Knox: A Suspenseful M/M Brother's Best Friend Romance, page 12
“Fine,” she grumbles but follows. “Are you sure you’re okay? You just drove into a tree.”
“Going less than twenty miles an hour, T. I’m fine,” I assure her.
She glares at me for a moment but finally sighs.
“Can you dial Nixon for me and put it on speakerphone, please?” I ask, handing her my phone.
“Hey, Knox. I wasn’t expecting to hear from you today. Everything good?” Nixon answers after a couple of rings.
“Um… not really,” I mutter.
Nixon sighs. “What happened?”
“He drove his SUV into my tree,” Tatiana says.
I grab the back of my neck with my left hand, my right gripping the steering wheel a little tighter than necessary.
“What?” Nixon questions.
“I think someone tampered with my brakes,” I offer, and this earns me a gasp from Tatiana, who has no idea about anything that’s been going on besides the fire, not even that it was arson.
“I hit a bump on T’s street, and when I went to hit the brakes, they weren’t working. Safe to say the front end of your SUV is fucked.”
“I’m not worried about the vehicle,” Nixon assures me. “But I am worried about you. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I answer quickly.
“Are you still at Tatiana’s house?” Nixon asks.
“No. We’re in T’s car heading to the hospital. She’s in labor.”
“Congratulations,” Nixon tells Tatiana, who groans.
“Why are contractions so fucking painful?” she complains.
“You’ve got this,” I encourage her.
“Can you send me Tatiana’s address?” Nixon requests. “I’ll send a tow truck to get the SUV, and I’ll have someone do a complete diagnostic check to see what caused the brakes to fail. I also think you should get checked out by a doctor when you get to the hospital.”
“I’m fine,” I grumble.
“I’ll make sure he sees someone,” Tatiana tells Nixon, making me sigh.
Why does no one ever listen to me when I say I’m fine?
“I’m sending Bennett to hang out with you,” Nixon states. “He’ll also make sure you see a doctor.”
By hang out, I know Nixon means be my bodyguard. Which is fucking bullshit, but I know arguing will get me nowhere.
“Fine,” I grunt out.
“I’ll keep you updated on the results of the car, and you let me know when Tatiana has that baby,” Nixon commands.
“You got it, boss man,” I tell him and say goodbye.
“Care to tell me why someone would tamper with your brakes?” Tatiana asks.
“Someone’s targeting me,” I murmur.
“Why?” she asks with wide eyes.
“I have no idea. But I found out the other day that the house fire wasn’t an accident. Someone lit it, and I’m pretty sure they wanted me to burn inside it,” I inform her. “And the other night, we think there was someone lurking in Gunnar’s yard. We installed a security system and cameras, but that doesn’t help me when I’m not home.”
“Shit, baby brother… that’s some crazy shit.”
“Tell me about it. Now, I have to worry about everyone else around me. What would have happened had the brakes gone out while you were in the vehicle, and I was going highway speeds?” I question. My heart aches at the idea.
Tatiana grabs my arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. “But that didn’t happen, and I’m fine.”
“For now, but who knows how long that will last.”
“Stop worrying about things that haven’t happened,” she instructs.
“It’s hard. I feel like I’m the one to blame for all of this. I don’t think I could live with myself if someone got hurt because of me,” I admit.
“You aren’t the one behind any of this,” she reminds me. “And you work for the best security company in the country. If anyone can figure out what’s going on and stop it before someone gets seriously hurt, it’s you guys.”
Something I hope happens soon.
Thankfully, the drive to the hospital is short and uneventful.
“How can I help you?” a lady with a bright smile and large glasses asks as we approach the front desk.
“I’m in labor,” Tatiana says, groaning.
“Wonderful,” the lady replies, her face lighting up even more. “Let’s have you fill out some paperwork, then we’ll get you into a room.”
Tatiana nods, and I grab the clipboard from the lady’s hand as I guide my sister to a chair.
“I can’t believe this is really happening,” she whispers, and when she looks at me, there are tears in her eyes.
“You’re going to be a great mom,” I tell her, pulling her in for an awkward seated hug.
After the paperwork is filled out, we’re moved to a delivery room. Tatiana is connected to a bunch of machines and checked to see how far along she is. After it’s confirmed she’s far enough along for an epidural, a doctor comes in to jab a giant needle into her spine, making me wince in sympathy. But as soon as that’s done, Tatiana seems a lot more comfortable.
Since she no longer insists I get checked out, I don’t bother to leave the room. I know Bennett will eventually show up, and that will change, but for now, I’m content to be by my sister’s side.
Tatiana and I are playing on our phones when a soft rap on the door pulls our attention.
“I hear someone’s having a baby,” Gunnar says with a smile.
My eyes go wide, and I shoot Tatiana a glare.
“What?” she asks, trying to sound innocent. “I sent everyone a text after you picked me up.”
“And Gunnar just so happens to be on your list?” I question with a raised brow.
“And what’s this I hear about you driving your SUV into a tree?” he asks, and I sigh.
“He’s also being an idiot and refusing to get checked out,” Tatiana informs him when I don’t say anything.
Gunnar grows a look of concern and comes over to me.
“It’s really not a big deal,” I assure him. “I wasn’t driving very fast.”
“You could have a concussion,” he argues, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a pen light.
The bright light stings my eyes, but I follow his directions and look around. When he’s done checking my eyes, he feels around the back and sides of my neck, and then he takes a step back. “Do you feel lightheaded at all?”
“I really do feel fine. Maybe it’s the adrenaline of everything that happened, but if that changes, I promise I’ll let you know. Right now, I don’t think I’m the one who needs to be fussed over.”
“Because you like to fuss over other people instead,” Bennett says from the door.
“You nailed that one on the head,” Tatiana chimes in.
“Hey, I’m Bennett,” my coworker says to Gunnar, reaching out his hand.
Gunnar shakes it, introducing himself, but Bennett already knows who he is from the many times I’ve talked about Gunnar.
“I have to get back to work, but promise you’ll have someone page me if anything changes,” Gunnar commands, and I nod.
“I promise.”
“It was nice meeting you,” Gunnar tells Bennett before turning to Tatiana. “I can’t wait to meet your little one. I’ll come for another visit when my shift is over.”
“Is something going on between you and Gunnar?” Tatiana asks after he leaves the room.
“Don’t tell Malcolm,” I grumble, not wanting to lie to her.
She squeals and vibrates. “That’s amazing. I always knew you had a crush on him.”
“I thought I did a good job at hiding it.”
Tatiana laughs. “You did, but I’m your sister. You can’t hide anything from me.”
“Did you finally move past the it’s-complicated phase?” Bennett asks.
“It’s still complicated,” I tell him. “But we’ve decided to give things a try. We just don’t want to tell anyone, especially Malcolm, until we’ve given it some time. We both think we’re capable of maintaining a friendship if things don’t work out and would hate for Malcolm to lose his shit over something that might fizzle out in a week or two.”
“I don’t think it will fizzle out,” Tatiana says, and Bennett nods.
“We don’t have a crystal ball. It’s best to play it safe.”
“Do you really think Malcolm is going to be that mad?” Tatiana asks, and I nod.
“He already told me that friends don’t date siblings,” I inform her.
Tatiana’s eyes go wide, and she grits her teeth. “Shit.”
“Yup. We’ll tell him eventually, but only if it looks like this is going to be serious.”
“That makes sense,” Bennett says, sitting beside me. “How long do babies take to be born?”
“Too fucking long?” Tatiana grumbles, and we all laugh.
Chapter Twenty
Gunnar
The hallway is busy as I make my way to Tatiana’s room for the second time after a long- ass day, and I’m glad it’s over.
The only thing I’ve heard from Knox is that Tatiana had the baby and has been moved into a different room. Nothing about how he’s feeling, though, and I’m taking it as no news is good news.
I knock on the door of Tatiana’s room and smile when I see her holding a tiny baby.
“You missed all the excitement,” Knox announces as I enter the room, seeing him there, along with their dad and his husband.
“How are you feeling?” I ask Tatiana, whose eyelids appear heavy.
“Tired, but good. I’m surprised she came that fast, actually,” she tells me.
“What did you name her?”
“Maribeth,” she whispers, bringing tears to my eyes. She named her after her mom.
“It’s a beautiful name.”
“She has your mother’s nose,” Arnold Hanes tells his daughter.
“She has the Hanes pout,” Knox says, and I chuckle because it’s true.
“Can I hold her?” I ask after a moment.
“Absolutely,” Tatiana says, and I move to retrieve the tiny princess.
“She’s beautiful,” I state in awe.
“You look good holding a baby,” Tatiana says with a mischievous smirk.
“I’m not sure if I want my own kids, but I’ll happily spoil all the nieces and nephews,” I state and cast a glance at Knox, who is nodding along.
“I’m the same. I’ll babysit, but I’m not sure I want all the responsibility of raising a tiny human,” he states.
Thank fuck we are on the same page. Something like this could have ended our relationship before it had time to start.
“I think I’m ready for a nap,” Tatiana says, and I place Maribeth in the bassinet.
“I’ll get going and let you sleep,” I tell her. “Did you need a ride home?” I ask Knox.
“I’ll drive him,” Bennett supplies.
“I’m staying at Gunnar’s house. Wouldn’t it make more sense for him to drive me?” Knox counters.
“I’ll still have to follow,” Bennett replies, looking a little guilty.
“Is anyone going to explain why Knox has a bodyguard?” Leo asks.
“I don’t have a bodyguard,” Knox argues.
“You kind of do,” Bennett mutters. “Nixon has scheduled me on call for you for the next three weeks, possibly longer if things don’t change.”
Knox pinches the bridge of his nose, shaking his head.
“What’s going on?” Arnold asks.
“The fire at my house wasn’t an accident. Someone set it. And today someone tampered with my brakes, causing me to drive into Tatiana’s tree,” Knox tells his father and his father’s husband.
“Oh my goodness,” Arnold says, placing his hand on his chest. “Are you okay?”
Knox nods. “I’m fine, but I’ll admit I’m puzzled as to why someone is trying to hurt me.”
“We’ll keep him safe,” Bennett tells us all.
“I work for one of the world’s best security and protection companies. I’m highly trained and trust our team to get this sorted out as quickly as possible. I’ll be fine,” Knox assures them.
Knox gives everyone a hug and promises to be safe as we leave.
“Care to explain the whole story?” I ask when we’re in my car.
Knox shrugs. “There isn’t much to explain. I went to an art supply store to get some pencils and a sketchbook. When I left, it felt like someone was watching me, but no one was there. As I was coming home, Tatiana called and told me she was in labor. I changed my route and headed to her house. There was a bump in the road just before her place that jostled the vehicle and somehow disconnected the brakes. I wasn’t driving very fast, thank God. I veered the car into the tree, knowing it would stop me. I promise I’m okay, but things are getting more serious. We need to come up with a game plan because I don’t want anyone else getting hurt.”
I nod, keeping my focus on the road. I still can’t believe this is happening. Knox is such a great guy. Why would anyone want to hurt him?
“Do you have anything in mind?” I ask, making a turn.
“Not yet, but Nixon will come over tomorrow, and we’re going to brainstorm.”
I’m glad today was my last shift until Sunday. That way, I can be here for Knox. I might not be the best person to keep him safe, but I can help him emotionally. I also have a few ideas on how to keep his brain off the fact that someone is out to get him.
The rest of the drive is quiet, the heaviness of everything weighing on us. Not to mention, I’m exhausted from my shift.
As soon as we arrive home, we wave off Bennett, eager to get inside and arm the system.
“Want to have a shower with me?” I ask.
“That sounds amazing,” Knox says, then pulls me into him, smashing his lips to mine. “I fucking hated that I couldn’t touch you at the hospital,” he murmurs into my mouth.
I moan and nod. “Me too.”
Making up for lost time, we make out by the front door for a few minutes. By the time we part for air, my cock is throbbing between my legs, and I’m desperate for some relief.
“Come on,” I command, grabbing Knox’s hand. “I need you.”
He allows me to drag him to my en suite with a smile, and we immediately strip, clinging to each other as the water warms up.
“I want to fuck you,” I growl out as we step into the hot shower.
“Yes, please,” Knox pleads in this deep, needy tone that has my cock bobbing.
“Turn around, hands on the wall,” I demand and reach for the bottle of lube I keep in the shower for the days I want to play with toys. “God, you’re fucking sexy,” I note, pouring a dollop of lube onto my fingers.
Knox groans when I press my index finger to his glorious pucker and slowly slide it in.
“Fuck,” he groans out.
Leaning over my sexy man, I press a kiss on his back. “I love the noises you make,” I say softly, swirling my finger around.
He moans louder when I press another digit to his entrance. “That feels so good.”
My cock is throbbing between my legs, dying to be inside this sexy bear of a man, but I don’t want to hurt him.
I’m not the largest man on the planet, and my cock is definitely smaller than Knox’s, but I’m not small, either. I won’t be satisfied that he’s stretched enough to take me until I’m at least three fingers in.
“Need you,” Knox calls out as he gasps for air.
“You’re almost ready for me, baby,” I assure him, sliding in my third finger.
I’m watching his perfect ass take my fingers when it dawns on me.
I don’t have a condom in here.
“Fuck,” I curse, wanting to bang my head against the wall.
“What’s wrong?” Knox asks.
“I don’t have a condom,” I tell him, feeling like an idiot.
“I haven’t been with anyone since I last got tested, and I’ve never been bare with anyone in the past,” Knox shares, looking over his shoulder at me, and his meaning isn’t lost on me.
“Same. I could run out and grab a condom, though,” I tell him, wanting to make sure.
“I trust you, Gunnar. Please don’t stop. I want to feel all of you.”
His words are like a squeeze to my heart and steal my breath.
I’ve never considered going without one with anyone else.
Going bare is a big deal.
It means that this is different. That we and this is different from anything we have had.
Normally, I’d say it’s too quick to be thinking about this, but it feels right. The trust is already there because we’ve known each other for so long. But whatever the reason, I don’t care anymore.
It feels right to both of us, and that’s what matters.
He turns his upper body slightly and looks directly into my eyes. I want him so badly that I can only give a small nod as words escape me.
I claim his lips with mine and kiss him like my life depends on it as I continue to work him open with my fingers.
“Please fuck me,” Knox begs into my mouth.
Slowly, I slide my fingers out, pour a generous amount of lube onto my cock and get into position.
“You ready?” I check, swirling the crown of my dick around and over his sensitive star.
He nods, panting, and I start to push in.
“Jesus!” I call out as his channel chokes my cock. “Damn, baby, you’re tight.”
“Keep pushing. I need you to open me up,” he tells me with a needy mewl.
My eyes roll into the back of my head as I continue to press inside. I’ve always enjoyed sex, but this is next-level. It’s not just being directly skin-on-skin for the first time in my life. It’s something more. I’m not sure if it’s the fact that Knox is my ideal man, or if it’s how loud and responsive he is, or if it’s something else entirely, but I’ve never experienced anything like this.
As soon as I’m balls deep inside Knox, I stay there, letting his body stretch and relax around me. I run my hand over his side and down to his cock, loving the feel of his furry stomach. I grab hold and firmly but slowly stroke his dick.
“Fuck!” Knox cries out. “You feel so good.”
