Bennett: an m/m bodyguard romance (Hunter Security), page 14
I’m disappointed that we aren’t going to do the horizontal tango, but I understand Bennett’s need to talk with his team, so I offer him a small smile. “I wouldn’t expect anything less. I need to hit the gym. Do you think you can have your team meeting there?”
“I’ll call the front desk to make sure we can lock down the gym for an hour,” he states and moves to pick up the receiver.
After the front desk gives the okay, Bennett texts his team, and I go into the bedroom to change into my workout gear.
“Everyone will meet us in the gym in fifteen minutes,” Bennett informs me as I’m pulling on my shorts.
“Sounds good to me. Could we still head there now so I can start warming up?”
“Yup,” Bennett says and holds his hand out for me.
“You’re kind of the perfect boyfriend,” I tease, taking his hand in mine.
He pulls me into him and plants a sweet kiss on my lips.
I could get used to this man in my life forever.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Bennet
Archer runs on the treadmill as my team and I sit on benches, reviewing tonight’s new plan. Rip is taking the lead, as I already informed Archer, and I’m having a harder time than I figured I would be letting him do so.
The man I love’s life is in danger, and I can’t be in charge of keeping him safe because I’m also at risk. It all fucking sucks.
“We need to be on high alert tonight,” Rip reminds everyone. “The meet and greet has been canceled, and the band members are to go directly to the airport after the show.”
Originally, the plan was for Archer and his band members to drive to the next location, but we don’t know how much the stalker knows, so we need to change up the plans as much as possible.
“I’ve already sent an email to the stadium’s head of security, requesting more personnel to do rotating shifts of the areas the band members normally are in while they are performing so our team can be closer to the stage,” Rip continues. “We are to take all threats seriously, and if for any reason we think the risk is too high, the show will be called off.”
Archer doesn’t want to cancel the show, but I’m with Rip on this. My boyfriend’s safety is our number one priority right now, and we won’t be taking that lightly.
As Rip continues to walk the team through their new roles, I try to pay attention, but my focus keeps veering to Archer, who is now lifting weights.
How is it that in less than three weeks, this man has become my world? I wasn’t expecting this, but I’m happy it happened.
My phone buzzes as the conversation wraps up, and I swiftly answer the call from Nixon.
“What’s the update?” I ask.
“It’s not as bad as we expected,” he replies, and I let out a sigh of relief. “It’s still going to need major repairs but seeing as it’s a newer house without any debris outside, the fire took longer to get rolling. Thanks to your security system, the fire department was alerted immediately and showed up in time to put it out quickly.”
After one of my colleague’s houses caught fire about a year ago, Nixon implemented new rules for the rest of us. One was that all Hunter Security staff members were to have alarm systems with at least two cameras. The second was that all homes must be fire-smarted.
It’s two easy steps that seem to have worked well.
We were praying something like this wouldn’t happen again, but clearly, it never hurts to be prepared.
“Repairs are a hell of a lot easier than replacing a whole house.”
Nixon hums his agreement. “The fire chief is going to email you the report when it’s done so you can forward it to your insurance company.”
“Any clues as to who the person is?”
“I wish,” he replies, sounding frustrated. “The person’s face was mostly covered, and their clothing was baggy. It’s impossible to tell if it was a man or a woman. The police are canvasing the area, but I doubt they are going to find the person.”
Great, another dead end.
“I’m surprised that this person is coming up with plans like this and has people helping them,” I murmur.
“Same here. But this person is clearly not well. Maybe they’ve convinced their friends or family that whatever they are thinking is the truth.”
I grab the back of my neck, wishing we knew more. “If you get any more information, let me know,” I say after a brief pause.
“You know I will,” Nixon assures me. “Keep your guard up, and remember you are a target now too. Let Rip take the lead, and if he tells you to do something, listen.” His tone has no room for argument, and even though I hate it, he’s right.
“I will,” I grumble.
I place my phone back in my pocket and look at Archer, who seems to be finished with his workout. “All done?” I check, standing and making my way toward him.
His face is red from working hard. “Yup, now I’m ready for a shower. Care to join me?” he asks, waggling his brows at me.
Even though I’m feeling extremely stressed out, I can’t help but laugh. That’s something I’ve noticed about Archer. His presence alone sends this rushing force of peace through me. I’ve never felt anything like it before him. It’s how I know he’s meant for me.
“I’d love to join you,” I reply, pulling him into me for a passionate kiss.
“And that’s our cue to leave,” Henley says, and the rest of the guys respond with their agreement.
“Don’t forget there are cameras in here. Might want to save the hanky panky for your room,” Cole teases.
“Hanky panky? How old are you?” I question, and Archer chuckles.
“Twenty-two, but I’m an old soul,” he replies with a hand on his chest as if touching said soul.
“I’m pretty sure hanky panky is a term reserved for boomers,” Rip tells him, but Cole doesn’t let that sink his spirits. He does, however, stick his tongue out, proving that he is indeed a child.
“On that note, we’ll be leaving,” I tell them, taking hold of Archer’s hand and leading him into the hall and toward the elevator.
Rip tags along to escort us to our room. A part of me is dying to argue about him shadowing us, but deep down, I know it’s a necessary precaution. It doesn’t mean I have to like it, no matter how much I trust Rip and my team.
“Nixon informed me that my house isn’t that bad. It will need some major repairs, but the fire department got there fast, and the fire didn’t have that much time to grow,” I tell them, getting them up to speed as we get into the elevator.
“That’s great,” Rip replies.
“Repairs are easier than having to build an entire new house,” Archer adds, clearly on the same wavelength of thinking as I am. He tries to smile at me, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. It’s obvious he’s still blaming himself for the incident.
It doesn’t matter how many times I try to assure him it isn’t his fault, he’s still going to harbor some guilt about the situation. So, instead of wasting words, I’m going to use my body to make him forget—at least as soon as we’re alone. I might have unlocked a new kink of people hearing us while we fuck, but I don’t think I’m quite an exhibitionist just yet, especially not in front of my friend.
“Text me when you’re ready,” Rip states after we arrive at the room and he’s done a quick sweep of the space.
Now that we are aware the stalker knows which hotel we are staying at, it’s important to check each time we leave and come back. It’s a pain in the ass but necessary.
“Will do,” I confirm, waving at my friend as he leaves.
“Shower time?” Archer asks when we are finally alone.
Instead of using my words to answer him, I smash my lips to his, walking backward and guiding him to the bathroom with our mouths locked together.
My sexy country star is quick to strip out of his sweaty clothes while I turn on the shower and follow suit as the water warms.
“You’re so fucking hot,” Archer muses out loud, licking his lips.
I smirk, placing my hands on his hips. “I’m nothing compared to you,” I counter, kissing him again to cut off any response he might have had. Without breaking the kiss, I move us into the shower, thankful there isn’t a tub to stumble over.
“Fuck, that feels amazing,” Archer groans as the hot stream washes over us.
“I can make you feel even better,” I assure him, dropping to my knees and taking his growing erection into my mouth.
As his hands find purchase in my hair, a deep moan escapes his lips. I smile around his length, loving how it’s growing in my mouth.
I work my way up and down him, sucking gently and swirling my tongue around the crown when I get to the top. His sighs and groans of pleasure echo against the shower walls, my cock leaking between my legs.
After fumbling for the bottle of lube we stashed in here earlier, refusing to let go of my man’s perfect cock, I pour a little onto my fingers and play with his pucker.
“Jesus,” he cries out as I shove my index finger into his tight channel while swallowing him down my throat at the same time.
There is something so heady about making a man like Archer come undone.
As Archer gets louder and his knees start to shake, I use my free hand to stroke myself, wanting to come at the same time as him.
“I’m close,” he informs me.
I pop off him for a second, sliding my finger out of him, and he gasps with wide eyes.
“I’m not stopping, sexy,” I assure him. “But I want you to let go. Fuck my face and give me every last drop of that load you’ve got trapped in those balls.”
His mouth hangs open as he pants for air, but then he nods rapidly, and I take him back into my mouth. It doesn’t take him long to do as I instructed, and his hands grip my head tighter as he bucks into my mouth.
As he fucks my face like a wild man, I stroke my cock, trying to match the rhythm of his thrusts. With each thrust that hits the back of my throat, I swallow, using the muscles to constrict around his thick cock.
“You’re t-too fucking good at this,” he stammers as he jack-hammers into me.
My head spins at the approach of my orgasm and the lack of oxygen, but before it becomes too much, Archer shouts and explodes in my mouth. At the taste of his salty cum, my release takes over me, and I cover the shower floor with my load.
I make sure not to let a drop from him go to waste and only release him when he’s an oversensitive, whimpering mess.
“You sure know how to bring a man to his knees,” Archer says.
I rise, pulling him into my arms, and smirk. “I thought I was the one on my knees there,” I tease, and he smiles before bringing me in for a kiss.
I’m sure he can taste his release on my tongue, which I find so fucking hot. If I were a younger man, I might get hard again from that thought, but this forty-one-year-old’s cock is spent and won’t be ready to go for at least a little while.
“Let’s get washed up and lie down for a nap,” I suggest.
“That sounds amazing,” he responds dreamily.
We make quick work of cleaning ourselves, and the moment we’re in bed and I have Archer in my arms, I wonder if it’s too early to move in together. Because I don’t want to ever spend another night without this man in my arms.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Archer
Everyone is on high alert as we walk from our dressing rooms to the stage. I’m praying our performance won’t be hindered by our nerves.
After our nap, we told the guys about what was going on, and to say they were pissed would be an understatement. However, what shocked me the most was Landon’s suggestion that we cancel the show. He’s performed with a broken leg and twenty-four hours after having his appendix removed—he isn’t the type to want to cancel. It took some convincing, not only him but the rest of the guys, which I wasn’t prepared for. Thankfully, they agreed with me, and here we are about to perform for the sold-out crowd.
Bennett is holding my hand tightly, scanning the area as we go. I try to offer him a reassuring smile, but it’s obvious he’s stressed.
“No crowd work tonight,” Bennett reminds me as we wait backstage for our openers to finish their set.
I give him a quick peck on the lips. “I promise to just sing tonight.”
I’m sure someone will write a nasty review about me being cold or something, but they would understand if they knew what was happening.
Our openers exit the stage, and we high-five them as they pass, congratulating them on a job well done. As the crew gets to work switching stage equipment, I bounce around, trying to get the blood flowing while going through a few vocal warm-ups.
“Ready to kill it?” Aria asks when it’s our time to go on.
“You know it,” I respond with a wink, then give Bennett one more kiss before following the guys onto the stage.
The crowd roars as we wave and find our spots, the positive energy almost enough to have me forgetting everything that has been happening. As we start the first song, I get into the zone and push away all the worries and stress I’ve been harboring all day. I let the music wash me clean and pour my soul into our amazing fans.
As promised, I don’t high-five anyone or bring anyone on stage, but I do try to interact with the audience as best I can by reading their signs out loud and taking more breaks to talk and tell stories.
We’re about halfway through the set when Aria’s voice comes through our in-ear monitors. “Wrap up the song and get off stage.”
My sister’s voice is cold, and it sends shivers down my spine. I try my hardest not to show how worried I am, but I’m not sure if I’m successful. With a nod to Joseph, we finish the song without repeating the chorus like we usually do.
Then, flashing a false, carefree smile to the audience, I grab the mic while the guys exit the stage. “It looks like we are having some technical difficulties, but we will be back right away,” I tell the crowd, then rush to join everyone backstage.
Immediately, I know it isn’t good. “What’s going on?”
“There is a car parked outside the exit we were planning on leaving through tonight, and a member of the venue’s security team found a small explosive in a garbage can down one of the backstage halls,” Rip informs us.
My steps falter, and Bennett places his hand on my back so I can continue walking. I’m sure all the color has drained from my face, along with my body heat. I’ve never felt this cold in my life. Fear is taking over, and I’m not sure what to do about it.
“Marcell, the venue’s head of security, is about to make an announcement informing the audience to evacuate, but we wanted to get a head start first,” Rip adds, and I nod, unsure what to say.
“This is fucked,” Brando murmurs as we are rushed down a hall.
I’m about to state my agreement when the loud bang of an explosion deafens me.
“Shit,” Bennett yells, wrapping his arm around me tightly.
“The east exit was just taken out,” Rip informs us a second later, and we all run. “Check the exit for explosives!” He’s shouting into his headset to Henley, who is already at the exit waiting for us.
Another explosion goes off. This one we can visibly see, but thankfully, it’s far enough away it doesn’t hurt us.
“Jesus fucking Christ,” Rip yells, and we change paths to take another exit since the one we planned to take is now not an option.
“Henley, report,” Bennett says into his headset as we race to find a way out.
My heart is racing so hard that I’m becoming lightheaded, but I can’t give in. I have to fight through it.
Rip and Bennett look at each other for a moment, sharing a silent conversation that makes my stomach roll. I don’t think Henley reported, and I’m not sure what that means.
“This way,” Michael shouts, and we follow him through a door.
“This is just a storage room,” Rip growls out, but Michael shakes his head.
“I thought the same thing, and it used to be, but it’s a hall to a loading dock now,” Michael informs us. “It’s not on the blueprints we were given because it’s too new. I found it when I was doing hall monitoring at last night’s performance.”
No further arguing is required, and we follow Michael out of the secret loading dock exit. Then Rip instructs the driver to our new location.
As we make our way outside, another explosion goes off. At this point, I don’t know where it is.
“That car just went up in flames,” Bennett tells us.
All of a sudden, a rush of people is racing by us, pushing and shoving as they go, separating some of us. Bennett’s hand stays strong in mine, and I know someone would have to cut his hand off before he ever let go.
“Where the fuck is the car?” he yells.
There are too many people for me to tell where any of our friends are, and when I realize I don’t know where my sister is, my chest aches as panic takes over my body.
“We’ve got to follow the crowd,” Bennett instructs me when, out of nowhere, a gunshot echoes throughout the night, making my ears ring.
People panic even more now, pushing and shoving like crazy, but that’s when I realize Bennett isn’t moving us along, and instead, I’m being dragged down.
“Bennett,” I shout, crouching beside my man as he clutches at his neck.
Blood pours from the wound, and I push my hand against it, trying to think of a way to stop the bleeding. As I keep pressure on the wound, I feel a hand on my arm, pulling me up again.
“Don’t think about fighting, or I’ll kill you too,” a man tells me, pressing something hard against my back.
When I look up, I’m face to face with the man who drugged me, and I don’t know what to do.
“I don’t want to kill you, but I fucking will. Now move,” my stalker yells.
