Chapter Two

It had been a whirlwind few hours. A single card of information — airline and flight time out of Baltimore; a time and place in Chicago — had been waiting on the top shelf of Zane's locker, along with a ticket for a nonstop to O'Hare.

Zane had, upon occasion, worked with less information. And he knew enough about how Burns worked to not even be bothered with his methods.

He'd made it to BWI using Ty's favorite flashy blue lights with barely enough time to change into the suit he'd had in the truck. He'd taken the time during the past two days to repack the small duffel bag he kept in the truck for when he needed a change of clothes and more than a couple of spare magazines for his Glock. He'd been able to check the duffel, along with his arsenal.

That he was in a hurry to serve as backup for another agent, he understood. Why it all translated into Burns being so tense, he had no idea. It was more than a little unnerving, actually, because it brought back memories of clandestine assignments he'd thought he'd buried. It made him wonder what Ty could possibly be doing for Burns that Burns needed to call Zane in on a job. This wasn't the first time Zane had worked for the assistant director at the order of a single phone call. It was just the first time he'd done it since he was sober.

Zane tried to clear his mind as he waited for the plane to land and taxi to the gate. After the all-clear, he pulled on his wool coat and headed up the skyway with a purpose. His plane was on time, not too surprising for an early morning flight, and his contact was supposed to meet him at the security point where the gate let out of the concourse proper, near baggage claim.

At quarter to nine, O'Hare was bustling, and it helped Zane shrug off the last of the lingering unease from the flight. He had to walk at least a half mile through the sprawling terminals, maneuvering through throngs of people as he tried to get out, but he made it to the security point in under fifteen minutes. Right on time. Now he just had to find his contact.

He got stuck behind a group of college kids, some kind of sports team, as he came through the terminal exit. He stopped to try to look around and over them, searching for anything that might give him a clue as to who he'd be meeting.

Suit and tie, he would guess that much.

Several people fit the bill as he surveyed the milling crowd. A man in an expensive suit with no luggage other than a briefcase was reading a newspaper. A woman in a sharp pantsuit and her hair in a tight bun stood near the entrance to a café, checking her watch. Zane gave her a second glance before his gaze coasted past a well-built man, leaning over into a cold drinks case, wearing an expensive trench coat and a T-shirt and jeans. The T-shirt and trench combo didn't get rocked often.

Zane smiled when it made him think of Ty. The pang of hurt that had lodged in his chest a couple of days ago twinged, and he rubbed at it, ignoring the frazzle of irritation that followed. Ty would wear something like that. He would probably get to Chicago, think "Damn, it's cold," and then go right out and buy a high-dollar trench to wear with jeans and a T-shirt because he'd be able to wear it at work when he got home, and who cared what he looked like in the meantime? Zane chuckled despite the frustration and lingering sense of loss. It would make sense to Ty, anyway.

He tipped his head to one side to try to see what the T-shirt said. The man straightened and brought into view the face of one Special Agent B. Tyler Grady.

Zane did a literal double take, hardly able to believe who he was seeing.

Ty.

Ty looked up and met Zane's eyes across the crowded terminal, and shock registered on his handsome face. He was wearing a pair of jeans Zane had intimate knowledge of and a T-shirt he had never seen before. It was pink and vintage-looking with an orange half circle on it. There were two cartoon characters in front of the circle, an alligator and a crocodile, one saying "See you later," and the other replying, "After a while." He hadn't shaved in a day or two and looked a touch harried, but he also looked healthier than he had the last time Zane had seen him, less worn and more at peace with the world. As Zane drew near, he could see that Ty's hazel eyes were the same as he remembered. Alight with life and humor.

"Zane! What are you doing here?"

Zane was torn between a nearly overwhelming urge to pull Ty into his arms and the driving need to shake him silly. Zane curled his hands into fists, all too aware of the people all around them. "Burns sent me."

Ty turned his chin. "You're my backup?" he asked, a smile forming as he spoke. His eyes sparkled, and the smile lines around them appeared before he took an impulsive step forward and hugged Zane tight. Then he kissed him, heedless of the crowds milling through the terminal.

Zane clutched at Ty's arms in surprise, but the warmth of Ty's lips melted the shock away within seconds, and Zane squeezed his eyes shut as everything else faded.

It seemed like forever before Ty broke the kiss and took Zane's face between his hands to look at him. "I thought it'd be days before I got to see you."

Zane turned his head just enough to press his lips to Ty's palm before he frowned. The swell of absolute relief and ridiculous happiness didn't stand a chance against the stored-up anger and frustration. He pulled back and took Ty by his shoulders, shaking him just like he'd wanted to. "What were you thinking?"

Ty laughed and grabbed him. "Stop! Okay!"

"I should shake you until your teeth rattle," Zane said as he let Ty go.

Ty nodded as his smile fell away. His hands dropped from Zane's face, his fingers dragging against Zane's skin.

Zane had almost a week of frustration built up, and he wasn't about to let it go that easily, even if Ty did look like a kicked puppy because Zane sort of wanted to kill him. When he spoke again, he was surprised that it came out in a growl. "Where the hell have you been?"

Ty shrugged, looking away at the thinning crowd. "Here and there. In theory, Tennessee was involved. Or Kentucky. I'm still not sure." He looked back at Zane. "Which one has the bluegrass and which one has blue grass?"

Zane barely resisted the impulse to shake him again. It wouldn't help, but it might help him feel better. "I'm not asking where Burns told you you were."

Ty nodded, refusing to comment on that.

Zane shook his head, and then glanced up at the ceiling before meeting his lover's gaze again. "You just left," Zane said, and he made no effort to hide his upset.

Ty glanced around the terminal, then looked back at Zane and flopped his hands. "I had to. I don't know how to explain it; it's just sometimes it feels like... like the world is shrinking around me. Like if I don't get out and away that it'll catch me and crush me. And I know that sounds stupid, but it's a real feeling and I panic. I woke up that morning and I just had to go." He reached up and put his palm against Zane's cheek again. It was like he couldn't help himself. "I tried to wake you, I really did. I even shook you!"

"You shook me."

"Well. . . I poked you."

"Ty!"

"I know! You were sleeping so soundly and... You looked happy and safe so I let you sleep."

"I was," Zane said, too loud, and Ty glanced around. Zane stopped and gritted his teeth before continuing, his voice lowered again. "I was. And then I woke up."

Ty met his eyes with difficulty. Even with the fear Zane could see, Ty was more rested and pulled together than he had been five days ago, when he'd resembled a train going off the rails. He looked so much more like himself. Zane recognized just how stressed Ty must have been before taking off, and he could see that wherever Ty had been, it had helped.

"When I left that morning I intended to be back that night. Or at least the next morning. I swear, Zane, if I'd known I'd be gone this long I would have tried to stick it out." Ty waited a few breaths and then added, "I'm sorry."

It didn't help Zane feel any better about the situation, especially when Ty's sincere remorse highlighted how he was acting like a stereotypical jilted lover. Jealous, demanding, cranky. Zane grimaced. It just wasn't fair that he had been the one left behind and yet he was still looking like the asshole. "There's no way I'm going to come out of this looking good."

Ty grabbed his arm as Zane turned away, stepping in front of him to face him. "What do you care if you come out of it looking good? The only person seeing you is me, and I know what I did was shitty. What do you care if we fight in front of a bunch of strangers who'll never see us again? I know you're angry, Zane. Show it. Just get it out so it doesn't sit inside you and blow up later."

Zane looked into his eyes and saw the near desperation there, and suddenly he could see the core of what had been bothering Ty. Neither of them had ever felt comfortable showing what they were feeling. For the first time Zane could see just how badly Ty needed that. But Zane was too close to losing his temper as he stood there and kept looking into Ty's eyes. "What do you want me to say?" The words came out graveled and curt.

Ty put both hands out, palms up. "I don't know, bitch at me? Tell me it's okay? Say something. I'm damn near groveling, here, Zane."

"You scared me, Ty. Scared me," Zane snapped back, loud enough that people started glancing at them.

"I know," Ty said, still calm. "I'm sorry I scared you. I'm sorry I bolted without saying anything to you. I'm sorry I left when you needed me. If I could go back, I'd do it differently. But I'm not sorry for going. You and I both know I needed it. And somewhere in there, you know I needed to do it alone."

"I wouldn't have stopped you," Zane said in a more controlled tone.

"I know, Zane."

"Then why the hell didn't you wake me?"

"I was afraid... I was afraid if I woke you and looked into your eyes I wouldn't be able to go. And I had to go, Zane, I had to."

Zane sighed, looking into Ty's eyes. The anger was melting away, even after almost a week of percolating. Zane wanted to resent Ty for being so easy to forgive. He had expected to be hit with Ty's charm, not this disarming sincerity. Even though fear and worry remained, it was blunted by the desperately happy part of him that just wanted Ty with him, no matter what. And he was glad to see Ty looking healthy again.

Ty nodded. "You're understandably pissed."

"You're damn right I am."

"Why don't we go get your bags, take a cab ride to my hotel, and you can take it out on me there?"

"Take it out on you. As opposed to what, the world?" Zane asked as he turned and started to walk through the breezeway.

He heard Ty sigh, but his partner kept his mouth shut as they walked.

Zane suspected he was overreacting, and he tried to swallow on the anger. This wasn't how he'd wanted to see Ty again. He was not supposed to be angry and hurt and Ty all understanding and apologetic, making him feel like a caveman for being upset.

After checking the directory sign outside baggage claim, Zane found the baggage conveyor for his flight and stood waiting for his black leather duffel to scroll past. Ty stood at his side, silent and close. Zane could feel him. He took a steadying breath and turned to look at Ty.

He was watching Zane, eyebrows raised.

Zane sniffed in annoyance. "Still upset," he muttered, the words almost lost under the shuffling sound of people moving around them. But he sighed and relaxed a little; just being able to see Ty and feel the bundle of energy that was his partner allowed that.

Ty gave him another serene, amused smile. He glanced over his shoulder, and then he stepped forward and took Zane's elbow. Before Zane could do anything but draw a breath, Ty kissed him again, right there in the middle of baggage claim.

Zane grabbed his elbows, holding him still so he could deepen the kiss. To hell with whoever was watching. Ty felt so good in his arms, and he smelled like sandalwood, of all things. Zane didn't care why Ty was suddenly so comfortable with the PDA's, he was going to take advantage while he could.

"Does it make you feel better to know I missed the hell out of you?" Ty whispered, lips moving against Zane's. "And I hope you're still just a little angry when we get to my hotel room."

Zane let out a shuddering breath. "It'll be more than just a little."

Ty hummed, the sound deep and anticipatory. It was almost a purr. "Promise?"

Zane gripped Ty's upper arms tight. "Absolutely."

Ty smiled rakishly, damn him, and took a step back, looking Zane up and down before nodding at the conveyor belt. "There went your bag."

Zane glanced around and had to dart after his duffel. When he pulled it off the belt and looked back at Ty in exasperation, Ty was still smiling.

"Come on. I'll show you the hotel Dick ponied up for," Ty said as he turned to head for the exits.

"You really have a hotel? But when do we move?"

"I don't know."

Zane slung the small bag over his shoulder and loped after Ty. "Why was Burns in such a hurry to get me here this morning if the meet isn't set?"

"Probably because he knew I was here alone with nothing to do but something stupid. I've been stalking this guy for two days now," Ty said as he dug around in his pockets, fussing with the heavy trench coat he wore. "Took me a full day just to get a whiff of him. Burns needed to give you time to get under. It'll be this evening, so we'll have time to buy you some new clothes, give you time to scruff yourself up. Maybe give me time to scruff you up."

"What do you mean scruff me up?"

"I mean screw you through a wall," Ty said, waving his hand up and down at Zane.

Zane laughed in surprise. That idea sounded pretty damn good.

"And you look like a Fed. We're not supposed to look like government on this one, so we'll need to find you some new clothes."

"If you say so. All I know is I'm backup. And a lot happier to be here than I was thirty minutes ago."

Ty's hand snaked around Zane's waist and pulled him closer as they walked. "Burns didn't give me anything but the city and ‘hurry' and that he'd call me to give me an address later. Then I sat here cooling my heels for two days because he decided I needed backup. I didn't even get a chance to try and find this dude, who apparently is pretty good at not being found."

"Who is he?"

"I don't know. Do you really want to talk about a case we'll be handling in less than twelve hours or do you want to go see my kickass hotel room and discuss your feelings instead?"

"Are you seriously asking me that question right now?" Zane said as he moved his duffel to his other shoulder so it didn't hang between them.

"Is that a no, then?"

Zane reached to dig his fingers into Ty's ribs, smiling when Ty twisted to get away. "You might get there without being mauled in the back of a taxi, but I'm making no promises."

"Fair enough. So how was your week, anyway?" Ty asked, passing through the glass doors and out into Chicago's frigid March morning. He began to search his pockets again, not looking where he was going.

Zane stopped their forward progress toward the curb after Ty almost ran down a couple of nuns dragging neon paisley rolling cases. "What are you looking for?"

"I got you something," Ty said as he lifted one side of his trench coat and peered under it. "This damn thing has so many hidey holes I can't remember which one I put it in."

Zane couldn't help but laugh again. "You got me something?"

Ty looked up, his eyes wide and sincere as he nodded. God, he was handsome. Zane had to shake the urge to kiss him again, and he let the warmth in his chest spread through him as he met Ty's eyes. Ty, as always, remained outwardly oblivious to the effect he often had on Zane.

"I've been here an hour or so. Walked through the gift shop." He flopped his hands and gave up the search. "It'll fall out eventually," he muttered as he smoothed his hands down the front of his coat. He'd definitely bought it for the exact reason Zane had thought.

"You didn't need to bring anything home but yourself," Zane said, sighing as he took Ty's arm and got him moving again, following the ground transportation signs toward the taxi queue. It was the same Ty Grady he knew and loved. Really loved. And wasn't that still an odd thought?

"I didn't know when I'd get home after this," Ty said with a wave of his hand. "I couldn't call you. I was pretty sure you were going to be frothing at the mouth by now, so I had to have a Plan B in case a sincere apology and groveling didn't work."

"I wasn't frothing at the mouth."

Ty cleared his throat and glanced at Zane with a knowing look.

Zane shoved his hands in the pockets of his long overcoat and tried to ignore him, but he could just feel Ty watching and waiting. "Okay, so I was a little put out." He shrugged as he glanced over at his partner.

Ty nodded as they came up on the cab in the front of the line waiting for passengers. He opened the door and they both climbed into the back of the car, and Zane stashed the duffel between his feet. Ty said something to the cabbie Zane couldn't make out over the traffic noise, and the car was moving a few moments later.

"I am sorry I left like that," Ty said as soon as they were sitting next to each other, a careful two feet of empty seat between them.

The structures whizzing by outside cast weird shadows into the cab, but Zane knew the features of Ty's face without having to see them, and a short glimpse in the sunlight showed him that Ty was watching him, eyes intent.

"I'm sorry you felt you had to."

Ty gave an elegant shrug and smiled. "Shit happens," he said as he looked away.

"Usually because you're full of it," Zane muttered, leaning back in the seat to take the first easy breath he'd been able to draw in days. He glanced at Ty and felt more of the pressure in his chest ease away.

Ty rested his head against the seat and turned to look at Zane. "Nice suit."

Zane looked down at himself. It was a deep black suit with sharp lines and tiny charcoal pinstripes, bought to replace the suit ruined last week at Lydia Reeves' funeral and picked up from the tailor's just yesterday. The jacket had been cut a little fuller to allow for his gun holster, and the sleeves a little longer to cover his knives. "Burns caught me in the gym. This was what I had for work, since I didn't have time to run home."

Ty was still watching him, his head lowered, his lips twitching as he fought a smile. "No, Zane," he said in a low voice, an entirely different tone to the words. "I meant nice suit."

Zane's mouth went dry as the honey-smooth tone of Ty's seductive voice seeped into him. A slash of light caught in Ty's eyes, and they glittered green with flecks of gold, focused on him. Zane felt his cheeks flush. "Well. I... uh."

Ty didn't respond, he continued to watch Zane as the city passed by the cab's windows. Zane raised an eyebrow, and Ty smirked. Zane knew that look. He knew it very well, and the cab could not get to the hotel fast enough.

Ty led Zane through the lobby of the hotel Dick had put them up in, bypassing the front desk in favor of the elevators. Technically, they had two rooms for the day. They wouldn't need both.

He had to admit that he was nervous. He'd been nervous ever since the morning Richard Burns had called him and he'd realized he wouldn't be able to get back to Zane before Zane completely flipped out. As soon as the elevator doors closed, Ty glanced at Zane and breathed in deeply to calm himself.

Zane turned to lean against the side wall, facing Ty, watching him. His dark eyes didn't stray, not that Ty had anywhere to hide.

"You mad?" Ty asked, lips twitching as he fought a smile.

Zane's eyes narrowed, and the calm fa?ade melted into something that looked a little more dangerous. A thrill ran through Ty's body and he could not suppress the shiver.

"You want to talk?"

"Is there more to say?" Zane asked. His voice carried a cautious undertone. "I'm angry, you're sorry."

"Honestly?" Ty said, losing the teasing note. "I think we have shit-tons of things to talk about."

Zane frowned, looking pained. But he nodded in agreement.

The elevator lurched as they reached their floor. Ty waited for the doors to open before he stepped closer and took Zane's hand in his.

Zane laced his fingers with Ty's and the frown faded, replaced by an unusual vulnerability. "This isn't going to keep me angry."

"Yeah, that's not exactly my plan," Ty whispered as he led Zane down the hallway. They passed a few people on their way to their door, but he never let go of Zane's hand. He didn't let go of it as he fished his key out of one of his many pockets and unlocked the door, and once they were inside, he didn't let go of it after he let Zane drop his bag. Instead he pulled Zane closer to kiss him.

Zane's free hand dug under Ty's trench coat to slide around his waist, pulling Ty to him as their lips met.

Ty's eyes fell shut and all the tension drained out of him as he wrapped around Zane. He was so warm, and his familiar scent seeped into Ty, pushing away all the worries he'd been harboring. He reached out and slid his hand along Zane's waist, pulling at his shirt. "I love you, Zane."

Zane sighed, leaning to place a soft kiss at Ty's temple. "I know."

Ty turned his head to instigate another kiss, delving into it with more heat. "I've been looking forward to this for days."

Zane clutched him close, heat and anticipation building between them, and Ty heard a soft groan escape Zane as the kiss continued. The sound went straight through Ty, and his hands began tugging at Zane's dress shirt, undoing buttons, pulling at his belt as they shuffled further into the room. Ty was forced to take a step back to keep his balance. He found himself against the side of the wet bar, and he just had to laugh and lean against the edge of the counter. Zane shoved Ty's coat off his shoulders and pulled at his T-shirt.

"Been too long," Zane said before claiming another kiss.

Ty nodded, not able to say anything in reply. He pushed onto his toes and sat on the marble counter so he could slide his knees against Zane's hips and pull him closer. Zane wedged in, obviously determined to have skin on skin contact sooner rather than later.

Ty began to laugh, pushing off Zane's shirt and dragging his hands against his shoulders. He leaned in to get another kiss, but just as their lips touched Ty opened his mouth to say one last thing before he forgot and let it slide too long. Zane spoke first.

"Ty," Zane said between kisses, his hands firm on Ty's body. "Be mine, just for now. There's time."

Ty reached for Zane's face, meeting his eyes. "I was always yours," he said with difficulty.

Zane pressed his fingertips to Ty's lips. "Why?"

Ty shook his head, searching for the answer. His chest tightened and breathing became difficult, but he landed on the words he needed. He met Zane's dark eyes and realized he was feeling light-headed as he answered. "Because... you make me the kind of person I've always wished I was."

Zane was silent, his eyes tracing over Ty's face. Ty held his breath until Zane spoke. "I've always wanted you just like you are. As much as you infuriate me, you're who I want."

Ty couldn't put his finger on what those words felt like. It was somewhere between relief and elation. He didn't have any more he could say, so he just leaned forward and kissed Zane again, hooking his feet behind Zane's thighs so he couldn't get away.

With a groan, Zane started pulling at Ty's T-shirt to get it over his head.

"Don't hurt it! It's new," Ty said with a grin as he lifted his arms for Zane to pull the shirt off. It hit the floor and Zane's hands splayed over Ty's chest and ribs while he latched on to Ty's neck. Ty moaned and let his head fall back, cursing when he banged it against the mirrored cabinet above the wet bar.

Zane sank to his knees, tugging Ty off the counter, mouth still on Ty's body as he moved, his beard leaving a trail of prickles. His hands slid into Ty's jeans, and he pulled them down as he moved.

"Zane," Ty said, breathless as he looked down at Zane on his knees. He put his hand on Zane's head and pulled at his overgrown, curly hair.

Zane dragged his tongue down the dark trail of hair along Ty's abdomen before he tipped his head back to look up at Ty.

"Is this a bad time to tell you that I hate that beard?" Ty asked.

"You'll deal with it," Zane said, that spark returning to his almost-black eyes.

Ty laughed, his hand tightening in Zane's hair. Zane retaliated by dragging his cheek down Ty's hip. Ty tugged at his hair harder. "Come back up here."

Zane stood in one fluid motion, reaching out to cup one hand over the back of Ty's neck as he pulled him into a voracious kiss.

Something inside Ty flipped over and he wrapped around Zane with a grateful moan. Something about Zane's touch felt different. There was more confidence in him, something more firm than just the muscles of his back that Ty was digging his fingers into. Something more certain.

Zane pulled him closer and squeezed him tight, then reached down to slide his hands under Ty's ass and lift him with a grunt. Ty wrapped around him so he wouldn't fall, and Zane swung around and took the three steps to the bed before tossing Ty down to the mattress.

Ty was still bouncing when Zane crawled over him to kiss him again. He remembered the first time they'd ever tried this: Zane had picked him up like that, in the bathroom of that damn Holiday Inn in New York City. If Ty told Zane that he enjoyed it, he'd be getting tossed around all the time. He'd probably end up with a broken arm or something. Or Zane would ruin his back.

He let Zane take over, letting his lover's touch brush away all the stress and worry of the last few months, letting himself forget everything he'd been holding onto, letting Zane wipe the slate clean for him. He tangled his hands in Zane's hair and kissed him like it was their first time.

When their mouths parted, both of them gasping for breath, Zane set his forehead against Ty's and slid his hand through Ty's mussed hair. His body was heavy against Ty's, his heart racing, warmth and anticipation flowing between them.

"This feels different," Ty said, breathless.

"Yes." Zane shifted down to one elbow, laying all of his weight on Ty and pressing closer, nosing against Ty's chin and cheek.

Ty spread his legs wider, letting Zane settle between them. It had taken a few months, but he'd finally gotten comfortable with just how much he enjoyed having Zane top him. He'd taught himself quite a lot on that cruise ship job over Christmas.

He reached up to slide his fingers into Zane's hair, meeting Zane's eyes and lifting his hips, making Zane's breath catch. "Ty," Zane drew out, a shudder coursing through him and into Ty. "You make me crazy wanting you."

"That's the way I like you," Ty said as he dragged his fingers up Zane's back. "Come on, we have time."

Zane shifted and ground down against Ty's thigh. "Good. I intend to make you as crazy as I am," he said against Ty's ear before pushing himself up and to his knees. "And I believe you invited me to work off a little aggravation."

"Less talky, Zane," Ty said with a smirk he knew would get Zane even more riled.

Zane gave him that narrow-eyed glare again and scooted back and off the bed. "Get those jeans off now if you want them to be wearable later," he said as he stripped off the rest of his clothes.

Ty did so without ever letting his eyes leave Zane, watching his lover disrobe with a shiver of anticipation. Then he spread himself out flat and stretched his arms above his head. He met Zane's eyes, laying his body out to offer up control. If Zane deserved anything from him, it was enough trust to give him that.

Zane growled low in his throat and again crawled up Ty's body, rubbing his chest and cock against all the skin he could as he worked his way up, leading with his tongue... and that damn beard. Ty dismissed that obscenity to fuss about later, pushing his body up against Zane's, forcing his hands to remain above his head instead of touching Zane like he so wanted to do.

"How do you want me to touch you?" Zane asked in a voice that rasped against Ty's skin.

"I just want you."

Zane rubbed against him more insistently as they kissed, hard and long and wet. His hands squeezed and petted until one followed the lines of Ty's muscled arm to close over his crossed wrists, holding them fast. "I thought you weren't kinky."

"I'm not kinky."

Zane hummed. "Want me to hold you down while I fuck you senseless? Is that why you've got your hands up like this?"

"Yeah." Ty could barely get the word out as he stared up into Zane's eyes.

"I can certainly oblige," Zane said, voice raspy and dark. He pushed down on Ty's wrists as he ground their hips together.

Ty whimpered at the tone of Zane's voice and the promise in it. "I should do this for you more often," he said in a tortured voice.

"Do what?"

"Give you everything I have."

Their eyes met in the breathless silence. Ty could feel Zane's heart beating fast against his chest. Zane finally kissed him in a violent rush, and then pushed up and away from him.

"Stay there and spread your knees. I want to see you."

As Zane left the bed and disappeared into the bathroom, Ty did as he was ordered, placing his feet flat on the mattress and letting his knees fall to the sides. Zane had certainly gotten comfortable with his inner Alpha. Before he could form another thought, Zane was back, on the bed, between Ty's legs and licking his way up the inside of Ty's thigh to his cock.

Ty sighed, an almost inaudible release of air. The look in Zane's eyes was something Ty had never seen. It was intense and heated, possessive, filled with emotion that made Ty's chest hurt all over again, like the first time he'd ever looked into that fire in Zane's eyes and known that there would be no one else in the world for him.

Zane worked his way back up Ty's body before saying, "I love you, Ty."

Ty didn't have time to respond before Zane was kissing him, his lips and tongue demanding on Ty's, his body pressing down and insinuating himself between Ty's open legs.

One hand gripped both Ty's wrists as Zane rested his elbow against the bed near Ty's head. The other hand groped its way down Ty's body, a languorous, intimate exploration of the space between them. Ty closed his eyes as warmth and pressure spread through him. He felt Zane's long fingers, slick with cool lubricant, slide under his balls to rub.

"Fuck yes." Ty's back arched and his fingers stretched for anything to grab onto as Zane held him tight. He hooked one leg over Zane's hip and moaned into the kiss. He could feel Zane's cock, hard and demanding against him, and every inch of Zane's body was tense where he touched Ty.

"Zane," Ty whispered shakily.

"It's been too long since I got to do this," Zane said, his voice rasping and harsh. The head of his cock pushed against Ty, and Ty pulled his leg up higher to help the entry.

"All you have to do is ask," Ty said, unable to catch his breath over the rapid butterfly beating of his heart.

Zane nodded even as he turned his head and deepened the kiss. Ty lost himself in the sensations, submerging in the familiar scent of his lover and the absolute joy of being touched and taken like this. Then the head of Zane's cock pushed into him with a slow rocking of Zane's hips that forced him into Ty, little by little.

"Jesus, Zane." Ty pulled at his hands as the pain seared through him, desperate to be able to drag his fingers down Zane's back, but Zane held fast. His other hand came to rest on Ty's thigh, fingers digging in, pulling at Ty's leg as he worked himself in with infinite care.

Ty pulled his knees up higher as the pain ebbed into something dull and throbbing, letting Zane spread him wider and push deeper into him. He absolutely loved the feeling of Zane's hips, warm against the inside of his thighs and pressing against him. Loved the sensation of the shaft of Zane's cock sliding against tight muscles, of being pushed into as he was held down.

Grunting as he stretched out over Ty's body, Zane rocked until he was as deep inside Ty as he could get. A soft moan escaped him, and after kissing Ty again, he began to move, a slow rocking motion that built into a real rhythm. The first true thrust wrung an involuntary gasp out of Ty, and he pushed his hips into each one that followed. It spurred Zane on, his movements sliding Ty's shoulders against the expensive sheets, the bulk of Zane's weight on that one hand forcing Ty's wrists to sink into the mattress.

Ty couldn't describe how it felt to be pinned beneath Zane and taken in such an intimate, forceful way. Having sex with Zane in any form was always enjoyable, but this was something different, something more than he'd ever given anyone.

He wrapped his legs around Zane's hips, his back curling as he met Zane's thrusts. A desperate stutter of a moan passed his lips, and he jerked his head to the side as Zane shoved into him. Zane's hand came up to grip Ty's hair, pulling his face back so he had to look up. It was an odd feeling, looking into the eyes of the man who moved inside him. It wasn't uncomfortable, though. Far from it.

Zane flexed his hips as he bit at Ty's lip. "Kiss me," he said, voice hoarse and demanding.

Ty nearly whimpered. His hands moved to reach for his lover, but Zane's restraint on his wrists stopped them. Ty gasped instead and rolled his hips again, then pushed back with his shoulders to lift himself just enough to press his lips to Zane's.

Zane crushed their mouths together, the passion flaring out of control as he sank deep. Ty's ears were filled with the thuds of their bodies meeting, the barely there gasps that wrung out of him, Zane's grunts of effort and pleasure against his neck. He curled to combat the brutal pounding, a cry escaping as his fingers splayed. Zane leaned even more of his weight forward on Ty's hands, thrusting in and then grinding close before pulling back, only to push in again.

Ty writhed and let out a shameless whimper, then moved again to hook his ankles behind Zane's lower back for lack of any other way to hold on to him. Zane moaned as the angle of his entry changed, and the soft sound ratcheted up the heat inside Ty, pleasure curling in his groin. Zane hissed before shifting to start in on him harder, his hips ramming against Ty's ass. As it went on and on, Ty cried out, and the hoarse sounds weren't quite words.

He twisted as Zane pounded into him, unable to do anything but open himself up to the vulnerability of pleasure. Breathing hard, Zane started to slow, changing the hard thrusts to long, smooth slides. He lowered himself to lie against Ty, reaching up with his other hand to pull Ty's wrists down. Zane kissed him, slow and sure. Ty moaned and spread his captive hands, letting Zane's fingers thread into his, feeling helpless in Zane's grasp but loving that he could trust Zane with that feeling. Not once did it cross his mind to panic or try to escape the grip of Zane's fingers. At that moment, he was totally Zane's.

"I love to see you like this," Zane whispered against Ty's ear, causing a shudder to travel through Ty's body. "So fucking perfect."

Zane must have felt Ty's reaction, because he gasped and snapped his hips hard, and then moved back up on his knees. He let go of one of Ty's wrists, then reached down to slide his free hand against Ty's hip, holding onto him. Ty arched into his touch, reaching out to drag his fingers over Zane's shoulder and down his chest. Short, tortured breaths escaped his parted lips. He couldn't force himself to open his eyes as Zane started to move inside him again.

"Ty," Zane said as he released Ty's other wrist and moved his hand to splay his palm across Ty's chest. "Look at me. Open your eyes, baby."

Ty whimpered with the words, almost a pained gasp as he forced his eyes open.

Zane swallowed hard as he drew a shaky breath. "Are you feeling this too?" he asked, breathless as he rolled his hips against Ty.

Ty met his eyes for a brief moment before the pleasure and the proximity caused his eyes to fall shut once more and his body to jerk as he reached for Zane's neck and pulled him close. Zane's fingers tightened in his hair, holding him there.

"Yes," Ty answered, surprised at how desperate the honest answer sounded. He moaned, licking his lips as he tried to process through the haze, and then pressed his mouth to Zane's ear. The flare of heat had Ty's blood pumping so hard that at first he couldn't be sure the words were coming out. He couldn't hear a thing but his own heartbeat.

"I'll always be yours, baby."

Zane shuddered against him, managing a dozen more thrusts before tensing hard. He shouted as he came, and his hips stuttered with each abbreviated thrust as he moaned Ty's name. Through his climax, Zane continued rolling his hips, providing the friction Ty needed, and it was enough to push Ty over the edge. They held tight to each other as they shared their pleasure, letting the world spin out of control for a few short moments together.