Page 11 of Fiendish Ways

Cree knew that. He hadn’t thought he needed the words, though. Now that Nebraska had said them, Cree already wanted to hear them again. “I love you.”

A bright smile lit Nebraska’s face even as his eyes shone bright with tears. “I love you too.”

“What do you want to drink? It’s really important to me that you eat dinner.”

“You know what I like.”

Cree brushed his lips across Nebraska’s mouth and then stood. He set Nebraska on the spot he had vacated and handed him the pizza box. “Eat. I’ll be right back.”

Nebraska dutifully grabbed another slice. Cree dashed out to the kitchen. He snagged a grape soda from the fridge and headed back upstairs. King’s bedroom door opened and closed just as quickly, as if King had spotted him and changed his mind. Cree shook his head. Something was going on, but damned if he could put his finger on it. The secretiveness bothered him again until he opened the door to find Nebraska eating pizza with one hand while playing with his phone with the other.

He looked up as Cree came through the door. “You already have everyone’s number programmed.”

“I wanted to make sure you have options in case anything ever happens.”

“That’s so sweet.”

It wasn’t. They lived a dangerous life. He had killed once for Nebraska. Cree wouldn’t hesitate to do it again. His mind shifted back to King. He hoped that one wasn’t the next.

Nebraska made room for Cree to sit. “We need a picture so I can set my background image.”

Cree kissed Nebraska’s cheek. Nebraska captured the moment. He stared at the image for a few seconds. “Let’s get another one. I want to see your gorgeous eyes.”

This time, Nebraska quickly turned his head and kissed Cree’s cheek as he took the picture. He smiled as he stared at the image. Nebraska turned the phone Cree’s way. “Look at you.”

Cree blinked as he stared at the photo. He didn’t even look like himself. A bright smile had exploded across his face the moment Nebraska had kissed him. He had never seen himself so happy. It was like looking at a stranger. Not for the first time, it hit Cree how far he would go to keep this. He had never been a sane man. Cree was even less so when he thought about losing Nebraska. He would never let that happen. They were to the grave.

Cree always made Nebraska so happy he couldn’t contain it. Each time he thought Cree couldn’t get better, he did shit like give him a phone, proving this was real. He believed enough in their relationship to trust Nebraska with a way to reach the outside world. It was a stupid little thing, but it made Nebraska feel like this was forever. The happiness in his chest over Cree admitting he loved him had nowhere to go. He was restless. Nebraska needed to do something before he burst.

“Can we go somewhere?”

Cree looked thoughtful. “What did you have in mind?”

Nebraska honestly didn’t know. He was just restless. An idea hit. “King is always telling me about this club he goes to.”

“Oh, lord. I can’t imagine.”

A smile snapped to Nebraska’s lips. “I don’t want to go there.” He bit his lip, wondering if he would get shot down. Finally, he decided to just give it a shot. “But I’d really love to go somewhere and dance with you.”

Cree looked thoughtful for a moment. He stood, forcing Nebraska to drop his feet to the floor. “I have an idea. Let’s go.”

Nebraska practically danced down the stairs, following Cree. They got their shoes and headed for the garage. As Cree drove, Nebraska fought the urge to bounce in his seat. To his surprise, Cree didn’t head toward town. He drove them to a quiet beach. Nebraska looked Cree’s way when he parked.

Cree flashed him a smile and found a playlist on his phone to blast through the speakers. He opened the door. “Come on.”

Nebraska slipped from the SUV and followed Cree to the back of the vehicle. Cree opened the back hatch and let the music pour out. A bright smile snapped to Nebraska’s lips as Cree towed him into his arms. Cree sang to Nebraska as they moved with the music. Nebraska closed his eyes and pressed his ear to Cree’s chest. They weren’t just loving words. Nebraska knew Cree loved him. He felt it in every action. Every kindness. Nebraska truly believed he saw a side of Cree that Cree reserved solely for him. Never in his life had he felt special. He mattered to Cree.

The first song ended. Cree lifted him from the ground and set him inside the back of the Tahoe. “I need to say something. I don’t like you spending so much time with King. You belong to me.”

That irritated Nebraska a little. He had spent too much time with no friends because of his dad. “I don’t want another father. King is only a friend. You’re the one I love. You’re the only one for me.”

Cree didn’t look reassured.

Nebraska couldn’t stand the tension in the air. He stroked Cree’s stomach and lured him closer. His gaze never wavered from Cree’s. “I ache for the moments when I have you to myself. Can I just enjoy this moment with you?”

Cree shook his head, as if physically trying to shake off his mood. A smile tugged at his lips. He dragged Nebraska closer, finding his way between Nebraska’s thighs. “You’re the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me.” He brought Nebraska’s hand to shape his erection through his pants. “I ache for you too.”

Power surged through Nebraska. “I can help with that.” He slid Cree’s zipper down while holding his stare. A thrill ran through him at the idea of having Cree in a place where anyone could catch them at any time. Each day, he learned something new about himself. He would make love to Cree anywhere. As long as they had each other, everything else would be fine.

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