Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 8

Nathan said with a scowl. "Yes, I care about Danny. Yes, he kissed me and I didn't respond quickly enough. I was confused, and don't you dare roll your eyes at me." Harlan pursed his lips but said nothing. "You know how it was between me and him, so yes, I was confused. Here I was, seeing him again for the first time in years after having thought he was dead, and I told him I missed him, which I had. He must have misunderstood, because the next minute, he was kissing me. You know I've changed— you better damn well know that, but he doesn't." He put his hand to Harlan's cheek and sighed. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me. We've been to hell and back together, Harley. You think I'd just throw all that away for a tumble in the sack? You don't really think that little of me, do you?"
    Harlan closed his eyes and for the longest moment, Nathan was afraid of what might come next. He knew Harlan well, knew how unforgiving and stubborn he could be if he got a certain notion into his head. Harlan wasn't the type to put up with nonsense. If he had to cut all ties with someone, he would, and he sure as hell wouldn't lose sleep over it. Would it be that easy for him with Nathan? No, he knew it wouldn't. When Harlan finally opened his eyes and spoke, his voice was low, grave, and his words were not at all what Nathan had been expecting.
    "I don't like mugs touching what's mine." Harlan was very serious, judging by his expression, and Nathan didn't know what to say to that. He opened his mouth to speak, only to have Harlan put his fingers to Nathan's lips.
    "These are mine. No one kisses them but me."
    Nathan's heart did a little flip and he nodded, touched by Harlan's conviction. Then he was touched by something else, bringing him to jump with a start. Harlan cupped him, his voice changing to a low growl.
    "These are mine. No one puts their hands on your dick but me."
    Nathan nodded again, feeling himself growing hard even as Harlan moved his hand. His eyes fluttered closed and he arched his back, feeling Harlan's fingers slip between his cheeks. A finger pressed sharply into his entrance and Nathan let out a surprised cry.
    "This is mine. No one fucks you but me. You got that?"
    "Yes," Nathan replied, feeling breathless. "I understand." He whispered the words over and over as he crushed his lips to Harlan's. His lover wasn't the most eloquent, but he knew how to get his point across loud and clear.
    Harlan's lips were almost bruising on Nathan's. There was biting, sucking, and pain in the most glorious way. There was no love-making, no gentleness from Harlan's part. He was claiming what he believed was rightfully his. He was leaving his mark and making sure Nathan wouldn't forget again. It sent a shiver through Nathan's whole body, had him painfully hard and scraping his fingernails down Harlan's chest. All his senses were filled with nothing but the scent, taste, and feel of Harlan.
    With one arm around Nathan's waist, Harlan flipped him over and pulled him to his knees, his head pushed down into the pillow. There was that momentary absence then he felt Harlan behind him, felt the temporary cold slickness of the lubricant, and then a sharp pain that had him crying out, his insides on fire, and tears in his eyes. Harlan paused and Nathan shook his head, his voice breaking when he spoke, but he demanded nonetheless.
    "No, don't stop. Please. Please." They both needed this, he knew it, and as Harlan snapped his hips, Nathan knew his lover did, too. He closed his fists around the sheets, shut his eyes tight and gritted his teeth, the tears falling of their own accord as Harlan fucked him so hard, Nathan had to throw a hand out against the heavy oak headboard to keep it from banging against the wall, and keep himself from going through it. Harlan folded over him, his chest pressed to Nathan's back, and his hand gripping Nathan's shoulder to hold him in place. He continued to snap his hips, each thrust harder and deeper than the last until Nathan was unable to keep himself from crying out any longer with each one. At one point, Harlan kissed his cheek, and Nathan smiled, his emotions bubbling up inside him and threatening to overflow. They'd done it hard and heavy plenty of times, but this was nothing like those times. This was need, fear, and punishment, mixed with desire, desperation, and hope.
    Harlan's pace quickened and Nathan braced himself as Harlan threw his hand over Nathan's and laced their fingers