Shattered (6 page)

Chapter Ten

“To Tell The Truth”

Kaplan stripped, discarding his clothes without finesse. His heavy eyes regarded Abel with a look lacking of emotion. “What're you waiting for?” A tightness strained his voice. “bare that ass. I'm not paying for it to be covered in an expensive suit, now am I?”

“No.” Abel replied dully. “You're not.” The events of the day coursed through his mind as he shed his clothing. But as with all that he had experienced with Devlin – it was swept away and laid to rest as if it had never been. He ignored the regret eating away at his gut, tightening his chest, and followed Kaplan into the hot tub.

Without a word, Kaplan positioned him so he was kneeling on the bench beneath the heated, roiling water and pushed him forward. “Time to earn your money, honey.” he murmured coolly and reached up, gripping Abel's shoulder with one hand while he grabbed his hip with the other and shoved his cock head between his ass cheeks, penetrating him not too gently.

Abel clawed the rim of the hot tub and he sucked in a sharp breath, body tensing, jaw clenching. The breath released hard and he sucked in another as Kaplan pushed himself in deeper.

“Take it.” Kaplan said tightly, voice ragged. “Open this tight little ass to me.”

Abel ducked his head and squeezed his eyes shut, shoving back on Kaplan's hard cock as the man thrust in, his body slamming up against Abel's ass. “Uuh!” Abel gasped, and his teeth clamped, breath hissing between them as Kaplan didn't wait for pleasantries and began to fuck him with urgency, his fingers digging into Abel's shoulder and hip.

“Come on.” he panted, voice grinding. “Tell me to fuck you.”

Breath breaking, staggered, Abel groaned, “Fuck me...fuck me hard! Come on – fill me with cock!”

Kaplan obliged, putting more force into his thrusts, slamming his ass, shoving Abel forward as his arms strained to prevent himself from being driven into the hard edge of the hot tub. Tears burned then began to squeeze out from beneath his clamped eyelids, draining down his face, dripping into the steaming water splashing around his body. “Do it!” he choked, voice thick. “Fuck me like the little whore that I am! Do it! Harder! Fuck me!”

Backing off suddenly, Kaplan released him. Abel didn't move, body shaking, clutching the edge of the tub, tears streaming. Then Kaplan's hands were on his body again and he tensed, waiting for the man to drive his cock back inside him. But his hands were gentle as he turned him around, sat down on the bench beneath the hot water and pulled Abel onto his lap facing him. He entered him again, but this time with more tenderness. Abel gasped softly and the man pulled him against him, wrapping his arms around him, his face buried in Abel's neck.

“I won't fuck you like a whore, Abel.” he said thickly. “I won't treat you that way.”

Abel slid his arms around the man's neck and shoved his face against his shoulder, sobs shaking his body. Kaplan held him tighter and kissed his neck up to the curve of his jaw, then drew back enough to kiss his lips. His hands rubbed down Abel's back and lower to cup his soft ass cheeks as he began to gently thrust his cock into him. Abel's fingers slid through Kaplan's damp hair as he kissed him back, his body rocking, hips gliding in rhythm with Kaplan's thrusts.

He clutched Kaplan's head as their kiss faltered but mouths remained touching, breath panting hard, erratic. “Yes...” Abel shuddered then grabbed at the man's mouth again, biting his lips gently, urgently, “Yes...fuck me...oh god...”

Kaplan gripped him tighter, with a measure of desperation, his pace quickening. “Oh fuck!” he gasped hard, erratic, bouncing Abel on his cock. “Oh fuck, baby, yes! Yes! Oh my god...I want to cum...” His hands loosened a bit as his thrusts ceased. “Turn around...I want to jerk you off when I cum in your beautiful ass.”

Standing on trembling legs, Abel changed positions, facing away from the man, then sitting back down on his cock. Kaplan wrapped one arm around Abel's body and drew him back against his chest, as his other hand slid around Abel's stiff cock beneath the steaming, churning water and began to stroke him as Abel rocked his ass on the man's dick.

“Oh my god.” Kaplan groaned hard, shoving himself into Abel's tight body. “Oh god, baby...yes...I can't get enough of you.”

Abel's head dropped back onto his shoulder, his hands clutching the man's arms as sharp whimpers burst from his lips and he fucked the man harder, his body tightening with an impending orgasm as Kaplan stroked his cock faster, squeezing a little tighter. “Uuhh! Fuck!” Abel choked. “Fuck! I'm gonna cum! Oh shit...yes...oh fuck-fuck-fuuuck!!” His body locked, hips jerking as his cock exploded beneath the water, Kaplan's hand whipping up and down his shaft as the man's own body clenched up and he slammed his cock deeper inside Abel and unloaded with force.

“Fuuuck!” Kaplan shouted, then both arms wrapped around Abel's waist and squeezed as he fucked him erratically, emptying the last remnants of his fluids.

Abel was still in a sexual daze, head light and dizzy, when they made their way back down to the bedroom. The bed felt like heaven, so soft and welcoming, the blankets thick and soothing as Abel cuddled deep in their warmth, eyes already growing heavy. When Kaplan crawled in next to him, the man scooted close and kissed him then ran his fingertips down Abel's cheek, his face close as he rested his head on the thick pillow. There was a slight sheen to Kaplan's eyes as he murmured, “Don't ever ask me to do that again.” he traced his thumb back and forth over Abel's lower lip. “Fuck you like...you mean nothing to me.” his throat worked and he licked his lips slowly, “I don't want those lines to be that...stark...between us, Abel. And...” he kissed Abel's mouth softly, “I don't think you do either.” he caressed his cheek. “I wasn't putting on an act today, or at any point when I showed care or affection for you. I know it's a terrible faux pas on my part to...like you so much.” he swallowed hard and cupped Abel's neck gently, his thumb stroking the tender skin below his ear. “But I do.”

***

As soon as he finished up with his current customer, Cole tugged on his clothes and went to Max's office. “Did you speak with him?” he asked when he stepped through the door.

“Yes.” Max poured himself a drink and offered one to Cole.

He shook his head. “So...what did he say?”

Max leaned against the edge of his desk. “Honestly?” he sipped from his glass. “I don't think he is going to be a threat to Abel. The man is...torn up. He clearly doesn't want to believe such things about his brother, but...I also think there's something in him that can't believe Abel would lie to him, or try to hurt him.” he looked at Cole. “Our Dr. Grant is still deeply in love with Abel. And as hard as he's trying to convince himself his brother isn't the monster Abel described...I don't think there's any way in hell he will turn Abel in.”

A measure of relief swept through Cole. “So what do we do now?” he asked, then with a note of hopefulness, “Bring Abel home?”

“I think we should wait a bit. Even just a few more days, at least. I don't want to take any chances.” he sighed, “then after that, I guess it's up to Abel what he wants to do. As I said before, Horatio will put him up in his villa in Italy if Abel feels safer being out of the country.”

Cole's jaw tightened and his temples began to throb. “So he can be...what?...a live in boy toy for Kaplan?”

“Cole.” Max shook his head slowly. “I know what kind of light this shines on Horatio, what with his arrangement with Abel. But he's a better man than you might think.”

Cole shrugged, “Sorry, but I find it hard to respect a man who buys a boy like he's just another possession to own.”

“You know, he is doing a lot for Abel right now that he isn't obligated to do – as per their arrangement.”

It was true, Cole realized that. The man hadn't hesitated to agree to get Abel out of the country for his own safety. For that alone he supposed he should feel a measure of gratitude. But recalling Abel's state of mind after Devlin ripped out his heart...it killed him to think the boy was being used or taken advantage of by the man. He didn't need emotionless fucking right now – he needed someone who gave a shit, who wasn't heartless to what he was going through.

Cole rubbed his thumb absently across his lower lip, eyes distant as he gazed at the floor. “I just hope he's doing right by Abel...and not
causing him even more damage.

***

When Brandon's call finally came in, Devlin's shift was nearly over and he gave the man directions to his home to meet him there. The last twenty minutes of his shift seemed to simultaneously drag painstakingly slow – and speed by. When he made it home, his guts were twisted up so tight he wondered if he would have another hug session with the toilet bowl. But he managed to keep it under control as he climbed out of his car. Brandon was already there, waiting for him.

“Would you like some coffee?” Devlin asked when they entered the house then walked to the kitchen. “I'll have some ready in a few minutes.” he grabbed a pack of fresh coffee filters and began preparing the coffee maker. “Unless you'd like something stronger.”

“Uh, coffee's fine.” Brandon slid onto a stool at the kitchen island and rested his elbows on the counter. “This is a nice place.”

“Thanks.” Devlin took his time with the coffee maker, stalling. But too soon, it was ready to turn on and he couldn't put off facing the man any longer. Still, he couldn't bring himself to cut to the chase, and avoided the looming topic. “So what do you do”

Brandon sighed. “Mostly, I design websites for big businesses.”

“Interesting.” Devlin nodded, then smiled, “but better you than me. I'm cool with computers offline, and even basic internet stuff, but that's about it-”

“Devlin.” Brandon cut him off, looking at him with an ache in his eyes.

Shaking his head slowly, Devlin moved away from the counter, his hand snaking to the back of his neck and rubbing anxiously. He stood at the window, his back to his friend. “Don't, Brandon.” his throat was closing, his words catching. “I can't...”

A moment's silence, then, “You know what I'm going to say...don't you?” he murmured.

Devlin hung his head, eyes filling.

“Did you...always know...about Craig?” Brandon asked, a tightness creeping into his voice. “Did you know what he was doing...to me?”

“No.” Devlin choked, shaking his head. “I didn't know...anything. I had no idea.”

“So he...” Brandon hesitated, then spoke low, “he never...messed with you?”

Devlin's hand covered his mouth and held. Hot tears broke and rushed down his face. “I don't...know. I think...” he turned slowly, trembling. “I think...he did...and I just...blocked it out somehow because I...couldn't deal with it.”

“Fuck...”

Covering his eyes, Devlin cried softly, “I'm so sorry that he...he did that to you. I didn't...I didn't know, I swear.”

Tears rose in Brandon's eyes and he went to Devlin, hugging him. “I believe you.” he whispered thickly. “You don't have to apologize. It wasn't your fault.”

“Why didn't you tell me?” Devlin hugged him back.

“Craig said...” his voice broke. “he said if I told anyone, no one would believe me and I wouldn't be allowed to...to be friends with you anymore. That he'd make sure of it.” he drew back out of their embrace and rubbed his face, then cleared his throat. “You were my best friend, Devlin. The brother I never had.”

Devlin stared at the guy, and what tiny fragment of his heart that still remained – shattered.

First him and Brandon, then...Abel...and how many others?

Chapter Eleven

“What Hurts The Most”

The bed beside him was empty when Abel awoke, his head feeling thick. A low throb thumped in the soles of his feet from having walked so much yesterday. He cleared his throat and twisted over onto his back. Kaplan was nowhere to be seen. Abel sighed and laid back into the thick, soft pillows.

The events of last night came back piece by piece. He had insisted he'd wanted those lines between him and Kaplan to remain clear, to just be regarded as the hired fuck that he was. But when the man had taken him, without any sense of emotion, it had brought on feelings of abandonment, loss...and his age old fear of having no control in the hands of another man.

I won't fuck you like a whore, Abel. I won't treat you that way.

He couldn't do it. Kaplan had refused to use Abel like a mere piece of ass. And when he'd taken him in his arms and – made love to me – showed more tenderness...it had been like falling into heaven.

Abel sat forward, the thick satin comforter bunching at his waist. He absently traced his fingertips across the slick ripples. It seemed, in a moment's notice, Kaplan had somehow slipped through the wall Abel had meant to keep between them. Last weekend, it had been easy; Kaplan had done his part to stay on his side of the line. But this weekend? What had changed over the last week? It was as if he were a different man altogether. And more dangerous now than before. He had no defense against this man. And that scared him. The pain of losing Devlin so violently still coursed through his veins, still hurt with every beat of his heart. He didn't want to go there again...yet he couldn't deny the...comfort and security...it gave him to be cared for by a man like Kaplan.

“Going to stay in bed all day, sexy?” Kaplan entered the bedroom, fully dressed and looking remarkable – as usual. He walked over and sat down next to Abel, leaning in to plant a soft kiss on his lips. “Not that I hate the sight of you naked in bed.” he smiled and kissed him again, laying him back on the pillows, leaning over him and deepening the kiss. “Mmm.” he drew back a bit and licked his lips. “You taste good first thing in the morning.”

Able smiled and rubbed his hands up the guy's arms, his solid muscles like stone beneath the soft fabric of his expensive shirt. An unexpected surge of blood rushed to his cock, hardening him instantly. Abel's breath quickened on its own and Kaplan smiled, slipping one hand under the blankets and massaging Abel's member.

“Is this for me?” he murmured close to Abel's mouth. “Or were you dreaming of some other lucky man?”

“For you.” Abel assured quietly, moaning as Kaplan squeezed him a fraction harder and began to stroke him. “Oh god...” his back arched a little, breath catching, nails gouging the man's arms.

Kaplan groaned, “That is so fucking sexy when you do that.”

“Do what?” Abel panted, hips beginning to move, thrusting against Kaplan's hand, face pinching slightly.

“Respond so...enthusiastically.”

A shaky smile flickered across Abel's lips then vanished as those same lips tightened, head pushing back into the pillow, neck cords popping a little. “Fuck.” God, the man was a master with his hands.

Kaplan squeezed and dragged his fist down to the base of Abel's shaft then released him and rubbed down lower over his tightening balls, massaging them firmly, teasing lower towards his ass with the tip of a finger. Abel's breath evened somewhat once Kaplan had freed his cock, but he wanted it back. His own hand shoved under the blankets and grabbed his dick, stroking with fervor. Suddenly, Kaplan grabbed his hand and halted him. “Uh uh.” he smiled. “This is mine, remember?”

Shuddering fiercely, Abel nodded and released himself. The blankets were suddenly dragged down to his thighs, exposing his hard cock, which curved up towards his stomach and glistened at the tip. Kaplan wrapped his hand around the base, holding it upright, then dropped his mouth down on him.

“Fuck!” Abel bucked then grabbed Kaplan's head, nails digging into his scalp. The man's hot mouth squeezed around his cock, pushing down until his cock head was nudging the back of the man's throat. “Uuhh! Fuck! Yes!” Kaplan moaned then sucked him hard before he began to stroke up and down his hard flesh. “Oh fuck...fuck...yes...”

Abel's body arched and he held Kaplan's head, shoving his cock into his throat as the man took him eagerly, urgently, sucking and stroking him to a fast and forceful orgasm. The guy's finger pushed into his ass and he cried out as he found his sweet spot and massaged him firmly, sucking harder.

“Fuck!” Abel choked, body writhing, squirming, thrusting until a strangled wail tore up his throat and he came hard, unloading down Kaplan's throat. His grip on the man's head tightened and his jaw clenched as his body pushed out every last drop of cum as Kaplan sucked him dry, then pulled off him and dragged a fingertip across the corner of his mouth, licking his lips.

“Yum.” he murmured. “My favorite breakfast drink.” He leaned over Abel to kiss him then hesitated, as if understanding that last time Abel had been revolted by the taste of his own cum. Abel gazed up at him, eyes hazy, body trembling, then gripped the back of Kaplan's head and pulled him into a deep, hungry kiss, sucking the man's tongue into his mouth, not at all minding the taste of himself this time.

***

You can't do this. It isn't right.

The numbing sensation passed through his body in a wave, weakening his legs. His breath quickened then cut out, tears rising up where he had worked so hard to keep them down. His hand pressed against the door without pushing it open as he struggled to calm his heart rate, force back his tears. He knew he looked like hell, everyone could see. How many times a day did he get an - “Are you feeling all right, Dr. Grant?” - or an - “Are you getting enough sleep, Devlin?” - he had lost count. Bottom like – he looked like shit.

As much as I feel like shit? If so, his colleagues had cause to worry.

He closed his eyes briefly then shoved open the door, preparing himself to do the unthinkable – just show her his picture, settle it once and for all – but stopped short, his plans thwarted by the unexpected presence of Cole and Gabe beside Savannah's bed. He hesitated, even considered leaving, but the young girl noticed him there before he could take his leave.

“Dr. Grant.” she smiled and her face lit up. The two men turned slowly, eyes resting heavy on Devlin.

“Savannah.” he cleared his throat and entered. “You're looking...bright-eyed and bushy tailed today.”

She smiled. “I feel good.” her eyes brightened even more. “I get to go home tomorrow.”

Devlin rubbed his mouth, and replied softly, “That's great.” He avoided the mens' eyes and went about his routine.

The girl turned her attention to the guys. “How soon can I see Abel?”

“What did he say the last time you talked to him?” Cole asked low, almost cautiously. After speaking with Max, Devlin understood what they were all afraid of, and why it was never specified just where Abel was.

“He said he would see me soon.” she told him. “and maybe I could go be with him, where he is.”

Did that mean Abel wasn't coming home to stay? Devlin's chest tightened; would he ever see the boy again? He swallowed hard through a knotted throat and forced back the tears that seemed to always be hovering so close to the surface lately – especially today.

“I need to check your blood pressure.” he told Savannah and slid up the loose short sleeve of her gown then wrapped the cuff around her upper arm. He pressed the stethoscope to her skin just under the edge of the cuff and began pumping it tighter, watching the gage, trying to concentrate.

“Well, either way.” Cole told the girl. “You'll be seeing him soon enough.”

When he was finished with the cuff, Devlin wrapped it up and put it away. “I'll come back later.” Devlin said to Savannah. “No need for me to interrupt your visit.” He didn't want to be here with all of them. Each one reminded him of Abel in some way, and with thoughts of Abel – came nightmare images of what Craig had done to him for two years.

And what Devlin had done to him when he chose to believe the lie above the truth.

***

The level of despair in the doctor's eyes was enough to soften even Cole's heart towards the man. He was clearly coming to grips with reality, forced to look it in the face – and it was an ugly motherfucker.

When Devlin excused himself and left the room, Cole watched him go, then turned his eyes back to Savannah. The girl's previously bright countenance was shadowed now as she stared at the door. “Savannah?” Cole said softly. “You all right, sweetheart?”

“What happened?” her gaze shifted to Cole's face and a wall of tears rose up. “What happened with him and Abel? They were so...perfect.” Tears rolled down her cheeks. “I've never seen Abel so happy as he was that day...when I took their picture.”

Cole reached out and wiped the tears from her face. “Sometimes...things just don't work out. Life gets complicated.” His own eyes began to burn, a debilitating ache winding through his heart; he knew just what she meant about those two. They were perfect. Abel had been crazy in love with the man. And there was no doubt Devlin had felt the same. Now...everything was fucked up royally.

Savannah's chin trembled. “It isn't fair.”

Gabe stepped forward and sat on the bed next to her, sliding his arm around her shoulder. “No, hon, it isn't.” he kissed her hair and looked at Cole, his eyes glossing. “It isn't fair at all.”

“Excuse me for a minute.” Cole moved towards the door. “I'll be right back.”

Gabe raised a questioning eyebrow and Cole nodded at the door. Gabe seemed to get his meaning and nodded once as Cole slipped out into the corridor. He glanced up and down the hall then spotted Devlin waiting at the elevator, and walked quickly in the direction.

The elevators doors dinged and the doctor started to step inside. “Doc! Hold up.” Cole broke into a light sprint as Devlin withdrew from the elevator. He looked at Cole uncertainly. “Can I talk to you a minute...about Abel?”

Devlin's face nearly crumpled at the mere sound of the boy's name. He looked at the floor, lips tightening. Cole detected a barely notable tremor to the man's chin. “I'm not...I'm not going to...do anything to Abel.” he whispered thickly. “He can come home. I promise...I won't turn him in.”

“I know.” Cole murmured, and Devlin looked at him, surprised. “I know you would never try to hurt him. What happened at his apartment...” Cole shook his head slowly and ran a quick hand over his mouth. “That was...just a really bad situation. We had no right to expect anything less from you.” he rubbed his lip together, and said remorsefully, “I'm sorry I hit you.”

A glassy wall of tears rippled in Devlin's eyes, ready to break free. “I'm not.” he whispered thickly. “I wish...” the tears thickened and began to slip out one at a time. “I wish you would have beaten me to death...right then and there.” He raised his eyes slowly and looked at Cole. “It would have hurt a hell of a lot less than this.”

The lump swelling in Cole's throat threatened to choke him. “Do you know why Abel didn't want to tell you the truth?” Cole asked quietly. “He wasn't afraid of being turned in. He was...” Cole shook his head and rubbed his hand over his face, drawing away tears. “He was so afraid of hurting you, of...of taking your brother away from you all over again.”

Devlin stared at him, tears running freely. “What?”

“He knew how much you loved the man.” Cole said thickly. “And he said that it...it would hurt you less to lose him...than for you to lose your brother. That's why he ran from you, and tried so hard not to tell you.” Cole swallowed hard. “He loved you so much, Devlin. And it tore him up to break your heart this way.”