Page 55 of Enemy of My Enemy

If Ethan had looked surprised before, that was nothing next to the stunned speechlessness that stole over his face. He paled, and his jaw dropped even farther.

God, he was an idiot. Dread slid down his spine.Great going, Jack. You really managed to dig for that nerve. You should never have said anything. Home run there.

“I’m sorry. Ethan, I’m sorry. I didn’t know it was something that bothered you. We can keep the condoms. It’s fine.”

Ethan shook his head, still dazed. “I didn’t think you wanted that.”

“Why wouldn’t I want to be as close to you as possible?”

Ethan pressed his lips together and shook his head, but said nothing.

Jack’s hands slid down Ethan’s shoulders, down his back. Was this more of Ethan’s insecurity, his fear that Jack wasn’t all in this relationship? “I want everything with you. Everything. You areitfor me.” He leaned forward and kissed Ethan’s stomach, holding his gaze. “You’re the one I want to be with. In every way. I want to commit to you. This is one way to do that, right?”

Ethan’s jaw clenched so hard Jack could see the bulging muscles pulsing from his neck. He stared down at Jack, and Jack watched him blink fast. “Okay,” Ethan whispered. “Okay. We’ll get tested.”

Jack’s cheeks hurt, he smiled so hard, so fiercely. “You want that, too?” Jack stroked his hands down Ethan’s back. “You sure?”

“I’ve never had that kind of relationship. Never wanted it before.” Ethan laced their fingers together. “But you are it for me, too. So yes. Let’s do this. Together.”

Jack pressed a kiss to Ethan’s knuckles. “I’ll reach out to the doctor.” There was a Navy physician on hand for the president at all times, and everything was held in the strictest confidence.

He rolled Ethan’s hand, found his palm, and pressed a kiss to the center. “Now, let’s get to the bedroom. I still want to make love to you tonight.”

Ethan slipped off Jack’s lap and helped him stand. Naked, save for their socks, and with cocks half-hard, Ethan led Jack across the hall and back to their bedroom, giggling as they tried to jog. When they hit the bedroom, Ethan slithered onto the bed with a smile. He waited for Jack, stroking himself back to full hardness as Jack grabbed the lube and a condom and then joined him, sliding over his body and wrapping him up in his arms. Their lips met, and then their cocks, and Jack shivered against Ethan’s kiss.

Oh yes. Ethan was it for him.

* * *

Moscow

The Kremlin

After hours with Ilya,monitoring the arrests of thousands of Russians charged with corruption, racketeering, money laundering, and even murder, Sergey called it a night. The Kremlin Palace was hushed and exhausted. His staff had stayed late, watching him with wide eyes. Harsh whispers carried in the still corridors, his people wondering at the sudden change that was catapulting through Russia.

He thought about turning in, about trying to sleep, but knew he’d get nowhere. There would be no sleep tonight. And none tomorrow, either.

Instead, Sergey headed for the far wing and Sasha’s recovery room. His recovery was going well, according to Dr. Voronov, and he’d rested more comfortably during the day.

Of course, he wasn’t resting when Sergey got there. He was wide awake, again, and watching the television on the wall, the volume turned down low. His bright eyes fixed to Sergey when Sergey slouched against the doorjamb with a sigh.

Sergey felt like a slob. He’d left his jacket behind and had rolled up his shirt sleeves. His tie was long gone.

Muttering Russian from the television made its way to his ears. His speech. News commentators dissecting his words. Live feeds of FSB arrests around the nation.

Sasha seemed to search for something to say, pressing his lips together and then taking a breath before hesitating and looking down.

Instead of speaking, Sergey moved to Sasha’s bedside chair and collapsed. He crossed his arms and his ankles and gave Sasha a small, tired smile.

Slowly, Sasha smiled back.

* * *

Russian Economy in Freefall

Anti-corruption Sweep Blamed

The Russian economy endured another day of freefall as their stock market plunged yet again, following Russian President Sergey Puchkov’s dramatic announcement of an eighteen-month sting operation aimed at rooting out corruption within the Russian Federation. Immediately following his announcement, thousands were arrested across the country, including many in the government, military, and private sectors. Bitter opposition to President Puchkov’s sweeping change has come from many politicians, oligarchs, and high-ranking military personnel, all of whom reportedly benefited from extensive bribery practices.