Malicious Intent (Soulscape #5)

CH 7

Dennis rose from the chair, unsteady on his legs, and stepped over to the rail, gripping the wooden balustrade. He leaned on his arms, his breath still a bit erratic.

"You going to make it?" Frank smiled and casually sipped his lemonade.

Letting out a shaky breath, Dennis chuckled. "Not sure."

Alec had disappeared inside the house without a word—to give Frank and Dennis some alone time? Likely.

"Sorry about that." Frank pursed his lips. "Zeke can be... um... overzealous?"

Dennis cleared his throat and turned around. "Overzealous." He exhaled. "That's a, uh... pleasant word for the nasty thing he did to me." He smiled.

"Didn't look like you minded so much." Frank left his chair and joined the Sheriff at the railing.

"I didn't say I minded." Dennis stared into Frank's eyes, the fire sparked by Alec growing hotter. He touched Frank's face, fingertips playing across his warm cheek. "You and Zeke..." Deep affection etched his face, and he shook his head slowly.

"What about us?" Frank asked as he inched closer to the man.

"You... liberate me."

Frank played with his shirt buttons. "Do we?"

"Before you and Zeke came along..." Dennis dipped in and kissed the corner of Frank's mouth. "... I felt caged... locked down. It's... suffocating... trying to be someone you're not. And in this town, with Randall part of the community, I couldn't imagine living an out life. I could've lost my job—and I'm fairly certain Randall would have seen to that." He stroked Frank's face. "But when I'm with you and Zeke, I don't have to hide... I can be who I am. I've never had that kind of freedom. The only other person who knows I'm gay is Marcy at the station." He sighed. "It's been a very lonely life." Dennis gazed at Frank. "Until now."

The two men kissed, holding one another in a deep embrace. Frank had quickly become aroused at the sight of Alec and Dennis, and now that heat reignited. They both hardened simultaneously—though Dennis hadn't lost much of his former erection—and pushed against each other.

The Sheriff ran his hands down Frank's back and took hold of his hips, squeezing, the tension in his fingers heightening the ache inside of Frank.

Sensing eyes on them, Frank pulled from the kiss and looked around to find Alec lounging in the open door, watching them with a pleased, curious expression.

"Zeke." Frank had to consciously remind himself to call the boy Zeke in front of Dennis, as Alec was always there on the tip of his tongue. What if he slipped up? How would he explain it to Dennis? Label it a "pet" name? Frank didn't want him to hear the name at all... just in case he learned about Frank's time at the asylum and his patient Alec Strom.

Dennis smiled at the boy and motioned him over. When he came near, Dennis reached out, cupped the back of his head, and drew him in closer, planting a soft kiss on his lips. "You are something else, Zeke," he whispered.

Alec stared back at the Sheriff, a mysterious smile on his lips that only Frank truly understood. "You have no idea."

"I know you can bring a grown man to his knees," Dennis groaned as he delivered another kiss.

"Shall I return the favor?" Before Dennis could inquire what he meant—Alec went to his knees in front of the Sheriff and began massaging his bulge through his uniform trousers.

Dennis gasped short and clutched the porch rail. "I, uh..." He gulped, his breath quickening. "I really should... get back..." He shuddered and grasped Frank with his free hand. "... to work..."