Chapter Two

Atlas wasn't drunk or even slightly buzzed. He and Braylon had been nursing their beers for the past hour. The plan had been to get wasted, but Atlas didn't want to sleep in his car or call his dad.

He preferred to drive himself home and fall asleep in his own comfortable bed. He also had to work tomorrow afternoon, and the thought of going to his job with a hangover had made Atlas slow his drinking down.

In fact, he and Braylon had just been discussing calling it a night when Kellen's presence at their table interrupted them. Unprepared for the level of attractiveness radiating from Kellen, Atlas had screwed up what he was saying about needing a wedding date.

"I don't know how to dance." Atlas looked around, relieved to see other couples joining them on the dance floor. With any luck, he would blend in and not draw any unwanted attention to the fact he had two left feet.

Kellen enveloped Atlas in his strong arms, bringing him in close enough to catch a whiff of the guy's amazing cologne. "Just follow my lead," he whispered, giving Atlas a playful wink.

As the country song played, Kellen gently swayed back and forth, and Atlas followed suit. Standing only at chest level, Atlas found himself enjoying being embraced, even though he shouldn't, because he'd sworn off guys for now.

Kellen stood at an impressive height, towering over Atlas with his chiseled physique. The guy looked like a living, breathing mountain. His muscles rippled beneath the fabric of his shirt, and his short, dark hair was neatly buzzed on the sides, drawing attention to his striking features.

Intricate tattoos adorned his thick arms, starting from under his short sleeves and continuing all the way down to his wrists.

But it was his piercing eyes that caught Atlas's attention—a deep shade of emerald green that seemed to sparkle as Kellen stared down at him, trapping Atlas in their beauty.

If he brought Kellen as a date to the wedding, his mother would have a complete fit. Normally, Atlas dated guys with the same physique as him. Slim and not too tall.

Mr. Mountain was the exact opposite of what he looked for in a guy, but Atlas couldn't deny how gorgeous the man was.

He also couldn't deny the attraction he felt toward Kellen. Too bad the guy was only looking for a meaningless hookup, which wasn't Atlas's style. He liked to get to know someone first before jumping into bed with them.

But Braylon was right. He needed to get back out there and stop thinking about Glen because Glen sure as hell hadn't thought about him when he'd been groping that stranger.

Kellen leaned down, his lips grazing Atlas's ear. "Have you changed your mind about taking me home?"

The music took a sensual turn, and Kellen's eyes met Atlas's with a mischievous glint. The stranger pulled him closer, his hand sliding down the curve of Atlas's back. With a subtle push, he arched Atlas backward, using the other hand to trace Atlas's side. Kellen's hips writhed against his, turning their dance into something erotic.

His breath hitched as he followed Kellen's movements, tracing his fingers over the man's muscular arms and powerfully built chest. It was as if they were fucking right there on the dance floor.

The room faded away as Atlas gazed into Kellen's emerald green eyes, completely enthralled by the seductive dance. For someone so huge, Kellen's movements were fluid and carnal. Atlas was willing to bet the guy moved even better in bed.

Pulling Atlas back toward him, Kellen trailed his lips across Atlas's neck, almost making him forget how to breathe. Atlas closed his eyes and let himself get lost in the pleasure that trembled through him.

He needed to live a little. It wasn't as if he was looking for a relationship, either. A hookup couldn't hurt, could it? One night of amazing sex and the guy would be gone by morning.

Curling his hand around the mountain's nape, he pulled Kellen down, and pressed his lips against the guy's ear. "Let's go back to my place."

Atlas thought the guy would grab his hand and pull him out of the bar, but Kellen raked his gaze over him. "Right after this song, sweetheart."

The song couldn't end fast enough.

When it finally did, he felt woozy. Kellen placed his hand on the small of Atlas's back and guided him through the crowd, heading for the exit.

As soon as they were outside, the night air slid over Atlas's skin, cooling it down from the stuffiness inside the bar.

"Where're you parked?"

He didn't bother asking why Kellen didn't have a car. Atlas's mind was too focused on sex to care. "This way."

"Toss me your keys," Kellen said. "We can get there much faster if I drive."

That was a good idea. It would give him a chance to text Braylon to let his best friend know he'd left with Kellen.

Atlas tossed his keys, and the sexy stranger caught them midair. "The black sedan to your right."

Using the fob, Kellen unlocked the car. Atlas slid into the passenger seat as the guy moved around the hood. When the door opened, Mr. Mountain leaned down and shoved the seat all the way back. After adjusting the mirrors and starting the car, they were off, Atlas giving him his address.

The bad thing about Kellen driving was the fact that Atlas had time to think about what he was doing. He was going home with a complete stranger. Erring on the side of caution, he pulled out his cell phone and snapped a picture of Kellen.

"What was that for?"

"I'm sending your mugshot to my best friend just in case I've misjudged you." Atlas hit the send button. "Now your face will be plastered all over the news if you decide to bury my body somewhere."

Kellen smirked. "Baby, the only thing getting buried is my cock in your ass."

Atlas prayed that was true, since this was something he'd never done before.

Kellen cocked his head to the side, inhaling deeply. "Do you have an air freshener in here? It smells like a field of jasmine."

"Jasmine?" Atlas frowned. There was a vase full of them on his kitchen counter. He'd always loved the way they smelled and bought a bouquet of them twice a month. "I don't have an air freshener in here. I think you might have had one too many tonight."

He doubted the flowers in his apartment had a strong enough smell to cling to his clothes.

Slowly, Kellen turned his head, his brows furrowed as he looked at Atlas. "Change of plans. You're coming home with me."

"Why? My apartment is close by." Now he wondered if he should tell the mountainous stranger to pull over because Atlas was starting to reconsider his reckless decision.

"I have a huge bed and plan to make use of every inch of it with you." Kellen headed toward Hinkley Road.

"Why are you driving so fast?" Atlas asked when he noticed everything going by in a blur. He glanced at the speedometer, his eyes widening when he saw Kellen was doing eighty miles an hour down a back road that didn't have any streetlights.

"Do you want me to slow down?"

"Please." Atlas didn't want to turn into a splatter on the road.

With a smirk, Kellen raked his eyes seductively over him.

"Watch the road!" Atlas covered his face, praying they made it in one piece. "I'm just a very cautious driver, and you're making me extremely nervous."

When he lowered his hands, Atlas saw that they were only going thirty-five. The speed limit on the back roads was fifty.

"You don't have to go that slow," he said, noticing the strange looks Kellen kept giving him. "Just do the limit."

"We're here, anyway." As Kellen turned onto a secluded driveway, the foliage of towering trees enveloped them. They kept going until a breathtaking, two-story cabin-like home came into view. The warm glow of lights shone from inside, casting welcoming shadows onto the surrounding darkness.

As they drew closer, Atlas could make out the outline of a wraparound porch, adorned with various types of plants hanging at random intervals. Trees surrounded the house, as if nature itself had reached out to embrace this cozy hideaway.

"You live here?" It was a dumb question since they were driving around the side of the house, heading toward the back.

"I thought we could make our night more exciting by breaking into someone's house and having sex in their bed."

"You're kidding, right?" He glanced nervously at Kellen.

The guy chuckled. "Yes, it's mine."

Mr. Mountain parked in front of a garage that looked as if it could hold at least ten cars. Although Atlas didn't like judging people, he would have never thought Kellen owned something like this.

He honestly thought they would pull up to a modest house or something a bit rundown since Atlas had assumed the guy didn't have a car.

Kellen cut off the motor and set the keys in the cupholder before getting out. Atlas remained in his seat for a few seconds, still wondering if he'd made the right decision about going home with a guy from the bar. It wasn't like him to do something so reckless, yet here he was.

Kellen opened the passenger door and took Atlas's hand, easing him out of his seat. "Your car is safe here. Anytime you wish to leave, you saw where I left your keys."

Taking a deep breath, Atlas nodded. "I've just never gone home with a guy right after I met him. I'm stepping out of my comfort zone."

As soon as he moved Atlas aside and closed the passenger door, Kellen pressed him against the car, nuzzling Atlas's neck as he breathed in deeply. "I love the smell of jasmine."

"The only thing I'm wearing is deodorant." He gripped Kellen's biceps. "You might smell lingering vodka on my breath, or maybe the beer I drank, but I don't know why you keep saying you smell flowers on me."

Kellen nipped Atlas's neck and then took a step back. Atlas wasn't sure what to make of things, but he let the whole flower thing go as Kellen took his hand and led him inside the house through the back door.

The kitchen was straight out of a country magazine, with a rustic charm that enveloped the senses. The warm tones of honey-colored wood filled the room, from the cupboards lining the walls to the long farmhouse table and chairs off to the side.

White marble countertops gleamed under the soft glow of hanging pendant lights, creating an inviting atmosphere. Atlas admired the attention to detail in every aspect of the room, from the intricate carvings on the cabinets to the delicate floral patterns etched into the backs of the chairs.

As Kellen guided him down a short hallway, the wooden floors creaking softly beneath their feet. Atlas caught sight of a spiraling wooden staircase with intricate railings leading up to the second floor.

Past the staircase was a short hallway that held a single door.

The living room they entered was just as charmingly rustic, with plush cream-colored couches adorned with soft pillows. In front of the couch sat a coffee table that appeared hand-carved and gorgeous.

To the right stood a beautiful stone fireplace, and above, ceiling fans rotated lazily, providing a gentle breeze that carried the faint scent of pine throughout the room. Atlas noticed there wasn't a television.

The glossy wooden floors were adorned with plush rugs, and in two corners of the room, tall and wide potted plants brought a touch of nature inside.

"You have a very nice home." Atlas wasn't sure what to do. Should he sit or wait for Kellen to take him upstairs? He'd never been in a luxurious home before. His apartment was as standard as they came, although Atlas tried his best to add homey touches.

Not even his parents' house was this amazing.

"Thanks." After dimming the living room lights, Kellen gave Atlas's hand a gentle tug. They reversed course and then took the staircase to the second floor.

The hallway walls were a soothing beige, and Atlas saw two doors. Kellen led him to the one on the left. Before he could get a good look at the guy's bedroom, Kellen bent, curled his arms around the back of Atlas's thighs, and lifted him up until they were staring into each other's eyes.

"Am I that short?" Atlas chuckled. "I'll have you know I'm average height. You're the one who ate all his veggies as a kid."

Kellen laughed. "Does my size intimidate you?"

"Kind of. Just how tall are you?"

"Six-six."

Kellen pressed him against the door, possessing Atlas's lips in a slow-burning kiss. His facial hair was surprisingly soft, brushing over Atlas's skin and making him tremble. He'd never been with anyone who had a beard and mustache, and he loved how it felt.

Instinctively, he wrapped his legs around Kellen's waist. The feeling of their bodies pressed together ignited a desperate hunger in Atlas. He slid his arms around Kellen's broad shoulders, they took the kiss deeper.

Kellen gripped Atlas's hips and then eased one hand between them, gently squeezing Atlas's denim-covered cock.

Holy shit. Atlas pulled away from the kiss with a throaty groan, his lips parting as his head thumped against the door behind him. Kellen nipped and licked his way across Atlas's jaw then teased his earlobe between his teeth.

If this was how it felt making out with a bad-boy, Atlas should have done it years ago. He was being held in place by Mr. Mountain's sheer strength as the guy kept massaging Atlas's cock.

With a low growl—Atlas had never heard a man growl before—Kellen cupped his ass and turned, walking toward the bed. Atlas squeaked when Kellen fell forward, dropping them onto the bedding.

"Did you think I would crush you?" Kellen smirked as he looked down at Atlas, humor in his green eyes.

"The thought crossed my mind," Atlas admitted, sliding his palms down Kellen's chiseled arms. "You're a very big man."

The guy chuckled as Atlas realized what he'd just said. "Why don't we find out?" Kellen said.

Atlas's breath stuttered when Kellen pulled back, removing his shirt and tossing it aside. He didn't just have tattoo sleeves. His entire chest was inked.

Kellen took his boots off and then unsnapped the button on his jeans. Atlas licked his lips, excitement filling him. He was dying to see the stud's cock.

His sexy lover crooked a finger. "Get on all fours, Atlas."

Unsure why, Atlas kicked his sneakers off and then did as Kellen asked. The guy moved closer, slowly lowering his zipper. Atlas's breath stalled in his lungs. The anticipation was killing him.

Then Kellen slid his fingers inside his waistband, pushing his jeans and underwear down to his thighs. His hard cock sprang free, and Atlas moaned.

He was definitely going to be sore tomorrow.

With one hand, Kellen grabbed the base, and with the other, he tucked his fingers under Atlas's chin. Atlas's heart nearly gave out as Kellen fed him his cock.

Atlas swirled his tongue around the head, tasting the salty essence of his lover's arousal. He sucked gently, drawing in more of Kellen's length.

"Fuck, Atlas." Kellen's voice was deep and gravelly.

Atlas moaned, the sound muffled by the thick shaft in his mouth. Kellen's fingers tightened under his chin, urging him to take more. Atlas obliged, swallowing as much of the length as he could as his lover thrust, his heavy-lidded eyes watching.

Kellen groaned, his fingers sliding along Atlas's jaw. "You have no idea how good your lips look wrapped around my dick."

As badly as Atlas wanted to take all of Kellen, he had to back off slightly. His cheeks were starting to get sore from being stretched so wide.

The guy eased back, taking his hard shaft with him. Atlas glanced up at him, licking his lips. "Why did you pull away?"

"As much as I love you sucking my dick, I want to get inside your ass." After Kellen finished removing his clothes, he flipped Atlas onto his back, damn near ripping his clothes off.

Atlas laughed. He'd never had anyone this anxious to get to him.

Kellen smirked as he tossed aside Atlas's jeans, underwear, and socks.

Jackknifing, Atlas removed his shirt then moved closer to the center of the bed. His heart raced wildly as his lover crawled toward him, his muscles rippling as he moved. Kellen reminded him of a predator homing in on its prey. The sight was a bit scary, but thrilling.

A deep groan escaped Atlas as he felt the guy's cock sliding up his leg. Kellen stopped, his body hovering over Atlas's, his hands on either side of his head. Atlas lay there looking up at the guy, tremors of excitement filling him.

Bench-pressing downward, Kellen glided his tongue over Atlas's bottom lips, and then he plunged his tongue inside Atlas's mouth.

Oh fuck. The guy had been right. This was a night Atlas wouldn't soon forget. Too bad it was a one-off. He wouldn't mind getting a piece of this mountain again. None of his past boyfriends had made Atlas feel such a rush.

Just as Atlas was about to wrap his legs around the guy's waist, Kellen pulled back, twisted sideways, and opened the nightstand drawer. Atlas lay there trying to catch his breath, his chest rising and falling way too fast.

Kellen turned back around, a bottle of lube in his hand. He reared back to his knees then slid the bottom of the tube over Atlas's inner thigh. "Have you ever stretched yourself before?"

If the guy would stop making goose bumps erupt everywhere, Atlas might be able to think. "Yes."

Still on his knees, Kellen moved back a little. "On all fours, sexy."

Atlas had stretched himself before but never in front of anyone. He wasn't a prude, but the thought of Kellen watching him made his hand shake slightly as he reached for the bottle.

Kellen pulled it out of his reach. "There's nothing to be nervous about, sweetheart. As badly as I want you, if there's something you're not into, you're free to say no."

When he brought the bottle closer, Atlas took it. "I've just never done it in front of anyone."

The guy's eyes twinkled as he smiled. "Seeing your fingers in your ass is only going to turn me on even more than I already am, Atlas."

Kellen said his name so seductively that Atlas shivered. Turning onto his hands and knees, he opened the cap and squirted a generous amount onto his fingers. He tossed the bottle aside, lowered his head until he was resting on his cheek, then slid his hand between his legs.

Strong fingers curled around his wrist, guiding him. Using two fingers, Atlas probed at his hole. Kellen pushed Atlas's fingers forward, helping to breach his ring of muscles.

Then he let Atlas's hand go. "That's it, baby. Slid them in and out of your ass for me."

Kellen's voice had grown deeper. When Atlas glanced around his shoulder, his breathing hitched. The guy was stroking his own cock, his gaze fixated on what Atlas was doing. Kellen's lips parted as raw pleasure filled his emerald eyes.

Atlas drove his fingers deeper, watching his lover watch him. With his free hand, Kellen helped Atlas add a third finger. His gaze shot to Atlas's face, a sexy smile spreading across his lips.

"I wish you could see this." He winked. "I have to strangle the base of my cock to stop myself from coming."

As much as Atlas wanted to keep watching the guy, his arm was starting to ache. He pulled his fingers free, and then Kellen grabbed the lube, lathering the gel over his hard shaft.

Atlas turned his head, pressed his palms into the comforter, then jutted his ass higher.

"That's it, baby. Offer yourself to me." Kellen's thighs pressed against the back of Atlas's. The blunt head touched his entrance, making Atlas whimper.

As soon as the head popped inside, Kellen placed his palms on either side of Atlas's cheeks. As his lover thrust forward in a leisurely motion, he pulled Atlas back toward him, impaling him inch by excruciatingly slow inch.

Atlas rose upward, rocking back onto Kellen's cock. He wasn't sure if he wanted to keep this pace to enjoy the buildup or slam backward.

He slammed backward, taking Kellen all the way in.

"Goddamn," Kellen groaned. "Someone wants this cock badly."

Atlas was stretched wide, Kellen's shaft filling him completely. He rocked back more rapidly, his lover's length gliding over his kill zone.

"Faster it is." Kellen gripped Atlas's hips, pistoning into him. His hips snapped forward, driving into Atlas harder with each thrust.

No longer able to keep quiet, Atlas shouted as each thrust sent pulses of pleasure down his spine.

"Fuck, yeah," Kellen said. "Let me know how good this feels. Don't hold anything back."

Atlas's head dropped forward as he felt himself sinking into the ecstasy that only came from having a thick cock scraping against his prostate. "More," he begged, wishing that the feeling would never end.

Kellen pulled out, flipped Atlas over, and then shoved Atlas's legs back before he drove inside again. The guy pressed his hands against the wall, looking down to where they were joined. Atlas was bent in half, unable to move.

"So goddamn good, baby." Kellen let out a low growl, punching his hips forward and making Atlas curl upward.

Sweat covered their bodies as Kellen slowed. He leaned back on his haunches and tossed Atlas's legs over his arms.

"Didn't mean to try and snap you in two." Kellen winked. "Got carried away."

Atlas reached for Kellen, and the guy leaned forward, releasing his legs. As they devoured each other's mouths, Atlas curled his legs around Kellen's waist.

Now his lover was using one arm to prop himself up, his other hand skimming over Atlas's body. The guy's hips swiveled, driving his cock deeper.

Breaking the kiss, Atlas tilted his head upward, his eyes still closed, alternating between moaning and hissing. His fingernails dug into his lover's biceps, thrusting downward as Kellen punched his hips forward.

Atlas was drowning, consumed by Kellen.

Something sharp sank into his shoulder. Atlas cried out, his orgasm shattering him, pulsing outward as he came so hard he got dizzy.

A sensation erupted in his chest, a feeling akin to a rubber band being stretched too far and then released. Kellen growled, his cock throbbing inside Atlas's ass.

The pressure in his neck eased. Atlas opened his eyes and gasped when he saw two long, sharp teeth in Kellen's mouth. Fear paralyzed him.

Kellen nuzzled his neck, licking at his shoulder. Atlas dropped his hands from the guy's arms. What in the hell was Kellen? Not only did he have sharp teeth, but soft, animal-like growls kept rumbling in his chest.

As if a switch flipped, Atlas shoved at Kellen, forcing the guy to move back, his cock slipping free. Atlas rolled from the bed, grabbing his underwear and jeans, and raced out of the bedroom.

"Atlas, stop!"

That wasn't happening. Atlas cursed the spiral stairs because they slowed him down, but once he was clear of them, he ran through the kitchen and flung open the back door.

"Atlas!"

Not a chance in hell he was turning around. Atlas jumped into his car, snatched the keys from the cupholder, and started the engine. He screamed when he saw Kellen at the driver's door window, buck naked and reaching for the handle.

Atlas reversed, nearly slamming the rear of his car into a tree. Then he shifted into Drive, almost hitting Kellen as he swerved around the side of the house. He turned on his high beams and navigated the driveway, praying he didn't crash with as fast as he was going.

Once he turned onto the main road, Atlas sped away.