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“Just like that? Like you didn’t yell at me and throw me out just a few hours ago?” Carson wiped at an errant tear.

“I was wrong.”

“You fucking think?”

“I need you, Carson.” He took a few hesitant steps closer to him.

“You mean ZIM Tech needs me. But there is no other option, is there? Obviously, I can’t stay. I have to leave. I can’t work for you. Not now.”

“The other option is a whole lot of fucking paperwork in HR. Because God help me, I don’t want to give you up. And you are fucking talented, Carson. There’s no way I’m letting a competitor hire you.”

Carson sniffed and laughed bitterly.

“So that’s all this is about then. Keep the ace programmer at all costs. But what if I’m not willing to pay what it will cost me? I’m not going to slit my wrists every day just so you can make another couple of million dollars.”

“Goddamn it, kid, you’re not listening to me! I need you. Me,” he said, pointing to himself as he moved forward until he stood directly in front of Carson. “Because I fucking love you, too. And I don’t care what kind of a nightmare it creates in the office. I’m not losing you. I’ve never brought anyone to my home, let alone spent days on end with them. Don’t you get that?”

“You just bought that place,” Carson said. “Give it some more time.” Zach could see the faint glimmer of hope in Carson’s eyes, but he wasn’t giving in, and Zach couldn’t exactly blame him for that.

“You fucking smartass. You know what I am saying. I never wanted to have someone permanent in my life. Not with the hours I work and the secrecy I have to keep. But you understand all that.”

Carson looked up at him, and Zach slowly raised his hands to cup Carson’s face, making his movements clear so that Carson could stop him if he wanted to.

“The thought of losing you as my partner terrifies me. Being with you feels right, and to hell with the rest of it. Stay. Please.”

“What about all the others? The guys at lunch were talking about your … exploits. Why should I expect to be any different? I’m not signing on for that kind of pain.”

The clear hurt in Carson’s voice nearly broke him.

“I’m sorry you were made to feel that way. Yes, I’ve been known to play the field in the past. I won’t deny that. But I haven’t been with anyone since our first night together back in Detroit. I don’t want anyone else. I love you, Carson. And it scares the shit out of me, more than you can possibly know. But I will fight for you. For us.”

Carson exhaled a shaky breath.

“I’m a needy wreck, I should warn you. Product of the foster system. No discipline. Touch starved. Got a chip on my shoulder. Daddy issues and all that jazz.”

“Literally none of that is news to me. Kid.”

“Zach?”

“Mmm?”

“Get your goddamned clothes off and fuck me.”

Carson surged forward, his kiss full of need and desire, as he pawed at Zach’s coat.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” he breathed against Carson’s lips.

“I want a raise for dealing with your shit.”

Zach chuckled as he nibbled along Carson’s jaw.

“I’m sure I can find a way to compensate your sufferings.”

They fumbled with buttons and belts and ties, leaving a trail of clothing to Carson’s bed. Zach was happy to let Carson take the lead, and he didn’t waste any time, grabbing the lube and slicking himself up as he ground their hips together, and Zach stroked Carson’s cock after sheathing his own.

Carson rose up and sank onto Zach, not stopping until he’d taken him in fully. Zach groaned and moved his hands to Carson’s hips. Carson let out a moan and rocked back, hands braced on Zach’s thighs as he slowly worked himself up and down.

“Fuck, Zach.”