Capture & Surrender (Market Garden, #5)(18)

Geoff’s fingers tightened in his hair, while Frank teased his own gag reflex and, on the way back, drove Geoff insane with his tongue, teasing the slit and then the side of the head, then pulled Geoff closer by his hips, giving him permission to move. Geoff did. They knew each other, understood each other, and on every push deeper, Geoff thrust a bit until he managed to get into Frank’s throat.

Close off everything. Don’t breathe. Don’t think. Instinct took over, and Frank took the face-f*ck as best he could, feeling Mike’s hands on his back and shoulders, telling him how hot that was, that he would be getting his damn camera, but Frank was totally lost in sensations of need and want and acceptance, even strength, because he could take that, could make Geoff feel good like that, something not that many men actually managed.

Geoff came, and he tried to pull away, but Frank kept him in place, again giving permission, and swallowed, accepting that too, sucking the last out of him and swallowing that taste. His jaw ached when he sat back, and Geoff looked down at him and touched his lips. He was panting. “You all right?”

Frank nodded, still not sure he could deal with all the emotions that had been coming up. He could ignore them most of the time, but sex stripped all the protective layers off him.

“One day you’ll have to teach me that.” Mike’s voice carried a hint of good-natured jealousy.

“Practice makes perfect.” Frank cleared his raw throat.

“He’s got a point.” Geoff urged him to stand again. “And you’re both more than welcome to practice on me any time you want.”

Mike laughed. Frank smiled, wondering if Geoff had any idea how much it meant to him, knowing there was more to that joke than the implication that he’d want his cock sucked again before long.

Mike touched Frank’s face and kissed him lightly. “You want to crash here for the night? I mean, as long as you’re”—he looked Frank up and down, and winked—“ready for bed.”

“Oh. Well.” Frank grinned. “As long as it’s not too much trouble.”

Geoff laughed and nudged Mike out of the way so he could kiss Frank. “You know damn well it’s never too much trouble.”

Thank you, guys.

“In that case”—Frank trailed a fingertip down the side of Geoff’s face—“I’d love to stay.”





Stefan arrived at Market Garden at eight o’clock sharp the next night. Right on time.

Frank had taken up his usual booth, and he was halfway through a drink that really, really needed some booze in it. Even if he had stopped drinking a long time ago, sometimes he was tempted. Employees weren’t allowed to drink, though, and Frank wasn’t a “do as I say, not as I do” kind of boss. Rum-less Coke it was, even if it was barely enough to keep his mouth wet.

Stefan was on his way to the back room where the guys left their keys and things in lockers, and Frank stopped him.

“Hey.” Frank glanced up and made eye contact. “Do you mind coming into my office for a minute?”

Stefan swallowed. “Uh. Sure. Just”—he tugged at his jacket—“give me a minute to put my stuff away.”

“Sure. Come on in when you’re ready.”

Stefan held his gaze for a moment, his expression unreadable. The faintest shadows under his eyes suggested he hadn’t had any more sleep last night than Frank had, and probably for the same reasons. He’d wisely covered up the circles with a little foundation—the boys here weren’t above some cosmetic touch-ups, since their looks put money in their pockets—but Frank still noticed.

Stefan cleared his throat. “I’ll be there in a minute.” Without another word or glance, he brushed past Frank.

Frank waited for him in the office. With no one around to scrutinise his body language, he let his restlessness out in drumming fingers, occasionally tapping his heel against his chair too. When footsteps came down the hall, he stilled. Mostly. His foot still tapped quietly against the chair as Stefan appeared in the doorway.

Frank sat back in his chair. “Shut the door and have a seat.”

Stefan obeyed. “So. Um.” He coughed into his fist. “What’s up?”

“I wanted to clear the air. After yesterday.” And we’re off. “I don’t want things to be uncomfortable between us.”

“Oh.” Stefan fidgeted, leaning on one armrest. “I guess that’s probably a good idea.”

Frank took a deep breath and folded his hands on the desk. He stared at them while he collected his thoughts. He wasn’t getting any less nervous as the clock on the wall marked every second of silence, and his stomach still twisted and turned. It wouldn’t get any less difficult or awkward. Time to bite the bullet.

“I’m going to be perfectly honest here.” Then do. Start starting.

“You’re going to be frank?”

Their eyes met. They both laughed, which at least broke some of the tension.

“Yes, something like that.” Frank unfolded and refolded his sweaty hands. “Listen, there’s no point in me pretending I’m not attracted to you.”

No surprise registered on Stefan’s face. This wasn’t news to either of them, and he was too cocky to pretend it was.

Frank continued. “And yes, it’s true I make a point of not getting involved with men who work for Market Garden. But it’s . . . a little more complicated than that.”