Shattered (9 page)

Chapter Sixteen

“We Can't Unmake Love”

The boy gazed back at him with an – am I dreaming – look in his lovely eyes as Devlin laid him down on the soft bed. Devlin understood the sense of surreality – he had felt it when Horatio Kaplan had shown up on his doorstep early this morning, offering him a once in a lifetime opportunity to undo the damage he had caused to Abel's heart.

The young man touched him now, hands gliding tentatively down Devlin's chest – as if testing that he were real flesh and blood, and not just an apparition haunting his dreams. “Devlin...I...” Tears were rising back up, bringing with them the anguish of past events.

“Shh.” Devlin kissed away his words. He covered Abel's hands with his own, holding them to his chest, his heart. “Don't say a word, baby. It's all over.” he kissed his ear softly. “Just make love to me and let me find my redemption in your arms.”

Abel cupped his face, the love in the boy's eyes swirling through his pain. His fingertips touched Devlin's cheeks, caressing. “I thought...”

“You thought wrong.” Devlin murmured and laid a warm kiss on the boy's lips. “I love you, Abel...that never went away. Not for a second, baby.”

Abel's arms curled around his neck and the boy hugged him, burying his face in Devlin's neck, crying. Devlin held his naked body close to his own and let Abel come to terms with his new reality. “I never...stopped loving you either.” he cried softly.

Pulling back from his tight embrace, Devlin kissed him then began a slow descent down his body, kissing and caressing every inch of his much coveted lover. Abel's stomach muscles quivered and jumped beneath his lips, his arousal strong and pleading for Devlin's attention. The boy whimpered and bit his lip when Devlin took his time kissing, licking, fondling and massaging all throughout his lower regions.

Abel's breath caught as Devlin wrapped his hands around his erection and began to stroke firmly, fists squeezing, twisting, sliding up and down his hard shaft. The look of pure ecstasy on Abel's face was completed by the smile of sweet sexual agony that played freely across his lips.

***

When Devlin's mouth closed over the tip of his aching member, Abel's hips jerked and he cried out softly, clutching the slick sheets. The man took him in, warm wet heat encasing him, squeezing, sucking, stealing his breath, causing his heart to race erratically.

His fingers slipped into Devlin's soft hair and he moaned loud, hips moving in rhythm with the man's stroking. There was no fear or panic left inside him. Somehow these tragic events, his time with Kaplan – had fixed him, repaired the damage Craig had left behind. And feeling the depth of Devlin's love now, being able to embrace it without fear...made his journey through hell worth the pain and torment – just to be here in heaven with the man he loved.

A sharp whimpering cry pulled out of him as Devlin's mouth brought him closer and closer to release. “Oh god...” tears drained down his temples as his eyes squeezed tight and body strained, arched. “Fuck!” he choked and gripped Devlin's hair in tight fists, moving against his mouth, gliding his cock in and out of the man's tight, silky throat. “Oh god! Yes...baby! Fuck...”

Devlin moaned and stroked faster, harder, sucking forcefully.

A strangled cry wrenched from Abel and his body convulsed as he came hard, unloading his liquid love down the man's throat. Devlin sucked him more urgently, pumping him with hands and mouth, eager for every last drop.

“Fuck...” Abel choked on a sob, then Devlin's mouth was on his, his fevered, hungry body covering Abel's. The man kissed him hard, in desperation.

“I love you.” Devlin shuddered, the very muscles of his body trembling with need. His mouth moved all over Abel's face and throat. “I love you so much, baby.” he cried softly. “I've missed you so bad.”

Abel pulled him back into a kiss, clinging to him, then gasped hard when the man entered his body, pushing in with desperation and hunger, the realization of how close they had come to losing one another forever fueling their passion.

“Uuh!!” Abel cried out when Devlin thrust in completely, cock head shoving across his magic button, exploding him with intense sensations of sexual bliss. Arms and legs wrapped around the man and he kissed him again as Devlin went at him with reckless abandon, unable to hold back as all his pent up fears and pain were finally released.

Tears streaked the man's tense face, hot breath puffing from his lips, his body rocking, thrusting, pushing against Abel's. A fierce shudder ran through the man, rippling his muscles beneath Abel's hands, and his rhythm increased, tension gripping him. “Oh fuck.” Devlin choked and squeezed Abel in his arms, face shoved into his neck. “Oh fuck, baby, I'm almost there...I want to cum inside you... oh god...fuck..”

Abel tightened around him, thrusting against the man's hard cock. “Do it...fuck me...I want it, baby.” he grabbed Devlin's head and raised it, kissing his mouth, breath panting. “I want you. I love you.”

A choking cry tore up Devlin's throat and his back arched as he thrust in hard, deep, screaming his ecstasy as he emptied himself inside Abel then worked out the orgasm until they were laying still, clinging to one another, crying and kissing.

Devlin choked on a sob and nuzzled Abel's throat, kissing all over his sweat slick skin. “Promise me you won't ever leave me.” he trembled, his warm tears dripped onto Abel's fevered skin and slid down his neck. “Please, baby, don't ever go away again.”

“I promise.” Abel cried softly and kissed his damp hair, his shoulder.

“Forgive me.” Devlin broke and held him tight, body shaking. “I'm so sorry, baby.  I didn't mean to hurt you...I didn't...” his arms tightened and body strained against his emotions.

Abel cried and lifted his face, kissing his lips, cheeks, eyes, brow, then again on his mouth. “Don't.” he choked, shaking his head. “I wasn't angry at you. It killed me to hurt you that way.” he hugged him tight, crying against his throat. “I didn't...I didn't want to take him away from you all over again...I'm sorry.”

Breath static, broken, Devlin shook his head and pulled back. “No, baby...it's better this way. I don't want to hold onto someone who could...” his face crumpled and he bit his lip, tears rushing out. “Who could hurt others that way.” he ducked his head, hot tears dropping onto Abel's chest. “You weren't the only one he...hurt.” he raised up and looked at Abel. “He did it to me too, Abel...I just...I hid it from myself...I couldn't face it.”

“No.” Abel trembled, shaking his head. “No, don't tell me that. I don't want that to be true.” he cried and held Devlin. “I don't want it to be you too.”

Devlin's breath shuddered up his throat and lay down against Abel's warm body, head on his shoulder. “It's over, baby.” he whispered. “He's gone and he can't hurt any of us anymore.” he buried his face in Abel's throat and cried softly, “You saved us...and all those he would have hurt throughout his life.” he lifted up and gazed down at Abel. “You're not the villain of the story, baby...you're the hero.”

Abel's chin trembled as the truth of Devlin's words resonated in his deep blue depths; he didn't resent him. He loved him.

Stroking his fingers through Abel's damp hair, Devlin kissed him softly. “And it's time everyone knew the truth.”

“What?” Abel frowned, uncertain.

“Even if I know what really happened,” Devlin said thickly, “the authorities still think you murdered him in cold blood. I don't want you to spend the rest of your life hiding.”

What was he saying? Abel tensed. “What're you...”

“I have a private investigator gathering evidence against Craig.” he whispered. “I have my testimony, and...another... a friend of mine from my teen years who...who had been a victim as well.” tears filled his eyes and he ducked his head. “How could so much horror have been going on around me and I not see it?” he trembled, then raised his head. “And Savannah...she was there with you, her defense will be strong, carry a lot of weight.”

“Defense?” Abel began to shake. “What're you talking about, Devlin?”

He cupped Abel's face. “We're going to take care of this, once and for all. Kaplan has a team of attorneys ready to take on your case. He says they're the best. They won't lose. We have all the evidence we need to prove your innocence, Abel. And you won't have to live your life constantly looking over your shoulder.”

Abel stared at him, heart swelling with love for the man; he was ready and willing to stand up before everyone and expose his brother for what he was...so Abel could stop running, stop living in hiding. Tears rolled down his temples. And Kaplan – taking yet another huge step to protect him, make him safe.

“Why?” he cried, overwhelmed. “Why are you all doing this for me? I'm no one...nothing.”

“No, baby.” Devlin smiled, eyes filling. “You are everything. And everyone whose life you touch...can't help but love you.” he kissed him and touched his forehead to Abel's brow. “You're our angel...our gift from God.”

A rush of sobs struck Abel and he clung to Devlin. “Thank you.” he cried.

Devlin held him close. “Thank you, Abel.” he whispered thickly. “For coming into my life and giving it purpose.”

They held each for a long time, just laying together in silence, savoring the feel of one another so close.

“Where are we going?” Abel finally whispered, his head on Devlin's chest, eyes heavy.

Devlin smiled and kissed his hair softly. “I was told there was something you wanted to show me,” he murmured. “A special view...from a certain...rooftop terrace.”

A slow smile curved Abel's lips and he closed his eyes. “Yes.” And in that moment, Horatio Kaplan played the stealthy thief and stole a tiny piece of Abel's heart that he would hold forever.

EPILOGUE

“New Recruit”

A heavy sigh burst from Cole when he dropped on the bed. “It's exhausting being a parent.” he chuckled and twisted his head, looking at Gabe. “First being run ragged all day by our girl...and then getting that boy settled.” he shook his head and laughed softly, rubbing his face. “Jeez, no wonder married couples' sex lives begin to lag – they don't have the energy.”

Gabe scooted closer and slipped his hand under Cole's shirt, rubbing up over his chest. “Is that your subtle way of telling me you're too tired to fuck me senseless?”

“Hey.” Cole rolled over quick, pinning Gabe to the bed with his body, grinding his crotch against the man's bulge. “I said married couples. And we ain't married yet.” he grinned then tensed a little when he realized the implications of his words. He cleared his throat, “I mean...”

Gabe smirked and shook his head slowly, “Huh uh. No take backs. Didn't you learn that back in grade school?”

Laughing, Cole shoved his face in the man's neck and groaned. “Fuck, how did you do it?”

“Do what?” Gabe chuckled as he slowly tugged Cole's shirt up his back then pulled it off the man's head.

Lifting up, Cole propped on his elbows and slid his thumb over Gabe's lips, “Make me fall head over heels, crazy in love with you?”

Gabe smiled wryly and blew on his nails then rubbed them on his chest. “Just a special talent, I guess.” he flicked an eyebrow. “I am irresistible, after all.”

Groaning loud, Cole rolled his eyes, grinning, “Fuck you.”

“Again,” Gabe winked and kissed him, “No take backs.”

***

“Why Abel?” Max leaned back in the leather chair, scotch in hand as he surveyed Horatio. The man lounged on the sofa, his own drink twisting in his fingertips.

“Excuse me?” Horatio sipped from his glass.

Max's eyes slid over the man's face. It wasn't often he allowed himself the luxury of such a thorough gaze, but this was one of those rare moments when Horatio's mask was laid aside and he was afforded a look at the man in his true form. And he couldn't resist the glimpse.

“Why the royal treatment for the boy?” Max murmured. “Why is he so special to you?”

Horatio's lips tightened as the glass slowly turned in his fingers, his eyes resting distantly on the liquor. “He reminds me of someone.” he said quietly, a hardly notable strain to his voice.

Max nodded slowly then swallowed thickly then took another drink of scotch to try and clear his throat. “Did you tell Abel about the money?”

“I told him I added a little bonus.”

Max raised an eyebrow and smiled, “A half a million is a tad more than a little.”

“It's only money.” Horatio shrugged and emptied his glass.

Watching him, Max asked quietly, “Who?”

Horatio looked at him questioningly.

“Who does Abel remind you of?”

Leaning forward, Horatio set his glass on the table and stood up, then looked at Max, and for one brief moment, all defenses went down as he whispered, “Someone who used to love me.” He lingered, staring at Max, but not for too long. There was a measure of risk in letting down the walls. And in an instant they were back up and the man was bidding him good night.

When he walked out and closed the door behind him, Max gazed at Horatio's glass.

Someone who used to love me.

He lifted his own glass to his lips and blinked back the sting in his eyes. “He still does.” he whispered and sipped the scotch.

A knock at his door pulled his eyes up quick, almost hopefully, though he knew it wasn't something he was allowed to wish for. “Yes?” he said thickly then cleared his throat and stood up when the door opened.

“Mr. Raines?”

Max stared at the young man lingering anxiously in the doorway; early twenties, blond hair that hung adorably over his brow, crystal blue eyes as clear and sharp as a diamond. When the boy approached him, there was a natural grace to his body movement as if dance were in his blood.

The Phoenix had taken a great loss in letting Abel go. Did he dare to hope this boy was there to fill that emptiness?

The boy held out his hand hesitantly. “I'm Caleb.” his voice was soft, soothing to the ear, yet possessed enough edge to convince Max he could make it at the club. “I was wondering...if you were hiring?”

Max smiled and gripped his hand gently. And the universe provides.

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