Before You

“Gonna kick my ass?” He asked it quietly. “Would beating me help? I’ll take it.”

The idea made him almost sick. “You should damn well know better.”

“What then? I sleep in another bed and wait for you to offer me yours again?”

“I don’t know,” he conceded. Fortifying rage began to drain, leaving the ache of his heart. “I’m all fucked up.”

Listening to that glorious, deep voice after so much separation, eroded Roth’s defenses. Adam replied, “When I phoned, you called me ‘baby’. You told me you’d come get me, protect me. The first night you used that endearment, you told me you’d pamper me and pleasure me. Can’t you forgive me?”

Roth’s body seemed to vibrate with the wracking combination of lust, love and wounded emotions. “You hurt me.”

Adam stepped a little closer, gaze seeming to search his own for understanding. “It almost killed me to leave you. But, I had to think of you and Joseph.”

Roth stepped back. The scent and warmth of the man seduced his senses. “Why didn’t you talk to me?”

“I realized you suspected something.” He advanced. “Just to know what, I checked the navigation history on your laptop.”

Impressed, Roth said, “You’re a smart bastard. How’d you figure my password?”

“That horse you love. Sultana.”

As Adam reached for his hand, Roth knew he had no Alamo for resisting. He had to bluff. “Doesn’t account for why you kept quiet.”

“Did you talk to me?”

He became acutely aware of having his lover returned safe and within reach. Unable to lie, he confessed, “No.”

“I knew if I spoke to you, you’d either talk me out of it, or follow if I took off. Didn’t for a second think you could find me if I made a covert exit.” Very softly he added, “Clearly, I was wrong about that, too.”

“You left me.” The accusation sounded heavy even to himself.

“I didn’t see a choice.” He squeezed Roth’s hand.

“Serve you right if I started handcuffing you to me at night.”

“I’d enjoy that.” Adam tugged him toward the bedroom. “It’s been a long one. Let’s sleep on this.”

Roth allowed himself towed along. “I don’t want to sleep.”

“Neither do I, sweetheart.”

The submission generated from deep in his soul. “You’re seducing me.”

Adam turned, walking backward. “Yes.”

“Not sure if I’ll allow it.”

Adam pulled him along, locking the bedroom door and kissing him, light and coaxing. “I’ll at least have the pleasure of trying.” His hands went to the hem of Roth’s long-sleeved shirt. “Let me look at you.”

Caught in the man’s silky web, he attempted to at least seem unconvinced as he lifted his arms. “Did you miss me?”

“That’s not the word, Roth.” He leaned down to kiss Roth’s chest, lingering over it. “I missed my family. I missed living free like a normal person. A new word for how I felt’s needed.”

Adam stripped them both, wearing away any fleeting reservations with his lips. When he finally swallowed Roth jerking, throbbing cock, Roth cried out and cradled his head between his shaking hands. “Baby, you’re forgiven.”

Adam moved up and over him. “Mean that?”

Roth’s gaze moved over his face, experiencing the tugging in his own heart and gut. “I could never hold a grudge against you.”

“Then make me feel like your baby again.”

"AN/ Feedback wanted. Should Roth relent or hold out? Post in review thread or email me. MsKristinaDalton@aol.com. Starting to write around noon, so if you want a say in it, speak up before then!"