Page 22 of Reverb (Larkspur Book 3)

“I’m gonna come! So close, Daddy. Don’t stop!” The litany of words escaped from Liam with every thrust of Miles’s hips. He drove back into Miles’s groin, meeting the hard cock slamming into him. The slap of flesh amidst harsh breaths echoed throughout the room.

“You’re doing so well, baby boy. Look in the mirror. See how well you’re taking my cock.”

Liam turned his head to look at the floor-to-ceiling mirror that graced the gym”s wall in Miles’s beach house. He was on all fours, Miles kneeling behind him, muscles rippling under smooth, tanned skin. The intense look on Miles’s face as he drilled into Liam spurred him on. He rocked his pelvis back and forth, his dick slapping against his stomach.

“Touch me, please,” he moaned, and Miles obliged him, snaking a lube-slicked hand around his hip to grasp his aching cock. A few moments later, heat erupted through him, and he came in thick spurts, coating Miles’s fingers and spilling onto the mat beneath him.

Harsh pants from Miles had him looking back to the mirror in time to see Miles pull out and whip off the condom to jack himself off, using Liam’s cum as lube. The splatter of wet cum across his ass and lower back had him moaning. Miles rubbed his release into Liam’s skin before pressing a kiss between his heaving shoulder blades.

“Mine,” he growled, sending goosebumps along Liam’s skin. He’d never heard that tone in Miles’s voice before, and it settled over him like a balm.

Liam’s arms trembled, and he lowered himself to the floor. Miles followed him down, wrapping him in his arms. They faced the mirror, and Liam watched as Miles’s hands traced a track across his chest, flicking his sensitive nipples. He hissed as fingers skated down his torso to come to rest on his lower belly. Miles’s pinky finger grazed the base of Liam’s softening cock, and it valiantly twitched in response to the gentle caress.

“Well, that wasn’t like my usual workout,” Miles mused, his breath tickling Liam’s ear.

“I didn’t think I’d manage another orgasm so soon after my last one,” Liam said. “But I remembered what you said about using a mirror, and when I saw you all hot and sweaty in those damn cut-off sweats, I couldn’t help myself.”

“I’m not complaining, baby boy. I love how you could ask for what you wanted.”

Liam’s eyelids fluttered at the praise. He’d been so nervous, his heart had been beating out of his chest, but the reward had been worth it. He’d pleased Miles, and that made him feel so good.

“Let’s get cleaned up, baby boy. We can sit on the deck and watch the sun go down.”

Liam had arrived the afternoon before at Miles’s beach house. It was a few miles up the coast, away from the more popular haunts of the Hollywood elite. A simple three-story house, with a large entertaining deck off the main living area and a smaller one leading from the primary bedroom. The beach area in front was private, but it wasn’t overly secluded.

The night before, they hadn’t been in the house for more than ten minutes before Miles had him on his knees, sucking his cock. They’d then moved to the bedroom and had fucked half the night away. The morning had found them in the shower giving each other soapy hand jobs, before they’d needed refueling with a late brunch.

Early afternoon they’d gone for a run and returned to the gym to do some light stretches and meditation, but Liam’s desire had gotten to him, and he’d asked Miles to fuck him in front of the mirror.

They heaved themselves up off the floor, both groaning as muscles protested.

“We really aren’t as young as we think we are,” Miles mused, as they crossed to the small shower area.

“I know,” Liam agreed, rubbing his lower back absentmindedly, forgetting that Miles’s cum had covered it. “Oh yuck,” he exclaimed, pulling his hand away and staring at it.

Miles laughed and nudged him under the spray of warm water. “Turn around. Let me wash you.”

Liam relaxed into Miles’s touch. “I don’t really hate it,” he said.

“Hate what?”

“Being covered in your cum.”

A warm kiss pressed into his shoulder. “That’s good to know, baby boy. How do you feel about the idea of my cum inside you?”

Liam froze at the question. He turned to face Miles, who was watching him expectantly. “You mean go bare?”

“Yes.”

“I’ve never done that before.”

“That’s okay. You don’t need to answer now. I just thought I’d ask. As you know, I’m negative and get tested regularly.”

“I’m negative too, and on PreP. Can I think about it?”

“Of course you can. It’s not a spur-of-the-moment decision. I’m happy to keep using condoms for as long as you want to.”

Miles turned off the water, and they grabbed towels to dry off.

“Do you ever bottom?” Liam asked.

“No, I don’t. I’ve always been a strict top. Is that a problem?”

“No, not a problem. I’m a switch, but I prefer to bottom.” Liam bit his lip before blurting out, “I have a Fleshjack for when I want to fuck something.”

Heat flared in Miles’s eyes, making them darker gray. “Do you now?” he growled, making Liam shiver. “I’d like to see you use that while the dildo I bought you fucks your hole.”

“I wish I’d brought it with me,” Liam whispered.

“Next time, baby boy. This weekend, your body is mine to use.”

Liam’s knees almost gave out at that statement.

***

Miles handed Liam a beer before settling onto the lounger next to him. They both sighed with satisfaction and then chuckled.

“You’ve worn me out, baby boy.”

“Sorry, not sorry.”

They sat in companionable silence for a while; the shadows lengthening as the sun sank towards the horizon. The sky lit up in shades of orange, pink, and red, reflecting off the inky water.

“You said the other day you had an idea for Eclipse you wanted to talk to me about,” Liam said, breaking the silence.

“Hmm. They’ve agreed to be represented by us, and legal is working on the contract for them.”

“That’s good. I think they’ll do well.”

“I do too, but they need a lot of polishing.” Miles swung his legs around to sit on the side of the lounger, facing Liam. “They’ll need guidance, and I was wondering if you’d like to be their mentor.”

Liam sat up straighter, and then turned to mirror Miles, their knees brushing.

“Me?”

“Yes, you. I think you’ll be perfect for them.”

“You do? Why?”

Miles rolled his eyes. “Why not you? You’re in one of the most successful bands in the world. You’ve been in the business since you were their age, and you’ve got the experience and knowledge. Also, you’re level-headed and business-minded.”

“Would I have the time to do it, though?”

“I think so, yes. I wouldn’t have suggested it if I thought you couldn’t cope with it.”

“But you know how stressed I get. Do you really think I’m the best role model for them?” A worried frown creased Liam’s brow, and Miles reached over to smooth it out.

“Baby boy. You’re learning to deal with your stress, and a lot of your problems stem from your guilt in your perceived failure towards Mark, don’t they?”

“Yes.”

“I’m so proud of you for the progress you’ve made, and I think you can do even more by seeing a therapist.”

Instead of shying away from the suggestion, Liam surprised him by nodding. “I know. Mark suggested the same. I spoke to him the other day, and he gave me the name of his. I’ve got my first consultation next week.”

Pride bloomed through Miles, and he clutched Liam’s hands, opening his knees to draw him close.

“Liam. That’s excellent news. I am beyond proud of you. Why didn’t you say something earlier?”

Liam gave him a wry grin. “I was going to tell you on Wednesday, after the debrief, but we… ah… got sidetracked.”

Miles closed his eyes in shame. “I’m so sorry, baby boy. Isla said you wanted to talk to me about a personal issue, but I thought it was just an excuse to see me. How arrogant is that?”

“Well, it was partly an excuse to see you, but I was going to tell you at the same time.”

“I’m really sorry for not talking to you and for not listening.”

“That’s okay.”

“No. It’s not. I need to do better. Here I am trying to help you, and I’m not heeding my own advice.”

In response, Liam kissed him softly, before drawing back. “Come on, let’s have some dinner and then cuddle on the couch.”

***

Liam snuggled into Miles’s side, eyelids drooping as he tried to watch the end of the movie that was playing. He felt drained, both physically and emotionally. Despite having been home from tour for over a week, he still wasn’t in a proper routine, and what sleep he’d got had been fitful. He’d missed Miles too much.

He’d avoided examining his feelings too closely, convincing himself that he was simply caught up in the intense passion and desire for Miles. In moments of stillness like this, with his body satisfied, he acknowledged his feelings were stronger than they should be.

The trill of Miles’s phone had them both startling, and Miles groaned.

“My phone ringing at this time of night never bodes well,” he grumbled as he rose to move over to the small table his phone was charging on.

“I thought you were on your weekend break. Not to be disturbed,” Liam asked, sitting up and stretching the kinks out of his shoulders.

“Unless it’s a dire emergency, my staff know not to call,” Miles agreed, swiping at the screen with a frown. “Jax? Is everything alright?”

Liam stood, worry running through him. For Jax to be calling Miles, it had to be something to do with Larkspur. He panicked as he tried to remember where he’d left his phone. Had someone tried to call him, and he’d not responded? The bedroom. He’d left his phone upstairs on the bedside cabinet, and he darted from the room to grab it.

With shaking fingers, he swiped at the screen, surprised when there were no new notifications from the chat app he and the others used. No missed calls and no messages. His social media apps had notification badges, but that wasn’t unusual, and they seemed to be around the normal amount he usually got.

He jogged down the stairs, coming to an abrupt halt when he saw Miles staring at him, still talking to Jax.

“Can you hold them off for twelve hours? I… we’ll need to talk to the others first. We can’t blindside them with this.” He nodded at whatever Jax said to him. “Okay. Thanks, Jax. I appreciate you trying, but we’ll deal with it. See you in the morning.”

With a sigh, Miles dropped his phone onto the table and ran a hand down his face. He looked drained, and icy fear coursed through Liam’s veins.

“Wh… what’s happened?” he stammered out. “Is everyone okay?”

“Everyone is fine.” Miles didn’t break eye contact. “Come and sit down, baby boy.”

Trembling, Liam moved to the couch. Miles flicked off the television as he sat down. He took Liam’s phone from him and placed it on the table next to the remote.

“M… Miles? You’re scaring me. What’s happened?”

“Shh, baby boy. It’s okay. We’re going to get through this.”

“Get through what?” Fear spiked Liam’s temper, making his tone rough and angry.

“Someone got photos of us at the restaurant the other night and again earlier today on the deck. Jax has a contact at the gossip rag, You’ll Never Guess, who’s given her a heads up that they’re going to run a piece about us tomorrow.”

“A story about us?”

“Yes. About us being in a relationship.”

“But how did they find out? We haven’t told anyone.” Agitation had Liam rising to his feet, skin itching, and he unconsciously rubbed his arms.

“I don’t know. The only person I’ve told is Jax, and you know she wouldn’t say anything to anyone, not even Sarge.”

“Wait. You’ve told Jax about us? When?” The revelation had him stopping in his tracks to stare at Miles.

“On Wednesday, before the debrief.”

“Why? Why would you tell her?” Liam closed his eyes, not sure why he was feeling upset that Jax knew about them.

“Because she’s my friend, and she partly guessed, and—” Miles broke off.

“And, why Miles? What did you say to her?”

Miles burst off the couch, making Liam take a step back. He knew Miles wasn’t angry with him, just frustrated by everything, and Liam wasn’t helping matters.

“I told her because maybe I needed to confide in someone. I told her I hadn’t felt this way about anyone since Rory.”

“Rory?” Liam whispered the name, trying to remember who Miles was talking about. It hit him then, and he gaped at Miles. “Your ex, Rory. You were with him for years.”

“I was. I loved him, but in the end, we drifted apart thanks to my job. We’re still friends. He’s happily married now and living in North Carolina. Even got a couple of kids.”

Emotions churned through Liam. What did this mean? What were they going to do about the story?

“Liam? Can I hold you?” The quiet yearning in Miles’s voice had Liam snapping to attention. Haunted gray eyes met his, and all of Liam’s agitation melted away in an instant.

“Please,” he whispered, opening his arms. Miles crossed to him in two strides, enveloping Liam in a tight embrace.

“I’m sorry, baby boy. I didn’t want us to be exposed like this. Being with you like this has made me forget who we are in the public arena, and that people are interested in every little thing we do.”

“So, what do we do now?” he asked, reluctantly pulling away. He wanted to stay wrapped up in Miles’s arms forever and hide from the world.

Miles led him back to the couch, and they slumped down, facing each other, but keeping their hands entwined. Liam drew from the strength of Miles’s touch.

“I think we have to admit to each other what this is between us,” Miles said. “I know it started out as a type of friends-with-benefits kind of thing, but what I told Jax was true. I haven’t felt like this about anyone since Rory. My feelings for you are deep and intense, Liam.”

“Mine too,” Liam admitted softly. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone before, and I’ll admit I’m unsure if it’s genuine or just me projecting because of the way you make me feel when we have sex.” He gave a wry chuckle. “It was going to be one of the things I discussed with the therapist next week.”

“I’m happy you can recognize that all that you’re feeling may be because of the situation. I’m not going to pressure you to match what I feel for you. If you come to realize that I mean something to you other than friend and manager, then I will wait as long as you need.”

“I want the feelings to be real. Last week, I missed you so much, and it wasn’t just about the sex. I haven’t felt so alone since my parents died.”

“Oh, baby boy. Why didn’t you reach out and say something?”

“You were busy, and it’s something I need to work out on my own.” Liam cupped Miles’s jaw, hoping his sincerity was obvious. “You’ve taught me how to ask for what I want, Miles. Even in just a few short weeks. I… I spoke to Mark a little about it at the after-party. He knows about us too. He told me I had to trust my instincts.”

“And what are your instincts telling you?”

“That I could have everything I’ve ever wanted in a partner, in you. I’m just scared to try. I don’t want to lose you as a friend, and I can’t jeopardize the relationship with the band. We’ve worked too hard for it all to crash and burn just because we don’t work out.”

“I’d like to say that wouldn’t happen, but it would be na?ve of me,” Miles admitted. “We can put safeguards in place, and you and the band are at a point in your career where any fallout would be minimal. Of course, I’m hoping it will never come to that. When I think of us together, I see long-term. Very long-term.”

A bubble of hope and pleasure fizzed through Liam. “I’d like that.”

“But first,” Miles sighed, “we need to tell the others and prepare a statement to go out. Jax has tried to stop the story running, but they’ve only agreed to hold off until mid-morning.”

“That doesn’t leave us a lot of time,” Liam said.

“I know.” Miles nodded towards where Liam’s phone lay. “Do you want to message and tell everyone to meet here for breakfast, or should I?”

“I think it will be better coming from you. They’ll think it’s odd, me telling them to meet here for a breakfast meeting.”

“Okay. While I do that, why don’t you get ready for bed? I’ll be up in a few minutes.”

As they stood, Miles drew him in for a soft kiss. Resting their foreheads together, he whispered, “Don’t worry, baby boy. We’ll get through this.”