Worth the Price Read online

  Certain the other man wouldn’t be returning, Wicked took the same key and stepped in. He’d never been in the assassin’s personal space, but this plain and dumpy-looking apartment didn’t belong to his rival. Knowing how obsessed Frank was with his privacy and Frank’s hard-to-beat security systems, Wicked never bothered breaking in to Frank’s place.

  Taking a cursory look, Wicked was careful not to touch anything. The framed pictures in the living room caught his attention. A gay couple stared back at him from most of the collection, sickeningly happy and wearing identical grins. There was a story here. Wicked had a nose for these things. The last photo at the end of the shelf was the same plain and boring man, wearing a black suit. Behind the young man was a grave.

  No Frank, though. Who was this guy to Frank?

  “Wait a fucking second,” Wicked muttered, grabbing the frame.

  A closer examination confirmed his suspicions. This was the same guy who accidentally walked into Frank’s murder site. Wicked never forgot a face. After taking note of Frank chasing the witness down, he decided to end the night with a beer and fuck elsewhere.

  Now he wished he confirmed Frank’s kill. Setting the frame down, he exited the apartment. What now?

  He needed more information.

  Wicked returned to his rented apartment. It was a shitty place, infested with roaches and had a leaking room, but it had a perfect view of Frank’s bedroom. The curtains were closed, last he’d checked. Not tonight. A slender figure stood with his back pressed against the windows, arms wrapped around himself. Frank never brought anyone to his place, Wicked knew. He’d been stalking Frank for quite some time now, studying the cold and emotionless predator, wondering what Frank had that he didn’t possess.

  Grabbing his binoculars from the nearby table, he peered out the windows. A second shadow appeared in the room—Frank with the little dog. The slender man turned, mouth opening to a wide “o” of surprise.

  He finally had a perfect view of Frank’s guest, confirming his suspicions.

  The mutt leapt from Frank’s arms to the other man’s, making Frank’s guest laugh. It was then Frank leaned over, sealing his lips over the other man. The guy resisted at first, but not for long.

  Wicked had never seen that expression on Frank’s face before—so open and tender as fuck. The emotions on both their faces made him want to gag.

  Wicked smirked. The duo walked out of the bedroom and scavenged for food in the kitchen to feed the mutt. With that deed done, the two returned to the bedroom, unable to take their eyes off each other.

  Who knew a dog could do so much damage?

  “Fuck me,” he muttered to himself, hardly believing his eyes.

  He finally found Frank’s weakness.

  Chapter Seven

  The kiss burned, making Lex forget about everything else. Frank had been out for nearly two hours. He watched the wall clock. Hell, he counted the seconds. For a moment back there, he actually thought some other assassin took care of Frank and was about to zero in on his location.

  He didn’t know what came over him, why he kissed Frank before instead of pushing away.

  It was the little thoughtful things and how they added up, like the fact Frank made him dinner and retrieved Patches. Maybe he deceived himself into believing all the little lies Frank told him.

  Stockholm Syndrome certainly did a number on him, but Lex didn’t care.

  Being alone in Frank’s apartment reminded him of spending weekends alone in his own place. Eventually, the loneliness caught up to him. He’d wander into the living room and waste away the rest of the evening, staring at the photos of Dom and him.

  His brief days with Dom were the best days of his life.

  Lately, all he’d been having were bad ones.

  Part of him wished Frank would lie. Tell him it wasn’t safe to go out yet.

  His train of thoughts evaporated when Frank tugged at the hem of his shirt and Lex lifted his hands so Frank could take it off. Some kind of demon must have taken possession of his body, because Lex slipped a hand under Frank’s shirt. He trailed his fingers over Frank’s left pectoral, noting Frank’s steady heartbeat. It was a contrast to his own racing heart.

  “Missed me?” Frank asked, once he parted from Lex’s lips.

  “I was scared you wouldn’t return.”

  Frank laughed. “There might be plenty of big monsters out there, but I’m one of them.”

  “Arrogant bastard.” Lex wondered why he said the words with a hint of tenderness.

  He was lonely, maybe Frank was too. Perhaps they needed each other tonight and someday, this—whatever this was, could evolve into something else.

  “Well?” Lex asked.

  Frank put a finger to his lips, but Lex was all for voluntary silence. “I’ll tell you later. Don’t spoil this.”

  “Okay. I want you out of this shirt,” Lex insisted.

  Frank let him unbutton the rest of the shirt, looking at him differently. “Something changed tonight. Before I left you, you were angry. Looked like you would murder me in my sleep.”

  “I’m going to seduce you. Once your guards are down, I’ll smash something over your head and make my escape.” Lex began to put his hands on those gleaming rock-hard muscles, but Frank easily caught his wrists.

  “There’s no need for that.”

  Lex swallowed the lump in his throat. “You mean—” Lex faltered and miraculously found his voice. “You spoiled it.”

  “If we’re doing this, Lex. I want you to be here because you want to be, not because you’re my captive.”

  “But you brought Patches,” Lex said. “I thought that implied it wasn’t safe to go home.”

  “I took your dog to show I’m sorry for kidnapping you.”

  “You’re fucked up.”

  Frank’s smile didn’t falter. “You like fucked up.”

  Lex admitted he did. Frank released his hands. With so much to touch and explore, Lex settled for running his hand down Frank’s chest. The assassin said nothing, merely let him play. He reached the brickwork of Frank’s abs, wondering how much time Frank spent time at the gym to stay in top form.

  Fuck, but he wondered at a lot of things.

  If he was free to go, was this a one-time thing?

  How would it be, to date an assassin?

  “What’s going on in that little head of yours, baby?”

  Lex shook his head. “Don’t call me that, you haven’t earned the right.”

  Frank hooked his fingers into his belt buckles, dragging him close until their chests touched. Lex’s skin was fever-hot.

  “Someday, I’ll get there,” Frank whispered against his ear, making him shiver.

  Was there really a someday, or was Frank toying with him?

  What did it matter? If Lex only had one night, he’d make good use of it. The sound of his zipper being pulled down startled him. In seconds, Frank yanked his jeans and boxers down. The sight of the other man kneeling, eying his package sent blood surging to his dick.

  “Let’s get this off you,” Frank said.

  Lex stepped out of his jeans, unsure of what to say as Frank slid his hands up his calves, thighs, and leaned in close to blow at his glistening tip.

  “W-what are you doing?”

  “What does it look like?”

  “You’re giving me head?” With Dom, Lex was always on the giving end. The sight of the powerful killer between his legs was something he wouldn’t easily forget.

  “Don’t be nervous.” Frank slipped his tongue out, licking at the pre-cum on his tip.

  Moaning, needing something to hold onto, Lex speared his fingers into Frank’s hair. The killer didn’t seem to mind.

  “Yummy,” Frank told him.

  Lex suspected it was simply to see him blush. Far from done teasing, Frank tongued his slit, moving his tongue from crown to base. Not neglecting his balls, Frank sucked at each one too. Lex wasn’t sure how long he’d last.

  Inside, he was a turm
oil of emotions.

  One night kept repeating in his head, for some reason.

  It occurred to Lex this one time wasn’t sufficient. He wanted more. More intimate moments with Frank, more time to get to know each other. Lex didn’t just want tonight to end with Frank’s dick sheathed inside him, claiming him. What happened after mattered too.

  Breakfast in bed. Movies. Sunday picnics in the park. That sort of thing.

  Frank had it wrong. Lex was the one fucked up in the head.

  The moment Frank took his prick between his lips, Lex lost his ability to think. The killer applied careful suction with every inch he covered. Lex nearly came, but held back, not wanting to ruin the moment. Frank bobbed his head up and down.

  In moments, Lex was buckling, pleading for release.

  “Frank, I’m going to shoot,” he confessed.

  Frank pulled his mouth away, devilish grin on his face. “Not yet, you don’t have my permission to come.”

  “You can’t be serious.”

  “I am.” Frank rose to his feet, cupping his cheek. By now, Lex was certain his cheeks and neck were red. “Red’s a good color on you, baby.”

  “What do you expect me to say to that?” Lex demanded.

  “Come,” Frank replied simply, holding out his hand.

  Looking at the assassin distrustfully, Lex made up his mind and closed his fingers over Frank. The assassin led him to the edge of the bed and bid him to sit, drawing his attention to Frank’s erection, still straining against the zipper of Frank’s jeans.

  Reaching out, he unbuttoned Frank’s jeans, unzipped him, and drew out Frank’s dick. Lex almost forgot how huge Frank was.

  “You want my cock, baby?”

  This time, Lex didn’t react to the nickname. For tonight, he could pretend Frank really meant the term of endearment. He could pretend he belonged to Frank.

  Since Frank’s question demanded a response, Lex leaned forward and snuck a kiss on Frank’s cockhead.

  Groaning, Frank wove his fingers through Lex’s hair and tugged him close. “Get me ready.”

  Eager to hear this man groan under his tender loving care, Lex gave Frank head the killer would never forget. It didn’t take long. Lex trailed his tongue over Frank’s veined length, savoring the taste of him. He used teeth too—which the killer liked, judging by the soft snarl that slipped from Frank’s throat.

  Using his hair as a handle, Frank guided Lex’s face away from his prick. By now, the monster between Frank’s legs hung long, thick, and ready for action.

  Knowing what came next, excitement hummed though his veins.

  “I need you in me,” Lex stated. He could see the words pleased Frank. Never before did he want anything so badly in his life. “How do you want me?”

  Frank had an answer ready. “On your back. I want to see your expression when I make you come.”

  Lying on Frank’s soft sheets, Lex craned his neck to see Frank disappear into the bathroom. Seconds later, Frank reappeared with lube and condom in hand. Positioning himself between Lex’s legs, Frank broke the foil and slipped the condom down his shaft.

  “I’ve been dreaming of sinking my cock into you ever since we met,” Frank said, rubbing at Lex’s belly. “Look at you, so fucking perfect.”

  “Stop making me blush.”

  “I’m only telling the fucking truth.” Frank ran his hand down his inner thigh, making him shiver.

  “Enough teasing, please. I don’t think I can last.” It was the truth. By now, Lex’s dick was close to bursting.

  Uncapping the lube, Frank worked some into his fingers and added a generous amount into Lex’s ass. Lex moaned at the feel of Frank’s finger. Adding in a second digit, the killer curled, brushing against his gland. He squirmed when Frank did it again.

  “That feels so good,” Lex managed.

  “This is nothing.” With a third finger, Frank began widening him for his access. All the while, Frank kept eye contact, intensifying the experience.

  “You’re ready,” Frank declared. “Don’t worry, baby. I’m going to go slow, make sure you’re used to me.”

  “I’m not worried. I trust you.” Lex didn’t know where those words came from, but he believed in them.

  Frank looked startled. “You shouldn’t. I’m not a good guy, Lex.”

  “You take lives. You protected mine. There’s good in you too.” Lex’s mouth was dry, but he managed to put the words out there. “I want you.”

  “I’m really liking this side of you. Maybe that’s all I need to do. Get you all vulnerable. Strip you bare, so there’s nothing to hide.”

  Frank nipped at the side of his neck, and planted a kiss on his pulse point, before moving downwards. Lex felt the imprint of Frank’s kisses, imagining each one left imprints on his skin. Going lower, Frank took his left nipple into his mouth and sucked. Lex buckled, crying out softly as Frank bit down.

  “Look at that,” Frank said, eying his work. “You’re mine.”

  Lex shivered at the possessive words. He could get used to hearing them, except one night was all they had.

  “Fuck me already.”

  Frank lifted his legs over his shoulders and positioned his cock head into his entrance. Knowing he needed something to hold onto, Lex clawed at the sheets. Frank slipped in, slow and steady. It burned, but it was a good kind of burn, one that promised pleasure after.

  He gritted his teeth.

  “Fuck, baby. You’re so tight. Relax.” Frank’s commands soothed him.

  Once Frank passed his tight ring of muscles, it hurt a lot less. Finally, Frank was balls deep in him. He breathed, aware of how Frank stretched him completely. Frank blanketed his body over his and took his lips. All Lex was aware of was their entwined bodies and the kiss.

  “Ready?” Frank asked.

  “Ride me.”

  Frank tightened his grip on Lex’s hips and began to move. The killer began with slow and easy strokes at first. Lex wanted more. When morning came, he wanted to feel all the aches of tonight’s passion. Lex wanted reminders, for the marks to last for days.

  “Faster, please.” Lex no longer cared how desperate he sounded.

  And Frank complied. With each thrust, Frank picked up the pace. He also went deeper, breaching his most intimate places and reducing them both to pants.

  Lex clutched at Frank’s shoulders, leaving half-crescent marks there, but Frank didn’t seem to care. Frank shifted the angle of his hips and hit his sweet spot. Back arching, Lex gasped, his eyes wide with pleasure.

  With a half-smile on his lips, Frank aimed for his prostate repeatedly, driving him to the edge.

  “Please.”

  “Say it again,” Frank managed, stealing a kiss from him.

  “I’m going to shoot. Let me come, please.”

  “Go ahead. Give me your surrender, baby.” Frank reached for Lex’s prick and began to pump him with furious strokes.

  The combined sensation of Frank hammering in and out of him and Frank’s fingers holding his prick captive was too much to handle.

  Frank sheathed inside his ass one last time, hurtling Lex to oblivion. Head reeling, Lex exploded, leaving a trail of cum across Frank’s stomach and abs. The killer tightened his grip on him. Several more thrusts and Frank reached orgasm, collapsing on top of him after.

  They didn’t move or say anything for the next couple of moments. Frank fingered the bite mark over Lex’s nipple. The bud tingled under Frank’s touch.

  “Fucking perfect,” Frank said, perfectly summing up their evening.

  Their bodies were still locked together, and Lex didn’t want to part. It was stupid, but Lex wasn’t sated, not completely. He wanted to end every day with Frank’s dick buried in him and start each one the same way. If Lex pushed his imagination harder, he wanted to wake up early to make breakfast for them both. Wish Frank good luck and see his boyfriend off.

  No. Thinking about what could never be hurt like hell.

  In a few hours, they would go thei
r separate ways. Lex refused to think about that. The night wasn’t over yet. Frank got off him and peeled off the condom and disposed of it. To his surprise, the killer offered his hand.

  “Shower sex?” Frank said with a suggestive wiggle of his eyebrows.

  Unable to help himself, Lex laughed. He felt a little sore, but his dick woke at those words.

  “Definitely.”

  Chapter Eight

  Lex woke in strange sheets. Not strange, he remembered a second later, smile forming on his lips. Sex with Frank was mind-blowing. The cuddling was nothing to laugh at either. Frank fitted right next to him like the missing piece of a puzzle. Turning on his side, Lex groped for his cuddle buddy. Finding nothing but empty space, he opened his eyes to slits.

  Waking up wasn’t a priority. Where was Frank?

  Lex flopped back to his side of his bed, grabbing Frank’s head pillow for vengeance. He intended to go back to sleep, but something small jumped on the bed and wormed its way to his chest.

  Patches licked at his face, doggy eyes alert.

  “It’s too early, bud,” he mumbled.

  Patches let out an eager bark. He groaned when Patches slobbered on him.

  “I’m up.” Lex sat up, rubbing at Patches’s belly. Pitching his voice louder, he called, “Frank?”

  No answer. Getting off the bed, he opened the drawer next to the bed. Frank wouldn’t mind him borrowing a pair of sweats. Once dressed, he exited the room with Patches in his arms. It didn’t take him long to check the other areas of the house. Frank was gone. Silence permeated the space. In the kitchen, he noticed two empty bowls on the floor. Frank must have fed Patches before he left.

  His heart warmed up a little, but it was short-lived.

  Finally noticing the small note on the living room table made him queasy. Beside the paper were his wallet, inhaler, cell phone and the rest of his belongings. Why did he have a feeling that was a farewell note?

  Deciding it was now or never, Lex walked to table. The message wasn’t long.

  “I had a good time last night. I’ve done a second check. You’re free to go,” he read the words out loud, outraged Frank didn’t even have the gall to tell him to leave face-to-face. Patches looked at him earnestly. He huffed.