Chapter Thirteen

Stryker

Stryker leaned down and kissed John's lips tentatively, testing the waters. When John dove in, Stryker took that as an all-clear and lengthened the kiss. John tasted of coffee and something sweet. He deepened the kiss to investigate. Strawberry, definitely strawberry; he remembered the bowl of strawberry ice cream John had brought into the bedroom earlier. Strawberry coffee. Stryker hadn't known it until now, but it quickly became his favorite taste.

Stryker slowly pushed John back onto the mattress to give himself full reign over John's delectable body. It was time to explore what he'd wanted for a while now. Without breaking the kiss, he ran the palm of his hand down John's chest and tight abs, eliciting a moan.

God, he was so responsive. John's fingers dug harder into his back the more excited he became. Stryker didn't want to push his luck and go too far, but by the way John responded, he had the green light to explore at will, and he definitely wanted that.

Soon their bodies were pressed against one another, and John's hard-on rubbed on Stryker's shorts, exciting him more at feeling how needy he was. When they finally came up for air, John gasped for breath, and Stryker drew back.

"Oh shit, your breathing. I completely forgot about it."

"It's okay," John said after a few more jagged breaths. "I think it's more how turned on I am rather than my stupid lungs. God, you're so damn sexy."

"Do you want me to slow down?"Say no, say no.Stryker didn't want to stop, but he would if John needed to.

"Not a chance; just give me a minute to catch my breath."

"Do you need your inhaler?" Stryker scanned the bedside table.

"I'm good," John confirmed. "Really good." His hands stroked Stryker's back languorously.

Stryker continued exploring John with his hand but kept his exploration slower. The connection and the chemistry between them were hard to resist.

After a few moments, John murmured, "Now, where were we?"

"I'd say right about here." Stryker chuckled as he kissed those tempting lips again.

John may have been smaller than Stryker, but he was toned, likely from all the work he did in his shop hauling pieces of wood and furniture around. He hovered over the top of him and began kissing his way down John's body. He kissed and licked his way across John's chest, stopping first at one nipple, sucking and nibbling until John writhed on the mattress, then he moved on to the second, giving it the same attention.

John was panting, but it wasn't the same as when he was gasping for breath, so Stryker carried on. He followed the treasure trail of hair down to the edge of John's shorts, and when his lover made no move to stop him, Stryker slid his fingers under the hem and slid them down and out of the way.

John's groan when Stryker licked the head of his cock was music to his ears. It drove him onward, wrapping his lips around the head and sliding John's cock deep down his throat, teasing the length with his tongue. John gasped and dug his fingers into Stryker's short hair, his passion unescapable as his moans got louder.

Stryker's hard-on throbbed with every noise John made until he was forced to take himself in hand and jack off as he sucked his lover's beautiful cock.

"I'm going to blow," John panted.

Stryker doubled his efforts as John's hips thrust in desperation until he froze, and his cock exploded into Stryker"s waiting mouth. His own orgasm ripped through him and onto the sheets, momentarily zapping his strength as he collapsed, blanketing John with his body.

Heavy breathing filled the bedroom as both fought to regain their composure.

"Did I take your breath away?" he teased.

John laughed softly. "No. I'm good, I think."

"You're more than good, baby. You're amazing."

Stryker pulled himself back up the bed and took John into his arms. "You're never getting rid of me now."

"Good. You can stay right where you are, Lieutenant."

"Yes, Sir."

***

John

"I don't care what the odds are, I'm going to the shop opening," John said defiantly.

"We don't know if it's safe," Stryker argued.

"Most of the team is going to be there. I'll be the safest I've been in years."

"I know this is important to you—"

"Important doesn't even describe it properly. I've uprooted my entire life for this. I have to be there."

Stryker looked like he wanted to argue some more but decided not to.

"I'll be with you the entire time. You don't go anywhere without one of the team or me."

"I promise. I won't go anywhere by myself," John swore. "Who's to say I'll be safe with you guys anyway? That bomb was meant for all of us."

Surely Stryker couldn't argue that logic?

His lover nodded reluctantly. "We still haven't figured out who sent it. We have two variables in the mix now: someone who wants to blow us up and someone looking for you from the Noah Project."

"Did you ever think that maybe they're both from the Noah Project?"

"Yes, we've discussed that possibility. The job in California couldn't have gone unnoticed by them. When we took down the cult that had been laundering money for their organization and freed three of their test subjects, I'm sure we ruffled a few feathers along the way."

"Yeah, you're probably right about that. It might have put you on somebody's radar. What about Woodley?"

"He'll hang around a while until we get some answers. Now that he's on the up and up with us, and we have our eye on him, he could be an asset if needed."

"Did the file we found in the safety deposit box help with any of the research?" John still hadn't opened the envelope addressed to him.

"Yes. We're searching for the remaining four members of the task force and checking on a few locations mentioned within the file to ensure they're not up and running again."

John grabbed his jacket and headed for the bedroom door. "I promise not to wander off today. Besides, I don't want to go to be social. I want to make sure that everything runs smoothly. We've got a lot on the line opening this business, and I want to ensure it goes well. Jason can do it, but I want to pull my weight. Do you understand?"

He hoped Stryker understood why this was so important to him.

"Yes. I get it, but please be vigilant. We don't know where the danger might be coming from. Until we have some answers, it won't be safe for anybody."

"What about the delivery driver? Has Elias gotten anything out of him yet?"

It'd been a couple of days since the bombing attempt, and the driver had been locked up ever since.

"Not yet, but Spencer's got a few leads from the guy's fingerprints, so hopefully we should have some answers soon as to who he is and who he works for."

"Okay then, let's get going. We have a grand opening to attend."

"Do you have everything you need?"

John walked the few feet that separated them and took hold of Stryker's hand.

"All I need and want is right here."

His heart skipped a beat with the look in Stryker's eyes. This man could disarm and bring him to his knees with only that look.

"Good, because you got me for the rest of your life."

"I'll take you," John said.

***

Stryker

Stryker didn't like this. He didn't like it at all. So many things could go wrong. But he couldn't stop John from living his life and being there for the opening. He'd worked too hard to miss it all. That didn't mean Stryker wouldn't be on full alert the entire time.

Part of the team was already at the store or stationed throughout town, getting a read on the situation and keeping an eye out for anybody suspicious. The sheriff had his deputies stationed throughout town, and the rest of the team would be inside the store with John and Jason to keep an eye on things. It was a full-blown operation of utmost importance.

Despite all the preparations, it was a beautiful day as they drove into Marshall. It was cooler because they were still in the middle of January, but the sky was blue, and the sun shone.

It was a couple of hours before the official opening, so Stryker was surprised to see people already outside the store waiting to enter. It was a good sign for the store's success, but the more people stopping by, the more risk there would be that someone could slip through. Stryker couldn't let that happen.

His new relationship with John was special because the man understood him and his situation. Life as a SEAL wasn't the kind that supported outside relationships. The constant traveling, the danger, the stress, the PTSD, and never knowing from one day to the next where you'd be or who you'd be fighting was a lot to ask of anyone.

Stryker pulled his truck up around the back of the store, and they entered through the shop entrance. Due to safety precautions, limited people were present. Jason and Gator were there, along with Brick, Roman, Spencer, and Rick. Everyone else was at Bryan's ranch, where protection was in place for them.

The rest of the team and Woodley were around town, keeping an eye on things. With this many eyes on the situation, it was unlikely that anyone would try to start shit, but crazier things had happened, and Stryker knew that.

"Ready for the opening?" Rick cheered as they entered. The man had a ribbon in his hand and looked ready to decorate.

"I think so," John replied. "Nervous but ready."

Jason came over and hugged his friend. "It's going to be okay. This will be the best grand opening we've ever had."

"Considering this is our first official grand opening, I guess I have to agree with you." John laughed.

"You didn't have a grand opening at your last store?" Roman asked.

"Well, it just sorta happened. We got jobs, and we needed a place, and we just started filling it with furniture, and next thing you know, we had a store. There was nothing official about it," Jason explained.

"Then let's make this the first and the last because I'm never packing up another shop again," John said. "It's exhausting."

"Let's get decorating," Rick cheered as he walked out the swinging doors and into the store.

"I'd better go follow him, or this place is going to be wrapped in a giant bow." Spence laughed as he followed his partner.

"Everything is going to be okay," Jason said to John.

John nodded." Yes, it is. We've worked too hard for any other thing to happen."

"Damn right," Jason said.

Soon, all those at the store were busy with final preparations: putting up signs, setting up ribbons and balloons, polishing furniture, ensuring everything was in place before the first customers entered the front doors.

As the time neared opening, Stryker scanned the growing crowd outside the store. Everyone looked to be in high spirits, and though he hadn't been part of Marshall for long, Stryker recognized a few people from around town. It was good to see the community come out to support the guys' new store. He just wished there wasn't a dark cloud hanging over the day.

He would do everything in his power to make sure this day went off without a hitch for John.

***

John

It was now or never. They were ten minutes away from opening the doors to the public for the first time, and he was a bundle of nerves. He would have been no matter what, but the added pressure placed on them by the Noah Project group was like the cherry on top of a very fucked-up sundae.

As he scanned the store, he couldn't help but feel a measure of pride at what they'd accomplished. The store was filled with stunning handmade furniture that he and Jason worked hard to create. Their friends were milling around, helping ensure everything was in place, and the man John was falling in love with was only a few feet away, giving him his full support and protection.

He'd never had so many people in his life before who were there because they wanted to be.

"Five, four, three, two, one," Jason counted down as he and John stood by the front doors.

It had all come down to this. This one moment in time, as he stared at his best friend, both wearing goofy smiles on their faces, they swung the front doors open and welcomed the town of Marshall in.

What a day. John met so many people he couldn't possibly remember everybody's names, but he was happy. For the first time in his life, he had everything he ever wanted. A store with his best friend that seemed to be a hit in their new town. A found family that had his back. And an honorable man who wanted him. When they finally waved the last customer good-bye and shut the doors behind them, John truly felt as though he was home.

"Well, I'd say that was a rousing success," Gunner said.

"Agreed," Roman cheered.

"Time for a celebration," Gator said. "And I know the place that would be perfect."

The group walked down the street to Gator's bar to celebrate their successful grand opening. As beers were poured and food consumed, John couldn't help but sit back and watch his new world unfold in front of him.

"How are you doing?" Stryker asked.

They were sitting in a booth near the back of the bar. Their friends took up a good portion of the seating area on one side of the bar.

"I honestly feel wonderful. The day couldn't have gone better, and I think Marshall has truly welcomed us into the fold."

"Yeah, by the sounds of things, you guys have got several sales already," Brick said as he sat with his arm around Roman. "I'd say it was a successful first day."

"And cheers to many more," Jason said as he lifted his beer bottle into the air, and everyone joined in.

Nothing had happened to ruin their opening, and John couldn't be more thankful. The day had gone off without a hitch. Julia and the boys had decided to sleep over at the ranch. They'd had so much fun they didn't want it to end. Gunner, Conor, Shaw, Woodley, and Fletcher headed out to the ranch as the party drew to a close.

Everyone else would be returning to the lake house for the evening.

John had to admit he was tired after a full day of trying to be social. He'd only cut and run into the back workshop a few times during the opening for a breather, so it was an improvement. The townspeople of Marshall were so friendly that, at times, John forgot about his anxiety.

"I'm just going to run up to my apartment and grab a few things for the lake house," John told Rick.

Stryker and Brick had gone up to the bar to settle the bill. They'd stay at the lake house for an extended period if the case wasn't solved. He'd need some personal belongings and changes of clothing.

"I'll come with you." Rick started to stand.

"No. I can do this all on my own. I'll only be a few minutes, and it's only upstairs. I'll take the internal staircase."

"But Stryker said…" Rick blurted.

John was feeling brave. "Stryker doesn't own me." Well, maybe he did. A little. But he was tired of feeling like a victim. "I'm capable of doing this by myself.."

Without waiting for a response from a startled Rick, John strode off.

He walked into the kitchen, and up the back staircase to his apartment. He waved at the cook, Pete, and the dishwasher, Kevin, on his way by.

He unlocked the apartment door, entered his bedroom, grabbed the suitcase out of the closet, and began filling it with clothes and toiletries. He wasn't sure how long to pack for, so he packed a little extra to be on the safe side.

It wasn't until he heard the floor creak that he knew he wasn't alone. Something pricked his neck, and his world went dark.