Hard Case (6 page)

“Wow.” Troy widened his eyes. “Must be madness sometimes.”

Steve caught Troy’s glance. Something sad but meaningful was in Troy’s pale silvery gaze.

“Actually, we both must see some of the very best and very worst of human nature,” Steven finally said after a pause. “There’s often very little in the middle. We only really come into contact with both ends of the spectrum.”

“Ah, but there’s a difference,” Troy added wryly. “You heal them. You stitch them up, patch their wounds and make them better.”

“And you keep us all safe,” Steve pointed out forcefully, not willing to be cast as some saint with Troy implying he was the sinner. “You do what so many can’t—or won’t—do. You hunt the bad guys, deal with the crisis head on. I can help fix the symptoms, assist those who need to rebuild themselves and their lives. But it’s you and people like you who keep the monsters at bay.”

Troy shrugged but didn’t say anything. He pulled the car into a parking spot and switched off the engine. They unbuckled their seat belts, though neither made that first move to exit the car. Steve thought for a moment that he should be surprised at how deep and meaningful the conversation had turned, but then realized there was no reason to be shocked. They weren’t strangers and having shared such an intense orgasms, there was no need for shyness or playing coy.

They knew each other and for better or worse, Steve wanted to know everything about this driven, controlled, intriguing man. He was so layered, so complex… Steve only found his curiosity growing the more he learned. He wondered if he’d ever grow tired of talking like this, sharing their thoughts and beliefs without fearing judgment or having to censor his words. It was refreshing and intoxicating.

He glanced at Troy as they each hared a grin.

“It’s nice to have someone I can say anything to,” Troy admitted.

Steve chuckled. “I was just thinking how refreshing it is to not need to think before I speak, or censor myself. I have a few really good mates, people I can rely on, but it’s somehow different with you.”

“We trust each other,” Troy stated in a soft tone.

Steven felt ensnared in Troy’s silver gaze. The heat rose in his body again as his heart picked up speed. Need crawled in his belly. It was amazing, the power of lust this man could bring out in him. His lips tingled again, wanting to feel the warm press of Troy’s mouth against his.

Leaning forward, Steven rested a palm on Troy’s upper thigh. Troy lifted his hand, clasped Steven’s shoulder and drew them together. They both tilted their heads simultaneously, coming together as if they’d been snogging for centuries.

Steve liked that thought, as if he and Troy had kissed so many times, been intimate for so long they could anticipate one another. He hoped their relationship would flourish and become just like that.

This time the kiss was no less scorching than the previous ones, but it lacked a sense of urgency. At the hospital they’d been exploring one another, finally breaking through the barriers they’d placed for their own safety. At Troy’s flat, they’d been in a rush. Steve had been unable to indulge in what he really wanted—to fuck Troy madly against whatever surface presented itself—and so they’d been settling for snatching little intimacies where they could.

But now was different. Steve trailed his lips across Troy’s jaw and slowly meandered his way down his lover’s neck. Troy groaned, bucked in his seat. Troy’s grip tightened on his shoulder and he smoothed his hand over the crotch of Troy’s pants, pleased to find a thickening bulge.

“I’m going to taste every inch of you,” Steve promised, his voice husky from lust.

Troy surprised him when he pressed both Steve’s shoulders back, pushing him into his seat. Now it was Troy who explored Steven. A hungry energy exploded over his skin. Troy danced his tongue over the hollow of Steve’s neck where his shirt was unbuttoned. Troy’s hands were warm as he smoothed them over the soft linen covering his chest. Steven’s nipples hardened, his cock swelled in his pants.

They were both breathing heavily now, the simple kiss growing into far more.

“I’d love nothing more than to find a quiet place and bend you over,” Troy panted. “But people will be leaving work very soon. Hell, some have likely cut out already. We need to do this.”

Steven tried to order his mind. Passion clouded everything except for the spicy scent of Troy that filled his head. He nodded and they broke apart. They each took a moment to collect themselves. When Steve turned to glance at Troy, he was already facing him.

Steve grinned, feeling decadent and naughty. He’d been a teenager the last time he’d necked seriously in a car. While the randy feeling was no different, he could force himself to act maturely now. He held a far greater measure of control today than he did back then. He focused on the task ahead of them, willing his erection to subside at least until they could get somewhere more private and suited to all the sensual plans he had in store for Troy.

Troy had a sparkle in his eye. Steven would have bet heavily the man’s thoughts were as naughty—if not more so. Steve licked his lips, eager to learn and experience first-hand just how down and dirty Troy could get. He anticipated a long string of intimate encounters that could continue to fuel his fantasies for years to come.

Without needing to say a word, they seemed to promise each other the same thing.

Not much longer. I’ll spread your cheeks and fuck you insensate very soon.

“Shall we get moving, then?” Troy said.

Steven nodded. “Absolutely.”

* * * *

It took them almost ten minutes to pass through the security checks and visitor pass form-signing. As they were directed through to Marshall’s personal assistant, Troy took a minute to study the interior of the old building. It reeked of old money, power and prestige—wood paneling that never went out of style but merely became more aristocratic. There were a number of oil paintings covering the walls. They depicted various landscapes and a few hunting scenes, the sort Troy could believe hung in men’s clubs and ancient castles in days gone by.

The hushed atmosphere reminded him of certain libraries and galleries—the sense that one could only speak in low tones or risk coming across as vulgar. It all added up to layers of lies, deception and power plays—the sort of thing Troy usually avoided like the plague.

Worried Steven might feel right at home here, Troy cast a quick glance at him. He had to smother a smile. Steve appeared rougher here among all the refined snobbery. The small scar above his eyebrow, the clear indication his nose had been broken at least once and his sturdy, well-muscled build weren’t hidden by the expensive coat, designer jeans or the softness of the cashmere jumper he wore.

Troy had no doubt Steve could follow all the rules these people had in the book, but he’d never let it change who he was. His respect and admiration for Steve rose several notches. Just as he finished his assessment, Steven caught Troy’s glance. Steve stuck his tongue into his cheek and rolled his eyes—clearly expressing his thoughts on all the pageantry and richness surrounding them.

Clearing his throat, Troy looked away, not wanting to shame them both by cracking up into some entirely unsuitable laughter.

The sharply dressed woman paused outside a door identical to all the others, dark wood polished to a high gleam. She gave them both a discreet but unmistakable once-over, a twinkle in her eye showing she that seemed to appreciate the eye-candy.

“Mr. Knox has been informed of your arrival. As stated in the security documents you signed, you’re to stay either with him or Mr. Marshall at all times. Visitors are not permitted to be unescorted,” she recited in well-bred tones.

They nodded.

She knocked on the door and someone called for them to enter.

“I’m Ms. Roberts,” she murmured to them both as she bent to take the door knob. “Do feel free to contact me if you require anything further.”

Troy shot a quick glance at Steven. Ms. Roberts looked at them each in turn, seeming to feel her offer was open to either—or perhaps both—of them. Troy grinned his most charming smile, not willing to burn any bridge. In places like this, it always paid to keep friends and not offend anyone unless it became strictly necessary.

“Thank you, Ms. Roberts. You’re most kind. I believe we’ll be all right from here, but we’ll contact you if we find ourselves in need of further assistance.”

She nodded, not disturbed by the gentle rebuff. She pushed the door open then stood to the side and let them enter. When they’d stepped inside the room, she turned away and left.

A dapper man rose from behind an enormous walnut desk. He was dressed in a remarkably conservative three piece suit. It took Troy a moment to realize the gentleman was relatively young. His dark hair was cut short, his beard was neatly clipped and his fingernails were exquisitely manicured. A wide, very white smile showed perfectly even, capped teeth.

This was a man who took his features and image extremely seriously.

“Ah, Mr. Price, Mr. Thompson, allow me to introduce myself. I’m Leland Knox, Mr. Marshall’s personal assistant.”

They all shook hands. Leland smiled near continually. Troy wondered if he was showing off his expensive teeth or perhaps just excited to meet some strangers. The cynicism wasn’t very flattering and Troy wasn’t sure if he was getting jaded or if there was just something unnaturally happy about Mr. Knox.

“I’m Troy Price, Mr. Knox. I know we don’t have an appointment and that Mr. Marshall is a terribly busy man, but there have been some disturbing events over recent days that I wish to discuss. Mr. Thompson here is an old school chum and—”

“Oh yes, I remember Steven, though he undoubtedly doesn’t recall me,” Leland broke in and turned that blinding grin onto Steve. “I’m not sure we were ever formally introduced. I was three—or perhaps four—years behind you, Steven. I recall being quite impressed by a particular boxing match I witnessed. I believe that’s where your agent first came into contact with you. He was the father of one of the other boys. Am I recalling that correctly?”

“Yes.” Steven raised his eyebrows, clearly taken aback at being remembered after such a long time. “George helped guide me through my first years. He thought I could turn professional, but I’m afraid I didn’t have the heart for it.”

“Or the bloodlust,” Leland added with yet another smile. “Isn’t it ironic we’re all bred to be the perfect gentlemen, to fulfill being doctors and politicians, when our ancestors back in the dark ages
needed
the skills we now have to disdain to be socially acceptable.”

“Actually I became a nurse,” Steven corrected.

Leland nodded, seeming unperturbed. “My mistake, but then they say nurses are the ones who keep the hospitals running. Far more frequently it’s they who have their fingers on the pulse, not the doctors.” Leland checked his large, flashy watch and lifted his other arm, indicating a door farther into his office on the far wall. “Anyway, I’m afraid Keyton only has a few minutes. I can make an appointment for you after lunchtime tomorrow if you can’t get everything finished today. I’m sorry about rushing you, but on such short notice… Well, at least I’ve managed to squeeze you in. There’s this important fundraiser tonight, drinks before dinner… You know the routine, I’m guessing.”

“Of course,” Troy replied. He smiled, but it wasn’t at Leland’s hectic-but-appeasing air. He’d caught the sharpness in the dapper man’s eyes.

Troy recognized the ploy. For all the polished physical appearance, the big, expensive grinning and air of idle wealth, Leland’s dark eyes continually roved, taking in every detail. Troy knew the manner well, had used the con of acting campy and gay as a queen, just to lull others into underestimating him.

It was a good trick, acting like a brainless bit of fluff who no one took seriously.

By the time anyone realized there was a sharp brain and a wicked slice of danger beneath the calm exterior, it was usually too late. Troy hazarded that Keyton, too, knew there was an intelligence—and more importantly, a hunger for power—beneath the smooth, charming exterior of Leland’s smiles. The school connection likely had been merely a means of introduction, a foot in the proverbial door.

Still, now that he understood Leland’s artifice for what it was, Troy felt very uneasy. What was Leland hiding beneath his surface? Sure, he might just be trying to get as high up the political ladder as possible, but did his self-absorbed routine hide a darker, more nefarious meaning? He only wished he could connect the dots faster. Troy made a mental note to do some research. He needed to dig into Leland Knox’s background as soon as possible.

He wondered if he was becoming paranoid, doubting the strength and power of the old boys’ network one minute, then admitting it was the coin of introduction much of the time in these elevated circles the next. He felt faintly schizophrenic, jumping back and forth like this. It was the knottiest of problems, completely innocent on one side, dastardly on the other.

“Right.” Leland ran a hand over his hair, patting it as if to reassure himself it remained perfectly neat. “Well, I’ve prattled on and wasted enough time, I suppose. Let me just go check if Keyton can spare you those minutes right now. Just wait here, please.”

Troy turned to watch as Leland crossed the room. Leland opened the door and stuck his head in.

“Mr. Marshall, a Mr. Troy Price is here about the near incident and issues over the last few days and he has a Mr. Thompson with him, who’s another alumni. Are you able to spare a few moments for them?”

Troy could hear Keyton respond, but it was the tone of his voice, not the actual words he could make out. He turned to Steven.

“What do you think?” he asked in a low tone, hoping Leland wasn’t good enough to listen to Keyton and them simultaneously.

“Definitely in the right industry,” Steve replied softly. “He enjoys politics, that’s for sure. If he gets lucky in his decisions—and is half as smart as I believe—he’ll probably make quite the career from this. Not a man to underestimate.”

Troy nodded, ridiculously pleased Steve’s assessment concurred with his own.