Hidden Force

PhotographyandcoverartbyLesByerley.

ElectronicbookPublicationNovember2007

Thisbookmaynotbereproducedorusedinwholeorinpartbyanymeansexistingwithoutwritten
permissionfromthepublisher,Ellora’sCavePublishing,Inc.®1056HomeAvenue,AkronOH44310-
3502.

Thisbookisaworkoffictionandanyresemblancetopersons,livingordead,orplaces,eventsor
localesispurelycoincidental.Thecharactersareproductionsoftheauthors’imaginationandused
fictitiously.

HIDDENFORCE

ShaylaKersten

Acknowledgement

ToMeganKeransandCynthiaD’Alba.

TrademarksAcknowledgement

Theauthoracknowledgesthetrademarkedstatusandtrademarkownersofthefollowingwordmarks
mentionedinthisworkoffiction:Lexus:ToyotaJidoshaKabushikiKaishaTAToyotaMotorCorporation

HiddenForce

ChapterOne

Theyoungmangroanedashisbrutalizedfleshhittheicypavement.Hismindcriedoutforhelpbuthis
rawthroatwouldn’tletsoundform.

Screechingtiresandthesmellofburningrubberhauntedhissenses.Hisswolleneyescouldn’topen
enoughtoseethefleeingcar.

Reliefspreadthroughhimforabriefmoment.Histormentorwasgone.Butreliefpassedintodespair.
Alone,nakedagainstthefreezingconcrete,hispainfadedintothelongshadowsofthenight.

*****

MemphishomicidedetectiveTonyCostastoodinthechillearlymorningair.Hisbreathhungoverthe
dead,nakedformofayoungblondman.Vacantblueeyesaccusedandchallengedhim.

“Tony!”JeffPayton’svoicecutthroughthemurmurofthecrowdgatheringattheendofthealley.

Tonyturnedandwatchedashispartnerduckedundertheyellowtapeacrossthenarrowentrance.Thetall
blackmanstrodedownthemiddleofthealleywiththecrimesceneteamfollowinginhiswake.

“Anotherone.”Tonyturnedbacktothepale,stillform.ThecloudyJanuarymorningskyfilteredadull
graylightthatmatchedhismood.Alightflurryofsnowswirledaroundtheyoungman’sbodyadding
insulttoinjury.

Jeff’sfootstepsstoppednexttohim.

“Justlikethelasttwo.”ThelasttwosimilardeathsleftanacheinTony’sstomachhecouldn’tshake.

OneofthecrimesceneinvestigatorsmotionedJeffandTonyoutoftheway.

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ThesnapandwhirlofthecamerastartledTonyoutofhisreverie.“WeneedtofollowupattheParadiso
wheretheothertwowereseen.”

Thegaybarwheresomeonewaspickingupyoungblondmenthenkillingthem.

*****

RyanNilssonflippedthewatertaptooffthenyankedtheshowercurtainopen.Ashesteppedout,steam
swirledandcurledaroundhisdrippingbody.Usingacornerofhistowel,hewipedthefogfromthe
mirror.Thesqueakingsoundoftheterryclothonthewetglassnearlydrownedthesoundofhisapartment
doorclickingshut.

Hegrabbedhisrobefromthehook.Wrappingthethick,warmclotharoundhisdampbody,heeasedthe

bathroomdooropen.Hisinstinctswarnedhimtobecautiousbuthismindremindedhimthatonlyone
personhadaccesstohisapartment.

“Ryan,”Tony’sdeepvoiceboomeddownthehall.

“Inthebathroom.”Ryanpushedthedoorshutbeforethecolddraftenteredhiswarmdomain.

Urgentfootstepsclattereddownwoodenfloorofthehallway.Withonlytheshortwarningclickofthe
latch,thedoorpushedin.

“Wha—”Ryandidn’thavetimetofinishhiswordsbeforeTony’shardbodyknockedhimagainstthe
wall.Thedoorslammedshut.Roughlipscoveredhis.Shakingfingerstoreatthebeltofhisrobethen
pulledawaythewarmmaterial.

Tony’slongcoatcarriedthechilloftheearlyMemphismorning.Scratchywoolpressedagainsthisskin.
ColdhandsslidupRyan’sbackandpulledhimintoatightembrace.

DesperateneedinTony’seyeskeptRyanfrompushinghimawayoraskinganyquestions.

ThethrillofTony’sroughdesiresentheatscorchingthroughhim.Hiscockrespondedwithrecordspeed.
Anacheoflongingclutchedathisthroatashisballstightenedinsurprisedanticipation.

HiddenForce

Althoughthey’dbeenloversforoverayear,Tonyrarelyinstigatedsex.Andthosefewtimeshiscourage
hadcomefromseveralbottlesofbeer.InwhatRyanthoughtwasdenialoverhisattractiontoamanTony
justletthingshappen.Butrightnow…

Acallousedhandslidoverhiswaistthendownhisstomach.Fingerscombedthroughhisdamppubichair
thenclutchedhiscock.Lipskissedamoistlinedownhisjawtothecurvewherehisneckmethis
shoulder.

AshudderofexcitementracedthroughRyan.HishandsslidaroundTony’sneckandheldhimtight.His
lover’sclean,coldscentaddedtotherushofpleasure.

“Wantyou…”

Ryanalmostmissedthewordswhisperedagainsthisskin.“Youhaveme.”HekissedthesideofTony’s
throat.“Whatareyougoingtodowithme?”

AnagonizedmoanvibratedagainstRyan’sskin.Withoutaword,Tonyslidtohisknees.

Moist,moltenheatengulfedRyan’slength.Long,deepstrokespushedhimfasttotheedge.Fingers
wrappedaroundthebaseofhiscock,tightenoughtoholdbackhisgrowingexcitement.

RyancuppedTony’shead.Frigidearswarmedinhispalms.Alargehandgrippedhisthighandtugged.
Encouraged,Ryanflexedhishipsinaslow,rollingmotion.

Gruntedmoansvibratedaroundhiscock.ThepushandpullofTony’shandkeptRyanmoving.Heraked
hisfingersthroughTony’sshortbrownhair.

Sweetheataroundhiscockmadetherapidlycoolingroomseemcolder.Ashiversweptthroughhim,a
mixofchillanddesire.

Tony’smouthpulledaway,releasingRyan’sdickwithanaudiblepop.Beforetheheatdissipated,Tony’s
bodypressedhimtightagainstthewall.“Needyou,”Tonymurmured.“Now…”

ShaylaKersten

RyanslippedhisfingersaroundTony’sbeltandflippedtheleatherthroughthebuckle.Whenhetuggedthe
buttonfree,hishandbrushedthetipofTony’sengorgedcock.Theraspofhiszippersoundedloudinthe
quietbathroom.

Thedarkbrowneyescrinkledatthecornersashispanicsoftened.Tonyleanedforwardandcovered
Ryan’smouth.Softkissessodifferentfromonlymomentsago,agentlemouthnippedatRyanlips.

Throughtightcottonbriefs,theheatofTony’slengthwarmedRyan’shand.AgaspofbreathteasedRyan’s
lipswhenhesqueezedthethickflesh.

“Ohyeah…”Tony’shandstightenedonRyan’swaist.Hishipsundulated,pressinghiscockintoRyan’s
palm.

AsurgeofdesireswelledthroughRyanwithanachesodeepitstolehisbreath.HeneededTonysomuch
hehurt.Inspiteoftheunexpectedvisit,heknewTonydidn’twantthesamethingsRyandid.

ToTonytheirrelationshipwasaboutsex,aboutareleaseoftension,afriendshipwithbenefits.Atfirst
Ryandidn’tmindbuthisemotionscreptintothesceneandnow…

Ryanbittheinsideofhischeek,stoppingforbiddenwordsfromescaping.Insteadheignoredthepainin
hischestandturnedthetablesonhislover.

GrabbingTony’scoatlapels,Ryanwhirledhimaround.Slamminghisbackagainstthewall,heyanked
Tony’sshirtupthendroppedtohiskneesbeforeTonycouldcatchhisbreathandretaliate.

WhenRyantuggedthesoftcottonbriefsdown,Tony’sthickcocksprangfree.Thestickytipbrushed
againstRyancheek.

Wrappinghishandaroundthehardflesh,helickedhiswayaroundthesilkycrown.Hesavoredthebitter
tasteofpre-comeforabriefsecondbeforesuckingthehotcockdeepinhismouth.

HiddenForce

Fingerscurledinhishairandtightenedalmosttothepointofpain.Tony’sraggedbreathincludedsoft

moansofencouragement.

Ryanpulledbackandkissedthetip.“Whatdoyouwant?”Hekissedtheundersideofthecrownthen
lickeddownthethickveinrunningtowardthebaseofTony’scock.

AharshgroanwasTony’sonlyanswer.

“Wannafuckme?”Ryanaskedbeforehewrappedhislipsaroundtheheadandsuckedhard.

“God,yes…”Tony’sbodyjerkedforward.HisfingersyankedRyan’shair.

Ryanletthehotcockslipfromhismouth.Ashestood,hegraspedthefrontofTony’scoatandpulledhim
towardhim.Withonehandclutchingthescratchywool,hereachedbehindhimwiththeotherandopened
thedoor.

Tony’smouthcaughthis.Offbalanced,theystumbledintothehall.Bouncingfromonewalltotheother,
knockingpicturesaskew,theystaggereddownthenarrowcorridor.Ryan’sfingersflippedthebuttonsof
Tony’sshirtthroughthebuttonholes.ThedoortoRyan’sbedroomstoodopen,thebedsheetsrumpledand
unmadeasifwaitingforthem.

SlidinghishandsbetweenTony’ssuitjacketandhisshirt,Ryanpushedbothjacketandcoatdownhis
arms.Thepileofmaterialfelltothefloorintheirwake.

Ryan’sbackwardshufflecametoahardstopagainstthebed.YankingtherestofTony’sshirtfreeofhis
slacks,RyanpushedthelightmaterialoffTony’sback.

NowwarmhandsslippedaroundRyan’sneckandsliddownhisback.Hisrobesliddownhisshoulders.
HereleasedhisholdonTonylongenoughtoshrugoutofthebulkycloth.

Nakedbeforehishalf-clothedandveryarousedlover,Ryangrinned.Nothowheexpectedtostarthisday,
buthewasn’tabouttocomplain.

Tony’sgazeroamedupanddownhisbody.Hiseyescloudedbeforerapidblinkingclearedthem.

ShaylaKersten

Somethingwasn’tquiterightbuttalkingwouldwait.

TonypushedRyanontothebed.Withhisslacksdroopingaroundhiships,Tonystrodeovertothe
nightstand.Heyankedthedrawerhard,almostpullingitoffitsgroovedtracks.Retrievingacondomanda
bottleoflubefromthebackofthedrawer,heclimbedonthebed.TossinghisfindsnexttoRyan,he
crawledacrossthemattress.

HardkissesbruisedRyan’slipsasaneagerhandstrokedhiscock.Beforehecouldgentleeithermotion,
Ryanfoundhimselfpushedoverontohisstomach.

Thesnapofthelubecapwarnedhimbeforeacold,slickfingerpushedbetweenthecheeksofhisass.A

thickfingerpushedintohispassagefollowedquicklybyasecond.

TheroughentryburnedbutRyankeptquiet.

Somedemonwasridinghisloverthismorning.Ryanwouldgivehimwhateverheneededtoexorciseit.

TonypulledRyan’shipsuntilherosetohisknees.ThesoftmaterialofTony’sslacksbrushedhislegsas
hesettledbetweenRyan’sthighs.Afterafewshortstrokeswithhisfingers,Tony’scockpressedagainst
Ryan’sanus.Coldlubeeasedtheburnofpenetrationalittle.Ryanbittherumpledblanketbeneathhimto
holdbackhismoan.

Withalongexhale,RyanrelaxedhisbodyandallowedTony’scocktoslideintohim.Bruisingfingersdug
intothefleshofhiships.

Tonyrockedforwardtheneasedback.One,twoslowstrokesthenhisbodymovedwithplowingforce.

ThetipofRyan’scockgrazedthebeddingwitheachjarringblow.Steadyinghisbodybypushinghis
shouldersandheadagainstthemattress,Ryanmanagedtogethishandaroundhisownachingflesh.

Inspiteoftheroughtreatment,ormaybebecauseofit,Ryan’sballstightenedwithneed.“God,yes,
Tony!”Hepulledhiscockwithhardstrokes,matchingTony’sferocity.

Astrangledmoanandshort,jerkingmotionssignaledTony’sorgasm.“Ryan…”

HiddenForce

TheemotioninTony’svoicesentashiverthroughRyan.Firerushedthroughhimashisseedspilledonto
thebed.

Tonyleanedoverhimandplantedaflurryofkissesacrosshisshoulders.Betweentheweightofhislover
andtheinnervatingorgasm,RyanslidforwarduntilhestretchedflatunderTony’sbody.

SweatandthescratchofTony’schesthairrubbedagainsthisback.Thefrantickissesslowedtogentle
nips.

AtwingeofjealousyracedthroughRyan.He’dneverseenTonythisturned-onbefore.Whatcouldhave
senthimrushingtoRyan’sapartmentsoearlyandsohorny?

“Goodmorning,”Ryanwhispered.

TonyrubbedhisjawagainstRyan’sneck.“Nowitis…”hemumbled.

“What’sup?Besidesyouthatis.”

Withalongsigh,Tony’sbodyrelaxed.

HisweightimmobilizedRyanbutthefeelingwasn’tunpleasant.

“Igotcalledoutearly.Anothermurder,sameMO.”

NowRyanunderstood.AcoupleofrecentmurdershadbeenbuggingTony.Hehadn’ttalkedmuchabout
thembutRyanheardthescuttlebuttattheprecinct.

Bothvictimshadbeenyoung,blondandgay.Bothbrutallybeaten,rapedandlefttodieinanalley.Both
resembledRyanincoloringandbuild.NowTonywasfacedwithathird.

“Ijust…”Tony’swordstrailedoff.GentlekissestraileddownthesideofRyan’sneck.“God,helooked
enoughlikeyoutobeyourtwin.”

ThesoftwhispertoldRyaneverythingheneededtoknow.“I’mokay.AndIhavenoobjectionstoanearly
morningquickie.”HecaughtTony’shandandtwinedhisfingersthroughhis.“I’mgoingtoneedanother
showerthough.Wanttojoinme?”

TonynoddedagainstRyan’sshoulderbutdidn’tmove.

ShaylaKersten

Ryandidn’tpresshim.Instead,hekissedthebackofTony’shandandreveledinthewarmweightholding
himdown.

TonymightnotbeabletosayhelovedhimbuthisactionssaidwhatRyanwantedtohear.

*****

Tonystrodethroughtheclutteredsquadroom,dodgingfellowdetectivesanddeskswithpracticedease.
Aftereightyearsinhomicide,theofficewasalmosthissecondhome—afterRyan’sapartment.

Thethoughtofhisloverwasn’tfarfromhismindthesedays.Hisyoung,blond,gaylover.Tonynever
thoughtthosewordswouldapplytohim,especiallythelasttwo.

He’dbeenfriendswithRyanforacoupleofyearsaftergettingtoknowhimonajointcasebetweenvice
andhomicide.Althoughonlylittlemorethansevenyearsdifferenceinage,Tonysometimesfeltasifhe
wererobbingthecradle.

Ryanwastheperfectvicecop.Attwenty-fivehecouldpassfortwentyorevenyounger.Hisshaggyblond
hairandleanmuscularbodygavehimanairofinnocence.

Thebig,trustingblueeyesjustaddedtothepicture.Butwithhisintelligenceandcommonsense,vicehad
snatchhimupalmostfromthedayhelefttheacademy.

Thefacthewasopenlygayhadn’tseemedtomattertoanyone.Hiseasycharmworkedwonderswith
eventhemosthardenedold-fashionedcops.

Tonyhadbeeninlustwithhimfromdayone.

“Tony.”

Jeff’svoicestartledhimoutofhisthoughts.

Hispartner’sdarkeyesboreintohimbeneathafurrowedbrow.“Where’dyoudisappearto?”

“Hadsomebusinesstotakecareof.”ThebusinessoffuckingRyanuntilhiswakingnightmarefaded.“We
gotanIDonthevictimyet?”

HiddenForce

“No.Justgotthroughcheckingwithmissingpersons.Noonefittinghisdescription.

Ofcourseifhejustdisappearedlastnight,thereprobablyisn’tareportyet.”Jefftappedanotepadonhis
desk.“Thecoronercheckedthebackoftheguy’shandwithablacklight.TheParadisostampwasthere.”

Tonydrapedhiscoatoverthebackofhischair.Thefrontofhisdeskbuttedupagainstthefrontofhis
partner’s.Loweringhimselfintohischair,hefacedJeff’sinquiringgaze.

“How’sRyanthismorning?”Jeff’svoicewaslowenoughsonoonebutTonyheardhim.

“Shhhh.”Tonyglaredacrossthetwodesks.AlthoughJeffhadfiguredouthisfriendshipwithRyan,noone
elseinthedepartmentknew.

Jeffleanedforward,awickedgrinonhisdarkfaceandwhispered,“Youhavethatfresh-kissedlook
goingforyathere,partner.”

Tonyranahandacrosshismouthandjaw.Theslightstingofbeardburnstillteasedhisface.Oneofthe
hazardsofscrewingaroundwithsomeonewhohadn’tshavedyet.

“Don’tworry.It’llpassforwindchill.”Jeffleanedbackinhischairwithanevilchuckle.“Ibroughtthe
captainuptospeedonthenewcase.He’sanxioustocatchthisguybeforethevulturesinthemediafigure
outit’saserialkiller.”

Tonynodded.“AssoonasParadisoopens,weneedtogetdownthere.”

Theclubwastheonlyconcreteconnectionbetweenthefirsttwovictims,MitchellKarnesandJason
Yarborough.Agaybarwitharatherseedyreputationandevenmoreunsavoryclientele,thetwoyoung
menhadfrequentedtheclubseveralweeksbeforetheirdeaths.

KarneswasarunawayfromHazen,Arkansas.Barelyeighteen,heescapedanabusivehomophobicfather
onlytodiealoneinaMemphisalley.Hisfatherrefusedtotakethebodyforburial.Theyoungman’sfinal
restingplacewascourtesyofthecityofMemphis.

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Theotheryoungmanwasanineteen-year-oldlocalwhorecentlyannouncedtohisfamilyhewasgay.A
moreforgivingatmosphereathomehadn’tsavedhim.

Liketheyoungmanfoundthismorning,bothwereblond,blue-eyedandslenderbuilt.Thekillerdefinitely
hadatype.

JefftossedareportacrossthedesktowardTony.“CaptainMartin’safraidthemediawilltagthedeathsas
hatecrimes.”

“Maybetheyare,”Tonymumbled.

“No,Ithinkthekiller’sgay.He’spreyingonhisown.”

They’dhadthisargumentoffandonsinceYarborough’sbodyhadbeenfoundamonthago.

“Well,onlyonewaytoknowforsure…”

“Wefindthebastard.”Tonyleanedbackinhischairwithasigh.

Afigureasfamiliarashisownstrodethroughthesquadroomdoor.WhatwasRyandoinghere?

Tony’scocktwitchedatthesightofhim.Ryansimplywavedhisdirectionandheadedintothecaptain’s
office.AsenseofforebodingslammedintoTonyliketheblastofanexplosion.

*****

Ryanknockedontheframeoftheopendoor.“CaptainMartin?”

Theforty-somethingbaldingmanlookedupfromthescatteredpapersonhisdesk.

“OfficerNilsson.Comein,shutthedoor,haveaseat.”Hishandwavedtowardabatteredleatherchair.

Ryanpushedthedoorclosedbeforehemovedtothechair.“WhatcanIhelpyouwith?”Healreadyknew
theanswer.

Threedeadmenallgaywhoresembledanopenlygayundercoverofficer.Itdidn’ttakearocketscientist
toknowwhyhomiciderequestedhisassistance.

HiddenForce

Martinranhisfingersthroughhissparsegrayhair.“You’veheardabouttheParadisomurders?”

“Yes,sir.”

“PatrolfoundanotherbodythismorningthatfitstheMO.Weneedtocatchthisguybeforehekillsagain.”

“HowcanIhelp?”

Theoldermansquirmedinhischair,avoidingRyan’sgazeforasecond.HesettledandmetRyan’sstare
head-on.“TheParadiso’sclienteleisveryclosemouthed.Weneedsomeoneontheinside.Youfitthe
descriptionofallthreedeceased.And…”Hisvoicetrailedoffandaslightblushreddenedtheman’s
cheeks.

“AndI’mgay.”Ryansaidthewordsforhim.

“There’sthat.”Henoddedandloweredhiseyes.“Ithinkitwouldbeeasierforagayofficertodealwith
theatmosphereoftheParadiso.”

“Don’tbeembarrassed.I’mnot.Andyou’reright.”TheParadiso’sreputationforasexclubwaswell
deserved.Unfortunatelyeverytimeviceraidedthem,theyseemedtohavebeenwarned.Ryansmiled
whenthemanraisedhisheadtolookathimagain.“IwanttogettheSOBoffthestreetsasmuchasyou
do.”

“Soyou’lltaketheassignment.”

“Yes.”Ryanwasn’tsurehowtotellTony.OrwhatheshouldtellCaptainMartinabouthisrelationship
withtheleaddetectiveonthecase.

*****

Tonytriedtocontrolhisracingheartwithslowbreathsandcalmthoughtsbutnothinghelped.Onlyone
answerexplainedRyan’spresenceinhomicide.Afterthenightmaresofthepastmonth,hewasn’tsurehe
couldhandletheobviousconclusion.

Ashestaredatthecaptain’scloseddoor,itopened.

“Costa,Payton.”Martincantedhisheadbacktowardhisoffice.

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Tonysteeledhislegsashestood.HecaughtJeff’slookofconcernbeforeheforcedhisfaceintoa
passiveexpression.“Don’tsayaword,”hemumbled.

Jeffnoddedbuthisapprehensionshowedinhisfrown.

WhenTonyenteredtheoffice,Ryanlookedupbutdidn’tspeak.

“TonyCosta,JeffPayton,thisisRyanNilssonfromvice.”Thecaptainmotionedtoeachmanashenamed
him.

“We’reallacquainted,”Jeffsaid.

AsurgeofgratitudeswelledthroughTony.Hewasn’tsurehisvoicewouldbesteadyenoughtosay
anything.

“Good,”Martinsaidashesatdownbehindhisdesk.“OfficerNilssonhasagreedtogoundercoveratthe
Paradiso.Hefitsthedescriptionofthemurderedmen.He’scomfortablearoundgaylifestylesandhe’s
highlyrecommendedbyhissuperiors.”

Ryanflashedagrinatthecaptain’swording.“Hey,Igettodrinkanddanceonthedepartment’stab.Who
wouldn’tgoforit?”

Martinsmiledandcontinued.“DetectiveCostaistheleadonthiscase.You’llcoordinatewithhim.Iwant
youwearingawireatalltimesandyou’llstayinasafehouseapartmentuntiltheassignmentisfinished.”

“Asafehouse?”Ryanfrowned.“Myapartmentisfine.”

Tonyfoundhisvoice.“No,asafehouseisbest.Wedon’tknowhowthekilleroperates.Hemightnotbe
pickinguphisvictimsatthebar.Hecouldbefollowingthemhome.”Angerroiledthroughhimbuthis
professionaljudgmentmadethewordsspillout.Ryanshouldn’thaveacceptedtheassignment.IfTonyhad
anysayinit,Ryanwouldbechanginghismind.“Wecandiscussthedetailslater.”Andwithsomeone
else.Ryanwasnotdoingthisjob.

HiddenForce

ChapterTwo

RyanfollowedTonyintothemen’sroom.Otherthanaterse“weneedtotalk”,Tonyhadn’tsaidaword
sincetheyleftCaptainMartin’soffice.

Tonybangedopenthedooroneachofthethreestalls.Thebathroomwasemptyexceptforthem.“You’re
notdoingthisassignment.”Hisdarkeyesglitteredwithangerashisjawclenched.

“Wereweinthesamemeeting?BecausetheoneIwasin,”Ryanpointedtohimself,

“Iagreedtotheassignment.”

“You’regoingtogobackinthereandtellhimno.”

“Whothefuckdoyouthinkyouare?”Angerfusedthroughhimlikeafirecrackerheadedfordetonation.

“I’mtheleaddetectiveonthiscase.”Tony’scoldtonesentachilldownRyan’sspine.“Youaren’ttaking
thisassignment.YoutellhimorIwill.”

“Tellhimwhat?ThatIcan’tdothisjobbecauseyou’refuckingme?”AsmuchasRyanwantedTonyto
acknowledgetheirrelationship,hedidn’twantitlikethis.

“Keepyourvoicedown.”Tony’svoiceroseforthefirsttimesincetheargumentstarted.

“JustbecauseIletyoustickyourdickupmyassdoesn’tmeanyoucantellmewhattodo.”

“Dammit,Ryan.Youcan’tdothis!”

Ryanclosedhiseyesandtookadeepbreath.“Youmeanyoucan’t.”

“Fine.Haveityourway.Ican’tdothis.”

ThequiverinTony’svoicemadeRyanopenhiseyes.

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Althoughtheclenchedjawremained,Tony’seyeshadsoftenedfromangertosomethingRyancouldn’t
quitedefine.FearseemedtooharshanemotionsoRyansettledonworry.

“Tony,undercoverworkismyjob.I’vetakencareofmyselfforyears.Andyou’llhavemyback.I
couldn’tbesafer.”RyanreachedoutandplacedahandonTony’sarm.

“Wecandothis.”

Abumponthedoorsignaledsomeoneentering.

TonyshruggedRyan’shandaway.Henoddedbeforeheheadedforthedoor,brushingshoulderswithJeff

onhiswayout.

Jeffwatchedthestiff-shoulderedretreatbeforeturningtoRyan.“Everythingokay?”

“Yeah,everything’sfine.”RyanfollowedTonyoutofthebathroomtryingtoconvincehimselfhiswords
weretrue.

*****

“We’llgetsetupforthestakeoutandthesafehousebytomorrow.”Tonyalmostcouldn’tspitthenext
wordsout.“Ryangoesintomorrownight.”Heglancedupathislover.“You’llwearawire.”Thesmall
interrogationroomseemedtobeclosingaroundhim.

Ryanshookhishead.“No,won’twork.”

“Ibegyourpardon?”JeffspokebeforeTonycould.

“Awirewon’tworkinthere.Themusicistooloudandthetransmittertoohardtohide.”

“Whatdoyoumean—toohardtohide?”Tonywasn’tsurehewantedtoknow.

Ryantiltedhischairbackandproppedonefootontheedgeofthetable.

“Paradiso’sreputationiswelldeserved.Youdon’tgointhereunlessyou’relookingforsex.Mostofits
clientelearetryingtohidetheirsexualpreferences.Paradisoallowsthemtogetwhattheywant,usually
intheclub’sbackroomandgetoutwithoutevenaskingtheirsexpartner’sname.”

HiddenForce

“Andyouknowthis,how?”TheideaofRyaninaplacelikethatbychoice…

“Becauseit’scommonknowledgeinvice.Wejusthaven’tbeenabletoclosethemdown.It’sconsidered
aprivateclubandtheyareprettycarefulaboutcheckingages.Oratleastwehaven’tbeenabletocatch
anyoneunderagethere.Nomoneychangeshandsforwhatgoeson.Nothingtobust.”

Jeffleanedforward,glaringatRyan.“Sothisbackroomstuffisn’tillegal?”

Ryanshrugged.“Technically,no.There’samembershipchargetogetintheclubbuthalftheclubsin
Memphischargeone.Nochargetousethebackroomsoit’snotlikethey’rerunningabrothel.Mybossis
hopingsomeofwhatwefindoutcanbeusedtoshutthemdown.”

“Sowhyhasn’tsomeonebeensentinbeforenow?”Tonyasked.

“It’snotbeenhighontheprioritylist.Forthemostpartthere’sbeennocomplaints.

Notanyreasontowasteman-hoursthatwedon’thaveonanoperation.”Ryandroppedhisfootbacktothe
floorandsatupinhischair.“I’llgoinwithoutawire,lookaroundandseewhatIcanfindout.You’re

outside,coveringallexits.I’llbefine.”

“Backtothe‘can’thideawire’issue.”Jeffwavedhishandlikeaschoolkidwithaquestion.“Younever
explainedwhy.”

RyanmetTony’sgaze.“BecausetheminuteIwalkinthatdoor,everywhereIwouldnormallyhideawire
isupforgrabs.”CoolblueeyesalmosttwinkledinanticipationofTony’sreaction.

TonyknewRyanwaswaitingforanoutburst.TheheatedflushclimbingTony’sfaceaccompaniedhis
rapidheartbeat.“Youcan’tgoinalone.”

“There’snooneelse.”TinymusclestwitchedatthecornerofRyanmouth.Hedidn’tconcealhis
amusementverywell.

“I’llgo.”

“What?”Jeffbarkedhissurprise.

“I’llgo.”Tonyglaredatthedarkman.“Thereisn’tanyoneelse.”

ShaylaKersten

“Butyoujustheardwhatit’llbelikeinthere.”Jeffleanedforwardandloweredhisvoice.“Youmaybe
foolin’aroundwithhim,”hisheadtiltedtowardRyan,“butIdon’tseeyouputtingupwiththatkindof
shit.”

Ryanlaughedandleanedin.“Hewon’thaveto.Ifhedressesandactsappropriately,noonewilltouch
him.”

“Whycan’tyoudothat?”Jeffbrowwrinkledinconfusion.

“BecauseI’mgoingintwinkedout.Allthevictimswereacertainbodytype,lastseendressedacertain
way.IfIgointryingtoattractthekiller,Ihavetobehavethesameway.”

Tonynarrowedhiseyesathislover.“Andexactlyhowwouldyoubehave?”

“LikeI’mready,willingandableforanything.”

“Oh,I’mdefinitelygoinginthere.”Jealousycombinedwitharushofarousal.TheideaofRyanstrutting
hisstuffinpublicwasstrangelyerotic.

“Wait—”Jeffinterruptedhisthoughts,“youcan’tgointhere.You’vebeentherebeforewhenwetried
questioningpeopleaboutthevictims.”

“Notaproblem.Hewon’tlookanythinglikethesuit-and-trench-coatcop.I’llseetothat.”Ryan’schuckle
soundedsuspiciouslylikeagiggle.

“Idon’tliketheideaofyouleavingyourselfopentothisguy,”Tonygrowled.

“Youdon’thaveachoice.It’sadonedeal.”Ryan’sglarematchedTony’smood

“AndIhaveafewthingstowrapupwithvice.”Hepushedhischairawayfromthetable.“Wecantalk
morelater.”HegrinnedatTony.“Anddon’tshave.It’llhelpcompletethepicture.”TonywatchedRyan
walkaway.Thetightnessinhischestwouldn’tstop.

“Youokaywiththis?”Jeff’swordspulledTonybacktothebusinessathand.

“Yeah.”

“Sowhatwasthesceneinthebathroomabout?”

Tony’sgazedartedupathispartner.“Whatdoyoumean?”

HiddenForce

“IheardalittlebitbeforeIbangedonthedoor.”Jeffshrugged.“Ieavesdropped.Soshootme.”

“Don’ttemptme.”TonyglaredatJeff’sunrepentantexpression.

“Hey,I’monthiscasetoo.Ifyouhaveaproblem,Ineedtoknowaboutit.”

Tonynodded.“Let’sgetoutofhere.Getsomecoffeeorsomething.”Heneededsomeair.Hegrabbedhis
coatfromthebackofhischairastheypassedbyhisdesk.

Jefffollowedsuitandsoonthestairwellclatteredwiththeirfootsteps.

Pushingtheglassdooropentotheoutsideworld,Tonytookadeep,calmingbreath.Thecoldairburned
hislungsbuthelpedcooltheflushofangerandfearrunningthroughhisveins.

“Sotalk,”Jeffsaidastheywalkeddownthesidewalktowardasmalldiner.

“Thiscasehasbeengivingmenightmaresfromthebeginning.”ReliefwashedthroughTony.Hehadn’t
beenabletovoicetheirrationalfear.Sayingitaloudmadetheideaseemlessominous.

“Tellmeaboutthem.”

Tonystoppedinthemiddleofthesidewalk.Amanwalkinghisdogscootedaroundthem.Gatheringhis
thoughts,hewatchedthelittleterriertakecareofbusinessonalightpole.“Thevictims…theylookso
muchlikeRyan.”Hescrubbedhisfacewithhishand.“Ikeepseeinghisface—bruised,pale,vacant
stare.”Heclosedhiseyes.

“Thenthismorning…”

Alargehandsqueezedhisshoulder.

HiseyesopenedtoJeff’sconcernedgaze.“Howcantheyalllooksomuchlikehim?”

“Coincidence.Andaluckyoneforus.He’sperfectforthecase.Idon’tknowhowwe’dgetany
informationoutofthatcrowdwithoutsomeoneinside.”Jeff’sdarkfacesplitwithawidegrin.“Hecan
takecareofhimself.We’llbetheretobackhimup.Andoncethismurderingbastardisoffthestreets,the
nightmareswillstop.”

ShaylaKersten

“Iknow,butIcan’tgetridofthisfeelingof…dread.”

“Youreallycareabouthim,don’tyou?”Jeff’ssmilefaded.

“I…”Anotherpasserbymadehimpause.WhatdidhefeelforRyan?Friendship,yes.Lust,definitely.

“Hey,Costa!”Aman’svoiceyelledfrombehind.

Glancingoverhisshoulder,TonysawDetectiveDanForemanhurryingtowardhim,hiscoatpulledtight
intheblowingcoldwind.

“What’sup?”

“Isittruethatthequeerkillerstruckagain?”Foreman’sexpressionseemedalmostcheerful.

AngerboiledthroughTony’sbodywardingoffthechillofthemorningair.“Saythatagainandyou’llbe
sorry,”hegrowledasheclenchedhisfists.

Foremansteppedbackwithalookofshockonhisface.

JeffmovedbetweenhimandTonybeforeFormansaidanythingelse.“Backoff,Foreman.Ifthecaptain
hearsyousaysomethinglikethat,you’llbewalkingabeatagain.”

“Sorry,Ididn’tmeananythingbyit.”ApinkflushcreptupForeman’sface.

“Wastheresomethingyouwantedbesidesshowingoffyourbigotry?”Tonymumbledthroughclenched
jaws.

“Yeah,uh…”Foreman’sgazedroppedandheduckedhishead.“Amissingpersonsreportjusthitthe
wire.Soundslikeyourlatestvictim.”

*****

Ryantoedoffhiswetshoesassoonashewalkedthroughthedoorofhisapartment.

HiddenForce

Thegrayskiesfinallyopenedupandacold,wetmixofrainandsleetpoundedthestreetsoutside.The
apartment’sheaterbuzzedtokeepupwiththerapidlydroppingtemperature.

Afterhanginghisdrippingcoatonaracknearthedoor,hewalkedacrosstheroomtowardthehall
leadingtohisbedroom.Thedampchillofhisjeansclungtohislegs.

Beforehereachedthehall,hiscellphonebuzzed.Hesnaggeditfromhisbeltandflippeditopen.

“Nilsson.”

“Hithere.”Tony’slowvoicesenttheusualtendrilsofexcitementthroughRyan.

Asurgeofirritationfollowedonitsheels.Tony’sattitudeearlierhadreallypissedhimoff.“Whatdoyou
want?”

“CanIcomeover?Iwanttotalk.”

“I’mnotchangingmymind.”Ryancurbedtheurgetohangupthephone.

Alongsighcreptthroughthereceiver.“Iknow.”

Aftertonight,seeingTonyforanythingotherthanthecasewouldbeunadvisable.

ThekillermightbewatchinghimonceheshowedupatParadiso.

“Okay.Whereare—”Aknockonthedoorinterruptedhisquestion.

Tony’slaughechoedinstereofromboththephoneandtheothersideofthedoor.

“You’reverysureofyourself,aren’tyou?”Ryanretreatedacrossthelivingroomandpulledopenthe
door.Heendedthecallashesmiledathisdamplover.

Apizzaboxbalancedononehand,hisphoneintheother,Tonygrinned.

“Comein.”RyanstoodbackandallowedTonyroomtomovepasthim.

“Thanks.”Headingforthekitchen,Tonyglancedoverhisshoulder.“Peaceoffering?”Heheldupthe
takeout.

Ryanpushedthedoorclosedandflippedthedeadboltbeforefollowing.

ShaylaKersten

Thepizzaboxwasonthecounter,open.Thearomaofpepperoniandsausagefilledtheair.Ryan’s
stomachremindedhimhe’dskippedlunch.Tony’scoatdrapedoverakitchenchair.

Tonyrummagedthroughacabinetandpulledoutacoupleofpaperplates.

Grabbingafewpapertowels,Tonynoddedtowardthefood.“Hungry?”

“Yeah.”Ryanacceptedaplatethengrabbedacoupleofslicesofpizza.“Sowe’recoolaboutthecase?”
Hesethisfoodonthetableandwalkedtotherefrigerator.

Grabbingacoupleofbeers,settingoneinfrontofTony’splate,hetookaseat.

“Istilldon’tlikeit.”Tonytookabitethengrabbedthebottle.Twistingthetopoff,hefinishedchewing.
“ButyoumadeitclearthatIdon’thaveachoice.”

“No,youdon’t.”

*****

TonywatchedRyanmovearoundthekitchen,wrappingtheleftovers,puttingthemaway.He’dkepthis
thoughtsaboutthecasequietwhiletheyate.They’dworkedtheirwaythroughmostofthepizzawithout
sayingmuchofanythingatall.

“TheyID’dthismorning’sbody.”

Ryan’sshoulderstightenedandhehesitatedwhilereachingforanotherbeer.“Whowashe?”

“StevenCadrin.Seventeen.Hisparentsswearhewasn’tgayanddon’tknowwhyhewouldhavebeenat
Paradiso.”Tonyclosedhiseyesatthememoryoftheboy’shystericalmother.

“Sometimestheparentsarethelasttoknow.”

TonyopenedhiseyestoseeRyanstandingclose.“Wasitlikethatwithyou?”

“Withmydad.ButIthinkhewasmoreindenialthananythingelse.”HesetafreshbeernearTony’shand.
“Ithinkmymomalwaysknew.”

“Didyoualwaysknow?”They’dnevertalkedaboutRyan’spastsexualexperiences.

TheideaseemedstrangetoTonynow.Funny,it’dnevermatteredbefore.

HiddenForce

“SomepartofmeknewIwasdifferent.Girlsneverplayedabigpartofmychildhood.Nosisters,no
closefemalecousins.Andthenthere’stheall-boysCatholicschool.”RyanranhisfingersthroughTony’s
hair.“Idon’tthinkthatmademegay.IjustthinkthatsinceIdidn’thavealotoffemaleinteraction,Ididn’t
havetheindecisionalotofgaymengothrough.”

“Likeme.”

“Ididn’tsaythat.”RyanstraddledTony’sthighs.

Thewoodenkitchenchairgroanedattheircombinedweight.

“Youdidn’thaveto.”Tonyinhaledthescentofhislover—beer,pizzaandthefaintremnantsofhis
cologne.“Idid.”

“Soareyougay?”WarmlipscaressedthesideofTony’sface.“Ordoyoujusthaveathingforme?”

HishandsslippedaroundRyan’sleanwaist.“Idefinitelyhaveathingforyou.”Hearchedhiships,
rubbingtherisingbulgeinhisslacksagainstRyan’scrotch.

Ryan’slipswanderedacrossTony’sjawuntilhefoundhismouth.“Ihavethingforyoutoo.”

WhilehewelcomedRyan’skisses,Tony’smindmusedovertheirconversation.

Ryanwashisfirstandonlymalelover.Nomanhadeverstirredhisbloodastheblonddevouringhis
mouth.Ifanythingeverhappenedtohim,Tonywasn’tsurewhathe’ddo.Hisfearsaidmorethanhe
wantedtoadmit.

Hischesttightenedandhisthroatachedwithpent-upemotion.WrappinghisarmsaroundRyan,hishands
slidupthemuscledback.HisneedforRyanwasn’tsomethinghewantedtoexaminetooclosely,butright
now,hewantedtocrawlinsidehisskinwithhim.

WhenhearchedintoRyan,thewoodenchairprotestedwithanominouscreak.

Ryanpulledawayfromhismouth.“Ithinkweneedtomovethistoamoresecurelocation.”

ShaylaKersten

“Anyideas?”

“Afew.”Ryanbrushedasoftkissagainsthislips.“Comeon.”

Thewarmweightmovedaway.Callousedhandstuggedathis.Tonydidn’tneedmuchpromptingtostand.
HeneededthereassuringfeelofRyanagainsthim,underhim.

Wrappinghisarmsaroundtheleanbody,TonyletRyanleadtheminaslow,shufflingdancetowardthe
livingroom.Thelastgrayilluminationofthedaylefttheroomdim.Ashaftoflightfromthekitchen
followedtheirprogress.Slowkissesandwanderinghandssentheatsurgingthroughhim.

Hepushedasidetheicysenseofforebodingthathadhauntedhimallday.Ryanwasasmartcopwithgood
instinctsandcouldtakecareofhimself.Plushe’dbenearbywatching.

Ryanmaneuveredhimtothecouch.Fallingback,TonymanagedtokeephisholdonRyan.Onceagain
straddlingTony’slap,RyanranhisfingersthroughTony’shairthenbehindhisneck.

Long,deepkisses,tonguestanglingandroughwhiskersscratching.Tonylosthimselfinthetangytasteand
warmfeelofhislover.

SlippinghishandsunderRyan’ssweatshirt,hepushedthematerialup.Hisfingersreveledinthesmooth,
tautskinlayeredovertight,leanmuscles.

Ryanbroketheirkisstoyanktheshirtoverhishead.

AflattinynippletemptedTony.PullingRyan’storsoforward,hismouthlatchedontothesmallmorselof
flesh.

AsoftmoanaccompaniedroughhandsholdingTony’sheadagainstthesmoothchest.“Ohyeah…”Ryan
archedforward,rubbingthehardridgeofhiscockagainstTony’sabdomen.

HemovedhishandsaroundtheslenderwaistandfoundthebuttonofRyan’sjeans.

Hisknucklesteasedthehardbulgeasheflippedthemetaldiskthroughthebuttonhole.

HiddenForce

Hegratedhisthumbnaildownthezipperthenbackupagainbeforeworkingtheflyopen.Slidinghishand
insidetightcottonbriefs,hewrappedhisfingersaroundthehot,thickflesh.

Withamoanedbreathofapproval,Ryan’shandstightenedonTony’shead.Hishipspumpedagainst
Tony’sgrip.

Tonysqueezedthehotcockwithinthetightconfinesbuttheanglewastooawkward.Pullinghishand
away,hegraspedRyan’swaistwithbothhandsandflippedhimoverontothecouch.

UntanglinghisbodyfromRyan’s,Tonykneltbetweenthelonglegs.HetuggedthewaistofRyan’sjeans,
hisfingerscatchingthecottonbriefsashepulled.

RyanraisedhislegssoTonycouldstripthejeansoff.

Tonytossedtheclothesonthefloorthenyankedatthedampsocks.

Thesightofhisfair-hairedloverwithlegssprawled,handsclutchingthecushionsofthecouchandheavy
cockrestingonhisstomach,sentfiresurgingthroughhim.Histhroatcaughthisbreathasheleaned
forwardtotastetheleakingflesh.Bittertasteburstonhistongue.Ryan’ssoftgroanvibratedagainsthis
lips.

“Ohyeah…”Ryansquirmedunderhim,shiftinghiships.

Tonylickedfromtiptobaseandbackagain.“Youlike?”

“Tease…”HishandswrappedaroundTony’shead.

Gentlepressureurgedhimdown.“Pushy,huh?”Hesuckledthetip.

“Pushybottomshavemorefun.”Ryan’shandsemphasizedhiswords.

SuckingthethicklengthdeepkeptTonyfromsayinganything.Lately,moreandmoreofhiscuriosityranto
placeshewasn’tsurehisbodycouldgo.

SometimeswhenTonywasburieddeepinRyan’sbody,hislover’slookofcompleteblissmadehim
wonder.

ShaylaKersten

RunninghistonguearoundthecrownofRyan’scock,hethoughtaboutthethickfleshpenetratinghim,
fillinghisholewithheat.Hisdickachedinthenow-tightconfinesofhisslacks.

RyansometimesteasedhisasswhenhesuckedhimbutTonyalwayspulledawaybeforehepushedinside.
Nowaftermakinghispreferenceclear,howcouldheaskRyantofuckhim?

TheidealeftTonygaspingaroundRyan’shotdick.Hereacheddownandpulledhisbeltfreeofthe
buckle.Thenarrowcouchmademaneuveringdifficult.Losinghisbalance,onelegslippedoffthecouch.
ThethickcockpoppedoutofhismouthandhisupperbodylandedonRyan.

Ryanleanedonhiselbowsandgrinned.“Ireallyneedtogetabiggercouch.”

“Goodidea.”Tonyrolledoffthecushionsandgottohisfeet.

Ryan’snakedbodystretchedoutonthecouch,highlightedonlybythelightfromthekitchen.Refracting
light,hisblueeyesgaveoffanunearthlyglow.Tony’sheartracedatthesight.Hisfingerstrembledashe
tuggedhisbeltfreeandundidhisfly.Theneedtobeskintoskinagainsthimpoundedthroughhisveins.

Ryanpulledhiscockwithlong,lazystrokesasTonyshedhisclothes.Onelegslippedoffthecouch,the
otherbentatthekneeagainsttheback.

“OhGod…”Tonysettledbetweenthelonglimbs.Heleanedforward,rubbinghisfaceagainstthecrinkly
nestofhairsurroundingRyan’scock.Inhalingdeep,hesavoredhislover’smuskyaroma.

Gentlefingersteasedhishair.Nopressure,nourgency,justlight,gentlestroking.

Tony’slipsbrushedjustbelowthecrown.Thetipofhistonguerandownthelengthofthehotflesh.
Nibblingfirstaroundthebase,hismouthdippeddowntosuckonthetightscrotum.

WhimperedmoansfromRyanencouragedhisactions.ThetenderfingersturnedroughasRyanscrambled
foraholdonhairtooshort.

HiddenForce

Whilehismouthteasedthewrinkledsac,Tonywrappedahandaroundthehotshaft.Ryan’shipsmoved
againstthelong,slowstrokes.

TonysuckedoneofRyan’sballsintohismouth.Histonguekneadedthespongytexture.

Alittlemorethanayearago,Tonywouldhavehitsomeonewhoevensuggestedhe’denjoytormentinga
manlikethis.NowthebreathlessmoansescapingfromRyanonlyaddedtohisexcitement.Athrillthat
startedwithtightnessinhisthroatcoiledthroughhisbodyandendedwiththeexquisiteacheofhiscock.

LickingthelengthofRyan’scock,Tony’stonguecircledtheleakingcrown.Stickyfluidcoatedhistongue
withaburstofbitterflavor.

Ryanarchedup,sinkinghiscockdeepinTony’smouth.Amuffledmoanofapologydriftedintheair.

LongstrokespushedthesilkencrownacrossTony’stongueanddeepintohisthroatthenbackoutagain.
HisfingerstraileddownbelowRyan’sballsandintothecreviceofhisass.

“Ohyeah…”RyanpushedagainstTony’shand.“Tony…”Astrangledmoandrewouthisname.

Tony’sfingersfoundtheirtarget.Onepushedagainstthetenseringofmuscle.

Slippingintothetight,velvetheat,hepressedhisfingerupwardseekingthehardknotofRyan’sprostate.

Ryan’sbodystiffenedandtrembledagainstthepressure.“OhGod,yes…”

AfreshgushofbitternesscoatedTony’stongue.Heslippedasecondfingerinbesidethefirst.Curling
bothupward,hestrokedagainstthehardballofnerves.

Withastrangledmoan,RyanclutchedTony’shead.Hishipsjerkedandafloodofwarmseedfilled
Tony’smouth.

Tonycuthisgazeupward.

ShaylaKersten

Thelightfromthekitchenhaloedblondhair.Hiseyesclosedandmouthopen,Ryanalmostradiatedhis
pleasurelikethebrightraysofthesun.

Tony’sbreathcaughtinhischest.Thememoryofhisnightmaresintrudedonthemoment.Sharppain
lancedthroughhimatthethoughtoflosingRyan.

Heletthestill-firmfleshslipfromhismouth.PullinghisfingersfreeofthetightviseofRyan’sass,he
crawleduphislover’sbody.

Ryangrabbedhisheadandyankeduntiltheirlipsclashedagainsteachother.“Fuckme.Now…”

Tony’scockjumpedathiswords.“Nocondom…Can’twait…”Instead,hepressedagainstthehard
body,rubbinghiscockagainstRyan’s.FrictioneasedbyhisownspitandRyan’sleakingcome,heseta
fastrhythm.

Ryan’shungrymouthattackedhis.Strong,wiryarmswrappedaroundhim.

Callousedhandsgrabbedhisass,pullinghimhardagainstthewarmfleshbelow.

Afewshortstrokesandslick,warmcomesmearedtheirstomachs.

Losingthebattleoftongues,TonyburiedhisfaceinRyan’ssweat-dampenedneck.

Hisbodyshudderedwiththefinalthrobbingspurtsofsemen.Evennowunabletoadmititaloud,Tony
mouthedthewords“Iloveyou”againstRyan’sskin.

HiddenForce

ChapterThree

RyansavoredtheheatofTony’sbodyinspiteofthestickyseedsmearedbetweenthem.Theheaterran
fullblastagainstthedroppingtemperaturesoutside.Tony’ssweat-coveredbackfelticytothetouch.“Hot
shower?”

“Goodidea.”TonynuzzledhisfacedeeperinRyan’sneck.Thegentlecaressofakisssoothedthestingof
hisfiveo’clockshadowbeforehepusheduponhisarms.“It’sgettingalittlechillyinhere.”Herolledoff
thecouchtohisfeetandofferedahandtoRyan.

“Iguesstogettotheshower,Ihavetomove.”Inspiteofthechill,Ryanwasalmostlethargicafterhis
intenseclimax.

“Uh,yeah.”TonylaughedashegrabbedRyan’shand.“Let’sgo.”

Ryanslidoffthecouch.Tonypressedagainsthisback,pushinghimtowardthehall.Kisseslinedhisneck
astheyshuffledtothebathroom.

NotthatRyanmindedtheveryaffectionatemoodhisloverwasin,butitwasn’tTony’sstyle.Afterhis
wordsthismorningaboutthemurdervictimsresemblingRyanandthesceneinthemen’sroomatthe
precinct,heworriedaboutTony’sstateofmind,especiallyconcerningthiscase.ButRyanhadajobto
do.HowcouldhesaynotoCaptainMartinifhecouldhelpgetthekilleroffthestreet?

Ryanpausedattheopenbathroomdoorandfumbledforthelightswitch.

Tony’sarmstightenedaroundhiminarib-crackinghug.HisfacedippedintoRyan’sshoulder.

Ryan’shandsclenchedaroundTony’smuscledforearms.“Comeon…”

ThehardhugeasedthenTony’sarmsslippedawayallowingRyantomovetothebathtub.

ShaylaKersten

Ryanalreadymissedthewarmthlininghisback.Heflippedonthetapsthenpulledtheshowerlever.

TonyyankedtowelsoffashelfandtossedthemovertheshowercurtainrodwhileRyantestedthewater
temperature.

“Comeon…”Ryansteppedintotheshower.Tonyfollowedcloseonhisheels.OnceagainTonywrapped
Ryaninatightembracefrombehind.

WiththewaterstreamingdownRyan’schest,Tony’shandsrubbedthestickyresidueoftheirlovingfrom
Ryan’sstomach.

“Soap?”TonymurmuredinRyan’sear.

Ryangrabbedthebarfromabuilt-inshelf.Tony’sfingerspluckedthecakefromhishands.

Hotwatersluiceddownhischestastheslipperybarofsoapmadecirclesinhissparsechesthair.Ryan
leanedbackagainstTony’shardmusclesandlethislover’sgentlehandsteaseandcleanhim.

Thehandsdippedlower,acrosshisstomach.Teasingfingersfollowedatrailofsilkysoap.Kisses
flutteredagainstthesideofhisfacefromhistempletohisjaw.

HisspentcockrewokeasTony’shandsmovedlower.Acallousedhandwrappedaroundhisrisingflesh.

“Oh,thejoysofyouth…”AmusementfilledTony’swhisperedwords.

“Humph…Likeyou’resuchanoldman.”Ryanslippedahandbehindhim,betweenTonyandhim.
Graspinghislover’sflaccidcock,hesqueezedthemalleableflesh.

“You’lllearn.Thedifferencebetweenthirty-twoandtwenty-fiveisvast.”

Tony’ssoftcockthickenedandfilled,risingagainstRyan’sass.

“Notreally…”RyanreleasedthehardeningfleshthenturnedwithinthecircleofTony’sarms.Hishands
slidaroundTonytohisass.Pullinghimclose,helettheslipandslideofsoapy,wetskineasethefriction
oftheirrubbingcocks.

HiddenForce

Tony’sheadtippedforwarduntiltheirlipsmetinasoft,caressingkiss.HisarmstightenedaroundRyan.

Thegentlekissturneddesperate;thetightembracecrushing.Ryangaspedforairbuthedidn’ttrytopull
away.

RyantrailedhisfingersdownthetemptingcleftofTony’sass.

Insteadofinchingawayfromtheintrusion,Tonypressedbackagainsttheprobingfingers.Hishardkisses
turnedravenous.Hishalf-erectcocklengthenedandhardened,pushingintoRyan’sstomach.

Withonehand,Ryan’sreachedbackforTony’shands.Snaggingthesoapfromclenchedfingers,Ryan
twistedthebararoundinhishanduntilhehadahandfuloflather.Hesetthesoapinthetray.

TonypulledawayfromRyan’slips.Hisdarkeyesglitteredandhisnostrilsflaredwithrapidbreath.

RyanslidhissoapyhandacrossTony’slowerback.Hepausedatthedipatthetopofhisass.

EncouragedbyTony’sveryslightnod,Ryan’shanddippedonceagainintothecrackofthehard-muscled
buttocks.

Whenasoapyfingerpressedagainsthisentrance,ashuddervibratedthroughTony.Hisarmstightened
aroundRyanandhisfacedippedintothecrookofRyan’sneck.“Yes…”Thewhisperedwordfadedinto

thesoundoftheshower.

AsurgeoflustandhopeswirledthroughRyan’sstomachashisfingercircledthetightringofmusclea
fewtimes.Whenhepushedinside,Tony’sbodyjerkedforwardthenpressedbackagainsttheintrusion.
Ryanstrokedthetightchannelaidedbytheslipperysoap.

Tony’sarmslockedaroundhimbuthisbodyrolledbackandforthagainstRyan’shand.

ShaylaKersten

ThewaterstreamingdownRyan’sbackturnedtepid.Hispoorexcuseforawaterheaterwouldn’tlast
muchlonger.

“Turnaround…”Ryankeptsteadystrokesastheymaneuveredaroundthebathtub.Heslidhisfingerfree
andlettherapidlycoolingwaterrinsethesoapfromTony’sbackandass.

“Gettingchilly,”Tonymumbled.

“Yeah,thingswillwarmupinthebedroom.”

AraggedsighshookTony’sbody.“Yeah…theywill.”Heturnedandleanedoverthefaucet.Flippingoff
theshowerthenthetap,heturnedbacktoRyan.“Definitelywarmup.”

RyanshudderedatTony’shungrylook.Withoutlookingaway,Ryangrabbedoneofthetowelshangingon
theshowercurtain.HishandsshookasheranthethickterryclothacrossTony’smuscledchest.

Darkbrowncurlscoveredthewell-definedpecs.Thetrailofhairthinnedtoalmostnothingacrosshis
stomachonlytothickenjustbelowthewaistandVintoanalmostblacknestaroundhisthick,hardcock.

Hischesthurtwithneedforthemaninfrontofhim.Morethanphysicalneed,hisemotionshadbecome
involvedalmostfromthebeginning.He’dtriedtoavoidfallinginlovebuthe’dlostthatbattlelongbefore
thefirsttimetheymadelove.

NowitseemedasifTonywereofferingapartofhimselfRyanneverdreamedhewould.

TonytuggedthetoweloutofRyan’sfingers.“Let’sgotobed.”

ColdairswirledaroundTony’sdampbodyashewalkedintothebedroom,butnothingcouldcoolthefire
surgingthroughhim.Somanytimeshe’ddreamedofRyanpenetratinghimonlytowakeinacoldsweatof
doubt.Nowtheideahadhiscocksohardhewasafraidonetouchwouldsendhimovertheedge.

HiddenForce

Whenhereachedthebed,heturnedaroundtofacehislover.

Ryanreachedovertofliponalamp.Hissupplemusclesrippledwitheachmovement.Damp,shaggy
blondhairfellacrosshishighforeheadandteasedtheedgeofhiseyebrows.Ahalfsmilegracedhisfull
lips.Uncertaintyshoneoutofthepaleblueeyes.

TonygraspedRyan’supperarmsandpulledhimforward.“Fuckme…”

Ryan’seyesrolledshut.Hisbreathraspedthroughhisopenmouthandendedinagroan.

Takingadvantage,TonyclosedinandcoveredRyan’slipswithhis.Hewrappedhisarmsaroundthelean
body.Leaningback,hefelloveronthebed,pullingRyandownwithhim.

TheslenderbodyheldasurprisingamountofweightbutTonyrelishedthefeeling.

Ryan’sshockmusthavewornoffbecausehismouthravagedTony’s.Handsslidunderhisback,fingers
dugintotheflesh.

TonyranhishandsupthroughRyan’sdisheveleddamphair.Hisfingerscurledthroughthestrandsand
heldhismouthclose.Tonguesmetandtangled.

Pullingaway,Ryan’sgazemetTony’s.“Areyousure?”

Tonychuckled.“Yeah,morethananythingelserightnow,I’msure.”Andhemeantit.Forsomereasonhe
didn’tcaretoexaminetoocloselyrightnow,hewantedtofeelRyaninsidehim.

MaybeRyanreadthecertaintyinhiseyes,maybeRyandidn’twanttoquestiontheopportunity,whatever
hethought,hemovedoffTonyandstood.Hewalkedovertothenightstandandopenedthedrawer.

WhileRyanrummagedforcondomsandlube,Tonypulledhimselfuponthebed.

Settlinghisheadonapillow,hewatchedRyansethisfindsonthebed.

ShaylaKersten

Withasmilelightinghisfairface,Ryancrawledacrossthebed.StraddlingTony,heloweredhisbody
untilhiswarmthaddedtotheheatrushingthroughTony’sveins.HisheavycocklinedupwithTony’s.

Tonyspreadhislegs,lettingRyan’ssettlebetweenthem.WrappingonelegaroundRyan’sthighandhis
armsaroundRyan’swaist,heheldhimtight.

Blueeyeshoodedbyafrowningbrowpeeredathim,returningdoubtwrittenacrosshisface.

“I’msure,”Tonywhispered.“Iwanttoknowwhatit’sliketobeapushybottom.”

HepulledRyan’sheaddown.Plantingkissesalongthefulllips,hearchedupintothehardnesspokinghis
stomach.“Okay?”

“Yeah…”Ryanexhaledhard.“Definitelyokay.”RyanrolledoffTonyandontohisside.

Tonymissedtheheatofhisbody.Warmhandspushedathisside,urginghimontohisstomach.Snagginga
pillow,Tonycurledhisarmsunderthesoftcushion.

ThebeddippedthenRyan’slegsstraddledhiships.Fingerstraileddownhisspineandbackupagain.
Ryan’sweightshiftedandawarmtonguereplacedthecallousedfingers.Moistheatslidhalfwaydown
hisspine.Lightkissesfluttereduptohisneck.

Tonysquirmedwithanticipation,pushinghisachingcockintothemattress.

Ryan’sweightmoveddownhislegs.Histonguetraileddownhisspine,loweruntilthemoistfleshdipped
inthecrackofhisass.Fingerspartedhischeeksandthewetheatcircledthesensitivering.

“Ohshit…”Tonybitthepillowtostiflehismoan.

RoughbeardscratchedthetenderskinofhispartedcheeksasRyan’stonguelavedhishole.“Ryan!”
Gaspingforair,Tonywrithedagainsttheexquisitesensation.

Asinglefingerreplacedthehottongue.TherelaxedmusclepartedasRyanpushedintohim.Aslowburn
teasedtheringwiththeeasy,shortstrokes.

HiddenForce

Thesnapofthelubecapsentasharpthrillcoursingthroughhisbody.Thecallousedfleshslippedfreebut
quicklyreturned.Coldlubemadehisbreathcatchandhiscocktwitch.

ThistimeRyan’sfingerpusheddeeper.HishandpressedagainstTony’sballsbeforeheslidout.

TonypushedbackwardagainstthepressureasRyan’sfingerslidinagain.Hisachingcockrubbedagainst
thesoftcomforter.Aslow,steadyrhythmcreatedarushoftension.

“More…”Thepillowmuffledhiswords.Heliftedhishead.“More…”Thistimethewordcameouttoo
loud,echoinginthesilenceoftheroom.

Onthenextstroke,asecondfingerinvadedwiththefirst.Thetorturousteasingwasn’tenough.

“Fuck.Me.”Tonygaspedasathirdfingerpushedinsidehim.“Now.”Histeethgnashedintothesoft
pillow.

Ryan’slaughwashedoverhim.“YoupassedlessononeinPushyBottom101.”

Thecallousedfleshslidoutofhim.Theripofacondomwrapperwasfollowedbythesnapofthelube
cap.

Tonywasn’tsureiftheslicksoundoflubewasrealorjusthisimagination.

Fingerspushedcoldgelintohimandthendisappeared.Thickfleshpressedagainsthisass.Thistimethe
intenseburnmadehimtense.

“Relax,Tony.Justbreatheandrelax.”Awarmhandpressedagainsthisback.“Letmedothework.”

Tonylistenedtothecrooningvoice.Hisbodymeltedintothemattressasfullnessinvadedhim.

“God,Tony…”Ryanpantedthewords.“Sotight…Fuck.Sogood.”

ShaylaKersten

Tonynoddedagainstthepillow.Itwasgood.Ryaninsidehimwasgood.BetterthananyofTony’s
dreams.HerolledhishipstowardRyanthendown,rubbinghiscockagainstthebedding.

HeatlinedTony’sbackasRyanloweredhisweighttocoverhim.Hishandscurledunderthepillowthen
clenchedaroundTony’s.

Slow,rollingmovementseasedshortstrokesinandoutofhisass.Eachplungebrushedagainstnervesthat
sentbreathlesspleasurefiringthroughhim.“OhGod…”

Asmanytimesashe’dmassagedRyan’sprostate,he’dneverunderstoodtheecstasyhefelt…untilnow.

Tony’sheadspunwithtoomanysensesonoverload.Thechillair,thewarmbody,thehotcockplugging
hisass,Ryan’sscent.Hislover’ssoftwords…Iloveyou…

Firesurgedinthepitofhisstomachandracedthroughhiscock.Hebitthepillowtomufflehisyell.Warm
seedspurtedintotheblanket.

Ryan’sbodyjerkedashisteethsankintoTony’sshoulder.HishandstightenedonTony’sastheirstifled
moansmingled.

*****

Ryanenjoyedthewarmthcurledagainsthimunderthefreshcomforter.Tonyhadmadearatherlargemess
ontheotherone.AperpetualgrinthreatenedtofixitselfonRyan’sface.HeneverdreamedTonywould
lethimtop.He’dresignedhimselftobottomforaslongastheyweretogether.Foreverifnecessary,but
he’dmissedthefeeloftightheataroundhiscock.HopefullyTony’sobviousenjoymentmeantitwasn’ta
one-timething.

Asmuchashedidn’twanttonighttoend,heknewTonywouldleavesoon.Butforalittlewhilehe’d
enjoythewarmbodynexttohim.

SnuggledagainstRyan,hisarmoverhiswaist,Tony’sfingertracedinvisibledesignsonhisarm.His
warmbreathteasedthefinehairsonthebackofRyan’sneck.

HiddenForce

Theonlyilluminationcamefromthedimstreetlightoutsideandthebrightrednumeralsontheclock.

Nearlymidnight,RyanwaitedforTony’susualroutinetokickin.

Forreasonsneverexplained,Tonydidn’tstaythenight.Ever.EarlyintheirrelationshipRyanhadasked
buttheanswerwasalwaysno.Politelycouchedingoodreasons—earlymeeting,differentschedule—but
Tonyalwaysleft.They’dneverhadsexatTony’sapartment.Guessitwouldhavebeenhardertokick
RyanoutthanforTonytorunaway.

Determinedtomakethemostofthefewminutesleft,RyanwiggledclosertoTony’sbody.

Asmuchashewantedittolast,theroutinestartedtheusualway.

Tony’sarmtightenedaroundhim.

Thefinalhug…

BriefkissesteasedthebackofRyan’sneck.

Thebuilduptothegood-nightkiss…

Tonyclearedhisthroatwithalittlegrowlingsound.

Andnowforthebrushoff…

“CanIstay?”

Ryanopenedhiseyesasifitwouldhelphimhear.“What?”

“Ifit’sokaywithyou,I’dliketostay.”Tonynuzzledhisneck.

“Ofcourse…”Ryanclosedhiseyesandwilledthedreamtocontinue.WarmthfrommorethanTony’s
presenceengulfedhim.

Tonymumbledthanksbeforehesnuggleddeeperintothecovers.

AsmilethreatenedtocrackRyan’skiss-bruisedlipsashetwinedhisfingersthroughTony’sandclosed
hiseyes.

*****

ShaylaKersten

Tonycouldn’tkeepthesmileoffhisfaceashestrodeintothesquadroom.Inspiteofanothercold,gray
day,wakingupnexttoRyanhadputhiminafantasticmood.Heberatedhimselfforneverstayingwith
himbefore.

RyanhadaskedanumberoftimesearlyintheirrelationshipbutTonyhadbeentooafraidofsomeone
findingoutaboutthem.ThenRyanstoppedasking.

Heskiddedtoastopnexttohisdesk.

Jefflookedup,hisforeheadcrinkledintoafrownbutasmileteasedhislips.“Kissandmakeup?”

Evenasheshushedhispartner,hisgrinwidened.“Wehadtopickoutmyclothesfortonight.Sowhat’s
thewordthismorning?”

“Thesafehouseissetupwithtwoapartmentsacrossfromeachother.IjustphonedRyanwiththe
address.He’llmeetusthereatfour.”JeffpushedanotepadtowardTony.

Pickingitup,Tonynotedtheaddress.“Good.”

Jeffnodded.“Idon’tlikeyougoinginthere.Whatifsomeonerecognizesyou?”

“Idoubtthat’llhappen.Waituntilyouseetheclotheshepickedoutforme.”

“Bad?”

“No,notreally,justnotme.”Tonysmiledatthememoryofwanderingthroughasecondhandclothesstore
withRyan.Thethingsthey’dboughtweretotallyoutofcharacterforTony.Hedoubtedhe’drecognize
himself.

“I’mnothappyabouthimnotwearingawire.Thatclubishuge,nottomentiontheextra‘rooms’.”

“True…”Tony’sorgasmichangoverfaded.Ryanwasheadedintoharm’swaytonight.Worryputa
damperonhiselation.Asmiletriedtomakeacomebackashesquirmedslightlyinhischair.The
sorenessinhisasskeptresurrectingmemoriesoflastnight.

“Tony!”Jeff’ssharpvoicepulledhimbacktohissurroundings.

“What?”

HiddenForce

“Isaid,thesurveillancevanisalsoreadyandwaitinginthemotorpool.”Jeff’sintensestareunnerved
Tony.

“Okay,thanks.”HeatcreptoverTony’sface.Hehadtogethisheadoutofhisassandconcentrateon
work.Aburstoflaughterescapedasthedoublemeaningofhisthoughtshithim.

Jeffglaredathimoverareport.“Caretoshare?”

“Nope.”Tonychuckled.“Definitelynot.”

*****

TonychuckledatthelookonJeff’sface.TheoutfitwasdefinitelyafarcryfromTony’sconservative

suits.Evenhisoff-dutyclothingwasrathersimple.Notthatthejeans,tanktopandshirtheworewere
flamboyant.Justnothim.

ThetighttanktopmadeTonyblesshisworkoutroutine.Everymuscleinhischestshowedthroughthe
blackmaterial.Hisfadedjeansweresotighthe’dbeintroubleifhebecameexcited.Hiscockwouldbe
confinedalmosttothepointoftorture.Anunbuttonedfadeddenimlong-sleevedshirtcompletedhisoutfit.
Exceptfortheboots.Awornpairofcombatbootsthey’dpickedupatanArmysurplusstore.Ifanyone
recognizedhimasthestuffed-shirtsuitfromafewweeksago,it’dbeamiracle.He’dtopoffthelook
withadarkleatherjacket.

Hisbeardgrewfastsotwodayswithoutshavinglefthisfacewithaheavyshadowofwhiskers.

Ryanwasacrossthehallintheotherapartment.Tonycouldn’twaittoseewhathehadpickedouttowear.
Ryanrefusedtotellhim,buthiscrypticcommentshadTonyalreadyregrettingthetightjeans.

“Yougoingtobeokayinthere?”Jeff’squestioncalmedhisgrowingardor.

“Ofcourse,Ryantoldmejusttoactaloofandalittlearrogant.Anyoneapproachingwillwaitformeto
makeamove.”

ShaylaKersten

Jeffshookhishead.“That’snotwhatImean.CanyouhandlewatchingRyangettingpawedoverwithout
losingyourtemper?”

Ajoltofjealousysmackedhim.“I’vebeentryingnottothinkaboutthat.”

“Well,decideifyoucandealwithitbeforeyougetinthere.Makingascenewon’thelpcatchthekiller.”

“Icanhandleit.”Ifhesaiditwithenoughconfidence,maybethey’dbothbelievehim.

*****

TonyparkedthecarborrowedfromimpoundunderastreetlightacrossfromtheParadiso.Afewdozen
carshuddledclosetotheoldwarehouseconvertedtoanightclub.Castinghisgazearound,hesurveyed
thefewmendriftingtowardtheclub.

Noneofthemlookeddirectlyateachother,asifnooneelsewereonthestreet.Thescatteredlightfrom
thedilapidatemarqueeannouncingParadisoleftaflashinggraypalloverthearea.

Ryanwouldn’tbehereforanotherhalfanhour.They’dagreedheshouldgoinfirstandfindaspotatthe
barwherehecouldobserve.AcoldgustofwindquickenedTony’sstepstowardthedoor.Hisworn
leatherjacketwasn’tmuchprotectionagainstthechillnightair.

Tonysquaredhisshoulderandstiffenedhisspine.OfallthethingsRyantoldhimabouthowtoact,the
mostimportantwasattitude.Aslongasheappearedformidable,theclientelewouldtreathimashands-
offunlessheinitiatedsomething.Stridingacrossthemakeshiftparkinglot,TonyhopedRyanwasright.

Abassbeatsoundedthroughthewallsofthewarehouse.WhenTonyopenedthedoor,ablastofmusic
andheatslammedintohim.Pausingatthetopofashortmetalstaircaseleadingdownintotheclub,he
slippedsomemoneythroughanopeninginasmallwindow.

HiddenForce

Amembershipcardwaspushedbackthrough.Arough-lookingburlymanoutsidethecashier’sboothheld
uparubberstamp.Tonyofferedthebackofhishand.Thecoldrubberpressedagainsthisskin.

Hestoppedatacoat-checkcounteroppositethecashier’sboothtohandoverhisjacket.Pushingtheclaim
ticketintohispocket,hecheckedouthissurroundings.

Technodancemusicfilledthehugeroom.Maledancerswearingnothingmorethang-stringsdottedraised
platformsaroundthedanceflooraswellasseveralplacesonthelongbar.Theirgyratingdancewas
borderlinepornographic.

Inspiteofthetime,alittleaftertenatnight,theroomwascrowded.Ormaybebecauseofthehour.The
lastfewtimesTonyandJeffhadcanvassedtheclub,they’dshownupmuchearlier.Therehadbeenless
thanathirdofthepeoplepresentthen.

Tonyhitchedhisshouldersbackandplantedascowlonhisface.Takingthefewstairstwoatatime,he
pushedthroughthecrowdeddancefloor,movingtowardthebar.AfewmenmadeeyecontactbutTony
lookedaway.Themenmovedon.EvidentlyRyanknewwhathewastalkingabout.Nooneaccostedhim
otherthantheinevitablecontactonacrowdeddancefloor.

Aspotatoneendofthelongbaropenedastwomenmovedaway.Tonytookthespotandwatchedthe
pairwalktowardadarkdoorwaydrapedwithchains.Littlelightshowedthroughbuttheystrodewith
confidencethroughthechaincurtain.Tonyassumeditwasoneofthebackrooms.

Hisgazesweptaroundthedancefloorautomaticallyassessingthecrowd.Arealmixedbagofmen—
everybuild,everytype—atruecrosssectionofthemaleofthespecies.Andtheywereallhereforsex
withothermen.

AbartenderfinallyfoundTonyattheendofthebar.“What’llitbe?”Builtlikeabodybuilder,theman’s
bare-shavenchestglistenedwithsweatormaybealubricantofsomekind.

“Scotch,neat.”Hetossedatwentyonthebar.

ShaylaKersten

Themanmovedawaytogethisdrink.Rippledmusclesmovedacrosshisback.Apairofwhatlooked
likeshortboxerbriefscoveredawell-formedass.Hisgazewanderedbacktothedancefloorandthe
myriadmenmovingtotheblaringbeatofthemusic.

Althoughhe’dneverthoughtofhimselfasprejudiced,Tonyhadhadapreconceivednotionofhowagay

manlookedandacted.Hisvisionofhimselfdidn’tfitthepattern.Hebrushedoffhisoccasionaltwingeof
arousalarounddifferentmenasanaberration,somethingthathappenedbecausehe’dbeenwithouta
womantoolong.

WhenhemetRyan,thetwingebecamearagingfury.Hispastencounterswithwomenwerecold
comparedtotheburningfireoflustRyan’smerepresencecreated.

Nowlookingaroundthecavernousroom,Ryan’squestionfromlastnightwhisperedthroughtheblaring
music.“Areyougay?”

Withashudderofdesire,hisbodyanswered“Yes”andhismindfinallyagreed.

Althoughmanyofthemenaroundhimwerehottolookat,hisfeelingsforRyankepthisgazeimpassive.
Lustcouldn’treplacetheintensepassionhisloveraroused.

Speakingof…TonycaughtaglimpseofRyanwalkinginthefrontdoor.Wearingahoodedsweatshirt
jacketandjeanssotightTonydidn’tthinkRyanwouldbeabletositwithoutcuttingoffvitalcirculation.
Hishairwaswindblown,hisfaceredwithcold.Heunzippedthejacketrevealingacroppedtopshowing
fiveorsixinchesofwashboardabsabovelow-ridingjeans.

Tony’scock,alreadyhalferectfromhisthoughts,leapttofullarousalatthesight.

Whentherubber-stampmanranahandoverRyan’sass,jealousyaddedtotheheatofhisdesire.Theurge
toplanttheman’sfaceagainstthenearestwallalmostconsumedhim.

“Ohfuck,”hewhispered.HowwashesupposedtosurvivethesceneRyanhaddescribed?

HiddenForce

ChapterFour

Ryanlaughedatthebouncer’sgrowledsuggestionforhisnextbreak.“Maybe…”

heteased.HisgazeranaroundthelargeroomseekingTony.Thestrobelightsmadeithardtomakeout
anyoneinparticular.He’dtoldTonytofindaspotatthebarsohefollowedthelineofmencrowded
againstit.

Lastspotontheleft,hefoundthefamiliarsetofshoulders.Tony’sfacewasturnedhisdirection.He
hopedhehadn’tseenthebouncergrabbinghisass.Probablydidbuthe’dbeenwarned.

Ryanrandownthestairswithoutanotherword.Minglingwiththecrowd,hedancedhiswaytowardthe
bar.It’dbeenalongtimesincehe’dbeentoanykindofclub.Tonywasn’tabouttobecaughtinagaybar
andRyandidn’twanttogowithouthim.He’dbeencontentwiththeirhiddenrelationshipbuthedidmiss
dancing,goingout.

Handsrubbedandfingerspinchedashemovedacrosstheroom.Offerswhisperedinhisears.Evidently
theoutfitworked.Asmall,evilpartofhismindwonderedwhatTonywouldthinkofthegetup.

Ashetwistedhiswaythroughthethinningedgeofthecrowd,hecaughtaglimpseofthemaninquestion.

Tony’sfacewasstoicbuttheflashesoflightshowedaglintoflustandangerinhiseyes.

Ryansmiledatbothemotions.Afterlastnight,hishopeforsomethingmorethanfriendswithbenefits
surged.

Withhipsgrindingintimetothemusic,Ryandancedovertohisjealouslover.

SqueezingbetweenTonyandthemanstandingnexttohim,RyanpressedhisassagainstTony’sgroin.

ShaylaKersten

ThehardbulgepressedbackasTony’shandgrabbedhiship.

ThebartenderleanedoverforRyan’sorder.

“Beer,whatever’scheapest,”heshoutedoverthenoise.Afterthebartendernodded,Ryanpressedback
againstTony.

Heatlinedhisbodyfrombacktoass.Thestubbleofafiveo’clockshadowscrapedagainsthisneck.Hot
breathteasedhisear.“You’redrivingmenutsinthatoutfit.”

Warmlipsnuzzledhisneck.

RyanturnedhisheadtowardTony.“MaybeI’llgiveyouaprivateshowinglater.”

PressinghislipsagainstTony’s,histongueteasedhislover’smouth.

Whenthebartenderplacedaglassofbeeronthebar,Tonytappedthebillslyingnexttohisscotch.The
manjustgrinnedashesnaggedafewdollarsfromthepile.

RyansnuggledbackagainstTonyforafewmoreseconds.Theopennessoftheirinteractionpleasedhim
butmadehimwishitweren’tjobrelated.

Grabbinghisbeer,heshimmiedoutofTony’sgrasp.“Thanksforthebeer.”Hegrinnedashedanced
towardtheedgeofthecrowd.Hewashereonbusiness.Mayaswellgettoit.

Fleetingtouchescoupledwithmorepurposefulgropesaccostedhimasheenteredthemazeofbodies.
Holdinghisdrinkabovehishead,hedidn’ttrytostopanyone.

Instead,hewatchedeachman’sfaceforsignsofsomethingmorethanlust.Noonecapableoftheabuse
theyoungvictimshadsufferedwouldbeabletohideallofhisdarkerdesires.

Ryanpausedtodancewithanymanwhoshowedinterest.Althoughheallowedthetouching,heavoided
lettinganyonekisshim.NosenseputtingTonythroughanymorejealousythannecessary.

Agrinthreatenedtospreadacrosshisface.Hehadnodoubtaboutit—Tonywasjealous.Thesmoldering
lookatthebartoldthetruthmorethananywords.Andifhewasjealous,maybeitmeantTony’sfeelings
randeeperthanherealized.

HiddenForce

YetanothersetofhandsgrabbedRyan’ships.Ahardbodypressedagainsthimfrombehind.Theridgeof
anerectcockrubbedagainsthisass.Ryanlaughedasheturnedtowardthenewestmantryingtogetinto
hispants.

Lustinthetallwell-builtman’seyesturnedtoshock.

“Ryan!”

“David?”SurprisebroughtRyantoacompletestop.DavidMarchinagaybar?

“Fuck,”themanmuttered.HereleasedRyan’shipsandfled,pushingthroughthecrowdwithalmost
violentblows.

Ryanstoodmotionlessinthemassofmovingflesh.Theglassinhishandtiltedforward,beerpouringto
thefloor.Hismindfailedtofocusonthepresentasthepastslappedhimintheface.MemoriesofDavid
floodedhimwithanalmostphysicalache.

Astronghandwrappedaroundhisfingersandtuggedtheglasslevelagain.

“You’remakingalittlemesshere.”Tony’svoicepenetratedthefogofRyan’smemories.

Muscledarmswrappedaroundhimpullinghimtight.“Isthereaproblem?”Warmlipsnuzzledhisear.

“Thatguy…DavidMarch,Iknowhim.”

“We’reouttahere.”Tony’sgrowlcaughthimbysurprise.

“No…Wait!”

“Ifyourcoverisblown—”

“It’snot.”RyanturnedinthecircleofTony’sarms.“Idon’tthinkitis.”Heforcedhimselftomovetothe
music,pullingTonyalongwithhim.“He’ssomeoneIknewfromhighschool.Ihaven’tseenhimsince
graduation.”

Tony’sfingerscaughthischinandpulledhisfaceuntiltheirgazemet.“Areyousurehedoesn’tknow
whatyoudo?”

Ryanshookhishead.“Idon’tseewhyhewould.LikeIsaid,Ihaven’tseenhimsincegraduation.”

ShaylaKersten

Grindingtogethertothebeatofthemusic,Ryancouldn’thelpbutnoticeTony’shardcockpressingagainst
him.AnyarousalRyanfelthadfledwhenhesawDavid.

NowwithTony’sarmsaroundhimandtheobviousdesirepushingagainsthim,hislengthhardenedinthe
tightconfinesofhisjeans.

“Damn,you’remakingmesohotIcan’tthinkstraight.”

Tony’swordsmadetheacheinhisgroinworse.RyanslidhishandupTony’schestandaroundhisneck.
Pullinghislover’sheadcloser,hislipssoughtTony’s.Gentlepressureturnedtobruisingheat.Tony’s
tonguedemandedentranceandRyangaveinwithoutthoughtoftheirsurroundingsorpurpose.

HeatandthesmokytasteofscotchoverwhelmedRyan.PullingTonycloser,heletthemusicandTony’s
tastetakecontrolofhisbody.Theygroundagainsteachothertothethrobbingbassofthespeakers.Each
beatsentanalmostelectricalshockthroughhisbodyendingwithhisachinggroin.

Tony’slipslefthisabruptly.“Ineedyou.”HishoarsevoicemumbledinRyan’sear.

“Yes—”RyangrabbedTony’shand.Losinghisbeeronatableastheyleftthedancefloor,heheaded
towardtherestrooms.Heknewwhathewasdoingwaswrongbuthiscommonsensehadmigratedsouth.
Ifhedidn’tgetsomerelief,he’dneverbeabletoconcentrateonthejob.

FromTony’slackofresistance,hewasn’tabouttostophim.Besides,aroundthisplace,theywerejust
doingwhateveryoneelsecameherefor.

Ryanpushedthedooropen,prayingavacantstallwasavailable.Hewasn’tsurewhathe’ddoifthere

wasn’tone.Luckwasonhisside.

PullingTonyintothetinycubiclewithhim,heclosedandlatchedthedoor.Hedidn’thavetimetothink
aftertheclickofthelock.

Tonyknockedhimagainstthemetaldivider.Hisfingersfumbledthebuttonofhisjeansfreewhilehis
mouthattackedRyan’s.

HiddenForce

Nottobeleftout,RyanreachedforTony’sbelt.Beforehecouldgettheleatherthroughtheloop,Tonyhad
Ryan’sjeansopenandacallousedhandwrappedaroundhiscock.TheotherhandtuggedRyan’sjeans
downaroundhiships.

Squattingdown,Tony’smouthengulfedRyan’slength.Hishandsgrabbedhisass,pullinghimdeepinto
histhroat.

Ashiverofdesiregrewmoreintensebytheforbiddennatureoftheirtryst.Theywereonduty,onthejob.
WorkslippedhismindwhenTony’sfingerspushedintothecrackofhisass.

Ryangaveupthoughtsofanythingbutthehotmouthandthebluntfingerpressingpastthetightringof
muscleguardinghisanus.Heatragedthroughhisbody.Tony’sfingerunerringlyfoundhisprostate.

“Toomuch…”Thepoundingbeatofthemusicpermeatedthewalls.Ryan’sheartbeatmatchedthepace.

Tony’smouthtookhislengthsodeephisbreathteasedhisskinthroughhispublichair.Histhroat
tightenedaroundthetip.

“Fuck!”Ryancouldn’tstophisorgasmasawaveofecstasyslammedintohim.Hishipsjerkedforward
assemenrippedthroughhiscock.

Tonypulledback.Suckingthesensitivetip,hetookeveryspurtofcome.Histongueteasedthelastof
Ryan’sjuicesfromtheslit.

GrabbingbothsidesofTony’sshirtcollar,Ryanpulledhislovertohisfeet.

Slamminghimagainsttheoppositewall,Ryandevouredhismouth.OnehandfoundTony’sbeltand
finishedthejobofopeninghisjeans.Pushingthetightmaterialdown,RyanslippedhishandinsideTony’s
briefsandtightenedonthehotflesh.

Tony’sarmswrappedaroundRyan.Hismouthreturnedhispassion,rough,hardkissesthattastedofcome
andalcohol.

ShaylaKersten

Ryan’sstrokesmatchedthefervoroftheirkisses,pullingthehardlengthofflesh,slickedwithleaking
pre-come.Herolledhispalmoverthetip,gatheringmoremoisture.

Mouthsmergedandcapturedeachother’smoans.WetheatspreadoverRyan’shand,smearingontohis
stomach.

“Ohshit…”wereTony’sonlycoherentwordswhilehisbodyshiveredthroughhisorgasm.

Ryangentledhisstrokes,milkingTony’scockdry.

“Damn,Ryan,weshouldn’thave—”Breathlesswithpassion,concernstillbledthroughTony’svoice.

“Iknow.Toolatetoworryaboutitnow.”Hekissedawayanyotherobjections.

“Besides,itgivesmycovercredibility.”PressinghisforeheadagainstTony’s,hemurmured,“Iguesswe
shouldgetbackoutthere.”

“Yeah…”

*****

ThedampspotonhisT-shirtmadeTonyself-conscious.Logicsaidinthislight,thewaterstainwhere
he’dwashedawayhiscomecouldn’tbeseenontheblackmaterial.

Hisminddidn’twanttolistentologic.

Ryanblendedintothecrowdassoonastheyleftthebathroom.Tonykeptaneyeonhimashewalked
backtothebar.Findinganewspotoppositehisoriginalone,heshookhisheadwhenadifferent
bartenderwalkedtowardhim.Hecouldn’tbelieveonedrinkhadimpairedhisjudgmentsomuchhe’d
blownRyaninapublicbathroom.

Partofhimscoffedattheidea.Jealousyandsimplelusthadovercomehisreason.

Theboozehadnothingtodowithit.

TonyusedhiscellphonetotextthenameofthemanwhorecognizedRyantoJeff.

Tobeonthesafeside,hewantedhimcheckedout.Ryanwouldn’ttellhimmorethanhisname.Tonyknew
therewasastorytherebuthewouldn’tforceitjustyet.

HiddenForce

Hisgazefollowedhisloveraroundthedancefloor.HenotedeachmanRyandancedwithformorethana
coupleofminutes.Jealousyrearedupwitheachtouch,eachgrope.Afterthesceneinthebathroom,his
raginghard-onhadbeenreducedtoahalf-erectsimmer.Withouttheintensesexualtension,hehadbetter
controlofhisurgetopummeleverymanwhotouchedRyan.

Itwasgoingtobealongnight.

*****

Thenightseemedtolastforever.Ryanhadforgottenwhataworkoutdancingallnightcouldbe.Sweat
mattedhishairtohishead.Liquidbeadstickleddownhisback.

HisshortT-shirtwassoaked.Evenhisunderwearwasdamp.

Hismindkeptdriftingawayfromthetaskathand.SeeingDavidagainaftersomanyyearswasashock.
Memorieslongsuppressedflashedvividinhismind.EvenDavid’smuskyscentofsexandsweathaunted
him.

Atall,muscularmancircledhim,trailinghisfingersaroundRyan’swaist.Hiscoalblackhaircombined
withamustacheandgoateegavehimanevilair.Dressedinaleathervestandtightbluejeans,helooked
liketheposterchildforaLeathermanad.

Whenthemanpausedinfrontofhim,Ryanranhishandsdownthewell-builtchest,playingwiththedark
hair.Hisgazemetthedarkeyes,watchingforanysignofillintent.Instead,aglimmerofamusement
mixedwithobviousdesire.Theman’ssmilewasopenandeasy.

AshiverofarousalranthroughRyaninspiteofhimself.Ryandancedwithhimforafewminutesthen
movedon.

Anothermanmovedin.Thisonewasoppositethelast.Railthin,clean-shavenandblond,hedidn’thave
thesameappealasthelastman.Theonlythingopenabouthimwastheintenselookofangrylust.His
eyesglitteredwithmaliciousness.

ShaylaKersten

RyanglancedoveratTony.Hiswatchfulpresencereassuredhim.Henoddedslightly,knowingTony
wouldnotetheman’sdescription.Sureenough,Tonypulledhisphoneoutandbeganpunchingkeys.

Thesurveillancevanwouldwatchforthemanwhenhelefttheclubandgethislicenseplate.

Thirstpulledhimoffthedancefloor.Anotherbeerwouldcoolhimdown.He’dalreadysweatedoffthe
lastone.

HemadeabeelineforTony’sposition.Itwasgoingtobealongnight.

*****

Dampwithsweat,afrigidblastofcoldairchilledRyantothebone.Fortunately,Tonysuggestedthey
leavetogetherandhiscarwasnearby.Nooneintheclubwouldthinktwiceabouthimleavingwith
someone.Halfthemenhedancedwithwantedhimto.Justnottheoneshethoughtwerepossiblesuspects.

“Whatabouttheguysinthevan?”Ryanaskedastheyheadedacrosstheparkinglot.Tony’sarmlooped

acrossRyan’sshoulders,wardingoffthechilldownthebackofhisneck.

“Isentatextmessagethatwewerecomingouttogether.”

“Comingout?”Ryanlaughedathislover’spoorchoiceofwords.

EvenTonyhadtochuckleatthedoubleentendre.“NotexactlywhatImeant.”Hishandcircledaroundto
Ryan’sthroat.“ButIkindoflikebeingabletodothis.”

Ryantriedtokeephisgrinfromsplittinghisface.Maybetherewashopeforamoreopenrelationship.
Thewarmarmslippedawaywhentheyapproachedthecar.Ryanranaroundtothepassengersideand
crawledintogetoutofthecoldwind.

AssoonasTonygotinthedriver’sside,hiscellphonerang.“Costa.”

Ryancouldhearthemurmurofthevoiceontheotherendbutnotthewords.

“Ha,ha…You’resofunny.Justmeetusbackattheapartment.”Tonyflippedthephoneshutandstarted
thecar.

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“Jeff?”

“Yes,”Tonystartedthecarandpulledawayfromthecurb.“Hesaidwemadeacutecouple.”

RyanlaughedattheirritationinTony’svoice.“Whenaretheycomingtotheapartment?”

“They’llwaituntiltheclubcloses.They’vebeentakingpicturesofeachpersonastheyleave.Maybewe
canmatchthemuptoknowncriminals.”

“So,”RyantrailedhisfingersupTony’sthigh,“doesthismeanwe’llhavealittletimebeforeanyone
comesbacktotheapartment?”

Tony’shandstoppedhimbeforehereachedhisgroin.“Wecan’t…”HesqueezedRyan’shandbeforehe
movedittotheconsoleseparatingthem.“Whathappenedintheclubshouldn’thave.Untiltheoperationis
over,wejustcan’t…betogether.”Inspiteofhiswords,Tonyhadn’treleasedRyan’shand.

RyansqueezedTony’shandandsettledbackintotheseat.Thefreedomoftonight’sactionshadgonetohis
head.Buttheeveningseemedtobeapushinanewdirectionforthem.

“SotellmeaboutDavidMarch.”

Thatdefinitelyspoiledthemood.RyanpulledhishandawayfromTony’s.“Iknewhiminhighschool.We
werefriendsforawhile.”

“Wereyoulovers?”

Ryanshookhishead.“Iwouldn’treallycallitlovers.Wedidhavesex…”Hesighedandclosedhiseyes.
Hisfirsttimeandnotahappymemory.“Wegotintohisparents’liquorcabinetonenight.Theyweregone
fortheweekend.Wegotdrunk,thingsgotoutofhandandwhenwewokeupthenextmorning,David
was…”Thepainofrejectionstilltookhisbreathaway.“Horrified.Webarelyspokeagainafterthat.He
claimedhewasn’tgayandaccusedmeofgettinghimdrunkonpurpose.”Atthetopofhislungsandwith
fistsflying.

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ThewarmthofTony’shandonhislegbroughthimbacktothepresent.

“Buthewasinagaynightclub,”Tonysaid.“Andthewayhewasrubbingagainstyou,hewasn’ttherefor
thedrinks.”Hishandsqueezedhisthigh.

“No,IwouldneverhavemadeamoveonhimbackthenifIhadn’tthoughthefeltsomethingforme.I
didn’tthinkhe’dcomeoutofthecloset,eventohimself.Maybehehasnow.”Thememoryoftheburning
intensityinDavid’seyessentashudderthroughRyan.“Ornot.Hewasn’tveryhappytoseeme.Probably
afraidofbeingrecognized.”

HecoveredTony’shandwithhis.“ButIwouldn’tconsiderhimasuspect.”

“I’lladdhimtothelistjustincase.”

Ryanwantedtoobjectbuthedidn’t.Hismemoriesassaultedhim.HowcouldheexplaintoTonywhyhe
believedhisfirstlovewasn’tamurderer?Hewasn’tsureheunderstoodhisownconviction.

*****

FournightsofwatchingRyanshakehisassacrossthedanceflooratParadisountilthreeinthemorning
wasenoughtodriveTonyinsane.Sincehe’denforcedtheno-sexruleuntiltheundercoverjobwasover,
hiscockwasatpermanenthalf-staff.Jackingoffintheshowerwasn’tmuchfun,especiallywhenhewas
alone.Andstillnodecentleadsinthemurders.

Inspiteoflackofsleep,Tonystalkedthroughtheprecincttowardhisdesk.Hecouldn’tsleep,hell,he
couldn’tthink.They’dcheckedoutthedozenorsomenRyan’santicshadattracted.Onlythreecameup
withanykindofrecord.OneofthemwasthemanRyanknewfromhighschool.

DavidMarchhadthreedomesticabusecallsoverthelastfiveyears.Hiswifeneverpressedcharges.She
claimedshehadn’tcalledthepoliceeventhoughphonerecordsshowedthecallscomingfromtheMarch
residence.RespondingofficersthoughtitmighthavebeenoneoftheMarchs’servants.

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Slippingintohisdeskchair,TonypickedupMarch’sfile.Financialsshowedheownedaconstruction
company,handeddownfromhislatefather.Ahandwrittennoterevealedhiscompanyhadabigproject

downneartheriver,notfarfromtheParadiso.

Couldjustbeacoincidence.Ornot.

Anenlargedcopyofhisdriver’slicensephotostaredatTony.Themanlookedolderthanthetwenty-five
yearshisbirthdatemadehim.Ofcourse,he’dbethesameageasRyan.Theywenttohighschooltogether.

Darkeyes,darkblondhairandanexpressionthatlookedasifhewantedtobesomewhereelseinthe
world.Butthen,whotookagooddriver’slicensepicture?

Heflippedtothenextfile.MitchBlack—convictedofpettyrobberyandsimpleassaulttwoyearsago.
Notreallytheprofileofakiller.Ryansaidthemanhadanangersointenseinhiseyesitmadehimstep
away.Therecorddidn’treallygivethemmuchtogoon.Asfarastheycouldtell,Blackwasunemployed,
livinginamen’shotelnottoofarfromtheParadiso.

TonyheldupBlack’sfileinonehandandgrabbedMarch’sintheother.Bothhadlocationsneartheclub,
nearwherethebodieswerefound.Hetossedthefilesononesideofhisdesk.Grabbingthenextfolder,
hecheckedoutthesurveillancepicture.Thisoneleftthebarwithsomeonetotallyoppositethevictims’
description.Atallbeefymanolderthanthesuspecthadanarmslungaroundtheshorterman’sneck.From
thepossessivehold,Tonydidn’tthinkthesuspectwasincontroloftheencounter.

“Whatchadoing?”Ryan’svoiceinterruptedhistrainofthought.

Ryan’slazy,drawlingquestionsentshiversthroughTony.Definitelynotwhathewishedheweredoing.
Hiscocksprangfromhalfdormanttofullalert.Hescootedhischairforwardsohisdeskwouldhidethe
growingbulgeinhisslacks.“Goingthroughthesefiles…”Hehopedhisvoicedidn’tgiveawaythestress
Ryan’snearnesscaused.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

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“Thecaptaincalledmein.Jeff’srightbehindme.”RyanpickedupthetwofilesontheedgeofTony’s
deskandplantedhisbuttintheirplace.Thumbingopenthefirstone,heglancedatthecontents.“David’s
changedalot.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Tonystretchedhislegsoutunderthedesktryingtoeasethediscomfortinhispants.
Ryan’sproximitywasn’thelping.

“HelooksolderthanIwouldhavethought.Likehe’shadahardlife.”

“Maybelivingadoublelifedoesthattoyou.”Tonywonderedifhissecretsreflectedinhisappearance.

Ryan’squestioninggazemadeTonywonderifhisloverwasthinkingthesamething.

“Hey,guys.What’sup?”

TonyturnedtowardJeff’svoice.“Idon’tknow.Iwasn’tcalled.”

“Becauseyouwerealreadyhere,”CaptainMartinsaidfromhisofficedoor.Hemotionedthethreeof
themtowardhim.“Let’sgetstarted.”

Ryanheldback,lettingJeffandTonytaketheonlytwoguestchairs.Heoptedtoleanagainstthewall
wherehecouldwatcheveryone’sface.Peoplewatchingwasoneofhisfavoritepastimes.Probablyone
ofthethingsthatmadehimagoodundercovercop.

He’dlearnedalongtimeagotoreadbodylanguageandfaces.

Subtlemovementsintheeyes,twitchesinthemusclesaroundthemouth,littlethingsgavecluestoa
person’sintentionsandtruthfulness.Forsomereason,he’dalwayshadafascinationwithreadingpeople
evenasateenager.Whichiswhyhethoughthe’dreadDavidcorrectly.

“Dowehaveanydecentleads?”CaptainMartindivertedRyan’sthoughts.

“Afewbutnothingconcrete.Iwanttofollowupontwoinparticular,”Tonyanswered.“Itmaybetoo
soonforhimtostrikeagain.Hisfirstvictimwasnearlyfiveweeksago,thesecondalmostthreeandthe
lastone,fivedays.Soundslikeatwo-week56

HiddenForce

pattern.Unlessheescalates,wemayhaveanotherweekofwaitingbeforehetriesanything.”

JeffnoddedatTony.“Thatgivesustimetoseeifanyoftheleadswehavewillplayout.”

“Whatdoyouwantmetodo?”Ryanasked.Heneededsometimealonetothinkandhe’dprefertogo
backtohisownapartment.SeeingDavidMarchunnervedhim,butthinkingthemanwasakillerseemed
unlikely.Unlessalothadchangedinthelastsevenyears.

CaptainMartinglancedoveratRyanasifhe’dforgottenhewasthere.“Youcangobacktovice.We’ll
droptheclubsurveillanceforacoupleofdayswhiletheyrundowntheleads.”

“Thanks,Captain.”RyanlookedatTony.“Unlessyouneedme…”Hecantedhisheadtowardthedoor.

“No.We’lltalklater.”Tony’sgazealmostsmoldered.

Therewouldbemorethanjusttalklater.

“I’llcheckinwithviceandthenI’mheadedhomeforalittlewhile.”NosenseinmakingTonylookfor
him.Withawaveofhishand,Ryanslippedoutthedoor.

*****

Tonypausedatthebottomofthestairsoutsidetheprecinct.Frigidairstunghisface.“Ineedtotalkto
RyanaboutDavidMarch.”Jeffwouldseethroughtheflimsyexcusebuthedidn’tcare.Itwastruebutnot
themosturgentthingonTony’smind.

“I’llgrabsomelunchandcatchupwithyouinaboutanhour?”Concernradiatedfromthedarkbrown
eyes.

“Soundsgood.”TonysqueezedJeff’sshoulderbeforeheturnedtoleave.“Thanks.”

Rushingtohiscar,TonycouldonlythinkaboutgettingtoRyan.Thesimmeringarousalofthelastfew
daysthreatenedtoconsumehim.TheshortdrivetoRyan’sapartmentflewbyashismindreplayedthelast
fewnights.

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VisionsofRyangrindinghisbodyagainstdifferentmen,teasingthemonthedancefloor,playedacrossthe
windshield.Thesceneinthebathroomflashedthroughhismindlikeapoorlyeditedvideo.

HiscockachedwithdesperateneedashepulledintoaparkingspotinfrontofRyan’sapartmentbuilding.
Climbingoutofthecar,helookedupatthesecond-floorwindow.Apartedcurtainswayedshut.

Hurriedstepscarriedhimthroughthelobbydoor.Takingthestairstwoatatime,hearrivedatRyan’s
doorasitopened.

Dressedinabulkyrobelooselytiedatthewaist,hairdampfromashower,RyanstoodbacktoletTony
pass.

Theheatoftheroomgreetedhimandcombinedwiththeflushofintensearousal.

Heturnedasthedoorslammedshut.

Ahardbodyknockedhimagainstthewall.Apicturerattledprecariouslynearhishead.

“God,Ineedyou.”Ryan’smoanwasalmostlostinahardkiss.

“Yes…”TonypulledatthetieonRyan’srobe.Heneededtofeelthewarmmusclesofhisloveragainst
him.

Ryan’shandsshovedatTony’sovercoat.TonyrelinquishedhisholdonRyan’srobetolethiscoatslide
offhisshoulders.

“Ithoughtyou’dnevergethere.”Ryan’swarmbreathteasedTony’sneck.“I’msofuckinghorny—”

Tonyshuthimupwithahardkiss.Ryan’swordswerealmostenoughtomakehimcomeinhispants.

RegaininghisgrasponRyan’srobe,Tonyfumbledthelooseknotopen.Pushingthethickmaterialoff,
TonygrabbedRyan’snakedform.

Ryanpressedasmallfoil-wrappedpackageintoTony’shand.Ittookhimafewsecondstorealizethegift
wasacondom.

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“Fuckmenow,”Ryangrowled.HisfingerstuggedatthesoftleatherbeltaroundTony’swaist.

Tonygrabbedhisachingcockthroughhisslacks.Ryan’sharshwordsnearlysenthimovertheedge.

“Here.Now!”RyanyankedTony’sflyopenandjerkedhispantsandbriefsdown.

Tearingthecondompackageopenwithhisteeth,Tonyquicklyrolledthethin,slipperylatexoverhis
length.

AroughkissbruisedTony’smouthforabriefsecondbeforeRyanturnedtofacethewall.Withhishands
splayedagainstthewall,slightlybentforwardatthewaistandhislegsspread,hisbodysquirmedwith
eagerness.

Tonycouldn’tthinkpasttheneedtobeburiedinthevelvetheatofRyan.Withafirmgriponhiscock,he
pressedthetippastthetightringofmuscle.

Ryan’smoansurgedhimtohurrybutwithonlythelubefromthecondomandheightenedarousal,hekept
hispaceslow.Anythingmoreandhe’deitherhurtRyanorcometoosoon.Hewantedthistolastlonger
thantheincidentintheParadiso’sbathroom.AndthelastthinghewantedtodowashurtRyan.

TonyranhisfreehanddownRyan’stautback.Musclesstrainedagainsthistouch.

ThetightheatslowlyenvelopedhiscockasRyanpushedbackwardtomeethim.

Pausinginhisadvance,TonyleanedhisforeheadagainstRyan’sshoulder.

“Damn,”hemumbled.“You’resofuckingtightlikethis.”They’dalwaysusedliberalamountsoflubeand
TonymadesureRyanwasreadyforhim.

Withalongexhale,Ryanpushedbackwardagain.TherestofTony’slengthslidhome.

Rollinghiships,Tony’slengthinchedoutandthenbackinagain.“Needthis…

Needyou…”HekissedthebackofRyan’sneck.Hishandscircledaroundtheslenderwaist.Fingers
crawleduptofindatinyrigidnipple.Hisotherhandsliddownand59

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wrappedaroundRyan’sleakingshaft.Histeethgrazedatightshouldermuscle.Thetangytasteofsweat
burstonhistongue.

“Yes…Feelsgood…”RyanarchedagainstTonyashepressedforward.“More…”

Tonyuppedhispace,flexinghishipsagainstRyan’sslightmovements.Asteadythrustofshortstrokes
keptTonyjustbelowblastoff.

“Ihatedseeingothermentouchingyou.”Evennowtheturmoilofthelastfewnightssimmeredjustbelow
thesurface.

“Partofthejob…”RyanturnedhisheadtowardTony.

ThescratchofhisbeardgrazedTony’sforehead.“Didn’tlikeit…”Watchingmenpawhisloverlikedogs
inheat,eachofthemwantingtobewhereTonywasnowwiththeircocksfillingRyan’stightass.

Thesoundofhisheartbeatmatchedthethumpingtechnodancemusicoftheclub.

AvisionofRyaninanotherman’sembrace,someoneelse’shandsslidingagainsthissweat-soakedskin,
caressinghisbodyinvadedhismind.

“Thosemenmadeyouhard…Turnedyouon…Butyou’remine!”hewhisperedasawaveofpossessive
jealousyhithimhard.Hisorgasmsnuckuponhim.WitharmstightaroundRyan’sbody,histhrusts
deepenedashiscockemptiedintotheviselikeheat.“You’remine…”

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ChapterFive

RyanrestedhisheadagainstthecoolwallastheheatofTony’sbodymovedaway.

Hefeltempty,notjustbereftofTony’scockbutemotionallydrained.

Tony’ssuddenpossessivenesswasn’tquitewhathewantedfromhislover.Nothinggoodevercamefrom
jealousy.

TheflushofthetoiletprecededTony’sreturn.Ryandidn’twanttomove,toturnaround.Hehadnoidea
whattoexpectafterTony’sharshwhispersandaviddeclaration.

“You’remine…”

“Hey,you.”Tonynuzzledthebackofhisneck.“Comehere.”Handstuggedathiswaist.“SeemsIgotina
hurry.”

Ryanturnedaround.Hesearchedforanysignoftheangerhe’dheard.Nothing.

Tony’sslackswerefastened,hisbeltbackinplace.He’dtossedhisjacketonthebackofthecouch.

“Didn’tgiveyoutimetotakecareofthis.”Tony’shandwrappedaroundRyan’shardlength.

Tonyledhimovertothecouchandpushedhimdownonthesoftcushions.

Kneelingbetweenhislegs,hegrinned.“Iknowjustthethingtotakecareofyourproblem.”

Ryanforcedasmileonhisface.Hewantedsometimetothinkbeforehequestionedhim.Besides,Tony
didn’twaitforaresponse.

HismouthsuckledthetipofRyan’sshaft.Warm,moistfleshcircledthecrownandteasedtheslit.

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Leaninghisheadagainstthebackofthecouch,RyanfumbledforTony’shead.Hisfingersrakedtheshort
strandsofhair,encouragingTony’sactions.

HeneededTony,wantedhim.Forthesecondtimeinhislife,Ryanlovedsomeone.

Notjustlustorapassingflingbutalovethatmadehischestacheandhisthroattightwheneverhe
realizeditwasn’treturned.Andonceagainitwassomeonewhowouldn’tacknowledgehimasmorethan
justafriend.AtleastTonydidn’tdeserthim,cutoffalltiesafterthefirsttimethey’dmadelove.

ThememoryofhisencounterwithDavidintrudedwiththoughtsofTony’sfirsttime.Davidhadalways
beenverytactilewithRyan,touching,rufflinghishair,hugginghim.Fornearlytwoyearsoftheirthree-
yearfriendship,Davidhadknownhewasgay.

Davidsaiditdidn’tmatter.Theywerestillfriends.

Thetouchinghadn’tstopped.Ifanything,ithadgottenworse.

Tonywasjusttheopposite.Henevertouchedmorethanahandshakeoraslapontheback.Untiltheirfirst
time.Slightlydrunk,Tonyhadaskedhimaboutbeinggay.

OnethingledtoanotherandRyandemonstratedhisfondnessforcockbygivingTonyablowjobhe’d
neverforget.

NowTonyhadsurpassedhisteacherintechnique.Likerightnow.Ryanpulledhisthoughtsoutofthepast
toconcentrateonthepresent.

TonylickedawettraildownRyan’slengthtohisballs.Ryanraisedhisleg,bentatthekneeandwithhis
footontheedgeofthecouchtogivehimbetteraccess.

Tonguinghisscrotumfirst,TonythensuckedoneofRyan’sballsintohismouth.

HeatspreadthroughRyan’sgroin.HisfingerstightenedonTony’sscalp.NotforthefirsttimeRyan
wishedTony’shairwasn’tsoshort.Theneedtograspsomepartofhimandholdonwasalmost
overwhelming.

OneofTony’shandsstrokedRyan’scockinlong,slowpulls.Slickfromonlyspitandpre-come,the
frictionnearlyendedRyan’swaitforsatisfactionrightthen.

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HereleasedTony’sheadandwrappedhishandaroundhislover’s.“Holdon…”

Theimmediateneedfadedslightly.

Tony’swarmbrowneyesreflectedasmilehiddenbyRyan’sbody.“Toomuch?”

“Yeah…”Ryansighed.“Justgivemeaminute.”

TonystraightenedfromhiscrouchbetweenRyan’sthighs.“Sure.”HishandsgraspedRyan’sarmsjust
abovetheelbow.Pullinghimforward,Tony’slipsteasedRyan’smouth.“Whateveryouwant.”

Whateverhewanted.Ryanwantedsomethingmorethanaclosetedfuckbuddy.

HowcouldhetellTonythat?Insteadhewhispered,“Suckme.”

Ahardkissforcedhismouthopen.Tony’stonguesparredwithhisbeforehekissedhiswaydownRyan’s
neckandchest.Wetheatengulfedhiscock.Fast,deepstrokespushedhimtotheedge.

Bitinghislipagainsttheburningneedtoshouthisfeelingstohisobliviouslover,RyanletTony’shot
mouthtakehimovertheprecipice.Hisbodytightenedwitheachspasmofpleasurewhilehishands

scrabbledforaholdonthecouchcushions.

Tonydidn’treleasehimrightaway.Insteadhistonguecaressedtheslowlysofteningflesh,teasingthe
sensitivehead.

“Enough…”Ryantuggedathisenthusiasticlover’shead.

Withafinallick,Tonyreleasedhim.Straightening,heleanedoverandplacedagentlekissonRyan’s
mouth.HisarmsslidaroundRyan’sneck.

Hewelcomedthesweetnessoftheembrace.Theroughneedforsexdissipatedintoamoreintimate
desire.Ryanwantedarealrelationship.Someonewho’dsharehisbedformorethanthetimeittookto
fuck.Sharehislife…

Asateenager,he’dhadfantasiesofthatpersonbeingDavid.Nowanotherimpossibleuniondeniedhim
theopennesshecraved.

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TonycrawleduponthecouchnexttoRyan’snaked,sweat-coveredbody.Asmuchashe’dliketoenjoy
theaftermathofintensesexualrelease,heneededinformation.

“Weneedtotalk.”HeranhisfingersdownRyan’salmosthairlesschest,spreadingmoistureashewent.

“Whatabout?”

“DavidMarch.”

Ryan’smusclesbunchedunderTony’shand.Hepushedoffthecouchandstalkedovertowherehisrobe
laynearthedoor.“Nothingtotalkabout.Ihaven’tseenhiminsevenyears.There’snothingtotell.”

“Whatwashetoyou?”Tonycouldn’tstophimselffrompushing.

“Afriend.”Walkingtowardthehall,hegrowledoverhisshoulder,“It’sancienthistory.”

Tony’smindcriedoutforhimtodropthesubjectbutheignoredthewarning.“Itcouldhavesomethingto
dowiththecase.”

“No,itdoesn’t.”Ryanturnedonhim.Hisneckmusclesbulgedinhisanger.“Yousaidyourselfjealousy
waseatingyouupthelastfewnights.I’mnotabouttostartplayingoutmypastjusttosettleyour
insecurities.Somindyourownfuckingbusiness!”Ryan’spalefacereddenedashisvoicerose.

“Istillthinkhe’ssuspectmaterial.”Tonystoodtofacehisirrationallover.Hisownangersendingblood
rushingtohisface.

“He’snot.Leavehimoutofthis.”ClenchedteethtightenRyan’sjaw.

“Howcanyouknowheisn’twhenyouhaven’tseenhiminsevenyears?”

Ryanclosedhiseyesanddrewinadeepbreath.“Thelookinhiseyes…Itwasn’tthere.”

“Whatwasn’tthere?”TonytookafewstepstowardRyan.

“Theanger.Hewasmoreafraid.”RyanturnedbeforeTonycouldreachhimandwalkeddownthehall
towardhisbedroom.

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Tonyfollowedbutnottooclose.“Afraidofwhat?”

WithhisbacktoTony,hewhispered,“Me.”

“Whywouldhebeafraidofyou?”TonyplacedagentlehandonRyan’sshoulder.

“Unlessheknowsyou’reacop.”HeneededtoknowwhatwasbotheringRyan.

“No.Thatwasn’tit.”TheangerinRyan’svoicehaddissipated.Painreplacedhisire.“Idon’twantto
talkaboutit,”hewhispered.

*****

Ryanjoggedaroundhiscartothedriver’sside.AfterTonyleft,Ryandecidedtodohisowninvestigating.
He’dseenDavid’sfileandtheaddressofhiscompany.MarchConstructionwasinthesamebuildingit
wassevenyearsago.He’dproveDavidwasn’tasuspect.Andmaybegetsomeanswersofhisown.

Aflurryofmemorieskepthismindoccupiedontheshortdrive.Theonenightthey’dspentaslovershad
beenfulloffumbling,laughterandexperimentation.

AlthoughDavidbraggedtoeveryoneatschoolaboutallthegirlshe’dhad,thatnighthe’dadmitteditwas
allalie.DavidandRyanwereeachother’sfirst.

Atthetime,curledaroundDavid,bothofthemdampwithsweatandcome,Ryanhadthoughtthey’dbe
eachother’slastaswell.HisfriendbroughtoutemotionsRyancouldn’tdefineuntilthatnight.Whenhe’d
toldDavidhelovedhim,Davidhadadmittedhefeltthesameway.

Ryanshookhishead.Itwasn’tjusttheliquortalking.David’slookfromtheclubhadsomethingmorethan
fear.Ryandecideditwasregret.

Lateafternoonfoundtheparkinglotstillfull.Ryanfoundaspotattheoppositeendfromthebuilding.The
coldchilledhimthroughhiscoat.Butevenmore,heknewwhatTony’sreactionwouldbeifhefoundout
he’dcomehere.

Hisstepsfaltered.Maybethiswasn’tsuchagoodidea.

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Along-bedpickup,dieselenginegrowling,pulledupbesidehim.ThewordsMarchConstructionwere
blazedinredacrossthewhitepaint.David’sface,frowningandpale,staredathimthroughthewindow.
Afteraslighthesitation,thewindowsliddown.

“Iwanttotalk,”Ryansaid.

Davidnodded.“Getin.”

Ryanhurriedaroundthetruckandclimbedinthepassengerside.Warmairenvelopedhim.David’sgaze
addedheat.

WithasighDavidshovedthetruckintogear.Thelowrumbleoftheheavy-dutyenginevibratedthrough
theseat.

“Wherearewegoing?”Ryanstaredataspotonthewindshield.Hedidn’ttrusthimselftolookatDavid.
Hisexpressionmightrevealmorethanhewanted.Feelingsoflust,oflostopportunitiesandhislovefor
Tonybattledthroughthetensemusclesofhisbody.

“Notfar.Myplace.”

“Whataboutyourwife?”Ryanwincedassoonasthewordslefthismouth.Aquickglanceshowed
musclesinDavid’ssquarejawtighten.

Alongexhaleloosenedhisclenchedjaw.“Shedoesn’tlivethere.We’reseparated.”

Ryanrefrainedfrommorequestionsandletthetensesilencefillthecabofthetruckfortheremainderof
thedrive.

*****

Tonylookedupattheelaboratetwo-storyhome.Thecolumnsoneithersideofthefrontdoorhad
elaboratecarvingsatthetop.ThewholehousewasaperfectexampleofthepricyGermantownsuburbof
Memphis.Builtonagrandscale,Tonywascertainhecouldfiteveryoneinhisapartmentbuildinginhere
andhaveroomleftover.

“Forsomeonewithonlyawifeandnokids,Marchsureneedsalotofspace.”JeffvoicedTony’sthoughts
forhim.

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“Yeah.”Tonypunchedthedoorbellwithalittlemoreforcethannecessary.

Elaboratechimesannouncedtheirpresence.

ThedooropenedtorevealaHispanicwomaninaplaindarkdresswithasimplewhiteapron.“MayI
helpyou?”Aheavyaccentmadeherwordsflowwithanalmostmusicaltwist.

“We’dliketospeakwithDavidMarch.Ishehome?”Tonyflashedhisbadge.

Thewomanpaledunderhercaféaulaitskin.

“We’renotimmigration,”Tonysaid.

“Mr.Davidisnothere.”

“IsMrs.March?”Maybethewifecouldprovidesomeinformation.

Nodding,thewomanmotionedforthemtoenter.“Youcanwaitinhere.”Shemotionedtowardanopenset
ofdoubledoors.

JeffledthewayintothesittingroomwhileTonylaggedbehind.Theover-decoratedentrywaywastoo
muchforTony’staste.Ostentatious.Notawordhenormallyusedbutitfit.Asiftheownerwantedto
makesureeveryonewasawareofhiswealth.

Themaidwaiteduntilheenteredthesittingroom.“IwillgetSeñoraMarchnow.

Pleasestayhere.”

“Thankyou.”TonyturnedtoJeff.“Doyoubelievethisplace?”HisopinionofMarch,admittedlyformed
withprejudiceandinpartbecauseofhisconnectionwithRyan,sanklowerthanTonythoughtpossible.
Thewholeplacereekedofarrogantprivilege.

“HowcanIhelpyou?”Disdainlacedthetersewords.VirginiaMarchwasatall,very-fitwoman.She
lookedasifshecouldhaveheldherownagainstanabusivehusband.Butthenmostwomendidn’tfight
back,eveniftheyhadtheability.Overallsheworetoomuchmakeupbutthethickerpatcharoundherright
eyedidn’tcompletelyhideahealingbruise.

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“Mrs.March?”Tonyhelduphisbadge.“I’mDetectiveCostaandthisisDetectivePayton.We’dliketo
talktoyouaboutyourhusband.”

Herhandrosealmosttoherfacethenfell.“Aboutwhat?”

“Didhedothat?”

Thistime,herfingerstracedthepuffinessaroundhercheekbone.“No.”Againherhandfellaway.“Ifell.”
Shemotionedthemtowardthesofa.“Pleasesit.”

“Thankyou.”TonyfollowedJefftowardawhiteleathercouch.Almostafraidtositonit,Tonyeased
downontheobviouslyexpensivefurniture.

Mrs.Marchsatinafancyhigh-backedchairacrossapolishedwoodcoffeetable.

“Sonow,whatcanIdoforyou,officers?”

“We’regatheringinformationaboutseveralmurdersnearoneofyourhusband’sworksites.Standard
proceduretoeliminatepossiblesuspects.”Tonykepthisvoicedisinterested.Keepingbitsofinformation
tohimselfsometimesmadepeopleslipup.

“Sowhyaren’tyoutalkingtohim?”

Tonymadeashowofcheckinghisnotebook.“Policerecordsshowaseriesofdisturbancecallswere
placedfromyourhomeoverthelastsixmonths.”

“Imadenosuchcalls.”Herfingersclenchedthechair’sarmrests.“Idon’tknowwhodid.”

Tonypointedatherface.“Areyousureyoufell?”Ifshe’dpresschargesagainstthebastard,they’dhave
reasontohaulhiminandquestionhim.Maybereasontosearchhisofficeandvehicle.

“Ifell.”Hervoicecaughtonthelastword.“Myhusbanddoesn’tevenlivehereanymore.”

“Whendidhemoveout?”

“Nearlytwomonthsago.”

“Ourrecordsshowhisplaceofresidenceashere.Wheredidhemoveto?”Aboutthetimeofthefirst
murder.Tonyjottedanoteonhisnotebook.

HiddenForce

Withouthiswifeasapunchingbag,hemighthaveturnedtoanothersourceofrelease.“I’dlikehisnew
address.”Tonyjotteditdownassherattleditoff.

“Mrs.March,canyoutelluswhyyouandyourhusbandseparated?”

“I’drathernot.Let’sjustsayhewasn’tinterestedinmeanymore.Nowifyou’llexcuseme,Ihavea
dinnertoattend.”Mrs.Marchrosewithoutwaitingforananswer.

TonyandJefftookthecueandstood.

“Thankyouforyourhelp,”Tonysaidastheywalkedtothedoor.“Andifyoudecidetopresscharges,let
meknow.”

Checkinghiswatch,Tonynotedthetimeatthreeforty-five.“Bythetimewegetbacktotown,weshould
beabletocatchMarchbeforeheleaveshisoffice.”

*****

Davidtossedhiskeysonasmalltableinthefoyer.

Ryanfollowed,stillsilent.Nowhewasn’tsurewhathewantedtosay.

TheapartmentwassmallwithtastefulfurniturebutnotwhatRyanexpected.

David’sfamilyhadahugehouseinGermantown.TheirwealthwasbeyondanythingRyancouldhave
imaginedasateenager.AlthoughDavidhadneverbeenstuck-upoverhisfamily’swealth,he’denjoyed
thethingsmoneyprovided.ForDavidtobelivinginasmallapartmentamilefromhisofficeseemedout
ofcharacter.

“Howlonghaveyoulivedhere?”Hisnaturalcuriositywonoutoverhisconfusion.

“Acoupleofmonths.SinceVirginiaandIseparated.”DavidturnedtofaceRyan.

HisfrowncombinedwithaslightlookofpanicinhiseyesletRyanknowhewasn’ttheonlyonewho
didn’tknowwhattosay.“Wannabeer?”

Ryannodded.“Yeah.Sure.”Whynot?Hewasn’tonduty.Thiswasn’tanofficialvisit.Heyankedhis
jacketoff,holdingontoitashewaited.

WhenDavidwentintothekitchen,Ryanglancedaroundtheroom.Nopicturesonthewall,nomementoes,
almostthelookofanimpersonalhotel.Thefurniturewas69

ShaylaKersten

simple—acouch,arecliner,coffeetableandatelevisiononastand.Nosignsofwear.

Obviouslynew.

DavidclearedhisthroatbehindRyan.

Whenheturnedaround,David’sfrownhadsoftened.Anextendedhandofferedhimanopenbeer.

“Thanks.”Ryantookaquickswigwhilehegatheredhisthoughts.

Davidsavedhimthetroubleofstartingtheconversation.“IwassurprisedtoseeyouattheParadiso.”

Ryanchuckled.“ProbablynotmorethanIwastoseeyou.”

AslightflushreddenedDavid’sears.“Yeah.Iguessso.”Hemotionedtowardthecouch.

Takingoneendofthecouch,Ryantuckedhiscoatnexttohim.HeexpectedDavidtotakethereclinerbut
insteadDavideaseddownontheotherendofthesofa.

“Icameout.”Davidexhaledhardasifthewordshadbeensuffocatinghimandnowhewasfreeto
breathe.

“That’swhyyou’relivinghere?Youtoldyourwife?”

“Yeah.”Davidstaredattheblanktelevisionscreen.“ImarriedhertoprovetomyfatherthatIwasn’t
gay.”Heshookhisheadalittle.“Hefiguredoutwhathappenedthatnight.Ormymotherdidandtoldhim.
Iwasneverreallysurewhich.”

Histhumbnailscrapedatthelabelonhisbeer.“IwantedtotellhimthetruthbutIwastooscared.”His
headdippedforward,eyesclosedandafrownfurrowedhisbrow.

“Ilied.SaidIgotdrunkandyoustartedit.SaidIwasjusthornyanditdidn’tmeananything.Itwouldn’t
happenagain.”

Ryandidn’tknowwhattosay.Insteadhesoughtrefugeinhisbeer.Thesilencewasanythingbut
comfortable.

“Hestillbeatme.”

ThewordsstartledRyan.“Ineversaw—”

HiddenForce

“Hewasgoodathidingthebruises.”DavidglancedatRyanwithawrysmile.“Hehadalotofpractice.”

“I’msorry.Ididn’tknow.”

Davidshookhishead.Hiseyesreturnedtotheblanktelevision.“Youweren’tsupposedto.Ididn’twant
anyonetoknow.BythetimeIwasfourteen,Iwasalreadybiggerthanhewas.Iwasashamed.Ishould
havebeenabletostophim.”

“Hewasyourfather.”

“Yeah.”Hisvoicecrackedonthesingleword.Afteradeepbreath,hecontinued,

“Afterhedied,IrealizedIcouldn’tkeeplyingtomyselfandtoVirginia.Shealreadysuspectedsomething
waswrong.Itwasn’tfairtoeitherofus.”Theraggededgeofthebeerlabeltorefree.Davidrolledthe
smallpieceofpaperbetweenhisthumbandfinger.

“Shereallywasn’thappyaboutit.Iagreednottotellanyoneelseuntilafterthedivorceisfinal.Gaveher
thehouse,ashitloadofalimonyandagreedtostaysilentforacoupleofyears.”Hisgazedartedtoward
Ryan.“Sothat’swhyIwasattheParadiso.I’mnothidingfrommyselfanymorebutI’mstillinhiding.”

“Iunderstand.”

“Thatnightwhenwe…WhenIsaidIlovedyou…Imeantit.”

“SodidI.”Ryansighed.

“Iwonderedwhathappenedtoyou.WhenIsawyouattheclub,Ididn’tknowwhattosay.Ipanicked.”

“Ididalittlepanicofmyown.”Ryanshrugged.“DefinitelythelastplaceIexpectedtorunintoyou.”

“Iamcurious,youknow,whywereyouthere.Imean,mostofthatcrowdislikeme,inthecloset,
ashamed.Youweren’t.Eveninhighschool.”

Ryanwantedtocomeclean,tellhimitwasapoliceoperation,thathewasn’ttherelookingforaquick
fuckoraconvenientblowjob.“Ijustwantedtocheckitout.Ihadn’tbeentherebefore.Heardsomepretty
wildstoriesabouttheplace.”

ShaylaKersten

WhetherDavidacceptedthestoryornot,Ryanwasn’tsure.Themanjustnoddedthendrainedtherestof
hisbeer.Holdinguptheemptybottle,heasked,“Wantanother?”

Ryanshookhishead.Hehadn’tdrunkaquarteroftheonehehad.Hepulledhisfeetbackagainstthe
couchasDavidmovedbetweenhimandthecoffeetable.

HelethismindwanderwhenDavidlefttheroom.ThemanhadsufferedinwaysthatcaughtRyanoff
guard.Abusevictimssometimesbecametheabuser.CouldDavid’sbackgroundhavebredamurderer?
Hedidn’tthinksobutsevenyearscouldmakealotofdifferenceinaman.Especiallyonealreadyadept
athidinghistruenature.

RyanlookedupwhenDavidreturned.

Insteadofsteppingpasthim,DavidstoppedinfrontofRyan.Hismouthopenedasiftospeakthenclosed.
Teethtuggedathisbottomlip.Withaquicksigh,hesatonthecoffeetable,hislegsframingRyan’s.

“Canwetryagain?”DarkeyespleadedwithRyan.

RyanwastoostartledtospeakandDaviddidn’tgivehimmuchtimetothink.

“IknowIwashorribletoyou.AndsevenyearsisalongtimebutIcan’tstopthinkingaboutyou,aboutus.
Idreamaboutitandwhatitwouldhavebeenlikeifmyfatherhadn’tfoundout.”

“I…I…”Ryan’smindrushedthroughhismemories,hisownregrets.

Davidleanedforward,placinghishandsonRyan’sthighs.“Please…”Withoutwaitingforananswer,he
pressedforward.

Hardlips,desperateandneedy,metRyan’s.Lostinhismemories,Ryanopenedtoawarm,insistent
tongue.Heshouldpullaway,tellDavidtostop,butinsteadheleanedintotheheatandtasteofbeer.

Largehandscaressedhisupperarmswithatimidtouch.“Please,”Davidmumbledbetweenbitingkisses.

HiddenForce

Ryangaveintotheinsistentmouth.TonguesmetasDavidslidtothefloorbetweenRyan’slegs.Wrapping
hisarmsaroundDavid,Ryanwelcomedthebroadchestpressingagainsthim.

David’shandsslidaroundhim.Fingersclenchedathisshirt.Breathlessmoanspunctuatedhiskisses.
“Needyou…somuch.”

Rough,callousedfleshslidintothebackofRyan’sjeans,pushingpastthewaistbandofhisbriefs.

“OhGod…”DavidgroanedashishandtightenedonRyan’sasscheek.“Staywithme…please…”

AtthedesperateneedinDavid’svoice,Ryan’scockalreadyhalferect,filled.UntilrecentlyTonynever
actedasifheneededRyan.Wantedhim,yes,butnotlikethis,notwithfranticdesire.

But…“Stop.”Ryanpulledaway.David’sbodypressedforward,notrelinquishingcontactsoeasily.
“David—stop!”

Davidpulledback,hishandsstoppingatRyan’sshoulders.“Why?”

“There’ssomeone…I’mseeingsomeone.Ican’t.”HewrappedhisfingersaroundDavid’swristsand
movedhishandsaway.“Ijustcan’t.”

AngersparkedinDavid’seyes.“Thenwhatthefuckareyoudoinghere?”Davidstood,hiserection
bulgingagainsthisjeans.

“IsaidIwantedtotalk.Ijustwantedtofindoutwhathappened.Why…Whyyouchangedafter—”

“Well,I’vealreadysatisfiedyourcuriosity.Sogetout.”Davidsnatchedhisbeerfromthecoffeetable
thenstormedtotheothersideoftheroom.“Go!Whatareyouwaitingfor?”

Evenifhewasn’tthereforthereasonsDavidwanted,Ryandidn’twantthisoutcomeeither.Theyhad
beenbestfriendsforthreeyears.Hehopedtherewassomethingofthatleft.Evidentlynot.

ShaylaKersten

Ryansethishalf-finishedbeerdownonthecoffeetablethenstood.“I’msorry.

Lookingyouupwasabadidea.”

“Noshit.”Brightnesssoftenedthedarkeyesunderthefrowningbrow.Davidturnedtothewindow.The
musclesinhisbackstoodoutagainsthisshirt.“Justleave.

Haveanicelife.”

Ryanwantedtosmooththefrownfromhisbrowandrubthetensionoutofhisback.ExceptDavidalready
misunderstoodhisreasonforbeingthere.Tugginghiscoaton,hewalkedtothedoor.Withhishandonthe
doorknob,hehesitated.Facingthedoor,hesaid,“I’msorry,David.Ifthingsweredifferent—”

“Justgo.”Hisearlierangerhaddissolvedintoweariness.

Ryansighedanddidasheasked.

*****

Tonycheckedhiswatchagain.ThetripbacktoMemphishadn’tbeenaseasyasthedrivetoGermantown.
AnaccidentonInterstate240hadtrafficbackedupformiles.Thehalf-hourtripturnedintoanhouranda
half.Trafficwasstartingtomovearoundthewreckedtractor-trailerrig.

Almostfivethirty,they’dhavetocatchMarchathome.AndthenheneededtotalktoRyan.Hedidn’tlike
thewayhe’dlefthim.Helovedhimtoomuchtoletworkinterferewiththeirrelationship.

“Shit…”

“What’swrong?”Jefflookedatthecarsaroundthem.He’dbeensoquietTonyhadforgottenhewasthere.

“Nothing.”Nothingexcepthe’dactuallyadmittedtohimselfthathelovedRyan.

Thethoughthadalwaysbeenjustbelowthesurface.Eventhewordshadtriedtoslipfreewhenhewas
withhim.Tonyhadalwayswrittenitoffastheaftermathofreallygoodsex.Now?“Shouldwewaituntil
tomorrowtotalktoMarch?”

HiddenForce

“Don’tseewhy.Ifthewifealertedhimthatwewerecoming,hemighttrytomakearunforit.”

“Okay…”TheneedtoseeRyan,toactuallysaythewordsaloudwasalmostoverwhelming.Butithad
waitedthislong,itcouldwaitacouplemorehours.

ShaylaKersten

ChapterSix

Ryanpulledhiscoatuparoundhisears.Tinypelletsofrainlacedthebitterwind.

He’dtriedtocallforacabbeforeheleftDavid’sbuildingbutrushhourbeingwhatitwas,thecab
servicesaiditwouldbeahalf-hourwait.Itcouldn’tbemorethanamiletoDavid’soffice.Hecould
walkthatfarbythetimethecabwouldshow.

Hehadn’texpectedtherain.

Therumbleofaheavydieselenginecreptupbehindhim.ThefamiliarwhitepickupwithMarch
Constructionmarkingspulledupnexttohimandstopped.Thefigureinsideleanedoverandpoppedthe
doorlatch.

Asparkofhopewelledup.Maybeafriendshipofsomesortcouldbesalvaged.Hepulledthedooropen
andclimbedin.

*****

Tonyknockedagainbutnoanswer.“Nothome.”Afeelingclosetoreliefebbedthroughhim.Sincehe’d
madetheshockingself-discoveryearlier,theneedtofindRyannaggedhimtodistraction.“Guesswe’ll
tryagainathisofficeinthemorning.”

“Okay,Icoulduseanearlyeveningtonight.ThisclubstakeoutjustremindedmethatI’mnotyoung
anymore.”

Tonyboppedhispartnerinthearm.“Ifyou’reanoldman,I’mintrouble.”Jeffwaslessthanayearolder
thanTony.

Theywalkedbacktotheelevator.“Well,youhaveatwenty-five-year-oldkeepingyouyoung.Igettogo
hometoacold,emptyhouse—”

“Yeah,right.”TonyhadheardallofJeff’sstoriesofadventuresinladyland.Jeff’slittleblackbookwas
infamousaroundtheprecinct.

HiddenForce

TheelevatordoorsopenedrevealingDavidMarchwithtwoplasticgrocerybagsdanglingfromonehand,
hiskeysintheother.ThesquareshapeofthebottomandthedistinctclinkofglassmadeTonyassumehe
washavingaliquiddinner.Anabusivedrunk.Ohwhatfun…

“DavidMarch?”Tonyflashedhisbadge.

“Yes.WhatcanIdoforyou?”MarchpushedbetweenJeffandTony.Hiskeysjangledashefumbledfor
hishousekey.

“We’dliketotalktoyouaboutaseriesofmurdersnearoneofyourconstructionsites.”Tonydecidedto
jumpinwithbothfeetandnotbeataroundthebush.

Jeff’sgazecaughthisandhisshouldersformedaslightshrug.

“Murders?”Marchslidthekeyintothekeyholeandtwistedit.“Youmeanthatkidfoundlastweek?”

“Yes,himandtwoothers.Allfounddeadwithinamileradiusofyourconstructionsite.”

MarchpushedopenthedoorandmotionedforJeffandTonytofollowhimin.“Ididn’trealizetherewas
morethanone.”Hesetthebagsdowninarecliner.“WhatcanIhelpyouwith?”

“Hastherebeenanyonehangingaroundthearea,anyoneyou’venoticedwhoshouldn’tbethere?”Tony
wantedtodivertthemanfromthinkinghewasasuspect.

Killerstendedtogetoverconfidentandrevealtoomuch.Especiallypsychopaths.

Sometimesamurdererlikedtoinsinuatehimselfintothecaseasawitnessorbystander.

Theproximitytolawenforcementinvestigatingthecasemadethemfeelsuperior.

“NoonethatIrememberbutIdon’tspendalotoftimeattheindividualjobsites.

You’remorethanwelcometocomedowntomorrowandtalktomymen.Maybethey’veseensomeone.”

ShaylaKersten

“We’lldothat,thankyou,”JeffansweredbeforeTonyhadachance.“Doyouknowofanyofyourmen
whomighthaveaviolentpast,especiallythosewithanyprejudiceagainsthomosexuals?”

AtingeofpinktouchedMarch’sface.“Idon’tabidebythatkindofattitude.

Againstanyone.”Hegrabbedthetwobagsthenstalkedintothekitchen.

Tonyfollowedhim.“Hastherebeenaproblemonthesite?”

“Onlyone.Andhewasfired.”MarchkepthisbacktoTonyasheputtwosixpacksofbeerinthe
refrigerator.Whenheturnedaround,heheldoutabottleofbeer.“Isupposeyou’reonduty,huh?”

“Yes,sir.”

“Well,nothingstoppingme.”Hescrewedoffthetopandtossedittowardthetrashcan.Ifhitthewalland
clatteredtothefloor.

“Thisincident,”Tonysaid,“madeyouangry?”

“Yes.Oneoftheolderworkers—FrankCarlton—foundoutthisnewkidwasgay.

Hemadeveryinsultingremarks,toldthekidifIfoundouthewasgay,I’dfirehim.Sohe’dbetternot
complain.”Hetookaswigofbeer.“ItgotoutofhandonedayandIcaughthimbaitingthepoorkid.I
firedFrankonthespot.BeforeIcouldtalktothekid,heleft.Nevershowedbackupforwork.Ifoundout
fromsomeoftheotherworkerswhatFrankhadsaid.Figuredthekidthoughthewasoutanyway,why
comeback?”

“Baitinghim?How?”TonyknewtheanswerbutitwaspossibleRyanwasrightandMarchwasn’t
involved.

“Callinghimfag,fudgepacker…”Hegulpedathisbeer.“Everykindofhatefulslurforgayshecould
thinkof.”

“Whatwastheyoungman’sname?”Ifitwasoneoftheirvictims,Tonymighthaveawinnerasfaras
suspectswent.IfMarchwastellingthetruth.

“JimmyWalls.Ihavehisfileattheofficeifyouwantanaddress.”March’sfacepaled.“Washeoneof
the…”

HiddenForce

“No.AtleastnotthatIknowof.”HeturnedtoseeJeffalreadydialinghisphone.IfWallswaslistedwith
missingpersons,they’dknowsoonenough.“WhatdidJimmylooklike?”

“Blond,slender,seventeen,workinglastsummerduringhisbreakfromschool.Hewasagoodkid,
workedhard.”AslightsmilesoftenedMarch’sface.Ifhewasthekiller,hewasputtingonagoodshow.

“I’dliketoseethatfileandFrankCarlton’s.”

“Sure,anythingtohelp.Doyouneeditnow?Myofficeisn’tfaraway.”

“Yes,ifyoudon’tmind.”TonysteppedasideasMarchmovedpasthim.HisgazemetJeff’s.Hispartner
shrugged.

Marchmovedtowardthedoor.“Let’sgo.”

*****

“Idon’tknowwhattothink,”Jeffsaidintheprivacyoftheircar.

“Idon’teither.ButthenhecouldbesendingusonawildgoosechaseafterthisFrankperson.”

“Ifhisstoryistrue,itcouldbeasolidleadthough.”

“Ihopeso.Thiscaseismakingthings…”Tonydidn’twanttotalkaboutRyanrightnow.Hejustwanted
towrapupthispartoftheinvestigationandfindRyan.Theyreallyneededtotalk.

ThebrakelightsonMarch’struckreflectedonthewetpavement.Therainhadstopped.Histurnsignal

addedflashingyellow.TheparkinglotwasdesertedexceptforthreetrucksidenticaltoMarch’snearthe
buildingandalonesedaninthefarcorner.

Insteadofdrivingtothebuilding,March’struckswervedtowardthesedan.Tonyfollowed.Ashedrew
nearthevehicle,hisheartskippedabeat.ItwasRyan’s.

*****

ShaylaKersten

Ryan’sheadpoundedwiththeworstpossiblehangoverhe’deverhad.Hiseyesrefusedtoopen.Adeep
chillpenetratedeverymuscle.

“Damn…”Thewordechoed.Whydidhefeelsoweak?

Anaccident?

Heforcedhiseyelidsopen.Didn’tchangethescenerymuch.Stilldark.

Vagueshapesandoutlinesshowedashiseyesadjusted.Asmallwindowhighinthewallhelped
illuminatetheroom.

Hisarmsandshouldersachedasifhe’dstrainedthemliftingsomethingtooheavy.

Whenhetriedtostretchthekinksout,herealizedhiswristsweretiedtogetherbehindhim.Nothandcuffs,
notrope…maybesomethingleatherorsomekindofcloth.

Hismouthtastedstrange.Slightlysweet.Cottonmouth.Histonguewasthickwiththirst.

Hesniffedtheair.Dampsoil,moldy.Abasement?

How’dhegethere?

Panicwoundthroughhisgut.Pushingthefeelingdown,hetookdeep,calmingbreaths.Heneededtokeep
hishead,whatlittleofitworked.

“Think,”hewhispered.

ThelastcoherentmemoryhecouldconjurewasofhimandTonyarguing.About…

“Fuck!”Hisbrainwasn’tcooperating.

Thetinywindowconfirmeditwasdark.HeandTonyhadarguedathisapartmentduringtheafternoon.So
anumberofhourshadpassed.Tonyhadn’twantedtoseereasonaboutDavid.

David!They’darguedaboutDavidMarch.Okay…Ryantookanotherdeepbreath.

Heconcentratedonthepaininhisarmsandshoulders,relaxingeachmuscletoeasethestrain.

Maybeifhesatup.Althoughhisheadpoundedatjusttheidea,hemovedhislegs.

“Shit.”Boundattheankles.

HiddenForce

Hehadtohavebeenlyingthereforawhile.Onhisleftside,hisshoulderandhipweretinglingwithpins
andneedles.Withanawkwardroll,heendedupfacedownonthecoldconcrete.Hisheadthrobbedin
painasthanksfortheeffort.

Thefaintcoppersmellofbloodteasedhisnose.Sohe’dbeenhitinthehead.Hardenoughtobleed.
Concussion?Ablowtotheheadcouldcauseshort-termmemoryloss.

Althoughtemptedtostayputuntilhisheadstoppedthreateningtoexplode,hedecidedtoriskanotherroll
tohisrightside.Lyingflatonhisstomach,boundatthehandsandfeetmadehimtoovulnerable.

Anotherwiggleandherolledagain.Pantingwiththeeffortonlymadehisheadhurtworse.Relaxinghis
bodyandslowinghisbreath,Ryanclearedhismindofthepanicthreateningtoconsumehim.

David!He’dgonetoseeDavidMarch.Disappointmentandfearwarredwithinhisstomach.“Ohshit…
Tonywasright.”

*****

“WhyisRyan’scarhere?”Tonyaskedaloudbutdidn’texpectJefftoanswer.

BothmenclimbedoutofthecarinahurrybutMarchhadbeatenthemtothedriver’ssidedoorofRyan’s
vehicle.

“Whosecaristhis?”TonywantedtoseewhatMarchsaid.FearforRyan’ssafetycoiledthroughhisgut.

“RyanNilsson.Isawhimearlierbut…”

“Yousawhim?Here?”Tony’sfistsclenchedinanger.AftertheirdisagreementoverMarch’sstatusasa
suspect,Ryanmusthavedecidedtoseekthemanouthimself.

“Yes.Hesaidhewantedtotalk.We…ranintoeachotherafewnightsago.Hadn’tseeneachotherin
nearlysevenyears.”

“Soyoutalked.Didyouleavehimhere?”

Marchshookhishead.“No.Wewenttomyplace.Butweargued.Andheleft.”HeturnedtofaceTony.
“Hewalkedback.Ishouldhavedrivenhimbackhere.”

ShaylaKersten

TheparkinglotlightsilluminatedMarch’sface.Eitherhewasaverygoodactororhewasalmostas
upsetasTony.

Tonyplacedhismoneyontheformer.“Howlongago?”

“Acoupleofhours.”

“Shit!Jeff,getonthephone—”

“Alreadyonit,”Jeffansweredashedialedhisphone.“ThisisDetectiveJeffPayton.

Wehaveanofficerintrouble.Ineedpatrolstocanvasandsearch.”Hewalkedbacktowardtheirsedan,
hisvoicefading.

“Officerintrouble?Ryan’sacop?”

AlthoughMarchhadagoodtwoinchesonhim,Tony’sangertookover.PushingMarchagainstRyan’scar,
hishandcaughttheman’sthroat.“Yes,he’sacop.Andifanything’shappenedtohim,youwon’tmakeitto
trial.”

MarchalmostcoweredatTony’sferocity.“Ididn’tdoanythingtohim.Itoldyou,heleftmyapartment
andIhaven’tseenhimsince.Iswear.”

“Tony!”JeffpulledhimawayfromMarch.“Stopit.That’snothelpingRyan.”

Hisbreathracingalmostashardashisheart,TonyletJeffmovehimaway.

“Thisplacewillbecrawlingwithcopsinafewminutes.We’llfindhim.”Jeff’swordsdidn’tsooth
Tony’sangerorhisfear.

“Youcanusemyofficetocoordinate.”Marchrubbedhisthroat.

Jeff’seyessquintedinthedimlight.“Willyouletussearchyouroffice?”

“Sure,buthedidn’tgointhere.Isawhimintheparkinglot.”

“Howaboutyourapartment?”JeffaskedbeforeTonycouldfindhisvoice.

“Ofcourse.”Marchlethishandfallawayfromhisthroat.“Ididn’tdoanything.Iwouldn’thurthim.”

Themanspokewithsuchsincerity,Tonyalmostbelievedhim.Butnotquite.

*****

HiddenForce

BluelightsflashedthroughtheparkinglotatMarchConstruction.TonystoodoutsidelisteningtoJeffgive
instructionstothedozenorsoofficerswhoshowedupinresponsetohiscall.

“WeneedtotalktoanyonewhomighthaveseenOfficerNilssonafterfouro’clockthisafternoon.We
foundaphonecallfromhiscellphonetoacabcompanyatafewminutesafterfour.Thecabcompany
saidNilssondecidednottowaitonacabsohemusthavewalked.Ican’temphasizetheurgencyofthis
casetoomuch.OfficerNilssonwasworkingundercoveronastringofmurders.Wehavenoconcrete
suspectsinthecase.Whatwefindouttonightmaybeouronlyhopeforhisrecoveryandtoputawaya
murderer.Solet’sgetgoing.”

Tonyturnedawayandwalkedbackintheoffice.

Marchfollowedonhisheels.“SohecametoseemebecausehethoughtIwasasuspect?”

“No.”Tonyclearedhisthroatbeforeheturnedtofacetheman.“Hecametoseeyoubecausehedidn’t
andIdid.Iguesshewantedproofofyourinnocence.”

“Hedidn’tsayhewasacop.”Marchrubbedhiseyes.“Ithought…”

“Youthoughtwhat?”

“Doesn’tmatter.Iwaswrong.”

“Youthoughthewantedtotakeupwhereyouleftoffsevenyearsago?”Tonycouldn’tstoptheangerfrom
bleedingthroughhisvoice.

“Hetoldyouaboutthat?”March’seyesgrewwidewithsurprise.

“Someofit.Idon’tthinkhetoldmeeverything.”

“Youwerethere.AttheParadiso.”Thistimehiseyesnarrowed.“IsawyouwhenIwasleavingthe
club.”

“Itwasanundercoveroperation.”Tonyturnedawayasaflushofheatrosefromhischest.

“You’retheonehewastalkingabout.Hesaidhewaswithsomeonenow.”

ShaylaKersten

TonyturnedtofacehisaccuserjustasJeffpushedopentheglassdooroftheoffice.

Ablastoffrigidairfollowedhim.

“Mr.March,I’dliketoconductthatsearchofyourapartmentnow.”

MarchkepthisgazegluedtoTony’sashehandedasetofkeystoJeff.“Youknowwhereit’sat.”

“Youcanaccompanymeifyoulike.”JefflookedbackandforthbetweenTonyandMarch.

“Notnecessary.Theonlythingyou’llfindofRyanishisfingerprintsonanemptybeerbottleinthetrash.”

MarchglancedatJeffbeforereturninghisstaretoTony.“Havefun.”

TonymetJeff’squestioninggazeandnodded.

ColdaironceagainchilledTonyasJeffleft.

“Imadeapassathim.”

Jealousyflared,pushingawayanyembarrassmentoverhissecretrevealed.“Why?”

“BecausewehadsomethingonceandIwanteditback.”

“You’rethereasonitdidn’tlastthefirsttime.”Tony’sgrowlcausedaflinchinMarch’sunwaveringstare.

“Heobviouslytoldyoumoreaboutmethanhedidmeaboutyou.”Theman’sgazedroppedashis
shoulderssagged.“Heturnedmedown.”

ReliefwashedthroughTonybutfearfollowedonitsheels.“Sowhat,you’vebeenkillingmenwholook
likehimbecauseyoucouldn’thavehim?”

“No!”AgaspfollowedMarch’ssharpreply.“OhmyGod.That’swhyhewasattheclub.Helookslike
yourvictims.”

“Exactlylikethevictims.Andfitsthedescriptionyougaveusoftheyoungmanwhoworkedforyou.”
Tonypulledouthisnotebook.“JimmyWalls.”

HiddenForce

Marchwalkedovertoanopendoorandflippedonthelights.Tonyfollowed.Aftersearchingthrougha
deskdrawer,Marchfishedoutasetofkeysandturnedtoafilingcabinet.“Jimmy’sfile,”hemumbledas
hefitakeyintothelock,“shouldbeinhere.”

Hisfingersflippedthroughfilefoldersuntilhepausedaboveone.“Here.”Hehandedthefileoverhis
shouldertoTony.“AndFrank’sfile…Gotit.”

Slammingthefilecabinetclosed,heturnedaroundtofaceTony.“IwouldneverdoanythingtohurtRyan.”
HisgazemetTony’sasheheldoutthefolder.“Istilllovehim.

Doyou?”

Tonyopenedhismouthtosayyesbuthecouldn’tdoit.“Noneofyourbusiness.”

HesnatchedthefolderfromMarch’shand.

March’slipscurvedinanarrogantsmirk.“Wellthen.WhenwefindRyan,I’mgoingtodowhateverit
takestogethimback.I’vebackeddowntoomanytimesinmylifewhenitcametothingsimportanttome.
Ryanwasoneofthem.Iwon’tdoitagain.”

TheurgetosmashthatcrookedsmileintoawallsweptthroughTony.Hewantedtoscreamattheman,
losecontrol,drainhisfearandfrustrationthroughhisfists.

Instead,hewalkedawayclenchingthetwofoldersinhishand.

Crossingthroughthemainroom,hepushedthroughthefrontdoor.Bittercoldburnedhisthroatandlungs
ashegaspedforair.

“Ryan…”Hisvoicebrokeoverthemumbledname.Thevictims’faceshoveredinfrontofhiminthe
darkness,coldfeatureswithopen,vacanteyesaccusing.Eachman’sfeaturesmorphedtothenextand
finallyintoRyan’s.

Hisbuzzingphonestartledhim.Yankingitoffhisbelt,heflippeditopen.“Costa.”

“Tony,”Jeff’svoicecutthroughhiswakingnightmare.

Hiswordscurledintoaballofdespairinthepitofhisstomach.

“Thanks.”Tonyclosedthephoneandlethisangerflareintoaninferno.Bythetimeheopenedthedoorto
theoffice,hisrageoverwhelmedhiscommonsense.

MarchbackedupasTonyapproachedhimuntilthewallstoppedhim.

ShaylaKersten

Tonydidn’trealizehe’dpulledhisservicerevolveruntilhepresseditagainstthesideofMarch’shead.
HisphoneclatteredtothefloorleavinghislefthandfreetograspMarch’sthroat.“Witnessessayyou
pickedhimuphalfamilefromyourapartment.”

“Iswear,Ididn’t.”SweatbeadedMarch’sbrow.Theacridsmelloffearrosefromhisskin.

“He’dbetterbealiveandunharmed.”

“Ididn’tpickhimup!”March’schestheavedwithgaspsofair.

“Thewitnesssawyourtruck,whitewiththelogoontheside.”

“ForChrist’ssake,there’sthreeothersinmyparkinglotandfourthatmysiteforemenareallowedtotake
homewiththem.”

“Andit’dbesoconvenientforoneofthemtoshowupinbetweenyourapartmentandyourofficeto
kidnapyouroldboyfriend!”

“Iswearitwasn’tme!”

AblastofcoolairwarnedTonyofsomeoneenteringtheoffice.

“DetectiveCosta,pleaseputtheweapondown.”

Tonydidn’trecognizethevoicebuthedidthesoundofagunbeingunholstered.

Withadeepbreath,TonyloweredhisweaponandbackedawayfromMarch.

Marchsliddownthewalltothefloor,gaspingforair.“IswearIdidn’tdoanythingtohim.Ihaven’tseen
himsinceheleftmyapartment.”

AshuddersweptthroughTony.He’dalmostpulledthetrigger—killedamanincoldblood.Heturnedand
retreatedoutside.Thecoldairaddedtotheshockofhisactions.Hisnightmaresaboutthemurderswere
comingtrueandhewasn’tsurehecouldhandleit.

*****

HiddenForce

Tonywatchedtheheadlightsturnintotheparkinglotandapproachthebuilding.

Screechingtoahaltinthehandicappedparkingspot,thedooropenedandJeffclimbedout.

“Man,OfficerHathawayreportedyouhadameltdown.”AnoverlayofangerslippedintoJeff’stone.“If
he’dconfessedtoanything,you’dhavefuckedthiscase.”

“YouthinkIgiveashitaboutthecase?Ryan’soutthere,probablydeadalready!”

Panicfinallygainedcontrol.“Iknewheshouldn’thavegotteninvolvedinthiscase.Itoldyouthat,Itold
himthat!”Hisvoicerosewitheachword.

Roughhandsgrabbedhisarmsandshookhim.“Youdon’thavetimeforthis.He’sonlybeenmissingfora
fewhours.He’sstillalive.”Armswrappedaroundhim.Jeff’svoicelowered,“He’sstillalive.”

“InevertoldhimIlovehim,”TonywhisperedintoJeff’sshoulder.

“You’llhaveachance.We’llfindhim.”

OfficerHathaway,standingintheopendooroftheoffice,clearedhisthroat.“Sir,Mr.Marchlocked
himselfinthebathroomandwon’tanswer.”

TonypulledoutofJeff’sembrace.“What?”

“Hewassittingonthefloorandhisphonerang.Whateverthepersonontheotherendsaidmadehimlook
sick.Heboltedforthebathroom.Nowhewon’tcomeout.”

Tony’smindnaggedhimintoreplayingthescenewithMarch.“Thatwasn’thisphone.Thatwasmine.I
droppeditwhen…Idroppedit.”

JeffwashotonTony’sheelsastheyranintotheoffice.Tonydidn’thesitatewhenhereachedthedoor
markedwiththeuniversalsignformen.Splinteringthewoodenframewithhiskicksentarushof
satisfactionthroughhim.However,theopenwindowintothealleycausedthereturnoftheemptyachein
hisstomach.

“Getanallpointsoutonhim.Hecan’tgetfaronfootwithallthecopscanvassingthisneighborhood,”
JeffbarkedatHathaway.“AndfindoutwhocalledDetectiveCostaandwhatthehelltheysaid.”

ShaylaKersten

“Jeff,theGPStrackingonmyphone…”

“Right.”Jeffopenedhisphone.

*****

Noisesfromoutsidethetiny,coldroomwokeRyanfromahalf-dazedsleep.He’dtriedtostayawake,to
bereadyifsomeonecameinbuthisheadinjuryhadhimbarelylucid.HispatchydreamsofTonyandthe
warmthofhisbodyweremoreappealingthanhiscurrentsituation.

Ajangleofchainsprecededthedooropening.Brightlightblindedhimtoallbutasilhouetteofhiscaptor.

“I’macopandifyouknowwhat’sgoodforyou,you’llletmego.”Histhroatparchedformoisturemade
histhreatweak.

Hiscaptordidn’tanswer.Instead,hemovedacrosstheroominsilence.FromRyan’sperspectiveonthe
floor,themanwastall,wellbuilt.Butthecoatcouldbeaddingbulk.

AhardslapacrossthefacesenttearstoRyan’seyes.Thethrobbingofhisheadwoundhadsubsideda
little.Theblowcausedaresurgencethroughhisskull.Stillreelingfrompain,Ryandidn’trealizewhat
washappeninguntilthemetalcuffswerealreadyinplacearoundhiswrist.

ThesoundofaswitchbladeopeningsentchillsthroughRyan.Insteadofthepainofaknifecuttinghis
flesh,thetensionofthematerialoriginallybindinghiswristgaveway.Beforehecouldreacttothe
freedomofmovement,awinchsoundedandthemetalonhiswriststightenedashewasraisedfromthe
floorbythenewrestraints.

Theacheinhisarmsandshouldersintensifiedashisbody’sweightpulledatalreadystressedmuscles.

“Youknowthey’llfindme—”Ryan’swordsendedwithagroanasthewinchhalted.“Youneedtoletme
go.”

HiddenForce

Themanrefusedtospeak.Nowatalevelwithhiscaptor,Ryantriedtofocusagainsttheblindinglight

behindhim.Hecouldn’ttellifthemanwassomeonehe’dseenattheclubornot.Hismemoriesoftheday
hadn’tclarifiedcompletelybutherememberedhe’dgonetoseeDavid.

Themandidn’tseemtobequiteasbulkyasDavidbut…

“David,youcan’tdothistome.Wewerefriendsonce.”

Hiscaptorsnortedanalmostlaugh.

Ryanhadn’twantedtobelieveDavidwoulddothis.Butsomanythingscouldchangeinsevenyears.

“Don’tyouremember?Youdon’twanttohurtme.”

Theonlyanswerwasawavingknife.Bracinghimselfforastabbingblow,Ryanclenchedhisteeth.
Insteadofpain,thecoldbladeslidealonghisskinunderhisshirt.

Thematerialsplitwithaneasethattestifiedtothesharpnessoftheweapon.

Withinminutes,hisclotheshadbeenrendedintoscrapsofmaterialonthefloor.

HiscaptorpickeduponestripanddarknessdescendedagainashebounditaroundRyan’seyes.

“Please,David.Don’tdothis.”

Withonlyaswooshofairwarninghim,thesnappingstingofastrapofsomekindcutintoRyan’sback.A
screamforcedoutofhissore,parchedthroat.Anotherscrapofmaterial,probablyfromhisownclothes,
wasstuffedintohismouth.

Softfootstepscircledhim.Whisperedwordshecouldn’tmakeoutaccompaniedcallousedfingerstracing
thepainofthelashonhisback.Thenonceagainhistorturerlaidintohisskinwiththestrap.Thistime,he
didn’tstopwithone.

*****

“Leftatthenextcorner.”Tonylistenedtodispatch’sinstructionsandrelayedthemtoJeffashedrove.

ShaylaKersten

March’sbuildinghadagaragebehinditforrepairsonequipmentandvehicles.

Evidentlyhehadacarinside.Officershadfoundoneofthebaydoorsopenandempty.

“Lookslikehe’sheadedbacktowardthesameneighborhoodastheParadiso.”

“Wouldmakesense,”Jeffmumbled.

Tonypunchedthemutebuttononthephone.“I’msorry.Ishouldn’thavelostit.”

“Well,March’sescapemayhavebeenthebreakweneeded.”

“ButifhegetstoRyanfirst.”

Jeffshookhishead.“Don’tgothere.We’llbeintime.”

“RightonFourth.”

ThedirectionsledthemtotheMarchconstructionsite.Onlythefoundationandanironframework
showedinthecar’sheadlights.

Tonyreleasedthemute.“Areyousurethisistheplace?”heaskeddispatch.

“Okay.”

“Abuildingthissizehastohaveabasementorsubbasement.”

Fourpolicecarspulledinbehindthemthencircledthebuilding.

“Sowesearch.”

“Detective!”Ashoutfromanofficersouthoftheirpositioncaughttheirattention.

Runningtothelocation,TonyspottedawhitetruckwiththeMarchlogohiddenbehindaheavy-duty
constructioncrane.“Damn.”

“Spreadoutandsearchforanyentrancesthatleadtothebasement,”Jeffyelled.

“Hehastobeheresomewhere.”

FlashlightsilluminatedthepathoftheofficersastheyobeyedJeff’sorders.FearclenchedTony’sgutas
heheadedinadifferentdirectionaroundthesite.HehadtofindRyanbefore…Hegrittedhisteethand
forcedhisthoughtsonthejob.

*****

HiddenForce

Ryangaveuptryingtomakeanypleasaroundthedampmaterialinhismouth.

Eachlashofthestrapsappedwhatlittlestrengthhehadleftafterhisotherinjuries.

Instead,hefocusedonTony,onthewarmembraceofhisarmsthenighttheyspenttogether.Nothing
sexual,justthecomfortandclosenesshe’denjoyedthatnight.

Possiblythelastnightthey’deverhave.

Histhroattightenedatthethought.Tonywouldblamehimself.Hedidn’twantRyaninvolvedinthiscase.

Lightheadednessthreatenedevenhismemories.Thepainseemtodullwitheachstroke.Heknewhewas
losingconsciousness.Probablywouldneverwakeagain.Hecouldjustletithappen,notfightit.Butthen
avisionofTony’sfacegavehimstrengthtostayawake.

Thematerialaroundhiseyesallowedalittlelightthrough.Whendarknessencroachedagain,Ryan
couldn’tgetthelightback.Evenwithhiseyeswideopenbehindhisblindfold.“Damn,”hemumbled.He
couldn’tloseitnow.

Aman’svoiceyelled.Vaguelyfamiliar.David?Butinfrontofhimnow.

“Please.”Ryantriedtoformthewordbutitcameoutasnonsense.

Awoman’sscream…Ascuffle.Morevoices…Asharppaininhisneck…

Darkness…

*****

Tonyfoundanentrancetothebasement,asetofstairsleadingintothedarkness.Ametalcovermovedoff
totheside.“Overhere,”heyelledtoJeffwhowasaboutthirtyfeetaway.

Jeffheadedhisdirection,speakingintohisphoneasTonystarteddownthestairs.

Awoman’sscreamechoedthroughthevastopenarea.Tonystoppedtolistenforthedirection.Aman’s
yellledhimtowardadoorway.Alargemetaldoorwithchainshangingfromthehandlestoodopen.

ShaylaKersten

ThesoundofascufflesentTonyinwithhisgundrawn.Twofigureswrestledinthecorner.Inthecenter
oftheroom,Ryan’snakedbodyhungfromchainsattachedtotheceiling.

Oneofthetwomenfightinggroanedinpainandfelltothefloor.TheotherlungedatRyan.Theflashofa
bladenearRyan’sneck.Tonyfiredattheattacker.BrightredbloodtrickleddownRyan’sneck.

“No…No!”Tonyranforward.Hisflashlightshowedanickinthepaleskin.Notmuchdamage.

Footstepsclatteredacrosstheroomoutside.

“Isheokay?”Jeff’swordsbarelyreachedTony.

Holsteringhisweapon,hewrappedhisarmsaroundRyan’scoldbodytoeasethestrainonhislover’s
arms.Stickyfluidcoatedhisback.Pullingonehandaroundtolookatit,Jeff’sflashlightilluminatedmore
brightredblood.

“Gethimdownfromhere!Andcalladamnedambulance.”

Aquicksearchoftheroomrevealedawinchwithautomaticcontrols.AsRyan’sbodylowered,Tony

caughthisdeadweight.

AgroanfromthecornerremindedTonyoftheothermanintheroom.Bynowhalfadozencopsfilledthe
smallspace.Onekneltbesidetheinjuredman.HisflashlightshowedMarch,hisfacebruisedand
considerablebloodonhisshirtnearhiswaist.

“Whoistheotherman?”Tonyasked,hismindstrainedtofindthetruth.

JeffleanedoverthemotionlessformofthemanwhotriedtocutRyan’sthroat.

“He’sdead.”Hepulledaskimaskoffthemurderer.Thepaleface,makeupsmudgedandwithabruised
eye,belongedtoVirginiaMarch.

*****

Ryanpriedhiseyesopenthenslammedthemshut.Themovingroommadehimnauseous.Painlanced
throughhisheadwiththeblareofsirens.

Sirens?

HiddenForce

Awarmhandheldhisinagentleembrace.Squeezingthecallousedflesh,hemanagedasmallsmilewhen
itsqueezedback.

“Ryan?”Tony’svoicesoundedlikeachoirofangels.

Heturnedhisheadtowardthesound.“Youfoundme.”Hisvoicecracked.

“OfcourseIfoundyou.”Lipscaressedhistemple.“Iloveyou.Ican’tlivewithoutyou.”

“Loveyoutoo.”DarknessswepthimbackintooblivionbutTony’swordscomfortedhimashewent.

*****

“HowlonghaveIbeenout?”Ryanaskedwhenhesawthesmilingbrowneyesofhislover.

“Twodays.Inandout.They’vekeptyouonsomenicepainkillers.”

Thatwouldexplainthefloatingfeeling.“Whathappened?”

“VirginiaMarchwasourkiller.ShefoundapictureofyouwithDavid.Whenheconfessedhewasgay,I
guessshesnapped.ShestillhadkeystoDavid’sofficeandsheevidentlywasusingoneofhistrucksto
pickuphervictims.”

“IthinkIrememberthat…”Ryanclosedhiseyesandtriedtoconcentrate.“IthoughtitwasDavid.
Comingtogivemearidebacktomycar.”Heshookhishead.

“WhenIgotin,hisfacewascoveredwithaskimask.Istartedtogetout…”Hesighed.

“Don’trememberafterthat.”

“Wefoundaleadpipewithyourbloodonitinhercar.She’dparkedthetruckbackattheconstruction
company’sofficesaftersheusedit.MusthavetransferredthepipetoherLexus.”Tonyranhisfingers
throughRyan’shair.“Shealsohadalittlebagofsextoyswhichexplainshowthevictimswereraped.
Therewasbloodfoundmatchingtwoofthevictims.ThelabisrunningDNAanalysisonthewhipsshe
usedtoseeiftheygetanymatches.I’msuretheywill.”

ShaylaKersten

Thesoothingtouchcalmedhisfrustrationovernotrememberingwhathappened.

“How’dyoufindme?”

“WehadMarchincustodyathisoffices.Hewasbeingcooperativebut…”Tony’sgazedroppedashe
flushedslightly.“Well,Idroppedmycellphone.WhileIwasoutside,heansweredit.Notrealizinghe
wasn’ttalkingtome,anofficerreportedthatawitnesssawalightblueLexusinthealleybehindhis
officestheeveningyoudisappeared.Davidrealizedwhatitmeant.Afraidwewouldn’tbelievehim,he
escapedtocomefindyouhimself.”

“How’dheknowwhere?”

“HehasGPStrackingonallhiscompanyvehicles.Hecalledfortheinformationonanyvehiclethat
movedinthattimeframe.Eliminatedtheonesheandhisforemendroveandzeroedinontheonlyoneleft.
Whichhadvisitedtheconstructionsiteshortlyafteryoudisappeared.”

“Therewasafightandagunshot?”RyanfearedforDavid.

“He’llbeokay.Tookaknifetothestomachfromhiswife.”Tonysqueezedhishand.“Thosedomestic
disturbancecalls?Davidwasn’tabusinghiswife.Shewastheonedoingthebeating.Heneverfought
back.Feltlikehedeserveditfordeceivingher.”

Tonyshookhishead.“Whenwewenttoherhouse,shehadanalmosthealedblackeye.

IassumedMarchhither.Triedtogethertopresscharges.Iguessherlastvictimmanagedtogetapunch
in.ThelabwillseeiftheycangetDNAoffhishands.”

Ryanclosedhiseyes.AfterwhatDavidhadtoldhimabouthisfather,heunderstoodtheman’sinabilityto
fightback.“Andher?”

“Dead.Shotwhiletryingtofinishyouoff.”

Ryannoddedashiseyesthreatenedtoclose.“WishIcouldstayawake.”

“Youhaveasevereconcussion,lossofbloodandsomeprettyseriouslacerationsonyourbackandneck.

Ithinksleepisagoodidea.”

“Willyoubeherelater?”Ryanwhispered.

HiddenForce

“I’llalwaysbehere.Iloveyou.”

Ryanforcedhisdroopingeyelidsopen.“Youdo?”

“Yes.I’msorryit’stakenmethislongtoadmititbutthingswillbedifferentfromnowon.”

“Different?”

“Nomorehiding.NotaboutwhatIfeelforyou,”Tonysmiled.“AndnotaboutwhoIam.”

“Intheambulance…Iwasn’tdreaming?”

“No,youweren’t.”

Agentlekissgracedhislipsashiseyelidswonthebattleandclosed.Thethrillofhearingthosewords
againmadehisheartracebutcouldn’tkeephimawake.“Loveyoutoo,”hemumbled.

AbouttheAuthor

Byday,ShaylaKerstenisamild-manneredaccountant.Bynight,she’sawriterofsexyromances.Torn
betweengenres,Shaylawriteseroticstoriesabouthotheroesandtheirsexywomenaswellashotmen
andtheirpassionateheroes.

AnativeofArkansas,ShaylaspentfouryearsintheArmyasamissilespecialist,stationedinGermany
andOklahoma.Afterherenlistmentwasup,shespentelevenyearsinNewYorkCitytakingabiteoutof
theBigApple.Evenherloveoftheatreandthenightlifeofthebigcitycouldn’tcureterminal
homesicknessfortheNaturalState.In1995shereturnedtoherrootsinArkansas.

Shaylanowdivideshertimebetweenhermother,herspoiled-rottendogs,herdratteddayjobandher
obsession—writing.Andno,hermotherdoesn’tknowwhatshewrites.That’sbetweenShayla,herdogs
andherreaders!

Shaylawelcomescommentsfromreaders.Youcanfindherwebsiteandemailaddressonherauthorbio
pageatwww.ellorascave.com.

TellUsWhatYouThink

Weappreciatehearingreaderopinionsaboutourbooks.Youcanemailusat
Comments@EllorasCave.com.

AlsobyShaylaKersten

GapsinYourSoul

TheCostofEternity

TheRememdiu

Discoverforyourselfwhyreaderscan’tgetenoughofthemultipleaward-winningpublisherEllora’s
Cave.Whetheryouprefere-booksorpaperbacks,besuretovisitEC

onthewebatwww.ellorascave.comforaneroticreadingexperiencethatwillleaveyoubreathless.

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