Hooded
eyes kept watch on the tall figure across the room, tracking every
move as Peter pulled on some jeans and an old faded t-shirt. Armand
couldn't help the way his eyes followed the muscular backside as the
younger man turned and left, brushing past his silent observer
without so much as a murmur of apology.
Four
days, Armand thought. I've been trying to talk to him for four
damn days. Every time he leaned close to whisper in his lover's
ear, Peter just continued on his way, leaving him behind.
It's
almost Christmas, he realized with a start. Not that there's
any real winter in this godforsaken place.
A
year ago this city had been their haven, a magical escape from the
too canny scrutiny of friends and family. Now it had become his
prison and he was locked in this hellish limbo. Five minutes. He just
needed to capture Peter's attention for five minutes. After almost
six years together you wouldn't think it was too much to ask.
Armand
trailed down the street, never losing sight of Peter's taller frame,
although he made no effort to move closer. What's the point. He's
too distracted right now. Maybe when he's getting ready for bed.
Decision made, he slowed his pace.
His
eyes narrowed when he realized their destination, but he persevered
and headed inside. He found a seat in the shadows, watching as one
man after another took the stage. Armand's eyes slid shut and his
mind drifted to days long gone, abandoning the present for shadows of
the past.
"Come
dance with me.” He looked up into sparkling cobalt eyes and shook
his head to clear it.
"Excuse
me,” Armand managed. “I didn't hear what you said.”
"Dance
with me,” the stranger insisted, pulling him up from his seat and
flush against his hard chest.
"I
don't dance.”
"Everyone
dances.” The dark-haired man towed him out onto the floor,
effortlessly guiding him through the steps until he finally began to
relax. “See, it's not so bad.” The husky whisper next to his ear
brought a blush to his cheeks and Armand buried his face in his
partner's broad shoulder as he attempted to will it away.
"I
haven't seen you here before,” the stranger continued. “I'd
remember you.”
Armand
turned wide chocolate eyes on the man holding him. “Why? There's
nothing memorable about me.” He slapped his hand over his mouth as
soon as the words left him.
"On
the contrary, that blush is memorable all on its own. The rest of you
even more so. My name's Peter, by the way, and you are?”
"Armand,”
he mumbled. “I just moved here.”
"Well,
aren't we lucky . . . at least, I am.” Peter chuckled, dipping his
shocked partner and then pulling him close.
Armand
opened his mouth to protest, but a pair of lips were pressed to his.
Soft, slightly chapped lips displaying a dizzying amount of
experience. Slowly, gently, wonderfully, that sensual mouth moved
over his until he swayed up against his larger partner as his legs
threatened to give out. His hands moved to clutch broad shoulders,
and he clung to the taller man as sensation flooded though him.
Somewhere
in the middle of this perfect kiss, a tongue slipped into Armand's
mouth. He gasped as it caressed his, boldly tasting and teasing. All
he could do was moan helplessly, not even feeling the hands drifting
down his back to close over his ass. They squeezed gently, and Armand
tried to push himself closer. He never wanted this to end, the
amazing sensation could go on forever as far as he was concerned.
Tentatively he pushed out his own tongue, and Peter made a satisfied
sound in the back of his throat as he twined them together.
Finally
he pulled away as they both needed to breathe. Armand was a panting,
flushed mess, only held upright by the strength of his arms. “Now,
that was a kiss.”
Armand
stared at him out of dazed eyes. “You had no right,” he
sputtered.
"Now,
now, I know you liked it,” Peter purred. “And I know I liked it.
What on earth is wrong with that?”
"I'm
not in the habit of kissing strange men. You presume too much.” A
dark scowl settled on his face as Armand crossed his arms over his
chest. “I'm not interested, sorry.”
"I
think you'll change your mind,” came the cocky reply. “In fact,
I'm so sure of it I'll agree to meet you here tomorrow.”
"You'll
be waiting in vain.”
"I'd
much rather waste an evening than miss out on the chance to get to
know you better.” Peter's soft, husky baritone sent shivers running
up his spine, and Armand knew he was in trouble.
Rather
than risk answering he merely snorted, pushing through the crowd and
out into the cool night air without looking back.
Armand
blinked his eyes open in surprise and focused on the present when the
announcement came over the loudspeakers. Finally. He leaned
forward, resting his head on his crossed arms as he regarded the
lanky masked man strutting onto the stage.
His
fists clenched at the sight of his lover, dressed in nothing
but a pair of tight black leather pants, a few straps of the same
supple leather wrapped strategically around his torso and upper body.
The mask covering his eyes made him seem mysterious, exotic, even
dangerous.
The
music started, a heavy bass beat that rumbled the floor and sent the
watchers surging towards the stage. Anonymous men, pressing close to
try and touch all that perfect pale flesh.
He
growled, but didn't move, watching through narrowed eyes as Peter
whipped them into a frenzy, stretching and twisting around the pole
for several minutes before thumbing open the button on his pants and
sliding down the zipper.
Peter
went back to dancing, and Armand's mouth went dry at the tantalizing
glimpse of hipbone and silky smooth flesh revealed as he swiveled and
dipped. He nearly lost his resolve and rushed up on stage when his
lover tore the pants off with a sudden jerk.
The
roar grew to a bellow, a sea of hands fisting bills. Instead of the
usual g-string, more supple strips of leather wrapped his cock and
balls, sliding in the cleft of his ass and continuing down long,
muscular legs.
For
his part Peter merely shut his eyes and continued to dance, trying to
lose himself in happy memories. This is all Armand's fault, he
decided bitterly. I don't have any other options left. He
repressed the shudder that threatened to ripple through him as rough,
unfamiliar hands pulled at the leather straps cutting across his
flesh, slipping tattered bills inside as they stole a lingering
touch. He stifled his rising distaste, hiding in thoughts of the past
to avoid facing the present.
"I
knew you'd come,” Peter exclaimed in delight. His eyes drank in the
sight of the man who made his heart quicken. As soon as he'd spied
the coltish figure he knew he wanted a closer look. One glance into
liquid chocolate eyes and he was hooked.
He'd
worried for a few minutes that perhaps he'd been too forward. They
hadn't even properly introduced themselves before he stuck his tongue
down Armand's throat. Still, he couldn't have minded too much, he'd
come back.
The
music was almost a physical presence, a heavy salsa rhythm that
pounded through his body, making it impossible for Armand to muster
his thoughts into any sort of coherent order. Peter pulled the
smaller man into his arms, swaying to the beat as he maneuvered them
skillfully off the dance floor and into a secluded alcove. He pressed
the slighter man into the corner, arms on either side, pinning him to
the wall. One of his lean thighs was thrust between Armand's legs,
hip pressed into his growing bulge.
Peter's
laugh was wicked and sensual, and Armand couldn't find the will to
protest. A hand curled around the back of his head and mouths met,
tongues gliding together in an erotic caress. Hands slid down his
back, closing over his ass, worming their way under his shirt to
stroke bare skin. Armand grabbed the taller man's biceps with
bloodless fingers as their mouths mated. He knew if those wicked
touches slid any further down he would lose his mind.
"That's
the taste I've been craving,” Peter muttered when they pulled apart
to breathe. He dragged his tongue across the sensitive flesh at the
junction of Armand's neck and shoulder and was gifted with a breathy
moan that raised hairs on the back of his neck.
"Why
me?” Armand gasped. “There's so many good looking men here.” He
waved an arm to indicate the swaying sea of bodies and the expanses
of perfectly toned flesh they boldly displayed.
"The
moment I saw you, I knew.” The whispered response sent a surge of
lust straight to Armand's groin. Peter captured his mouth yet again,
tongue plunging inside to dance teasingly over its counterpart while
the slight figure rubbed the evidence of his attraction against a
muscular thigh.
Peter
pulled back, clasping wandering hands firmly in his larger ones. “We
need to slow down. I don't want to ruin this.”
"Ruin
what? We don't even know each other,” Armand muttered.
"All
the more reason to take our time. Personally, I think you look like a
keeper. I'll never have the pleasure of waking up next to you every
day if I scare you off right from the start.”
"I'm
far from scared, although maybe I should be,” Armand admitted.
“I've never done this before. I moved here because I couldn't be
who I really wanted to be.”
"You
wanted to be my lover?” Peter asked in amusement. “Fine. Settled.
What else can I do for you?”
"It's
not nice to make fun of me. I'm fully aware of how ridiculous it is
to be a twenty-seven year old virgin.”
"Virgin?”
Peter's normally controlled baritone turned into a squeak and his
hands tightened, yanking the smaller man close to whisper in his ear.
“You have no idea how close I am to coming in my pants like some
horny teenager, at how exciting that is. I would love to be the one
to take you under my wing and teach you the ways of love. I've only
been in town a few months myself. I tried hooking up with a few guys,
but it never really worked out. Then I saw you.”
Peter
blinked his eyes and brought his focus back to the present when the
music ended. He hurried off stage, nimbly avoiding the grasping hands
in the sea of faceless admirers. He threw some jeans and a sweatshirt
over the remains of his costume and slipped out the back door.
Armand
paced the hurrying figure, staying far enough back not to irk his
peevish lover, but close enough to make sure he was alright. He
waited patiently while Peter cleaned up and settled down, only
joining him on the couch after he'd had a glass of wine. “I really
need to talk to you.”
No
response was better than a brush off, so Armand plunged ahead. “I've
been trying to find the words, but it can't wait. I feel like you're
slipping away from me.”
Peter
sighed and stretched. Armand watched in a fit of pique as he stumbled
to his feet and headed to the bedroom. By the time he caught up,
muted snores were rumbling out of the inert form sprawled diagonally
across their bed.
He
settled in the corner, huffing in frustration. Tipping his head back
against the wall, Armand let his eyes slip shut. He fought back the
rising tide of anger surging inside of him, conjuring a vision of
happier times, anything to offset the despair threatening to crush
him completely.
The
mattress bulged ominously, then exploded into the room, tumbling the
two men behind it across the floor to land in a tangled heap. “We
haven't even tried it out yet and already this new bed is bringing me
luck.” Peter leaned in for a slow sensual kiss, rolling his lover
underneath his larger form and rubbing against him suggestively.
Their
mouths met, and Armand lifted his hands to clutch at broad shoulders.
It was a long, deep, wonderful kiss, and his body was aching to move
on long before Peter abandoned his lips and began to lick the sweat
off his skin.
He
panted and made breathy sounds as that wicked tongue tickled over
sensitive flesh, quickly reminding him that he was amazingly
sensitive in the most unexpected places. The backs of his knees, the
crook of his elbows, the side of his neck, Peter explored them all,
taking his time, his hands following his mouth in caresses that made
Armand almost dizzy with lust.
"I
vote we christen the bed now.” The sound of his lover's voice had a
blushing Armand struggling to right himself on the toppled mattress.
"We
need to get it set up first, then put the sheets and things on. After
dinner will be soon enough.”
"I
think not.” Peter yanked on Armand's leg, tumbling him back down to
sprawl wantonly on his chest.
"Stop.
We have things to do.”
"Your
protests are getting weaker by the moment.” Peter's husky whisper
sent shivers racing across his skin. “There's no one here but us. I
want to celebrate. After all, it's not every day you move in with the
man of your dreams.”
"Stop
being so silly.”
"I'm
not the man of your dreams?” The plaintive note in his lover's
voice had Armand taking a closer look. He was surprised to see his
boyfriend worrying his bottom lip between his teeth as he waited for
an answer.
"Of
course you are. I meant we don't need to celebrate.”
"I
want to celebrate everything with you,” Peter whispered as he
pulled the slighter form into his arms and kissed his nape. “Just
in case.”
"In
case of what?”
"In
case you decide you don't need me anymore.”
"Isn't
gonna happen.” Armand turned in the taller man's arm's and pushed
him back into the mattress, straddling his lap. “Now, what exactly
did you have in mind for this celebration?”
The
only response he got was a hot mouth closing around his nipple,
sending shock waves of sensation running straight to his arousal. He
sighed, wiggling a bit to settle Peter's erection comfortably in the
cleft of his ass. “Wait a minute. When'd you get naked?”
"While
you were blathering on about making beds and eating dinner,” Peter
mumbled around his morsel of reddening flesh. Hard hands roughly
caressed his chest. Armand let out a loud groan when tormenting
fingers were replaced by a hot, wet mouth, leaving them free to
explore defined abs. He stilled for a moment when inquisitive fingers
undid his pants, dipping inside to stroke sensitive skin, sending
shivers through his frame.
Peter
rolled them over and pulled back, slowly peeling off Armand's pants
and boxers. When he slid them free he gazed worshipfully at all the
delectable flesh revealed to his hungry eyes. He bent to nuzzle a
taut thigh before mouthing a wet path across his lover's balls and up
the underside of his straining member.
Armand
let out a keening wail when lips closed around the head of his cock.
“Oh fuck, so good.” Peter’s hot mouth and talented tongue slid
down his length, twisting and twirling before sucking hard.
Retreating, only to retrace its steps. “Don’t stop,” he cried
when his weeping length was released, only to be swallowed to the
root yet again.
Armand
was fighting not to come. The things that tongue were doing were
absolutely sinful. His cock hardened impossibly, dripping precum and
throbbing in time with his thundering pulse. He fought to stave off
his orgasm, thinking of every turn-off he could as he moaned and
writhed like a cat in heat. When Peter pulled back again he groaned
in relief, finally able to gain some control.
The
feeling was short lived. Large calloused hands easily flipped their
positions and began tracing the planes of his back. Peter licked and
nipped a slow lazy trail down his spine, laying tender kisses across
the saddle of his hips before lapping and nuzzling pert buttocks. He
spread the firm globes and dipped his head to place a kiss on the
hidden pucker. He pressed his tongue against the fluttering hole and
flicked the tip, reveling in the wanton moan it pulled from
kiss-swollen lips. His tongue swirled and then dipped inside,
retreating to thrust deeper, stroking hot velvet walls, dragging
forth the most wonderful sounds and spurring him on.
Fingers
came into play alongside that wicked tongue and Armand was spread
wide and plundered, arching and groaning as his prostate was stroked.
His disappointment over losing those taunting fingers
dissipated when the broad head of his lover's erection nudged his
loosened entrance. It pushed inside, his mouth flying open in a
silent O of pleasure and pain. He scrambled for something to cling to
on the unmade bed, having to settle for fistfuls of the slippery
mattress cover.
"So
fucking wonderful.” Peter's husky whisper trailed off into a
guttural moan as his erection slowly and inexorably sank in to the
hilt. He immediately began a measured slide, in and out, occasionally
adding a hard thrust that had Armand seeing stars. For his part, any
control he might have had was wrenched away by the wave of lust the
huskily whispered words triggered. When the hard length filled him
completely he was lost.
Peter
increased the pace, keeping his lover's hips in a bruising iron grip,
pulling him back until he was almost sitting in the taller man’s
lap. A long fingered hand wrapped around Armand's dripping erection
and began to stroke him firmly in time with the thrusts, occasionally
adding a twist and the firm stroke of a calloused thumb across the
sensitive tip.
Armand
was pulled out of his reverie by the sound of his lover's whimpers.
Obviously his dream wasn't of happier times, the lanky figure
shuddered and shook. “Don't leave me,” Peter screamed as he flung
himself upright, panting and shivering. His eyes combed the shadows,
looking for something that wasn't there. He abandoned his search,
dragging himself out of bed and into the bathroom. He stared at the
haggard face in the mirror while the tub filled, gratefully immersing
himself in the steaming water and shutting his eyes.
Think
happy thoughts . . . easier said than done. He sighed as the
tension finally started to leach out of his aching muscles. Hasn't
been much to be happy about lately. He cast his mind back,
searching for the last time he could claim to be truly happy. No ugly
truth hanging over his head like a dark cloud.
"Honey,
I'm home,” Armand called from the door. “Are you ready? We're
going to be late.”
"I
don't see why you can't tell me where we're going.” Peter emerged
from the bedroom half dressed, tucking his shirt in with one hand
while the other busily tried to sort his hair into some semblance of
order. “And what have I said about calling me honey?”
"I
can't tell you because then it wouldn't be a surprise.”
"I
don't particularly like surprises.” The petulant retort elicited a
broad smile in response.
"You'll
like this one. You trust me, don't you?” Armand asked teasingly.
"Of
course I trust you.”
"Right
answer.” Soft lips pressed up against Peter's as he opened his
mouth to continue his protests, effectively derailing his train of
thought. “Now, we have a train to catch.”
A
few short hours later they were striding through a beautifully
manicured Japanese garden, possibly the most enchanting place he'd
ever been. “Hurry up slowpoke.” Armand yanked on his hand, towing
Peter's taller form determinedly behind him.
"But
it's so beautiful, I just want to stop and enjoy.”
"Not
yet, they're waiting.” They climbed the steps to an ornate gazebo
lit by flickering oil lamps and the light of the full moon.
"They
who? What's going on?” Peter stubbornly refused to move forward
until he got some answers.
"It's
our anniversary. Five years ago you asked me to dance. Don't you
remember?”
"Of
course I remember. That doesn't explain why we're here.”
"It
may not mean anything when we get back home, but I want to marry
you.” Armand's husky response had him turning wide eyes on his
lover.
"Marry
me?”
"Unless
you don't want to,” Armand whispered, suddenly afraid he'd made a
grave error in judgment.
"I'll
never love anyone the way I love you. Of course I'll marry you.”
Peter squeezed his hand, searching his lover's eyes, fearful there
was some sort of catch.
They
stood in front of strangers and spoke from the heart, binding
themselves together as tightly as they could. “You do know what
this means.” Peter turned a crinkle-eyed smile his husband's way.
“Now it's time for the honeymoon.”
Peter
shook his head, sliding under the surface of the water and looking at
the distorted view for a moment. That was over a year ago. The
beginning of the end. He pushed the morbid train of thought to
the back of his mind, determined to get at least a couple of hours of
uninterrupted sleep.
When
he padded back into the bedroom he didn't even glance at the other
side of the bed. Slipping under the covers, he turned his back on his
silent lover. For his part, Armand didn't press, it was obvious Peter
was under stress, no point in pushing when he wasn't receptive. Maybe
tomorrow, he concluded before settling in to keep watch over the
slumbering form. Memories rose unbidden behind closed eyes, reminding
him of why he kept his silent vigil.
"He
asked you to do what?” Armand was certain he hadn't heard
correctly.
"He
saw us at the club the other night. He asked me if I wanted a job as
a dancer,” Peter explained, holding out the flimsy business card
for his lover's inspection.
"This
is a strip club. You said no didn't you?”
"I
didn't say anything. I just took the card.”
"Fine,”
Armand bit out. “I'll make sure he understands you aren't
interested.”
"We
could use the money. It wouldn't mean anything,” Peter insisted.
“I'd still be yours.”
"No,
absolutely not. I'll shovel shit first.”
"You're
jealous. That's so cute.”
"Of
course I'm jealous,” Armand whispered. “I'm nothing special.
You'll meet some rich, good looking man and leave me.”
"I'll
never leave you,” Peter assured him. “You're stuck with me, like
it or not.”
"I'm
not willing to take the chance.”
He'd
gone to the club owner, explaining that Peter was not to be
approached again. But instead of backing off, the refusal only seemed
to pique the man's interest. The offers got richer, the refusals more
brusque.
Not
that it did any good. Armand sighed. The scene at the club last
night rose unbidden to his mind. They'll have him in someone's bed
if I don't do something. He considered having another talk with
the club owner, but decided he wasn't likely to have better luck the
second time around. That left Peter as the sole avenue of approach.
Peter who still stubbornly refused to hear him out.
Armand
was sure the so-called support group Peter had started going to was
part of the problem. He failed to see how this forced estrangement
was helping anything. He'd never been a particularly jealous man, but
this new coldness between them had him taking a second look at
everyone. The “buddy” system meant his husband was now spending
an inordinate amount of time with another man. He wasn't sure what
Michael's angle was. All he had managed to glean about the man from
his eavesdropping was that he had joined the support group after his
lover died.
He
twisted his neck from left to right, listening to the satisfying
series of pops before rubbing his temples in an attempt to soothe his
mounting tension. At least my head doesn't hurt. In fact, it
had been days since he'd had one of his headaches. It almost felt
wrong, over the last year he'd become used to the crippling attacks.
Not that he had much choice, they hit him at random. If he hadn't
learned to cope, he would have been incapacitated.
He
hated the way the episodes had taken over his life, certain that the
constant hassle of caring for a semi-invalid husband was the reason
for Peter's coldness. It frustrated him to no end. All those months
Peter had cared for him. Now when he finally felt better, there was a
gap he couldn't seem to cross.
Maybe
I should plan something special. What grand romantic gesture would
sweep him off his feet? He considered and discarded half a dozen
ideas, searching his memories to assure he made the best impression.
"We're
almost there,” Armand told his fidgeting lover. “Just keep your
eyes closed until I tell you.” He carefully guided the taller man
up a short rise and out onto a flat rock. “Now you can look.”
Peter
dropped his hand to gaze out over a field of wildflowers. “This is
beautiful. Where did you hear about this place?”
"I
stumbled across it when I stopped one day to stretch my legs. Do you
like it?”
"It's
beautiful.”
"Then
let's have a bite to eat and enjoy it.” Armand whipped a picnic
basket out from behind his back. He spread out the blanket and
beckoned his lover closer with a single crook of his finger. “You
know we're very isolated here. I'd be amazed if anyone else has
stumbled on this spot.”
"So
you won't mind if I do this?” Peter leaned in, a crooked grin
blooming on his face, and kissed his lover. While their tongues
battled, nimble fingers slid inside his waistband, tickling down his
abdomen to caress his length. The tip of a calloused finger dipped
into the slit, spreading pearly drops of precum in their wake. When
they retreated he let out a pained groan, thrusting his hips hard
against his slighter lover.
Then
the tip of his erection bumped stubbled skin, and fingers stopped
touching and teasing to tug impatiently at his pants. Peter lifted
his hips, feeling his naked erection pushing into the soft flesh of
his lover’s throat. His pants were tossed aside and a gust of cool
air had his balls drawing up and goose pimples racing across exposed
skin.
Peter
cracked his eyes open in time to see Armand’s tongue snake out,
laving a wet streak from his balls to the tip of his twitching
erection. The combination of erotic visual and exquisite sensation
was almost his undoing. His balls were inhaled and rolled in wet
warmth, gently massaged and released, before that magical mouth
enveloped him with agonizing slowness.
The
hot mouth retreated, nibbling the thick vein tracing its way down the
impressive length. Armand took just the head into his mouth,
running his tongue around the rim and tonguing the slit. “Gods,”
Peter muttered huskily before arching further into the inviting heat.
His lover relaxed his throat, engulfing the rigid length to the base.
He
slid up to the tip, twisting his tongue as he withdrew. As he slid
back down he began to hum and Peter's control broke. He fisted his
hands in his lover's hair to hold him in place and began to thrust
his hips, moaning and growling as the sensations overwhelmed him. It
wasn't long before the thrusts became erratic and he came with a
roar, pumping his seed down Armand's throat.
Armand
pulled himself back to the present, pushing to the back of his mind
the knowledge that the picnic he remembered so fondly was also the
scene of his first blinding headache. He knew it was a gamble, but
hoped it would prove to Peter that he really was feeling better and
their life could get back to normal. Now all he needed was his
lover's agreement.
Each
day he watched in silence while his husband poured his heart out to
another man. At night he trailed Peter as he walked to the club,
careful to maintain a discrete distance. Armand waiting patiently
outside until he emerged to make sure he was safe. He was mildly
concerned when his lover began to drink as soon as he got home in the
evening, carrying a bottle into the bathroom with him and sitting for
hours, letting the water grow cold while he drank himself into a
stupor.
He
watched with slitted eyes from the safety of the doorway as the arm
holding the bottle finally grew lax, and it dropped to wobble across
the tile. This was the third night in a row he'd had to keep watch
over Peter, making sure he didn't slide under the surface of the
water since he couldn't lift him out of the tub. Obviously something
was bothering his husband terribly. Unfortunately, he didn't know
what the problem was. He'd love to take care of it so they could move
on. Armand knew he'd do anything to salvage this relationship before
it slipped through his fingers.
Peter
couldn't believe he'd passed out in the tub again. The sound that
he'd imagined was his lover's heartbeat resolved to a fist banging on
his front door. He swore as he pulled himself out of the icy water,
yanking on a robe. He opened the door without even checking to see
who it was, anything to stop the pounding that was threatening to
split his head in two.
As
soon as he forced his eyes to focus he regretted his haste. Peter
pulled the robe tighter as he started to fidget under the club
owner's heavy gaze. “You're not supposed to come here.”
"You
never called me. I decided I'd waited long enough and I'd come find
you.” The club owner looked Peter up and down appreciatively. “You
gave me your address when you started working at the club. Remember?
Now, don't you think you should invite me in? You aren't really
dressed to be standing out in the street.”
Peter
reluctantly stepped back to let his visitor enter. He shut the door
and headed for the kitchen. “What do you want?”
"Now,
now, is that any way to talk to the man paying your salary?”
"Just
answer the question so I can get back to sleep.”
"You
know why I'm here. I need your answer. He's a valued customer. You
know he spends a fortune on you.”
"Not
my problem.” Peter crossed his arms mulishly and glared.
"It's
just a lap dance. All the other dancers do them. If you don't say
yes, I'm just going to have to find someone who will.”
"You'll
fire me?”
"In
a heartbeat.” The club owner moved in to capture Peter's chin in
cruel fingers. “You're nothing special. There are a hundred guys
who want your spot.”
"And
if I say yes?”
Armand's
heart stopped. He couldn't even summon the will to protest. His
Peter was agreeing to get naked and rub all that luscious flesh
on a stranger. He stumbled out on the porch, gasping for air
and trying not to break down.
He
didn't trust himself to face his lover yet, so he lingered outside,
feverishly concocting and rejecting plans to change his mind. When
Peter's “buddy” Michael dropped by, Armand followed him in,
taking a watchful stance in the corner while the two men talked.
"You
actually said yes?” Michael couldn't stand to see Peter sink any
lower. “You don't have to do this, you know. There are lots of
other options.”
"I
need the money.”
"You
don't have to stay here. There are plenty of other places. You could
find another job. It wouldn't pay as well, but you wouldn't have to
act like a whore either.”
"That
was uncalled for.” Peter began to pace, pulling on his hair as he
tried to explain. “You're the one who keeps telling me to move on.
If I do this, then it shows I'm putting the past behind me.”
"There
are other ways to do that.”
"But
this will make me accept that it's over.”
Michael
didn't know what to say. He started and stopped a few times before
clapping a hand on Peter's shoulder. “I'm here if you need me. Just
think about it some more, please?”
Peter
nodded, slumping on the couch and squeezing his head between his
hands as soon as the other man left.
"You
don't want to do this,” Armand whispered. “You don't have to do
this. If you want to be free of me then go. You don't have to
do this.”
The
only response to his impassioned pleas was an airy sigh. His lover
hoisted himself off the couch and went to dress for work. Armand
watched with a heavy heart as he checked his costume. He wasn't
stupid, he knew if Peter went through with this he'd lose him for
good. It's not fair. I never had a chance to explain.
All
too soon Peter's turn on stage was over. For the first time he
actually wanted the dance to last longer. Anything to delay what was
to come. As soon as he stepped off-stage he was whisked into one of
the private rooms. “I need to change,” he insisted.
"Nope,
sorry. He specifically requested you wear this.”
Of
course he did, Peter thought sourly. It will be so much easier
to 'accidentally' unravel these straps than remove a g-string. He
swallowed hard and moved to stand in front of the seated patron.
When
the music started he took a deep breath and began to slowly gyrate to
the beat, grinding suggestively into his customer's back before
gracefully straddling his lap. Peter shut his eyes and fought to
detach himself from what he was doing. The feel of this stranger's
erection rubbing against his ass made him want to shudder in
revulsion. I need this job, he reminded himself.
The
coarse hand unraveling the straps and rubbing suggestively over his
hidden flesh was almost too much. It took all Peter's control not to
jump and run. Flashes of his last dance with Armand rose to taunt
him.
"I
don't want to go out. I look ridiculous,” Armand insisted.
"I
think you look hot,” his lover teased. “I like bald guys.”
"I
thought you loved my hair.”
"I
love you. Hair, no hair, I don't really care.” Peter leaned in to
nuzzle his husband's neck. “This gives me easy access to all your
sensitive spots.”
They
arrived at the club early enough to grab a table by the floor. They
watched the dancers and chatted idly, occasionally leaning in close
to share a kiss.
A
slow, lilting ballad began to play. “This is about my speed.”
Armand towed his lover out onto the floor, smiling when strong arms
wrapped around him and Peter began to hum in his ear.
"Any
speed you like is fine with me,” Peter whispered. “Nothing wrong
with a long slow burn.”
They
spent the rest of the evening on the dance floor. Trading long
open-mouthed kisses as they swayed to whatever was playing. When he
couldn't stand another moment he pulled his husband out of the club.
They
barely made it inside the door when Armand found himself pinned
against the wall as his lover tried to suck his tongue out of his
mouth. “Want you so bad,” Peter husked as he fumbled with the
button on his husband's pants.
He
pulled Armand close, pressing their lips together in a heartfelt
kiss. “Let's move this somewhere more comfortable, shall we. I'd
hate to come on the living room wall.”
Armand
dove back in for another kiss, taking control and maneuvering them to
the bed, his nimble hands caressing every inch of flesh they could
reach. He suckled defined pectorals, then slid lower to trace the
ridges of Peter's abdomen.
Peter
let out a stifled gasp when that hot tongue slid lower, tickling the
head of his penis before darting away to suckle his heavy sac.
Eventually
Armand grew tired of teasing and swallowed the erection bobbing
temptingly in front of his face, using the distraction to slide a
slick finger through his lover's puckered ring.
He
added a second finger and began to gently thrust them in time with
the bobbing of his head. He smirked in satisfaction when Peter let
out a loud moan, legs spreading impossibly wide in an attempt to
encourage him. “Like that do you?” Armand chuckled before
targeting his lover's prostate, eyes darkening with lust as he
watched Peter writhe wantonly.
"I
can't wait any longer.” Armand quickly lubed his erection before
slowly pushing through the clenching muscle, both men letting out a
sigh as he brushed over Peter's prostate and a shudder ran through
the tall man.
"Make
me yours,” Peter whispered when he was finally seated to the hilt.
“No holding back.”
"I
can't say no to such a tempting offer.” He folded Peter's long legs
around his waist before getting to his knees, shifting inside the
larger man until only the head remained in his clutching passage.
“We're going to try something different. Just relax and let me take
control, I promise not to hurt you.”
"Just
move, or I will.”
"Oh
no, you won't.” Armand thrust hard into the furnace of his lover's
body, biting his lip to keep from coming at the deep erotic groan it
pulled from his throat.
"Again,”
Peter insisted. “Don't stop.”
"I
couldn't stop if I wanted to.” Armand panted as he sped up the
pace, plunging into his lover as he writhed and keened.
The
continuous assault on his prostate proved to be too much and Peter
was undone completely. He threw back his head and roared as his come
spurted onto his husband's chest.
"I'm
not done with you yet.” Armand twisted him to lay on his side,
speeding up his thrusts until he came with a choked cry, eyes falling
shut and his whole form shuddering with the force of his release.
Peter's
eyes sprang open with a gasp. He leapt back off the lap he was
perched on, quailing slightly at the heavy, lustful look directed his
way.
"What's
the hurry? We were just starting to have a good time,” the customer
insisted.
"No,
we weren't. Your dance is over, I need to get out of here.”
"I
don't think so.” Peter suddenly noticed how large the man in the
chair was. “We were having fun. Look, you're still hard for me.”
When a meaty hand roughly fisted his erection Peter bolted, pulling
on his clothes as he tore out the back door and headed for the safety
of home.
He
heard the door slam. Peter followed his usual evening routine and
headed into the bathroom. When he headed back out a few minutes later
and sat down on the edge of the bed, Armand steeled himself for the
confrontation that was surely coming.
He
cleared his throat, ready to broach the subject of their estrangement
once again. He knew if he didn't speak now, he wouldn't have another
chance. The words he'd been aching to say flooded his head. I love
you. I'd never leave you. Please give us a chance. All of them stuck
in his throat in the face of the broken man his lover had become.
Before
he could speak Peter raised his head and fixed his eyes on his
reflection in the mirror. “I don't know what you expect from me,”
he croaked. “I know you don't approve of my dancing, but this was
our home. I don't want to leave it and I can't swing the payments any
other way. Everyone keeps telling me to walk away, make a fresh
start, but I just can't.”
His
head dropped onto his knees, arms dangling uselessly as strangled
sobs shuddered through his frame. It was then Armand saw the bottle.
The empty bottle. “It's the only thing that makes sense,” Peter
slurred before his eyes dropped shut.
"You
need to tell me what you've done,” Armand demanded, surprised when
weary chocolate eyes lifted to lock with his own.
"Can't,
you'll be angry,” came the whispered response.
"I'll
never be angry with you. I've loved you since the day we met.”
"Liar.
You left me,” Peter muttered.
"I'm
right here,” Armand insisted. “I never left. I'll never leave.
You're the one who stopped talking to me. But I don't want to fight
about it, you need to get help.”
"No,
I just want you. I want to stay with you. I can't stand to lose you
again.”
The
door burst open and Armand found himself swept aside by paramedics.
“I should have checked him earlier,” Peter's friend Michael kept
insisting. “He said everything was alright. He seemed ready to move
on.”
"So
he'd been upset about something?” the paramedic asked.
"We
met at a bereavement support group. His lover died a couple months
ago. He's had a hard time moving on.”
"No,”
Armand whispered. “He's wrong. I'm Peter's lover.”
"Peter,
I need you to talk to me. How many of these pills did you take?”
"None
of their damn business.” Armand swiveled, eyes going wide at the
sight of his husband standing behind him.
"But.
. .” He gestured toward the limp body the emergency crew was
laboring over.
"I
won't lose you again.” Peter reached to embrace him, but never
connected.
The
body on the floor started to flail, and the crowded room emptied into
the ambulance. The house was silent and still, free of the living and
the dead. Armand settled on the edge of the bed, in the spot his
lover had recently occupied. He was a patient man. The dead have all
the time in the world, after all, and love is worth waiting for.
