Chapter 32
RORY
Pushing through the glass door of Vireaux Atelier, I walk into the small jewelry store. It’s a small, clean space with soft, indirect lighting and pale marble. In each display, neutral velvet liners hold exquisite pieces of jewelry adorned with diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies.
A few customers are scattered about, being assisted by salespeople who are pushing the masterpieces made by expert hands.
Approaching the counter, I disregard the young saleswoman eyeing me and call out, “Pascal!”
A moment later, he exits his workspace and enters the storefront. Pascal’s gentle face brightens when he sees it’s me. “Rory Bishop, as I live and breathe. What can I do for you?” Stooped with age, Pascal makes his way to me, leaning on the counter for support.
“I have a question about a few pieces of jewelry you made.”
Pascal gestures to me with his slender hands. “Sure, sure. How can I help?”
“It was a gold set. Daisies. Pendant and studs.” I use my fingers to show him the approximate size of the daisies.
Pascal squints, staring off as he searches his memory, then his brows jump as he lifts a finger. “Ah, yes. I remember.”
I continue my interrogation. “Do you remember the man who bought it?”
Pascal’s lips purse, and he holds his hand out flat to the side a few inches above his head. “Uhh…he was about this tall, I think. Brown hair, maybe.”
“Did he tell you his name?”
Pascal nods. “Shepherd. I remember that for sure.”
“Did he pay with a card?”
Pascal shakes his head. “Cash.”
“Got any security cameras?” I look around the store, searching for them.
Pascal winces. “No. I wouldn’t know how to work something like that.”
Dammit. This guy is taking all the steps to keep his identity a secret.
I come up with an idea, hoping it’ll pan out. “I’ll hook you up with a system and show you what to do.”
“I can’t let you do that.” Pascal steps back, holding his hands low to turn down my proposal.
I meet his gaze. “I insist.”
Pascal exhales. “Alright.”
“Just promise me that the next time he comes in, you’ll call me,” I request.
He tilts his head slightly toward me. “Absolutely.”
“Thanks, my friend.” I turn to leave, but he stops me with an offer.
“Do you want to look at any of my new pieces?”
I arch a brow and take a glance at the nearest display case. “You twisted my arm.”
After a bit of impromptu shopping and lots of traffic, I arrive back at RHL. I wander into Hunter’s office and find it empty. Hunter and Savannah must’ve already left for today. Turning around, I make my way to Luke’s office and collapse on his couch. He’s sitting at his desk, typing away.
“Back from the jeweler?” he questions without looking up.
I sigh, kicking my feet up on the coffee table. “Yeah, he wasn’t able to give me a description.”
“Dammit.”
I place my hands behind my head and lean back. “We’re setting up security cameras. That way we can at least get a picture of the guy if he goes back, but it’s a big if.”
“Worth a try, though,” Luke encourages.
I sink into the comfort of the couch, trying to relax my mind. Luke drops down on the couch, jostling me, and he mimics my position.
His close proximity scrambles my brain, and I’m no longer able to quiet my thoughts.
Gathering my courage, I sit up. “I need to tell you something.”
Luke opens one eye. “That’s never a good way to start a conversation.”
“I didn’t know how else to open it.” I shrug.
“Hit me.” Luke sits up and angles his body toward me.
“I like where this is going,” I start, waving a hand between us.
Luke grabs my hand. “Me too.”
“I know things are moving pretty fast with Savannah.” I continue.
Luke nods. “For both of us.”
“But I think it’s best if we go at our own pace,” I wince, closing my eyes, anticipating a negative response.
Luke pulls my hand to his chest, getting me to open my eyes. “I agree.”
“I’m falling in love with you, Luke.”
“I’m falling in love with you, too, Rory.” Luke’s hands land on either side of my neck, urging me forward.
Our lips meet in an easy kiss that quickly gets hot. I nip at his lower lip, and my hands grip his shirt.
Luke moans, and he crawls closer, forcing me onto my back. Our bodies align, and I can feel his hardening cock rub against my own. I move my hips and groan.
Luke drops one of his hands to the top of my pants and arches a brow in question. I nod, and Luke swiftly undoes the fastenings on my pants and his own.
I shove my waistband down, and he does the same. I shift my hips, grazing my length against his. The light caress sends a jolt of pleasure to my balls.
“Fuck,” I grunt, and precum leaks from my tip.
Luke dips his head and licks the bead from the crown of my cock.
I guide his face to mine, kissing him roughly and thoroughly. When I pull back, I rasp, “I want you to feel good too.”
“Oh, I will.” Luke smirks and wraps both of our cocks in his hand. He moves his fist up and down, stroking our shafts together.
As he continues, I feel my cock swell. “You’re going to make me come too quickly and embarrass myself,” I grit out as I try to keep my orgasm at bay.
“I’m right there with you,” Luke confesses, then his tone deepens. “Come with me, Rory. Come all over my hand. I want to see our cum mixed together.”
My shaft thickens, and I fall into oblivion. Luke continues his motions as he comes with me, milking our lengths as white ropes of cum empty all over us.
I look down at our combined seed all over Luke’s hand and our shirts that we were in too much of a hurry to take off.
“We made quite the mess. Gotta clean up.”
I reach for some tissues, but Luke stops me, snatching my wrist.
“Be a good boy and use your mouth.”
Shit, that’s hot.
And just like that, I’m ready to go again.
I don’t think we’re going to leave this couch for a while.