The three backup singers took the high notes and Colin tried to keep his emotions in check as Nikolai leaned in and kissed him. Cheers erupted through the room as Nikolai wrapped an arm around his waist. He ended the song with the last word against Colin’s lips. Colin threw his arms around Nikolai and kissed him, the room roaring with applause and whistles.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Colin. I love you,” Nikolai smiled against Colin’s lips.
“I loved it!” Colin kissed Nik harder.
Nik held Colin to him and turned to face the stage. “I want to thank Skylar Foxx, Elijah Newman and Ryder Winters for being my back-up singers.”
Skylar bowed with Elijah and Ryder. When he stood back up, his eyes met with those of one hell of a sexy man across the room. The man seemed to be staring at him, mouth open, eyes wide.
“Nik!” Skylar jumped down from the stage and turned his back to the man. “Who’s that guy by the drinks?”
Nikolai looked over Skylar’s shoulder. Jude and Justice stood by the refreshment table.
“Which one?” Nik asked.
“The real tall and sexy one?”
Nik eyed Jude, then Justice. Jude was shorter by a good three inches.
“Justice Salvatore?”
“Is that a question or an answer?” Skylar sighed in frustration.
Nik grinned. “The taller one would be Justice Salvatore.”
Skylar looked over his shoulder. Justice was still looking at him. “Justice.” Skylar smiled. “I like it.”
“I’ll bet,” Nik laughed.
~*Chapter Fourteen*~
Justice stood transfixed as the kid with the raven hair spoke to Nikolai Markov. He’d never heard a voice so sweet. He spotted Kory Maguire and his boyfriend, Jacob, and excused himself, weaving through the roomful of people trying to catch up with them. They were just sitting down next to Hayden and Ross when he finally reached them.
“Kory!” Justice blurted.
“What?” Kory stood up. Justice seemed rattled.
“Who’s that kid? The one who was just singing?”
Kory looked over at where Nikolai and Colin were kissing. Skylar, Ryder and Elijah were just making their way towards the table of drinks.
“There were three of them; you’ll have to be more specific.” Kory smiled at Justice’s annoyed look. “Nikolai did name them all.”
“It’s not like he pointed out who was who,” Justice growled.
“Whoa, Salvatore,” Jacob chuckled. “You got it bad for someone? I thought you were the straight brother?”
Justice narrowed his eyes at Jacob and a nerve in his jaw ticked. “I don’t put labels on shit. I like who I like. Now, could you please tell me which one he is? Dark hair, about five foot eleven, with dark eyes and eyeliner.”
Kory grinned. “Skylar Foxx. He was at the Washington Camp Pride.”
“Skylar,” Justice tested the name on his lips.
Kory pulled Justice away from the group and faced him. “Look, before you get all, whatever, for Skylar, you need to know some things. He was kicked out of his house for being gay. Not only that, but he was bullied every day after school for the same reason. He’s been on his own since the age of fifteen and he had to do some…things to survive out on the street.” Kory didn’t know how much he should tell. Skylar didn’t hide his past, but he’d feel as if he were breaking a confidence all the same if he revealed too much.
Justice’s eyes widened. He’d seen the files on the all the kids because he had been the self-defense teacher at the camp in Alaska. All of the people associated with the camp had read the kids’ files and been educated on how to best help them. That was where he’d seen Skylar’s name. Justice’s chest ached. The file he’d seen was coming back to him and it broke his heart.
“Oh, God…” Justice swallowed hard.
“What?” Kory asked.
“I’ve seen his file. He was in the Washington group that transferred to Alaska after the earthquake. I didn’t get there until after he’d already left, but I’ve seen his file. That’s just…” Justice rubbed his hands over his face. “It’s horrible.”
“Yeah, so, just…take it easy, okay?”
Justice glared at Kory. “Take what easy?”
Kory stepped back. “I just meant don’t use him or anything.”
Justice’s lip curled and he balled his fists. “That’s not the kind of man I am. Don’t presume to know anything, Kory. What that kid went through — the things he had to do, I would never judge someone for their ability to survive. I would never use someone, especially someone who’d been through hell. That’s not the way I work.”
“Wow.” Kory stepped back again as the anger emanated from Justice. He felt a hand on his elbow and glanced over his shoulder to see Jacob staring down Justice. “Hey, it’s okay, Jacob. Just a little misunderstanding between me and Justice.” He turned to the other man. “I didn’t mean to insult you, Justice.”
Justice’s shoulders slumped and he sighed. “No, I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong with me lately.”
“It might be that your little brother has stopped speaking to you,” Jacob drawled.
Justice narrowed his eyes at Jacob. “Yeah, it could be that.”
“It’s none of my business, but let me tell you something, Justice. When I was younger, the more my parents forbade something, the more I wanted to do it. Jesse and Noah will find time to be together behind your back. Wouldn’t you rather be in the know than not?” Kory said.
Justice sighed. “In theory, yes. It’s been ingrained in me from his birth to watch out for him. He’s human, Kory. It’s bad enough that Jaxon and I bring danger to him, but adding Noah in?” Justice shook his head. “That’s like begging the rogues to come after Jesse because they know it would hurt us.”
“They will come either way,” Kory pointed out. “They already know who I am, but Jacob and I have talked it over; I’ll be a werewolf eventually and then I’ll fend for myself.”
Jacob snorted.
“You know what I mean, Jacob.” Kory smiled up at his mate. “It’s the same with Will and Seth, as well as Mitch and Locke.”
“Have they started dating?” Justice tilted his head. “I thought Locke was gone for a while.”
“He is, but Mitch can hear him and they talk telepathically,” Jacob provided.
Kory took Justice’s hands. “Please think about it. Don’t you miss your brother?”
Justice found Jesse across the room. He did miss his brother. “Yeah, I do.”
“Come on.” Kory dragged Justice over to where Ross and Hayden were talking. “So, what did you think of Nikolai’s performance?” Kory laughed.
“Damn, that’s a hard act to follow.” Ross crossed his arms over his chest.
“Pfft. I can’t sing,” Hayden groused.
“Yeah? You can’t kiss either,” Ross chuckled, remembering Jude’s angry reaction when Hayden tried to kiss him at Devin and Andrei’s wedding.
Hayden pushed Ross off the bench. “I can when the guy actually lets me.”
Colin spied Jude looking their way and smiled at Hayden.
“You mind dancing with me, Hayden?”
Hayden’s head shot up and he looked over at Nikolai, who shrugged.
“I know he’s got it bad for me, so I’m not worried,” Nikolai grinned. “Besides,” Nikolai leaned in to Hayden’s ear, “I think he’s up to something.”
“I am,” Colin smiled and pulled Hayden up. “Come on.”
Nikolai pulled Ross out onto the floor — much to the man’s surprise.
“So,” Nikolai grinned mischievously. “I saw you eyeing Cole at the club.”
“Cole?”
“The dark-haired, blue-eyed firefighter?” Nikolai waggled his brows.
Ross almost stumbled, but righted himself in Nik’s arms. “He’s a firefighter?” Ross licked his lips.
“Yup. He was quite excited by your line of work.”
Ross’ eyes widened. “He ask
ed about me?”
“Oh, yeah, he noticed you,” Nikolai contained a chuckle as Ross’ pupils widened. “Don’t shift on me; reel that wolf back in, dude.”
“You’re not fucking with me, right? He noticed me?”
“Oh, he noticed you.” Nikolai felt a poke to his ribs and looked over his shoulder. Colin was grinning. “What’s up?”
“We should switch.” Colin motioned to Jude with his eyes. “Someone has taken notice of us on the floor. Ross, play it up and get a little close to Hayden.”
Ross chuckled, pulling Hayden into his arms. They were the same height, probably the same weight as well. Ross leaned into Hayden’s ear and watched Jude out of the corner of his eye. The man bristled as Ross’ hand slid to right above Hayden’s ass.
“What are you doing?” Hayden whispered.
“I’m feeling you up,” Ross practically giggled, sliding his nose against Hayden’s throat.
“I can feel that. Why?”
“Are you that clueless? Colin is running a little test, and Jude is failing.”
“Huh?” Hayden turned his head.
“Don’t look!” Ross pulled Hayden’s face back around. “Just stare into my eyes like you want me.” Ross sighed as Hayden chuckled. “Will you knock it off?”
“I can’t help it; you’re like my brother.”
“Yes, well, I think Colin made his point.” Ross nuzzled Hayden’s cheek and kissed the side of his neck. Jude’s eyes were mere slits and Ross swore daggers flew from his eyes. “Oh, yeah. Jude can’t pretend he doesn’t care. If looks could kill, I’d be six feet under,” Ross laughed softly into Hayden’s neck.
“Really?” Hayden whispered. If there was one thing he’d hoped for it was that one day Jude would forgive him. Even if they didn’t share a mutual attraction, he’d at least have Jude back as a friend.
“Yes, Hayden. Jude cares, and in more than just a friendly way.” Ross hugged Hayden close to him. “I’m so happy for you.”
“I’ve still got a long way to go. If there’s one thing I know about Jude, he’s stubborn.”
~*~
Skylar took a deep breath. The man he’d been instantly attracted to knew all about him and what he’d had to do to survive.
Horrible.
That’s what Justice Salvatore had said about him. Skylar felt the tears coming. Yeah, that’s what he was. Horrible. The one man who he’d actually felt attracted to found him disgusting. He’d been just about to introduce himself when he’d overheard part of the man’s conversation with Kory. After hearing the word ‘horrible’ he’d walked away. What had he been thinking? Skylar snorted to himself. No man would ever want him — at least not romantically.
He was what he was, and although he’d stopped whoring himself out, the stench of his life still hung over his head.
Ryder and Elijah were crossing the room to him and he looked at his watch. It was almost eleven and they had to get Elijah back.
“You guys ready?” Skylar said.
“Yes,” Ryder yawned. “I’m tired.”
“Get your fill of Jaxon, Elijah?” Skylar grinned.
Elijah smiled wide. “God, he’s got such a great ass.” Elijah turned his head and found Jaxon eyeing him. He held up one finger and mouthed, ‘one more.’ Jaxon’s face flushed and Elijah winked. He turned back to face Skylar and Ryder. “Now, I’m ready.”
Skylar laughed, putting his arms around their shoulders. “You are going to put that man in an early grave, Elijah.”
“I just want him in a bed first,” Elijah said with all seriousness.
Ryder laughed.
~*~
Nikolai held Colin in his arms. He’d been nervous as hell about singing in public, but Skylar had made it seem so easy. Looking at Colin while he sang made it even easier. There was no one in the room but the two of them. Colin buried his face in his neck and Nik sighed, wrapping his arms around Colin more tightly. Now that his memory was back, he knew exactly what Colin had meant to him all those years ago. He’d been in love with him from the moment he understood what love was.
“Colin,” Nikolai whispered against his ear.
“Hmm?”
“I love you.”
“I love you, Nik. Always have, always will.”
“I’ve never said those words to anyone but you.”
“Yes you have. Your dads, Katiana —”
Nikolai eased back and looked into Colin’s eyes. “You know what I mean. You are the only man I’ve ever said those words to.”
“I know. I’ve only said those words to you, Nik. It will always be you.”
Nikolai pulled Colin back into his chest and inhaled his scent. God, he loved Colin. His eyes scanned the room and watched all the other couples together. He’d always wanted to know what it was like to have someone like that in his life.
Now, he did.
Colin was his. For life.
~Epilogue~
The bar was packed, as always. Friday was karaoke night and Nikolai scanned the club for the drunken singers — the ones who always made you wish they could hear themselves the way they actually sounded. The men of the Seattle Fire Department and the Seattle PD were being motioned onto the floor by Jesse, who was running the DJ booth tonight. Nikolai had to smile at all the men drooling over the guys. They really knew how to put on a show. Preston beckoned to him to join them and he shook his head and smiled. The last thing he wanted was to piss Colin off. They had gotten a lot closer, as close as two people could get. He knew he’d be proposing to Colin as soon as he graduated college.
He was still going out on missions; the beauty of it was that Colin would take notes for him in class. Not that he really needed them — college was too easy.
Nikolai grinned at all the football players in their regular booth, laughing. He met Brock’s eyes and raised his beer. Brock winked and toasted him back. Nikolai made his way over to their table, growling at men who reached out to touch him. They slunk back into the corners and Nikolai finally made it to the table. He sat down and looked out over the dance floor.
Colin had texted him and let him know he was already at the club. So where was his tasty little morsel?
“You guys seen Colin?” Nikolai shouted over the music.
“Yep,” Travis nodded.
Nikolai stared at Travis.
“What?” Travis asked innocently.
“Well, where is he?” Nikolai sighed in frustration.
“Um, over there?” Travis pointed to the bar.
The music skipped and then started again and Nikolai spun around to the DJ booth. Jesse was smiling wide and pointing to the bar. Screams erupted and Nikolai swung his head to the bar.
Colin was on the bar. Shirtless. A brand new tattoo was on Colin’s pectoral muscle.
Nikolai stood up and made his way to the bar. LMFAO’s “Sexy and I Know It” was blasting and Colin was sliding across the bar on his stomach, arching his ass in the air and licking his lips.
Nikolai swallowed hard. Damn but Colin could move. He adjusted his rising hard-on and watched his boyfriend work the bar like a seasoned stripper. Colin sat back on his ass and spread his legs wide, pumping his hips upward. Nikolai got as close as he could and smiled. His name was inked on Colin in the same spot Colin’s name was inked on himself.
Colin crooked his finger at him and Nikolai pushed men out of his way. He got right next to the bar and Colin leaned over, licking Nik’s lips slowly. More screams erupted from the club and Colin shoved Nik’s face in his crotch, wiggling his ass at the same time. Colin pulled his head back by the hair and dove for his lips. Nikolai opened up immediately, kissing Colin like no one else was around. Colin pulled him up on the bar and they ground down on each other. Nikolai gripped Colin’s ass and hauled him up. Colin’s legs wrapped around his hips and Nik wrapped his hand in Colin’s hair, deepening the kiss.
“Okay guys! Everybody on the floor!” Jesse shouted.
Colin eased back from the kiss and smiled at Nik, who wa
s breathing hard.
“Horny?”
“Fuck yes,” Nikolai moaned.
“Dorm room?”
“Not going to make it.”
Colin dragged Nik out of the club and they ran for his Jeep in the back of the lot. They were both undressing before they even got inside and shut the door. Nik almost ripped his pants off and Colin grabbed for the ‘oh shit’ bar — which was appropriately named once Nik started sucking on his engorged cock. His hands founds Nik’s zipper and he slid it down, his fingers curling around Nik’s massive cock. The seat was back and Nik was at an angle, but they made it work somehow. Colin arched his back and his foot was on the dashboard. Warm lips wrapped around his cock, and Nikolai lapped at him, flicking his sensitive rim.
“Fuck, Nik…” Colin’s other hand white knuckled the bar as his fingers kept a rhythmic stroke on Nik’s cock. The Jeep was rocking and the windows were fogged. Nik sucked him into the back of his throat and Colin lost it. He came with a feral growl and Nik’s cock exploded over his fingers. Nikolai sucked at him hungrily, fondling his balls as his throat worked Colin’s cock easily. They were both breathing hard as they came down from their mutual orgasms. Colin slumped back in the seat and let out a heavy sigh.
“You okay?” Nikolai smiled, kissing Colin’s nose.
“I want you to fuck me,” Colin rasped.
“Where are the keys?”
~*~
The sheets were on the floor, as were the pillows. Colin lay upside down on the bed, covered in sweat as Nikolai licked his inner thigh. His ass burned, but it felt so fucking good. They’d been half naked running down the dorm hall. As it was, the door to their room barely shut before Nikolai threw him on the bed. It was wild. It was fucking awesome. Something cool slid down his balls and Colin lifted his head. Nikolai was pouring chocolate sauce on his balls.
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