Specters & Sparks, page 9
“Hey!” Fox yelled and took off as a ghost from his past darted into the alley. There was no way Kemal Sükan was in Bisbee but Fox would swear on a stack of bibles that he’d just spotted the disgraced Turkish intelligence officer on a sidewalk in Arizona, of all places. Fox’s brain screamed that it wasn’t possible but another voice reminded him that this was Bisbee and just about anything could happen. Fox sprinted as hard and as fast as he could up Main Street and skidded into the alley. He didn’t see Sükan but his arms wound at his sides as he came nose-to-nose with a faded, gray bearded face. “Excuse m—” The words died on Fox’s lips as the young miner’s face and its empty black sockets stared back at him. Fox screamed as he leapt back out of the alley and a horn blared as the driver of a large silver pickup truck slammed on his brakes. “My bad!” Fox yelled and waved awkwardly as he looked behind him. He jumped back onto the sidewalk and cautiously took another peek at the alley but it was abandoned. “You’re seeing things, old man.”
Not that Fox doubted that he’d seen the ghost of a dead miner. He’d been warned that Angus Skinner liked to haunt the alley between Lorrie’s studio and The Bisbee Grand. But Kemal Sükan had to be a figment of Fox’s overactive imagination. He’d been warned that it would be hard to let go of the hyper-vigilance that kept him alive overseas. And Sükan was the one loose thread that Fox couldn’t tie up before he retired. Sükan disappeared after Fox spotted him too far afield and someplace no Turkish officer should be, in an ISIS stronghold in Iraq. Fox was there for a joint mission with the Kurds and doing surveillance on a mosque. Sükan exited the mosque arm-in-arm with a known ISIS commander and Fox was on the phone with his counterpart in Ankara two heartbeats later. It was a humiliating revelation for MİT, Turkey’s equivalent of the CIA. Fox wasn’t exactly thanked for bringing it to their attention but Sükan was finished. He was ordered back to Ankara to face “repercussions” and Turkey promised Sükan would be disciplined but he disappeared within minutes of Fox’s call. Someone inside of MİT tipped him off and Sükan was never seen again.
“The odds of him getting all the way from Iraq to Bisbee without being seen were less than none,” Fox told himself but he turned and searched the street around him before he let himself into the stairwell. He locked the door behind him and sighed wearily as he climbed the steps to the loft. “It wasn’t your fault that he got caught. Why did he do it in the first place and why did it have to be me?” Those were the questions that haunted Fox and why he would wake up in a cold sweat whenever he was traveling in the Middle East. Was there a woman? Did she recruit him? Was Kemal being blackmailed because of an affair with a married woman? Fox had scoured intelligence reports for any mention of a relationship or a lover but there was nothing but some unverified rumors. After Iraq, Sükan pulled off the impossible and had successfully fallen off the intelligence grid. He would have had to start completely from scratch, completely on his own. He might have had a sympathetic friend inside MİT but that didn’t mean Sükan could trust them. And the Turks were wily. They’d be on to him if he contacted anyone in the agency or any known associates. Sükan was safer wherever he was hiding and Fox was safe in Bisbee.
Or so he thought… A very different sort of sense started tingling as he shrugged out of his coat and looked around the loft. The weird speaker lamp cast a small pink glow over the end table but the rest of the loft was dark save for a lit candle in the kitchen. Fox saw the glass of wine and the remote on the counter and his cock got so hard so fast, he had to hold onto the back of the sofa, he got so dizzy. A tiny voice screamed that Fox should run away or tell Owen that he was going to bed but he didn’t do either of those things. Fox dropped his coat on the floor on his way to the kitchen. He needed the glass of wine and drained it in a few large gulps.
Play with me, Fox
Every trace of their last late night encounter was gone when Fox woke up the next morning. He had convinced himself it was a dream so he could face Owen without breaking into a sweat but this was the same note. Fox was immediately sucked back to the same heightened state of need and was enthralled as he refilled his glass and picked up the remote. He glanced at Owen’s door and it was far more than cracked. Fox would be able to see Owen’s bed if he was brave enough to take a few steps to his right. That would require a little more wine but Fox sniffed hard and told himself he had to be brave. He picked up the remote and leaned toward Owen’s door as he pressed the On button. There was a loud but breathy gasp from the other side of the wall and it made the hairs on Fox’s neck stand.
“Mmmm…” Owen hummed, calling to Fox like a siren. He held onto his glass and took a step to his right, then tapped the remote twice. Fox could see the headboard of Owen’s bed, amongst the shadows. His neck stretched as he listened and Fox instinctively shrank back when he saw the profile of Owen’s face. “More!” Owen cried.
Fox couldn’t breathe as he pushed the button and shuffled closer to the end of the counter and Owen’s door. He could see Owen’s headboard and then the rest of Owen’s bed. Owen was naked but the sheets were gathered around his waist and shielded his groin. He writhed and moaned as his hands reached and worked beneath the sheets. Fox was spellbound as he sipped his wine and watched Owen pleasure himself. He was captivated as Owen whispered Fox’s name and sucked on his fingers. Owen plunged them between his legs and bowed off the bed as he fingered himself and pleaded, calling to all of Fox’s demons. He was beautiful and everything Fox wanted but he planted his feet and forbid himself from crossing that threshold.
“Fox!” Owen begged, so Fox tapped the remote three times. “Fuck!” He shrieked and bucked hard. Owen’s neck snapped back and Fox held his ground ruthlessly but he savored the strangled sob that carried through the loft. He watched as Owen shivered through his orgasm and caught his breath. Fox was spellbound and his mouth watered as Owen slowly licked his fingers clean, then made a deeply contented sound as he yawned and stretched. Owen rolled away from the door and the sheet pulled, revealing his firm, round ass. He shifted and hugged his pillow as he bent his knee and Owen caught the slender pink tail of the vibrator protruding from between his cheeks. Fox waited until Owen’s breathing settled before returning the remote and the wine glass to the counter. Then, he tiptoed back to his room and quietly shut the door behind him.
“Owen,” Fox replied softly on his way to his bed. He worked his belt through the buckle as he fell back onto the mattress and Fox was with Owen in their alternate reality. He pushed his jeans and boxer briefs down and Owen was there, greedily sucking and stroking Fox’s throbbing length. He imagined the feel of Owen’s hair, sliding around Fox’s fingers and it was all he needed. Fox could practically feel Owen’s lips around his cock. His sac pulled tight and Owen swallowed every drop of cum before crawling to Fox’s lips. It was heaven as their bodies tangled and Owen kissed Fox to sleep. “I’ll crack next time,” he warned himself. There was no way he’d be able to resist the next time Owen left that note and the remote. And next time, simply holding the remote and watching wouldn’t be enough. Fox would have to touch and taste Owen. But it would still be wrong and still wouldn’t matter if Lorrie and Beau gave him their tentative blessings, Baxter and Cace would never approve. There was also the age difference and the fact that Fox was supposed to be looking for a place for him and Juniper. “I can’t put this off much longer. I have to have a talk with Owen.”
Chapter 17
“Hey, Stranger,” Owen said as he swiped a paper cup from the dispenser and glared at Fox. “Didn’t see you last night or this morning,” he added and eyed Fox severely as he poured his coffee. Fox gave him a loaded look as he paid.
“I stayed at Eloy’s later than I realized and had to sleep it off,” he said and there was a hint of a growl to it. Owen couldn’t tell if it was part “you gave me no choice” and “for the love of God, don’t do this here” but Owen had to prod. Fox would get amnesia as soon as he walked into the loft.
“Hmmm… I was afraid it was something I did but you’d say something, right?” Owen said pointedly and Fox smiled back at him.
“Of course,” he said but it was tight as Fox avoided Owen’s eyes.
“What’s going on? What’s wrong?” Cace asked Owen as he checked the pastry case.
“Nothing’s wrong. I just haven’t talked to Fox in a few days because he’s turning into a bar fly, apparently.”
“You’re being ridiculous. It’s March Madness. I stayed until the game ended and watched the post-game coverage. We got to talking and I lost track of the time.”
“I stopped in and hung out for a while,” Cace noted but Owen’s head pushed forward.
“Great. Was Lorrie worried about you too?” He snapped. Fox and Cace blinked back at him.
“No… Lorrie was with me,” Cace said as he looked between Owen and Fox. “Why were you worried about Fox? It’s a five minute walk if he gets lost and he’s survived war zones.”
“He’s right. I usually check in and let him know not to worry about me. I’ve been a space case lately,” Fox told Cace. Owen’s eyes narrowed as he tried to decide if Fox was just saying that to calm Cace down and get him to leave.
“As long as that’s it,” Owen said and Fox nodded quickly.
“That’s it.”
“Are we sure?” Cace asked as he looked between them. “You both seem unusually tense. Did you have a fight?”
“Nope.” Owen smiled at Fox then gasped at Cace. “I forgot to take the quiches out of the freezer for tomorrow. Would you do me a favor and move those to the fridge for me?”
“You forgot?” Cace echoed and Owen hummed.
“It happens now and then.” He gave his dad a placid, expectant look until he shook his head and left them.
“I’m sorry if I’ve been…” Fox said under his breath and cleared his throat as he beat his wallet against his palm.
“Ghosting me. You’ve been ghosting me,” Owen said. He planted his hands on the counter so he could lean closer. “I’m sorry if I misread things and you felt like I expect—”
“No! You didn’t and I didn’t!” Fox interrupted and held up his hand. He looked panicked as he checked the kitchen and glanced back at the table. Lorrie, Baxter and Beau were having an animated debate about the Diamondbacks and the playoffs. Fox forced out a hard breath and grimaced at Owen apologetically. “We need to talk and I’ve been dragging my feet,” he admitted.
“Oh, my God. I did misread things. You didn’t want me and I exposed myself to you!” Owen whispered as he panicked. He felt dizzy and clapped his hand over his mouth as he became nauseous.
“Stop!” Fox hissed and waved wildly as he looked around. “I swear, that’s not what happened. At all,” he added firmly. Owen relaxed slightly but he didn’t like how Fox refused to meet his eyes and was still anxious and uneasy.
“Was it something else I did?”
“You didn’t do anything wrong. I promise. We’ll talk later.”
“Later?” Owen asked warily. “This feels like a breakup and we haven’t even got to first base yet.”
“Owen.” Fox tucked his wallet back into his pocket and gave him a pleading look. “Your dad’s closing tonight. I’ll take care of dinner and we’ll talk after you get home,” he offered and Owen’s nose wrinkled.
“I can cook while we talk.” He mouthed an apology and Fox laughed. It almost felt like them.
“I’ll get takeout and wine.”
“I’m feeling less scared,” Owen said and they shared a moment before Cace stormed out of the kitchen.
“I just searched the whole freezer and do you know where the quiches were? The walk-in refrigerator,” he said and threw a hand at Owen. “You should have just told me to go to the table if you two wanted to work out whatever it is you were fighting about.
“We weren’t fighting,” they both said. Cace humphed and went to get the tub of dirty mugs and plates at the end of the counter.
“I’ll see you later,” Fox said and went to add sugar to his coffee.
Owen had no idea where they stood but at least he wasn’t a pervert who forced his roommate to help him masturbate. The thought made Owen’s eyes water and he got a little sick again. But something in his gut told him that they were meant to be together and that Fox needed him. He wanted to march across the coffee shop and shake Fox until he came to his senses.
“Lemme see something…” Owen decided. He swiped a spoon and grabbed the whipped cream and flipped the pressurized canister in his grip. He didn’t look at the table as he sprayed a dollop of foam into the bowl of the spoon then leaned against the back counter casually. Owen raised the spoon and slowly licked off the whipped cream before looking right at Fox. He didn’t even have to scan; Owen’s gaze found Fox’s immediately, as if they were the only ones in the shop. Owen cocked a brow and Fox hissed and swore as he jumped to his feet. He backed away from the table and shook out his hand as his spilled coffee rolled toward the edge of the table and dripped onto the floor between his feet. Owen hummed in satisfaction as he tossed the spoon in the tub under the counter and went to get the mop.
He had a wet, soapy towel ready as he wheeled the mop and bucket out of the kitchen and around the counter. Fox was apologizing profusely despite everyone’s chuckles and gentle teasing. It was exactly the result Owen was hoping for and expected so he clicked his teeth at Fox and made a knowing sound as he quickly mopped the floor in front of Fox’s chair. Then, Owen stepped in front of Fox and gave his back a little arch as he wiped off the table. Once again, he didn’t have to look to know where Fox’s eyes were. Owen took his time and braced his hand on the tabletop while he chatted with Baxter about their plans for the weekend.
“Great. An hour earlier works for me,” Owen said as he straightened and gasped as if he’d forgotten Fox was behind him. “My bad. You probably want your seat back,” he laughed as he gave Fox’s shoulder a playful punch but he was dazed and nodded weakly.
“Thanks.” He slowly lowered into his seat and looked around the table as if he didn’t know what to do next.
“I’ll get you another cup of coffee,” Owen said and he just nodded. Fox did his best to act natural and follow along with the banter around the table but his focus was on Owen as he poured another cup. He was watching as Owen added sugar then dipped his pinkie into Fox’s coffee. Owen sucked it clean, testing the coffee’s sweetness, and hummed in approval as he winked at Fox. It had the desired effect. Fox was wide-eyed and there was a sheen of sweat on his brow as he stared up at Owen. “Hang onto it this time,” he said. Beau snorted as Baxter clicked his teeth at Fox.
“You’re usually a lot smoother than that. You’ve been unusually jumpy lately,” he noted and Lorrie nodded.
“Does he always look over his shoulder like he’s being followed when he’s with you?” He asked and Baxter pointed at Lorrie.
“Yes. What’s the matter, Fox? Owe somebody money?” He asked. Fox pulled a face as he sat back with his coffee.
“It’s too quiet here and it’s taking me a little while to acclimate, that’s all. I’m used to sticking out like a sore thumb in hostile territory and I haven’t been able to shake some old habits.”
“Are you sure that’s all it is?” Beau asked over his newspaper. His brow furrowed with concern as he looked over Fox’s shoulder at the window and Main Street. “You don’t strike me as someone who spooks easily.”
“I don’t…” Fox agreed with a slow tilt of his head. “I’m just used to being in places where you don’t feel safe, the quieter it gets. I’m used to streets going quiet or a lull in the chatter right before something explodes. I had to know who was around me at all times and I learned how to tell who wanted me dead and who was afraid of me. I’m having a hard time turning that off some days,” he explained.
Owen sniffed and turned to get the mop and the rolling bucket. He wanted to cry but he had to act cool and calmly pushed the bucket between the tables and around the counter. He made it to the kitchen and hurried past the shelves to where they kept the bucket parked. The corner by the back door was dark and he was able to lean against the wall for a moment. The thought of Fox in that much danger made Owen’s legs turn to jelly. He told Owen that he used to work with a small team—an interpreter and another agent or two—and was often on his own until backup came if things got scary. He’d been vulnerable and isolated in hostile places with only his charisma, his instincts and a pistol for protection. Owen didn’t want to think about how many close calls Fox had while he was deployed. He was overwhelmed by how grateful he was that Fox had survived and was never going back. Which made him even more determined to get through to Fox. They were meant to be together and Fox deserved to be happy.
“I’m not letting you get away, Fox.”
Chapter 18
“I’ve got errands to run but I’ll catch you later,” Fox told Baxter as they shared a quick hug in front of the coffee shop and clapped each other on the back.
“I’ll probably swing by Eloy’s after dinner. Come by if you want to talk,” Baxter said as he leaned back and searched Fox’s face. Fox made a dismissive sound as he patted Baxter’s cheek.
“I appreciate that but don’t worry about me. I’m having a little bit of trouble transitioning to civilian life but I think it’s because there are stakes now. Before, it was just me and now I’ve got Juniper to take care of.” And Owen? Fox knew it was a terrible wish. He winced as he pushed the sleeves of his cardigan up then shoved his hands into the back pockets of his jeans. “I have to keep her safe and that scares me more than jumping out of planes and dodging snipers. That might have me a little wound up,” he said. As if to prove it, Fox let his gaze swing across the street to the park in front of the Mining Museum. Sükan was leaning against one of the lamp posts by the steps leading up to The Copper Queen.
