Chapter 21
Beck
It took several days before they had any kind of information from the fire crew and police about what happened at his house, even with Donovan and Christian putting their weight behind it. They had been able to go in the following day to see if anything was salvageable, but what was left was nothing that Beck needed—or wanted. They hadn’t been able to find Kole’s phone, but a fire officer said it was unlikely to be easy to find in the ashes. They said they would keep an eye out for it, though.
Luckily, the neighbours’ houses hadn’t been affected by anything except the smoke, and that could be rectified easier than fire.
In the end, he took nothing from the house. It was all smoke-damaged and could be bought new, so there was no point. Instead, they holed up at Kole’s apartment, and if Beck was honest with himself, he loved that small apartment as much as his larger home. He’d thought having a large house would show people he was worthy. In hindsight, he was putting his middle finger up at the social workers who said he was nothing. He didn’t need therapy to tell him that then.
Although Karen, his therapist, was lovely. She would see him every week on his own and then once a week with Kole as they worked through the things that had happened. She also saw Kole once a week, too, after he’d transferred from his previous therapist to her. Beck wanted him and Kole to have a good relationship, and if therapy was the best choice, then he’d do it every day for hours at a time if that was what was needed.
He’d always believed that what Drake had done to him hadn’t affected him, except for the bottoming thing, but he had. He could admit that at that point in his life. After going through everything that had happened, he knew he had a lot of hang-ups that needed addressing, and he was grateful for every minute Kole gave him. He doubted he would ever feel like he deserved Kole’s love, but he would work every day for it and would never make him regret it. He wanted to be worthy of it.
And speaking of worthy… He looked over his shoulder to the man who had pushed right up against his back while they slept, his hot breath teasing his back. Beck couldn’t help himself. Ever so carefully, he rolled himself over to face Kole, nuzzling him onto his back with barely a murmur from the guy. In the early morning hours as it was, with the heating having only just turned on and therefore the air being chilly, the pebbling of his skin as he removed the cover was mesmerising. While he traced his fingers over the exposed skin, watching more goosebumps follow his path, he thought about what Kole had given him. He couldn’t list every single thing or every single way that Kole had improved his life, but when it came down to sex, he’d done more than Beck could ever have wished for. Giving up control had always been Beck’s fantasy, but the idea of trying it had scared him so much, he had never, ever contemplated even attempting to let someone do it. But as with everything since he’d met Kole, the man had blown that out the window.
Beck leaned over slightly and blew across Kole’s nipples, watching Kole shiver as the nubs hardened to little points. As much as Beck did like having someone else take control, there was still something in him that enjoyed watching somebody find pleasure in what he did to them.
He skimmed his fingers further down Kole’s stomach and around his groin, down his thighs to his knees and then back up again. He ran his finger up the underside of his cock, the perfectly sized shaft hardening little by little. Beck leaned down and flicked his tongue across the hardened nub at the same time as he rubbed his thumb across the head of his cock.
Kole moaned and squirmed. Beck glanced up, witnessing Kole’s rise from his dreamland into the reality of the pleasure that Beck was creating. Kole swallowed, licked his lips and croaked, “Did I say you could touch that?”
Now it was Beck’s turn to shiver, and he shakily exhaled. “No, Sir,” he murmured.
“Well,” Kole said, his voice hardening, “as you seem to be breaking all kinds of rules, how about you make me harder with your mouth.” It wasn’t a question.
Beck nodded once and scrambled down the bed, pushing Kole’s legs to either side and laying himself between them, hissing slightly as his dick rubbed against the covers. All it would take was a few thrusts, and he was sure he’d go over the edge straight away. He wasn’t stupid enough to get right to it. He paused in position, staring up at Kole, waiting. Kole stared back at him for a good minute, although it felt like an entire year. Finally, he nodded, giving him permission to start, and start he did.
He wrapped his hand around the base and fed Kole’s cock into his mouth, moaning as the taste hit his tongue. He got the entire length as wet as he could and stroked as well as sucked and licked and nipped and flicked using every ounce of his knowledge.
“Fuck, that’s so good.” Kole groaned, canting his hips to make him go deeper. Beck relaxed his throat, and as Kole’s hands palmed either side of his head, he removed his hands, braced himself on the bed and glanced up at Kole once more, giving permission with his eyes for Kole to use him.
Even so, Kole raised his eyebrows and waited for Beck to give him another confirmation that he wanted that. Beck nodded to the best of his ability.
Kole grinned. “That’s what I like to see. Rise onto your knees, get them beneath you, and then put your hands behind your back—carefully—keeping your face where I can reach it.”
Beck was quick to manoeuvre himself exactly how Kole wanted him and, though there was a slight ache in his back from the position, it made it all the more intriguing. Kole checked in once more with him, then slowly pushed his shaft further into Beck’s mouth. When the head reached the back of his throat, he relaxed as much as he could and then swallowed around it. Kole hissed and pulled free before sliding deep again. They repeated the dance several times, Kole increasing his speed minutely each time. It didn’t take long for Beck’s jaw to start aching, but damned if he would stop. He kept going faster and faster, and Beck witnessed the rosy flush making its way through his body through Kole’s body. Beck had never heard him curse as much as he had done in those last few minutes, and it sent a well of pride flowing through him.
“Stop,” Kole ordered, and Beck froze. Kole pulled himself free, and he almost moaned at the loss. “I don’t want to come yet,” Kole said. “I want to be inside you when that happens.” He moved to the side and patted the bed beside him. “Elbows and knees, facing the headboard.”
“Yes, Sir,” Beck said, wincing a little at the ache in his lower back, but the new position was better. When Beck was settled, Kole slapped his ass, the sound loud in the room, and after the slight sting, a warmth spread from the impact spot.
“Time for me to get you ready,” Kole said, reaching into the bedside table to grab some lube and then kneeling behind him. “How are you feeling?”
“Needy,” Beck replied, moving back slightly as if to make his point,
“Okay, well, let’s get to it then,” Kole said. “It’s going to be cold.”
The click of the tube and then the squirt of the gel had Beck’s senses on high alert, and when the cold liquid touched his hole, he instantly tightened and tensed, but the moment Kole started massaging, he relaxed, letting the first finger slide in. Kole swirled it around, pushing it in and out, making Beck wish he could do something to make him go quicker. Kole must’ve understood though because he added the second finger, stretching him, the burn not that intense but intense enough to feel. All the while, Kole was murmuring pretty much nonsense, to be honest, but it was that kind of nonsense that helped Beck focus on what was happening, and he truly needed that. Despite giving control to Kole, he still needed something to reassure him he could stop things if needed.
When Kole pressed three fingers into him, he exhaled heavily, his head dropping between his arms, his elbows shaking with the need to bend and lower himself to the bed. The top of his head hit the headboard, and he rested forwards using it as a springboard to move himself backwards onto Kole’s fingers.
“Oh, you like that, do you?” Kole murmured. “Let’s get you completely ready for me.”
With only that as a warning, Kole slid four fingers inside him, stretching him beyond what he ever thought he would be able to take. “That’s it. You’re gorgeous like this. I can’t wait any longer.”
Kole pulled his fingers free, and Beck sighed in both relief and mutiny. He wanted him back right away… yesterday, even.
“Hold on.”
Kole’s cock pressed against Beck’s hole, and as usual, it initially shied away, but with the constant pressure, Kole finally thrust inside, sliding in and out in small increments until he was fully seated. He rested his hands on the bed, his stomach warming Beck’s back. Kole’s lips pressed to his shoulder blades, and Beck found he would do anything to be able to kiss him right then.
“Are you ready for me?” Kole said.
“Absolutely,” Beck muttered.
Kole withdrew slowly and then slid deep slightly, repeating the action a few times until Beck got used to it, and then, on the next withdrawal, he slammed his hips forward, hitting that most prized possession inside him and ensuring that he saw stars. He did it again and again until he was begging.
“Please, Kole. Please, Sir, please. I want to come with you, but I don’t think I’m going to last,” Beck admitted.
“I understand. This time, and only this time, you can come whenever you need to.”
Kole increased his pace until all Beck could hear was the slap of skin, all he could smell was the sweat in the air and all he could taste was Kole on his tongue. He closed his eyes to enjoy the sensations, and his one good hand squeezed the slats of the bed, grounding him and halting his movement too far forward.
“That’s it, Beck. You can do it,” Kole panted. “I want you to come for me as soon as possible. You feel too fucking good, and I’m going to come. I need you to come. That’s an order,” Kole said, firming his voice.
And like that was all Beck needed, his body seized, wracked with contraction after contraction as he released onto the bed beneath him. All he could hear was white noise and cursing from behind him, and Kole’s fingers tightened their grip on his hips as he held himself deep. A wave of heat flooded him, and it sent another shiver through him.
“Holy fuck,” Kole said. “I can’t remember the last time I came that hard. Are you still with me, Beck?” he asked as he pulled out.
“Uh-huh,” was all Beck could manage. Kole manoeuvred him to the side, away from the wet patch. Beck lay there on his side, eyes closed, panting, body occasionally twitching with the aftereffects. “Holy crap,” he breathed as Kole came back with a flannel. He flexed his injured hand but ignored the ache.
Under normal circumstances, Beck would have complained about Kole cleaning him, but for several reasons, he didn’t. The main one was that he trusted Kole with everything inside of him, and he knew he would never harm him. So he let him do whatever he wanted to him without a second thought.
“That’s it. All done,” Kole murmured, sinking beside him to kiss his cheek. “You’re perfect for me, Beck. You know that, don’t you?” Kole whispered as he manhandled Beck while changing the sheets.
Beck wasn’t quite there yet. He still wasn’t certain he deserved Kole, but he refused to push him away when Kole didn’t seem to want to leave.
“Well, that was certainly a wake-up call.” Kole laughed as he lay beside Beck, pulling him into his arms and throwing the cover back over them. “I was just planning on bacon and eggs for breakfast, but we ended up with a lot more.”
Beck chuckled. “We definitely did.”
They dropped into silence, but as usual, it was never strained. There was always a point to it, and finally, Beck said, “I think I want to go to work today. I’ve cancelled far too many appointments lately, even several of the ones that I usually travel for. I want to get back to it. I miss it.”
“Sounds like a plan. Let’s have a shower, have some breakfast, and see if Joey or Dallas have destroyed the place.”
“Nah, Ani wouldn’t let them,” Beck said.
“Ah, but when the cats are away, the mice will play.”
“Why? Where’s Ani gone?”
“Nowhere, I don’t think. Just saying whenever Ani isn’t there, they always do something to prank her or prank one of you.
Beck glanced at him. “That’ll include you now, so keep your eyes open.”
“Wonderful,” Kole deadpanned.
They took their time getting ready—and having bacon and eggs—and Beck drove them to Life in Ink. The warm feeling spreading out from his stomach was welcome, and he grinned as he parked the bike in the car park behind the shop. After stowing everything, he grabbed Kole’s hand and dragged him towards the door, Kole’s laughter following.
The bell over the door sounded as they entered, and Ani glanced up from the desk, her smile, ready and eager to help a new customer, growing wider when she saw him.
“Beck!” She rounded the counter and threw her arms around his neck.
He let go of Kole and held her, dropping his face to her shoulder and allowing her to hold on to him as long as she wanted. The events hadn’t just been tiresome for him; they must’ve worn on his friends—no, family—as much as they had him, and wasn’t he an asshole for only just thinking about it?
“How are you doing?” Ani asked, cupping his cheek and staring into his eyes as if seeing into his soul.
For the first time in a long time, he didn’t put on a mask. “I’ve been better, but I’m getting there.” Ani’s eyes widened, and he chuckled. “I’m learning.”
She hugged him again and then stepped away. “You always did have a lot to learn,” she teased with a wink, though he could see the wetness in her eyes.
Beck laughed and linked hands with Kole again, stepping closer to the counter when Ani moved behind it again. “Do I have anything on the agenda?”
“Not officially because I redistributed those clients who didn’t want to wait for you.” She gave an apologetic wince. “Sorry about that. But if you are planning to ink, you’re welcome to have at least two that had originally booked with you.”
“Who?”
“Maxim and Hilary.” She tried to withhold her grin.
Beck rolled his eyes. “I don’t know what it is about those two that you find so funny.”
Ani leaned her elbow on the desk and rested her chin in her hand. “It could be that they always come in at the same time, usually see the same person, end up with similar tattoos and have yet barely spoken to each other. They’re obviously into each other. I think they’re just too shy to make the first move.”
“They might have tattoos all over their bodies if someone doesn’t first,” Kole said. “Not that I’ve seen them.”
“You’re not playing matchmaker, Ani,” Beck warned.
Ani pouted. “Why not?”
Beck sighed. She would do whatever she wanted, anyway. “Just be careful. But, yes, I’ll take them. What time?”
“Eleven and twelve-thirty.”
Beck nodded and faced Kole. “You want to watch?”
Kole smiled. “Always.”
He turned back to Ani, her gaze bouncing between them, and sighed. “Stop,” he muttered.
“So cute,” she whispered, not quiet enough for Kole not to hear if the chuckle he let out was any indication.
He dragged Kole towards the stairs. “I’ll let you know when I’m all set up. Not sure what state I left it in, so might take a bit to get sorted,” he called over his shoulder.
“Sure thing!” Ani said.
When they closed the door to Beck’s studio behind them, he sighed and laughed. “I missed that,” he admitted.
Kole leaned against his front, sliding his arms up and around Beck’s neck. “It won’t take them long to get back to normal. The events of the past few weeks have been a shock for them all, but they’re still your friends, Beck. They’ll be eager to get back to the relationship you had before, just as much as you are.”
Beck buried his face in Kole’s neck, inhaling deeply, and just relaxed for a moment. Then he pulled back and cupped Kole’s jaw. “I love you so damn much.”
Kole beamed up at him. “And I love you.” He kissed him, far too chaste and proper for Beck’s liking, but Kole laughed and pulled away. “Now get to work. I want to see my man in his element.”
Beck’s cheeks heated because, although Kole had seen him work before, it had a different atmosphere to it. Then he had an idea. “While I’m working today, I want you to design me something.”
“What?”
“Anything. I want your design on my body,” he murmured.
Kole looked him up and down and bit his lip. “All right. Anywhere in particular?”
Beck smirked. “Your choice. You know what space I have left.”
Kole licked his lips and nodded slowly. “Okay. I’ll see what I can come up with.”
He moved towards the desk in the corner of the room, and Beck stepped up behind him, halting his movements, leaning in to whisper in his ear, “And you’ll be the one inking me.”
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