Thorn #2
Thorn’s cock was solid steel in his unforgiving tailored slacks as Lucas sucked and bit at the hot skin over his pulse.
Lucas’s dick nudged against his own and sent their fondling into overdrive.
It was a heat that’d been brewing for days, and the urgency with which Lucas tore away his shirt was proof enough.
Thorn’s lips parted on a ragged breath as Lucas dragged his palms over his chest, teasing the pads of his thumbs over his nipples until Thorn released a full-body shudder.
What is he doing to me? I need to take control.
Lucas moaned against his throat, grinding his hips languidly into Thorn’s.
“So do we have an arrangement, Mr. Blackwell?”
It took a moment for Thorn to gather a thought he could articulate. His breaths were short and labored when he answered, “This isn’t exactly how pairings—not arrangements —are made at Belladonna.”
“Mmm, maybe not, Thorn…but this is how ours will be.”
Goddamn him.
Thorn didn’t have the chance to argue before Lucas pressed his heavy body harder into him, and whatever Thorn was about to say no longer mattered. All he cared about was what he was feeling and the myriad sensations he was experiencing at that moment.
Taking responsibility for a heart was exactly how his gentlemen had described—Thorn was excited, nervous, and a whole lot terrified.
God help me to not mess this up.
Before Thorn had arrived tonight, Lucas had been drowning his hurt in booze and work, and according to Oliver, his friend had been in that habit long before his divorce was finalized.
But now Lucas was buried between Thorn’s legs, his heart beating wildly, life still existing inside him.
Yeah. I know how to do this.
Thorn clenched his thighs tight against Lucas’s waist. “And if I agree to be your heart’s haven, how will we seal the deal?”
Lucas kissed him, his eyes falling closed as he repeated softly into Thorn’s mouth, “My heart’s safe haven, huh?” Lucas pressed their foreheads together. “I don’t know if I can handle or…”
“Shhh. I know.” Thorn held Lucas’s stubbled jaw. “Your betrayal is fresh, and it seems crazy to attempt this now. But I promise you that now is the perfect time. And…it’s the perfect time for me, Luc.”
Lucas swallowed visibly as he leaned harder into Thorn’s touch, a serene smile creasing his handsome face. “No one has called me Luc since I was a kid.”
Thorn hadn’t even realized he’d said it.
“It just kinda rolled off my tongue, but it seems like you don’t mind.”
Lucas huffed with mild amusement. “Fuck, Thorn. I have a feeling you’re gonna get away with a lot of shit I don’t typically allow.”
He accepted Thorn’s gentle peck before he deepened the kiss more, working Thorn’s slacks down his thighs until he was able to kick them off along with his shoes.
The tempo was slow and sensual. Now that Lucas was reassured he’d have access to Thorn for longer than just tonight, he could take his time and savor.
He hadn’t made out, lingering at third base for hours, since high school.
They kissed until the night broke into the next day, their hands doing the talking as they got to know each other the natural way.
Thorn licked and teased at Lucas’s mouth and massaged his stiff shoulders until the sky turned multiple shades of purple and orange.
“I should go,” Thorn murmured against Lucas’s chest. “Before your staff starts to arrive.”
Lucas was damn near asleep with Thorn on top of him, his face relaxed, his arms around his waist. “I don’t give a fuck who sees us. It’s not like I’ll be reported to the boss, Thorn.”
“My gentlemen will be concerned if I don’t return soon. It’s not like me to be away all night.”
Lucas smirked. “That’s nice to know.”
Thorn placed a soft, lingering kiss on Lucas’s scruffy jaw until a slow smile spread across his face.
“When can I see you again?”
“Soon.” Thorn gave Lucas one last peck before he stood and straightened his clothes.
When he looked respectable enough, he placed his card in the center of Lucas’s huge desk.
“Be at Belladonna tonight at eight. We’re having a masquerade.”
Lucas sat up higher. “Excuse me. A what?”
“You heard me. My assistant will call you with the details.” Thorn winked at him before he walked out the door.
Thorn made it successfully through the executive wing, down the elevators, and through the immaculate lobby without encountering a soul.
His victory was short-lived when he pushed through the pristine glass doors and saw Detective Kelly and her perpetually scowling partner, Sharpe, leaning against their car, drinking 7-11 coffee and eating goddamn breakfast sandwiches.
Thorn wanted to cover his face and slink down the side alley, but it was too late for that. And the way Sharpe was leering at him made Thorn feel as if he were making the fucking walk of shame.
He made his way to where they were parked on the curb, ignoring the obnoxious way Detective Sharpe devoured the last of his greasy double sausage and egg biscuit.
Thorn bet the guy had never even heard of egg whites, although the detective’s body was all chiseled hard angles beneath his tattered jeans and worn leather jacket.
“Top of the morning to you, Mr. Blackwell. Fancy finding you here at this hour,” Detective Kelly said as she eyed him up and down, no doubt noticing Thorn was in the same clothes he’d worn to the station last night.
“It’s a little early to be making a deposit, is it not?
Or did you have other business to handle elsewhere—dare I say on the top floor? ”
Thorn stood with his spine straight instead of giving these assholes the satisfaction of seeing him squirm.
“I’ve answered all your questions regarding your case, Detectives. Whatever business I handled inside was my own.”
“It sure as fuck looks like you had a good time handling that business.” Sharpe chuckled as he tossed his empty cup and sandwich wrapper in the trash can a few feet away.
“I guess this is as good a time as any to speak with the CEO.” Sharpe pointed at the towering skyscraper. “All the way up, yes? Corner office, I presume? Or should we wait until he showers?”
Fuck you! Thorn blared in the back of his mind, but on the outside, he gave the police his most charming smile.
Sharpe seemed like the type of guy who had to get the last word. He was full of himself, lacked self-control, and had a fuck-the-world attitude.
No wonder Lincoln likes him.
Thorn ignored him, buttoning his wrinkled suit jacket.
“Be safe out here on these streets, Detectives,” he said in exasperation. “There are real criminals out here to be concerned with. If you’ll excuse me.”
“Oh, Mr. Blackwell, one last thing.” Detective Kelly called at his back. “Did you know about Evan Scott’s two-million-dollar life insurance policy?”
What the fuck?
Thorn spun on his heels. “No…why would I?”
Kelly cocked her head to the side, her dreads falling to her bicep. “Because you’re listed as the beneficiary.”
Thorn’s stomach sank to his loafers.
“Be seeing you soon, Mr. Blackwell.” Sharpe smiled.
Thorn ignored the puny threat, got into his Mercedes, and quickly made his way back to the coast.
Evan, what have you done?