CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER FIVE

Kannan put together a tray of sandwiches, fruit slices, nuts, oat bars, and a few other things he had handy in his fridge and cupboard. Eric claimed he wasn't hungry, but he needed to eat something, and Kannan hoped something on this tray would appeal to him.

He paused outside the door, listening as Eric took a chunk out of his friend and made some well-placed threats against the boyfriend. Kannan was glad to hear that he wasn't feeling like a victim and that he wasn't afraid to stand up for himself. His beloved was quiet and reserved but he was no push over. He stepped into the room just as Eric closed the call with a few choice expletives. He smiled and watched as Eric blushed, and it was simply lovely.

Eric sat up and Kannan placed the tray next to him and took a seat in the chair next to the bed. He loved having his beloved there in his quarters watching over him, caring and providing for him, but he knew it was about to end. "If you need help with Ron, let me know." He commented casually.

"Thanks, but I want to be the one to deal with Ron." He finished one sandwich and picked up another, which pleased Kannan. "The guy has been getting on my nerves for a while now, but I never thought he'd go so far as to risk my life. I don't know why he would do such a thing."

"He didn't care and assumed no matter what happened, it wouldn't get back to him in any way. He could set you up and stand back and enjoy the show without any responsibility. Whether you lived or died was not important to him, and he probably never gave it a thought." Kannan stated flatly that, having known people like Ron, he knew that attributing too much thought and care to such an individual was a waste of time.

"That's really dark," Eric responded in a whisper.

"Reality is sometimes more shadow than light."

"That's dark, too," Eric said with a grin, and Kannan couldn't help but smile. His beloved was a treasure. "So why don't you tell me about yourself, Kannan Lieth." He grabbed another sandwich and leaned back on the pillows while capturing Kannan with that deep blue stare.

"I’m originally from Boston and worked for the Clinesmith organization until there was a leadership change. I then moved around, lived in several different states, and traveled in Asia before finding a little stability in Austin, Texas. Worked private security." Kannan was giving the highlights without giving too much away. "Nikolas Hadden put out the word that he was looking to increase his security force, and here I am."

"You've always worked security?"

"It's what I know, and it's what I do." Kannan wasn't sure if Eric was commenting or criticizing. He couldn't read his beloved as easily as he could read everyone else.

"I think that is an admirable career choice. You get to help people and feel like what you do is important." Eric glanced away before adding. "I design video games and do freelance graphic art. I don't protect anyone or make the world a better place."

"It's what you know, and it's what you do. Art is as important as food and water. A life without art and entertainment is also a dark place."

"Thank you for that." Eric reached out and took Kannan's hand in his and gently held it. "What are we doing here, Kannan?"

"You're having a bite to eat and we're sharing information about ourselves. It's your turn to share." Kannan wanted to keep him talking but not delve too deeply right now. Eric needed to relax and get strong and not stress out the details.

"I was born in Pittsburgh, the only child of an older, middle-class couple." That was a very sterile depiction of life. "My parents moved to Florida after I graduated. It was their dream to retire there. I work from home and probably spend too much time on my own, but I like it. Chester is an electrician and works with local contractors."

"I don't think Chester intended for you to get hurt." Kannan felt the desire to put Chester in a better light. It was obvious that he and Eric were close friends. "Does Chester have family here?"

Eric shook his head. "His dad took off years ago, and his mother remarried when Chester was fifteen. It wasn't good for Chester the guy was a dick. Chester and I rented the apartment together after graduation."

Eric looked a little nostalgic and reached for his phone. "Chester broke up with Ron." He sounded relieved. "He said I can come home, and Ron is never coming back. He's sorry for letting me down." The smile Eric wore was heartwarming.

"I’m glad he heard you and put your friendship first," Kannan told him and squeezed his hand.

"I should go home."

"Stay, it's late." Kannan insisted. "I’ll take you home in the morning." Eric caught his gaze and held it for several seconds. Kannan remained silent, knowing that he had something to say and trying to find the words to say it.

"Would you lay down with me." He asked and then looked suddenly shy and started backtracking the request. "You don't have to. I shouldn't have asked."

"There isn't anything I"d enjoy more than to lay down with you," Kannan said very clearly and didn't allow Eric time to renege. He hit the lights and kicked off his shoes in record time. He was wearing light jeans and a henley top and would have liked to remove those as well, but I figured it might look a little presumptuous.

He pulled back the covers and was about to get in when Eric stopped him. "Take off your shirt and pants. You won't be comfortable with your clothing on." That was music to Kannan's ears, and he quickly stripped down to his briefs and got into bed with his beloved. "That's better," Eric said in that sweet, soft way he had of speaking.

Eric got close, and Kannan put his arm around him, pulling up closer so he could snuggle and lay his head on Kannan's chest. It was heaven, absolute heaven, and Kannan never wanted to move. The beat of his heart against him and the soft brush of his breath as it fanned his chest put his heart and mind into a feeling of pure ecstasy. Kannan closed his eyes and just experienced the moment in all its glory.

"I love your warmth and the way you make me feel like everything is going to be okay. Tell me if I'm getting too familiar and I'll back off, but you make me feel so many things." Eric held him and pressed himself close slipping his leg across Kannan's. The skin on skin was luxurious and Kannan's entire body was reacting.

"You can touch me any time you wish. I love feeling your hands on me." Kannan pulled him closer and dropped a kiss to his forehead. "You make me feel so many things as well, my love. In my arms is exactly where I want you to be." He kissed him again, and Eric moaned sweetly and placed a soft kiss on Kannan's shoulder. Kannan felt his teeth elongating as the desire for his beloved burned in his soul. Eric's leg moved, and he felt his feet rubbing the length of his calf, and the sensations began to explode. His vampire instincts were pushing to the surface, and the need to bite and bond was becoming real.

Perhaps getting into bed with him was the best idea, but there was no way he could deny him. Kannan pushed the raging need down and tried to focus on simple control. It was going good until Eric slid his hand across Kannan's hard cock. That was not an accident.

"I want you, Kannan. Do you want me?"

"Yes, I want you." He responded. "Are you well enough for what you want?"

"Yes, most definitely." Eric moved and shifted his weight, climbing on top of Kannan, straddling his waist, and pushing himself up to a seated position with his palms pressed against Kannan's chest. Kannan noticed his briefs were gone, and his cock was hard and leaking. It was a lovely picture. Eric looked down at him with eyes that spoke of eagerness and excitement. His blonde hair hung in soft tendrils around his face. He was simply gorgeous.

Eric hardly knew himself right now; he had never behaved this way with anyone. The wanton desire was making him sweat, and every minute spent with Kannan was amazing. He wanted this guy so badly that he was ready to beg, but thankfully, that was not necessary. Kannan was feeling it, too. His body trembled when Eric palmed his cock, and he moaned when Eric straddled him. He was not immune to the need that was filling the air around them.

Everything about this guy turned him on. The sweep of his black hair across his brow, the dark steady gaze that silently said so much, the voice sure and measured and perfect. It all, every part made Eric shiver with delight and ache for more.

Kannan gripped his ass with both hands, kneading the flesh while pulling the cheeks apart and grinding his impressive hard against his tight hole. The sensations were delicious, and Eric began to press himself harder, wanting that hot, hardness inside of him. He dropped down and placed a wet kiss on Kannan's shoulder, reveling in the scent and taste of his lover.

He felt Kannan's lube-soaked fingers pressing and stretching him. The pressure was fantastic, and soon enough, his fingers began to penetrate. Eric pushed down onto them, forcing them further inside. "That feels so good, Kannan." He moaned and dropped his head down on Kannan's shoulder for a few seconds. "Again, more." He was just mumbling words now and hoping that Kannan understood his need, which he did. The fingers thrust harder and deeper, and his flesh sensitized and tingled with each touch.

"You’re so beautiful, my love," Kannan stated in a hushed tone as he captured Eric's gaze with his. The thrusting fell into rhythm with Eric's movements, and the speed increased, each of them needing more and racing to the climax.

The moment was breathless, and Eric felt his heart racing in his chest as his body opened for this man's heart, mind, and body, wanting and welcoming. Kannan, a security specialist, a soldier, a man he met yesterday, was everything he ever desired, and the heat of their union was burning everything down.