Page 21 of Fiendish Ways

Nebraska moved to the refrigerator and grabbed two grape sodas. He sat one in front of Cree. Cree popped the tab, but his gaze never left Nebraska. “So you haven’t had any trouble getting what you need, right? I can go to the store for you anytime you want. Just send me a list.”

“It’s been fine.” Nebraska opened the door, showing a full pantry. He grabbed a few things and shut the door. “I’ve been doing jobs for Archer and he’s ridiculously generous. I’ve also mastered the skill of getting things delivered.”

“Archer isn’t being generous. Whatever you do for him makes him a million times more money than he gives you. He’s buying your silence.”

Nebraska shrugged. “It’s not like I’m going anywhere or have anything else to offer. Working ten minutes here and there for gangster bucks is way better than any prospects I had for my future.”

“I just don’t want you to have any illusions. There’s a reason this cabin is empty.”

Nebraska pulled a rotisserie chicken from the fridge and started shredding it. “Since you brought it up, tell me about it. I’m super fascinated. It’s been fun digging through his things. There’re some crazy interesting things here, but his clothes are still in the closet and dresser. His toothbrush is still in the bathroom. It was like a time capsule when I walked in here.”

“This place belonged to Journey. He was Archer’s last tech guy.”

Nebraska nodded while keeping his gaze locked on his task. “I’m not surprised. There’re some impressive computer components here. I could hack the pentagon with the system he left behind. Is he dead?”

Nebraska didn’t sound scared. Of course, people like them didn’t expect to live long or die well. “No. Archer is not the only powerful man out there. In fact, he’s a small fish compared to some of the other players in the US. It seems Journey’s husband is friends with one of the biggest. Archer was warned to let Journey go so he could be with his husband free and clear. He did, but Journey had to leave with only the clothes on his back.”

“What’s his husband like? Is he involved in dirty money too?”

A bark of laughter burst from Cree. “That depends on what you consider dirty. He owns the biggest porn production company in the US.”

That got Nebraska’s attention. He looked Cree’s way. “Lucky guy.”

Cree snorted. “Which one? Journey or Chad?”

Nebraska’s eyebrows rose. “Chad? That’s unfortunate in this day and age. I meant Journey. He got to marry the man he loves. That makes this time capsule twice as special. It’s his sacrifice.”

That wasn’t what Cree expected. He should have, though. Nebraska was a romantic. It hit Cree. That was what he should have tried harder to be. He should have had candlelight dinners and spread rose petals on the bed. Cree should have drawn bubble baths and bought jewelry. He should have gotten down on one knee and begged for forever.

A plate appeared in front of Cree. He blinked. Cree had spaced out, lost in his thoughts, and missed the prep work. It was chicken salad. He could see walnuts and grapes. “This looks delicious.”

Nebraska smiled like it was the highest of compliments. “I enjoy making stuff. Since I’ve been ordering whatever I want, I’ve gotten to experiment and have fun with it. I’m surprisingly good at it, I think.”

Cree took a bite and savored the deliciousness before he responded. “This is amazing. Why did you sound surprised at your talent? I think you’re amazing at everything you touch.”

Nebraska took a bite. He didn’t respond, but his blush told Cree he was happy. Cree wanted to be the person who built Nebraska up instead of tearing him down. This was important to him. He had to put in the work.

“I’m glad you’re happy here. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.”

“It’s quiet.” He looked around, as if uncomfortable again. Finally, he met Cree’s stare. “All I ever wanted was to be your soft space. Making you happy was the best part of me. It was the first time I felt like I mattered at all. So, yeah. I guess all I ever wanted was for you to be happy too.”

“Go to therapy with me.” The words were out before he could stop. Since it was too late, he continued. “I do online sessions and I had one last night. We were going over my day, and my therapist said we should think about doing some sessions together and apart.” Cree shrugged. “I don’t know. It seems to help. I want us to be better.”

Nebraska nodded. “Okay.”

“Okay,” Cree repeated. He went back to eating. Again, it was a step in the right direction. He would take it.

After lunch, they went for a walk. Cree didn’t rush away, thankfully. He stayed after their walk and they talked about nothing, but it felt like everything. When dinner rolled around, Cree helped him cook. They ate at the island again. This time, the tension was higher. Their gazes kept meeting and then sliding away. Nebraska recognized the heat that boiled between them.

After they ate, Cree washed the dishes. Nebraska had tried to convince him just to put them in the dishwasher. Since Cree was adamant, Nebraska let him have his way. As he watched, he was glad he hadn’t put up a fight. It was a sexy sight, watching him dry dishes and put them away. Before Nebraska realized what he would do, his body molded against Cree’s back. He kissed him between the shoulder blades and held tight. Cree stood completely still, as if he feared breaking the spell. Nebraska couldn’t move away. Cree’s warmth felt too real. He didn’t want to rush. Nebraska was fucking terrified. But he also loved Cree and he couldn’t control that.

“I want to turn around and hold you, but I don’t want to scare you.”

Nebraska hid a smile against Cree’s back. “I’m not afraid.”

Cree turned. His arms encircled Nebraska. Nebraska inhaled, savoring the scent of Cree’s cologne. Cree kissed the top of Nebraska’s head. Nebraska turned his face up without a single care. It was second nature to seek Cree’s kisses. Their lips met. For a moment, they simply clung while Nebraska’s heart tried doing cartwheels. Then his lips parted as Cree's tongue slid across his bottom lip. Still, their kiss stayed soft, seeking. His feet left the floor as Cree lifted him higher. Nebraska wrapped his legs around Cree’s waist. Cree carried him to the island and set him on top. Nebraska imagined it didn’t hurt his back as much. He was ridiculously smaller than Cree.

Cree pulled away enough to press his forehead against Nebraska’s. They stayed like that. Cree kept his eyes closed while Nebraska couldn’t get enough of staring.

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