Page 36 of Filthy Rock Stars

The next morning, I wake up sprawled naked on my bed with my guitar, a half-drunk glass of whiskey on the nightstand and midday light pouring through the windows. With a growl, I drag my ass to the bathroom and jump in the shower.

I’m seeing Prince today. Just the thought of it makes my muscles seize with need. I work my cock under the hot water, remembering all the sounds he’s made, the taste of his cock on my lips, my scent on his sweet mouth.

I come in the shower, wander naked across the loft, and down a couple shots of espresso before I finally get to my burner phone.

Me: Hey sexy

It takes him almost no time to respond.

Prince: Still on for this afternoon?

Me: Three o’clock

Me: It’s a beautiful day

I send along a string of shining sun emojis, grinning to myself as I feel him on the other end.

Shadow: Want to get that sunlight on your gorgeous skin? I’ll show you my favorite park

* * *

Prince and I roll up to the quiet park, a forgotten one that’s more woods than anything else, tucked away beyond some warehouses. I used to come here to wander and be alone, a place I could escape from the fans.

Prince hops off the bike as I kill it. “Oh, wow,” he says, looking around with his helmet casually under his arms. “I’ve never been here. This park is so peaceful.”

I slide up next to him since there’s no one close. “Let’s take a walk. Find somewhere private.” When I feel something in him wake in response to me, I drape an arm over his shoulder, holding him. “How’s your week? Did your team of research scientists crack teleportation yet?”

He laughs. “No, but we’ve been very busy in the lab.”

“And how’s it going?”

“Honestly? It’s a dream.” His voice softens with a touch of sadness. “It feels like I’m doing something that I’ve always been meant to do and with the right people, too.”

“Damn.” I nod, impressed. “Glad you took that chance and went for it, Prince.”

Some people are coming down the path in the opposite direction, and I keep an eye on them. If they glance our way, I’ll have to turn and hide my face before anyone recognizes me.

“It’s not that simple,” he admits. “It’s just temporary, and I’m working every second I’m awake. But still, it feels good.”

“Why can’t it be permanent?”

Once the people pass, Prince tucks his arm around my side, sending warmth flooding through me. “You know how research scientists are,” he jokes.

“Only if they’re like inStar Trek. Lots of near-death escapes?”

He laughs. “You watch the new ones?”

“The night they air, usually,” I admit. “What? You doubted I was a secret Trekkie?” I ask, mocking offense. “They’re my escape. Don’t come between a man and his escape.”

“My friend Damian and I watch them together occasionally,” he says. “I usually catch up with a bunch at once. I happily concede that you are a more dedicated Trekkie than I am.”

I have consistently watchedStar Trekalone since I was a kid, same as any other sci-fi. Since my parents hated it, I always had to wait until I got the TV. Once the band started on tour, I’d use the show to get a little peace, hiding from the rest of the bus with my laptop, noise-canceling headphones, and old episodes.

Just barely, I stop myself from saying what I want to say—that we should chill and watch an episode some time. The idea disorients me. It’s such a fucking simple thing, watching a TV show together, but I want that so bad, and the reality that it would be outside our agreement lands like a punch in the gut.

Prince presses closer to me. We round a corner and walk toward a long, shadowed stretch of trees. I prepare to whisper something scandalous in his ear, but he surprises me by sliding his hand up under my shirt first, pressing it to my back.

Warm and nice and tempting, just like him.

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