* * * * *
“I don’t care what you say, Doc. It’s not normal for a man his age to be sleeping this much.”
Gar cracked a single eye open to see Mace standing there, hands on hips, glaring at an older woman he assumed was Doc.
“It is perfectly normal when the man in question had a giant piece of metal sheeting fall on his body and tear his leg up.” Doc snapped Mace on the end of her nose. “And don’t think just because the captain promoted you to second-in-command you can come in here and tell me how to do my job.”
“He’s my brother.”
“He’s my patient.”
“Gods save me from the pair of you.”
“Gar!” Mace grinned, pulling him up into a crushing hug. “I didn’t know you were awake.”
“How could I sleep with you bitching and complaining?”
She smacked him hard in the shoulder. “Bastard.”
“Please no hitting my patient, Ms. Simms. Not until I’ve had a chance to look him over. How are you feeling, Mr. Stitt?”
“Leg hurts. Back hurts. Chest throbs.”
Doc tapped her finger on the computer monitor. “Good. All as it should be.”
Mace snorted. “Pain is as it should be?”
“Your brother had half a ship fall on him. He’s very fortunate he can feel anything at all and isn’t lying there paralyzed.” She typed in a few more commands and Gar was overtaken by a rush of euphoric numbness. “There we go.”
“Wow,” he said, examining the tips of his fingers, fascinated by the sudden tingle. “What was that?”
“Painkiller. Some nice drugs the captain drummed up from a Loyalist colony a few months back. Good to know they work as intended.”
“Am I going to be able to talk to him?” Mace took the chair beside his bed. Gar picked up her hand and started poking the tips of her fingers. “Or is he a drugged-out mess now?”
“Talk, but he’ll sleep again soon.”
Gar only noticed Doc had left when the whoosh of the door closing caught his attention. “She’s nice.”
Mace chuckled. “You’re only saying that because she gave you the good drugs.”
“She likes me.” He grinned.
“No, she likes Faolan and Faolan likes you.”
“I like Faolan.” Somewhere in the back of his mind, Gar registered what he’d said. Normally, he’d die before confessing anything remotely close to his true feelings. It didn’t matter Mace was the only family he had—Gar’s feeling were his alone. The drugs must have been stronger than he realized.
“You do?” Mace brushed the hair from his forehead, letting him feel cooler. “You just met him though.”
“I’m lonely. Faolan makes me smile.”
Mace opened her mouth to say something, snapping it shut before frowning and trying again. “So you’ve been on your own since leaving Zeten?”
Nodding, he liked the dizzy rush the motion caused. “I’m not good for anyone. Hurt you and Dad. Jason didn’t want me around. Scared I’d hurt him too.”
“You’re not scared you’re going to hurt Faolan?”
When he shook his head, Gar did it a bit too fast, causing his stomach to flip in a nauseous spin. “He’s…no, won’t hurt him.”
“Okay, settle down.” Mace cooed at him, rubbing the back of his hand and forearm until Gar’s panic began to subside. “Sorry, big brother. I guess those drugs are stronger than the Doc gave them credit.”
Sighing, Gar turned until he could hug Mace’s arm. “Missed you, Macie.”
“I missed you too, Gar. Get some rest.”
“Don’t be mad at me,” he muttered before drifting off to sleep without hearing her response.
* * * * *
Gar woke up alone. With his mind clear of drugs, the ache from his body was strong, but manageable. Surprised he’d been left on his own, he pushed himself to a sitting position high enough not to choke on the water he greedily gulped. His memories of the past little while were fuzzy. Vague recollections of Faolan and Mace bled together until he wasn’t sure if they were all true or manufactured fantasies.
Gods, he wasn’t even sure of the date.
Reaching over, he tried to press the computer display, but only managed to knock over his water glass. “Shit.”
It was at that moment Faolan chose to walk into the room. “What the hell are you doing?”
“Wanted to see what the star date is. Guess I’m still not coordinated.”
“Well, you’re certainly more coherent than the last time I saw you. Turns out there was a bit of a truth serum mixed in with the pain meds. Fun people, those Loyalists.”
Foggy recollection of a conversation with Mace crept up to the forefront of his mind. “I hope you didn’t take advantage, Wolf.”
Faolan grinned. “I would never dream of it. Though I have to admit you were quite the conversationalist. My cock was stiff and sore from listening to that accent of yours.”
Gar groaned and buried his face in his hands. “I hate you.”
“If by hate you mean you can’t get enough of my big hands and tight ass, then I hate you too.”
Gar began to chuckle, only to have it turn into a full-out laugh that was quickly joined by Faolan. “And to answer your earlier question, you’ve been in my med bay for just over a week.”
All amusement fell away from Gar. “Gods.”
Faolan’s gaze roamed over Gar’s body, the white medical shirt doing very little to conceal his chest. “I was scared you weren’t going to get out of bed again. Doc checked your latest scans and she thinks you’ll be able to be moved to private quarters later today if you are up for it.”
Something in the way Faolan spoke grabbed Gar’s attention. “Do you have spare quarters?”
“We do, but they’re not very big.” Faolan sat on the edge of the bed and smoothed down the blanket bunched around Gar’s waist. “Of course, my quarters would be ideal for you until the Geilt is livable again.”
Stunned didn’t do Gar’s feelings justice. “You want me to live in your quarters?”
“Just until you are back on your feet. Don’t get any ideas about this being a permanent arrangement, hunter.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Gar wasn’t about to tell him how relieved he was. The idea of going back to a solitary existence terrified him. The bonus being he’d have more opportunity to spend getting to know Faolan.
“Good.” Faolan shifted his hand so it rested on Gar’s thigh.
The bandage covering his wound itched as the skin graft below healed. Gar scratched through the coverings, wishing he was completely healed. His fingers brushed Faolan’s, pulling a gasp from both of them. The look in Faolan’s eyes sent a shiver through Gar’s body, straight to his cock.
“Today?” He entwined his fingers with Faolan’s.
“Right now if you want. I can pull some strings. I know the captain.”
“I hear he’s a bastard.”
“Only to people who’ve pissed him off.”
Gar bit his lower lip. “Are you sure you want to do this? Have me around all the time?”
“It’s just until you are back on your feet.” He squeezed Gar’s thigh gently. “I mean, I know you’d do the same for me.”
“Yeah, of course. It really shouldn’t be very long at all.”
“Nope, you’ll be walking around being a pain in the ass in no time.”
“And it will be a good chance for us to work out a plan for you to sell the stone.”
Faolan stood, grinning. “See, I knew this was a great idea. I’ll let Doc know.”
“Fantastic.” Gar’s cheeks ached from the strain of his smile.
He wanted nothing more than to be closer to Faolan, to have the opportunity to learn everything there was to know about the pirate. His blood hummed as it raced through his body, the promise of happiness within his reach. All he had to do was not screw it up.
He could do that. He hoped.
Chapter Fourteen
“This was a mistake.”
Gar swung his legs over the side of the bed and tried to escape Faolan’s grasp before he was mothered to death. If the week in the med bay had been a haze of want and half memories, the following week in Faolan’s quarters was the crystal-clear realization of how different they really were.
He’d tried to relax and let Faolan look after his needs, but he wasn’t used to having every detail of his life managed for him. Gods, he wasn’t a child in need of care. He’d survived the worst situation imaginable and come out the other side stronger for the experience. Maybe Faolan’s care and constant touches were a byproduct of the older man’s own loneliness, something he tried his hardest to hide from others.
It was more than apparent to Gar.
“I told you not to push yourself as hard as you were.” Faolan sighed on his way to snatch a glass of Terrin brandy. Hating himself a little, Gar couldn’t help staring at the roll of muscles as Faolan swallowed the drink down. “Doc only gave you the all clear a few days ago. You can’t expect us to find you something you can do right away. Plus, you’re getting stronger every day. Why not sit back and rest up?”
He’d honestly tried to make it work between them…whatever the hell it was. Lust for sure, but Gar knew something else was trying to build. He wasn’t about to put a label on it, as nothing good would come of it. Separation would give him the perspective necessary to figure out his feelings and exactly what he wanted to do about them.
“I’m not talking about working on your ship.” Gar didn’t want to have this conversation. Not after everything Faolan had done to help him. Squeezing his knees as hard as his injury would allow, Gar fought to keep his voice even. “I’m talking about me staying here with you.”
The hollow echo of the glass being set down heavily on the table filled the room. “What?”
Smooth, Gar. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been with anyone for an extended period of time. Hell, you’ve been around me consecutively longer in three weeks than Jason had for the past three years.”
“And that’s a bad thing?”
He knew Faolan didn’t understand the need to be on his own. If Gar had learned nothing else about the man over the past few weeks, it was his need for constant companionship. Not that Faolan was any more forthcoming on the personal information than Gar, but he seemed to thrive on the need to have people cling to his side.
It drove Gar insane. “I think I’ll move back to the Geilt.”
“It’s in no condition for you to be living there. You’re in no condition to be living there. What if there is a problem and you need Doc?”
“The Geilt is tethered to your ship. Not exactly a long distance or far-flung galaxy. If I need Doc she can get to me fast enough.”
Faolan crossed his arms over his chest and widened his stance. Gar now knew this was his typical I’m the captain and you damn well better listen to me pose. “I’m not going to risk the well-being of my crew to accommodate an asinine request.”
Gar cocked an eyebrow. “Excuse me? Not a member of your crew, Wolf.”
Faolan waved the protest away. “Of course you are. Jason betrayed you, where else will you go? You’ll stay with us.”
Of all the conceited, arrogant presumptions. “I prefer to be on my own.”
Faolan opened his mouth to respond, reconsidered and snapped it shut. He poured another two fingers of the brandy, downing it in one gulp. “No one should be alone, Gar. Not even you. Especially not you.”
Dropping his chin to his chest, Gar sighed. “You presume to know me very well.”
“Better than you think.”
“I’m not like you, Wolf.” Two different men from two very different backgrounds. Gar wasn’t sure if he could take the step forward necessary to bridge the gap to take them to the space that resided beyond friendship. “I’m too used to being on my own.”
Faolan tapped the tabletop with his finger before pulling his shirt off and padding barefoot over to the bed. He didn’t reach for Gar or make any move to sit beside him—he stood and waited, hands on hips.
“What?” Gar asked when he couldn’t take the unusual silence any longer.
“How are we different?”
What the hell? “Do you want a detailed description or will a short list be sufficient?”
Faolan frowned. “Shut up and listen for once. I asked you a simple question. Answer it.”
“I don’t understand.” They didn’t have even a passing resemblance.
“Look at me.” Faolan held his arms out wide, causing the muscles of his chest and stomach to pull taut. “How am I different?”
Gar bore down hard, grinding his teeth together. “We’re different people…and I’m not talking physically.”
“Neither am I.” He didn’t move, spread out for inspection. “Question still stands.”
Not one to admit when he didn’t understand what the hell was going on, Gar rose to his feet, careful not to brush against the other man. Faolan’s long hair kissed the tops of his shoulders, calling out to Gar to touch, grab hold of, tug. Resisting the urge, Gar circled around behind Faolan’s near-naked body, surprised by the amount of body heat coming off his skin.
“Have you figured it out yet?” Faolan spoke with a lover’s voice, soft and low.
Gar hadn’t. The first touch of his fingers along the muscles of Faolan’s back elicited a gasp from the older man. Holding his position, Faolan allowed the exploration, giving silent permission for Gar to do what he willed.
Four pink nail tracks marred the flawless skin as Gar scratched down to the base of his spine. The answering gasp gave him a clue to what Faolan was getting at.
“Skin,” Gar muttered. “Holds everything inside.”
Placing both hands on Faolan’s hips, he pressed his thumbs into the small of his back.
“Muscles.” Underlying strength keeping them moving. Gar knew how hard it was for Faolan to continue on, a small measure of pride that he’d been chosen to be the older man’s confidant.
The top of Faolan’s pants hung neatly on his hips, held fast by the belt. Gar reached around to fumble with the buckle, needing to feel the heat of Faolan’s body completely pressed against his. It didn’t feel right having a barrier between them. Not after everything they’d been through.
When had the conversation shifted to seduction in his mind? Gar couldn’t be sure. One more talent Faolan possessed—that of misdirection.
“Clothing?” Faolan offered in an amused tone.
“Mine’s better.”
“Agreed.”
Gar popped the final button on Faolan’s pants, giving him the access he wanted. Holding his passions in check, he slid his hand up instead of down, enjoying the quivering muscles beneath his touch. The strength of the other man, a match for Gar in every way.
Gar pressed his mouth to the shoulder before him and whispered against the skin. “Stomach.”
Faolan sighed as he leaned back against him. “Yes.”
Gar found Faolan’s nipples easily, rolling the hard nubs between his forefingers and thumbs. “We both like this.”
“Gods damn you.”
Gar bit down where he’d kissed a moment earlier. “I’m answering your question.”
“Answer faster.”
The pad of his thumb brushed across Faolan’s collarbone and up to fill in the hollow of his throat before caressing his Adam’s apple.
“Neck.”
“Go…lower.”
“No.”
“Gar—”
“No.”
Faolan’s body started to shake from the strain of holding his arms in place. As much as he enjoyed the tremble, Gar knew there were better things for those talented hands to be doing.
Breathing open-mouthed against Faolan’s skin, Gar shifted his hands so they slid along top of Faolan’s arms to gently pull them back down to his sides.
“Touch me.”
Faolan’s fingers hooked into the top of Gar’s pants. He
hadn’t been able to put on any of his suits, most of his clothing having been ruined along with his ship. Faolan had managed to salvage a few pairs of pants and several shirts. So when he jerked Gar’s hips hard, tearing at the fabric, Gar hissed.
“If you ruin those I’ll have nothing to wear.” I’ll be exposed for the universe to see the man I really am.
“Leaving you naked? I can live with that.”
Gar growled and bit Faolan’s shoulder as he grasped his now-straining erection. “You’re interrupting.”
“Sorry,” Faolan said in between pants. “Continue.”
“Thank you. I believe I was right about here.” Gar squeezed Faolan’s firm shaft. “Cock.”
Faolan’s head fell back, landing on Gar’s shoulder. “What does this tell you?”
“It doesn’t mean we’re the same.”
Faolan turned in Gar’s arms. Hips and erections pressed together. He reached up and pushed the palm of his hand to Gar’s chest. “Heart,” Faolan whispered.
The steady rhythm in his chest increased, making it difficult for Gar to catch his breath. Faolan leaned in and kissed his forehead. “Mind.”
“Faolan—”
“Voice.” The kiss silenced any further protest.
Gar’s growing emotions made it difficult for him to see past why getting closer to the captain was a bad idea. Faolan was the most passionate man he’d ever known. How could he possibly leave him behind when there was so much potential between them? Tongues clashed, teeth nipped at sensitive flesh, fingers clutched and pressed deep into heated skin. Gar knew he was sinking deeper into a place he couldn’t easily escape. A cosmic force so strong he’d be bound to this ship and the people on board for a very long time.
“Naked,” Gar finally managed after breaking for air. “Now.”
The normal cocky grin didn’t materialize on Faolan’s face. “Only if you promise to stay with me. To give us a chance.”
Gar began to shake and let his gaze fall away. “I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
“What?” Faolan gently lifted his chin with his hand. “Nothing’s going to happen to me. Not because of you at least.”
“You don’t understand—”
No Quarter (Bounty, Book One) Page 16