Promises: Part I (Bounty Hunters Book 1) (4 page)

It was clear that Duke had hit a nerve when he called Vaughan a kid. He hated how much he loved it when Vaughan got upset, too. It was sexy as shit. He couldn’t possibly take all the flirty innuendo seriously. Vaughan was more than ten years younger than Duke. There’s no way that could work out. Even worse was that everyone would think he was getting even with Judge if he got a young guy of his own.

Duke groaned and motioned for another Crown and Coke.

“Looks like you’re drowning your troubles,” the cute bartender said, setting down the fresh drink. The guy looked like he was just barely legal to serve alcohol. “What’s a handsome man like you doing sitting here all alone?”

Duke wanted to turn around to see if the guy was talking to someone else. Damn sure couldn’t have been talking to him.

“I like your hair,” the slim man said, leaning heavily against the bar, his black-outlined baby blue eyes eating up Duke’s face and chest. “Your hair looks silver, not gray. Maybe it’s the lighting, but it’s really hot. Reminds me of Max on that MTV show: Catfish.”

Duke frowned. “I have no clue what you’re talking about.”

The guy laughed, playfully hitting Duke on his forearm. “Probably not, but just know the guy has this silver and black hair that looks out of control and natural. It’s the hottest thing I’ve ever seen.”

Duke took another sip. “Well thank you. I think.”

“So, is your wife… or dare I presume… husband, coming to meet you soon?” The guy licked his lips and Duke thought he was dreaming. The kid really was coming on to him. Had to be young because that was the cheesiest pick up line he’d heard in a while.

“Um.” Duke chuckled. “No. No husband.”

“That’s a shame. A man as fine as you is thinking of going home alone.”

Duke pulled out his wallet and dropped enough to cover his tab and leave a considerable tip. “I can’t tell you how flattering this has all been. But I need to get moving.”

“You sure?”

Duke looked up into sincere eyes. This is unbelievable. If he was that irresistible, why had Judge chosen another? Refusing to go down that road just then, Duke nodded his head.

“Okay, then. I’m here until two if you change your mind. The name’s Sean.”

“Thanks, Sean. Catch you later.”

“Oh, I hope so, handsome.”

Duke left the bar thinking that if he got that scrawny guy in his bed, he’d break him in half. But Vaughan on the other hand… His thoughts trailed to something dirty and primal as he walked to his truck. He was going to accept Vaughan’s invite. He wanted to see if Vaughan was just playing with him like that sweet bartender wanted to… for just one night of fun in bed. Or if Vaughan was wanting more. He hoped it was the latter. Duke didn’t bed hop.

As soon as he closed his truck door and pulled out his cell to call Quick and tell him he was coming over, it rang in his hands. Damnit. He recognized the number as one from the Fulton County Jail. So much for his plans. Duty calls.

Vaughan listened to his dad and Duke’s conversation the next morning while he downed a protein shake and carved a grapefruit. He’d urged his dad to put it on speakerphone so he could hear Duke’s voice. His dad rolled his eyes but hit the button.

“So the party is Sunday? This Sunday, as in tomorrow?”

“Yep.” Duke’s voice sounded distorted, like he was driving.

“Why so soon?”

“He’s not coming in on Monday. His last day was Friday, and you know Charlie doesn’t like too much fussing over him. So I’ve already hired caterers, a DJ, a cleaning crew, everything. All we have to do is show up. Some people are already at the office putting up minimal but tasteful decorations. Charlie has two friends that said they could definitely make it, then that leaves us… so why wait?”

“I guess you’re right.”

“Fine. I’m on my way to the Macy’s at the mall after I have breakfast.”

“The mall.” Quick cringed.

“I need to pick up a jacket or something to wear tomorrow. Nothing fits me anymore and I don’t want to only wear a collared shirt.”

“You need some help?”

“I can manage, Quick. It’s just a jacket. I was gonna come by last night but got called out to Fulton for a bond. Vaughan had invited me, so I thought I’d swing by.” There was a pause before the background noise died down. “Hey, buddy. How’s it been going with Vaughan?”

Vaughan’s eyes widened. He gestured to his dad, not wanting to talk out loud.
Say great, say great.
He tried to mouth, but his dad obviously couldn’t read lips.

“He’s fine. Why?”

“Um. Nothing. Nothing at all. He just seems different now.”

Vaughan really started gesturing. “Tell him I’m more mature,” he whispered harshly.

His dad covered the speaker. “I’m not about to pimp you, Vaughan.”

“Dad. Come on,” he begged.

Vaughan watched his dad slap his hand to his forehead, groaning in irritation.

“Quick. Quick are you there?”

“Yeah, I’m here. I heard you, I was just checking the caller ID, thought I heard it beep. But, um. Vaughan—he has changed. He’s the man I raised him to be. Smart, mature as hell. Focused, driven.”

Vaughan gave his dad a thumbs up and a motion that said keep talking, which made Quick roll his eyes even harder.

“That’s cool. I know you and Remy are proud as hell. A lawyer, that’s pretty amazing.”

“Yep. He showed me the pen you gave him. That was awesome, dude. Nice job. He was ecstatic.”

Vaughan frowned at his dad.

Duke laughed and it made Vaughan smile. “I’m glad he liked it. Hey, um. Make sure to tell him he’s invited to Charlie’s retirement party.”

“Sure will.”

“Talk to you later, bud.”

After the line went dead, Vaughan felt an amazing surge of energy.

“Son. I’m gonna ask you this one more time.”

“Don’t Dad. I confessed to you years ago that I had a thing for Duke. Always have. Nothing’s changed.”

“Why don’t you want to wait and see if you meet someone in Atlanta? The market ain’t bad out here. You could meet a nice young lawyer when you start your new job, anything could happen.”

Vaughan just barely refrained from yelling. “I’ve been to the other side of the world and back and I’ve still never met a man like Duke. Key word is ‘man.’ I don’t want some young guy that’s most likely still in the closet or god knows what types of hang-ups and complexes he might have. Still wanting to party and binge drink all night. I don’t have time for that shit.” Vaughan frowned. “You keep saying you support me in this, but you keep trying to get me to change my mind.”

His father stood and walked over to him. “I just want you to be happy.”

“I know. But I won’t be until I have Duke.”

Quick breathed out slowly and nodded his head. “Okay, then.”

Vaughan darted up the stairs.

“Hey. Where you going? I thought you were gonna work out.”

“I need a new jacket for the party tomorrow.”

He heard Quick’s laughter before the reply. “You have more suit jackets than a congressman.”

When Vaughan came back down twenty minutes later in a pair of jeans, an untucked beige collared shirt and a camel colored blazer, his dad whistled at him. “Let me guess. You’re going to Macy’s.”

Vaughan winked, tucking his wallet in his back pocket. “Not usually where I shop, but I’m sure I’ll find something.”

“I’m sure you will,” Quick said softly, still nursing his coffee.

Vaughan went over and looked down at him. He was still a magnificent man. Why he chose to stay home night after night and not date was beyond Vaughan’s understanding. His father was tall, thick upper body and lean hips, built just like him. His hair was a little gray at the temples, but was still long and full. His tattoos were cool as shit and went up both arms. He could surely pull a hottie. What was his deal? “Why don’t me and you go paint the town red tonight, huh? It’s the weekend, let’s let loose.”

His dad looked up at him with an identical charming smile to the one that he saw in the mirror each day. “Really. Just me and you?”

“Just me and you.”

“Sounds good.” His father clapped his big hands together and rubbed them like he was already set to go. “Father and son on the prowl.”

“I’ll be back soon. We’ll start at a happy hour somewhere and see where the night takes us,” he said, almost to the front door.

“You got it.” Was the answer he barely heard when he was already half-way out the door.

Duke hated malls with a passion, but sometimes they were a necessary evil. He went in through the mall entrance and fought the weekend crowds to get to Macy’s. He didn’t shop much, but he heard that Macy’s had a nice selection of men’s business and casualwear. Maybe a bottle of cologne would be a good idea, too. Duke was just able to keep himself from smiling. He felt like he was going on his first date. He remembered fussing over his outfits, pulling everything he had out of the closet. His dad had got tired of him trying stuff on and ended up calling his mom over to help him. They were divorced most of his life, but they had stayed good friends.

He always thought he’d be married by his age. Maybe even with a child, who knew. He thought it’d be Judge, for sure. Although they never actually dated, went out in public or whatever, he was fine with that. He thought it simply wasn’t Judge’s way. Even though
he
wanted those things: date night, sharing a tub of popcorn at the movies, making out together in a dark booth at a jazz club, holding hands on the beach as the sun set. Duke had thought that as long as he had Judge at home, it’d work out. He’d since realized how wrong he was. Judge knew what Duke really wanted, and instead of stringing him along, he dropped him. It had hurt more than he cared to let on, but he was a big boy. Life went on. 

Looking around in Macy’s gave him a tension headache. There weren’t a lot of people in the men’s department, but he was never good at picking clothes. A nice lady in a startling white ruffled blouse and a black pleated skirt came up to him. “Can I help you?”

Duke fingered through the shirts on the rack. “Actually, I’m just looking.”

“I can help him if he needs it, Cindy. Thank you.” A strong voice cut over the young lady. Duke looked up and saw a man in a nice suit standing on the other side of the rack. His Macy’s name tag said Mark R. Duke smiled and told him the same thing as Cindy scurried off, doing little to hide her annoyance.

“Really, I’m good. Don’t let me waste your time.” He kept looking through the shirts and chose a blue and white striped one along with a dark blue blazer.

“That looks pretty good. I can do some measurements if you want.” Mark R. looked up and down Duke’s body, making him feel exposed.

“I’ll just try them on.” Duke hoped his fake smile was convincing. He pointed towards the back of the department and asked, “Fitting rooms over there?”

The guy gave him a suggestive smile and tilted his head in the same direction. “I’ll be right here if you need anything.”

Duke didn’t acknowledge that. He kept walking, thinking he might need to try a different store. What was with everyone lately? Was his dick size advertised on his forehead? Was he wearing a sign that said, “I’ll bottom so hard for you”? What the fuck?

Duke hung the new shirt and jacket on the hook and began to take off his shirt. He laid it carefully on the bench before removing his undershirt. There was a light tap on his dressing room door.

“Are you fuckin’ kiddin’ me?” Duke grumbled quietly. “I said I’m good, sir.”

A second later the door opened and Duke was about to curse until he saw it was Vaughan. “What the hell?”

“I told your little admirer out there that I’d take it from here,” Vaughan said sensually, closing the door behind him.

“What are you doing here?” Duke said breathily.

“I’m stalking you,” Vaughan said in an evil cartoon villain voice that made Duke laugh nervously.

“Cute,” Duke said, noticing that Vaughan’s eyes were roaming all over his chest. “Eyes up here.”

Vaughan let loose his own sexy chuckle and looked up to Duke’s eyes. With his back against one side of the dressing room, Vaughan brought one hand up and placed it against the wall next to Duke’s head. Duke felt like his heart was going to beat out of his chest when Vaughan leaned in to him and ran his nose down his neck. “Does it bother you when I look at you like that, Duke?”

Duke cleared his throat. He wasn’t sure he could speak English just then.

“Because I know no other way to look. Especially at you. I haven’t seen you with your shirt off since you went to my dad’s beach party when I was twenty-two.”

“W-what? You remember that?” Duke looked confused.

Vaughan nudged Duke’s cheek, speaking against his rough beard. “I remember that and so much more. I also remember you asking me why I wasn’t playing volleyball or swimming.”

Duke closed his eyes. Vaughan was so close. That alluring fresh scent dominating the small room. He wanted to put his arms around him, but refrained. “I think I remember that.”

Vaughan ran his other hand up Duke’s chest. “I’ll tell you now. I couldn’t get up because my dick was hard as fuck. I watched you the whole time, so close to coming I thought I would die. Couldn’t take my eyes off you then.” Vaughan breathed a puff of air against Duke’s mouth. “Still can’t take my eyes off you.”

“I’ve got to be dreaming,” Duke whispered.

Vaughan smiled, his forehead pressed against Duke’s. “Open your eyes.”

“I don’t want to wake up,” Duke replied, completely lost in the feeling.

Duke heard the sound of a belt clicking and the rustling of fabric. He still didn’t open his eyes. He felt his hand grabbed and he didn’t fight it as Vaughan pushed Duke’s hand down the front of his jeans, inside his boxers.

“Oh, fuck,” Duke hissed. His eyes rolled behind his closed lids. Vaughan groaned and pressed into his palm. Keeping his own hand over top of his, pressing Duke’s hand down. His cock was hot and hard. Duke closed his hand around it, marveling at the length.
Fuckin’ perfect.
Vaughan bit him lightly on his neck.

“You feel that, Duke? I’m not a goddamn kid. I’m not playing games. I’m not trying to tease you. I want you. I wanted you then. I want you even more now.”

“Jesus. Vaughan, I never knew.” Duke was completely winded. “I didn’t even know you were gay. I don’t know a goddamn thing anymore.”

“I
knew
what you wanted. I knew you’d want a man. So I came back to you when I became one. I could’ve chosen any city in the world. Why do you think I’m here?” Vaughan pressed against Duke’s palm again. “Fuck, I’ve waited so long for this. Don’t deny me, Duke. I can make you happy.”

Duke was overwhelmed. He couldn’t believe any of this. The strikingly beautiful man had been wanting him for years, and was here now, begging him. He still felt he was gonna be the butt of a very bad joke. He needed to get Vaughan out of his space and think for a while.
Shit. What about Quick? He’d never go for this
.

Vaughan slowly removed Duke’s hand. “I don’t want to pressure you. I just don’t want you to say no so quickly. Think about it. Maybe let me take you on a couple dates and then you can decide if you want to see me. Just give me that much.”

Duke looked down at Vaughan’s cock, mesmerized. As if hearing Duke’s thoughts, Vaughan pulled his briefs lower and righted his long cock so just the head was sticking out of the waistband. A clear bead of precome had formed over the slit and Duke licked his lips before he could think not to.

“Mmm. My thoughts exactly, sweetheart. But I always told myself I would be a gentleman with you. So I’m not gonna push you to your knees here in a Macy’s dressing room. You are so much more to me than that. I’m gonna court you.” Vaughan stroked Duke’s cheek with the back of his hand. “Woo you until you agree to be mine.”

Vaughan sure as hell talked like a real man. A man that watched a lot of Humphrey Bogart movies, maybe. He was smooth, debonair, and so charming Duke couldn’t refuse. It was everything he’d wanted in a partner. To feel cherished and wanted. He hoped it could be real. He wanted to drop to his knees and take that flushed head into his mouth, all the way to the back of his throat, but he was still just clearheaded enough to know he needed to speak to Quick first.

“Let’s get out of here, hmm?” Vaughan kissed Duke’s cheek. “Find you something nice to wear for tomorrow, and then I think I have just enough time to take you to lunch before I have to get back home.”

Duke was still looking at Vaughan’s cock when he swallowed hard and nodded his head in agreement.

“But how about just a little taste of what’s yours.” Vaughan smothered in closer to Duke’s body, pressing his cock against his own, trapped achingly in his pants. Vaughan reached down and gathered the clear bead of fluid off the tip of his dick with his thumb, another bead quickly forming as soon as he did.

“Oh my god.” Duke moaned.

“Open up, sweetheart,” Vaughan purred in that voice that made Duke leak. He wiped the sticky fluid across Duke’s bottom lip before pushing his thumb inside. Duke unashamedly sucked on it like he was man dying of thirst. “That’s it, baby.”

Duke wrapped his arms around Vaughan’s waist and held him as tight to him as he dared. With his eyes squeezed shut, he sucked every trace of Vaughan’s essence off his thumb before finally releasing the digit. His breathing was erratic and labored again. He wanted and needed so badly he hurt. He heard Vaughan righting himself and buckling his belt. He tried to get himself under control; he couldn’t go back out there in his condition.

“Calm down. Breathe,” Vaughan whispered. Taking a few deep breaths himself.

When they were both presentable, Vaughan took the clothes he’d never tried on and politely gave them to Mark R., saying they didn’t fit. Duke didn’t make eye contact with the store clerk as he let Vaughan lead him to another section of the store. The price tags were considerably higher, but he paid little attention as Vaughan carefully put an outfit together for him, his eyes focused on every pattern and color. While Vaughan was purchasing a pair of cufflinks of his own, Duke went over to the fragrance counter and began to look around. 

The older man behind the counter told him of the sales they had going on and to let him know if he wanted to smell something. Duke said a quick thank you and began picking up a few of the testers on the counter.

It was as if he felt Vaughan’s heat before he pressed into his back, pushing Duke into the counter. Duke didn’t look around to see who was watching. He didn’t give a fuck. It felt too good to let worry seep in and cloud the moment.

“Can I ask you a personal question?” Vaughan whispered against the side of Duke’s neck.

“I don’t see why not.” Duke licked his bottom lip for the hundredth time since he’d come out of that dressing room, hoping there was still an inkling of some of Vaughan’s precome that he may have missed. He knew he was going to be addicted after he got his first real taste.
Damn. I hope Quick is cool with this. For the love of god.

“Do you top or bottom?”

Duke choked. Damn, that was
very
personal. He should’ve know Vaughan was thinking of sex, because he sure was. That long, slender cock looked absolutely perfect for him. Duke was a bottom through and through, but a man didn’t have to have a damn beer-can-dick in order to get him off. He preferred a nice smooth, easy fit.

“I have a feeling I already know. But humor me. Have I been right all these years? You’re a big assed, strong, sexy bottom aren’t you?”

Duke smiled shyly. He felt like a guy getting hit on by the most popular kid in school. Vaughan did that sexy chuckle against the back of his neck. “I knew it.”

“Yeah. I mostly bottom,” Duke admitted, picking up another cologne bottle, hoping he wasn’t blushing too hard. “Does that mean you
only
top?” Duke had a lover that primarily topped before. Judge had never, ever bottomed for him. Had downright refused it. Even though Duke thought there was nothing better than a hard cock driving into his ass, he still had a cock of his own, and he liked to use it sometimes.

Vaughan used his pointer finger on Duke’s chin to turn his head towards him. When he spoke, his lips danced across the corner of his mouth. Duke wondered if there was anything Vaughan did that wasn’t sexy. “No. I don’t
only
top. But for you. I’ll do anything you want me to do.”

“Damnit. Don’t say things like that, Vaughan.”

“I have to speak the truth. No games, no lies, no teasing. Remember?”

Duke nodded his head, his words evading him again. When the clerk came back over, he glanced at their positioning but kept his face friendly. “Have you decided on something, sir?”

“May I?” Vaughan interjected.

“By all means,” Duke said. He was so ready to get out of the store anyway, and after smelling a few bottles, he had no idea what he wanted.