Page 49 of Thunder Road

He’s just as worried as I am over everything. We’re both whistling in the dark.

“Go ahead and sit down. Everything’s ready.” Vic set out glasses of water. “I stopped at the store on the way home, so we have enough lights to decorate.”

“And you randomly picked up a good luck holiday gnome?” Simon raised an eyebrow, and Vic knew he was busted.

“Figured it couldn’t hurt.” He turned away, knowing that Simon probably understood far too well.

“Talk to me.” Simon confirmed Vic’s guess. “Is this about the lighthouse gathering?”

Vic shrugged. “It’s about me wanting to keep you safe, even though this is a threat that’s way above my pay grade. So I’m going to do what I can do and hope it’s enough.”

“I don’t want you to get hurt.” Simon turned to take Vic into his arms. “Once I’m caught up in the incantation, it’s going to be my whole focus. I feel like I’m leaving you vulnerable.”

“That’s why you need someone watching your back,” Vic reminded him. “Because you do lose track of everything, and I can make sure the troll doesn’t take advantage of that.”

“You’re crazy and brave, and I love you.” Simon leaned in to kiss Vic. “Which is also why I’m afraid to risk you.”

Vic kissed him back, taking control, trying to say with his body what he didn’t always find words to express.I need you. You mean everything to me. I can’t lose you.

“If something goes wrong, I want to be there to put it right,” Vic told him. “If something comes after you, I intend to stop it. What you’re doing is going to save hundreds of lives. But mostly, it’s because wherever you are, that’s where I want to be.Wherever.”

He let the emphasis make it clear to Simon that included the Valley of the Shadow.

“I don’t think it’s going to come to that,” Simon replied, all playfulness gone from his voice. “If I did, I’d fight harder to keep you away.”

“If you tried, I’d still follow.” Vic lifted a hand to trail his fingers down the side of Simon’s face. “And I hope it doesn’t come to that. But whatever happens, I’ll have your back.”

They separated reluctantly, realizing the food was getting cold. After the seriousness of the last discussion, conversation lagged as they ate until Vic spoke up.

“The new leader of the Low Rangers who took over for Carter Edwards is totally on board with them being security for the homeless shelters, the store, and anywhere else you need them. They have a lot of members, so that gives you some backup.”

“He was okay with everything?” Simon looked as surprised as Vic had felt.

“Turns out he’s married to the witch who heads up the club’s coven. Who knew, right?” Vic told him. “He’s going to ask her if the coven will lend support so you could end up with more witches.”

Simon looked surprised. “Wow. I had no idea. That would be great. We need all the help we can get.”

After dinner, Vic found an empty corner for the gnome while Simon added the new light strings to what they had already hung. They would wait to put up the big inflatable dragon until trick-or-treat night.

“I can’t believe it’s almost Halloween,” Vic said. “Not just on account of the lighthouse situation, but how fast the year has gone. It always feels like we barely get the pumpkins taken down when it’s time to put up the Christmas tree.” He couldn’t help crossing his fingers that nothing would derail their holiday plans.

“Hey, let’s not lose the time we have right now worrying about the future.” Simon’s voice cut through Vic’s worries, especially when Simon went to his knees right there in the kitchen and pressed his face against Vic’s groin.

“I like your idea of a distraction.” Vic’s heartbeat sped up as Simon mouthed along the denim before flipping his button open and easing the zipper down. “Very…effective.”

“Must not be.” Simon pressed his lips against Vic’s briefs. “You’re still talking.”

Vic caught his breath as Simon shoved jeans and briefs down in one move, and his already-hard cock sprang to attention. Simon nuzzled Vic’s package, and then kisses turned to licking before he swallowed him down as far as he could.

“Oh, fuck,” Vic gasped, gripping Simon’s shoulders as Simon bobbed and licked enthusiastically. “So good.”

Vic was getting close, and Simon slipped his hand beneath Vic’s balls, fondling them and teasing his taint.

Vic came, shouting Simon’s name, bucking against his mouth and grinding into his hand. Simon rode it out with him, swallowing as much as he could and licking Vic through the aftershocks when he finished.

“Oh, God. That was?—”

Simon chuckled. “Glad you enjoyed it.” He pulled off his T-shirt to clean them off before tucking Vic back into his jeans.

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