Chapter Fourteen

Nico

T he drive to Sequoia National Park took two hours, winding through picturesque mountain roads. Jace sat beside him, writing a new song, and Sammie was diligently crafting the custom-made colorful good luck bracelets for them, as he did before every important gig. Mark was engrossed in the pages of his book, completely oblivious to the world around him.

“I really need this,” Jace said, leaning his head on Nico’s shoulder while he was driving.

“Me too. Last night. Those fucking eggs. I swear I’ll never eat another egg.” Nico put his hand on Jace’s thigh.

“You saved me from all of it.”

“I protected what’s mine. No one will ever hurt you again.”

“I didn’t realize how deep my father’s hate was for me.”

“Now you do. Don’t have any hope he’ll change. He won’t.”

“Your father did. Remember when he cut off all your bank accounts, then later on he opened them ?

“Jace, my father educated me. He taught me shit and did things with me. He gave me values. Yes, he’s a dangerous mobster, but I didn’t grow up with hate and abuse. Your father tried to brainwash you and prevented you from going to college. He’ll never change. Never.”

“You said your father told you if you have a relationship with a guy, he’d put a hit on you and your lover.”

“He says a lot of crap he doesn’t mean. No one in my family would respect him if he did. Just like when he shut my accounts. The difference is my father doesn’t hate me. He loves me so much he wants me to take over. All that he does comes from love. It’s a sick kind of love, but it doesn’t come from hate.”

Jace’s face was stained with tears as they rolled down his cheeks.

“Jace, I didn’t mean to upset you. I just think you need to face the truth.”

“I know. It just hurts to hear all that shit.”

They were quiet for the rest of the trip until they stopped at a grocery store. “Sammie, we’re going to do the grocery shopping for this week. Jace and Mark, stay in the van,” Nico said.

Nico had assigned Sammie as the primary grocery shopper for the band because he knew exactly what was needed, could find it at the lowest price, and he collected coupons each week. Nico always footed the final bill, then they all took turns cooking dinner. These were his guys, and he wanted to make their lives work better, but mostly he enjoyed watching them succeed in the music business. When they finished shopping, they put the bags in the back with Mark and Sammie, since the trunk area was occupied with instruments and suitcases.

The cabin was deep in the forest, twenty minutes from the grocery store and away from people so they could practice with no complaints. Nico parked in front of the log cabin surrounded by towering sequoias with the soothing sound of a stream trickling nearby. He loved the wraparound porch with wooden rocking chairs, which offered a perfect spot for morning coffee or for the guys to engage in lively music discussions.

They all piled out of the van with their instruments and suitcases.

“We’ll put the equipment in the living room to set up once we’re settled,” Nico said.

An enormous stone fireplace dominated the room. The walls were paneled in rich, dark wood, giving the space warmth. Plush sofas and armchairs were arranged around a low coffee table, creating the perfect spot for them to relax between practice sessions.

Jace and Sammie went to the van and carried the groceries to the kitchen. It was well-equipped, with a vintage stove and a wooden dining table that could seat the four of them. The scent of pine and the faint aroma of coffee lingered in the air.

“Jace and I will take the main bedroom, and you two can decide which room you want,” Nico said.

Upstairs, the bedrooms were smaller than they were used to but comfortable enough, with each room having a view of the forest. Quilts and sheets were provided, so they hadn’t needed to pack bedding.

Jace and Nico went upstairs to stake out the primary bedroom with its private bath. The bathroom had a clawfoot tub with thick, fluffy towels hanging beside the vanity.

“That tub looks like fun,” Jace said.

“Want me to give you a bath tonight?” Nico asked as he pinched Jace’s butt.

“Only if you come in there with me.”

“That sounds sexy as fuck! ”

Once the others had carried their suitcases to their rooms, they agreed to meet in the living room to practice. Jace helped Nico with his drums, while Mark helped Sammie with his keyboard.

Nico sat behind his drum kit, the familiar weight of the sticks in his hands bringing a sense of calm amidst the turmoil in his heart. The room filled with the hum of amplifiers and the occasional strum of a guitar.

Jace stood at the front, his guitar slung over his shoulder, tuning the strings with a focused expression. Sammie was at the keyboard, fingers dancing over the keys, as he warmed up with a few scales. Mark, ever the quiet presence, adjusted his backup guitar, ready to follow Jace’s lead.

Nico cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention. “Alright, guys, we need to decide on our opening song. Any suggestions?”

Jace looked up, his eyes meeting Nico’s briefly before glancing away. “How about ‘Fire in the Sky’? It’s always a crowd-pleaser.”

Sammie nodded, a smile playing on his lips. “Yeah, that one always gets people going. I’m in.”

Mark shrugged, his usual laid-back self. “Works for me.”

Nico tapped his drumsticks together, thinking. “Okay, ‘Fire in the Sky’ it is. But let’s make sure we’re tight on the transitions. We can’t afford any slip-ups.”

Jace gave a small nod, his voice soft. “Got it. Let’s run through it twice.”

As they started playing, the familiar chords and rhythms filled the room, each member falling into their roles seamlessly. Nico kept a close eye on Jace, watching for any signs of distraction or hesitation. Despite the tension from Bakersfield, Jace’s voice was strong, his guitar playing precise.

After two runs, Nico called for a break. “That sounded good. Just remember to keep the energy up, especially during the chorus. ”

Jace wiped the sweat from his brow, giving Nico a small, appreciative smile. “Thanks, Nico. We’ll nail it.”

Nico nodded, hoping that Jace’s words would hold true. Their next performance was crucial, not just for the band, but for their future together. He just hoped that Jace would show up, both physically and emotionally, when it mattered most.

“Do you want to take a hike?” Nico asked Jace.

“Yes.”

“Let me grab some things for us.” He added some water bottles and snacks to his backpack, along with lube and a condom. He also found a small blanket and folded it before putting it in. He did all this while Jace was brushing his teeth for the tenth time today.

Raised in the city, Nico had always found solace in the towering trees of Sequoia National Park. He remembered once his father showed him a hideout in the forest, away from their enemies. He told Nico never to be afraid in the hideout, because the trees would protect him. At six years old, Nico believed him and to this day, he believed the trees were guardians of protection. That was what Jace needed.

As they hiked along the winding trail, Jace turned and glanced over at Nico. “Can you believe we’re actually here?” Jace exclaimed, stopping to take a sip from his water bottle. “I’ve wanted to see these trees for ages!”

Nico nodded. “Yeah, it’s pretty incredible. These towering trees will always protect us from evil.”

When a few branches moved, Jace stopped in his tracks and looked back at Nico. “What the fuck was that?”

“The wind circling around you to protect you from evil.” Nico inched closer to Jace.

“I could have used the wind last night.”

“We’re going to leave with a coat of protection after a week. ”

“You’re so fucking sexy. Do you know what I want you to do?” Jace asked.

“I know exactly. See that log by the brook?”

“Umm…yes.”

“Get your ass over there and wait for me.” Nico pointed to the log.

With a skip in his step, Jace made his way to the log and settled down, his face beaming with the most adorable smile.

With a swift motion, Nico unzipped his backpack and took out the blanket, lube, and condom. He walked over to Jace.

“I’ve come prepared. Drop your jeans to your ankles. It’s high enough for me to stand behind you.” Nico placed the blanket over the log.

Jace stood, faced the log, and unzipped his jeans. Nico stood behind him and shoved his jeans and underwear down.

“Bend over,” Nico told him.

Jace had no hesitation in bending over the log for Nico.

“How does your bare ass feel in the wind?” Nico made a loud noise, unzipping his jeans, before he lowered them to the ground.

“Hot! I love the sound of your zipper.”

Nico squeezed the lube into his hand, then stuck a lubed finger inside Jace. He played around until he hit Jace’s prostate, and a guttural moan echoed in the forest. He pulled his finger out and added a second, then a third. When he stretched Jace enough, he slid on the condom and replaced his finger with his slick cock. He’d doused himself with extra lube and squirted more around Jace’s hole. He didn’t want him suffering.

Nico’s rhythm was slow at the beginning, then progressed to a faster speed. Slamming skin against skin outside made its own sound. He plowed his cock in and out, leaving Jace breathless. Nico found his prostate again, pulled out a little, and slammed back in. Jace moaned. Nico’s balls filled, needing release soon. The blood pulsating from his balls moved up to his shaft, and he spurted his seed inside his condom.

As the afterglow faded, Nico pulled Jace to standing, still facing the log, He lubricated his hand and rubbed Jace’s cock until he moaned and came.

Nico swiftly turned him around, their bodies pressed together as they shared a passionate kiss.

“I love fucking you,” Nico said.

“I love your cock inside me.”

“Maybe a blow job tonight?”

“Anytime. As long as it doesn’t stop me from singing.”

Nico slapped his backside. “Let’s clean up.”