Nineteen

Nico woke in a dark room, asoft body against him. He moved slowly, not wanting to wake Stevie. He didn't know what time it was, but based on his internal clock, J?ger was going to need to go out soon. He'd put him in his crate, keeping him safe before he'd joined Stevie and Stone, but no doubt he would get restless because that was what puppies did. And his puppy was no exception.

He eased out from under the blanket, grabbed his jeans from the floor, and slipped out, heading for the living room. As he pulled on his jeans, a sense of panic washed over him when he noticed the crate door was open. Flipping on a light, he looked around, expecting to find J?ger on the floor with something he shouldn't have chewed to little bits around him.

There was nothing on the floor. Not even J?ger.

And then he heard it.

The soft rumble of Stone's voice came from the back of the house. A second later, the screen door squeaked.

"Good job, little guy," Stone told him. "Let's get you a treat."

Nico moved closer, smiling when J?ger saw him. The puppy started hopping in his direction like he was his favorite thing in the world. Of course, J?ger did a quick U-turn when he heard the lid on the treat jar. He snatched his treat and bounded over to Nico again.

"Did he wake you?" Nico asked as he picked up the puppy and scratched his little head.

"No. I couldn't sleep."

"Strange place?" Nico asked.

Stone glanced down, not meeting his gaze. "No, I … uh … didn't want to close my eyes. I didn't want to wake up to find it was all a dream."

Nico hadn't expected Stone to reveal so much. He also hadn't expected Stone to be the sort to talk about what he was feeling. He'd hardly known the man back then, aside from things that all the high school kids knew about the guy they wanted to be like. Whenever they'd talked, it had been mostly in passing, a couple of times over the Jamesons' dinner table on the off chance one of Chelsea's siblings—besides Reilly—came around for a meal.

"It wasn't a dream," he told Stone, carrying J?ger into the living room. He urged him back into the crate, digging one of his chew toys out from under the small bed, hoping it would keep him busy until he fell asleep. Since he slept a good majority of the time—something that was normal, according to Stevie—he figured it wouldn't take long.

"It still feels surreal," Stone noted, taking off his coat and laying it over one of the bar stools. He wasn't wearing a shirt, only his jeans and boots. "Mind if I get some water."

While Stone toed off his boots, Nico returned to the kitchen to grab a glass from the cabinet. He handed it to Stone and nodded toward the refrigerator. "Water pitcher's in there."

While Stone poured himself water, Nico leaned against the counter, crossing his arms over his chest. He couldn't help but stare at the tattoo on Stone's right arm. He would admit he'd been shocked as shit to see his name etched inside those blocks. It was almost undetectable unless it was your name and you were used to seeing it. The N and the I were sitting on top of the C and the O, so it probably didn't look like anything more than random letters to most people.

Stone set down his now empty glass, his gaze shifting to his arm. He obviously saw Nico looking.

"What made you do that?" Nico asked.

Stone exhaled heavily. "I wanted to remember what I walked away from." He paused for a beat but then continued. "For a long time after I left, I was unhappy. But I was determined to make somethin' of myself. And to resist the urge to come back."

He glanced at Stevie's name on his other shoulder. "I told myself it was for the best. That Stevie was too young to know what she'd be signin' up for if I had stayed. I wanted more for her."

"She mourned you like you'd died," Nico told him. "She went through the five stages. It started with denial, which lasted for about a month. She insisted you would be back. The anger stage lasted the longest." Nico met Stone's gaze. "Two years, I think. She hated me as much as she hated you."

There was surprise mixed with guilt in Stone's hazel eyes. "Why'd she think it was your fault?"

"She needed someone to blame. She accused me of interfering. Said if I hadn't been there, that night wouldn't've happened, and you wouldn't've left."

"That's not true."

"I know that," Nico admitted.

He didn't bother telling Stone he'd had his own stages of grief. He'd been pissed at himself for thinking he even had the right to grieve the loss of something he'd never had in the first place.

"I felt somethin' that night," Stone said, holding his stare. "Somethin' I'd only ever felt for Stevie. Lookin' back on it, I don't understand how I could. I hardly knew you. It didn't make sense."

No, it didn't. But Nico understood what he meant because he'd felt something, too.

"I'd never done that before," Stone continued, now leaning on the counter, mirroring Stone's posture. "Been with two people like that. I haven't done it since." He nodded toward the bedroom. "Not until tonight."

"And?" Nico hated himself for asking, but he needed to know if this was just Stone's way of reminiscing.

"I felt everything I felt back then." Stone looked away. "Even if I don't have the right to."

"She's not as tough as she pretends to be, Stone. She doesn't love easily. It's still there, though. She'll pretend it's not if you take it away, but it's gonna hurt."

Stone stood tall, his arms falling to his sides. "I wouldn't be here if I only wanted one night."

Nico's heartbeat picked up speed as Stone approached.

"What about you?" He moved closer. "What is it that you want, Nico?"

He didn't know how to answer that because his feelings for this man had never made sense. That one night had altered him mentally and emotionally, and the result was devastating. Even after fifteen years, Nico still hadn't found what he was looking for. He hadn't been sure it even existed. Until last night. Until he was with Stevie and Stone again. Everything felt right. Like all the puzzle pieces were present, accounted for, and securely locked into place.

Feeling a little too raw and exposed, Nico pushed off the counter and took two steps forward, placing his palms on the island. It prevented Stone from meeting him face to face. He didn't want the man to see that much of him yet. He didn't want Stone to know that he'd felt whole twice in his life, and Stone had been there both times.

Nico was aware of Stone standing behind him, his warmth blanketing him even before Stone pressed his chest to his back.

"I can't explain it," Stone whispered, his breath fanning Nico's shoulder. "It doesn't make sense, but at the same time, it's the only thing that does."

"I know," he admitted, then closed his eyes when Stone's lips grazed his shoulder.

Stone's hands joined the fray, sliding around his waist, then up over his chest as his lips got bolder. Nico found himself leaning into him, tilting his head as the sensations tore through him.

"You love her," Stone whispered, his lips trailing along Nico's neck.

It took a second to process what he meant.

"I do," he admitted. "I have for a long time."

"It's more than obvious."

"Not to her."

"She deserves to know."

"I told her," he admitted.

"What did she say?"

"Nothing. Not then or since."

"When was this?"

"A couple of weeks ago."

Nico had considered bringing it up again, but he was scared to because he didn't want to ruin the good thing they had. If she wanted to talk about it, she would confront him. Until then, he didn't want to rock the boat. He wouldn't only be risking their business relationship if she didn't reciprocate his feelings. He could also lose her friendship, and that meant more to him than anything else.

Stone sucked on his neck, and Nico gasped, reaching back to grab his thigh. He held on, succumbing to the sensual assault, unable to resist. He'd been with a few men since his night with Stone, but none of those encounters had ever felt right.

This…

This felt right.

Being with Stone felt right.

Like he was exactly where he belonged.

With both Stevie and Stone, Nico felt that sense of completeness that had evaded him for so long. He wanted more, but he was scared to admit that. Scared he was going to push them in a direction that would have catastrophic repercussions if it didn't work out.

Stone's hand slid over Nico's throat. He applied pressure, pulling Nico's head back. The sensation was unlike anything he'd ever felt. Not since that night. The dominance in his touch rekindled that longing that had been simmering inside him.

"Take me to your room, Nico." Stone bit that sensitive spot where his shoulder met his neck. "Take me to your bed."

Unable to resist, that was exactly what Nico did.

***

Stone expected Nico to resist. At thevery least, come up with an excuse.

He didn't.

Nico led the way through the dark house, past the living room, past the door to Stevie's room. He continued down a long, narrow hallway that ended at the door to his bedroom.

Testing the waters, Stone instructed Nico to get on the bed.

"Face down," he demanded when Nico didn't hesitate. "Don't move."

He found a switch for the lamp on the nightstand. It provided enough light to see by, so he perused the room, taking it in, wanting to get a feel for Nico's personal space.

The room was enormous and felt even bigger because there wasn't much furniture. A king-sized bed, two nightstands, and a large armoire were all that it held, aside from the large shag rug on the floor and the curtains hanging over a sliding door on the back wall. The curtain was pulled back so that half of the door was uncovered. Beyond, it was pitch black, making the glass act as a mirror, allowing Stone to see Nico's form on the bed.

"Condoms?"

"Nightstand."

Stone assumed he meant the one he was standing beside, so he opened it. Sure enough, there was a box of condoms already open. He retrieved one. He found a bottle of water-based lubricant tucked inside. He grabbed that, too.

Setting both on the nightstand, Stone moved to the side of the bed. He stripped off his jeans, then helped to rid Nico of his pants, leaving both on the floor. He joined Nico on the bed, forcing his legs wide so he could kneel between them. Starting at Nico's calves, Stone gently kneaded his muscles, working his way higher. He lingered momentarily at Nico's ass, his thumbs dipping low, grazing Nico's heavy ball sac.

Nico's body quivered, but he didn't move.

To show his approval, Stone pressed his lips at the base of Nico's spine, then trailed his mouth over the hot, firm skin of his back. The guy was ripped, every muscle perfectly contoured, as though he'd been molded by an artist.

Stone worked his way higher until he reached his neck.

"Turn over."

Nico rolled beneath him, flipping to his back. Stone stared down into his face, admiring the smooth lines of his cheekbones, the high arch of his brow. His face had matured with age, making him not merely attractive but downright gorgeous.

"You know what I liked most about that night?"

Nico's eyes flashed with curiosity. "What?"

"Your vulnerability. Your willingness to do whatever I wanted. I could've done anything to you that night."

"You still can."

That admission made Stone's chest tighten. He still wasn't sure this wasn't a dream, but he prayed if it were that he never woke up. He wanted to live this out for the rest of his life. One night hadn't been enough back then, and it certainly wouldn't be enough now. But he didn't know where this was headed. And if he had to choose between spending one night with them or none at all, he would certainly choose this.

He lowered his hips, rubbing his cock along Nico's. He watched as the pleasure caused Nico's expression to change, his jaw relaxing as his eyes drifted closed. Stone rocked gently, the friction causing his skin to tingle.

"When was the last time you were with a man?"

Nico's eyes slowly opened. "It's been a while."

"How long's a while?"

"Five years."

That shouldn't have pleased him the way it did. "I'll try to be gentle, but I won't make any promises."

"I don't want gentle."

"No?"

Nico shook his head.

"You want rough?"

Nico's eyes flashed with heat. "Rough and dirty. That's your promise, right?"

Stone wanted to tell him he'd give him anything he wanted, but he kept that to himself. Unlike earlier with Stevie, he sensed Nico's vulnerability. It seemed that when it was just the two of them, he was nervous. Why? Because he couldn't hide what he was feeling? Because he couldn't distract himself? Couldn't hide from it?

Or was Stone merely seeing something that wasn't there? Was he fooling himself into believing that tonight could turn into more?

Propping himself on one arm, Stone reached between them, fisting both their cocks. He held firm, rolling his hips, using the momentum to guide his hand as he stroked them both, their cocks rubbing together.

Nico gasped, his head tipping back, his neck stretching. It was a beautiful sight.

"I want inside you, Nico." Stone continued to watch him. "I want to feel you wrapped around me."

Nico was breathing harder, his chest rising and falling faster.

"You want me inside you?"

"Yes, goddammit. Fuck yes."

"Put your hand on your cock," he instructed.

Nico reached down, his fingers grazing Stone's dick as he wrapped his fingers around himself.

"Stroke it."

When he started jerking himself hard and fast, Stone put his hand over his and squeezed.

Nico groaned, his hand stilling.

"Slow. I want you to come when I'm inside you. Not before."

A slight nod was Nico's only response.

Stone released his hand, watched as he resumed the up-and-down motion, slower this time.

Content he was following instructions, Stone reached for the condom and lube. He quickly sheathed himself and then generously applied the lube. He coated his fingers for good measure, then tossed the bottle aside.

"Pull your knees back. Show me where you want me."

Nico's eyes were heavy-lidded, his lips parted as he stopped stroking to do Stone's bidding. He pulled his knees toward his chest.

"Farther."

Nico gripped behind his knees and pulled them closer to his ears.

The sight was erotic as hell, and Stone knew tonight wasn't going to be rough and dirty. He would reserve that for tomorrow. Or the next day. Or every day after. Right now, he wanted to fill this man, to lodge himself deep inside and luxuriate in the heat of Nico's body as it enveloped him.

Sitting on his heels, Stone pushed one finger inside Nico's hole. He watched as it stretched around him. He was tight. Almost too tight. He fingered him for long minutes, waiting for Nico to relax, his cock hard as steel and growing harder by the second. Figuring there was no harm in pushing him, Stone worked two fingers in deep and curled them just the right way to find—

"Fuck!" Nico jerked and twitched.

Stone massaged his prostate, tormenting him with pleasure as Nico writhed and panted. It was obvious no one had ever done that to him before, and Stone loved that he was the first.

"I could make you come like this. Hell, I could make the orgasm last forever if I wanted to."

Nico gritted his teeth. "Fuck … it feels … god … damn."

"Good?"

"Too good." Nico groaned. "You're gonna make me come."

Stone stopped, slowly withdrawing his fingers and replacing them with his cock. He leaned forward, gripping Nico's ankles to keep himself upright and to force Nico's hips to tilt as he sank inside him slowly. He watched as Nico's hole stretched around him, accepting him.

"Take all of me, Nico," he hissed as the pleasure robbed him of breath. "All. Of. Me."

When he was met with too much resistance, Stone slowly pulled back, pushed in again until he was fucking Nico with long, jolting thrusts.

"Oh, yeah." Stone heaved a breath when he was balls deep inside him. "Tell me what you need."

Nico was watching him. "Fuck me."

Stone began to move, rolling his hips. Slow, deep strokes. Nico's ass caressed every inch of him. He maintained a steady rhythm, which came to a jarring halt when he looked up at the sliding glass door and saw Stevie's reflection behind him.

"Come here, baby," he said, not looking at her.

Nico's teeth clamped shut, a hint of fear in his eyes.

Stevie joined them on the bed, lying beside Nico, her eyes glued to where their bodies were joined.

"You're a dirty voyeur, baby."

She smiled. "Can't help myself."

"You like watchin' me fuck him?"

She nodded, her eyes still fixed on Stone's cock moving in and out of Nico.

"Kiss him," Stone grunted, enduring the pleasure of being deep inside Nico's ass.

Nico turned his head, his gaze sliding over Stevie's face. She was the one who leaned in, initiating the kiss.

Stone wondered if she could feel Nico's tension. Her presence was increasing his anxiety, but Stone wasn't sure why. Then she brushed her fingers along Nico's jaw, and Stone felt him relax. She had the same effect on him.

Stone continued to move, rocking into Nico, retreating slowly. The friction was exquisite, the slow drag of that tight ring of muscle along Stone's dick.

Stevie pulled back, releasing Nico's mouth when Nico gasped. Her gaze returned to the point where Stone was buried to the hilt.

"Stroke his cock while I fuck him."

Her small fingers curled around Nico's cock, and Stone's dick swelled even more. He started moving again, slamming his hips forward, sinking in as deep as Nico's body would allow. As Stevie began stroking faster, Stone matched her rhythm until he was plowing into Nico.

"Oh, fuck! Stevie … Stone … holy fuck, that feels good." Nico cried out. "I'm gonna come. Oh, shit, I'm gonna come."

Stone couldn't hold back. As soon as Nico's cock erupted in Stevie's hand, he drove into him one last time and gave himself over to his release.

***

Stevie crawled under the blankets with Nicowhen Stone disappeared to the bathroom to clean up after he'd grabbed a hand towel and cleaned Nico's chest. She had stared in awe, surprised by the sweetness of the gesture. For whatever reason, she hadn't expected it.

She wasn't sure what had compelled her to come in here. She hadn't intended to be caught watching, but she would admit it was a relief that Stone had invited her to join them. Not because she'd been jealous—although maybe a little—but because she'd wanted to be closer to them. She'd woken alone in her bed and almost instantly felt the cold chill of their absence.

Nico slid his arm under her head, pressing his naked body close to hers.

"You okay?" he whispered in her ear.

"Yeah. You?"

"Never again," he mumbled.

Before she could ask what that meant, Stone returned. He watched them for a moment, his eyes filled with something she hadn't seen in a long time. Something she thought she would never see again. Back then, she hadn't doubted Stone's love for her because she'd seen it in his expression. Either he couldn't hide it, or he didn't want to. It was there now, glittering in his eyes as he stared at them.

Stevie pulled the blanket back and patted the mattress, urging him to join them.

He hesitated for a moment but then clicked off the lamp. His enormous body dented the mattress as he lay down beside her. She waited until he moved closer, then draped her arm over his stomach. It caused him to move even closer until she was sandwiched between them.

Several minutes passed, and Stevie felt herself drifting. Just as she relaxed completely, she heard Stone's soft words whispered into the darkness.

"Thank you for lettin' me stay."

She wanted to tell him to promise he would never leave, but she held back the words. She wasn't a naive teenager anymore. There was no telling what tomorrow would bring, and she wasn't interested in promises he couldn't keep.

For now, she was content to have him there.

And though she wouldn't anticipate forever, she would continue to be content every day that he was.