiquette of the evening’s performance.

  Levi leaned into her, his voice deep in her ear.

  “I’m assuming that these men will get you all torqued up, Frances?”

  Fern turned, connecting with his blazing stare.

  “Not the way that you do,” she said, her reply murmured between tight lips. She fidgeted in her seat, feeling her body react to the innuendo that often gushed from him. Levi sank back in his stool, shock coating his features. Alec playfully rocked into her shoulder from the opposite side.

  “What’s going on?” His brows pulled together below the brim of his hat. Fern loved when Alec wore his derby. It was his visual signature.

  The music started. Fern shrugged and waved off the recent banter. She could see the shadowed figures as they made their way out on stage. She glanced at Alec, knowing his attention had already been diverted.

  Bob Seger’s “Her Strut” pounded from the speakers. Yellow and red lights lit up the stage as the hard flesh of ten men filled her eyes. The curved outline of their biceps flexed below immaculate skin as their feet stomped to the music.

  Fern gawked at the assorted costumes, noting that the police officer and construction worker were leaving a pleasing taste on her palate.

  Levi slid off his stool, rummaging in his pocket. He tossed a roll of bills out onto the glossy bar, shooting Fern and Alec a sly sideward glance. He remained on his feet. Levi’s mouth parted into a sensual smile, signifying that he was ready to be catered to, no matter what the cost.

  The men began to slowly disrobe, drawing in the audience with every inch of bare skin that was revealed. The stage darkened as water began to fall from above, raining over their naked flesh. Water beaded off their skin, their physiques glittering. Tiny rivulets trailed down their bodies. Levi groaned when one of the men came up to him, thrusting his hips.

  Though his cock was barely clothed, it was long and hard beneath his metallic-colored G-string. His body undulated for Levi, his eyes gleaming as he gazed down at all three of them. A hand moved in her eye’s periphery. Alec leaned up onto the stage, the bills extending from between his fingers.

  Fern watched Alec as he stuffed several bills into the dancer’s G-string, his eyes glazed. Her men were panting, soaking it all in as if their skin was parched and needed a drink. The heady musk of the dancers’ bodies evaporated into the humid air, bathing their faces with a warmed mist.

  The men gyrated and pranced across the stage, their groins covered by a mere scrap of material. Levi sat back on his stool, jamming two fingers into his mouth. A loud shrill of a whistle rang through the already cheering crowd.

  They were hot, the crowd riled. Fern downed the rest of her wine. As she set her glass down, it was then that she noticed Jada’s paled expression. Fern squinted, trying to read the worry lines that creased between Jada’s perfectly manicured brows. Her stomach tensed. Acid crept up into the back of her throat, its burn punishing.

  Fern spun around on her stool. The sight that filled her vision almost had her retching right at the Chippendales’ feet.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Those black eyes, a curtain of evil she’d had to look at for way too long, were back. Johnny’s stare chipped into her like an ice pick as he eyed her over the neck of his beer bottle. He downed the
entire beer, setting it on the tray of a passing waitress.

  Fern spun around, meeting Jada’s wide gaze. Her eyes darted like a frightened animal. Fern’s mind reeled, trying to think fast. He’d caught her off guard, just as he always did. That was Johnny’s specialty, his only talent. Jada’s hand waved frantically, motioning her to the back of the bar.

  The dancers were getting a standing ovation, on the brink of doing an encore. The crowd rose to their feet, shielding them from Johnny’s oppressive presence. Fern grabbed Levi and nudged Alec in the ribs.

  “What is it?” Alec asked, his face still dazed from a stage full of naked men.

  “We have to get outta here,” Fern said, her tone anxious. The wine tipped in her stomach, sweat now forming on her brow. Apparently Levi hadn’t been as distracted as Fern had thought. Levi was still, his expression hard. The flesh of his jaw twitched slightly below the shallow growth he’d left on his face.

  “I knew it.” Levi shook his head. “I felt it in my gut before we even left the fucking house. Thugs are so predictable.”

  “We need to leave. Jada’s taking us out the back way. Now!” Fern yelled. She pawed at their shirts.

  “This is such fucking bull. I’ll twist his head right off his neck, right where he stands.” Levi’s eyes flashed as he stood. Fern waved off his threat. She was in no mood to collect data on the three egos that had her surrounded.

  “Take it easy. We’ll go … we’ll do whatever you want,” Alec said softly, taking her hand.

  Jada was right there, her face pained. She yanked Alec’s arm and began tugging them toward the back door, Levi grumbling behind them. Fern stayed between them, frantic to get out.

  The music and roaring outbursts from the audience receded as they made their way down a dark hall. An illuminated exit sign above the door had their skin bleeding out with a red hue, mirroring their wounded evening. Jada pushed open the door with force.

  Cool air wafted into her face, lifting the stifling heat and panic from her.

  “Please be careful,” Jada said, her tone wavering. “I have to get back in there. I gotta find Ronnie, the bouncer. The three of you should just leave … it’s best.” Jada’s words were hurried. She turned on her heel and darted back inside.

  ****

  “I’m not fucking going anywhere,” Levi said, his fingers curled and ready. “Let that punk try to work his program on me.” Levi glared at them.

  Alec didn’t like the looks of things. It’d been so much better inside about ten minutes ago.

  A shroud of darkness blanketed the desolate lot behind the casino. Several streetlights in the distance lit up the asphalt with a chalky sheen.

  Alec took the reins before Levi lost it. “I’m gonna go get the car,” he said calmly.

  “Fuck it all!” Levi yelled. “Someone’s going to stand up to this motherfucker.”

  “It’s not going to be us,” Alec said, his tone clipped. “I try not to waste my energy on people like him.”

  At the sound of heels crunching on asphalt, Alec turned, coming head to head with the man who’d caused Fern to leave and run right into their arms. Maybe he should thank Johnny. Alec’s thoughts ran in circles before settling into a calm, rational thought like a diagramed sentence.

  If it wasn’t for Johnny’s arrogant stupidity, there would’ve been nothing that would have driven Fern to leave, leading her right to their doorstep. He needed to meditate on that. Before he could speak, Johnny’s harsh words inflated in the air, quickly changing the atmosphere, and not for the better.

  “What you got here, Fern?” Johnny’s laughter was rough, scraping over him like shards of glass. “Where’d you pick up these two clowns?”

  Levi bit back. His words of warning made Alec’s heart drum.

  This guy has no idea what Levi is capable of.

  Levi might look like a lightweight, but he could fight. He’d grown up on the streets of Newark, New Jersey, and still sported the battle scars to prove it.

  “You know what the problem is with men like you?” Levi asked, tilting his head, moving closer to Johnny.

  “Oh God,” Fern moaned, lowering her head into her hands. “Levi, please.”

  Alec took her hand, squeezing it briefly. Her face hung, her beauty draining. Alec could see all the past exhaustion of dealing with a man like Johnny. It was like sludge backing up and polluting a pool of pristine water. Alec guided their steps back, turning her to face him.

  “Go inside,” Alec whispered, raising his chin toward the door. Fern shrugged out of his grasp, her tone one of defiance.

  “No way,” she said coldly.

  “What’s the problem with men like me?” Johnny lifted his hands, egging Levi on, provoking him.

  “Your kind … I’m not going to use the word ‘man,’ because a man you are not.” Levi smiled at him, laughing right in his face. “You’re nothing but a coward.”

  Johnny’s face pinched with anger, his eyes narrowed.

  “That’s right.” Levi laughed, his contempt fueling the fire. You think you’re so tough. Deep down you’re an insecure head-case who could probably use a good shrink along with some medication. What man resorts to intimidating women?”

  Johnny’s face darkened. Alec watched the exchange closely, his eyes glued to a confrontation that was ready to boil over.

  “Is that right?” Johnny rolled his shoulders. His leather jacket creaked as their words slowed to a stop. “So tell me … what’s the deal here?” Johnny tilted his head, gesturing to the three of them. “You both fucking her or what?”

  The scuffle exploded like cannon fire, the gunpowder potent. Feet skidded over pavement as Levi lunged for Johnny, throwing the first punch. Johnny lost his footing, stumbling backward. He grabbed the edge of the dumpster, regaining his composure.

  Levi didn’t wait, coming back at Johnny again. Subsequent punches were fired at Johnny’s face. His head was knocked back, his teeth tapping.

  Fern screamed.

  “Levi, please!” Fern’s cries resonated through the desolate, dark parking lot. Blood ran from Johnny’s nose like a red river.

  Alec ran up from behind, grabbing Levi by his heaving shoulders. The odor of stale beer and burnt ashes seeped into his nose.

  Johnny’s fist recoiled, but he missed Levi’s face, knocking Alec square in the jaw.

  Lines of sizzling pain seared up his jaw, electrocuting his brain. He froze, stunned, blinking back the tears that burned in his eyes, clouding his vision. Alec tried to shake off the agony as it traveled through his body. He was losing the war. His legs buckled, his bones disintegrating. Levi turned, shoving Johnny back with one hand. Levi’s face wrinkled with worry, his features wide with shock. The world went fuzzy. Alec’s eyes darkened as if someone had dimmed a light switch.

  “Damn it!” Alec moaned, stumbling. Levi’s hands grabbed him as his world slanted.

  A wave of force hit him again as his head exploded. Liquid metal filled his mouth, his throat gagging. Excruciating pain barreled through him, etching through his skull like a knife on concrete. Flames lashed around his vertebra, settling in the base of his neck before everything went black.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  “I have your coffee,” she said softly, touching Levi’s shoulder. Tendons flinched beneath her palm. Levi shook his head. He stared out the window, his eyes avoiding hers.

  Fern set the two Styrofoam cups down. She met Levi’s eyes in the reflection of the glass. Tears lined his shadowed cheeks. His hair was mussed. Dried blood scabbed over his cheek. Fern’s heart sank to her feet. Emptiness echoed in and around her.

  Alec was being tended to in the ER. By the time Jada had gotten Ronnie out back, it was too late. They’d come for Alec quickly, Levi and Fern following the racing ambulance close behind.

  “I have to sit down,” Levi gasped, falling into a nearby chair. He buried his head in his hands. Muffled moans filled the quiet room as his shoulders began to shake. It was almost 2 a.m.

&n
bsp; Fern knelt down in front of him, pulling him into her chest. The anguished cries came. Levi sobbed into her. His spine quivered under her hands as she smoothed them down a body that’d gone tight, trembling like a fault line.

  “It’s all my fault. I let that bastard get the best of me,” Levi said, choking on his tears. “I let that lowlife asshole hurt my man.” His voice was raw.

  Fern shook her head.

  “Stop. We can’t undo what’s been done. We have to pray that he’s okay,” Fern said, attempting to steady her voice. She wanted to be the strong one, needed to be, but the guilt was closing in, smothering her from all sides.

  The sight of Alec’s hat lying on the nearby table had her pinching her eyes closed. If she hadn’t landed on their doorstep, they wouldn’t be here. Alec wouldn’t be getting a CT scan right now. Bile rose into the back of her throat.

  “This happened because of me … not you.” Her words were laced with disgust. “If I hadn’t shown up at your door, this would’ve never happened.”

  Levi’s head snapped up. His eyes locked with hers. Anger spewed from him.

  “Don’t—”

  “Excuse me, folks.” A voice behind them intervened.

  Fern rocked back in her heels. Levi jumped to his feet. The doctor sat down across from them, motioning Levi back into his chair. Fern stayed on her knees, gripping Levi’s leg.

  “I’m Dr. Scala.” He nodded, speaking slowly, his tone flat.

  “Is he going to be okay?” Levi asked, scooting to the edge of his chair, his body rigid with eagerness.

  Dr. Scala raised a hand. “Alec is very lucky,” he said, his gaze floating between them. “He has a concussion, but it is a grade three.” Dr. Scala’s brows pulled together in seriousness.