Hide and Seek Read online

  “The hard part.”

  Terry nodded. “How about before that, we head to a hotel, since we can’t risk going to our places.”

  Eric frowned. “Why? You need to shower?”

  “I need you.” Terry waggled his eyebrows. “Though I suppose we could combine the two.”

  Chapter Seven

  The hotel room was nice. Very nice. As soon as they had set foot in the building’s lobby, Eric had marched up to the desk and paid for a week in what the hotel had called their deluxe suite. They hadn’t been kidding with the ‘deluxe’ part.

  It was mostly wasted on them, though, since as soon as the door closed, Terry headed straight to the bathroom. Eric was right behind him, and when Terry stopped in the doorway Eric wrapped his hands around Terry’s waist and pulled him back against his thickening cock.

  “I’m looking forward to this,” Eric murmured, his lips an inch from Terry’s ear.

  Terry shuddered and leant his head back against Eric’s shoulder. “Promise you’ll be gentle?”

  “No.”

  “Good.”

  As much as Terry wanted to tear his clothes off—or let Eric do it—he didn’t have spares. He undressed quickly and threw his clothes onto the bed, then turned back to Eric and slowly removed the man’s clothes, kissing every inch of flesh he exposed. Once they both stood naked, Terry moved close enough that their hard cocks rubbed against each other. Their lips met next, and the combination of the two feelings had Terry almost coming already. He broke the clinch and moved to the huge shower cubicle and set the water running.

  It took only seconds to heat, and he climbed under the showerhead. Eric joined him and began soaping up his hands, then began to wash Terry, starting at his feet. Terry was too surprised by the tenderness to speak at first.

  Eric was clearly as excited as Terry, but he still took his time, cleaning every part of Terry and paying attention to his shoulders, back, and neck, where all of Terry’s tension was stored. It was quickly worked away, leaving Terry more relaxed than he had been in years.

  Finally finished, Terry eagerly returned the favor. There was more to work with, too, since Eric was both taller and more heavily built than Terry. That was a bonus as far as Terry was concerned, and he used the ritual as an excuse to feel every single muscle.

  He left Eric’s cock until last, and by the time he got to it, his mouth was watering from being so close without touching. After dripping more shampoo into his hands he finally knelt and wrapped his fingers around Eric’s thick shaft then began to stroke him, using his other hands to massage the man’s balls. He started slow, but began to build in speed. He didn’t want Eric to come yet, but the man could cope with a few minutes of fun before the main event.

  “Fuck,” Eric muttered, as he put a hand on the wall to steady himself.

  Terry looked up and grinned, then held up a cupped hand to collect some water. He poured it on Eric’s cock, rinsing away the soap, then leaned forward and flicked his tongue over Eric’s cockhead. Eric gasped and Terry did it again, this time slower, savoring the heat on his tongue before taking the head between his lips and sucking softly. He pulled back, then took more of the cock in his mouth, pushing as far as he could, until his mouth was full. Using his hand on what wouldn’t fit, Terry began to bob back and forth, sucking as he did. Eric let out another long breath and slapped the wall with one hand.

  “That feels incredible,” he said. “Don’t stop until I tell you.”

  Terry was more than happy to go along with that, and began stroking his own cock in time with his movements.

  “I’m going to fuck you so hard,” Eric muttered, looking Terry in the eyes. “I’m going to make you scream my name.”

  Terry’s stomach lurched at the thought. God, he wanted it so much. He wanted Eric to fill him with his cock, then come all over his face. He wanted to drip with it. He sped further on Eric’s dick, forcing the man to pull him away and throw him against the wall.

  It worked. After only moments, Eric groaned and gripped Terry under his arms. He pulled him to his feet and spun him on the spot, pushing him against the wall. Terry slapped both hands against the tiles and spread his legs wide.

  “Do it,” he said, his voice shaking. “Fuck me, Eric.”

  Eric’s cockhead pushed up against Terry’s asshole, and this time he was more than prepared. It still hurt at first, but it was less than last time, and within moments the pain had faded away. Eric shifted his position a little, then began to push inside, moving slowly as he worked more and more of his length inside Terry.

  As they found their comfortable positions, Eric placed his hands on Terry’s sides, holding him firmly but not tightly. On each stroke, he pulled Terry toward him, extending the strokes.

  “God, yes,” Terry hissed, as he pushed back hard. “Deeper.”

  Eric was happy to oblige, and slid as far inside as he could before pulling back again, almost to the tip. Between his strokes and Terry moving his hips, they quickly built up a steady rhythm. Terry braced his forearms against the cubicle wall and dipped his head. Any thoughts of what was to come later melted away in the mixture of hot water and Eric’s movements.

  Eric’s hands squeezed a little tighter, and he began to build in speed. Terry responded by slapping back onto the man’s cock hard enough to make Eric gasp and then slap Terry on the ass. Terry groaned and Eric chuckled.

  “I’d almost forgotten you like it rough,” he said.

  He rubbed his hand over the spot he’d just slapped, then slapped it again harder. Terry bit his lip and moaned softly.

  “Talk to me,” Eric said, as he built in speed again. “Tell me how you like it.”

  “I love it,” Terry said. “Treat me like your slave.”

  Eric leaned forward, close to Terry’s ear. “Right now, you are my slave.”

  Terry couldn’t help but gasp as Eric slapped him again then thrust deep inside him.

  “You do what I say,” Eric said. “You take what I give you, and when I’m done…”

  He paused, and Terry could barely keep from blurting out.

  “When I’m done,” he continued, his breathing harder. “You’ll take my load and clean my cock like the slut you are.”

  “Yes,” Terry hissed. “I’m yours.”

  He meant it in more than one way, too. At that moment he didn’t ever want to be away from Eric. Whatever was to come, Terry would be by his side, rain or shine.

  The pair built further in speed again until they were reaching a pace that wasn’t sustainable for any top other than a shifter. Even with Eric’s stamina, though, their urgency meant his breathing quickly gave away what was rapidly approaching. He slowed a little when he could, but Terry encouraged him vocally. There would be time for slow and tender later. Right now he needed fast and hard.

  He reached down and took his own cock in hand, but was stopped when his hand was batted away by Eric, who gripped Terry tight in his fist and began to stroke his in time with their movement. Terry let out a groan as the dual sensations fought to overwhelm his senses. Moments later he came hard, his cock pulsing in Eric’s grip. Eric kept hold until Terry was dry, then let go and stepped back, pulling himself free from Terry’s ass.

  Terry turned a moment later and dropped to his knees, bringing him to eye level with Eric’s cock. Eric moved fast, jerking himself so rapidly that his hand blurred. He cried out and came. His cock spurted its load and Terry caught it on his face and lips, then moved forward and took Eric’s hot cock on his tongue to accept the rest of his thick cum. He bobbed his head on the shaft, working out every last drop, then pulled back and stood. Eric pulled him into a tight embrace, and through a long kiss they shared his seed.

  They broke an indeterminate time later with matching grins. Eric laughed and shook water from his head.

  “We’re lucky this shower had enough hot water.”

  Terry slid a hand around Eric’s waist and pulled him close. “The water could’ve been ice cold and I woul
dn’t have noticed.”

  Eric kissed him again, this time more tenderly. When they broke for a second time, his expression had changed from happiness to something more serious.

  “What I have to do is dangerous, and I understand that you want to be involved. I…” He sighed. “I just want you to know that once this is over, assuming we walk away, I don’t want to be without you. Ever.”

  Terry’s mouth gaped. He’d been thinking the same, but he knew it was way too early in most relationships to even consider a future. Eric took the look as confusion and shrugged.

  “I know it’s sudden, but I’m like that. I’ve lived a long time, and tried relationships o all sorts. The best have always been spontaneous, like this one.” He grinned. “Besides, I’m not willing to let a bottom like you get away.”

  Terry laughed. “I agree. To all of it, I mean.”

  Eric simply nodded, but his smile told Terry everything he needed to know. “Once we get out of this shower, things will get serious.”

  Terry returned the nod. “Then I suggest we stay in here a little longer.”

  Chapter Eight

  Terry dressed slowly, his eye on the door that led out of the hotel room. As soon as they stepped outside, they had to return to real life. Christophe wouldn’t leave Eric alone, and the thought of anyone threatening Terry made him angrier than he’d ever been before.

  That said, in the upcoming confrontation he’d be less than useless. He’d gotten lucky in the fight with the shifter earlier. He doubted he’d get away with the same trick with someone as powerful as Christophe. Even if they somehow managed to get to him when he was alone, Eric had made it clear that the old shifter could do things that made the scuffle earlier look like nothing.

  It won’t stop me trying, though. He pulled on his shoes and stood, his love for Eric buoying his confidence. If anyone tries to hurt Eric, I’ll do everything I can to make them regret it.

  “So how do we find him?” Terry asked, turning to Eric. “We should have asked one of those shifters.”

  Eric shook his head and stood from the bed. “I’ve always known where he is. Someone like Christophe doesn’t need to hide.”

  “And you haven’t just called the police? The guy’s a freakin’ mob boss, practically. He has to be wanted.”

  “He is, but shifters handle their own business. Besides, what’s a bunch of police going to do to shifters, except be torn apart?”

  Terry swallowed, then nodded. “So what should I expect?”

  “His place is well guarded, but that won’t be an issue, since we’ll be walking in the front door. He wants to see me, so he’ll let us right through.”

  “Makes sense. I doubt he’ll be by himself, though.”

  “He might, actually.” Eric smirked. “It depends if he wants to show off. Makes no difference either way, though. A fight is a last resort.”

  “Because he’d hand our asses to us.”

  “I’m stronger than he remembers, but probably, yes. I want to talk him out of paying any further attention to us. If I can do that, he’ll stand by his word.”

  Terry raised an eyebrow. “He has honor?”

  “Most older shifters do. We’re from a different age.”

  “We? Just how old are you?”

  Eric grinned and nodded to the door. “Come on, we’ve got things to do.”

  The tension on the drive was palpable. Not only was Terry worried about what could happen if the talks with Christophe broke down, but he was also thinking about the future. What if he and Eric didn’t work out? Eric would have risked his life for nothing. That was hardly fair. Maybe Terry should never have found his cabin. He could have just walked away after their meeting in the warehouse and made himself disappear.

  If he’d done that, though, Eric would still be hunted by Christophe. This way, even with the risk, there was a chance he could walk away finally free. Terry wouldn’t be much use in the meeting, but at least he wouldn’t be a hindrance.

  As they hit a bump in the road, Terry’s phone jolted in his pocket. He pulled it out to check his messages, then smiled as an idea struck him.

  ***

  Eric noticed Terry tap out a couple of text messages, but didn’t question him. If Eric had any family remaining, he’d have been tempted to send them an ‘I love you’ just in case, too.

  Christophe’s current home was an old mansion five minutes out of town. He’d been there for a few years, and had renovated it back to its former glory. While Eric had never been inside before, he’d seen an article about it in a home decoration magazine. Christophe liked to show off.

  Eric pulled up near the stately house just as Terry’s phone buzzed. Whatever the text said, it made the man smile, and that was good enough for Eric. He gestured out the window to the house.

  “Come on. They already know we’re here.”

  Terry tucked his phone away, took a deep breath, then leaned over and kissed Eric hard on the mouth. “Just in case,” he said as he climbed out of the car.

  Eric followed and they walked to the large gate that barred access to the mansion’s grounds. A small speaker box was mounted on one of the gate’s pillars. Eric pressed the button and waited.

  “Yes?”

  “Cut the official bullshit,” he said. “You can smell who I am.”

  The line went dead, and a moment later the gates slowly slid open.

  “Here we go, then,” he said to Terry.

  “Indeed. Race you to the door?”

  Eric quirked an eyebrow. “I think a slow walk would look more intimidating.”

  “Oh, we’re going for intimidating. We’d better not hold hands, then.”

  Eric shook his head and started walking. Whatever he’d been texted had put Terry in a very good mood. It was contagious, too. Despite the situation Eric couldn’t help but smile a little.

  Christophe had clearly spent a lot of money on the house. From the marble pillars on either side of the door to the gravel in the driveway, everything was the very best. Mature trees lined both sides, hiding the walls from those inside. More than a few pairs of eyes were on them. Eric could feel them.

  As they reached the door, it swung open to reveal two familiar figures. Eric smirked.

  “Been demoted to doormen, hmm? Sorry about that.”

  Blondie and Brunette regarded him with equal amounts of hatred, but they didn’t make a move. Christophe wanted him in one piece, then.

  “He’ll see you in the lounge,” Blondie said, each syllable forced through a gritted jaw. “Be on your best behavior.”

  Eric let the men lead him and Terry into a vast lounge, then waved as they stalked back outside and closed the door. It was a pointless gesture, given the hearing of even the most average of shifters wouldn’t be stopped by two inches of wood.

  “Good evening.”

  Eric turned to find Christophe stood by the large fireplace. The flames cast his face in shadow, but Eric knew he’d be smiling, like the cat that got the cream.

  “You’ve just saved me a lot of money,” the man continued. “Detectives aren’t cheap. Especially the good ones like Mister Carding, there.”

  “Nice to meet you in person,” Terry said. “Mind if we sit?”

  Christophe waved a hand at an antique chaise lounge. “Be my guests.”

  Eric gave Terry a look. He seemed remarkably at ease now that they were at the most dangerous part of the plan. Terry only smiled in return and took a seat on the chair. Eric joined him. Christophe remained standing.

  “It’s been a long time,” he said, his attention now away from the fire and on Eric.

  “Not long enough,” Eric replied.

  Christophe chuckled. “Come, now. There’s no need for insults.”

  “There’s every need.” Eric jabbed his thumb over his shoulder at the closed door. “You sent those morons after Terry.”

  “Yes, I did. He had promised to do something, and was unable to deliver. I had to make sure he was genuine.” Christophe smil
ed. “Had I known you two were involved, though…”

  “What? You wouldn’t have sent them?”

  “No, I still would have, but they would have been more polite.”

  “A polite threat is still a threat.”

  The man shrugged. “Semantics.”

  “Why do you even care where I am? We haven’t got along for a very long time.”

  “Precisely.” Christophe moved from the fireplace and settled into a large armchair that faced the pair. “I keep track of everyone that poses a possible risk to me. Simply a precaution.”

  “Bullshit, and you know it. You like fucking with me.”

  His calm composure slipped for an instant, and Eric got a glimpse of the man underneath. Anger, rage, a need for control in every matter. As soon as it arrived, it was gone, though. The smile returned and Christophe nodded.

  “I do like fucking with you. I also wasn’t lying. You know things about me that nobody else does. Things that, if spread, could harm my position as alpha. I can’t have that.”

  “And if I want you to leave me the hell alone?”

  “I don’t care what you want. It has no bearing on my decisions. Though it’s all academic now, anyway.”

  “And why’s that?” Terry asked, before Eric could speak.

  “Because you’re both here now, and it strikes me as much more sensible if I never allow you to leave. After all, you attacked two of my men. You just went from a risk to outright dangerous.”

  The door behind them opened, as did another off to the side. From each doorway, half a dozen shifters stepped into the room, blocking off any exit other than the window. Knowing Christophe there were probably more men outside, too. Eric glared at Christophe, but the man only smiled. Looks like I’m fighting after all.

  Eric stood and stretched, then turned to face his opponents. Twelve on one wasn’t anywhere near good odds. Half were young, and none were as old as Eric, but the chances were non-existent. That wouldn’t stop him trying, though.

  “Let’s get this over with.”

  He started toward the nearest shifter, but stopped as Terry grabbed his arm. With his free hand, the man tossed his phone to Christophe, who caught it and peered at the screen. His look of amusement quickly faded, and he waved at the assembled shifters.