Page 10 of Fiendish Ways

King nodded. “It was a big business for under-funded orphanages. Anyhow, they needed a certain type. Boys who were tall or muscular for their age. Kids they could twist into monsters.”

“Why?” Nebraska was horrified and fascinated.

“To make us into killers and then sell our services to people like Archer.”

“So Archer actually owns Cree? Like owns, owns? Like a slave?”

King shook his head. “Archer is younger than Cree. He went through the program after Cree. No, Cree was bought by Archer’s first husband. Except he wanted more than a trained assassin at his beck and call. He kept Cree as more of a sex slave. That didn’t end until Archer came to live with him. Archer was younger, more calculating, and not above seducing a powerful man to take his spot. Cree serves Archer out of loyalty and gratitude. Archer saved him from a life on his knees. Can you imagine what you would do for someone who saved you from basically being sexually assaulted every day? Can you imagine what his mind must be like when it comes to sexual matters? It’s not like any of us get counseling. What would we tell a shrink? Hey, I kill people and grown men used to beat me and pass me around like a two-dollar whore at a frat party.”

Cold settled into Nebraska’s bones. He hated all of this for Cree and King. “Thank you for telling me. I’m sorry you went through that.”

King shrugged. “We all have our crosses, and we all deal with it in our way.” King motioned toward himself. “This is how I cope. Cree kills people. You do what you gotta do.”

Nebraska nodded. A door slammed in the hallway. Nebraska scrambled from the bed. “Have fun tonight,” he called over his shoulder as he slipped from the room.

Cree stood in the hallway, looking pissed. “Why in the fuck are you always in King’s bedroom when I get home?”

Nebraska didn’t answer. He closed the distance between them, wrapped his arms around Cree, and held on. After a moment, he felt Cree relax.

He stroked Nebraska’s hair. “What’s wrong?”

Nebraska shook his head. “Nothing. I just missed you and want to hold you.” His feet left the floor as Cree lifted Nebraska into his arms. Nebraska wrapped his legs around Cree, hanging on like a kid as Cree carried him to their bedroom. “I brought you dinner.”

Nebraska smiled like an idiot. “Did you? Take me to bed, then, and I’ll enjoy my meal.”

Cree snorted. “It’s pizza. I want you to get some actual food in your belly. Also, FYI, I’d never talk to you like that. You’re my baby. You deserve respect.”

Nebraska couldn’t stop smiling. “What if I want to be disrespected?”

Cree set him on the settee and pointed to a nearby pizza box. “Eat.”

Since it seemed important to Cree, Nebraska opened the box. “Oooh. It’s extra cheesy.” He happily chose a piece and took a bite. “Mmm. So good.” Cree looked appeased. That was all that mattered to Nebraska. He only wanted Cree’s happiness. That would always be his top priority.

For months, Cree had been coming home, finding Nebraska with King. He was more than a little pissed off about it. If anything was going on between the two, Nebraska’s hunger for Cree hadn’t lessened. They definitely had a healthy sex life. In fact, the extra workout had Cree in damn good shape.

As always, the longer he sat with Nebraska, the more he relaxed. Nebraska was so adorable, and he was obviously happy to be with Cree. Cree let it go. He waited until Nebraska finished his slice before he grabbed the gift bag he had hidden behind the settee. Cree handed it to Nebraska.

“Here.”

Nebraska lit like a kid on Christmas. “You bought me a gift?”

Cree shrugged and moved the pizza box so he could sit next to Nebraska. He would have to remember to buy things for Nebraska more often. It was nice making him happy. “I think this is long overdue.”

Nebraska dug into the bag, tossing tissue paper with abandon. “It’s a phone.” He looked stunned. Tears filled his eyes. “You’re trusting me with a phone?”

Cree realized he should have done this much sooner. By giving Nebraska no way to view the outside world, he had made him feel more like a prisoner. “Of course. I’m not holding you hostage. Plus, it occurred to me tonight that you didn’t have a way to reach me when I’m gone. If you need anything, you need to have a way to let me know.” Plus, it had GPS tracking, so Cree could always find him.

Nebraska set the phone aside and moved to straddle Cree. “This is amazing. Thank you.”

Cree’s arms automatically encircled Nebraska. “You’re amazing. I don’t think I say that or show you enough.”

Nebraska shook his head. “Never doubt yourself with me. You’ve given me the best life I’ve ever had.”

That was depressing. A fucking phone gave Nebraska the best life he ever had. He was a piece of shit for being surly lately. Nebraska definitely deserved better than him. Cree couldn’t make Nebraska happy enough to suit his heart.

“I love you.”

Nebraska blinked, as if that was the last thing he ever expected Cree to say. His eyes filled with tears again. He sniffed. “I love you too.”

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