Page 121 of Line of Sight

“Okay, so this isn’t the time, but ixnay ethay unishmentpay alktay. Aric likes a little pain with his pleasure, so you’re not exactly helping.”

Brick narrowed his eyes. “What the hell does that mean?” he demanded, his deep voice reverberating through Aric.

Seth sighed. “I swear,no oneremembers classic pig Latin anymore. I had to teach Aric so we could talk in the camp when I was too tired to show him my thoughts.” He met Brick’s gaze. “Itmeansexactly what it sounded like. Aric likes a little pain with his pleasure, so threatening to spank him? That isn’t a deterrent.”

Brick’s mouth fell open. “He… what?” Then he frowned. “Wait. I thought you two haven’t—”

“That’s right, we haven’t. That doesn’t mean I didn’t get to see something in Aric’s head once when we were jerking off. And we did share fantasies.”

“Hey, will you quit giving away all my secrets?” Aric growled. He had to admit, the conversation helped ease his tremors, even if it was the most surreal thing ever with Fielding’s remains only feet away from them.

He’d been Aric’s definition of a bad guy while he lived, and dead, he was fast becoming nothing but a bad dream.

Right on cue, a couple of guys appeared, and Aric didn’t break eye contact with Brick, because that was way better than watching them clear away what was left of Fielding.

Brick bit his lip. “Fantasies? Okay, that’s hot. Still….” He ran a thumb over Aric’s face. “You’re going to look so beautiful in our bed, all spread out, needy for me. For us.” His voice cracked.

Aric smiled. “We can’t wait to be there with you. Although….”

Brick stilled. “Although? There’s analthough?”

Aric glanced at Seth, who nodded.

Time to tell it like it is.And talking about what lay in their future was way better than thinking about what had happened minutes earlier.

“Well, you see…. Seth and I? Zero interest in topping, which means basically we’re going to work you to death in bed, because it’ll be up to you to satisfy us both.” Aric smiled again. “Don’t worry, though. I’ve been stocking up on multivitamins to give you energy.” When Brick arched his eyebrows, Aric nodded. “Seriously. I gave Crank my shopping list. He thought it was hilarious.”

Brick laughed, something Aric hadn’t heard much of, but what he sensed in Brick was even better. He’d seen it all: the fear, the crippling loneliness, the pain at the loss of his parents. It was as if that bright laughter had broken the chains holding Brick’s heart hostage.

What flowed from Brick was love.

Then Brick’s arms closed around him. “Don’t worry. I’ll fuck you both into a coma every day, and that’s a promise.”

Seth snickered. “He doesn’t know a lot about cats, does he?”

“Apparently not, but now we’re together again? There’s plenty of time for us to learn.”

Brick raised Aric’s chin with his fingers. “But if I can be serious for a minute? This is the last time you pull a stunt like this, kitty. Got me?”

Aric knew what that meant.

He craned his neck to look Brick in the eye. “If it helped you to move on? I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

Brick chuckled. “What do I always say? Never underestimate the kitty. And I’m deadly serious.”

“You’re deadly, I won’t argue with that,” Seth murmured.

Brick towered over Aric. “Youwillbe doing therapy.”

It wasn’t a request.

Aric stuck his chin out. “I don’t need it. I’m fine.”See me? You just ripped Fielding apart and I’m still here. I’m not cowering under my blanket.

He was made of strong stuff.

Brick scowled. “That’s bullshit, and you know it. And it’s no use you arguing. This is nonnegotiable.”

“Listen to him.” Seth’s voice was gentle. “You’ll need someone to talk to.”