“Clear,” Quick and Ford called out in unison, Brian slinging up a gesture too fast for Cayson to catch.
Duke turned on his heels, leaving them to the details. The two brothers stood up, gripped Quick in a one-armed hug, and nodded once to Cayson before leaving together. Cayson looked around, slightly confused. That’s it? Duke says clear, and like in the OR, everyone raises their hands and scatters. What the hell? I didn’t agree to anything.
“I’m not staying with you, Rome,” Cayson said, while Quick went about straightening his desk.
“Then who are you staying with?”
“No one. I’m going home. Well, after our date.” Cayson smiled ruefully. But Quick failed to see the humor, if his dry expression was any indication.
“Fine.” Quick locked his desk drawer and pointed to Duke’s closed door. “Go in there and tell that to him. I’m warning you though; Vaughan’s been out of town for two days, so Duke’s not a happy camper.”
Cayson rolled his eyes. He had no doubt Quick was right. He didn’t want to piss Duke off while he was missing his man. “Okay. One night, since I’d planned to stay, anyway.” Cayson approached Quick slowly where he leaned against the side of his desk. Enough of the dreaded ex talk. He needed Quick’s hands on him, especially after Joe had unwantedly touched him. Quick watched him, his face still unreadable, and it almost gave Cayson pause, but he kept advancing. Quick wanted him. He had a gut feeling, and when he was close enough, he ran his hand up Quick’s hard stomach and over his pecs. Cayson smiled when the muscles flinched beneath his touch, the tight material of his t-shirt, stretched over his broad chest could barely conceal all that firm flesh.
“Touch me, Rome.” Cayson moved in until there wasn’t an inch of room between them. Quick still had his hands clenched tight at his sides. “Are you mad at me, or just sulking a bit?”
“Neither,” Quick answered, smoothing his hands up Cayson’s thighs to his waist. He closed his eyes, enjoying the touch. Relishing the way Quick held and controlled him. It made his cock come to life. “I want you to be careful is all. I’m not trying to take over your life.”
Cayson tilted his head back, looking up into Quick’s ruggedly handsome face. He hadn’t shaved this morning and his beard was full enough to cause a pleasant burn on Cayson’s face if he could get Quick to devour him with his mouth again. He’d agree to just about anything right now. “I promise. I’ll be safe.”
Quick yanked Cayson hard against him. He grunted and took the punishment, loving where this was going. “You can’t just say those words, you have to mean it.” Quick bit down hard on the spot beneath Cayson’s jaw, making him hiss and moan at the same time.
“I’m not just saying it. I’ll be careful.”
“No more calling him,” Quick added, sucking a hot passion mark beneath the collar of Cayson’s dress shirt. He was busy concentrating on giving Quick all the access he needed, so whatever he was agreeing to was irrelevant, as long as this big brooding man kept touching him. He wouldn’t admit it yet, but he felt completely safe in Quick’s arms. He felt like nothing could touch him. Quick was the first place he’d thought to go when he left work. He did feel out of control when Joe became aggressive, but he wouldn’t be caught off guard next time. Maybe Quick or Duke could show him some basic defense moves… never know. Damn, thinking about rolling around with Quick on the floor while he showed him various submissive moves had him wanting to leave immediately.
“I won’t call him, talk to him. Nothing.”
“You notify me if he corners you again.”
Cayson was quiet. Quick held Cayson’s chin and tilted his head back to look at him. “If you’re worried what I’ll do to him, then call Duke, or Ford… as long as you call someone. I think the more people who get involved, the faster he’ll tuck tail and run. He’s still in the closet, so unless he wants an early coming out party, he’d better leave you alone. My patience is wearing thin when it comes to him.”
“Did you tell Duke about the bribe?”
“Yep.” Quick flicked the light off, leading them to the front door.
“And what did Duke say about it?”
“He said I should’ve taken the money and kept dating you.”
Cayson laughed. That sounded like Duke. “Hey. Thank you for not throwing your hands up. I realize you didn’t expect to have to deal with this.”
Quick pecked Cayson on the mouth as he walked past him into the dark parking lot. He caught him by his biceps and turned him so he could crowd in close. It was an erotic contradiction the way Quick could look so rough and raw but kiss so tenderly. He made Cayson feel cherished, just in the way he looked at him. One more sweet kiss on his cheek and Quick whispered against his warm skin. “I’m not close to done with you, Cayson.” Quick looked like he wanted to add something else to that, but chose not to.