Unknown (Hooked Book 3) (17 page)

“Fuck your fist,” Logan demanded. He couldn’t come before Malik, but his body didn’t care what his brain wanted. He needed to come. The orgasm was being ripped from him without his consent. With a shout, Malik came. Hot semen hit Logan’s chest. Malik’s ass convulsed on Logan’s dick, milking him into release. He clamped down on Ryan’s dick, needing to keep him buried in his ass as Malik massaged him into oblivion. Ryan’s fingers dug into Logan’s hips with bruising force.

“Goddamn, Logan. Holy fuck,” Ryan breathed as he somehow managed to get even deeper with his strokes. He roughly turned Logan’s head and captured his lips as his dick jumped in Logan’s ass. His chest heaved against Logan’s spine and his breaths came out in great huffs in Logan’s face. Still, he didn’t relinquish Logan’s lips. His arms encircled Logan’s body, squeezing as he came. Logan knew then, the overwhelming intensity the three of them shared as a whole, wasn’t something he could survive without.

*

They’d fallen into a heap of arms, legs, and heated kisses before drifting off to sleep. At some point in the night when the darkness kept their secrets blanketed beneath an inky blackness, Ryan awoke to delicious wet heat sucking at his cock. He knew without looking it was Logan. The mouth was too gentle to be Malik. He’d hovered on the edge of sleep as Malik fucked Logan and Logan sucked Ryan’s dick. His life transformed into a wonderful dream, making Ryan scared to shake off the exhaustion weighing his limbs. What if he came completely awake only to find Malik and Logan weren’t real, or the night hadn’t happened at all? Ryan didn’t know if he’d survive the crushing blow. So he’d let Logan have his way, while clinging to the edges of his nighttime dreams. Even as his cum filled Logan’s mouth, Ryan didn’t give up the final wisps of sleep he clung to. His brain didn’t clear and give Ryan a chance to filter any words leaving his lips. The dark was made for confessions.

They kissed. That much he knew. It wasn’t until the daylight peeked through the curtains, casting a faint glow on the men sleeping beside him, that Ryan let himself think. What if they never spoke to him again? A pain sliced through Ryan’s chest. There was a very real probability the pair would open their eyes, take in what they’d done, and choose to shut Ryan out— saving themselves. It could happen.

Even now, Malik slept with his back to Ryan with Logan cradled against his chest. Ryan could barely breathe. Waiting to learn his fate wasn’t an option. He felt too raw and alone. Needing protection from the saboteurs inside his head, Ryan touched his lips to Malik’s shoulder, absorbing the man’s strength. At the contact, Malik’s head left the pillow. His hair stood in every direction and lines from the pillow creased his face as he turned his head. With a smile, he rolled onto his back, taking Logan with him as he went. He opened his free arm to Ryan. Ryan didn’t hesitate accepting. Relief coursed through his veins, letting his racing heart slow. With his cheek pressed to Malik’s chest, Ryan watched Logan sleep and let the steady beat of Malik’s heart soothe him. He wasn’t the outsider, looking in, Ryan realized. He was one-third of a whole, working seamlessly toward the same goal—happiness.

Chapter 10

October…

A bright smile lit Ryan’s face as he leaned over the bar. “Are you ready to go? The news said airport security is slow as fuck this weekend, so we should probably get there a couple of hours early. When I talked to Malik a little while ago, he was chomping at the bit for us to get there. I think he’s bored off his ass in Vegas alone.”

If Ryan had been talking about anyone else, Logan would’ve laughed his ass off at the sentiment. Malik was different. He didn’t like people enough to venture out and enjoy the city.

“Yep. Just let me clock out and grab my jacket.”

Ryan winked. “Hurry, sexy. I’ve been bored today too.”

Logan jumped to do as told. He headed for the back, going in search of Jimmy. He found him kicked back with his feet on his desk and a wet washcloth covering his eyes.

“You okay?” Logan asked, keeping his voice low, since he was ninety-eight percent sure Jimmy’s problem was nothing more than the usual hangover.

Jimmy straightened, allowing the cloth to fall onto his desk with a plop. He blinked at Logan as if he couldn’t remember where he was. “Oh, hey. Yeah. I’m good. Is it already time for you to leave?”

Logan nodded. “You need anything before I go?”

“Um.” Jimmy scrubbed his hands over his face. “Is this Vegas weekend?”

Logan dipped his chin again, beginning to feel like a bobble head.

Jimmy dug the heels of hands into his eye sockets as if attempting to bring Logan into focus. “Let Malik know I’m pulling for him.”

“I will,” Logan said, inching for the door.

“Is Ryan out there waiting?” Jimmy asked, bringing Logan’s attempts at escape to a halt.

“Yep.”

Jimmy nodded. “Cool. Can I ask you something?”

Since this was the most he’d heard Jimmy talk in a while, Logan didn’t hesitate. “Sure thing.”

“How do you do it?”

Confusion brought Logan’s brain to a screeching halt. “Do what?”

Jimmy drew a circle in the air. “You know. How do you keep two men in love with you? I can’t even find one to tolerate me.”

Logan shifted from foot to foot, uncomfortable.

A loud sigh filled the air. “Are you keeping your little triad a secret? Because I have to tell you, you’re doing a piss-poor job of it.”

At Jimmy’s accusation, Logan’s shoulders squared as his temper rose. “Hell, no. I’m proud of what I have. If anything, I’m scared shitless the world will see I have too much and try to tear it apart.”

Jimmy smiled, taking Logan by surprise. “You’re hot when you’re outraged. I see what the guys see in you, but I’m not asking because I’m judging. I’m genuinely curious, because I’m at a loss.” He spread his arms wide. “What’s wrong with me?” At Logan’s stammered attempts not to answer, Jimmy swiped his hand through the air. “I mean besides the obvious.”

“You mean other than your drinking issue?”

For a full thirty seconds, Jimmy blinked at Logan. His confusion couldn’t have been more obvious. “Actually, I meant my overwhelming personality. You think it’s the drinking?”

Logan had nothing.

“Huh,” Jimmy said, sounding thoughtful. “Fuck it. I don’t need a man bad enough to give that up.” Kicking back in his chair, Jimmy leaned his head back, and set the washcloth over his eyes again. “Tell Malik to kick some ass, and get a little for me,” Jimmy added with a laugh.

With a shake of his head, Logan left Jimmy alone to nurse his hangover and whatever else the dude had going on inside his head. If he planned to get some for himself and Jimmy, he needed to get started.

The air had a definite bite to it as Logan stepped out the door. In the daylight hours, the weather could still get stifling some days, but the nights showed the truth. Fall was there. The air carried the scent of dying leaves and everything had magically turned pumpkin flavored two weeks ago. That was the only part of this time of year Logan didn’t like. The world tried sneaking pumpkin into every food, drink, and scent on the market. Logan stared at the moon as he walked toward Ryan’s truck. It looked huge and almost orange in coloration. This was his favorite time of year.

He could feel Ryan intentionally crowding his space at his back. Logan slowed his step, giving Ryan what he wanted. His eyes fell closed as Ryan’s arms encircled his waist, pulling Logan against his chest. Ryan was happy tonight. The man’s emotions were almost tangible.

“What’s got you in such a good mood?”

Ryan planted a loud, smacking kiss to Logan’s neck before answering. “We’re going to Vegas, baby. It’s like a mini vacation. I haven’t been on a real one in a long time.”

Logan thought it over. “In truth, I really haven’t either. We travel so much for Malik’s boxing schedule, I haven’t had any vacation time saved up to go anywhere for the hell of it in a long time. Not that it matters,” Logan added just in case Ryan thought he was complaining.

Ryan’s hold tightened on Logan’s waist and he matched his every step. “Where would you go if you could just for the hell of it?”

Logan didn’t hesitate. “New Orleans.”

“Wow. You had your answer at the ready.”

A chuckle escaped Logan. “It’s the weather. This is the time of year when I think about all the things I did as a kid— hay rides, haunted houses, and bonfires. New Orleans is the place to be when the ghosts come out to play.”

“So you believe in ghosts,” Ryan said, sounding more thoughtful than judgmental. “What else do you believe in?”

Logan turned in Ryan’s arms and walked backward until he reached the truck. “Aliens, of course.”

“Of course,” Ryan agreed as he reached past Logan and opened the driver’s side door. Light spilled out, casting a faint glow on Ryan’s gorgeous face. Logan’s gaze slid over the man’s lines, enjoying the view.

“Surely you don’t think we’re alone in the universe,” Logan said, keeping up the ridiculous conversation.

“We’re the size of an atom in a grain of sand in comparison to universe. Our insignificance is grand,” Ryan said, surprising Logan with his tone. It was as if he’d thought about it many times and the idea made him sad. “But,” Ryan added, perking up. “That means I can do this,” he said, grabbing Logan by the ass and easily lifting him up and setting him on the seat before moving to stand between Logan’s knees. “And it shouldn’t matter to anyone at all other than you and me.” He moved in closer. “We’re not even a ripple to anyone else’s life,” Ryan said in a low tone before capturing Logan’s lips. Heat exploded between them. Before even Logan realized he’d moved, both of Logan’s hands were buried in Ryan’s hair as he tried deepening their kiss. Each breath came out more ragged than the last.

Logan tore his mouth away, needing more. “Let’s get out of here. We have a little time before we need to leave for the airport.”

Tires crunching on gravel and headlights blinding them signaled they were no longer alone. With a sigh, Logan slid over, making room for Ryan. As the truck fired to life, and the headlights flared, a large figure came into view. Sam’s massive form couldn’t be mistaken for anyone else. He waved over his shoulder, but headed inside the bar without stopping. A bad feeling ate at Logan’s gut. Sam always spoke, even when he was in a hurry. Logan mused over the uneasy sensation all the way home. When his cell phone rang as he was adding last-minute things to his suitcase, Logan was almost relieved to see Sam’s name pop up on the face of the device. Whatever the man had to say, Logan would rather deal with it now.

“Hello.”

“What are you doing with Ryan?”

Seemed they weren’t playing nice. “Good to hear from you, Sam.”

“Does Malik know?”

Logan counted to ten in his head. He tried infusing some humor in his voice but it was hard. “I should hope so.”

“Then he’s a part of this too?”

Logan sucked in a deep breath, trying to hang onto his temper. “Yes.”

“What in the hell are y’all doing?”

Since Sam sounded full-on enraged, Logan chose to feed it. “I imagine we’re doing all the things you’re picturing in your head right now.”

“Goddamn it,” Sam cursed, not calming in the least. “I knew something was off with the three of you in Chicago. Instead of going with my gut, I chose to let it go.”

Logan deflected, because he couldn’t keep going down this path. “I’m surprised it took you so long to call. It’s been at least twenty minutes. However did you sit on your righteousness for all that time?” Logan asked, letting some of his irritation show.

Obviously missing Logan’s smartassery, Sam answered. “I was debating on who to call first, you or Malik?”

Rage and humor over the situation battled to the death inside Logan’s head until all Logan could do was snort. “You’d planned to tattle? Damn, Sam… Wait. Am I the first call you made?”

“Of course, you are,” Sam said, sounding offended.

“It was a legitimate question considering your judginess right now.”

Sam scoffed, but Logan wasn’t finished.

“I love you, Sam, but please mind your own damn business.”

“So you’re telling me that if you saw me with someone other than Holden, you wouldn’t call me out on it?”

Because Sam was his friend, Logan gave the man’s question its due before answering. “I’d hope that I’d speak to you as if you are an adult and get your side of things. Not to mention, I think a lot of you. So I also hope no matter what you had to say, I’d trust that you’d thought things through and made the best decision for your life, and I know no matter what I thought of that decision, I’d stand behind you, because you are my fucking friend.” Logan disconnected the call, because no good could come of continuing their discussion. His temper didn’t make an appearance often. Logan didn’t like himself when it did. Rather than breaking every dish in the house, the way Logan wanted, he headed for the bathroom.

“I’m going to grab a quick shower before we head out,” Logan called down the hall, letting Ryan know his intention. He pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it aside before getting the water going.

“Can I watch?” Ryan asked from behind him, startling Logan. He rarely shut the bathroom door since he always used the one inside his bedroom.