by J. M. Dabney
“Why aren’t they still together?”
“Oh, Mama gets bored easy. He stuck around for us, but they went their separate ways without hurt feelings. He liked being a dad so he kept us when we couldn’t go with Mama.”
“I was told you two tried modeling for a while.”
Ellison stopped eating and worried the paper napkin between his fingers, tearing it to tiny pieces.
He took Ellison’s hands in one of his. They shook under his larger hand, and he took in the contrast of light to dark.
“Talk.”
“It was more Sin’s thing. I was just along for the ride. They always said I was too fat.”
“There’s nothing fat about you, Ellison.”
Long, pale lashes lifted and Ellison looked at him, there was a small, shy smile on Ellison’s perfect mouth.
“Thank you.”
Eric’s confidence and attitude overshadowed Ellison’s shyness and insecurity, obliterating it to the point that it may never have existed at all. That’s when it hit him, Eric was Ellison’s protector and mask. They were so similar that in casual passing you couldn’t tell one from the other, but not him. He’d studied them both. Even when it appeared he was running—they always had his full attention.
“You’re welcome. Now finish eating.” He waited until Ellison started nibbling at the sandwich again. “I’m surprised Eric isn’t with you, you two are pretty inseparable.”
“We are, except when he has a date, but he always comes home.”
He made a non-committal sound and forced down the last of his dinner.
He didn’t like the sound of Eric dating. Or the nights he’d spent at Brawlers with a barely concealed fury as he watched someone else touch who he secretly considered his. It was an asshole attitude. He knew he couldn’t have them, so he couldn’t be angry when they found someone else. Ellison seemed to avoid the attention though. If Eric wasn’t around, then Ellison used one of the crew as a shield.
He’d heard rumors about the siblings’ unusual closeness. They constantly touched. When parted, they’d search each other out and wouldn’t relax until they spotted their twin. It was joked about, but he didn’t think it was too far from the truth that the two couldn’t exist without the other.
“I should get back to work.”
“I’ll give you a ride.”
“No, that’s—”
“It’s late, and I’m taking you.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Finish up while I check to make sure everything is locked up.”
He stood and left the office.
One of the other deputies would check in later since they ran a pretty small crew around there. With a town like Powers, not a lot went down, and all the businesses have his cellphone number if they had trouble. Emergency calls were routed to dispatch at the fire department/EMS, then whoever was on duty was contacted. It had taken some getting used to and being on call twenty-four-seven wasn’t new, but being the Sheriff, he was always on duty.
Wren covered if he needed time off, but it wasn’t usually more than a weekend or a day here and there.
By the time he checked the building and returned to his office, Ellison had cleaned up and was waiting in the same spot he left Ellison. Ellison wore an oversized v-neck that exposed one freckled shoulder. He’d kept his libido in check, but that creamy skin drew him. He hadn’t been able to ignore the sweet scent coming off the small man. The distance he’d kept between him and the twins was the only way to keep them safe from him.
He jerked off most nights to visions of his handprint on their pale skin, his teeth marks marking his territory. He wanted nothing more than to bend Ellison over his desk and fuck the slim body until his boy screamed his name. For years he’d kept his kink in check. The need to control and take care of his partner ate at him. He required submission. He denied himself to the point his sex life, when he had one, was satisfactory at best.
Ellison submissive nature called to him like nothing had before. Eric might be bratty and over-confident, but he sensed the same in Eric. He knew they’d be perfect.
“Are you ready?”
“Yes.”
“Come on.”
He stepped aside as Ellison surged from the chair and tried to hurry past him. He caught the back of Ellison’s shirt. He wanted to taste the man’s soft lips, but all he did was lean down to brush a kiss on the smoothness of Ellison’s forehead.
“Thank you for dinner.”
“It wasn’t—”
“Thank you for dinner.”
“You’re welcome.”
“That’s better. Am I taking you home or back to the shop?”
“Home. Sin and Mary were just going to get a few things, and then he was going home.”
“You’ll wear my helmet.”
He led Ellison from the building to his parking space out back. He wrapped Ellison in his leather jacket and secured the helmet. Once he was satisfied his—shit, not his—that Ellison was warm and safe for the ride, he mounted and waited for Ellison to climb on behind him. He tried not to tense when slender arms and legs wrapped around him. He really shouldn’t enjoy the slight weight of Ellison behind him. Ellison held himself stiff, and that wouldn’t do. So he brought his arm around to splay his hand on Ellison’s ass and move him forward until there wasn’t an inch of space between them. He couldn’t be sure, but he swore Ellison let out a small squeak.
He smirked as he pulled off. For the first time in a long while, he enjoyed his ride, the roar of the engine, and Ellison plastered against him. He couldn’t get used to it, but he could savor it while he had the opportunity.
Four
Fuck, He Felt Good
Saint didn’t want to get off the bike. Camden smelled like leather, sweat, and spicy cologne, but it could be the man’s leather jacket that was wrapped tightly around him. He’d dreamed of being that close to Camden for almost three years since he’d seen him the first time. Camden had been dressed in tactical gear. Looking badass and sexy, commanding. He’d wanted to crawl into the man’s lap and never get up.
When he’d mounted behind Camden, he’d tried to keep as much distance as possible between them, but Camden moved him closer. His brother saw something he wanted, and he went for it, except when it came to Camden. Sin was as terrified as him but played a good game. They’d never wanted the same person before. They always talked about it, and when it happened, he would be the one for them.
They hadn’t anticipated, well, Sin hadn’t anticipated their one putting up such a fight. He wasn’t like Sin. He wasn’t confident or outgoing. He wanted someone who would love and take care of him—someone to make decisions. Sin joked about his Daddy issues. He knew Sin didn’t mean anything by it, but it hurt.
Camden had told him what to do—that he would eat. That he would sit beside him. He’d gotten hard at the commanding, gruff voice.
His chest hurt as Camden slowed to a stop. The man helped him off, and he stood beside the bike as Camden removed the helmet. He started to remove the jacket.
“No, keep it, I’ll get it next time.”
“Next time?”
“You stop by.”
“Okay.” He started to back away, but Camden’s huge hand wrapped around the back of his neck.
He found himself plastered to Camden’s side. He twisted his hands in Camden’s uniform shirt. Tilting his chin, he waited for the kiss. He wanted those firm, full mouth on his. Calloused fingertips pinched his chin, and the hand on his neck kneaded the muscles.
Another kiss landed on his forehead like before they’d left. Camden pulled back, and he looked into the man’s gorgeous green eyes. He was so close he could see the yellow flecks around the pupils.
“You’re so beautiful.”
Lips brushed his left cheek, then the right, and Camden moved lower until the man’s mouth hovered over his.
“No—”
A hard tug at his hair stopped him.
“I said you’re beautiful, Elli
son.”
“Thank you.”
He lowered his gaze then jerked it back up when Camden retreated.
“I’ll wait here until you’re inside.”
He turned away as tears started to fill his eyes. He wouldn’t embarrass himself, or at least he hoped—there was a jerk to the back of the leather jacket. He turned to look over his shoulder.
“You and Eric come out to my place this weekend.”
“What time?”
“Six for dinner.”
A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, “Okay.”
“Go inside…it’s getting chilly. You two behave.”
He waited until he was released and tried not to run to the house to give Sin the news. Excitement made his hands shake as he tried to get the door open. He pivoted to wave at Camden, but when the man didn’t leave, he rushed inside and only then heard Camden’s bike rev and take off.
“I know I didn’t see what I think I saw,” Sin screeched and bounced on his toes.
“Dinner, Saturday at six.”
“Yes,” Sin shouted. “That’s great, but what about the little cuddle session with our man.”
“He just kissed my forehead.”
“Start from the beginning. I want every detail.”
Sin grabbed him, dragged him toward the kitchen, and shoved him into one of the kitchen chairs. His twin set them up with beers and took the seat at the end of the table beside him.
His brother stared at him. Sin’s smile widened the more he related. Sin claimed to always know that Camden would be theirs, but he still wasn’t so sure.
“You’re still being pessimistic, I can sense it.”
“He didn’t really kiss me.”
“Our man had his lips on you, touched you, and invited us to his place for dinner. This is fucking huge. Don’t get all negative. We got a date, say it with me, we got a date with Camden Pelter, come on, say it.”
“We got a date with Camden Pelter.”
“Yes, we did. It’s fucking amazing. We must celebrate.”
“No, he told us to behave.”
“One last free for all. What’s the worst that could happen?”
Those were infamous last words. Sin jumped up and took off running for the living room. Seconds later, music blasted from the other room. Old Lady Bremenger was probably already on the phone to complain about the noise.
He leaned back in the chair and remembered the feel of Camden’s lips on his forehead, his cheeks, and the texture of his calloused hands. He’d fantasized about being taken—owned by Camden. Most of them consisted of him kneeling beside Camden, his cheek rested on Camden’s thick thigh, and being commanded by Camden. Only one other person knew about his needs—his twin—and shared them as well.
They’d picked the Dominant they wanted, but would Camden want to take care of them as they wanted him to?
He hugged himself and turned his head to bury his face in the leather. The weight of the jacket felt right and comforting. Thin arms suddenly wrapped around his neck from behind, and Sin buried his face against his neck.
“I won’t let it happen again, Saint, I promise.”
It was a promise Sin had made thousands of times over the years, sometimes daily. He still remembered the day, almost seven years ago. Sin had gone out to sneak them snacks. All he’d wanted was a candy bar. He’d had nothing but plain salads and water for weeks. He’d even lost a few pounds. When the door had opened, he thought it was Sin, but it was their agent. The man had walked into their room. He’d made a comment about the one room and bed being the only one used.
He started talking disgusting things about him and Sin. One second the man was yelling and the next the man was on him. He was small and didn’t possess a lot of strength, but he’d fought long enough for Sin to get back. Nothing happened, his virginity was as intact today as that night.
“Camden wouldn’t do that to me.”
“No, he wouldn’t. There’s nothing wrong with us. You’re my brother—my best friend since that egg split.”
“But what if he thinks we’re weird?”
He smiled as Sin snorted and hugged him tighter.
“You do remember our friends and family, right? Camden’s been around long enough to know we ain’t normal.”
“True. He did tell us to be at his place Saturday.”
“Told or asked.”
“It was more like an order.”
“Oh, how we love that in a man. Okay, big brother, time for your bath and did you eat?”
“Camden made me share his dinner with him.”
“Good, now, bath. What are we going to watch tonight?”
“I want horror.”
“One gory, sadistic movie coming up.”
He let Sin help him from the chair and then his twin pushed him toward the stairs. He slowly ascended the staircase—the steps creaked under his feet. He removed the jacket as he entered their bedroom and laid the heavy leather on the end of the bed.
He wanted it to work out. He hadn’t dared to dream of one date with Camden. Maybe they had a chance at more. He craved it more than anything. They had a date, and he’d have to be happy with that—for now.
Five
Saint Was Going to Puke, He Knows It
They stood arms linked outside Camden’s house. The place was huge, too big for one person, but it was out in the middle of nowhere. They knew Camden liked his privacy. He turned to glance at his brother to find Saint looking a little pale. Oh, shit, not good.
“Hey, it’s fine, you look beautiful, big brother.”
He tried to get Saint to wear something other than the man’s favorite bulky sweater, but the stretched neckline exposed one pale shoulder. Saint had even put on a little extra makeup than he normally would.
He had to admit he was as nervous as Saint. They’d wanted this for so long, and they finally had the opportunity to have Camden.
They tipped their heads back as a helicopter flew over. Ernie, their stepfather, just purchased a few new planes. He tugged Saint forward, or his twin would try to sneak over to the property next door to see the new toys he’d get to play with soon.
When they reached the bottom step, the door opened, and they froze. Camden’s large frame blocked out the lights from inside creating an aura around him. They’d seen him in a uniform and tactical gear, maybe a t-shirt and jeans, even in slacks and a dress shirt for King’s wedding. But tonight Camden wore a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to exposed veined forearms, and Camden’s jeans were worn white in some spots. The man was twice their size and intimidating.
“Come on in.”
He tugged Saint forward and ascended to the porch landing. Camden stepped aside, and they both entered. Dark hardwood floors gleamed under soft lamplight. A wide stairway led up to the second floor.
They’d been there a few times. Even got nosy and checked out every room in the place while Camden wasn’t looking of course. He and Saint loved the house. The furniture was large and masculine, perfect for someone Camden’s size. Art and pictures filled the walls. Bookcases were filled with more books than he’d seen in his life and what looked like family photos. Across the entryway was an office, and the sliding doors open exposing more book-lined shelves.
“Let me take your jackets.”
Camden came up behind them, even standing a foot or more away, Sin swore he could feel the man’s presence. He released Saint’s hand. Camden removed Saint’s jacket, then his, and moved away to hang them on a rack beside the front door.
“You two are awful quiet.”
Saint fumbled for his hand again. He hated that his brother was so nervous. He’d tried his hardest over the years to work on Saint’s confidence, but nothing he did seemed to put the man at ease for long.
“Ellison, look at me.” Camden’s voice was commanding.
Saint didn’t hesitate to turn around, and it surprised him Saint gave in so quickly. He observed the way Camden raised his hand to stroke Saint’s ch
eek and his brother leaned into the caress. They looked good together, the much larger man and his slim, short brother were the perfect contrast.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m nervous.”
“Nothing to be nervous about. Just a meal. Is that okay?”
“Yes, sir.”
He sensed when Saint calmed and it amazed him. He’d known from the moment he’d met Camden that the older man would be perfect for them, especially Saint. He wanted Camden just as much as Saint did, but in order for this to work between the three of them, Saint needed a certain level of dominance for his natural submissiveness. He pretended well, but Sin required the same.
“Good boy. I have to check on dinner, go on back to the kitchen.”
They linked hands again and went in the direction Camden specified. He wondered what this was about. Why Camden suddenly invited them out to his place for dinner. The man had the perfect poker face and didn’t give anything away.
They entered the kitchen to find the table set, a plate at the head of the table and one more on either side. He glanced at Saint, and they shared a smile at the candles flickering in the middle of the table. They’d never had a romantic candlelit dinner before and the fact that big and bad Camden Pelter prepared them one was odd, but nice.
“I don’t drink at home so you two won’t either. I have iced tea, water, and some sodas. What would you two like?”
It wasn’t like they were going to fight Camden on the no drinking rule. They spent a lot of time at Brawlers and clubs, but they didn’t drink more than a beer or two.
“Iced tea, please,” they answered in unison.
“Take your seats.”
They separated and sat at the table, then stared at each other across the expanse. He looked up as Camden set a perspiring glass next to the plate. His mouth dropped open as Camden leaned down and pressed a kiss to his forehead. Instant hard-on. How could someone make a forehead kiss erotic? He didn’t know, but Camden sure as fuck did. He watched as Camden repeated the same with Saint.