Courage In Love (7 page)

Chapter 14

There was a rapid knock and Parker looked up and barely contained a groan when David leaned against the open door.

“What are you doing here?” Parker asked as he took off his glasses. David shrugged and pushed away from the door to casually stroll into Parker’s office.

“I wanted to check on you. You were having a difficult time with…everything.” He let his voice trail off as he sat on the edge of Parker’s desk. Parker pushed his seat back and stood.

“And now I’m not.” He stated as he went to the bookshelf. “You heard that I’m dating someone and wanted to see for yourself.” Parker smiled when David’s lips pulled tight and he shrugged again. “I am.” Parker announced as he sat. “And I’m really happy. Sorry to disappoint you.” He said as he opened a book and started flipping through pages.

“I’m delighted, Parker.” David lied. Parker knew that David enjoyed hearing that he was depressed and suffering, that he was struggling to get over him. “All I want is for you to be happy.” David insisted. “I’m sure I don’t need to warn you about the perils of the rebound relationship.” He murmured as he studied Parker.

“No. You don’t.” Parker said flatly as he turned a page and leaned closer to the book, scanning dates. David hummed thoughtfully.

“Good.” He said as he picked up the paper Parker was grading. He snorted and dropped it. “Everything’s good then?” David asked and Parker nodded. He wasn’t going to give David an excuse to linger. Fate laughed and Parker’s phone lit up and Ross’ picture filled the screen as the text notification buzzed. David’s brows rose as he picked up the phone. “This is him?” David laughed softly and Parker’s temper stirred but he didn’t look up.

“That’s him.” Parker kept very still, not giving into the urge to snatch the phone from David. He saw David’s finger swipe the screen. “Do you mind?” He kept his voice relaxed. “That’s not really any of your business, is it?” Parker asked and David waved dismissively.

“We’ve never had secrets.” He mumbled as he read.

“You did.” Parker reminded him and David sighed as his thumb swept over the screen. Parker saw David’s lip curl.
That should teach him,
Parker thought as he recalled the last message he received from Ross.

Ross

About to get on a plane. I land in D.C. tomorrow. I’m so excited, I can’t even eat. I can almost taste you and you’re all I want. Don’t make any plans for the rest of the week.

Parker recalled his response and almost laughed.

Parker

Like I’d have energy for anything else? You’re an animal. I could barely walk after you left.

“I take it, he isn’t an academic.” David said blandly as he set Parker’s phone on the desk. Parker looked up and smiled at David. As usual, David was belittling someone because he thought he had the superior intellect.

“Not professionally but he speaks five languages and is finishing a Masters in Russian History.” Parker saw David’s eyes roll.

“Finishing a Masters?” He chuckled as he crossed his arms over his chest. “Taking his time, isn’t he?” David drawled and Parker shrugged.

“Well, he’s been a bit busy defending his country for the last nineteen years. He’s just getting back from the Middle East this afternoon.” Parker saw David’s face drop. He picked up Parker’s phone and looked at the picture again.

“How admirable.” David said as he stared at a sweaty, filthy Ross with his bulletproof vest and automatic rifle. “And this is what you’re into now?” He asked and Parker laughed as he sat back in his seat.

“Who isn’t into that?” He saw the muscle in David’s jaw twitch. “Look at him. He’s fucking gorgeous and he’s brilliant.” Parker knew he shouldn’t taunt David but he wasn’t as mature as he thought. “He’s as physical and commanding as he looks and he speaks Persian and loves Rumi. Everyone’s into that.” He raised a brow, daring David to contradict him. David set the phone back down and rose. He nodded at Parker and stepped back.

“I’m very happy for you. I’d love to meet him, when he’s back in town.” David said as he turned for the door. Parker snorted.

“God, why?” He rested his cheek in his hand and David frowned.

“I don’t know. I was mostly being polite.” He admitted and Parker rolled his eyes.

“It’s a bit late to start doing that, now.” Parker said and David waved over his shoulder.

“Forget I said anything.” He called as he went through the door and Parker nodded.

Done.

Chapter 15

“What did you do?” Parker exclaimed when he opened the door. Ross cringed and rubbed his hand over the light stubble across his head. His long waves were gone and Parker was a little heartbroken. So was the beard. Ross was clean shaven and looked younger and more severe, his cheek bones were sharp and his jaw was square. Ross had also lost some weight. Parker groaned as he reached for him. “You look like hell.” He complained and Ross laughed.

“Is it that bad?” He asked as he stepped through the door. Parker leaned back and wrapped his hands around Ross’ face.

“You’re still hot but you look tired and like you missed a lot of meals. I miss the hair and beard.” He admitted and Ross sighed as his hands splayed against Parker’s back and pulled him closer.

“I am tired and I missed a lot of meals. But I don’t care, I’m just glad I’m finally here.” He inhaled as he rubbed his lips against Parker’s neck. “And I’m sure you wouldn’t like it if I showed up with lice.” Ross added and Parker’s head pulled back in horrified shock.

“Lice!” He frowned as his eyes swept over Ross. “What the hell were you doing that made you lose so much weight and gave you lice?” Parker asked incredulously and Ross shook his head as he backed Parker toward the bedroom.

“Don’t worry about that, I’m fine. I just really need to be naked with you and in a bed.” He reassured as he pushed Parker’s t-shirt up his chest and over his head. Parker could only nod as need and excitement rushed through him. Ross’ eyes swept hungrily over Parker’s chest and he growled softly as he tumbled them onto the bed. “I’m not going to be able to stay awake for very long though.” He warned. “Wanting you is the only thing that’s kept me going all day. Normally, I go home and crash as soon as I can leave base and I don’t get out of bed for a few days.” Ross said as he rose on his knees and unbuttoned Parker’s jeans. Parker lifted his hips off the bed so Ross could slide them down and moaned when Ross tugged the front of his boxer briefs down and his cock sprang free.

“You can do whatever you want.” Parker insisted as he grabbed handfuls of Ross’ shirt and pulled. Ross hissed and sat up. He ripped the shirt off and tossed it aside and Parker gasped as he rose on his elbows. Half of Ross’ upper body was covered in what looked like road rash and bruises. “Ross!” Parker grabbed his shoulder and held him off. “Have you seen a doctor?” He asked and Ross nodded as he dove for Parker’s neck.

“First thing after we got to Camp Doha. I’m fine. Just a few broken ribs.” He pushed Parker back on the bed and hummed happily as his tongue washed over Parker’s skin. “Stop worrying. I’ve been a lot worse.” He murmured as he made his way down Parker’s body, licking and biting. “God, you taste amazing.” Ross muffled against Parker’s stomach as he pushed Parker’s jeans and boxer briefs down his legs and discarded them.

Somehow, Ross managed to shed the rest of his clothes while he lapped at Parker’s cock. Parker gave in to Ross’ greedy, roaming hands and spread his thighs wide as Ross’ lips and tongue devoured. He pressed his hands to his face and smothered his moans and screams as Ross’ faced pressed into his ass and he laved, sucked and probed hungrily, ruthlessly. Parker begged Ross to finger his ass, to get him ready and eventually Ross gave in. Parker’s head lolled on the bed as he moaned deliriously as warm, heavy pleasure flooded his groin.

“I need to fuck you but I don’t know if I can do this right. I’m about to lose my mind.” Ross panted against Parker’s pulsing erection as he worked three fingers in and out of Parker’s hole. Parker tried to laugh but it came out as a gasp.

“You’re doing really good so far. Right now, fast and rough would be perfect.” He promised and Ross’ lips tilted in a loose grin and his eyes were heavy when he looked up at Parker.

“I can definitely manage fast and rough right now.” He said as he reached for a condom.

Ross quickly sheathed his cock and coated it in lube. He rubbed Parker’s hip and gestured for him to roll over. As soon as Parker got his knees beneath him, the head of Ross’ erection was nudging at his entrance. Parker swallowed a groan and pushed back as Ross slid forward. There was a brief sting but his body quickly adjusted and Parker began to ride Ross’ tentative thrusts and urged him to push harder. After a few minutes and several demands from Parker, Ross gave in and let go. His hips rolled and slammed into Parker relentlessly and Parker’s shoulders dropped to the bed as he sobbed in ecstasy and begged for more. Ross’ fingers dug and clawed at Parker’s flesh as he chanted Parker’s name and pressure and heat squeezed Parker’s sack and swelled into the base of his cock.

“Ross!” Parker gasped. “I’m about to come. Fuck me harder!” He demanded before he pushed his face into the mattress. Ross’ hands clamped around Parker’s ass cheeks and spread them wide as he drove deep and Parker screamed into the bed as lightning surged up his shaft and his body shattered. Ross yelled his name before he froze then his body jerked and he thrust a few more times before he began to convulse wildly against Parker.

“Sooo good.” Ross mumbled drunkenly as he collapsed and draped over Parker’s back. Parker melted into the mattress and sighed happily as Ross licked the back of his neck. “Are you ok?” He whispered and Parker snorted.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been more ok in my life.” He stated and Ross laughed drowsily against Parker’s skin before he rolled off and pulled Parker against his chest.

“Are you sure you don’t mind if I’m in a coma for the next few days?” He asked and Parker shook his head.

“No. I’ll just be creepy and watch you sleep.” Parker whispered as he stroked Ross’ back soothingly. “I’ll stay here for a while and then I’ll go out and get food. You’re going to have to wake up now and then and eat. You have to put that weight back on.” Parker insisted gently and a soft snore rattled in Ross’ throat.

Parker spent about an hour enjoying the feel of Ross’ sated, boneless body against his before he carefully slid from the bed. He shook his head and frowned as he surveyed the rest of Ross’ body. A long, dark bruise covered most of one thigh and thick scabs and scratches were spread across his back and shoulders. Parker rubbed his hand across his mouth and resisted the urge to wake Ross and demand an explanation as his stomach clenched nervously at the thought of Ross in danger and in pain. He seemed so oblivious to it while it shredded Parker’s calm and tried to overshadow his joy at having Ross back. Eventually, Parker set his unease aside and got ready. He couldn’t do anything about the damage to Ross’ body but he could feed him and nurse his wounds.

That proved to be a much more challenging task than Parker expected. Ross slept heavily and resisted being woken up to eat and kept swatting Parker’s hands away as he tried to clean and apply ointment to Ross’ skin.

“I’m not hungry.” Ross would mumble when Parker forced him to sit up and eat. Or, “Would you stop? I’m fine, I just need to sleep.” Ross complained groggily when Parker dabbed at his skin with hydrogen peroxide.

“Look. If you’re going to show up looking like this and take up half of my bed, you’re going to have to let me take care of you.” Parker explained and Ross cursed under his breath as he reached for Parker and wrapped himself heavily around Parker's body.

“Just want to hold you and sleep.” He grumbled.

“Ross!” Parker exclaimed as the bowl of hydrogen peroxide dumped on the bed. “Now the bed’s wet.” He complained and Ross shrugged as he pulled Parker closer.

“It’ll dry, get over it.” He ordered as he slid his thigh over Parker’s. “We’re going to have to wash everything anyway. I’m going to wake up in a few hours and we’re going to make a much bigger mess.” He declared and Parker sighed as he gave in.

After two days of nearly uninterrupted sleeping, Ross woke up recharged and demanding. He seemed even more unaware of his injuries as he writhed and slid around Parker’s body beneath the sheets and blankets as they did everything and anything Ross could imagine. By the time Ross left and Parker went back to work, Parker’s body was sore and exhausted. Parker couldn’t remember being happier.

Chapter 16

“I miss you and I wish I was on my way up there right now.” Ross frowned as he stared into his empty fridge. It was pitiful. He felt pitiful. Parker sighed.

“Me too. I don’t want to spend the weekend without you.” He complained and Ross nodded as he went to the living room and dropped onto the couch.

“I can’t leave this weekend.” His lip stuck out as he fell back and crossed his ankles on the armrest.

Ross had spent the last three weekends with Parker. Mostly in bed. They talked and skyped during the week but it was the anticipation of the weekend that made the weekdays fly. The last week had been grueling and long for Ross, knowing that he’d be stuck at home. But his team was on call and one of the teams prepping for a mission looked like it might be short three men due to a training accident. If something came down the line or they couldn’t find three good replacements, Ross’ team would be up.

“What if I came down there?” Parker asked and Ross sat up quickly as his heart started to beat wildly and his stomach flipped.

“I’d love that, Parker. Really.” Ross said as he rubbed the back of his neck. “But I could leave at any moment. We might not have much time together, it might not be worth you driving down and back.” Ross explained. “Hell, I could have to leave before you get here.” He heard Parker hum thoughtfully.

“I don’t care. I’m just going to mope all weekend if I stay here. Even if it’s just for a quick kiss, it’ll be worth it.” He argued and Ross couldn’t stop the smile that filled his face.

“Come down.” Ross said and Parker laughed.

“Ok. I’ll be out of here in half an hour.” Ross could hear him moving from room to room and it was suddenly impossible to sit still.

“I can’t believe you’re coming down. I better get to the store so I have something to feed you.” Ross rushed down the hall and slipped on a pair of leather flip flops.

“Great. I’ll call you when I’m on the road.” Parker’s voice was slightly muffled and Ross could tell he was using his shoulder to hold the phone.

“I can’t wait to see you.” He whispered excitedly and laughed. “I’ll let you go so you can pack. Don’t bring too many clothes.” Ross teased.

“Ok, I won’t. I’ll talk to you in a little bit.” Parker said and a swarm of butterflies attacked Ross’ stomach.

“Ok, bye.” He bit his lip to stifle a giddy squeal as he picked up his car keys.

Ross grabbed Parker by the front of his shirt as soon as he opened the door and pulled him over the threshold. He slammed the door and threw Parker against it and dove for his mouth as he wrapped his arms around Parker. He tasted like coffee and cinnamon and Ross groaned as his tongue thrust urgently into Parker’s mouth. Ross grabbed the halves of Parker’s shirt and yanked them apart. Buttons pinged off the wall and on the hardwood floor and Parker pulled his head back and gasped.

“Wow. You’re in a rush. Did you get a call?” He frowned as he searched Ross’ face and Ross shook his head as he went for Parker’s lips again. He was so overwhelmed with joy and need instead of being bored and lonely, he wanted to make every minute count. The call could come at any moment and Ross wanted to saturate himself in the unexpected gift of Parker’s presence for as long as he could.

“No. But I don’t want to waste any time.” Ross murmured against Parker’s perfect lips before his tongue traced them. Ross pressed his body against Parker’s, pushing him against the door as he threw Parker’s shirt across the room. Parker gripped Ross’ shoulders and pushed back.

“This is really hot but I really, really have to pee. I stayed up late last night grading and I drank a lot of coffee so I wouldn’t get drowsy during the drive.” Parker yelped when Ross grabbed him by the waist of his jeans and tugged him quickly across the room. Ross turned them in the hall and practically tossed Parker into the bathroom. Parker laughed over his shoulder as he unzipped and stepped over the toilet. “I have a feeling this is as much of a tour as I’m getting before you have your way with me.” He teased as he aimed. He sighed in relief and Ross purred happily as he clung to Parker’s back and rubbed his lips all over Parker’s shoulders and neck. “I guess we’re at that stage now.” Parker laughed softly as he shook and then shivered as Ross’ tongue slid up the back of his neck.

“What stage?” Ross whispered as his hands slid around Parker’s waist and down before Parker could put his cock back in his pants.

“You know, where we walk in and take a piss while the other person’s brushing their teeth.” Parker chuckled but Ross shrugged.

“I’ve taken a shit in front of my team. I’m not too worried about my modesty.” He admitted and Parker tilted his head back and gave him a pointed look.

“I don’t know that I’ll ever be
that
comfortable with another person. I’m fine with keeping that sacred.” Parker declared and Ross laughed as he nuzzled his face into the corner of his neck.

“Deal.” He let his teeth graze Parker’s skin and he wrapped his hand around Parker’s semi hard-on and began to stroke. Parker groaned as his head fell back onto Ross’ shoulder. Ross’ other hand glided over the ridges of Parker’s stomach and over his pecs. His fingers swirled around Parker’s nipple and he hissed. “This is all I want.” Ross’ voice was gravelly and low as he cradled Parker’s heavy length.

Ross walked backwards, towing Parker with him into the bedroom. He stopped when they reached the bed and used one hand to open the fly of his jeans while he continued to caress Parker’s straining erection. He kicked his jeans and underwear away and released Parker long enough to pull his t-shirt over his head. Ross’ nerves sang as he dropped to his knees in front of Parker, pulling his jeans and boxer briefs down as he went and Parker’s hand slid around Ross’ jaw as his lips wrapped around Parker’s cock. Ross moaned around Parker’s erection as the taste and soft, soapy smell of Parker flooded his senses. Ross gripped Parker’s hips and guided him back onto the bed. Parker dropped and Ross followed, taking him deep into his throat.

Urgent and hungry, Ross bathed Parker with his lips and tongue until his body started to shake with need. Parker was so hard and Ross felt the gnawing, tingling ache in his ass. He released Parker to grab the lube and condoms he’d bought earlier from the bedside table before he pushed his face into Parker’s sack and sucked it into his mouth. Ross ripped the wrapper open and stretched it over the head of Parker’s cock. Parker breathed Ross’ name as he stroked a generous amount of lube over his throbbing length. Ross looked up and was glad he was already on his knees. The sight of Parker’s long, muscular body, stretched out on Ross’ bed and his large, hard cock twitching and ready would have made Ross’ legs give out.

“Tell me what to do.” Ross begged as his hands swept up Parker’s thighs. Parker grabbed Ross’ hands as he sat up and leaned forward to catch Ross’ lips.

“Turn and sit.” He whispered before he lapped at Ross’ tongue.

Ross stood on shaking legs and turned between Parker’s thighs and slowly lowered himself. Parker grabbed his hip as he guided the head of his cock to Ross’ entrance. Ross hissed as it pierced his tight hole and he held his breath as Parker’s hot, hard length filled his clenching passage. There was pressure and a slight burn but it was quickly replaced with tingling fullness and Ross gasped when his ass rested on Parker’s thighs. A shuddering moan spilled from Ross as warmth flooded his groin and the urge to rise and slam back down gripped him. Ross wrapped his hands around Parker’s thighs and was about to push off when Parker’s arms closed around Ross’ chest and he fell back, taking Ross with him. Parker’s hands swept soothingly over Ross’ body and he melted over Parker. His shoulders and neck relaxed and he sighed as he rubbed his cheek against Parker’s. Ross’ legs draped over Parker’s and fell to the side as Parker planted his feet on the mattress and thrust, driving smooth and deep into Ross. Lightning shot down Ross’ legs and radiated out of his groin and he gasped as Parker’s hand wrapped around his cock and began to stroke in time with the thrusting of his hips. Parker undulated fluidly beneath Ross as his other hand caressed and explored Ross’ body.

“Oh, Jesus… the things you do to me.” Ross panted as his hands clutched restlessly at Parker’s hands, the bedding, his balls… “This feels so good. Your cock feels so good.” He moaned as he rubbed his cheek against Parker’s face. A hoarse laugh burst from Parker as his lips slid along Ross’ cheek to his ear.

“You don’t know what your body does to me. I’ve never wanted anyone like this. I feel like I’m losing my mind when I can’t see or touch you.” Parker’s breath was hot and damp as it huffed in Ross’ ear. “I swear, I lay in my bed sweating and aching at night during the week. You’re like a drug, the way I need you.” He bit Ross’ earlobe and heat exploded within him and his skin became slick.

“I need you to fuck me harder.” Ross begged and Parker growled as he released Ross’ erection and grabbed his thighs.

“Stroke your cock. I need to feel you come.” Parker demanded breathlessly as he pulled Ross down hard against his thrusts as he rolled his hips, driving deep into Ross’ tight passage. Parker’s shaft ground against Ross’ prostate and a heavy, rolling wave of pleasure spilled though his body and Ross’ eyes rolled back into his head as he sobbed deliriously. He could feel pre-cum pouring over his hand as he tugged at his pulsing length.

“Don’t stop.” Ross whimpered as he squeezed his muscles tight around Parker, causing him to hiss and jerk beneath him. “Right there. It’s so good, right there.” He squeezed again and his body became sparks of electricity and light flashed behind his eyelids as pressure slowly pushed up his shaft. Parker’s thrusts became jerky and desperate as he chanted Ross’ name.

“I’m so close, come for me!” Parker growled as he pounded into Ross.

The air was filled with strained curses, shredded moans, the rhythmic slapping of wet skin against wet skin and gasped breaths. Ross’ entire being clenched as he arched and froze and Parker screamed his name as he clawed at Ross’ skin. Ross’ body began to jump and twitch as come burst in a steady, thick stream from his cock. Parker’s arms wrapped tight around Ross’ chest as he shuddered and bucked beneath him. Ross felt Parker’s shaft pulse and contract before Parker went limp. Ross reached back and his hand curved gently around Parker’s face.

“I want to feel that.” Ross whispered raggedly as he fought to catch his breath. Parker turned his face and hummed as he kissed Ross’ palm.

“What?” Parker asked weakly as his hands slid up Ross’ stomach and he shivered.

“I want to feel you come inside of me.” Ross stated and he felt Parker’s cock pulse. Parker moaned in agreement then hissed as he slowly pulled out. Ross slid off of Parker and rolled and rested on his elbows next to him. He brushed his lips across Parker’s chest. “I’m clean and if you tell me there won’t be anyone else and that you’re clean, I’m fine with not using condoms.” Ross murmured as he pressed kisses against Parker’s skin and Parker’s hand wrapped around Ross’ head.

“Of course there won’t be anyone else but I’ll get tested. I’m pretty sure I’m clean but the farther I get away from David the worse he seems and the less I trust him.” Parker admitted and Ross nodded.

“They test me after every mission to make sure I’m not exposed to anything. But, I can go and get tested with you, if you want.” Ross offered but Parker shook his head.

“No, I’m not worried about you.” He said but his brows pulled together and he frowned.

“What?” Ross asked gently.

“What do you mean by ‘
exposed to anything
’?” Parker asked as he raised his head and stared down at Ross. Ross cringed as he considered what he should tell Parker and Parker’s eyes narrowed. Ross decided on being completely honest and sighed as he rolled onto his back.

“They test for NBC exposure. Nuclear, biological and chemical agents. And they test for parasites, bacteria and viruses. I got stuck someplace once, for a few weeks, and by the time they could extract me, I had typhoid.” Ross squeezed his eyes shut when he heard Parker gasp as he sat up and turned to Ross.

“Are you fucking serious?” He almost shouted and Ross nodded as he reached for Parker’s arm and rubbed soothingly. “Typhoid? They don’t vaccinate you for shit like that?” He asked incredulously and Ross shrugged.

“They do. Believe me, I’ve been injected more times than a lab rat. But, it’s still possible to get typhoid if the conditions are bad enough and the body is weak.” Ross explained and Parker’s hand clamped over his mouth to stifle a yell. Ross made a shushing sound and Parker’s eyes became wide and he shook his head. Ross sighed as he sat up and put his arms around him. “I survived, obviously. I spent a week in the hospital and I was as good as new when I came out.” Ross reassured and Parker turned and looked at him like he’d admitted he ate kittens.

“The last time you were gone, you looked like you’d been thrown from a vehicle and dragged for miles.” Parker said as he searched Ross’ face. Ross grimaced, it wasn’t that far from the truth, actually. Parker’s eyes flared and his hands clutched at his head. “You were gaunt and beat the fuck up. You had to shave off all of your hair because of lice. Now, you tell me you ‘
got stuck someplace
’ and had typhoid. What the hell are you doing, Ross?” Parker’s voice was getting louder and he was starting to rock as his body became restless. Ross shifted and wrapped his body around Parker’s and brushed his lips against his ear.

“You’re going to have to believe me when I tell you that more often than not, everything goes right and we’re really good at what we do. I can’t give you more than vague details and descriptions. It’s not because I don’t trust you. I’d tell you anything you wanted to know if I could. But, it’s as much for your protection as anything else.” Ross explained and Parker only relaxed a little. Ross kissed his neck softly and whispered his name. “Please, trust me when I tell you that I’m always careful. I don’t take risks and what I do is important. My team’s trust and safety are my first concern when I’m out there. And I have a really good reason to come home safe and sound.” He pulled Parker tight against him and rubbed his cheek against his shoulder. “I promise I will always let you know that I’m safe as soon as I can and I’ll contact you every chance I get.” Ross murmured and the rigidness finally left Parker’s body.