Chapter Ten
S alem watched Tarek and Portland interact with all the skepticism his bitter heart could muster. He knew Portland’s every little dirty secret. Salem had known since before he chose the guy for Tarek. Tarek was the sweetest and most forgiving person alive. Portland was his perfect balance. As the highest-ranking member of Prince Noir’s drug empire, Portland had money, power, and connections that matched Salem’s. Salem had billions, and that trumped any sort of illegal bullshit. But Salem never scoffed at the crime game either. Someone had to make that money, and Salem adored money. It was truly a boy’s best friend. Plus, Portland would take care of Tarek. Salem didn’t give a shit how.
Despite having set Tarek in Portland’s path, Salem still felt the need to watch them in action. Study them. Measure Portland’s strength and worth. Tarek was one of the very few people he loved. The guy was just too damn much to ignore. He loved too much and saw the good in everyone. Tarek needed protection. Portland was the man for the job. He was cold-blooded and ruthless. When he looked at Tarek, Portland was the opposite of his nature in every way. It was fascinating. He was relieved to have Tarek married and settled. Salem didn’t like thinking about other people. Tarek forced him to look too often at his sentimental side. That was a weakness Salem couldn’t stand.
Quest poked his head over Salem’s shoulder and followed his line of sight to where Tarek sat on Portland’s lap on the lounge chair by the pool. “Are you jealous?”
Salem snorted as he reached up to scratch Quest’s head—like a pet. The guy loved it. “Of what?”
“They’re in love.”
“Mhmm. That’s nice for Tarek, but I’m not built like that, babe.”
“But you love me,” Quest said, sounding like a kicked puppy.
Salem kissed his cheek. “I do. Very much.”
Quest’s usual happy expression returned. “See? I knew it. You love me,” he sang, making Salem laugh. Quest and Dodge were so simple. They were uncomplicated. The pair were straight and didn’t want Salem for anything more than whatever it was that kept their pure souls running. They were nothing like him. Thank God.
Dodge pulled himself up and out of the pool and jogged their way at Quest’s antics. “Wait. I want love too.” He dove onto Salem’s lounge chair, soaking him with his giant body.
Salem squealed from the sudden cold burst of water. “Holy shit, Dodge. You’re too fucking big to jump on top of people. By people, I mean me.” He tried pushing him away. “I can’t breathe.”
“Pshh.” Dodge placed loud kisses all over Salem’s face. “You’re doing a lot of bitching for someone who can’t breathe.”
Salem immediately went limp.
Dodge leaped from the lounge chair. “Oh, shit. Are you hurt?”
Salem burst out laughing.
Dodge’s expression shifted from worried to playful when he realized Salem had tricked him. He exchanged a glance with Quest. His eyes lit with wickedness. Too late, Salem realized his mistake. He had poked the wrong bear.
Before he could run, he was over Dodge’s shoulder. Dodge ran for the pool with Quest hot on their heels. He knew before he hit the water that he would have to let them have their way and play. When he had kept JD’s giant puppies after his death, he had known what he was in for. That was okay. They were the best thing about his life. He would die for them.
Portland watched Salem try to hold his own against the two giant children. He shook his head. If there had ever been three people more oblivious, he had never seen it. He was glad to have them in Greece, nonetheless. They were the closest thing to family Tarek had. It had been nice to have them there, supporting Tarek while they said their vows. They were married. He still couldn’t believe it. His arms tightened around Tarek. Tarek snuggled closer and kissed his neck. They would likely have some crazy tan lines later, but it was worth it.
Shaw claimed the lounge chair next to them. His gaze locked on the pool. “They’re a nice-looking throuple.”
Tarek laughed.
Portland explained. “They’re a caustic brat and two guys who think they’re straight.”
Shaw snorted.
They exchanged knowing grins.
Tarek hummed. “Do you really think they’re more? That’s a nice thought. Salem doesn’t let people in.”
“Salem? As in Salem Rochester?”
“The one and only,” Portland answered, so Tarek wouldn’t have to. He knew Tarek got sick of that reaction.
Shaw didn’t respond right away. When he did, he sounded pragmatic rather than judgmental. “I can see it. JD did always love a pretty face. It was his greatest dream to scandalize the community by leaving his billions to a young handful.” He looked Tarek’s way. “No offense to your friend.”
Tarek laughed. “None taken. That’s an apt description.”
Shaw watched the three for a moment longer. He stood. “Well, if the pups want to be straight. I should throw my hat in the ring.” He winked before heading toward the ruckus. Shaw dove into the pool, leaving them alone again.
Beneath the cover of the towel Portland had draped over them, protecting them from the slight chill in the breeze, Tarek scraped his fingers down Portland’s torso. “So sexy.”
Portland immediately went hard. “You’re playing with fire, little one.”
An evil chuckle vibrated from the bundle against his chest. “Who teased me with Ezra as an audience?”
“Who?”
Tarek huffed.
“I’m just fucking with you. That’s the gardener, right?”
He laughed harder when Tarek growled. Tarek got the last laugh. He blatantly cupped Portland’s dick through his shorts and squeezed just enough to make Portland bite back a moan.
“Evil.”
Tarek lifted his head and met Portland’s stare. “Why? I’m completely serious about making you feel good.”
He didn’t need to hear anything else. It took nothing to scoop Tarek into his arms and dip into their honeymoon hut. The place they had bought out for the next two weeks was a private area with several luxury huts surrounding a pool that looked like paradise, with its waterfalls and greenery. Each guest had their privacy, but they were close enough to also enjoy their company. Tarek and he were the only ones staying after the first week. So they would have complete solitude soon, but not until after they shared their joy with their friends. It was the perfect substitute for an overpriced wedding that lasted a few hours. This was memories for a lifetime, especially the memories he made with Tarek beneath him.
It took nothing to have Tarek out of his tiny swim trunks. God, everything about him kept Portland hot. “Damn. Look at my sexy husband.”
Tarek’s gaze swept down Portland’s body. “No. I’m too busy looking at mine.”
Thankfully, the lube was still on the bed from their last round. He tossed it to Tarek. “I want to watch you lube that sexy hole while I get out of these trunks.”
With an evil grin, Tarek made a show of drawing up his knees and wetting his asshole. He kept his hands at an angle that wouldn’t block Portland’s view as he stretched and fingered himself. Portland stripped and stroked himself. A bead of pre cum leaked out.
Tarek rolled upward and licked Portland’s cock, openly savoring the cum. “Maybe I should fuck my toy so I can suck this. You taste so good.”
Portland would be damned if Tarek rode anything other than his dick. He took Tarek down. Portland wasn’t gentle as he shoved his way inside, punishing Tarek for the suggestion. “Maybe you should fuck what?”
Tarek moaned but still tried to get sassy. “Don’t tell me you’re jealous of a toy. You’re so much better.”
Portland thrust. “You’re damn right I am.” He changed angles, proving he knew Tarek’s body better than any damn toy.
Tarek scratched at the sheets beneath him, as if looking for a place to hold on.
Portland didn’t show mercy. He rammed home his meat, fucking Tarek hard. Tarek took it with only moans and zero complaints. Then Tarek squeezed his forearms. Something dark inside him cleared. This was his husband. His beautiful, perfect in every way other half. He moved slower and kissed his angel, hoping Tarek felt his love. Tarek’s fingernails dug into his skin and he pushed upward, silently asking for the rough treatment. His baby always got what he wanted. It seemed right now he wanted Portland to fuck him like he hated him. He didn’t let Tarek down. Over and over, Portland pounded his ass. He lost track of everything except the tight asshole he serviced. Suddenly, that hole tried sucking him deeper. Portland lost his breath as Tarek’s body stole his soul and cum hit him in the chest.
Sounds tore from Portland. The waves of pleasure that rocked him made everything else disappear. When he collapsed on Tarek, wheezing and fighting for his life, Tarek accepted his weight without complaint.
“Fuck.” Wheeze . “I’m too old. You’ll kill me.”
Tarek’s body shook with laughter beneath him.
“You’re laughing?” Wheeze . “Remind me to spank you later.”
“Mmm. Promises. Promises.”
Yeah. His new husband would be the death of him. Just the thought of spanking Tarek had him halfway ready to go again. “Just give me a second to recover.”
Tarek ran his fingers through Portland’s hair. His lips brushed the shell of his ear. “Stay right here as long as you want. I’ll hold you together.”
Portland’s breath caught at the statement. It hit him. Tarek always held him together. Not just while he caught his breath, but through every aspect of life. He was the glue for Portland’s sanity and heart. That was how he had recognized Tarek as his soulmate the first moment they met. It was the immediate soothing of his soul.
“I’ll be your home.” That was all Portland had to offer. He could and would keep Tarek safe and nourished. Cherished. They each had what the other needed. It was almost funny now when he looked back at how they had begun. He had thought he had Tarek duped. Portland had honestly believed he could trick the guy into always being by his side. All along, the joke was on him. They were each other’s perfect match.
Keep an eye out for the next Atlantic City’s Most Wanted, Twice the Problems