Page 23 of Duped

“I know.”

Portland closed his eyes and took in Tarek’s scent. He got what Tarek meant about smelling his skin. Portland lived for the heat of Tarek’s neck and the way his skin felt against his lips. He always breathed in Tarek’s cologne and felt everything. Every emotion he had searched for years to find overcame him. No matter what it took, Tarek would be the happiest man alive. Forever. No compromise.

Chapter Ten

SalemwatchedTarekandPortland interact with all the skepticism his bitter heart could muster. He knew Portland’s every little dirty secret. Salem had known since before he chose the guy for Tarek. Tarek was the sweetest and most forgiving person alive. Portland was his perfect balance. As the highest-ranking member of Prince Noir’s drug empire, Portland had money, power, and connections that matched Salem’s. Salem had billions, and that trumped any sort of illegal bullshit. But Salem never scoffed at the crime game either. Someone had to make that money, and Salem adored money. It was truly a boy’s best friend. Plus, Portland would take care of Tarek. Salem didn’t give a shit how.

Despite having set Tarek in Portland’s path, Salem still felt the need to watch them in action. Study them. Measure Portland’s strength and worth. Tarek was one of the very few people he loved. The guy was just too damn much to ignore. He loved too much and saw the good in everyone. Tarek needed protection. Portland was the man for the job. He was cold-blooded and ruthless. When he looked at Tarek, Portland was the opposite of his nature in every way. It was fascinating. He was relieved to have Tarek married and settled. Salem didn’t like thinking about other people. Tarek forced him to look too often at his sentimental side. That was a weakness Salem couldn’t stand.

Quest poked his head over Salem’s shoulder and followed his line of sight to where Tarek sat on Portland’s lap on the lounge chair by the pool. “Are you jealous?”

Salem snorted as he reached up to scratch Quest’s head—like a pet. The guy loved it. “Of what?”

“They’re in love.”

“Mhmm. That’s nice for Tarek, but I’m not built like that, babe.”

“But you love me,” Quest said, sounding like a kicked puppy.

Salem kissed his cheek. “I do. Very much.”

Quest’s usual happy expression returned. “See? I knew it. You love me,” he sang, making Salem laugh. Quest and Dodge were so simple. They were uncomplicated. The pair were straight and didn’t want Salem for anything more than whatever it was that kept their pure souls running. They were nothing like him. Thank God.

Dodge pulled himself up and out of the pool and jogged their way at Quest’s antics. “Wait. I want love too.” He dove onto Salem’s lounge chair, soaking him with his giant body.

Salem squealed from the sudden cold burst of water. “Holy shit, Dodge. You’re too fucking big to jump on top of people. By people, I mean me.” He tried pushing him away. “I can’t breathe.”

“Pshh.” Dodge placed loud kisses all over Salem’s face. “You’re doing a lot of bitching for someone who can’t breathe.”

Salem immediately went limp.

Dodge leaped from the lounge chair. “Oh, shit. Are you hurt?”

Salem burst out laughing.

Dodge’s expression shifted from worried to playful when he realized Salem had tricked him. He exchanged a glance with Quest. His eyes lit with wickedness. Too late, Salem realized his mistake. He had poked the wrong bear.

Before he could run, he was over Dodge’s shoulder. Dodge ran for the pool with Quest hot on their heels. He knew before he hit the water that he would have to let them have their way and play. When he had kept JD’s giant puppies after his death, he had known what he was in for. That was okay. They were the best thing about his life. He would die for them.

Portland watched Salem try to hold his own against the two giant children. He shook his head. If there had ever been three people more oblivious, he had never seen it. He was glad to have them in Greece, nonetheless. They were the closest thing to family Tarek had. It had been nice to have them there, supporting Tarek while they said their vows. They were married. He still couldn’t believe it. His arms tightened around Tarek. Tarek snuggled closer and kissed his neck. They would likely have some crazy tan lines later, but it was worth it.

Shaw claimed the lounge chair next to them. His gaze locked on the pool. “They’re a nice-looking throuple.”

Tarek laughed.

Portland explained. “They’re a caustic brat and two guys who think they’re straight.”

Shaw snorted.

They exchanged knowing grins.

Tarek hummed. “Do you really think they’re more? That’s a nice thought. Salem doesn’t let people in.”

“Salem? As in Salem Rochester?”

“The one and only,” Portland answered, so Tarek wouldn’t have to. He knew Tarek got sick of that reaction.

Shaw didn’t respond right away. When he did, he sounded pragmatic rather than judgmental. “I can see it. JD did always love a pretty face. It was his greatest dream to scandalize the community by leaving his billions to a young handful.” He looked Tarek’s way. “No offense to your friend.”

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