The Irresistible Bundle (148 page)

"This is going to be badass!" Marco fist pumps like a dork.

"Yeah, epic" I snicker at him although I agree.

"Thanks guys" Nicholas quietly replies. His eyes rove over the undeveloped land. "I'm looking forward to the journey."

The dream is always the same. His mouth wraps around my swollen cock. His hand cups my balls as I arch my hips. My fingers thread through his silky hair. In the dream he always knows how to get me off, hard and fast. I've never had someone suck me off like this. No woman compares to
his
mouth.

My toes curl as my tip slides down his throat. I should be concerned with these kinds of dreams but they feel too fucking good, too surreal. He swallows clamping his throat around my sensitive shaft, eliciting a groan from me. My balls tighten and I know it's almost over. The dream is almost done. I always wake up alone, sated, but stunned. His teeth scrape my dick and I explode. He greedily swallows every last bit as I fall into darkness once again.

~

"You're in a sensationally good mood this morning" I smirk. Marco must've gotten laid last night. He always seems to score huge the nights I get drunk as a skunk. It bothers me some that he seems self-conscious of his habits with me around. I don't want him waiting until I'm wasted before he brings someone over. Neither of us openly admits it but I love it when I'm fucking someone in his presence. Makes me come hard when I know he's there watching.

"I had a good night" His eyes gleam with something between delight and secrecy. I shift side-to-side wondering if maybe that dream wasn't... No. No fucking way.

"That's good" I try not to stammer; there's no way in hell that I'm going to willingly ask him about it. Marco's hot to watch and I enjoy him watching me but I'm not looking to be one of his boyfriends. I'm into girls, not guys.

"Do you have plans today?" I blink realizing he's just asked me something. It's fascinating watching the way he makes breakfast. Somehow Marco makes it look sexy yet domesticated all in one. He takes care of the people he loves. I've seen it in the way he constantly keeps in touch with his family and ensures they have everything they need. I've seen it in the way he spoils his lovers and faithfully stands beside his friends. Somehow I'm included in that realm of people he cares for.

"Yeah, Nic and I have a business meeting. He wants me to meet someone and then we're going over more specs for the estate." I don't miss the disappointment that quickly flashes over his face. I can't force Nicholas to involve Marco in every aspect but I do my best to bring him in whenever possible. Marco has great attention to detail and his brain processes things differently. He complements me perfectly. Given the chance, I intend to start my own business and ensure that Marco is right there with me.

"Cool" He nods trying to play it off. "I'll see you later though, right?"

"Of course" I reply not understanding why he needs me to confirm that. We live together. I see the man every damn day. "Well, I'm out" I wave trying not to be awkward as fuck as I step out the door. I don't know why I get the impression that I'm disappointing Marco but I do and I don't like the feeling.

"I thought you didn't want to have any investors with ownership rights?" I ask Nic as the man in the suit gets his car from valet. We hang back not ready to leave the restaurant yet.

"I don't" He replies motioning for us to return to the private table he reserved. "But I want his hopes up so that when I make him a counteroffer he'll take it."

"Are you going to make him a permanent member?"

"If he invests as much as he claims he will then I'll let his whole fucking family join for free the first year and then at a discount or with VIP privileges permanently there afterward." He retorts.

The prospective investor is offering to singlehandedly cover the portion of the business plan that includes the golf range, stables, and some farming equipment. On paper Preston Wright is investing his money in something legitimate and respectable. Heaven forbid he invests in a sex club but who am I to judge? If he does fund that part of the project at minimal interest, flexible payment schedule, with the guarantee of a lifetime membership to the estate; then Nicholas has done well.

Mr. Wright's investment will help Nicholas to become self-sufficient, therefore freeing him from other investors or financing from the bank. And the man has plenty of connections. He and his brothers are prominent figures in the community: CEO, University Dean, and Attorney. Their influence alone could be repayment for Nicholas.

"Just make sure you have your uncle and his attorney reviewing everything" I warn. I know I don't need to but I'd feel like shit if he made a hasty decision while I sat on my thoughts and suggestions.

"Absolutely" he replies. "Why didn't you bring Marco?"

I blink surprised by the turn in the conversation. "You didn't say I could." I internally wince at my automatic defensive tone. Fuck I just assumed he'd say no. I didn't want Nicholas thinking anything of it and I didn't want to get Marco's hopes up.

"You never asked" Nicholas challenges.

"He did seem disappointed when I told him where I was going" I glumly admit. It's been a few hours and I still feel guilty as shit about it. Technically I haven't done anything wrong but apparently my guilty conscience disagrees.

"What's up with you two?" Nicholas sits back in his seat as if I'm about to give some elaborate spiel about Marco and me.

"What do you mean?" I deflect. "We're roommates, classmates, teammates. Aside from you he's also one of my closest friends."

"All accurate..." Nicholas nibbles his lip like he isn't sure if he should voice the next part. We've been friends since I stepped onto campus. "But what if I told you that I see more?"

"Then you're seeing things" I adamantly reply. "I'm not gay and Marco knows that."

"My bad" Nicholas holds his hands up in surrender. There's a roaring in my ears. I don't know why Nicholas' statement bothers me so much. Marco has never approached me about sex or a relationship. I've had those crazy dreams but that's just between me and my dick.

"I like Marco" Nicholas quietly states. My eyebrows arch wondering if he's trying to tell me that he wants to date Marco. "He's a great friend, loyal as fuck, and a passionate motherfucker."

"Aptly put" I chortle. Nicholas hit it right on the head. Marco can be a hothead when someone pisses him off but he can also be over-the-top when he believes in something and is determined to see it through. "What are you getting at?" I ask knowing that he's just going to take 10 minutes to say whatever he's so eloquently trying to voice.

"Stop looking at sexuality as a linear thing" Nicholas' chiding tone straightens my spine. We openly talk about sex, with women, but he's never broached a subject like this. "Sexuality is fluid, changing. How many girls laugh about feeling up their friends? How many guys have done stupid shit involving touching each other's nuts or dicks? It doesn't make someone homosexual. Finding someone of the same sex attractive doesn't alter your sexual preference.

"Marco is comfortable in his skin. I've watched him grow as a man, a bisexual man at that, this past year. He's welcomed his curiosity, experimented and recognized that his preferences may be different than most of his friends; but he's come to terms with that. I can honestly say that he's embraced it and it looks good on him. Marco opened himself up to the world. He shines."

Nicholas is right. Marco had some rough spots last year with people giving him shit about being bisexual but overall he's won everyone over. In the locker room guys forget that he likes dick as much as he likes pussy. He doesn't flaunt his sexuality but he doesn't hide it either. It's just a part of him. I envy that.

"Why are you bringing me into this then?" I'm being surly and we both know it.

"Because I think he wants more from you" Nicholas says the very statement that sometimes haunts me. I swear I see it in Marco's eyes; the longing, the yearning for something more. I can't though. I can't give Marco what he thinks he wants. I'm not gay. I'm not bi. I'm not him.

"The only thing I'm willing to do with Marco is a threesome with a woman." I could go for that. My dick presses against my pants onboard with the idea as well.

Nicholas stares at me but says nothing. His expression is blank but I feel condemned by his eyes. They find me unworthy of being Marco's friend. How am I any different from the bigots that spout off ignorant bullshit? I look away unable to shoulder this discomfort, this pain. Marco deserves a better friend than me. He deserves someone who accepts and embraces every part of him without a second glance. I thought I was that person. I thought it was enough being tolerant and accepting of his sexual preferences but when the focus centers on me I prove to be no better than the others. I deny. I rebuff. How remiss of me.

Senior Year, College

I've got front row seats to the train wreck unfolding before me. I'm not judging but I also know that no good can come from it. Marco thinks I haven't noticed. He's trying like hell to pull this off without either of them finding out but I don't see how he can manage it. I get why he's doing this. I've seen Marco date both sexes; he never seems satisfied with just one. He tries. He dates exclusively but it never lasts long. I see the longing glances towards the other sex when he decides to date. Marco loves men and women. He easily goes from one to the other. But this time he's changed the rules. This time he's decided to date a guy and a girl, simultaneously, without either of them knowing.

Marco's not a cheater. At least not until he tried this... If he isn't dating someone he's just having casual relationships. Exclusivity is such an encasing word. Me personally? I love women. I love their bodies. I love everything about them. Haven't found anyone yet that's piqued my interest enough to turn away from all other offers. It might happen someday but today is definitely not that day.

"Shit" Marco grumbles as he races to his room noticing the time. Another flurry of curses escapes him as he tears off his clothes. I watch quietly. He knows I'm here. I should leave but I don't. Marco has no qualms about being naked in my presence.

"Something wrong" I ignore the gruffness in my voice. Marco notices though. He freezes for just a moment, his cock stirring. He stalks into the shower keeping his back to me. He's hard but he's trying to prevent me from noticing.

"I'm up shit creek" Marco leans against the shower wall allowing the water to run down his face and chest. My dick twitches but I ignore the horny bastard. I swear my dick is indifferent to the fact that Marco has one too.

"Do you need a paddle?" I playfully offer. He winces letting me know that the joke's fallen far short.

"I've got two dates tonight. There's no way in hell I can pull this off. I've got to cancel on someone."

"With that guy and girl you've been seeing" His eyes widen with my admission. Did he seriously think he was being incognito about it? "Do you intend to tell them?" I try for nonchalance. I'm sure I failed by the sound of my voice; I can't see how Marco even thought he could get away with this. He alternates days with his lovers in the hopes that one doesn't notice the other.

"I did" He runs his hands through his hair. Water slides down his muscular arms. My tongue darts out... No, focus DeLuca.

"You did... but not anymore" I amend.

"Something like that" He evasively replies. I don't usually meddle in Marco's relationships, especially with other guys but this time is different. He's headed for a colossal fuck up; I'd rather prevent that from happening.

"What changed?"

"It's fucking exhausting simultaneously dating two people" He barks as he steps out of the shower. I keep my eyes away from his naked form trying to remain focused on the conversation.

"Would it be if you weren't so busy trying to hide it from them?"

Marco's jaw clenches. Whatever he wanted to say remains trapped. I sigh irritated at both of us. Marco can't be pissed at me for pointing out the truth. But why am I even bothering? He doesn't meddle with my relationships; I have no right to interfere in his.

"That was my original intention" He wraps the towel around his waist. "I thought I could make it work. But now..." He pulls on a pair of jeans, going commando.

"Expecting to get lucky" I try to lighten the mood. Marco goes commando for easy access. This I've learned in the time we've lived together. The man is proud of his body, as I am.

"Of course" He drolly replies. "I think Rita would be willing to but Garrett sure as hell won't."

"That's the people you're dating" I use the term loosely. It's the first time Marco's talking about his two lovers. I've seen their interactions. Rita is sexy and beautiful. She's carefree and quite the exhibitionist. She'll do anything, anywhere; all Marco has to do is ask. I have no doubt that she'd be willing to share Marco. I haven't seen too much of the boyfriend though. From the little snippets I've heard he's possessive. Clingy girls are annoying. I can't imagine what it's like to tolerate a clingy guy.

"Yeah" Marco sighs as he shoves his feet into his boots. He jogs to the foyer grabbing his wallet and keys. "See you later."

~

The slamming door is the first indication that his night didn't go well. The angry male voice is the second.

"I can't believe you" I presume that's Garrett. I completely turn off my bedroom light hoping they didn't notice it in the first place. It's better if they think I'm gone or asleep.

"I told you from the beginning" Marco's exasperated voice is immediately cut off.

"I know you're bisexual" Garrett literally shrills. Does the dude even have a pair? "I've seen you messing around with girls too. I understood that coming into this relationship."

"Did I miss the conversation about exclusivity then?" Marco snaps. I wince in the dark. He's being an asshole. Most people don't need to be told not to fuck around while dating. Marco included.

"Are you fucking kidding me? You know I thought it was bad enough having to deal with Valentino."

"What the fuck's that supposed to mean?" Marco snarls. I stand right next to the door needing to hear this conversation but not wanting to get caught. They're in the hallway but if they move to Marco's room I won't be able to hear much... That is unless they keep shouting.

"Don't think I don't see it lover" His hoarse voice has me wanting to open the door to look at them. Why the hell is Garrett even bringing me into this? "The longing glances; your useless attempts... He doesn't see you the way I do. He isn't gay. Hell he isn't like you. Why would you pine away for a man who doesn't want you?"

I'm drowning in Marco's deafening silence. He hasn't said anything in response to Garrett's accusations. Marco hasn't tried anything with me. We joke around. We hang out all the time. We go clubbing together. He's never once tried anything. Aside from my crazy dreams and my body's unpredictable reactions there is nothing happening between me and Marco. My sudden curiosity doesn't mean I'm going to switch sides.

"I won't do this with you" Garrett's voice breaks. I actually feel bad for the guy. "I've fallen in love with you yet you pretend not to notice. I've given you my heart and all you've done is break it."

"I'm sorry" Marco finally responds.

"That's not enough" Garrett's voice gains strength. "You need to end things with that chick."

"I need to talk to her" Marco replies. He doesn't necessarily agree but he didn't say no either.

"And you need to move out of here."

"That's fucking absurd" Marco's hostility surprises me.

"It's not" Garrett shouts. "You're in love with a man who will never love you back.
That's
fucking absurd. Move in with me. I know you don't love me... yet... but we can get there. I can be enough for you."

"And you think me moving out of here will change everything?"

"You need to give us a real chance and you can't do that while living under this roof. You need to cut all ties with him." Garrett's voice is barely audible. "I love you Marco. He doesn't; he never will."

"So you've resorted to ultimatums now" Marco's flat voice concerns me.

"You won't leave of your own accord."

"But you think you can force me to" Marco challenges. "You don't know anything Garrett. I'm sorry I hurt you..." I can already hear it in his voice even before he says the words. "But I can't be with you anymore. We're through."

"What about
her
" Garrett sneers.

"You don't need to concern yourself anymore. We're done. You wanted me to choose and I've chosen."

"I pity you" Garrett hoarsely whispers. "You just chose a man who will never love you back."

"Get out" The door slams seconds afterwards. Garrett never begs; he doesn't backtrack; he just leaves. I hold my breath creeping away from the door as Marco's footsteps stop in front of my room. He never denied or corrected Garrett. Marco himself said that Rita would be willing to have an open relationship. She's the perfect person for Marco to date. He could have his occasional boyfriend while remaining with her. How did this fight turn into something about me?

Minutes pass before he finally retreats and heads into his room. I sneak out just after the shower turns on. I don't want him knowing I was there listening the entire time.