Boys in Blue 04 - Knight's Fall (3 page)

Cording tugged Liam’s waist as his toes found a board nailed higher on the tree they climbed. He felt blindly for the next nailed slat, rough bark to smoothed plank. Silently, he cursed the bandana covering his eyes.

The rope slackened as Andy presumably matched the move on the other side, just as blindly. Both men relied on cues from the rope, and Liam couldn’t help but be impressed at the ease of their unspoken communication.

“Almost there,” the instructor bellowed. “I don’t hear talking. Talk to each other. If there’s no communication, there’s no teamwork, people!”
“Left foot,” Liam called loudly enough for the instructor to hear. It was pointless. Andy had already taken the next step to relieve the tension on the rope.
Liam felt above his head. He’d looked at the platform before the climb and the blindfolds were in place. He knew it jutted out like a crow’s nest with his approach having the only opening to it. His fingers grazed the platform. “Two more steps to the platform on the lee side of this tree. Feel for my ankle and I’ll guide you.”
Andy’s fingers circled Liam’s ankle. His unnaturally tight grip and the slight tremor in his fingers told Liam that Andy was probably freaking out on the inside. Lord knew Liam would be. It was one thing to climb a tree, but to circle the tree when both you and your lead were blindfolded was pure malicious insanity by the obstacle course gods.
Liam’s fingers found purchase. He hoisted himself as far as the rope allowed. As Andy followed more cautiously, Liam was able to sit. He reached for his partner and helped him the last few steps.
“Thank God,” Andy breathed.
Liam tore off his blindfold and found that Andy had beaten him to it. “Ready to zip line down?”
“Only because we aren’t doing that part blindfolded.”
“Just wait. Tomorrow one of us is masked and the other has his hands tied behind his back as we race through the woods to beat the other teams,” Liam told him.
Andy rolled his eyes. Liam found himself distracted by the overall adorable picture Andy made. His dark rust-coloured hair lifted in the same breeze that made the treetops whisper with secrets. His deep green eyes, recently hidden behind cloth, were bright and sharply observant. His smile flitted into place before disappearing, timid in the face of Liam’s scrutiny.
Andy dropped his gaze to the platform. “We’d better get going. Red team is right behind us.”
Liam caught the zip line, passed it to Andy then dragged the second one over. They’d go down together, joined. Andy hesitated on the edge of the platform, then took a sudden leap, lifting his feet up and tucking his knees.
Liam grunted with disbelief and hurried to follow. If the tether drew taut, the sudden force on the line would either drag Liam off his stoop, unprepared, or yank Andy from his grip and cause them to drop to the netting.
The ride was awkward. The two men travelling at different speeds—Andy slowing while Liam’s powerful leap propelled him quickly—bumped against each other. Fortunately, Liam didn’t have to feel that snug little rump on his cock when their legs tangled briefly. The wheels of the two zip lines didn’t bring them that close together and Liam was blissfully relieved.
They dropped to the ground at the other end.
“Food,” Liam barked, heading towards the cantina. He didn’t like the direction of his thoughts. It was one thing to look at Andy and think, he’s damn cute. It was another to actively think about the emerald flecks in the darker green backdrop of his eyes, or wonder just how wide they’d get if Liam surprised him with another kiss.
Liam could get lost in those eyes.
The lips weren’t shabby either. Petal soft, pale pink, like most of Andy’s sunburned skin, and sweet tasting. He shouldn’t know that, Liam thought, grumbling to himself. The kiss he’d given Andy had been spontaneous. It had been a moment of combustion after the tentative touches had turned bolder and Andy’s expression had become one of taunting heat.
The little flirt
.
Liam hadn’t wanted to think of his attraction to Andy. Especially after his disappointment that Andy hadn’t understood what being gay and macho was like. Sometimes Liam thought the out and proud had it easier.
A twink, closeted or not, was still a twink. An athlete though? The expression of shock after coming out when you didn’t carry yourself in the loose-gaited walk of a puff, was practically garish.
Liam kept his pace ahead of Andy’s. If he slowed down, he might do something stupid, like cuddle him up and devour him. The man was freakishly adorable.
It pissed Liam right off.
How the hell was he supposed to keep his distance from the lithe man?
“Too bad you’re headed the wrong direction for a victory fuck,” Andy teased.
Ah, there it is
. Liam smiled with the words of his salvation. Nothing like a blatantly crass come-on to ruin an erection. And as far as that last one went, Andy had been as subtle as a Semi driving at Liam’s crotch.
He snorted. More of a snuffle than anything intending to be heard by Andy.
The cord went taut, jolting sharply at Liam’s waist. Turning, he saw that Andy had stopped walking and now stood with his arms folded.
“Care to voice that thought?” he asked Liam.
Liam sighed, looking skyward. “Jesus, Andy, you go for the kill every time. How about a little subtlety?”
“Because that works so well for you? As I remember, people don’t take your sexuality seriously. Overt flirtation would clear that up.”
Liam’s gaze darted, checking to see if anyone had overheard as he grabbed the rope and yanked Andy closer. Looking down into his startled features, Liam held back some of his annoyance.
“That’s for me to decide,” Liam snarled.
“It seems to me, you are decidedly undecided.”
“What the fuck does that mean?”
“It means, stud, that maybe the reason no one knows you’re gay is because you don’t want them to know,” Andy pointed out.
Liam eyed him speculatively. “I don’t get you.”
“Clearly. I’ve been throwing my cock at you for two days and it’s like you’re one-eyed blind.”
A startled laugh escaped Liam. “The shit you say, man.” He shook his head.
“Is true and exactly what I’m thinking, which is why no one has to guess with me. You don’t like what I say, then leave.”
Liam pointedly tugged the rope.
Andy narrowed his eyes. “You are so goddamn literal.”
People were coming up the trail. Liam hooked Andy’s arm and pulled him behind a canoe storage shed.
“You’re full of bullshit,” Liam argued. “You’re never the same person twice, let alone someone who always speaks the truth.”
Andy’s cheeks tinged pink. His eyes dropped their hold on Liam’s.
“You pretend to be indignant and superior about knowing yourself, when you can’t make up your mind whether you’re a slut, a tease, a moralist, or a damn good agent. You can’t even decide how to go about getting what you want. Why the fuck would I take advice from you? Are you even sure you’re out?” Liam snapped.
He didn’t think it was possible for Andy’s face to turn any redder. But it did. This time it wasn’t embarrassment; it was anger.
“You want truth? You want to know what I want?” Andy dropped his hands to his hips and leant, his lifted face taking on a confrontational sassiness that made Liam’s stomach do somersaults.
“I’ve got what I want. You. Tied to my side for the rest of this experience,” Andy said.
“Why do you want me tied to your side?” Liam had to hear it. He knew Andy found him attractive; that much was obvious. What wasn’t was what Andy hoped to accomplish. Did he want a relationship or a quick screw? Most of Andy’s antics pointed to the latter.
The little flirtations and sideways looks flew at Liam with pinpoint accuracy. What confused Liam was that as much as he detested the heavy sexual flirtation, at least at this stage of their relationship when Liam had no idea where he stood with Andy, he liked the insecure moments that peaked around the edges. The quick looks and blushes, the unexpected open smile instead of the wicked grin.
God, it wasn’t that either. Liam had a devil of a time putting his finger on it. Maybe it was the waffling between the alternate personality traits, the insecurity with the boldness, the sweet alongside the biting, the unintentional flirtation next to the sexual offers. Liam didn’t know what it was, but it had him in a tailspin.
The constant erection couldn’t be good for a guy’s blood pressure. Andy needed a warning label. If erection lasts longer than four hours, seek medical attention immediately…or wait for Agent Andy to take the next mood swing.
Like right now. Bold, sassy, in his face Andy ducked his head. His shoulders appeared less resolute. Liam thought he heard a quiet sigh just before Andy took a half step backwards. He didn’t want to let Andy off the hook.
“Why do you want me tied to you, when you don’t agree with how I present myself?” Liam pressed.
“That has nothing to do with it.”
“Then what?”
“Nevermind,” Andy said, sounding sunny again as he lifted his head and shot Liam a guileless grin. “Let’s go eat.”
“Quit changing the subject.”
Andy’s grin froze and he shrugged. “The other discussion wasn’t going anywhere.”
Liam sighed too, nearly exhausted from all the mood changes Andy had effected so far. From tease, to angry, to shy, now calmly possessed of himself. What came next?
Andy averted his eyes. Liam lifted Andy’s chin, cupping it gently, making the shorter man look at him.
“Talk to me,” Liam pleaded.
The cocky smile came out.
“No,” Liam snapped, exasperated. “Just you. The real you. Not some forced version of what you think I want to see, or who you think I think you are.”
Panic drained the colour from Andy’s already pale complexion. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, you don’t, truth-teller? Really?”
“Don’t…”
“Don’t what, Andy?”
“I just, I can’t do this with you,” he answered, cheeks giving way to another shift of colour, this one bright and pink.
Liam dragged his thumb lightly across Andy’s lower cheek. “I’m not going to laugh. You’re hiding from yourself as much as I am.”
Andy searched Liam’s face. His lips parted. Liam could see the words tumbling behind that dark slit, ready to spill. He could see hope in Andy’s eyes tempered with doubt.
Questing fingers touched Liam’s stomach, a semblance of support, or need. Liam liked them there. He liked the negligent weight, the warmth, the contact. He liked where they touched and where they could touch.
“Why do you want to be tied to me, Andy?” he murmured.
Drawn by the look in Andy’s eyes and the words he couldn’t say, Liam closed the gap. He traced Andy’s bottom lip with the tip of his thumb, anticipating the fullness against his mouth.
His eyes shuttered closed as he tasted the sweet heaven of Andy’s shy uncertainty. Warm, soft, moist, it was what any stolen kiss ought to be. Andy inhaled sharply, those teasing fingers skipping up to cup the back of Liam’s neck and hold him.
Andy’s parted lips closed on Liam’s, his tongue barely stroking in its timid curiosity. It inflamed Liam. He heard his growl and hauled Andy against him, wrapped Andy in his arms as need took over, devouring Liam with a hunger that shook him.
The soft moan, escaping Andy, only stoked the fire and at the first urgent bump of Andy’s hips against Liam’s, Liam nearly let out a predatory shout that this, this was the man behind the façade. This was Andy. This was the man who hid behind masks, being a chameleon for everyone else, when all Liam wanted he held in his arms.
But what if Andy couldn’t give him this? What if he never trusted Liam? Then all they’d have was incredible chemistry and a couple of amazing kisses. Because until he knew he could have this Andy, he didn’t want any of them.
Liam broke away first, breathing heavily.
Andy’s naked, stunned, reaction slowly shifted. “That’s more like it, detective.” Andy slid his palm over Liam’s bulging erection and squeezed. “Let’s put this to good use.” Liam blinked. Disappointment flooded him. “I’m hungry,” he said in a monotone. “So am I.” Andy gave him another squeeze.
Catching Andy around the wrist, Liam pulled his hand off and dropped it. “For food,” he muttered, walking backwards until Andy had to follow.

There was nothing more awkward than being tied to a man who wouldn’t talk. Oh, wait, there was. Being tied to a man who makes your cock ache with need, who wouldn’t talk.

Andy rolled away from Liam and cautiously rubbed his throbbing penis. His balls gave periodic stings. Liam had him so wound his libido panicked to right everything as soon as possible, so that they could fuck. The sexual chemistry was there, why wouldn’t Liam take advantage of it?

It had been a solid day since that kiss…scratch that, a solid day and a half since that ball-busting, cock-filling lip fest…and Liam still wouldn’t look in his direction.
He pressed his hand against his cock, hoping to relieve some of his need. If Liam touched him like this, Andy would have lost his load. Andy turned his face into his pillow on a moan.
“Andy?” a sleep-rasped whisper called to him.
His breath froze and he turned to listen.
“Andy? You okay?”
Andy rolled over, facing his tethered partner. Their beds, all the camp beds, had been brought close in order to keep them bound with their partners. An inch separated Andy’s bunk from Liam’s—torture in itself—and the nearest bed, James’ had been pushed several feet away.
James snored sullenly. How they managed to sleep tied was a mystery. For his part, he was insanely turned on by a man inches from him he couldn’t touch. The others seemed to be fine if a bit tangled by morning.
“Liam?”
“Yeah.”
“I’m fine,” Andy lied.
“You’ve been tossing and moaning.”
“And apparently, you’ve been watching me toss and moan.” The darkness made blunt truth so much easier, Andy decided.
“Can’t sleep.”
“Guilt?” Andy hedged.
“Why guilt?”
“For being a cock tease?” Andy suggested.
“Look who’s talking.”
“I would, but it’s dark and I’m asleep.”
“Bullshit.” Liam chuckled.
It was bullshit. But laughing Liam made Andy’s heart squeeze with longing and he’d much rather be pissed and fighting, than getting along and pathetic over Liam’s lack of interest.
James snorted, smacked his lips and settled in.
Andy released a pent up breath.
“Why are you awake?” Liam asked.
Andy thought about his cock, the throbbing sting in his balls, and the moisture at the tip of his shaft. How exactly did he answer that? Comebacks raced through his mind, everything from truth, to flirtation, to sassiness, to sarcasm—all the things Liam accused him of. They fell in a huge thought pile until his words were so jumbled, Andy couldn’t make heads or tails to answer.
“You’re driving me to distraction,” Andy said finally, grateful for the dark.
Liam shifted closer. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t know what to make of you. You aren’t like anyone I’ve met before.”
Liam’s silence offered Andy a strange comfort. He listened, waited, and Andy’s heart ached a little harder because he wanted to keep Liam listening and waiting, instead of frowning and walking away.
What should he say, though? What if Andy uttered the single word, whatever that particular word was today, that would make Liam turn from him? Andy’s throat felt tight, his tongue thick with fear.
“You started off great,” Liam encouraged quietly. “Keep going.”
Andy dropped his cheek to his pillow, staring at Liam’s face, made unreadable by the cloak of night. He closed his eyes, rationalising that he couldn’t see Liam anyway and psychologically, it soothed Andy’s humiliation for saying the words he knew he had to.
“I like you. Why don’t you like me?” Andy asked.
“I do like you.” There was a telling pause. “Most of the time.”
Andy swallowed past the wad of fear at the back of his tongue. “What about the rest of the time?”
“You annoy the shit out of me.”
Ouch. Okay, I asked for that
. What he really wanted to know was how to have Liam like him all the time. But you couldn’t ask that question. It sounded sadly pathetic and needy. Fuck it, he was needy, for Liam.
In everything else Andy excelled. He busted cases open so frequently that he and his partner, Lauren, were often called for the tough ones. He had friends. Hell, he even had dates. Andy could find at least one guy in every joint police effort who’d want to fuck him. Several more who thought he was funny.
What was it about Liam that made him insecure? Jesus, he should be owning this situation, not waiting for Liam to make a move first. Why the hell was it so important for Liam to want him? He searched the darkness for an answer.
“I annoy the shit out of you,” Andy echoed Liam’s most recent statement.
Liam propped up, pushed Andy’s shoulder until he lay on his back, and dragged Andy’s bed the last couple of inches closer. Liam leaned over Andy, his eyes barely reflecting pools.
“There’s a difference between you and the guy you pretend to be,” Liam murmured.
Andy licked his lips. “I’m who I am, Liam. Maybe you don’t like aspects of me, but this is all I got.”
The shadow shook its head. “You’re who you think you want people to see. You crack jokes when there’s an audience. You slide zingers at people you aren’t sure will hurt you with intolerant remarks. You flirt outrageously when you think you might want something, but aren’t committed to investing yourself beyond a few moments. And sometimes,” he whispered, stroking the hair off Andy’s forehead with the softest touch. “Sometimes, when you think no one is looking, you’re this amazingly gentle, kind, resourceful guy with insights into human behaviour that I’ve rarely seen.”
Andy had to part his lips to catch his breath. His nose just wasn’t hacking it anymore.
“I like that guy. I like him a whole lot,” Liam finished. “Sure, there are parts of those other personalities in there, but when you’re on stage with them, they are exaggerated. For a guy who is a student of human behaviour, it’s astounding you haven’t figured out your own yet.”
It was almost an insult. Yet, the way Liam said it, Andy couldn’t take it as one. Not with the softness in his voice.
“It sounds like you want me to be something I’m not. A guy who quietly watches life happen,” Andy countered.
“What I want is that Andy who is all Andy when no one is looking. He’s flirty, sexy, smart, funny, sweet, kind, and he shivers when I kiss him. He’s all those parts together with one aspect no more dominant than the next.”
Andy’s breath puffed with the effect of Liam’s words.
“You’re in there. I know you are because I’ve seen you. You don’t have to pretend with me. More than anyone else here, I know how hard it is to be yourself and be accepted. Andy, I accepted the real you a long time ago.”
“No, you’ve rejected me just about every other hour.” Andy knew he was losing this battle, but his pride had him arguing anyway.
“Do you know how cute it is that you get tongue-tied and shy around me when you’re being you? You captured my attention at the barbeque when you knocked my beer glass out of my hand.”
“Pretty sure that captured everyone’s attention,” Andy grumbled.
Liam chuckled.
“Sometimes I’m bold,” Andy said, making a last ditch effort to prove that he wasn’t a shy wimp.
“Yeah, you are. I don’t know how to describe it, but when you’re acting out a role, you have this untouchable veneer to you.” Liam shrugged. His fingers left Andy’s brow to trail the side of his face and along his jaw. Liam’s thumb stopped on Andy’s chin.
What was left of Andy’s breath, escaped him as Liam covered his mouth, using his thumb on his chin to drag Andy’s lips farther apart. Liam sampled him. Tasting his mouth, licking against Andy’s tongue, testing Andy’s lips with the edge of his teeth.
Andy moaned. The darkness spun and he closed his eyes to lose himself in the moment. He tried to lift his head, but Liam pulled back just enough to keep control of the kiss. Liam’s heated breath filled Andy’s lungs. His bristled jaw hushed against Andy’s sensitive mouth and cheeks, burning them pleasantly.
Andy’s hands slid up Liam’s bare sides, relishing the corrugated feel of his ribs beneath his fingertips. He wanted more, so much more, but every other time he’d pushed, Liam had backed away.
This time, Andy savoured him. It was as though his five senses joined to make a symphonic experience to etch behind his eyelids a picture of this perfect bliss. Every breath, every accidental scrap of Andy’s fingernail on pliable skin, every inhale and exhale flexing the powerful ribs Andy held, every silken strand of Liam’s hair that tickled Andy’s face—it was as though heaven blessed Andy with each precious piece. A gift of supreme importance allowed only to him.
“Liam?” he asked breathlessly.
Liam grunted.
“I want you so bad.”
Liam placed a gentle kiss on Andy’s lips, so tame after the previous meeting of mouths. “Thank you.”
“For wanting you?” Andy asked.
“For telling me.”
“But you’ve known,” Andy protested weakly.
“Yeah, but this is the first time I’ve believed you want more than sex.”
Andy thought about the flip remarks, the coarse manhandling of Liam’s cock. He could see why Liam had said that. Andy could even see why Liam had seen him as hiding behind a persona. He had been.
Liam threatened him on a very basic level. He had all the traits Andy wanted in a man, including his ability to see through Andy’s bullshit. It meant Liam recognised Andy for who he was underneath. If he still wanted Andy, it would be a dream, come true. If he didn’t want him, Liam would essentially be saying he couldn’t love the real Andy.
“You could hurt me,” Andy whispered, not really meaning to say the words aloud.
Liam dropped his forehead to Andy’s. “That’s why they call it taking a leap of faith. Will you?”
“Leap alone, or leap with you?” Andy asked.
“Leap with me. Show me who you are and I’ll be just as honest with you. Give me the rest of this week, Andy. If we don’t click, we go back to our separate departments with nothing lost.”
“The week is yours, but if we don’t click, I’ll have lost everything,” he confessed quietly.
Wrapping Andy in his arms, Liam tucked him against his body, hips to buttocks. “Trust me,” he murmured against Andy’s ear.
Liam’s hand gently stroked up and down Andy’s chest, making him heartily wish he’d gone to bed shirtless like Liam had. But as his hand slowed to a rest over Andy’s heart, Andy couldn’t help but feel peaceful when sleep finally took him.