Chapter Twenty-Nine

Ash

O n my break, as I set down my sandwich, my phone pings. I'm hoping it might be Jace. Despite sending him texts, I haven't heard from him since my birthday. I unlock my phone and see yet another message from an unknown sender.

UNKNOWN:

Ash, you there?

Who is this?

UNKNOWN:

Mom

A surge of excitement rushes through me, making me wonder if it was her who wished me a happy birthday. I remind myself that it's important to remain calm. She's played with my emotions far too often in the past and disappointed me one too many times.

Whose phone are you using?

UNKNOWN:

Cindy from work got me one of those SIM cards. She let me put it in her phone.

I've missed you, sweetie.

Same here, Mom. Where's Rich?

The dots on my screen alternate between bubbling and stopping. Is he there? Is she hiding to text me? I shouldn't give a damn, but I can't help it. Finally, there's another message.

UNKNOWN:

I'm working, so he's not around.

Where you at?

I'm at work.

I'm not ready to reveal my whereabouts to her. This new chapter of my life is mine alone, and I can't afford any interference from her or Rich.

UNKNOWN:

You have a job? That's great.

Yeah, it is. Look, I don't mean to be rude, but what do you want?

The bubbles are bouncing again, and I've only got five minutes left on my break. I don't want to cut her off, but I can't jeopardize my job for her, not anymore.

UNKNOWN:

I'm gonna leave him.

Finally, the words I've been longing to hear for years. Does she actually mean it? Why, suddenly, does she want to leave him? What made her change her mind after all these years? Though, if she ends things with him, there's a chance I'll get my mom back.

You are? When?

UNKNOWN :

Soon, but I'll need your help. I'll need money, Ash.

Although I don't have a lot of money, I do have some since I started working for Gage and Marie. If it means getting her away from Rich, I'm more than willing to help her out.

How much?

UNKNOWN:

Maybe $1000 to get me to you, and so I can find a place to stay.

It's a substantial sum, and the only account I have is the one that she and Rich can access. I refuse to send money to that account, worried that Rich might get to it before Mom does.

That's a lot of money.

If you want my help, you gotta figure out how to meet me. It's the only way I'm giving you cash, Mama.

UNKNOWN:

How about sending it to me in the mail? Or just send it to Cindy?

I won't budge; she's played games with me too many times. If she truly wants to leave Rich, she'll find a way to meet me.

I'm sorry, but for me to help you, I need you to come to where I am. Can you do that?

I wanna help you, but it's gotta be my way.

Just as I'm about to give up on getting a response, my phone chimes.

UNKNOWN:

Sure, just give me a few days to see what I can come up with.

I pocket my phone and toss my sandwich aside, suddenly losing my appetite. Did that really just happen? Does she genuinely plan on leaving him? I'm not foolish enough to reveal my location to her. Not yet. But if there's a way I can help her, I won't hesitate. Getting her clean and safe was always my top priority. If it's true, my mom will finally be back in my life.

I haven't told Gage about Mom yet, even though I know I should. Our relationship is going so well at the moment, and I don't want my past to ruin that, especially if Mom isn't being honest. Before reopening old wounds, I prefer to wait and see what her next move is. After going to the stockroom and grabbing a box of cereal, I head to the floor to finish my shift. I'm just hoping Mom figures things out and gets in touch with me soon.

I'm about to walk into the bar when the doors swing open, revealing a couple who kindly step aside and let me in before they make their way out. Jax is serving behind the bar. He's taken to helping most days, along with helping Bert in the kitchen, and I know it takes away from his photography, but he doesn't seem to mind. Maybe Gage will hire someone else soon, maybe even Mom, but in the meantime, I'm happy to lend a hand whenever I can.

Jaxon's pastel-green shirt has its sleeves rolled up, reaching past his elbow. My line of sight is limited to the upper portion of him above the bar. Just like Gage, he smoothly grabs a bar towel from his shoulder, cleans the bar, and effortlessly throws it back over his other shoulder.

"Hey Jax, where is he?" I ask, walking up to the bar.

"He's down in the cellar. Barrels just arrived. I'm sure he could use some help." He winks.

"Well, I guess I better go offer my services." With a laugh, I stroll through the kitchen and exit through the back door. Turning left, I come across the open cellar doors and walk down the four steps into the chilly, dim room. Standing just off to the side, I lean against the cool brick wall, hypnotized by Gage's strength as he lifts barrels to different positions—some on their side and some upright.

His firm ass is on full display in his tight denim cut-offs as he bends over. The sight of his hair, whether in a man bun, like it is now, or cascading across his shoulders, ignites the same level of desire within me.

Despite the dim lighting down here, I can still see his bulging forearms in the blue shirt rolled up to his elbows. I definitely have an arm fetish; just imagining his sinewy, muscled limbs with veins bulging turns me on instantly. I guess I'm just obsessed with all things Gage.

Our emotional and physical closeness intensifies with each passing day, and while I expect to be ready for more soon, I currently desire to have him lingering on my taste buds. The mere idea of it makes my body tingle with excitement.

Catching sight of me as he turns to grab another barrel, a big smile quickly spreads across his face. I feel as though he can truly understand the essence of who I am.

He's so attractive that even if he stood in a pile of horseshit wearing a trash bag, I would still be infatuated with him. I get to call this strong, handsome man mine. Who would have imagined that someone like me, a twenty-one-year-old guy from poor Perry, would end up with someone as sexy as Gage? He's like a fine wine or a mature cheese, and I'm eagerly looking forward to gobbling him up.

"Stop looking at me like that," he says, flashing a smile that instantly weakens my knees.

"Like what?" I feign ignorance, pretending not to know what he's talking about.

"Like you wanna kiss me," he says, his voice deepening, a seductive edge sharpening his words.

Feeling a surge of courage, I chew on my lip and retort, "Maybe I do."

Within seconds, he's right in front of me. I encourage myself, saying, Be courageous, Ash. This man is yours. Take what you desire from him. See how he eagerly waits for you.

Fuck it.

Taking hold of his shirt, I spin him around in one fluid motion, causing his back to slam against the hard cellar wall. Then I drop to my knees. "W...what are you doing?" he asks.

"I'm gonna suck your dick." With my response, my heart races, and I find myself running my hands along his thighs, never breaking eye contact.

"Fuck yeah, you are." Holding onto my chin tightly, he confesses, "I never expected to love being pinned against a wall and violated, yet here we are."

Fuck. Every ounce of blood in my body seems to have migrated to my pulsating erection, fueling my every intention. Reaching for his button, I deftly flick it open and unzip his jeans. The scent of his arousal wafts toward me, igniting a craving that makes my mouth water. Which is another new thing for me.

With my hands on either side of the denim, ready to tug them down, I inquire, "Can I?"

His chest rises and falls with each heaving breath, confirming his agreement with a nod.

I give them a hard yank and they slide down his legs, settling around his ankles. I shift my weight and inch closer to him, ready for whatever comes next. It's fascinating how the aroma of someone else can elicit a sexual response. I guess it just reminds me how new I am to this whole being with a guy thing.

"Damn, you smell so good," I praise, taking in another deep inhale of his cock that's standing at attention like a good soldier waiting to go into battle. Yeah, a battle with my tonsils.

"Pull down my boxers, take me out."

Dropping his underwear, I am met with the sight of a magnificent erection bouncing in front of me, the color of his trimmed pubic hair matching that on his head.

As I hold him steady with one hand on his stomach, I cautiously wrap my fingers around his substantial shaft. I'm curious to experience the firmness of another man's cock in my hand. Will it feel the same as mine?

"Let me know if I do something wrong."

"Baby, everything you do is perfect, except if you decide to sink your teeth into me, then we might have a problem."

No biting, check .

"Hey," he gently touches my cheek. "Don't overthink it. Trust your instincts. I'm desperate to feel your warm mouth, but if you're not comfortable, just say the word and we'll stop, okay?"

He's so fucking sweet.

My bottom lip tingles as he brushes his thumb against it. I moisten it with a lick before he slides it between my parted lips.

With a mischievous smile, I suck his thumb into my mouth, feeling the softness of his skin.

"That's right, just like that. I knew you'd feel amazing," he says with a smile. "Let's see how you do with this one."

Pulling his thumb from my mouth, he leans closer, his throbbing dick glistening with precum. I take hold of it and point it toward my mouth, giving it an experimental taste. The flavor of it lingers on my tastebuds, just as sweet as I remember. Using my tongue, I explore his cock, tracing circles around the tip before gliding down to the shaft and retracing my path upwards. The moment I open my mouth and take him in, his hand tightens around my hair and a low, pleasure-filled groan escapes him. "That's right, my sweet boy. Take me deep into your throat with that perfect mouth."

A wave of tingles rushes through me as he compliments me. My mouth waters, saliva slipping from the corners and onto my hand, which is now moving in sync with my mouth. After a while, I master the technique of exhaling through my nose and consciously relaxing my throat, allowing him to slide in further.

"This mouth is truly something else," he exclaims. "You look so beautiful like this, on your knees for me."

"Argh," I gurgle, trying my best to breathe as the beast continues to ram into my throat. My underwear is getting damp from my arousal, cock leaking like a faucet. I press my hand against it, hoping to ease some of the pressure.

His deep, shuddering groans reverberate in my ears as I take him in further, occasionally choking but refusing to give up. He's warm and solid, and I can sense him beginning to grow in my mouth. With my other hand, I gently squeeze his balls, causing him to lurch forward, making me gag once more. Despite my earlier reservations, I'm thoroughly enjoying the feeling of satisfying Gage. A kind of euphoria courses through me, and I revel in the way my mouth stretches to accommodate the deliciousness of his cock, loving the arousing moans that Gage is drawing out. I'm pushing him to the brink of madness—and I'm absolutely loving it.

Gasping for air, he tightens his hold on my hair, his voice husky as he confesses, "You're making me lose control, babe. I'm about to come real fucking hard. If you don't want it, then back off now."

Hell no. I want everything, but his sudden jerking makes it difficult for me to stay in rhythm. The first taste of his sweetness is fucking intoxicating, and then more fills my mouth. Compared to Gage, I lack finesse, and I can feel droplets of his release trickling down the sides of my mouth as he relentlessly thrusts his hips. That's fine, it'll give me something to work on. I want to make him feel this way again. Soon .

It's a powerful feeling to be able to bring someone to orgasm.

He looks at me with drunken desire, praising my performance. "You were incredible, baby," he says.

With his weight supported by the wall, I quickly pull up his boxers and ensure that I properly tuck him in. Then I fix his shorts and stand up.

He pulls me closer and kisses me, and I know he can taste his own essence on my tongue. I'm about ready to bust a nut in my jeans. There's no way I'll make it up to my room in time. In a rush, I hastily unzip my jeans and free myself, relying on the moisture of my precum for lubrication. I rub it around my cock and then yank up his shirt and furiously stroke myself.

"That's right, darlin'," he growls, his voice filled with hunger. "Leave your mark on me, claim me. I want to carry your intoxicating scent with me all day."

With one hand, he pulls his shirt up to his chin while his other hand pinches my nipple.

" Fuuuuckk ." A groan escapes my lips as a tingling sensation runs down my spine and my stomach tightens. He needs to know that I'm his, and he's mine.

"Come on me, Ash."

With a low growl, I target his stomach as my cock releases a burst of cum, one rope after another. I aggressively declare, "You. Are. Mine."

I claim his lips with fierce ownership. When I withdraw, I delicately stroke my hand over his abdomen, spreading my release and ensuring it clings to the hair on his body. "Now everyone's gonna know you're mine."

He takes my lips and breathes, "Yours."

My arms encircle his neck and I absentmindedly play with the sweaty strands of hair on his nape. My hips feel secure as his hands rest on them, keeping me steady. I'm unsure about the time we spend holding each other, but these serene moments are just as meaningful as the fiery, passionate ones.

Finally, I look up at him, my eyes filled with happiness, and flash a warm smile. "I really like having a boyfriend," I confess.

"Me too, babe," he chuckles, his voice light and playful. "And if you ever get the urge to blow me like that again, never hesitate, ‘cause that was some mind-blowing cocksucking."

I can't help but burst into laughter. As I yank down his shirt, a wicked satisfaction washes over me, knowing that he'll have to deal with the remnants of me tangled in his body hair.