Our Little Nest: Book 4 of The Two Timer Series Read online

  o

  our little nest

  Book 4 of The Two Timer Series

  CHAPTER 1

  FAngS

  The chilly fall weather arrived early that year. Eighteen-year-old Jamie Stewart climbed out of a chauffeur-driven SUV. He fastened his coat against the bitter air. His slender, conditioned body complemented the lavish clothes his lover purchased for him.

  Despite the dip in temperature, Jamie loved venturing outdoors. He welcomed the crisp weather that whipped through his blond hair. His lover, Yuri Jin, taller than Jamie, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, climbed out on the other side. His long, raven hair swaying in the breeze haloed his strong, chiseled features.

  Yuri received a call that Jamie knew was about business.

  “No, Yuri, don’t answer it. You’re taking the day off, remember?” Jamie groaned, knowing Yuri would ignore him.

  “Go ahead, I won’t be long.” Yuri said. “I’ll catch up. Chen can go with you.”

  Jamie didn’t let Yuri finish before he darted away, hearing Yuri call after him.

  The park hosted a few souls: some joggers, others walking their dogs. The forest labyrinth forged many paths that led to nowhere but deeper into the woods, alternate routes people used as shortcuts to other destinations. An inexperienced hiker could become lost in the confusion.

  The busy noise echoed along the trail; a babbling brook, the chirping of birds, an owner calling for their dog.

  No one heard the muffled cries of Jamie being dragged into the forest.

  Jamie fought against his larger, stronger attacker, trying to go limp to slow him down. The aggressive man held Jamie’s arms against his body and his mouth was covered by a gloved hand. He was lift off his dragging feet and towed to the densest part of the grove. The panic in his struggle increased as the theory of his demise played over in his mind. Rape, strangulation; his head cracked open by a rock; a bloody beating. . .

  The silent predator held his victim tight as he charged through the woods. He needed to get to a safe, quiet distance from the trail before he could call his employer. He was almost in the clear when he ran into the path of a huge German shepherd. He stopped in his tracks at the sight of the dog. It’s black-and-brown fur swaying in the bitter breeze. The collar fastened around the animal’s neck displayed a gold tag showing that someone owned him.

  The assailant scanned his surroundings for the dog’s owner; he saw no one. He tried to sidestep the dog, but the canine blocked his path of escape by copying his move.

  The German shepherd stayed alert, his ears pointed up and his tongue hanging out of his mouth as he panted.

  The attacker tried to circle again, only to have the shepherd step into his pathway. “Get out of here! Go on!” the man ordered the dog. The German shepherd refused by answering with a growl and displaying his fangs.

  Panic crept up the man’s spine, not wanting to be ID’d. He grasped Jamie’s chin, yanking it to the far left; the snap would come quick and clean. “I’ll kill him if you don’t call this dog off!” he shouted, but his threat fell on deaf ears as a painful, sharp bite on his arm disrupted the man’s concentration. The dog’s jagged teeth had a vice grip on him, quick as lightning, causing him to release his prisoner’s mouth as he cried out in pain. The shepherd continued to clamp down on the man’s injured arm until he released his captive.

  Jamie fell to his knees, then jumped to his feet and bolted back the way he came. Frantic in his escape, he didn’t detect someone stepping into his path. He ran into open arms, fearing that his captor had caught up with him but a calming voice echoed in his ears, allaying his struggle.

  “Jamie.” The sound of his name calmed his racing heart as he looked up, captured by Yuri’s eyes.

  “Yuri?” He shuddered, the world around him spinning out of control.

  Yuri sensed Jamie slipping into unconsciousness. He grasped his clean-shaven jaw, raising his tired stare toward his own. “Stay with me, Jamie,” he said with affection as he allowed his man, Li Fu, to assist Jamie back to the car.

  “Savor, come,” ordered Yuri. The dog ran to stand beside his owner, leaving the man bleeding on the forest floor. Yuri approached him, unafraid. Chen stood ready, with his gun aimed.

  The man’s greasy, wild hair obscured his face, meshing with his beard. Blood gushed from his punctured arm. Yuri removed a handkerchief with his initials embroidered in the corner. He tossed the expensive linen at the man.

  “You can use that to slow the bleeding until you get medical attention.”

  “You’re letting me go?”

  “I assume his father sent you?”

  “And what if he did?”

  “Tell him the next time, I’m sending back body parts. Leave us alone. Jamie wants to stay with me.”

  “My employer—”

  “I don’t care about your employer. I care about keeping Jamie safe. Do not try this again.”

  Yuri stopped talking and flicked his fingers, a trigger to Savor to bare his teeth, snarling at the man. The man jerked back in terror when Yuri made a tosh sound, stopping Savor’s growling, but he remained on his guard.

  “Keep away.” Yuri turned and left but Savor stayed, staring hard at the man. Then another sound came, and the shepherd ran to catch up with his master.

  ****

  A thorny vine circled one bleeding rose, bouncing up and down on Jamie’s lower back. Born an only child, who lost his mother at a young age, the lost boy now straddled his obsession, the one who had saved him from a world of anguish. Jamie rode Yuri in tempo, absorbing each thrust and friction of his member.

  “Look at me,” came a whispered command. Yuri’s fingers grasped Jamie’s small waist to add more force to his jabs.

  Jamie complied by lowering his blue eyes to the green ones below him.

  “That’s good. Don’t let go of my gaze,” he ordered. The corner of Yuri’s lips curled into a smirk as he observed Jamie.

  “Yes, sir,” was all he could utter through quivering lips, clinging to the deep penetration.

  Jamie’s words of obedience raced throughout the anatomy of the dominant male beneath him. Yuri’s tempo picked up, making it difficult for Jamie to hold his sight on him.

  Shock waves rippled through Jamie’s frame as he took each powerful thrust, trembling from their vibrating lust.

  Jamie moans deepened as he neared to release. He felt Yuri’s fingertips dig into his hips, bruising his flesh. Jamie starved to be controlled; to have his self-respect stripped from him.

  As the thrusting sped up he held on to Yuri, who continued to prod him. The room floated as he focused on the handsome man. They both reached their climax, crying out together, never breaking their gaze.

  Jamie collapsed on Yuri’s vigorous chest as it rose. He enjoyed the sound of Yuri’s heart pulsating in his ear. Yuri nudged him off and gathered him close.

  “I would continue, but I have pressing business in the morning and require rest.” Yuri kissed Jamie, then closed his eyes to rest when Jamie fidgeted in his embrace. “What’s wrong?” Yuri asked, not opening his eyes, or releasing Jamie.

  “Yuri, this is my fault, isn’t it? My father sent that man.”

  Yuri’s eyes opened as he sighed.

  “None of this is your fault. Let me worry about this. All I want you to do is sleep.” Yuri pulled Jamie in and kissed his lips, hugging the younger male.

  Slumber came easily for Jamie in Yuri’s strong, safe arms.

  ****

  A few hours passed. Yuri shifted Jamie off his arm without waking him. His father was getting desperate, Yuri thought. Did Jamie know too much? Was his father at the break
ing point; if he couldn’t have him, no one could? Yuri had to make sure Jamie stayed safe, but he knew Jamie would never obey his men. He needed his own bodyguard; someone he chose to trust with his life.

  Yuri donned his robe, covering his naked body. He grabbed his cell off his nightstand and left the bedroom, heading for his study. His two-story penthouse had all the comforts of home, except it didn’t feel complete. He remembered a carefree soul that filled his life with laughter and passion. He’d made plans to ask him to marry him. Now he was gone—pushed aside. Yuri entered his office and turned on his computer, staring at his desktop.

  Where would I find a competent bodyguard? He surfed his cell, checking his messages. Patrick Valdez, once the love of his life, never responded to his texts or his emails. He could have sworn Patrick was using his cell when his text said delivered. He wondered if Mia, Patrick’s dearest friend, told Patrick he wanted to talk. The texts were innocent. Invites to have coffee or tea. He just wanted to see him again.

  “Yuri.” Jamie’s groggy voice caught his attention as he gazed at the naked body before him.

  “Why are you up, Jamie?”

  “Because you weren’t there.”

  Yuri turned off his computer, leaving his cell on its charger, and rose. He walked over to the enchanting male who reminded him of someone. He gathered Jamie into his arms and carried him back to bed. His time with Jamie had distracted him, but his heart still ached for the one he pushed away.

  ****

  Jamie’s attacker drove with one arm as his other rested bandaged against his chest. He pulled off the highway, following a dirt road. His headlight kept the path in view as he drove into a clearing where an idle SUV sat. He pulled up beside it as both drivers sides faced each other. He turned off his motor and lights as the window of the SUV opened. He opened his window and cringed from the pain his arm endured after the dog attack. The German shepherd’s fangs had sunk into his flesh as it yanked and tore at his arm.

  He looked over and noticed the SUV driver wasn’t looking at him, only staring straight ahead. He wasn’t sure what to do, but the constant throbbing in his arm said he needed medical attention.

  “Hey,” he said, trying to get the driver to look at him. “Listen up.” Still no response. “I almost lost my arm for you. He threatened to dismember me. This is going to cost you a lot more to pay for my suffering. And if you think I’m doing that again, you’re crazy.” He looked away and rested his head back against his headrest, closing his eyes for a second.

  The shot came through like a pop. His head jerked to the side as his body slumped. Blood trickled from the entry wound at his temple. His brains splattered the passenger side from the exit wound. The SUV started and pulled off without turning on its headlights.

  The silence wrapped around him as the weather turned worse. A downpour fell on and into the car, soaking the dead driver.

  CHAPTER 2

  NewS

  Adam stood in his bedroom, showered and dressed, surveying the now disordered sight before him. It’d been seven months, and most of Patrick’s things were still in boxes. The pleasant smell of French roast filled the room as the coffee maker finished brewing. Adam glanced at the bed and noticed Patrick rousing from his deep slumber.

  He grabbed two mugs from the cabinet. He prepped them with two organic sugars for his, none for Patrick, and cream for both. He stirred the mixtures as he poured the coffee. Adam carried Patrick’s mug with the spoon to the bedroom. He stirred the drink again, making a clanking sound that seemed to echo in the room.

  This action disturbed Patrick, who jerked under the sheets, thrusting them off him. Adam felt a sting of guilt. But since moving in, Patrick’s behavior of ignoring his requests rubbed Adam the wrong way. He noticed five designer shopping bags that Patrick claimed he needed were still unpacked.

  Patrick opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling for a moment. His back ached from the poor quality of the mattress he’d had to endure. He knew Adam was staring at him. He breathed in the fragrant coffee.

  Adam appeared in his view line, holding his favorite mug he bought with Mia at a craft fair.

  “Good morning,” said Adam.

  “Morning.”

  “I made coffee, and I can make breakfast.”

  Patrick sat up and looked around the bedroom, still cluttered with his things, before looking back at Adam.

  “I know what you’re going to say.”

  “You do?”

  “There’s no room for my stuff. This place is too small.”

  “Well, maybe you can put it in storage, or send it back to your parents’ house.”

  “I need everything I brought.”

  Adam sighed, sitting beside him on the bed. He gave the mug to Patrick, who took it and sipped on the warm drink.

  “Pat. I understand you need all of this, but it needs to be put away.”

  “Where? You only have one dresser and one closet.”

  “Which you barely used.”

  “I don’t. . .normally put my things away.”

  “I gave you hangers and space. All you need to do is hang your things.”

  “If you let me get POE, this can all be cleaned up.”

  “Pat, you don’t need anyone. You can do this all by yourself.”

  “You keep saying that.” Patrick sipped on his drink, looking at the boxes and bags of his belongings. A few bags sat open, only because he needed a certain item.

  Adam knew Patrick had misgivings, but he had to let him see that taking care of himself was for the best. Adam rose and moved to the closet, grabbing an empty hanger, returning to Patrick.

  “Pat, watch me.” Adam grabbed one of Patrick’s tops and placed it on the hanger. “See? Easy.” He took the shirt off the hanger and grabbed a pair of his jeans, looping them through. He presented them to Patrick.

  Patrick stared back, seeming to understand.

  Adam placed the hanger down.

  “Patrick, you’re home all day. I believe you can do this.”

  “Well, not all day.”

  “Please say you’re not going shopping.”

  “No,” Patrick said, taking offense. He rose his chin and set his sights on his coffee cup. “I have a job interview.”

  Adam, surprised by the response, sat beside Patrick on the bed.

  “A job interview. That’s wonderful! Where?”

  “It’s not far.”

  “You don’t want to tell me?”

  “I’ve never gone on a job interview before. I don’t want to jinx it.”

  “Well, what time is your interview?”

  “Not until—noon.”

  “Can I drive you there?”

  “No. Remember, you want me to do things on my own.”

  “Yeah, okay. Then I’m making you a big breakfast.”

  “No, I’m anxious about this. I just want something light.”

  “All right, I understand. I’ll make some oatmeal with fruit.”

  “We don’t have fruit.”

  “Right. Okay, I’ll take you to the diner and we’ll have oatmeal there with fruit.”

  “You don’t have to.”

  “I want to. So, go shower and dress. I’ll wait for you downstairs.”

  “All right.”

  Adam leaned in and kissed him on the mouth, then on the tip of his nose.

  “Forget about this stuff. We’ll do it together,” said Adam.

  “I have time before the interview. I can do some.”

  “No, I want to help.” Adam rose and took the cups and carried them back to the kitchen. “We’ll get coffee at the diner.”

  Patrick yanked on a tee shirt and followed. He watched as Adam emptied the mugs into the sink and placed them in the dishwasher. Adam grabbed his keys, wallet, and cell phone. He headed to the backdoor in the living room leading down to his office. He turned to face Patrick, who stood with his arms crossed behind his back and his curls tousled. Adam embraced his aristocrat, who surrendered to his lips.
>
  “See you in a bit. Love you.”

  “Love you,” Patrick answered. Once the door closed with a click, Patrick returned to the bedroom and fell back onto the bed, groaning. “Great, now I’m a liar,” he stated to the ceiling. He rolled over to the nightstand and grabbed his cell. He raised it to his mouth and spoke. “Call Mia.” The phone obeyed and dialed her number.

  “Hello,” said Mia in a groggy voice.

  “Mia, I’m in trouble.”