Black Leather & Knuckle Tattoos

by J. M. Dabney

  Win had noticed, yet he loved having his man around most nights. His bed felt empty when Troy went back to Brent’s. He fisted his hands in Troy’s t-shirt and slowly eased it upward. The slender man lifted his arms and allowed Win to remove it completely. He loved all of Troy’s smooth pale skin with the light dusting of freckles.

  “How about a shower then bed?”

  He took Troy's hips in his hands and backed up until he had Troy in the bathroom opposite his bedroom. He kicked the door closed.

  As he worked Troy's belt and pants undone, he kept his gaze locked on Troy's. He didn't miss the sexy way Troy nibbled at his lush bottom lip. He still couldn't get over how lucky he was to have Troy. He lowered to his knees and slowly undressed Troy. Leaning in, he nipped at the softness of Troy's belly, then drew his lips down to nuzzle the curls at the base of his man's cock.

  Troy's fingers combed through his hair, and he didn't hesitate to wrap his hand around the base of Troy's cock. He wrapped his lips around the broad, flared head. He shallowly bobbed along Troy's length, taking more each time until Troy's pubes tickled his nose. He groaned around the silky length and traced the veins with the tip of his tongue.

  His man trembled and whimpered his name. He stroked his hands up the sides of Troy's thighs and around to palm the subtle curves of Troy's ass. Digging his fingertips into Troy's crease, he teased the wrinkled hole. It contracted under his touch.

  He'd played with Troy's ass plenty of times, and he'd imagined the heat and grip of Troy's hole, but they hadn't gone past hand and blow jobs. He retreated until Troy's hard dick slipped from between his lips. He opened the cabinet under the sink to pull out the bag he'd stashed there. He pulled out the lube and box of condoms.

  He tipped his head back. “Are you ready?”

  A yes broke on Troy's lips, and the man nodded. He didn't miss the hard swallow that made Troy's Adam's Apple bob.

  “If you're not, we can continue on. Your pleasure comes first.”

  “No, it's okay, it's just been a long time.”

  He twisted to place the items on the edge of the sink, and slowly got to his feet. As he stripped, he kissed Troy. Tasted each sigh and whisper of his name, only stopping to toss or kick clothes to the side. They came together roughly, and he fisted his hands in Troy's soft hair. He broke the kiss to grab the lube, and he ordered Troy to turn around and place his hands on the sink.

  He stroked and kissed Troy's back, sucked at the side of Troy's throat as he gently stretched Troy until his man rode three fingers. His hands shook as he slid on the condom and once he was ready, he studied Troy's flushed face in the mirror. He lined up his cock with Troy's stretched hole, and he whispered calming words in Troy's ear. They became broken at the intense pressure around his dick.

  He cursed as he wrapped Troy in his arms and started to move, slowly, building in speed as Troy slammed his ass back against his hips. Their grunts blended and Troy turned his head, so he took his man's mouth. Thrusting his tongue between his man's lips as he took Troy harder and faster. Sweat dampened his skin, and his toes curled into the thick rug under his feet. He desperately took Troy's cock in his hand, stroking the slender length and begged himself to hold on. His balls drew up tight, and he quickly pressed his forehead between Troy's shoulder blades and just as he was about to lose it, Troy yelled, and wet heat covered his hand. He hugged Troy tighter as he pushed balls deep and emptied into the condom.

  The room smelled of sex and sweat, their breathing harsh and they both shook as they came down from the high of release. He gripped the base of the latex barrier and eased out of Troy. His cock jerked one last time seeing the reddened, swollen rim of Troy's hole. He tenderly massaged around it and loved the way Troy lifted onto his toes, the tips of his fingers slipped inside.

  “Let's take a shower, baby.”

  He disposed of the condom in a tissue.

  He moved away to turn on the water. His back arched as Troy pressed flush to his back and his man's hands ruffled the hair on his belly. Once the water was just right, he turned in Troy's embrace and stepped into the shower dragging Troy inside. He couldn't stop himself from kissing and lovingly stroking every inch of Troy he could reach as steam filled the confined space.

  “I love you,” he whispered and almost regretted it when Troy tensed.

  Troy leaned back, and he didn't know how to interpret the expression on the man's beautiful face.

  “Really?”

  “Yes.”

  His nerves suddenly made him want to pull away.

  “I love you too. You and Bella are the best thing to ever happen to me.”

  Relief was so quick and intense that he nearly sagged.

  After that, they were silent as they washed each other and he couldn't remember a time that he was this happy and relaxed. He had everything he'd always secretly dreamed of, and he'd do anything to keep it. He never wanted Troy to regret being his.

  13

  Three round tables sat in the middle of Troy’s classroom, and ten kids lounged around them on cushions and colored. He smiled as he circled them and checked out their drawings. A year and a half had passed since he’d stepped into a classroom. Troy had missed his job, and he’d realized how much in the month he’d been back. The best part of his schedule though was that he could drop Bella off in the mornings and pick her up from daycare in the afternoons.

  He complimented the children’s efforts. The sound of the door opening drew his attention, and he smiled at Gina, the school secretary.

  “Hey, come to color with the kids?” he asked, smiling at her eyes rolling.

  “No, you got a call from Bright Beginnings. They couldn’t reach your cell.”

  “Is Bella okay?” His stomach fell as he asked. “She seemed fine this morning.”

  “I don’t know. They didn’t say. You want me to stay with your class while you call them back?”

  “Yes, please, I’d appreciate it.”

  “No problem.”

  Before she even finished talking he’d quickly strode to his desk and dug his phone out of his backpack. He turned it on and stepped out into the hallway, hitting the speed dial for Bella’s daycare. A cheerful voice answered.

  “Yes, this is Troy Canter, someone called about Bella Sanchez.”

  “Yes, thank you, we couldn’t reach your cell number, so we called the school. Bella is running a bit of a fever and wouldn’t eat lunch.”

  “Did you try her father?”

  “Yes, we did, but his phone went straight to voicemail. We know you teach just down the block. She’s lying down in the director’s office and seems to be resting comfortably.”

  “Let me get someone to take over my class, and I’ll be there shortly.”

  “Of course, as I said she’s napping right now. We’ll gather her things up so she’s all ready when you get here.”

  “Thank you.” He disconnected the call and stepped back into the classroom. “Gina, is there anyone who could take over my class for the last few hours. Bella’s running a fever.”

  “I think Fredrick is free. He just finished his last music class. Give me a minute, and I’ll go ask him. If not, I’ll stay. You manned the phone for me a few times, so I’ll return the favor.”

  “Thank you so much, Gina.”

  He knew kids became sick all the time, but it was different when it was his kid. So he made it to the daycare in record time after he'd made sure they were ready to call in a substitute if he needed to take off the next day. It would be easier the next year when she started kindergarten.

  He was led to the director's office to find Bella curled up with her favorite blanket.

  “Daddy.”

  His little girl sounded so miserable.

  “Aw, honey, you want to go home?”

  All she did was nod as he picked her up and cradled her to his chest. He kissed her forehead and was relieved her fever didn't seem too high. He'd give her medicine and see about getting her to eat some soup. He signed her out and
collected her backpack.

  A half hour later, he had her under a pile of blankets, medicated and her favorite travel mug filled with juice. He turned on cartoons and told her he was going to call her dad, but as soon as the words were out of his mouth, the front door flew open. He didn't want to laugh and barely suppressed it at the pale, panicked Win charging into the living room.

  “Why isn't she in the ER?”

  “Win, she's fine, I promise. It's just a cold. I gave her some medicine and juice. I was just about to call you and say we were going to have soup for dinner.”

  “But you had to pick—”

  He took Win's face in his hands and made the man look at him.

  “If there was anything wrong I'd take her to urgent care, but right now I'm going to make her a doctor's appointment for tomorrow. So, breathe.”

  “What if—”

  “Call Dad and tell him you're taking the day off tomorrow. We'll both take her to her appointment. Go, cuddle with your daughter and I'll make some dinner. You want a grilled cheese?”

  He didn't know if Win even knew what he asked, but the big man nodded. Win strode off in a bit of a daze, and he left Win to spend time with Bella. He shook his head as he again worried about Win's blood pressure. He was going to have to fight the man to keep him from wrapping precious Bella in bubble wrap.

  He was just placing several sandwiches on a platter when Win came up behind him.

  “I'm sorry.”

  “You're fine. It's the first sniffles you've dealt with.”

  “We're going to homeschool her.”

  He laughed so hard he almost dropped a sandwich. Not because it was all that funny but because Win was completely serious. He could already anticipate the rebellious years where Bella fought her overprotective dad, and with all the angst, he realized that he couldn't wait. Win and him had known each other for years, but the relationship was new. Things didn't last forever no matter how much he hoped it would.

  “Win, keeping her locked up in the house isn't going to keep her from getting a cold. Now, take Bella her soup.”

  He poured some soup into a mug and gave it to Win, then pressed a kiss to the corner of his mouth.

  “I'll bring the rest.”

  Win walked away grumbling, and he gathered everything else onto a tray. By the time he made it back to the living room, Win was helping Bella drink her soup. He set the food on the coffee table, and he sat on the floor. Win hovered and tried to get Bella to drink more soup or have a sandwich, but Bella just wanted to sleep.

  So they spoke quietly about their day as they had dinner. At the end of the night, Bella was sprawled across her dad's chest, and deciding to let them sleep, he covered them with a blanket. He fell into a chair opposite the couch. His phone buzzed in his pocket.

  Miller: How's our Bella?

  Troy: Good. Can't say the same for Win.

  Miller: Hahaha! Total panic attack?

  Troy: He wants to homeschool her.

  Miller: Brent didn't want to call and disturb. I'm not so nice.

  Troy: Tell Dad his precious granddaughter is just fine.

  They exchanged a few more messages, and he got up to put his phone on to charge. He carried Bella to bed, then got a grumbling Win up and settled in their bed. He stripped, and as Win always did, the big man turned over and tugged him down. His back to Win's chest.

  Win held him tight as they talked. That became their routine every night, and he was spending more time at Win's place than at home. His dad was getting better, stronger every day and didn't need him hovering. Brent liked his own space and was enjoying having the house to himself. Win and him hadn't had the moving in together talk. Most nights he decided to stay home or hang out with Miller, goodnight calls with Win always had him coming to Win's bed.

  He wasn't going to complain because being here was exactly what he wanted, but his normally stoic man wasn't much of a talker. Win was more about actions than words. Yet Win didn't hesitate to tell him he loved him.

  He'd never expected to hear those words from anyone, especially Win. As he closed his eyes, he smiled to himself and wiggled deeper under the covers and closer to Win, drifting slowly off to sleep.

  14

  Win accepted the cup of coffee Brent handed him, and his hands shook—his palms were sweaty. He didn't understand why he was so nervous. Troy and him were celebrating their one-year anniversary, and Troy had officially moved in a few months ago. They'd survived colds and skinned knees. Not that everything was perfect, Troy and him fought plenty, but making up with his man was a perk.

  “Are you going to hyperventilate or start fucking talking?”

  Brent raised his thick brows and watched him over the rim of his coffee mug.

  Under that look, he felt like some teenage boy talking to his boyfriend's dad before the first date. After two years of illnesses, Brent had received a clean bill of health and had quickly regained his muscle mass. The six-foot-three, older man was intimidating as fuck.

  “Well, I wanted to ask…” He took a breath as he started to feel foolish. He'd rehearsed the speech in his head so many times he was frustrated he couldn't get the words out when he needed. And to make matters worse, Brent just sat there staring at him with an amused gaze and the lines getting deeper beside his hazel eyes.

  “Why don't we do this? You want to marry my son?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then do it.”

  “You could've made this easier like ten minutes ago.”

  “Naw, it was too much fun watching you squirm. I'm not going to say I didn't have my reservations when I noticed Troy's interest, but you make my kid happy, and you gave me a grandkid.”

  “Bella was the deciding factor, wasn't she?”

  “Completely.”

  “You're such an asshole.”

  “It's like you haven't worked for me for more than ten years. All I've ever wanted was Troy happy. He completely put his life on hold for more than a year to take care of me.”

  “But you're doing okay.” He meant to phrase it as a statement, but it came out more like a question.

  Frustration mixed with a healthy dose of anger blazed in Brent's eyes. He hadn't wanted to bring up bad memories, but Brent had barely survived the last few years, and it was still hard to let it go. Canter wasn't just a place to work because they'd all become friends and family.

  “Everyone is so worried about me dying. We all got our time and mine's not here yet.”

  “We're just worried, old man, you keep us on the straight and narrow.”

  “Which is a fucking full-time job, but a few mistakes here and there doesn't deem a man as beyond redemption.”

  He raised his hand to rub the back of his neck. Those were nearly the same words that Brent told him the day he was hired. That was the first time in his life that he'd known acceptance. Brent had made him want to put his past behind him and move forward. He hadn't always succeeded, but he'd worked hard to make sure he lived up to Brent's opinion.

  “Win, son, you listen to me.” Brent set his mug down. “You're a good man. You've come a long way since I hired you and just like with the rest of the guys who work for me, you're family. And family are the people who are there in the good times and bad. Things happen, and it changes everything you believe.”

  “What did the cancer change for you?”

  “I realized I've lived a half-life. I've accomplished everything I've wanted to except finding someone, and in a night where I was at my lowest, I realized it. We're not guaranteed anything in this life, Win, and I've wasted nearly fifty years. You get your ass up and go home, ask my son to marry you. Don't get to my age and have regrets you didn't know you had, blindside you.”

  He wanted to stick around and talk with Brent more, but he'd listened and headed home. He'd never seen his friend and boss even when he was battling cancer look that low. He knew his boss was popular and never went without attention. Learning his mortality threw Brent for a loop.

  He'd talk
about it with Troy later, but first, he hoped his proposal wasn't as much a failure as asking Brent to approve. The trip to the apartment seemed the longest of his life, and as he jogged up the steps to the second floor, he took deep calming breaths. When he opened the door, the scent of coffee hit him, and he closed it behind him.

  “Troy,” he called out as he dropped his keys on the table beside the door.

  “In the kitchen, you're home early. I thought you were hanging out with Dad longer.”

  They really needed a new place, something all theirs. His apartment wasn't the greatest and Bella needed a yard she could play in and ride her bike. He entered the kitchen and groaned at the sight of Troy bent over looking in the oven. He came up behind Troy, putting his arms around him and smiled as the man straightened, then turned in his arms.

  “I think Brent is still pissed he's not up to fighting weight yet.”

  He loved that cute little roll of Troy's eyes that their daughter had picked up too easily. He bent his arms to reach Troy's hair, the strands silky around his fingers. When he tugged, Troy tilted his head back and smiled.

  “He needs to rest. He'll be off desk duty soon.”

  “Is our girl down for a nap?”

  “Nope, you remember, Miller is watching her tonight, and then she goes to Grandpa's tomorrow. It's our free weekend.”

  “If it's our kid-free weekend, then why are you dressed? We had an agreement.”

  For two weekends a month, Troy and him had two days completely to themselves. His beautiful, vocal man didn’t need to be quiet and could walk around their place naked.

  “I'm not cooking dinner naked.”

  “Then you don't get your surprise until you are.”

  Troy huffed and backed away.

  He felt the corner of his mouth tug into a smirk as Troy began to strip. He savored every inch of smooth skin Troy exposed. He flexed his hands at his sides and waited patiently for Troy to remove the last piece of clothing. As it always occurred, he was awestruck by Troy.