Page 20 of Fiendish Ways

Cree nodded again. “Okay. Sounds good. Maybe around one. Does that sound good?”

Nebraska nodded. “I’ll be ready.”

Cree took a step back. “Okay. I guess I’ll see you then.”

“See you then.” Nebraska forced himself to go inside and shut the door. He lost the battle against looking out the window. Nebraska watched Cree head back to his SUV. Cree sat in the driveway longer than necessary. Nebraska couldn’t decide if he wanted Cree to jump out and come back. Finally, the SUV moved. Nebraska took a step back.

He eyed the cabin that was devoid of life. The loose hairs on his skin got him moving. He needed a shower to wash away the itchiness.

Nebraska headed for the bathroom. He fired the shower to life and undressed while the water heated. Steam filled the air, making Nebraska realize he had gotten lost in his head for a minute. His gaze accidentally collided with the mirror. He didn’t look at himself often. Nebraska supposed his hair looked better now. It wasn’t as fluffy and wild. He had never liked what he saw when he looked at himself. Nebraska was too skinny. He didn’t like his nose. His dad had broken it too many times. There was a scar through his left eyebrow. Hair wouldn’t grow there. He had an ugly, jagged scar on his chest where his dad had tried cutting his heart out with a broken beer bottle one night. He was a roadmap of unfortunate memories. Too many times, he had wondered what Cree saw in him. Nebraska’s chest expanded on a deep breath. Listening to Cree’s apologies had been hard, because Nebraska knew the truth. He was every bit as broken.

Nebraska headed inside the shower, determined to wash away the ugly thoughts. He closed his eyes and dipped his head beneath the water. Hot streams rolled down his skin. Cree’s face filled his mind. A sudden memory hit. Hot water and soap had streamed between their bodies. Cree had held Nebraska’s stare as he washed every inch of Nebraska’s skin. His chest filled with something he couldn’t name. The way Cree had watched him still heated his skin. His cock stirred. He had never felt sexier or more powerful than when Cree looked at him. There was always so much heat. So much passion. He could feel Cree’s desire. It was empowering in a way Nebraska hadn’t experienced before him.

Nebraska’s hand slid down his body. He kept his eyes closed as he palmed his erection. Damn. He missed Cree’s hands. Nebraska craved Cree’s mouth. Cree did things with that perfect mouth that Nebraska hadn’t known was possible before him. Nebraska stroked, wishing it was Cree touching him. He had gone months without touching himself. Nebraska had been too raw. Any time his body stirred, the shame hit. Not this time. This time, he saw Cree’s face in his head and longed for Cree’s huge, hard body. When they had been together, he had spent a ridiculous amount of time picturing himself riding that cock. He hadn’t appreciated how perfect it had been fucking those abs instead. Nebraska missed the times he had ridden Cree’s thigh while Cree held his stare and praised him. He stroked himself as he remembered the heated kisses. The sweat. The love. Nebraska pressed his forehead against the shower wall. His eyes burned even as his body begged for release. Pressure climbed his shaft while loss filled his soul. Tears fell as Nebraska came. He pumped out every drop while he silently pleaded for the pain to end. Nebraska wanted the old Cree back. He wanted to be healed.

Chapter Twelve

Cree presented himself at exactly one o’clock. He had barely slept from overthinking and the excitement. Plus, he had never gotten used to his empty bed. Cree didn’t get the chance to knock. He was halfway to the door when it opened, and Nebraska stepped outside. Cree immediately knew something had shifted between them. Nebraska was all genuine smiles. He looked happy to see Cree. The air felt lighter as Nebraska skipped his way.

“I’m going to drive.”

Cree laughed at Nebraska’s excitement. “You know, most people are nervous about getting on the road for the first time.”

Nebraska shrugged. “Technically, it’s not my very first time. I took driver’s ed in school. So I’ve driven like four times for maybe ten minutes each.”

“That’s good. Then you know how to get started.” He passed his keys Nebraska’s way.

With a squeal, Nebraska raced to the driver’s side. Cree shook his head and followed at a slower pace. He liked watching Nebraska. When they were piled into the SUV, Nebraska turned serious. He made a show of adjusting the mirrors and seat. Cree sighed. It would take him forever to get everything right again. It was worth it to see Nebraska happy.

Nebraska turned bright eyes his way, looking excited. “Are you ready? Buckle your seatbelt.”

Cree pulled his seatbelt over his shoulder. He didn’t usually wear one in case he had to bail out and kick ass. Cree wanted Nebraska to feel in control, so he did what he asked.

Finally, Nebraska put the SUV in gear. With his tongue between his teeth, Nebraska slowly turned the SUV around in the driveway and headed for the road. He moved extra slowly and sat too close to the wheel. Cree said nothing. It was important Nebraska felt comfortable. Nebraska sat at the mouth of the driveway and watched for cars. They didn’t get much traffic on this road, since it was mostly Archer’s property, but they got deliveries and such.

“Good job not taking it for granted that no one was coming.” Cree tried being encouraging.

Nebraska smiled as he eased out onto the road. Cree’s gaze never wavered from him. If he made Nebraska uncomfortable, he didn’t say anything. Cree imagined he was too hyperfocused on the road to notice. Nebraska creeped his way to Archer’s place. He pulled into the driveway only long enough to turn around and head back again.

“You’re doing great.”

Nebraska never stopped smiling. He pulled back into his driveway and headed for the house. Panic hit Cree from nowhere. “Are you done already? We can stay out as long as you’d like.”

“I think that’s good for today. It’s already almost one thirty and I haven’t had lunch. I didn’t want to eat without you, and I know you. You haven’t eaten since last night.”

Cree’s shoulders relaxed. “Oh. Okay. What did you have in mind?”

Nebraska flashed him a smile as he put the SUV in park. “I’m making us lunch.”

“All right.” Cree didn’t know Nebraska knew how to cook, but he was game. As long as he got to stay in Nebraska’s company, he would do anything.

Together, they headed inside. Side by side, they took off their shoes. Nebraska set Cree’s keys on the table and headed for the kitchen. Cree followed.

“What’s on the menu and can I help?”

Nebraska motioned toward a stool at the island in the center of the kitchen. “Just sit. I’m trying something new.”

Cree did as instructed.

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