Threepeat E-Book

K.C. Wells

• Herausgeber: Dreamspinner Press
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 620

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2018

Beschreibung

Secrets: Book Three Can two Doms open their hearts again for a young man desperately in need of their help? Two years ago, Aaron Greene and Sam Thompson were devastated when their submissive broke the contract that bound the three of them together. They still wonder what happened and whether they can find a way to move forward. When Aaron finds a sick young man by the curbside, his protective instincts kick in, and after consulting Sam, he takes Tim home. After being thrown out of his home, Tim Waterman finds himself on the street, doing whatever he needs to survive. Until a bear of a Good Samaritan scoops him up and saves him. Then one bear becomes two, and a chance discovery gets him thinking about what might be, if he's bold enough to make a move. So what happens when Aaron and Sam wake up one morning to find Tim naked in their bed? Will they get a new chance at life, or will history Threepeat itself?

Leseprobe

Table of Contents

Blurb

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Epilogue

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Copyright

Threepeat

By K.C. Wells & Parker Williams

Secrets: Book Three

Can two Doms open their hearts again for a young man desperately in need of their help?

Two years ago, Aaron Greene and Sam Thompson were devastated when their submissive broke the contract that bound the three of them together. They still wonder what happened and whether they can find a way to move forward. When Aaron finds a sick young man by the curbside, his protective instincts kick in, and after consulting Sam, he takes Tim home.

After being thrown out of his home, Tim Waterman finds himself on the street, doing whatever he needs to survive. Until a bear of a Good Samaritan scoops him up and saves him. Then one bear becomes two, and a chance discovery gets him thinking about what might be, if he’s bold enough to make a move.

So what happens when Aaron and Sam wake up one morning to find Tim naked in their bed? Will they get a new chance at life, or will history Threepeat itself?

We would like to thank our team of beta readers, for keeping us on our toes as usual. Thank you for everything—we couldn’t do this without you.

Chapter One

June, 2016

“ARE YOU mad at the computer?” Sam Thompson asked his lover, Aaron Greene, who was seated in his study, banging away on his keyboard, muttering to himself. Sam couldn’t miss the low grumbling that reached him all the way to the kitchen and had come downstairs to investigate.

Judging by Aaron’s complete disregard, Sam figured he hadn’t heard a word. Aaron paused, ran a hand through his dark brown hair, then went back to hammering the keyboard with a vengeance.

“What’s the laptop ever done to you?” Sam said with a snicker.

Without looking up Aaron grumbled something, which Sam knew contained more than a few curse words.

“Care to repeat that?” Sam chuckled. “Because one, I want to be sure you said what I think you said, and two, I want you to feel ashamed for using that language in the first place.” He tut-tutted. “Shame on you.”

Aaron slammed the cover on the laptop, hard enough that Sam winced, then lifted it off his lap, glared at it, then tossed it onto the couch beside him, where it landed with a soft whump.

Sam was not impressed. “I don’t care how pissed off you are. Don’t take your mood out on the hardware.”

Aaron leaned back against the padded chair, scrubbed a hand over his eyes, and took a deep breath. “Sorry.”

“Okay, that’s better. Now what’s going on?”

Aaron let out a heavy sigh. “I’m writing to a client. I had all the plans done—six weeks of work, mind you, to get them exactly the way his wife wanted. So the plans are done, she okayed them, but now she’s thinking she wants to go in a different direction.” He got up, moved away from the desk, and began pacing, flinging out his arms to punctuate his sentences. “Originally they wanted ultramodern, with black stainless steel appliances, an in-kitchen breakfast nook, and a library with built-in shelves. Plus a lounge with room enough for an ultrawide large-screen television, an office for him and her, oh, and something more ‘whimsical’ for the kids, who, by the way, are nearly seventeen. I worked my arse off trying to sort out the details, get estimates for the work, find the right kit to satisfy their requirements, and get it done within the allotted time span.”

Sam wanted to tell Aaron he had no business taking on all that extra work, but bit his tongue. With the dark circles under Aaron’s eyes, the coffee he’d been drinking by the potful, and the stress of juggling so many different things at once, Sam knew better.

“And?”

Aaron scowled. “He just called me to say, guess what? She’s changed her mind.” His eyes glinted. “Now she no longer wants ultramodern. Instead she wants something French provincial, with an open, airy design that will let all kinds of light in because she read somewhere that children needed more sun.”

“Sounds wonderful,” Sam murmured.

Aaron nodded. “I agree. And I could make it work, too, but there’s just one teeny tiny problem. They still want it by the original date, and he doesn’t seem to understand why that’s not possible.” He came to a halt at the window and dropped into the straight-backed chair beside it, staring out at the street below.

Sam stepped up behind Aaron and kneaded his shoulders. They were tight with the tension that was part and parcel of Aaron putting in so many hours designing and refurbishing homes.

“What do you think about getting out of the house and taking a break? We could go to the club, see a few people, and forget the worries of the day.”

Aaron groaned and leaned into the firm grip. He tilted his head back and rested it on Sam’s stomach, staring up. Sam smiled down at his partner. He loved it when Aaron leaned on him. It seldom happened, and he wanted to enjoy it while he could.

Sadly, this time it didn’t last long either. Aaron pulled away, got up, and went over to the couch to grab the laptop. He sat back down at the desk and continued typing his letter, losing none of the attitude.

“Whispers closed, remember? They sold it to new owners, and it’s in the process of being renovated.” He gave a wistful sigh and glanced back at the computer. “I wish they had talked to me. I had some ideas for that place.”

Sam scowled, grateful that Aaron couldn’t see him. Aaron drove himself way too hard, working every night until Sam had to literally drag him up to the bedroom, with Aaron still protesting how much work he had to do.

He picked up one of the chairs facing the desk and moved it next to Aaron’s. “I think you’re already busy enough, with ideas for your clients.”

“It’s better than sitting at home, don’t you think?” Aaron huffed. “Besides, I’m not sure I’m ready to go to the club anyway.”

The unhappiness in Aaron’s voice was obvious. Sam leaned across and wrapped his arms around Aaron’s waist, kissing him on the neck. He loved the shiver that slid through Aaron’s body.

“Well, I guess we’ll have to find something else to occupy ourselves.”

A shake of the head and a throaty chuckle gave him his answer. “Unless you’re going to bottom, that little scenario isn’t likely to get played out.”

Now it was Sam’s turn to expel a long breath. He couldn’t help but notice Aaron’s melancholy expression and knew exactly what the problem was.

“I miss Seb, too, you know. I understand he decided the lifestyle wasn’t for him, but it had been the three of us for six years. And they were good years, right?”

It was getting to be a familiar discussion in the time since their former submissive had asked to be released from his contract. Their hearts had been heavy and their hands had shaken as they removed the collar they’d placed around his neck in a ceremony at Whispers, with all their friends in attendance. When they’d signed the permanent contract, Aaron and Sam had been thrilled. And for years it had been perfect—or so they’d thought.

Until nearly two years ago, when Seb came to them, on the verge of tears, telling them he didn’t want to be their submissive anymore. He wanted a different life for himself, one they couldn’t be part of. He claimed that he no longer felt like a person, that they offered safety but not freedom.

It was as if their world had come to a shuddering stop.

They’d promised him they could work it out, but in the end, Sebastian decided he wanted to dissolve the contract rather than work to fix the problems he claimed existed. When the day came for him to leave, there were tears, hugs, and promises to keep in touch. Both Aaron and Sam suspected that wouldn’t happen, and they weren’t wrong. As they watched Seb pull away, they clutched each other, then walked back into the house they’d all shared.

The one that no longer seemed like a home.

Everything that had been familiar, from the dining table where they’d sat and eaten, to the bed they’d shared each night, now held memories they weren’t ready to deal with. And that had led to problems for them both.

“They were the best years.” Aaron’s tone was harsh, his voice hoarse and scratchy.

With Seb there, the house had been filled with love and laughter. Or at least they’d thought it had. They still had no idea what the problem had been, and Seb had never told them. Through it all, Sam and Aaron stayed together. But two tops don’t make a working relationship, and they both knew it.

They’d met Seb at Whispers, the BDSM club that Sam and Aaron belonged to. The two men had never done a scene together, but that night nearly seven years ago, at Seb’s suggestion, they’d taken him to one of the private rooms. Seb had lain on his back, Aaron taking his pleasure from Seb’s mouth, while Sam filled his arse. It had been transcendent, and they’d done many such scenes over the next few months. Seb had been responsive and skilled, and it wasn’t long before they realized they’d both fallen in love with him. What surprised them more, however, had been the dawning realization that they loved each other too.

Just not enough to bottom for the other. There were limits to their relationship.

They’d tried going to the club a few times after Seb had left, but none of the subs caught their attention, and they’d returned home, frustrated and annoyed. Eventually Aaron had stopped asking to go, even though Sam still wanted to, practically begging Aaron to get out there again, reminding him they’d never find someone unless they did. Aaron would agree in principle, but it never went any further than that.

Right then they needed a change of scenery.

“How about we go out to dinner?”

Aaron pulled a face. “Maybe another time. I’m just not in the mood tonight.”

It was on the tip of Sam’s tongue to point out that Aaron had been saying that ever since Seb left. He’d heard all the excuses—too tired, not in the mood, a lot of work to do—and had put up with Aaron shooting down each of Sam’s ideas one by one, but Sam was determined to continue trying.

“How about if we shove some popcorn in the microwave and watch a film in the media room?” He smiled. “We can cuddle up on the couch.” Inwardly he prayed Aaron would take him up on the offer. The “couch” was more like a bed, one of several in their cinema room. Aaron’s doing, of course.

Aaron gestured to the laptop. “I’ve got a lot of work—”

Fuck no! Sam slammed the lid, narrowly missing Aaron’s fingers. “You’re done for the night.” When Aaron scowled, Sam stood his ground. “You’re stressed and you need to unwind.”

Aaron’s eyes narrowed, and he opened his mouth until Sam held up a hand.

“Don’t argue with me on this, because I promise you won’t win.”

For a moment Sam was certain Aaron was going to have a go at him, but when he leaned back and covered his eyes with his arm, letting out a huge groan, Sam figured Aaron needed some comfort.

Sam stroked Aaron’s jeans-clad thigh, keeping the motion soothing. “It’ll be okay, I promise. We’ll figure something out.”

Aaron covered Sam’s hand with his own. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t snap at you. None of this is your fault. And you’re right. I have been working too hard. Maybe what we need is to take a holiday.”

The thought that Aaron might finally be willing to get out and enjoy life had Sam cautiously optimistic. “Sure, we could do that. Let me know when would be good for you.”

“Okay. I’ll check my schedule and we’ll see what we can work out.” Aaron leaned over and gave Sam a peck on the lips. “I’ll go make the popcorn. You can choose what film we watch.”

“Deal.”

Aaron got up, but Sam reached out and grabbed his hand.

“We’re going to figure this out. I promise.”

With a sharp nod, Aaron left the study and went upstairs to the kitchen.

Sam leaned back onto his chair, sinking into the softness. He had no idea what to do to get Aaron to go out again. He wished Vic hadn’t gone out of town for work right then, because he could use a sit-down, face-to-face talk and some friendly advice. He made a mental note to talk to Vic when he came back. Maybe he’d have an idea about how to spark Aaron’s desire to get out and enjoy life again.

AARON MOVED through the house, taking in the changes he’d made since Seb left. He and Sam had the place redone from top to bottom a few months after Seb moved out. Aaron hated how depressed Sam would get when he’d see something that reminded him of the life they’d all shared. That left him with two options: either they needed to move or gut the house and redo it all. Given that Aaron worked on houses for a living, he’d opted for a complete makeover. Once he’d finished, the place was nothing like the original terraced house they’d bought together. Except “terraced house” had never been an apt description for the huge property in a quiet part of Belgravia. The Grade II listed house had featured in many articles, and Aaron was proud of what he’d accomplished.

But it wasn’t a house built for two.

Sex had been the other problem. He and Sam could let loose when they were with a submissive, but things between them felt awkward and stilted when they didn’t have anyone else. They knew they needed a third, a man who wouldn’t mind two big, bossy alpha-type guys guiding them in life and in love.

And how are you going to find that if you’re too scared to go to the club?

He wasn’t scared, exactly. It was more that things had changed after Seb left. Both he and Sam had sunk into misery, and that had quickly turned to anger. They’d lashed out at each other, saying hurtful things. Aaron would admit, between the two of them, he had the worst temper. He sniped at Sam a lot, kept needling until Sam blew a fuse. When that happened, his anger was a thing to behold. Of course, making Sam lose control never made Aaron feel better. In fact, it caused his stomach to clench and his chest to ache. It got so bad, they’d taken to sleeping in separate bedrooms, neither one willing to be in the room the three of them had shared and both of them being too damn stubborn to deal with the situation.

Everything came to a head the day Aaron had come downstairs to find Sam sitting in the kitchen, his big hands wrapped around a half-drunk mug of coffee. He didn’t look up and say good morning like he usually did. What he blurted out had shaken Aaron’s world to its core.

“Do you think we should split up?”

Aaron had already lost Seb, but to lose Sam as well? No fucking way. “What? No. Why would you even ask that?”

Sam shrugged. “Because all we do is fight. Who’s going to want to be with two men who can’t even get their acts together?”

Aaron hated the fact that he’d done that to Sam. His anger had turned in on himself, making him wonder why he was trying to sabotage what they had together. “This is down to me.”

“No, love. It’s down to both of us. Last night I kept asking myself why we would stay together. We’re both Doms, but our relationship is about much more than that. We’re friends and have been for years. Seb completed us, made us feel whole. I won’t deny I miss him, and one day I hope we have someone who will complete us again, but in the meantime, I still love my friend and can’t imagine him not being in my life.”

Sam’s shocking question had been the start of them clawing their way back to first being friends—reconnecting over the things that had brought them together in the first place—then being the two Doms who needed a sub to complete them.

Only you won’t go to the club. Sam keeps asking, and you’re always putting him off.

Aaron might play a good game, but he wasn’t ready for another person in the house. He wasn’t sure he would ever be ready. The pain from when Seb left still burned deep inside. He knew what hurt the worst was not understanding what had happened between them. He’d lost count of how many nights he’d lain awake, wondering what could have changed. And he knew Sam was doing the same thing.

How could they prevent it from happening again if they found someone new?

Sam placed his hand on Aaron’s shoulder, startling him. “Just how long did you intend to microwave the popcorn? And then you wonder why I don’t let you cook.”

“Shit!” Aaron yanked open the microwave door, grimacing at the sight of the burned popcorn. “I’m sorry. I—”

“Got distracted?” Sam rubbed the back of his neck and groaned. “Yeah, me too. I didn’t bother choosing a DVD. I’m not really in the mood.”

“So what should we do?”

“We could go dancing? We might find someone there we could….”

Aaron couldn’t see them doing that. They’d enjoyed dancing with Seb. He’d been graceful and had a sensual way of moving that always worked them up. “Do you really want to do that?”

Sam sighed and leaned against the counter. “No.”

Maybe it was finally time to be honest about his hopes for their future.

Aaron looked Sam in the eye. “I want someone who’s willing to give us their heart and body. After what we had, I don’t think I could settle for less anymore. You know I was never really the easy-lay type. The truth is, I don’t know that I can handle being hurt again.”

Sam’s expression grew grim, but he nodded.

Aaron and Sam had met at university almost fifteen years ago and had fallen into a quick friendship based on their enjoyment of all things science-fiction related. Many nights were spent arguing over which movie had been better, Star Wars or Star Trek. Who made the better captain, Pike, Kirk, Picard, Sisko, or Janeway? They both agreed that Archer from Enterprise couldn’t be considered in the list since the show was crap, though both agreed that Trip had been hot.

They each knew the other was gay, but neither had considered any kind of sexual relationship to be feasible. One night they were surprised to find they both belonged to a club catering to Dominant men seeking submissives. They laughed over the fact that they finally understood why it wouldn’t work between them.

And then there had been a new discussion: which of them had been more dominant, and who would bottom for the other. One drunken night they found out. Aaron discovered that Sam had definitely been the more aggressive of the two of them when he’d shoved Aaron down on his knees and tried to stuff his cock deep into Aaron’s throat. Given the thickness of that monster, Aaron was surprised he hadn’t choked on it. Then, somehow, Aaron had found himself on his back, with Sam pushing his cock into Aaron’s arse. It had been the first and last time he’d bottomed for anyone, and Aaron would be eternally grateful for the fact that Sam never brought it up or tried to reenact the scene.

Anxious to avoid awkwardness between them, Aaron had stayed away from Sam for a time, but Sam wouldn’t have it. He cornered Aaron one day and made him explain why he hadn’t been returning calls. When Aaron spoke of his fears, Sam had pulled him into a hug and told him he needn’t ever worry. It had been a one-off, and it had been good—for Sam, at any rate—but it wouldn’t be more than that. And it hadn’t been, until the night they’d met Seb.

Aaron knew, even without verbalizing it, that Sam had been in charge of their relationship. He gave Seb and Aaron directions in bed. He would prepare the scene they’d share, and neither of them questioned him. Even though Sam never again tried to get Aaron to give up his chosen role, he was still a force to be reckoned with. Whether aggressively kissing both his lovers while he and Aaron conquered Seb in the bedroom, or giving directions about household assignments, there was never a question who was in charge.

But Sam could also be sweet. He always brought home gifts when he returned from a trip, whether he’d been to Manchester or the US. It had made Aaron wonder if Sam still thought of him as less dominant, but over time he came to realize it was his way. He liked taking care of people, and that included Aaron. When they were with Seb, Sam never once treated either of them as less than an equal partner, even when he’d been telling Aaron to warm that pretty little bottom that Sam would inevitably slide into, moaning at the heated skin. Then the next time, Sam would spank their boy, and Aaron would get the sensations. And through it all, Seb seemed to like it.

Until the day came when he said he didn’t anymore.

Aaron was certain he and Sam still loved each other. Being with Sam brought a completeness to his life, but the spirit, which had burned so bright, had dimmed when the light of their lives had walked out on them. They’d held on to each other, taking strength when they needed it and giving it in return. It never turned sexual, but it had been comforting.

Though he denied it, Sam loved to cuddle. And Aaron had to admit, he didn’t mind it himself. After Seb left, Sam’s desire to hold Aaron close grew more pronounced, as if he was afraid of losing Aaron too. Once they worked through their problems, their need for each other grew as well. Though they didn’t have anal sex, there was a lot of touching, kissing, and affirmations of love, with the occasional blowjob whenever the mood took them. Not that oral sex was anywhere near as satisfying as being buried to the hilt in Seb’s arse had been. And sure, he and Sam could suck each other off, but it seemed… awkward. Which was strange, because when they’d been with Seb, neither had had a problem with blowjobs. But with just the two of them, both wanting to take the lead, both wanting to say who did what?

Getting a blowjob should never be that much work.

Aaron knew how hard it had been for Sam to see Seb walk out of their lives, as though Sam felt he had somehow failed Seb and Aaron. And Sam, ever the stoic, was hurting but was doing his utmost not to show it.

Late into the evening, they’d talk. Aaron missed Sam as he had been when Seb was the center of their world. At times Sam seemed uncertain they’d find someone else who would fit with them. But now he was willing to try, and it was Aaron who was holding them back.

Aaron leaned against the counter, sipping his tea as Sam moved around the kitchen. His large frame had a grace to it that left most people in awe. How someone so large could possess such fluidity of movement stunned friends and colleagues alike. His dark, short-cropped hair and beard, plus the thick pelt that covered most of his body, and the bit of a gut classified him as the quintessential bear. Sam had one more surprise for people, though. He held two degrees in marketing and worked for one of the largest banks in London as the vice president of finances. Most people saw the domineering alpha-type male, never bothering to see the power carried through to all parts of his life.

In contrast, Aaron was equally furry but had more definition to his body. He also had tattoos that ran the length of both arms, which he’d gotten after his mother passed away. He’d taken some of the designs she created and had Mick, the tattoo specialist at Dominant Ink, transform them into a living tribute to the woman who’d raised him and died way too young.

Seb used to say Sam and Aaron were spectacular together. He loved touching them, worshipping their bodies, and providing any service they needed from him. He’d been an amazing submissive.

So why? Two years later, the same question still plagued Aaron. Why had he produced his copy of their contract and asked—no, begged—to be let out of it? He wouldn’t answer when they asked, and eventually they agreed to release him. The memory still haunted Aaron.

Sam wrapped strong arms around Aaron. The heated breath on his neck caused gooseflesh to sprout on his arms. “You’ve got such a serious expression. What’s going on in your head?”

Though he didn’t really want to talk about it, Aaron needed to know. “Am I holding you back from meeting someone new?”

Sam released Aaron and spun him to face him. “What brought this up?”

“It’s just that you’re obviously ready to go to the club again, and I’m not. What if I never am?”

The sad, sweet smile on Sam’s face sent a tremor of regret through Aaron. “We’re in this together, remember? Neither of us walked away when we were having issues, and we fought like hell to get back to being who we are. Unless you’re going to call it quits, I think we’re okay. And it will—or won’t—come in time. And just so we’re clear, I’m every bit as terrified as you are about being hurt again. The thing is, yeah, I do want this, but without you, it wouldn’t be the same. I love you, and I’m willing to wait.”

“Thank—”

Sam put a hand over Aaron’s mouth. “But that doesn’t mean I won’t stop trying to get us back out there.”

Aaron leaned back and chuckled. “Fair enough.” He drew Sam closer and brushed their lips together. “And for the record, I love you too.”

A lascivious grin flashed over Sam’s face. “Enough to bottom?”

“Hell no.” Aaron matched Sam’s grin. “But maybe enough to suck your dick.”

Sam chuckled. “Does that mean you’re going to take all of it this time?”

“I repeat—hell no.”

They laughed and hugged each other before heading upstairs to sleep.

Chapter Two

September, 2017

WITH THE phone pressed to his ear, Sam glanced up from the couch in the reception room. The painting Vic had bought for them hung on the wall between two windows, where he and Aaron could see it every day. A young man sat facing the setting sun, scanning the horizon. When he’d seen it, Sam had known instantly what it was meant to signify. The young man was supposed to be the submissive who was waiting on him and Aaron.

Only, Aaron still wasn’t ready.

“I know we haven’t seen you since you collared Rob, and I’m sorry. Aaron’s not—”

“Ready, yes I know. I’ve been hearing that refrain for over a year now. I want the two of you to get the chance to know Rob. He’s… well, he’s not like anyone you’ve ever met. He’s cheeky, bossy, and sarcastic as hell.”

“And you love him.”

“With every breath I take.”

That familiar ache in Sam’s chest returned. He’d spoken with Vic a few times since he collared Rob, and Vic had never sounded happier. Aaron had encouraged Sam to visit him, but instead Sam had pulled out their copy of Star Trek, made popcorn, and sat with Aaron while they watched the film. Not that Sam had enjoyed it. In fact, he’d hated every minute of it. There should have been a third person, snuggled between them, holding the popcorn while they tried to decide whether they wanted to watch the film or bend him over the couch.

“I’m sorry we didn’t stay.”

Vic’s sigh told Sam it was time for yet another discussion. “Have you asked Aaron about talking to someone?”

“Yeah. I suggested both of us might benefit. I’ll be honest, I’m not really certain I’m ready to have someone new in our lives either. I know it’s been too long, but we’re just in a weird place right now.”

“I get it. I do. But you didn’t stick around after the collaring. You said no to Wayne when we had our barbecue. Have you even checked in on Ellis?”

“Of course!” Sam bit his cheek to rein in his anger. “Aaron saw them when he did the house. He just needs to fit the place for a stair lift.”

“He saw them, and it was for work. When’s the last time you saw any of your friends?”

Sam didn’t want to answer. He knew it had been far too long.

“You two are not going to find anyone by sitting on your arses. I can only imagine how hard it must be to put your heart on the line again, but tell me something. If it didn’t work out with your friends and their boys, would you want them to mope around at home?”

No, damn it! And he didn’t want him or Aaron doing it either. He’d caught Aaron a number of times, staring wistfully at the painting Vic had given them, and more than once he’d caught Aaron’s heavy sigh. Neither of them had admitted it out loud, but they needed a sub to make their lives complete. Watching Aaron apply salve to Seb’s hand after he’d burned it, hearing him gently chide Seb to be more careful, followed by the three of them making love…. Those ranked among Sam’s best memories.

“No, and you’re right. I need to push harder to get him to go out. Even if it’s not to the club, we have to get out to see our friends.”

“Or we can come and see you. Maybe you can host a dinner so we can all get together and remind Aaron that we’re still here for him.”

The thought had merit. “Let me talk to him and see what he has to say about it.”

“Fair enough. And listen, if you ever need an ear to bend, you know where I am.”

A loud, plaintive voice drifted in from the background. “Vic, how much longer am I supposed to kneel here?”

“That’s Sir to you, and you were told an hour.”

Sam laughed. “Let me guess—that’s Rob.”

“Yup. It’s corner time. Again.” Vic’s voice grew muffled. “And last time you asked, I told you it had been seventeen minutes. It’s twenty now. So, has it been an hour yet? No, I don’t think so. Maybe next time you’ll think before you give me cheek.”

The loud squawk had Sam snorting. “Cheek? How is my asking you if you want to go to bed early being anything other than respectful?”

“Let’s see. What were your exact words? Oh, I remember.” Vic’s voice took on a mocking tone. “A man your age needs his rest.”

“Well, excuse me for worrying about you.”

Sam cackled at Rob’s not-so-innocent sounding voice. “I think he’s got your number.”

“Shut up, you. You’re not helping the situation any.”

“Sorry, but it was funny.”

“Maybe, but I’m not telling him that.”

“Telling me what?” Rob’s voice rose, now demanding instead of asking. “Who are you talking to?”

“It’s quiet time, Rob. Nose to the corner and mouth closed. Next time you open it, there will be a ball gag there to help you remember you’re on punishment. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, Sir. Of course, Sir. Anything you say, Sir.”

“And that’s another hour. Hope your knees can hold out.”

Sam burst out laughing. “Oh my God, he’s perfect for you. I don’t know that I’ve ever heard a sub give you backchat like that before and not get his arse reddened. And he’ll make you earn every gray chest hair that’s coming your way.”

Vic’s voice lowered to a whisper. “I don’t want him to lose that spark. Rob’s everything to me, and even though I punish him for it, I love his attitude. He’s had a rough time of it and needs me to keep a tight rein on him. Most of the time, he’s really good, but there are occasions when someone says something and his head fills up with doubts about his worth. He pushes because he needs a reminder that I’m not going anywhere. He wouldn’t admit it to anyone, but if I asked him for it, he would give me the moon, stars, and anything else, and do it with a smile. Of course, there’d be his trademarked snarky attitude in there, but that’s what makes him my Rob.”

And maybe that was what Aaron needed. A reminder that he wasn’t alone in this relationship, and if he ever expected things to get better, he had to pull up his big Dom pants and get back out into the world.

Seb might have left, but life had to go on.

“I’m going to do my best to get him out of the house. It might not be tomorrow, but we’ll get our act together.”

“I know you will. Aaron is—get your nose against that wall. Don’t make me tell you again.”

“I have to use the bathroom.”

Vic growled, low and threatening. “You have two minutes, then I expect you back in that spot, without any more complaints or whining. Am I understood?”

“Yes, Sir, Captain Sir.”

Sam snickered. “He just saluted, didn’t he?”

“Yup. And you know why he’s going to the bathroom, right?”

“To pee?”

“Nah, he’s going to go there and prep himself. He figures that once his punishment is over, he’ll be able to get me to fuck him. And guess what?”

“He’s right?”

“Damn straight.”

They both laughed, and Sam remembered those times with Seb. The thought of finding someone new was daunting, but it was better than being alone. Maybe if they could find the right person, they could make new memories to help soothe the hurt associated with the old ones.

“BUT IT’S not pizza night.”

Aaron narrowed his gaze and stared hard at Sam, which he could tell amused Sam to no end. Normally Sam would make pizza on Friday night. After a long week at work, he found it relaxing to pound the dough into submission, then load it up with their favorite toppings. While ordering one from Carlotti’s was good, there was something about making one himself that seemed to put Sam at peace with the world. At least until Monday.

Sam arched his brows. “So we’re going to break with tradition. Is that such a bad thing?” The expression of horror on Aaron’s face amused Sam. Aaron was a slave to his schedule, unlike Sam, who loved to be more spontaneous.

When Seb had lived with them, Aaron would let them know it was Wednesday, and that meant Seb in spreader bars, his arms and legs locked open, leaving his arse in the perfect position for either of them to fuck him. They’d use Seb relentlessly for hours, making him cry out, begging for them to fuck him harder. Shit, Aaron was getting hard just thinking about those nights. But when Sam decided to switch things up, making Tuesday spreader bar night, and then Seb’s choice on Wednesday, it had thrown Aaron into a near meltdown. He’d adjusted quickly, however, and had admitted that not knowing what was coming was just as much fun.

“I guess not.”

“Good. Now one of us—you—will have to go to Sainsbury’s for some cheese and other stuff for toppings while I get things ready here.”

“No problem.” Aaron grabbed his jacket and slipped it on.

Sam glanced up and smiled. “Want me to come with you? I can prep the dough when we get home.”

Of course Sam would ask that, even though they both knew it wasn’t necessary. He never liked being away from Aaron, even when he had to travel for work. But Aaron needed some time to clear his head, and he certainly couldn’t do that with Sam asking him every five minutes if things were okay. He loved the man, but sometimes a little distance was definitely a good thing. Besides, today there was an itch at the back of Aaron’s mind, and he knew he needed to talk to someone about it.

Aaron laughed. “And just how is you coming with me going to get things ready here? You get started on the dough, and that way you can put the pizza in as soon as I get home.” He stepped closer and gave Sam a quick kiss.

Sam pointed to the fridge door. “Take the shopping list. If you’re going there anyway, you might as well get everything else we need.”

Like that fooled Aaron. He knew Sam understood his desire to be by himself. He always seemed to know exactly what Aaron needed.

“I won’t be gone long. Should only be about an hour.” Not that Sainsbury’s was all that far away, but he had an idea. Something to make Sam smile.

“Take your time. Give me a call when you’re on your way home and I’ll pop it in to brown until we can add the toppings.” Sam gave Aaron a curious look, then enveloped him in a hug and stroked the back of his head. “We’re going to be okay, you know.”

Deep down, Aaron did, but he also knew both of them were aware of how empty their lives were without someone to take care of. And it was getting worse again. Aaron’s refusal to go to the club had left them both on edge, and they’d started to snipe at each other. Fortunately, Sam had seen what was happening and had put the brakes on it. Aaron was grateful for the fact that Sam had more presence of mind.

As he drove toward Victoria Station, where he intended parking the car, Aaron slipped on the Bluetooth earpiece and called his sister, Marie. She and her family lived in Bath—close enough to see each other a couple of times a month; more than that would probably drive them all crazy.

“Oh hell, it’s you.” She chuckled. “Okay, what’s wrong?”

Aaron stifled a laugh. Marie was nearly Sam’s equal when it came to reading him. “What makes you think anything’s wrong?”

“You just called last week, and you never ring me twice in the space of two weeks. So I figure something must be going on.”

Marie had always been the most grown-up of the three of them. She’d had to mature quickly when their mum got sick, and that meant she missed out on a lot, even though she insisted she hadn’t. She took care of Aaron and their brother, Mike, made sure they were fed, had clean clothes, and did their schoolwork. She’d been the biggest influence on his life.

Aaron went with the innocent approach. “I just wanted to say hello. Is that a crime?” He scanned the road ahead for a space to park.

“Don’t lie to me, Aaron James Greene. Jody and Laura have the flu, and I don’t have time to muck around on the phone with you. What’s going on?”

Aaron sighed. “It’s Sam.”

She snorted. “Of course it is. I swear, the two of you… I love how you worry about each other. It never fails to make me swoon.”

Aaron laughed. “Bitch.”

She laughed along with him. “Okay, what’s wrong with your man?”

What was wrong? It certainly wasn’t anything to do with Sam, who wanted them both to get out again. It was Aaron who seemed to be rudderless.

“It’s complicated.”

“Isn’t it always?”

Aaron let out a low growl. “Woman, will you let me finish?” He took a moment to breathe. “When Seb left, he took something with him, and I’m not sure if we’ll ever get it back. Neither of us is the same. A lot of days, we—well, mostly me—go through the motions, but the house is empty without his laughter. It’s like the soul is gone without Seb being around. Does that make sense?”

Marie clucked her tongue. “Sweetheart, I know how much it hurt you both when he left, but let’s be honest here. It’s been long enough.”

“I know you’re right, but—”

“But you’re afraid to be hurt again? You want another Seb, but would you be happy with yourselves if you loved someone for the wrong reason? No one will ever replace Seb. You and Sam both know that. But you’re afraid if you give someone a chance, they’ll find their way into your hearts, and then what happens?” She tsked. “You can’t keep thinking like that.”

Aaron sighed. Marie gave good advice. She always had.

“You’re right.” It was the same thing Sam had been saying, but Aaron had been too afraid to admit it. “We have a ghost in our house, and maybe it’s time we exorcised it.”

“That’s probably for the best.” She paused for a moment. “I wish I could hug you right now.”

“That would be nice. Maybe we can drive up next weekend if Sam’s around. I’m not sure of his schedule right now.”

“I’d like that, but first do me a favor, would you? Think about what you want, then discuss it with Sam so you’re both on the same page. If you agree you need that third to make you both happy, find a person you can start afresh with. Don’t expect him to be Seb, but learn who he truly is. Learn to love that person and—Oh gross!” Marie groaned. “I have to go. Laura just threw up all over the bathroom floor.”

“Go. Thank you for… everything. Kisses to the family.”

She made loud gagging noises. “Hell no. Not until they’re done being sick. It’s bad enough that Laura wants to cuddle all the time. Can you imagine the germs that girl’s got?”

Aaron grinned. “You love ’em and you know it.” His voice softened as he remembered her tending to their mother when she was sick. “You were meant to be a mum.”

“And you were meant to be a Dom. So suck it up and get on with your life. You’re not so big I can’t kick your arse if need be.”

With a laugh she disconnected, leaving Aaron alone with his thoughts. She had been spot-on. The few times they’d gone to the club after Seb left, they were constantly looking for someone who had Seb’s swimmer’s build, the same blond hair and blue-green eyes. The one who submitted beautifully and made him and Sam yearn with need to be inside him, taking him to new heights. But Marie was right. Seb had left and was living a different life. Meanwhile, he and Sam were trying to hold on to the old one.

His head ached by the time he pulled into a parking space. Before getting out of the car, he scanned the shopping list and laughed. Near the bottom, Sam had added ribbed condoms and an economy-sized bottle of lube. Aaron knew without a doubt he’d done it to get a rise out of him. Even while their hearts hurt, Sam still needed to make sure Aaron smiled.

He pulled out his phone and called home.

Sam answered on the first ring. “I don’t want the flavored ones.”

“You won’t taste them when I’m sticking one up your arse, you know.”

“Don’t be so sure. I read something online that an arse has taste buds.” Sam cackled.

Aaron chuckled. “Maybe we’ll test that theory.”

There was a pause. “You feeling better?”

“Some. I called Marie, and she said something that made me think.”

“Okay, that sounds promising. Do you want to share?”

Aaron sucked in a breath. “Do you think we wanted a new Seb?”

Sam was quiet for a moment. “How do you mean?”

“Well… what do you recall about the men we were with before we stopped going to the club?”

“Let’s see. Tyler was nineteen, blond hair, blue eyes. Jon was twenty-two. He had blond hair and… oh.”

“Who are you describing?” The silence stretched out so long, Aaron wasn’t sure if they’d been disconnected. “Sam?”

“Shit.”

“That was my reaction too. Seb is gone, and we’ve been beating ourselves up for it ever since he left. Maybe we need to let him go and move on. Find that person who needs to give themselves to us and wants us to take care of one another.”

A long sigh rolled out of Sam, and Aaron’s heart ached to hear it. “You’re right, of course. How about this weekend we go to the club and try to break ourselves of some incredibly destructive habits? Together, just like it’s always going to be.”

And that was what Aaron needed to hear. They said their goodbyes, and Aaron got out of the car to walk to their local Sainsbury’s, truly happy for the first time in months.

Chapter Three

TIM PULLED back the lid of the restaurant’s rubbish bin. His stomach churned as his fingers slipped on the greasy plastic cover, causing it to slam shut with a loud thud. He wiped his hands on his pants, past caring. What was yet another stain on the clothes he’d been wearing for weeks? He reached for the lid again and lifted it. The smell that wafted out of the container reminded him of rancid meat. Which, right then, he was probably desperate enough to eat.

Probably.

Revulsion and hunger warred for dominance within him. Six weeks he’d been on his own, and he still had no place to go. After spending nights in the homeless shelter, or worse, in an alley burrowed under a makeshift shelter of boxes, he wanted to go home. Even if that meant he’d be his brothers’ punching bag again. At least he’d be warm and dry while they beat the shit out of him. He wouldn’t have people turning away from him because he smelled, or looking down on him as though he carried a host of diseases.

What was worse? Sometimes, in an alley, wishing the pain would stop, he really couldn’t decide.

He slammed down the lid, grateful that it cut off the pungent stench. The restaurant hadn’t thrown out anything edible. He wanted to move on to the next place, but he coughed so hard that it hurt, a deep rumble in his aching lungs. The shelter had been full the last two nights, which meant Tim had slept in an alcove, trying unsuccessfully to stay out of the rain. It hadn’t gone well. England could be downright vicious when it came to storms. He tried to draw his jacket around his shoulders. God, he hurt so bad, even his skin ached.

Tears rolled down his stained cheeks. He missed home. He wished things could be different. If he had been more like his brothers—rude, nasty, crude, and ill-tempered—maybe things would’ve been better. Instead he’d been the shy one who cared about other people. The freak who liked school, worked hard, and earned praise from his teachers, unlike his siblings, who’d ever only received their scorn. Tim’s father sneered at him, then encouraged the older boys to rough Tim up in hopes of making a man of him.

Tim had known nothing would change the way he was. He tried to explain to them the feelings he had, how he pictured himself married to a man with whom he was incredibly in love. He asked for very little, but this dream was something he held close to his heart. His family ignored him and his musings. But Tim knew the truth. He was what he was, and no amount of beatings would change that. It didn’t stop them from trying, however.

Finally, in desperation, Tim went and had platinum-blond highlights put into his hair. He’d laughed when he’d seen himself in the mirror. Such an extreme look really wasn’t for him, but if it worked, his family would see him as he was. And they did see him, but nothing like Tim had hoped for. His brothers surrounded him like jackals, and when their father barked out for them to do it, they began pummeling him. Every beating he’d taken before had been like nothing compared to this. His brothers were savage with their kicks and punches, and in the end, they dragged him to the door and threw him out of his house. Out of his family.

He knocked on the door, pleading with them to let him in. To at least let him go to his room and get his things. He’d saved up a bit of money, and if he could get that, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. They ignored him. When he tried his keys, he found they’d set the deadbolt. For several hours he sat outside the house, but they never opened the door. Finally, as night started to fall, he trudged away and wound up at the clinic. At least until they started asking questions. Then he left and went to Charlie’s, where he spent the night. He had to leave the following morning, though, because Charlie’s parents were fearful of having Tim there for more than an evening. They knew Tim’s parents, and their reputation, and didn’t want to draw attention to their own family. Who could blame them?

He’d made his way to the center of London, trying to figure out what he needed to do. He applied for a few jobs, but with no permanent address, no one was willing to take a chance on him. He couldn’t even get a job washing dishes. After five days of sleeping outdoors, he went to the homeless shelter. They were wonderful. They gave him a hot meal, some fresh clothes, and a cot to sleep in. Like all good things, though, it couldn’t last. There were too many people who needed the space, and Tim couldn’t stay there forever.

Trying to live on the streets was more difficult than he’d anticipated. For one thing, the police were always moving him on. Finding places to bed down for the night was a never-ending task, and Tim soon learned where the best spots were, whether that was a doorway or an alley. Not that some businesses were happy about the homeless sleeping rough in front of their premises. Tim had found one such establishment that had placed strips of metal spikes to prevent that from happening.

He already felt bad enough that he was homeless. This was just… demeaning.

He’d been out on the street in Soho one night, not having eaten for two days, when a short, balding man approached him. Tim asked him if he could spare any change. With a smile, the man led Tim to a dark alley and proceeded to pull out his cock. Tim wasn’t stupid. He’d heard other residents of the shelter talking about things they’d done for money. As much as the thought repulsed him, he slid to his knees. He didn’t think he’d done a good job, but the man came in his mouth. Tim spat it out, then scrubbed his hand across his face.

“Good fags swallow,” the man snarled. Still, he ripped a tenner off a wad of cash and threw it on the ground. He stuffed his cock back into his pants, zipped up, and hurried out of the alley.

Tim learned a lot after that first time. He found that men who got deep-throated were more likely to pay better. Eventually Tim was able to take them all the way without gagging. He made enough money to pay for a cheap meal, but rarely much beyond that. Not a lot of guys were willing to be blown in alleyways.

The turning point came when one of the guys pushed Tim against the wall and yanked his pants down. He spat on Tim’s crack, then jammed a finger into his arse, which had Tim crying. He didn’t want to do this, not for money. He wanted his first time to be with someone who cared about him. Still, the lure of cash was too great, and Tim resolved to stand there and take it. The man stepped in behind him, his cock seeking Tim’s hole. He’d been so desperate, it didn’t matter that the guy wasn’t wearing a condom. When a light shone down the alley, the man ran. Tim jerked his pants up, ignoring the voice of someone telling him to stop. He fled, not halting until he found a different place to spend the night.

Tim huddled in a doorway and cried. He’d been humiliated and, worse, was still hungry.

And it was then that he got sick.

It started out like a cold. His nose was stuffy, his chest congested. It got progressively worse from there. Breathing got harder, and he lapsed into a coughing fit when he tried to draw in air.

Another cough racked his body, harsh and phlegm filled. He’d gone to a clinic, and they’d told him he had bronchitis and explained what he needed in order to get better. But their instructions were next to impossible for someone who didn’t even know where he’d be sleeping each night. They’d given him antibiotics, which Tim sold so he could have a hot meal. Another coughing fit struck him, followed by a wheezing deep inside his lungs.

God, why did it have to hurt so much?

Tim leaned against the bin, shivering. As awful as he felt, if someone asked for sex, Tim knew he’d say yes. He’d beg them if that was what it took. Then he caught a glimpse of his reflection in a nearby window and knew that wasn’t going to happen. With sunken cheeks, dark rings around his eyes, and a harsh cough that shook his slender frame, he appeared to be on death’s doorstep.

No point hanging around if there was no food to be had. He made his way along the crowded street to the next place, not failing to notice the stares of passersby. He hated their obvious pity, but what made it worse was when they looked away. Couldn’t they see he was suffering? Then he reconsidered. Shit, why should they care? It wasn’t as if they would ever see him again. As far as they were concerned, Tim was just another face in the crowds of people, filling the streets around Victoria Station.

Another cough rumbled from his aching chest. He rubbed a hand over it, hoping to loosen the congestion. He knew it was getting worse. Where before there had simply been a nagging cough, it had morphed into an ache that nothing seemed to quell. He’d gone into a chemist and stolen some cough syrup, but even that didn’t help.

The smells from the burger place on the next corner had his stomach churning. He was starving, but the thought of food sickened him. He slipped into the litter-strewn alley between the corner, hoping this time he’d be lucky. Usually they would have thrown out the remaining burgers from lunch by now. They’d be cold and greasy, but it would settle his stomach. His hopes were dashed when he arrived and found the owners had installed a padlock on the waste bin, so this place would no longer be on his list of potential food sources. He thought about going to the next restaurant, but his lungs burned and light-headedness overwhelmed him. He leaned against the building, praying it would stop moving soon.

Another coughing fit, only this time, his mucus was tinted with rust-colored streaks of blood. Fuck. Tim knew he was in trouble. He had no money, and he doubted the clinic would give him more pills. He took a few steps, but his legs collapsed under him and he tumbled to the ground. He dragged himself to the curb and sat with his head between his legs, trying to draw in a breath. No good. Each time he tried, he coughed up more blood-stained mucus. Hysterical laughter forced its way painfully out of him when he realized what it all meant. He looked around, trying to memorize his surroundings.

People should always know the place they were going to die.

HIS BAGS of shopping safely stowed in the boot of the car, Aaron made his way into Victoria Station, heading for the concourse near Platform 2. He knew how much Sam loved the macarons from Patisserie Valerie, and Aaron couldn’t wait to see his face when he brought home a box of them.

Aaron exited the station and headed for the car, making swift progress despite walking into the flow of pedestrians on their way to their commute home. He carried his delicious purchases wrapped up and carefully placed in a stiff paper bag. As he crossed Wilton Road, movement drew his gaze. A young man stumbled out of the alley, holding himself up against the wall. Aaron’s heart ached. Another homeless youth, living off the streets. He and Sam had always given to the shelters. In fact, Seb had gone with them to serve meals there at Christmas.

The young man lost his footing, nearly falling on his face, then pulled himself to the curb. That did it. Aaron grabbed his phone from his pocket and called Sam.

“Are you done? The pizza base is ready to go into the oven.”

“Sam, listen. I’ve just spotted a homeless kid.” Not that the guy looked all that young. He was maybe in his early twenties.

“Where are you?” Sam asked, his voice tinged with worry.

Aaron drew closer. The poor kid looked like death. His dark hoodie made his skin seem even more pale. “I’m near Victoria. He’s sitting on the curb. Sam, I think he’s really sick.”

“What do you want to do?”

Aaron knew what Sam was asking. Did Aaron want to get involved, or did he want to call the hospital or a shelter? Aaron knew what Sam would do, but that he trusted Aaron’s judgment enough to let him decide.

Sam sighed. “You’re already walking over to him, aren’t you?”

Sam really did know him. “He needs help,” Aaron said simply.

“Then we have to help him. Bring him home with you.”

That surprised Aaron. He and Sam rarely had people over anymore. Their house had been off-limits since the renovations—or, more aptly put, since Seb had left. “Are you sure?”