Collars and Cuffs

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of either the author or the publisher. Collars and Cuffs TOP SHELF An imprint of Torquere Press Publishers PO Box 2545 Round Rock, TX 78680 Copyright 2010 by BA Tortuga Cover illustration by Alessia Brio Published with permission ISBN: 978-1-61040-205-7 www.torquerepress.com All rights reserved, which includes the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever except as provided by the U.S. Copyright Law. For information address Torquere Press. Inc., PO Box 2545, Round Rock, TX 78680. First Torquere Press Printing: April 2011 Printed in the USA

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Collars and Cuffs

By BA Tortuga

Chapter One

The trees were always sickly looking over on the east side, always looking like the ground itself was poisoned, drying up the roots. They'd had a rainy fall, though, the dirt soft, damp. Good for footprints. Oliver Franks was already on scene, taking shots and measuring the evidence, bald head sort of glowing in the early morning light, crime scene jacket dangling off his bony frame. "Mornin', Ollie. How's it hanging?" "Not bad, Hammer, honey. Your vic's over by the dumpster waiting for Bones and Fran." Hannah MacTavish gave Oliver a nod, watching where she stepped, fingers pushing her short curls back over her ears. The uniforms didn't hassle her as she came over; there was no need to flash her badge. Most everybody knew Hannah "the Hammer" MacTavish -- either for her spectacularly messy and vicious divorce with Special Agent Donalds or for the abduction and escape that had precipitated said break up. Hannah grinned, nodding to the newbie who held the crime tape up for her. It wasn't everyday a five foot three police officer beat her attacker into a bloody pulp with a ball peen hammer. She'd fought her ass off to be in homicide -- two years in traffic, three years driving a computer for vice, another three years on a special assignment hunting a kiddie porn ring in conjunction with the feds. With a particularly decent, loving fed who couldn't look at the Collars and Cuffs - 3

scar on her belly without getting all emotional and touchy and teary and... Fuck. Just fuck. Lou was shooting the body when she got to the dumpster, flash bulbs just going like mad. "Lou. What do we have?" Lou grinned up at her from where he squatted next to the high-heel encased feet. "We got us a girly-man, Hammer. All dressed up and nowhere to go." The body was sprawled, legs open, mini skirt hiked up, make-up smeared all over the face. The shoes had to be a size twelve. Who knew you could get stilettos that big? One silk stocking was missing, though. Or rather, misplaced, wrapped as it was around the vic's neck. "Well, well. Will you look at that?" She shook her head. Christ, someone'd whacked the living Hell out of that man. The sequins and spangles looked tawdry out here among the broken bottles and empty cardboard boxes. "You think someone got a surprise and turned ugly?" "Well, no five o'clock shadow, broken choker over there, no doubt to hide the Adam's apple... he woulda been a pretty girl. So that's my guess, yeah." Lou screwed up his face. "There's some sick folks in the world, hurting people like this." "You know it." She pulled out a notebook, started scribbling. "We have any witnesses? Where's the one that called it in?" "Ricky's questioning him. He showed about five minutes before you did." Lou pointed somewhere down the alley toward the streetlights. Excellent. Her partner had that trustworthy face that seemed to tempt lying assholes toward telling the truth. She tended to make priests want to lie. Collars and Cuffs - 4

"Check out the angle on that neck. Man who did this had to be strong as hell." She nodded, tilting her head. "Tall, too, unless the vic was on his knees..." Which wasn't outside the realm of possibility... "Could be. But not here. Not enough staining on the knees to have been in this freakin' alley." No wonder Lou was doing the duck waddle squat. There was some nasty stuff around that dumpster. She mucked around, used condoms, porn. Christ, people were filthy disgusting assholes. Filthy, disgusting, irritating... "Lieutenant MacTavish?" She glanced over at a young, blond uniform. "Yeah?" "Nogales wants to see you. Says you need to hear what the witness has to say." Oh. Goodie. She nodded, rolled her eyes as Lou laughed. "Go on, Hammer. Deal with Ricky and scare the witness." "There you are MacTavish." Ricky's eyes twinkled as he motioned her over, but his face didn't show it. He looked all business. "This is Ed "Katrina" LeFarge." Lord, Lord. That was the ugliest woman she'd ever seen. Good thing it was a man. "Ms. LeFarge." She flipped open the top of her notebook again, hoping the act of using it as a fan wasn't too obvious. Obsession perfume always reminded her of Deep Woods Off. "You found the body?" "I did." Already red and mascara-smeared eyes welled up. "We were supposed to meet for coffee after..." Oh, lovely. She glared at Ricky. She didn't do tears. "So you knew the victim? You were... Out together?" Collars and Cuffs - 5

"No. I mean, yes, we knew each other. But we weren't out together yet. We were supposed to meet at the coffee shop just down the way." There was a Starbucks knock off a few blocks down; she could see the flickering neon coffee cup. "I go through this alley all the time to get there from my place." "And what was Mr... Miss... Uh. When was the last time you saw your friend?" Why the fuck was she over here dealing with this guy? This was Ricky's fucking job. "I saw him last night. He was so excited about his hen party. I had to work today, two shows at Club Transform, so I couldn't go." Man, the sniffles just got more and more artful. "Hen party?" She felt her eyebrows rise and forced them down. Mr. Sweet and Fragile might not survive the raised eyebrows. A sob escaped those petal pink lips. "Yes. The girls at the office hired him a male stripper. They rented the club down at the other end of Freeman Street and everything." "Yeah? Do you know who they hired? What the occasion was?" Okay, there were only a few places to hire a g-string hustler in town. That helped. The tears became a flood, the guy's nose running, the eyes positively squirting. Now she knew why she was there. Ricky couldn't handle the real drama queens. "He... he had an ad in the adult newsletter. Andi was getting committed. Married, only not, you know? Next week. Oh... how am I going to tell Charles?" That last came out at a wail that rivaled any siren on any car in the lot.

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"Oh, sweet Christ. Uh. Shit. Ricky, get a flatfoot to get Ms. uhhh.. Her some fucking coffee. With napkins." She watched the mascara run. "Lots of fucking napkins." "Right." Ricky hotfooted it away like his ass was on fire, leaving her with the heaving silicon boobs and crocodile tears. "Okay. Okay, Ms. uh... LeFarge. You need to relax. So you found the body. Did you move..." Come on. Come on, Hannah. Remember. He said the... "Andi when you found him?" LeFarge sniffed disdainfully. "Well of course not. I mean, I could see she wasn't breathing, and that she'd... well. She was all... gooey. So I didn't do CPR or anything. I do watch CSI you know." Oh, glorious. Maybe the sniffly little fucker took fingerprints, too. "Excellent. I think maybe we'll have you come down to the precinct, give a statement." "O-okay. Do you think... could we turn on the siren? Just a bit?" For fuck's sake. "Of course, Ms. LeFarge. Let's get you over here to a cruiser. I'll have Sergeant Nogales meet you there." "Okay." The guy wobbled off, leaving her to catch her breath. Lord, some people. Ricky came back with coffee and handed it to her. "You get the name of the girls who set up the hen party?" Her hand shot out, fingers grabbing Ricky's balls in an iron grip. "You know I don't like the hysterical ones, asshole." She took a deep drink of the coffee, not letting go until she tasted that he fixed it with four sugars, just like she liked it. He was still squeaking on her third sip. Then he cleared his throat. "Well, I got a name. Anna Marin. She Collars and Cuffs - 7

worked at the same office as he... she. What the heck should we call the vic anyway?" "Uh... She, I guess? I mean, fuck, I don't know. Isn't there some P.R. Person we can ask?" She shook her head. "Doesn't fucking matter. She's a vic. A case. We work it. We solve it. Someone'll tell us what to say." Anna Marin. Okay. That was a starting place. "You get me a last name on the vic, a workplace and address, Ricky, from the weeping wonder. I'll see what Ollie and Fran have to tell us." She headed back toward the crime scene, the vic already being wheeled out. "Oh, and Rick, sorry about your balls." "Like hell you are," floated back to her, as Ricky went to get the information. Ollie looked up as she came on over. "Hey. Man, this job is stinky sometimes." "No shit. You find anything? Was the stocking used to kill him or was it an afterthought?" "Looks like it was the stocking. The marks on the neck were barely there, consistent with strangulation by something so soft. The bruises will take hours to pop up. Now the autopsy might give you something else, but judging from the state of the clothes, the vic was on his knees with the killer standing behind him." "So he got pushed down? No evidence he was out here puking up a lung? Someone got the jump on him?" "No evidence that he was out here at all, until he was dumped." Ollie pointed out some odd scuff marks. "Looks like he was dragged a short way. Maybe out of a car at the mouth of the alley? It's hard to tell in the dark like this." "The sun will be up in no time." She followed the marks, eyes on the ground. Come on, Hannah. See something. Find something. Anything. Collars and Cuffs - 8

Her high-powered flashlight shone over oil slicks and fast food wrappers, used condoms and old newspapers. Somewhere in the mess, though, something tiny glinted gold. Something expensive looking. "Ollie. I got something here." Hannah squatted down, ass on her bootheels, wrinkling her nose against the stench. She pushed the gunk away with the tip of her pen, frowning at the palmetto bug that tried to fight her for the evidence. Damn things were evil. "Whatcha got?" Ollie came over, added his light. "A chain? Huh. Broken, too. I wonder if it was the vic's, or someone else's?" "Looks a little heavy-duty for Miss Satin and Lace, you know?" She managed to pull it up, the solid links shining. Gold, heavy, but not gang-banger gaudy. No, this didn't belong to the vic. This was masculine, classy. He held out an envelope for it, watching it drop in. "Well, if it's got anything to do with Miss Thang, we'll figure it out. Good going, Hammer, honey." She snorted, nodded. "Anything to catch the bad guy, Ollie." And anything to get out into some fresh air. "Okay, I'm off to the station to make some phone calls, find out what all I can. You page me first if..." "I find anything. I always do, Hammer. I like my balls attached." "So Ruthie tells me." Hannah waved, tugged her denim jacket against the bare bite of the wind as she stepped out of the protection of the building. Ricky approached her cautiously as the black and white with the witness in it sped off, the siren blaring. "Hey. Got that stuff for you, Hammer." He stood just over arm's length away as he handed her a sheet of paper covered in his illegible scrawl. "I've got to go check out the vic's apartment. Anything else you need right now?" Collars and Cuffs - 9

"No, Rick. Thanks." She yawned, looked at the lightening sky. "I guess I don't get my spa day today, huh?" The joke was old, fond. Rick's ex-wife had given her a coupon for a 'Day of Beauty' the first Christmas they were partners. The paper was still in her wallet. "Not today, partner." He grinned, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Not today." "Meet at Arroyo's at eleven and compare notes?" Rick nodded, and Hannah headed toward her Blazer. Okay, five hours of hard work and then enchiladas and guacamole. Sounded like a plan to her. Sounded like one Hell of a plan.

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Chapter Two "Come on, Angie. Shake it. How do you expect Hal to get turned on when you're barely jiggling?" John tried to inject enthusiasm for his cardio strip class into his voice, but it was tough. His head pounded, he was dehydrated as hell, and he had a bruise the size of a dinner plate on his ass. One of the girls had gotten grabby last night. "All right, ladies, wrap it up. Come on, the big finish. Pretend that chair is his lap!" Five more minutes. Four. Three... yeah. Over. "Thanks, girls. See you next week." The eight women in his class grinned and nodded and started cooling down, and John went to suck down a bottle of Gatorade, hoping that and a couple of aspirin would ease the fucking headache. The chittering and giggling eased up as the ladies all left, and he sighed, stretched, and almost jumped out of his skin as he caught sight of a woman just standing, staring at him. Brutally cropped tight red curls, freckled, short -- she could have been called pixieish, if it weren't for the fact that she looked solid as a rock and completely willing to kick a man's ass and make him like it. It was kinda hot. "Can I help you?" "I certainly hope so. I'm Detective MacTavish. I understand you worked for an Andrew Parsons yesterday evening." Green eyes, too. Not bad. John tilted his head. Police huh? Weird. "I worked, yeah. A girl named Anna Marin hired me." "Yes, she's a... paralegal on 38th. Can you please tell me what happened last night during the party?" Short, Collars and Cuffs - 11

bitten nails, dry, callused hands -- Lord, Ben would make clucking noises and drench her in moisturizers. "What happened?" He wasn't stalling, really. Just trying to remember if anything had really been different from any other hen party. "Yes. You do remember the party, right? Was there booze? Blow? Other men? How long were you there? You know, details." Not the most patient woman on Earth, was she? "There was booze for sure. Most women need to get liquored up before they stuff bills in my g-string, you know?" His first boss had told him he was almost too good looking to dance. He could be intimidating. His first boss had obviously never seen a forty year old housewife on straight tequila shots. "I don't remember drugs, but I was only there an hour, and I was kinda busy. As far as I know, the "bride" was the only guy there." "When did you leave? Did you offer the "bride" extra services?" John raised one brow the way that made Ben furious when he did it, knowing it had that effect on a lot of folks. "I left after an hour. I think I got there at nine. And I don't do extra services, lady. I don't have to." "Chill out, studly. We can have this conversation here, or I can call a black and white and we can have it in a few hours at the precinct." That pencil just flew over the pad. "Where did you go after you left?" "Home. That was an exhausting party. They all wanted to get touchy. You wouldn't believe how grabby a bunch of girls get after a few drinks." She was the studly one, total brusque hard-nose. It was oddly cool, making him stifle a smile. Collars and Cuffs - 12

"You have someone who can verify that? And did Mr. Parsons get grabby as well?" He wondered idly if she was a dyke. Most women at least gawked a little. Hell, most women blushed and got a little flustered around the edges. Not this one. Ben would tell him he was being a conceited ass, but he wasn't. Not really. It was like being smart or having a third nipple. John just knew and accepted that he was stunning in the looks department. "Sure, the bride did a little pawing, but she never got indecent. And do I need someone to verify it? Is there some reason you haven't made me aware of that the bridal shower dancer needs an alibi?" "Well, sir, that just depends if the fingerprints we found on Mr. Parsons' body are yours or not, doesn't it?" "Wait. You think I did something to the guy? What the hell is going on?" He was starting to get a little worried now. Hell, he'd gone home and scrubbed his skin raw and crawled on the couch with Ben. That was it. "That is what I'm attempting to find out. Do you have someone who can verify your whereabouts after the party?" "I do. If necessary." Damn it. He hated involving Ben in his work. "It would be helpful. Murder is a tough charge to beat." Him. A murderer. As if. "Okay. I was home with my roommate after the party. We watched a movie and went to sleep." "What movie?" "Troy." Men in skirts was always like... foreplay or something. "Is your roommate available or is there an office number?" MacTavish shifted her weight, hips swaying Collars and Cuffs - 13

for just a second. On another woman, he wouldn't have noticed, but on Ms. Short, Stiff and Butch? It was eyecatching. He wondered idly what she looked like without clothes. "He should be at work. You have something I can write the number on?" John indicated his low hanging sweats. "I don't have a pen in my pocket, oddly enough." "It's okay. I don't imagine penmanship counts in your line of work." The pad was handed over, along with the pen. "Can you tell me where you parked last night before the party, by any chance?" "There's a little parking lot off the alley about a block and a half down? I think it's next to a restaurant. They have one of those parking attendant guys you pay an exorbitant fee to." He wrote Ben's name and work number out in his scrawling, and pretty damn it, handwriting, handing it back. She looked disappointed for a second. "Did you notice anything strange? Anyone that stood out?" "Lady, I was at a hen party for a transvestite. After that? Nothing stood out. I went home." The façade cracked, one side of her lips quirking as she fought a smile, a chuckle. "You just don't hear that every day." "Tell me about it. You should have seen the lingerie they gave as gifts. It was an education, even for me." Man, she was... well, he didn't know. But he kinda liked it. Oh, there went the full-blown laugh, deep and hearty and almost masculine. Man, he just couldn't see this woman tittering. John actually moved two steps closer before he thought, drawn to that laugh. "Is there anything else?" "No. Here's my card. If you happen to remember anything, anything that sticks out all of the sudden..." Collars and Cuffs - 14

She rolled her eyes, just a little. "No pun intended, of course -- give me a call. Depending on what forensics finds, we may need a DNA sample, that sort of thing, so please let us know before you leave town on vacation or anything." "Gotcha." She turned abruptly on her heel and strode out as soon as he took the card, and John figured he should be insulted as hell, or at least worried that he seemed to be a suspect. Instead he figured he'd be wracking his brain trying to come up with something else to tell her. Just to see if he could get that laugh out of her again. *** "If I don't get some coffee and a Three Muskateers bar in five minutes, Ricky, I'm going to go postal." Between the phone calls, the interviews, the fucking press and one hell of an accident in the downtown corridor, she'd not only missed lunch, she'd missed supper and was somehow at the start of the night shift. Again. Go her. "I hear you, Hammer." Rick looked over from a pile of paperwork up to his armpits. "You'd better call in from Pluckers. Captain says we’ve got to file all this stuff, too. Tonight. Or we will be breathing out of new holes in the morning." She plopped down with a groan, her chair creaking as it rocked. "You're shitting me. Tonight? What about the case, Nogales? Does el Capitaine remember the poor dead guy?" “Poor dead lady.” "The poor dead lady in the morgue?" She winced as Paul Jackson's voice rang out, the captain's office door Collars and Cuffs - 15

slamming shut. Jackson reminded her of the linebackers from college -- massive and focused, headed right for them. "Yeah, MacTavish. I remember. I also remember a certain worthless pair of detectives in my office not a month ago swearing on the Bible that they’d have their reports in. 'You have my word, Cap.' Does Miss Hammer remember that?" Oh, fuck her raw. "Yeah, yeah. Vaguely. I might have been hallucinating from overtime." Man, Ricky was gonna die for not warning her. Die. And the motherfucker was grinning at her, too. "So what have you got for me on the vic? No, keep filing." She pinned Ricky with her patented death ray, and he did scoot over a mini-candy bar. Okay. He got to live two more minutes. She grabbed a couple of files, as soon as the candy got popped into her mouth, and yanked the cabinet open, whacking her knees. Damn it. "Andi Parsons was a file clerk in a law office in the West End for eight years. Liberal stuff -- lots of pro bono work, nothing extreme. A transsexual, not a transvestite. Long-term partner of five years. Uh..." She grabbed her notes, squinted at her scrawl. "Charles Simmons. Only possible suspect I have is the male dancer -- he's strong enough, access to the vic, iffy alibi." Jackson nodded, scalp glinting like an eight-ball. "Not bad. Nogales? Prove that the little girl didn't show you up." She got a shit-eating grin, a wink. Bastard. "The co-workers say she was a good worker, if a little flighty. They all went to the hen party and went home to their husbands. One of them, a Judith Horowitz, said the groom was less than thrilled with the male stripper aspect, but didn't crash the party as threatened." Collars and Cuffs - 16

Ricky flipped through his notes. "I finally got the club to volunteer the security tape; we should have it today." "Tomorrow." She shook her head, baring her teeth at Jackson as he handed her another fucking file. "I'm telling you, that Charles guy, the groom? He's not strong enough to do the deed, not unless Ollie's changed his story nine ways from Sunday. He told me this morning it was somebody strong, lots of upper body strength. The guy I saw today was tiny. Brains over brawn. How about the chain I found? Forensics still working their voodoo?" "Yeah. Something about sweat and skin oil, yadda ya. None of the girls have any reason. We're looking into family and friends." "That good enough work for one day, Cap? You going to let us go eat now?" "Is that all you think about, Hammer? Work and food?" "Nah, I think about my fish. You know -- have I fed them this week while I've been working my ass off?" Speaking of. Damn. It was probably perilously close to tank cleaning time. Ew. Maybe she could just buy another one. Damn that Ricky's hide, he just laughed. "I bet they're floating by now. Look, Cap, let us go eat. I'll come back and put another hour on the files after, just so Hammer can go play with her algae eater." "Hey, watching his mouth is the closest you've had to a come on in years, Ricky." She made the fish face, which had both men wheezing. She grabbed her denim jacket, checked piece, wallet, badge, key. All good. "Come on, man. I want something real. Pancakes?" "Ooh, IHOP. Bacon. Eggs." Ricky followed. "See you later, Cap." Collars and Cuffs - 17

They headed down the stairs, Ricky's longer legs pushing her some. Not enough to make her breathe hard or sweat, but enough to notice. Asshole. "Who's driving, Nogales?" "You are. My dog puked all over the passenger seat." "That is disgusting." Pretty damned funny, though. She clicked her key fob, interior lights flashing on the truck. "You telling that poor puppy about your last 'date' with the hair dresser?" "Hey, at least I have dates, missy." He leaned on her car, grinning over at her. "You have fish." "Hey, I have gorgeous fish." She rolled her eyes, shook her head. "Besides, man. There aren't many men who can keep it up when face to face with the Hammer." Shit, there weren't many men who were interested after the way Chris had talked about her, was still talking. Bastard. Half the force thought she was Frankenstein; the other half thought she was a dyke. "Maybe if you got a manicure..." Ricky dodged her swat. "You have any idea what gun oil does to nail polish?" She pulled out of the parking garage, chuckling. "I have a career, a car, a jackass partner. Why would I need sex?" "Well, if you have to ask that, I can't help you." He paused, drumming on the dashboard. "So what do you think about the dancer? You say he's got a thin alibi?" She nodded, headed down I-30 to the little IHOP that had actually passed their health inspection. "He's got a roommate-slash-possible-lover who says they were together, watching movies. The guy didn't sound 100% on times, though. Sounded more than a little jumpy." "Well, that's something. The co-workers say the guy's stunning. Say the bride had a real jones for him." Collars and Cuffs - 18

Hannah chuckled, nodded. Stunning was about right. The man was like a blond, beefy Greek god brought to life. Not that she noticed beyond professionally, but still. Hello, nurse. "It wouldn't surprise me. The guy's beefcake and makes a living off it." "Yeah?" Rick hooted. "Should I hire him for you, Hammer?" "Oh, yeah. 'Cause you know me, I have a thing for pretty and pointless. I mean, shit, man. I go to interview him, and he's teaching a bunch of desperately-in-needof-a-paint-job soccer moms how to pole dance in hopes that their husbands will stop porking the secretary. Bizarre." "Oh yeah. You liked him." Asshole. "Oh, hey, there. We could so do Denny's." She just made the corner, eyes just registering where Rick pointed, combat parking the car with a squeal of the tires. "Bitch. You're buying." "You drove, I'm buying." They settled in, ordering huge breakfast food. "So, what's your gut, Hammer?" She poured the sugar in her coffee, watching the white crystals disappear. "My gut? Says this is something planned, something somebody wanted. Why the fuck would a pretty boy with something at home who knew that he could be connected to the vic do it? Still, Mr. Pretty is our top dog right now." "So maybe we need to look into why that is. He'd be easy to set up if he's a public dance teacher, yeah? We'll see what the surveillance tape says, I guess." "That and forensics. Ollie said he thought they'd get something off the vic." She leaned back, shook her head. "Which one of us is going to court Monday over the Garcia case? If I'm up, I gotta take some clothes to the Collars and Cuffs - 19

dry cleaners. Cap threatened to shoot me if I showed up in wrinkles again." Adding about eight creamers to his coffee, Ricky sighed. "Nah, it's me. Do you remember where I left my tie?" "In the trunk of my car. You had me pick you up on the way to that floater at Ray Hubbard." The arrival of their food got a happy moan. "What would I do without you, Hammer?" "Have some pussy guy for a partner, man, who couldn't grab your balls and make you love it." Uhn. Bacon. Baconbaconbacon. She almost snorted it out her nose when Rick batted his eyelashes and grinned. "How do you know I wouldn't like it?" "Bitch." She laughed good and hard, kicking Ricky under the table. "Lord, I should have sent you to interview Tall, Blonde and Gorgeous today." "So you liked him. I thought so." He should be grateful she had bacon. He really should.

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Chapter Three "Babe? You home?" He'd brought Chinese. Egg foo young, wonton soup, dumplings. All of the favorites. John figured it wasn't often you had to tell your lover the cops would be by to question them. "Mmmhmm. In the office." He could hear the low thud of something industrial and angry up in the loft, the clacking of the keys. Ah. Someone called already. He got the bottle of plum wine and the two stained glass goblets they'd gotten at the art fair two years ago. If little pink and purple penises didn't make Ben smile, nothing would. Then he braved the loft. "So. How was the day?" Eyes as black as ink looked up at him, just searching over him, before Ben relaxed. The dark hair was in fullout worry-wart mode, spiky and messy and cute. "Stressful. The police called, came by. Wanted to know all sorts of things about you and last night. I was worried." "I tried to call, too. Your phone needs charging." John didn't bother to put any heat behind it. Some things you just had to accept, living with Ben. Dead phones and weird hours were part and parcel along with the good stuff. "I brought you spicy fish sauce with your spring rolls. And extra gravy on the foo." Ben had the good graces to blush, smile up at him. "It fell into the toilet while I was trying to find the aspirin. Extra gravy? Really?" Ben unfolded, all angles and points and legs and feet, heading over to give him a kiss, a quick caress. "We eating up here or downstairs?" "Let's eat up here. There's pillows. And stuff." Aspirin. John frowned. The ladies he danced for would Collars and Cuffs - 21

probably find it amusing, or maybe amazing, how much he fussed over Ben. "Headache?" "Yeah. Bad one. I was a little goofy when the police came. I took one of the good pills." Ben pulled a little table over to a pile of soft pillows, the light low and rosy. "What happened with the police, Johnny? Is everything okay? Are you okay?" Settling, he popped the wine and poured two glasses, gesturing to Ben to sit and unload the food. Then he sat back, handing off one glass and petting that long, lean back. It soothed him to do it. "That guy? The one I did the hen party for? He got killed." "Oh, my God. Really? That's awful." Ben set everything up, leaning into his touch. The little gold hoop in Ben's ear caught the light, made shapes on the long neck. "Do they know who did it?" He tried to make light of it. "They kinda seem to think I'm in the running, babe." Ben's eyes went wide, the blink almost comical. "You? As in you did it? But... There's no way. You're... Hell, I'm more likely to fly off the handle than you, Johnny." "I know. Put you in an MSG fueled rage..." He winked, popped a dumpling into Ben's mouth. "You're my alibi. How romantic, huh?" Ben chewed, chuckling around the food. "Mmm... They're good. I've never been an alibi before." Oh, that was better. "I know. I'll have to see what I can do as a reward." "I get a reward for watching a movie and snuggling with my lover? This alibi thing shows promise, Johnny." One hand reached down, fingers stroking his belly, sliding over each muscle just as thorough as could be. Collars and Cuffs - 22

"Uh..." He forgot what he was going to say, his muscles rippling under the touch. "Okay." Ben smiled, touching him as they shared another bite, a sip of wine. Those hands knew every inch of him and used that knowledge to drive him mad, make him brainless. Not a bad trick. Not at all. By the time the meal ended, John was twisting and panting, face red and cock hard as a rock. "Ben..." "Yeah, love. Time for dessert." Ben leaned up and gave him a kiss, deep enough to steal his breath, all salty and spicy and sweet with the wine. John pounced, pushing Ben back on the pillows to lick and suck that sweet tongue, loving how Ben tasted, how he felt. Ben wrapped around him, laughing and happy, rubbing against him to beat the band. "Looks like the headache is all gone, huh?" He nipped Ben's long throat, the gasp he got making him hungry, making him push down. "You want me to find it again?" He got goosed good and hard, one earlobe nipped. "Fuck no. I wanna do you, babe." He always wanted that. Always. Like permanent woody wanted to do Ben. Ben's eyes met his, hot as a double shot of espresso. So many people admired his body, but his Ben? Wanted all of him. "I'm all yours, Johnny. Lock, stock and barrel." "You love me for my mind, right?" Grinning wildly, he searched under Ben's ass for the lube. It'd been there last night... "Your sense of humor and amazing timing." Ben pressed close, ass lifting so he could find the tube. "I'd love you if I was blind. Hell, I didn't even notice you were pretty until we'd been dating a month." Collars and Cuffs - 23

As fucking amazing as that was, it was also true. There! He found the little tube, fighting it open. "All I knew was I wanted you bad, and you were ignoring me." "Not ignoring, just..." Ben's lips parted, the sweetest cry sounding as his slick fingers pushed in to pure heat. "Just. Uh. Uhn. Distracted." Yeah, well, he knew how to fix that. He knew just how to get Ben to concentrate on him, and nothing but. Twisting his fingers, John found that sweet spot, deep inside, pegging it. Ben stilled, long and lean as he arched, eyes wide and staring at him like he was magic. "Oh. John. There." "Uh-huh. Not distracted now, are you, babe?" He did it again, just because. "No..." Ben rippled, started moving, panting for him. "Not. Not, uh... Oh." "Not what, babe?" Grinning wildly, John started fucking Ben with his fingers, really going at it. He wanted that body loose and open, ready for him. Oh, that look -- confused and needy and dazed -- that look was his, all his. "I don't... Please, John. Please." "Yeah. Yeah, babe." Sliding his fingers out, John lifted Ben's hips and settled against him, cock pushing against Ben's hole. "Yes..." Ben bore down and took him in, long throat working, eyes burning right through him. His breath whooshed right out of his chest as he pushed in. John had to stop for long moments just to catch it, just to get back a tiny bit of control. Then he started moving, his fingers bruising tight on Ben's hips, rocking him. Ben's fingers were gripping his shoulders, mouth open and slack as his lover rippled, moaned, body tight and squeezing him. That look made him feel like a fucking god. He dealt with people all day long who Collars and Cuffs - 24

wanted the fantasy. Ben wanted him. They moved together harder and faster, his cock throbbing as he felt Ben's heat, as he sank so deep he hit that elusive sweet spot, over and over. "John. I'm going to..." Ben grunted, feet planted as those hips jerked furiously, heat spraying between them. Head snapping back and mouth open, John came, his vision clouding up with the force of it. All he could do after was sit there and shake, scared he was gonna fall right over. Ben was right there, humming, drawing him close and holding on, nonsense words pouring around them. "Mmm." He kissed that mouth, letting the words trail off into his lips. "Better, babe?" "Perfect." Ben met his eyes, loving on him. "They don't really think you did something, do they?" "Fuck if I know, babe. That woman cop sure gave me the fishy eye." "You want me to call Steve?" A lawyer? Christ. "No." He squeezed. "I didn't do anything wrong. If I need Steve, then something is very fucked up." "Yeah. Yeah, you're right. You're right, Johnnie. They're just doing their jobs, right?" "They gotta look at every angle. But I was home. With you." Right where he belonged. Fuck them if they thought they could prove otherwise. *** God damn it. Where was Ricky? Hannah looked into questioning room three where Big Blond and Buff sat with his considerably less big, blond and buff alibi. Fuck. She looked down at herself. She'd been working a hit and run off a construction site and was covered in grey Collars and Cuffs - 25

mud from hips to ankles, one long smear of... something over one boob. She grabbed Harrison's arm as he walked by. "Where the fuck is Nogales?" "Court, Hammer. Remember? Judge held shit over yesterday." The long, thin nose wrinkled. "Christ, you're a mess." She flipped him off. "You saying I'm not in the running for beauty queen, asshole?" "Not even on the best of days, Hammer. Today you look like a pig farmer." "Fuck you and the horse you rode in on." She sighed, brushing at her ruined shirt. "The crime scene over near all that construction? Pure evil. I don't suppose you want to do an interview?" He looked genuinely sorry for her for a minute. "Sorry, Han. I got two double parked suspects of my own. Good luck." "You too, Timmy." The man was a good cop, had pulled Ricky’s ass out of the fire once or twice. Okay, okay. Let's go. Take the boys on the attack and they'll never know what hit them. The door swung open with a crash. "Afternoon, fellas. Sorry to keep you waiting. I had to go play in concrete. Excuse the mess, but I figured you didn't want to wait another hour while I got myself beautiful. So, Johnnie-boy, you want to tell me why you didn't mention leaving the hotel with the vic?" The security tape landed on the table with a thud. "Because I didn't." He looked surprised, she had to give him that. Defensive, too, arms crossed, edible lower lip sticking out. "Well, it's right there. You walk out, the vic runs after you, talks to you at the door and y'all go. Tell me now, where did you take him to play?" And if she couldn't tell Collars and Cuffs - 26

a hundred percent that it was the Dancing Queen that had stopped? Well, she'd just keep that to herself. The goo on her pants was starting to itch, dried clumps of mud dropping into her shoes. Christ. He went from surprise to blank. "I didn't talk to him, and you can't tell me that tape shows it, because it didn't happen." "Look, John. I've got a tape showing you hitting the door not a minute before Andy. I've got a security guard saying he saw Andy chasing you. You've got a weak alibi. Do you see my problem here?" "A weak alibi? Bullshit." He snorted at her, waving an agitated hand. The guy beside him frowned, a deep red flush covering dangerously sharp cheekbones. "Look, lady." Oh, no. That wouldn't work. "Detective." "Whatever. John was with me, pure and simple. He came home, we watched a movie, we went to bed." "What? Now you're sober enough to remember, Mr..." She checked her notes. "Wills?" "Oh, that's fucking low. Come on, John. Let's call Steve." "He was sober when you talked to him, you hard assed bitch." Blonde and Muscled stood up, hands on the table. "He takes migraine meds. The last I heard that was perfectly allowable by law." She stood, too, staring the man down. No way the little shit was going to intimidate her. "So how'd Andy get your necklace, pretty boy? Explain that." To give him credit, he didn't move off an iota. "Maybe he had magpie syndrome. How the hell do I know? Maybe I dropped it, and that's why your security guard thought he was chasing me down." Collars and Cuffs - 27

"You don't seem too fucking surprised that we have your... jewels in hand." She wished like fuck that Nogales was here. She couldn't finesse her way out of a paper sack. "Oh, that's clever. What am I supposed to say? It's part of the costume. If it went missing I wouldn't notice until my next show." She arched an eyebrow. "That's a damn pricy bit of gold to be a costume piece." Pricy and pretty. He didn't bat an eye. "I can afford the best. Look, if you're going to keep busting my balls, I'm getting my lawyer." Okay. Okay, come on -- get the guy talking before he lawyers up. "Okay, so you say you didn't talk to the vic. If you didn't, who did? If you say it wasn't you, you'd have to have seen who it was." He crossed his arms, one side of his mouth kicking up. "Not if I was on my way home to this." He jerked his head at his boyfriend. "Aw. Cute and romantic and utterly unlikely if you two have been together for..." Flip, flip. Come on, she'd written it down on... Bingo. "Five years? No one stays fresh that long." "Look, just because you can't keep a man coming back, doesn't mean I can't." Tall, dark and geeky sputtered, black eyes just flashing. "Well, you've got to have some serious competition, don't you?" And it wasn't that she couldn't get them to come back; it was that they were usually coming back to skin her alive. "Okay, that's it. Do you have something to charge me with, Attila?" Oh, Attila. That was cute. Fucker. "I want DNA samples from you, studly, and if I find you on the vic? Collars and Cuffs - 28

You can try dancing for the guys in Dallas County lock up." He snorted. "On the vic how? My sweat? My spit? I gave him a lap dance and a kiss on the cheek. Of course I'm gonna be on him. Or do you not get that I dance mostly naked for people who pay me?" She was actually more concerned with stomach content and the nylon around the man's neck. "Am I going to find you where the body got dumped, too? Maybe on the dumpster where you held yourself up? Had to be tough. Andy wasn't a small man." The guy actually laughed, whapping his boyfriend's leg. "She thinks I would touch a dumpster." "Oh, honey. No. No. Look at him. He doesn't like touching dirty dishwater." "Hey, at least I'll clean the toilet, jerk." They shared a look that said volumes about their relationship. Oh, man. She did so not need to laugh. Still, she did, didn't she? Just cackled, shaking her head. "Lord, lord. Look, give us your DNA samples willingly. We've got witnesses to corroborate your story." And if they found him on those nylons, then they'd have a case. "Yeah, okay. But if you railroad me, I'll get that lawyer." He winked at her. Winked. God above, that man had charm. "Lawyers don't scare me anymore, Studly. If you're innocent, you're safe." Nothing scared her anymore. "Then I'm safe." Studly patted his boyfriend's hand. "Take what you need." Fucking A. See, Ricky? She could fucking too get witnesses to cooperate without grabbing their balls. Or even cussing. Much. Usually. Collars and Cuffs - 29

"I'll send someone in for hair samples and a swab. We'll be in touch." She made a note to have Ricky go see the guy's show, lips curling up at the thought. Oh, that'd show the little bastard for having court when there were witnesses in. *** The show went well. The drag queen they had for the DJ, Anita Blow, had a real sense of comic timing, a killer pair of legs, and megawatt smile. Forbes and Leon had done a great sort of black and white show, Forbe's pale skin a great contrast to the black leather, Leon's jet black flesh looking fine in white. They didn't do anything he'd like them to do, this was for the ladies, but they looked hot as hell and drove the women crazy. The cops were there, sitting in the back, one drink apiece and probably virgins at that. It amused the heck out of John that the Hispanic guy cop came, too, and looked more comfortable than the female barracuda. When he finished shaking his booty for a group of the "girls", fifty year old matrons in frosty pink lipstick who stuffed twenties in his g-string, he went on over to see the law enforcement table, giving his hips a little wiggle. The guy lifted his glass, looking amused as anything, and John'd bet it had nothing to do with him and everything to do with the glass-hard glare in Miss TightAss' eyes. "Go on, Hammer. Pay the man." Those eyes lit on the guy, and he visibly winced, shifted back in his chair. "Watch it, Nogales. I'm not in a playful mood." Oh, then he was definitely in the right place. "Too bad, honey, because if you don't play along, it will look Collars and Cuffs - 30

weird." John thrust his hips forward. "Now tip the dancer like a nice shark." "Watch it, stud. You might start looking like chum." That look got turned on him, the lights bouncing over her cheeks, the stark glow making her seem pale, tired. A very masculine wallet was pulled out, a twenty socarefully slipped into his g-string. Fuck, her hands were icy cold. "Nogales, you're buying breakfast." Nogales opened his mouth to answer, but John stepped around between them, really shaking it for her, grinning down. "Be nice and I'll buy breakfast." One eyebrow shot up, and he could see the amusement trying to fight its way out. McTavish didn't say a word, though, her partner snorting and hooting. "Shit. Hammer? Doesn't do nice. Bacon? Yes. Nice? Not so much." "Shut up, Ricky." Her lips twisted, head tilted, eyes refusing to leave his face. Hooking one finger in the string of his briefs, John pulled it down just below his hipbone, knowing his hips were some of his best features, knowing it would just show the neatly trimmed curls above his cock. "I can do bacon." "You know there are a number of responses to that comment, none of them professional or flattering..." She did crack the smile, though. Looked pissed as hell about it, too. "Hey, I usually get the sausage comments." He grinned back. Damn it, she intrigued him. Far manlier than her partner, she just radiated that can do attitude, but that tired vulnerability leaked through. He started to get hard a little, which was oddly embarrassing with her. That got him a laugh, McTavish's head shaking. "Lord, lord. That was bad. Funny, but bad." Collars and Cuffs - 31

He caught the stunned look her partner was shooting her out of the corner of his eye. The man's lips were open, for fuck's sake. Obviously the guy didn't get her. John thought he just might be starting to, after four shows and endless rounds of questioning over every tiny detail. Shit, he was beginning to think that they were just hoping for him to have some information, a clue to help them. The little string snapped back into place, and he half turned, giving Nogales an eyeful as he showed off a little ass for McTavish. Maybe that would close the guy's mouth. John winked over his shoulder at her. "He'd better watch it. If he keeps letting his mouth hang open someone might take it the wrong way. Anita's bad that way." "Ricky. Focus. I promise, the next lady stripper murder case? We'll go to the Air Strip near DFW. I'll get the captain to assign it." "Focus on what?" Nogales stared at his package, eyes kinda buggy. "He's flirting with you." The smile faded, just like that, the hardness coming back in spades. "Don't let it get to you, Nogales. It's his job. I promise not to let it go to my head." John sighed. Damn. He'd been making progress. The song ended, and he gave a little flourish, cocking his hip at Nogales. "Now you owe me a tip. So I can buy the lady breakfast." "I keep saying, Hammer's no lady. She's the biggest, baddest cop within a thousand miles of here." Nogales held out a bill. "Here. I'll pay you, but I ain't touching you." "Oh, for fuck's sake. This guy's cleaner than the back of your couch, Nogales." McTavish grabbed the money, cool hands sliding against him again. Collars and Cuffs - 32

Goosebumps rose on his skin, his nipples going hard and tight. His breath came in fast, and John tilted his head to look at her. Goddamn, he wished he could figure out what it was about her that set him off. The toughness? The aloofness broken by the occasional flashes of humor? He really needed to go tip out. "I mean it about breakfast for late night supper. You mind if I call Ben, though? He loves bacon, too." "I'm on duty, and you're still officially a suspect. The captain'd hang my ass out to dry." He got another one of those grins. "You and your partner enjoy for me." He tried not to let the disappointment show, giving her his best smile, knowing it crinkled up his eyes in the sexiest way. "Well, we'll have to take a rain check then. See y'all around." She gave him a nod, opened her mouth to speak when her cell phone rang and she grabbed it. "Hey Jim. Yeah. Yeah. No shit? Where? Oh, dude. You're fucking kidding me." She held out one hand to Nogales, who handed her a pad and pen without even the slightest hesitation. That hard, sharp focus was back, pen scribbling furiously. "Okay, listen to me. Call Ollie. I don't give a fuck, man. Wake him. Tell him Hammer wants him on this goddamn case. You understand? Okay, we'll be there in ten, keep the fucking scene clear." Those green eyes were just sparkling, short curls shoved back behind her ears. "We got another DB, man." "No way." Nogales stood, tossing bills on the table. "Related?" John looked from one to the other. "DB?" "No shit. Same MO. Fresh." Green eyes slipped up toward him, lights shining in them, making them Collars and Cuffs - 33

sparkle. "Congratulations, Studly. You're officially starting to slide off the hook. Unless you’re working with a partner..." His eyes went wide, his mouth dropping open. "You mean there’s another one? No shit?" Well, hell. That was damned creepy. "Have a good one, sir." McTavish stood, hand checking her pockets as the phone rang again, flipping it open and attacking before the conversation started. "Don't fucking scream, Ollie. I need you on this one. Put some jeans on and come to work. I'll make it up to you. Yeah. Yeah. Okay, I'll dog sit on your next vacation, let you beat Ricky, anything. Kiss Sara and tell her the mean Hammer needs her husband." Hannah started walking off, Nogales sort of grinning after her. John kind of wanted to see someone beat Nogales. He scratched his chest, heading to the back room to count his tips. He'd tell Ben they were off the list, no matter what the little hardass cop said. Take him out to breakfast. Fuck him like a mad thing. And then he'd think of a way to get the notorious Hammer to go out with them.

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Chapter Four Ben blinked at Johnny, who was bouncing on the edge of the bed. "It's late. Early. Something. You're all sparkly and grinning." Dude, whoever had invented rainbow-colored glitter was out of their fucking mind. "I am. It's early. I come in search of a breakfast date." John pushed at the comforter, poking his belly a little. "Breakfast date?" He pushed up on one elbow, squinting, fingers drawing designs on John's belly. "You know I like to have a date." "I do. I know how much you like waffles and stuff, too." Bending, John kissed him nice and slow, the taste of his lover hot as hell. Almost predatory. Someone was hot. He tried to gather up his scattered thoughts and put them into something more useful than, "does glittery oil make good lube." It wasn't really working for him, so he just went with the kiss. One big hand cupped the back of his head, and he chuckled, thinking about how everyone always said Johnny had delicate hands. Delicate. Sure, they had pretty, long fingers, but really, they were like truck driver hands. Thank God for small favors. He scooted out of the sheets, sliding into Johnny's lap without the kiss breaking at all. Kissing, then sex. Then a shower. Then food. Possibly kissing, then a shower with sex, then food. It was John who broke to breathe, the other hand cupping his ass. He got the best pirate smile. "Hey, baby." "Hey." Beautiful, fine bastard. "How's it going?" "Better, now. Remind me to tell you about my night. Later." Kissing him again, John pushed up against him, letting him feel how much later it would be. Collars and Cuffs - 35

Later. Good. Yeah. Okay. He reached down, fingers wrapping around Johnny's cock and stroking. "Want this." "How do you want me, baby?" Johnny moaned, moving against him. His lover would give him anything. He knew that. "Mmm. You haven't fucked me in forever." It had been days, at least. For sure. Days. "I know. Ages. Love being inside you." Johnny moved his ass back up on their low bed, pushing between his legs. "Gonna..." His ass rolled up, body jerking against Johnny, sliding. "Gonna make me all sparkly." "Oh, there's an idea." Rubbing all up along him, John pushed their cocks together, making him grunt and twist to get more. "No... no more thinking. Only doing." Doing him. Right fucking then. "Doing... doing you. Got it." Pulling up, John reached for the lube they kept by the bed, squirting some out once he got it open. Then those long fingers were sliding inside him. "Mmm." The cool woke him up a little more, his ass clenching around Johnny's fingers. "Hot. You're always so hot, baby." Pushing hard, John spread him, opened him. "All yours." No matter what anyone thought. "I know. Mine." That smile flashed on Johnny's face again, just as possessive as could be. "Yeah." His ass slipped a little on the bed, Johnny's fingers pegging him but hard. "Uhn." "I got what you need, huh?" Pulling his fingers free, John pushed up between Ben's legs, cock pressing against his hole. Collars and Cuffs - 36

"Always. Always have. I... Yeah." His eyes closed, that pressure sweet as fuck as the head of John's cock popped inside him. One smooth move had the rest of that cock easing into him, John pushing until he thought he might scream with it. Beautiful man. "Oh, do that again." His hands slid over John's shoulders, slipping in the oil. "Like this?" This time John pulled back, slamming in hard, letting him really feel it. "John!" He jerked, shoulders coming up off the mattress, eyes rolling. "That's it, Ben. That's it." They got a good rhythm going, John rocking into him, sending him flying. No matter what, they had this down -- the loving, the touching, the just being them. John kissed him, bending him almost in half to lean down, lips hard and damp on his. That cock speared him, pushing right up against his gland. Ben got an arm around that thick neck, holding them together, kissing John so hard he'd bet they both saw stars. "Mnh." The sound fell between their lips, John going crazy for him, skin slapping his. They were so damned close... "Uh-huh. Uh-huh." Ben reached down, stroked his cock good and hard, just needing the tiniest bit more. "Oh, fuck, that's pretty. I can feel you, baby. Every time you touch yourself. Around me." John started babbling, which told him he had seconds. Maybe. Ben forced his eyes open; he wanted to watch. Every second. "Ben!" John leaned down and bit him, teeth stinging against his shoulder. Inside him, John's cock pushed and pulsed, filling him right up as John came. He groaned, their bellies sliding together, slick as anything. Collars and Cuffs - 37

"Come on, baby." John was shaking, but managed to get a hand wrapped around him, too, pulling his cock up against that hot skin. "Yeah." He grunted, bit at his bottom lip, shook good and hard as he shot his brains out through his cock. "Yeah." "Fuck, you're amazing. Love you, baby." It never ceased to thrill him when John said that, never failed to make him wonder what he’d done to deserve that love. "Love you. Shower?" Then bacon and waffles. Then more sleep. Lots more sleep. "Shit, yes. I tell you, you're the only good thing to happen in the last few days, Ben." Levering up, John helped him off the bed. "I hear you. It never rains but it pours." They tottered to the bathroom, the bright white expanse cheering him up immediately. They had the best house. "You have a bad night working?" "I had cops show up. The lady cop. She's kinda hot, but man, I'm not a murderer." Johnny rolled his eyes, adjusting the water. "I wish they'd find the guy, huh? It's deeply screwed up." It fucking gave him high-dollar stress. "There was another murder. They think I might be off the hook, but they also think I might just have a partner." John gave him an evil smile. "You out killing people when I'm gone?" "Absolutely. I'm a mass murderer in my spare time, in between web design and fucking you." "There you go." Bumping hips with him, John got him under the spray, hands sliding on his skin. They got to laughing, because damn, what else could they do? There was no way his Johnny could be a killer. No way in hell. Hell, if nothing else, John was way too Collars and Cuffs - 38

self-involved. They joked about that all the damned time. He grabbed the bar of soap and started washing the oil off John, rubbing hard, making it into a massage. "Mmm. You rock, baby. So good to me. I tried to get the cop to come to breakfast with us." Stretching like a big cat, Johnny grabbed the shower head and let him have everything. "Horn dog." That woman was something else -- hard as nails and fierce. It wasn't any surprise that Johnny had a yen. "I can't help it. Hell, why do you think I work where I do?" They rubbed, soapy and slick. "Because you make a small fortune and have an ass made for shaking?" He'd never questioned why John did it, not after the money started flowing in. "That's it, actually. I do it for the money." John turned, lips hovering over his. "I'd quit if you asked." "I know. You'll have to quit eventually anyway. It'll be more fun if you have enough money in the bank to retire." "Uh-huh. We'll go to the Bahamas." Rinsing him off, John ducked under the spray and came out shaking like a wet dog. "Oh, you." He swatted Johnny's ass, cackling. "I liked Nassau." "So did I. No clothes. Lots of rum." They dried off, Johnny checking himself in the mirror to make sure there was no more glitter. "Water. Sand. Sun. It works." He grinned over, dried one shoulder off. "It so does. So, where do you want to go for waffles? The good place way across town or the okay place on the next street over?" Collars and Cuffs - 39

"The okay place. You look tired." He reached up, stroked the dark circles under Johnny's eyes. "I am. Stress. Not enough you." Johnny kissed him, tongue tracing his lips. "We could just stay here. I could make French toast. Suck you off. Have hot chocolate." "Oh." Leaning a little, that hot body right on his, John sighed and nodded. "Sounds good, baby." "It does. Just you and me, breakfast." He reached up, started rubbing John's shoulders. "God, you make me happy." John slid one hand back to touch him, loving on him. "That's my job." He kept working, thumbs pushing in hard. "What would I do without my dancer?" "You'd work all the time and be very boring." One finger after another stroked over his skin, like he was an instrument John knew how to play really well. Goose pimples rose all over his skin, popping up like daisies through the snow. "You feeling cold?" Those fingers moved again, teasing him. "Uh-uh." Not cold. Not fucking cold at all. "Oh, good. I would hate to cover you up with clothes. French toast au natural." A little bump and grind had him chuckling. "Does that mean I get to watch you stir?" That was one of his very favorite things. "You bet. I'll make the batter." That tight ass was a work of art, and he got to watch it all the way to the kitchen. "I am a lucky, lucky guy. We have strawberries. Coffee?" "Yeah. OJ will just taste weird with the sweet." When John bent over in front of the fridge to get the eggs and milk, he got an even better view. Collars and Cuffs - 40

His hands landed on Johnny's ass, without him even thinking on it. "Damn." "Huh? Don't make me get frostbite on my front." John wasn't pulling away, though, was he? "I like your front, too. Oh, grab the butter so it can soften, huh?" "Sure. Can you get the vanilla and the cinnamon?" It was so cool, how normal they were sometimes, how fucking domestic. No one would believe it. "Sure." He wandered, grabbing the day old loaf of bread and starting the coffee. Johnny got the eggs cracked into one of the big pottery bowls they'd found in Austin at the Pecan Street deal. John measured out vanilla and spices and just a pinch of salt, starting to dance to the music in his head. Ben stared, forgetting what he was doing. It was a little like magic, really, watching the swing and sway of those hips. Like... hypnosis or something. "Baby? The bread?" He got an over the shoulder grin. Bastard knew exactly what he was doing. "Huh? Oh. Right." Ben nodded, grabbed the baguettes. "Sorry, I was sorta... caught." "Good. If I can't still catch you, then we have issues." God, John had pretty eyes. Sometimes he needed to be dragged away from work and remember that. "We don't have issues..." He brought the bread over, stole another kiss, enjoying having them both up, moving, together. "So the lady cop, she's really caught your eye." "Yeah. I mean, I don't know what it is except maybe she's more of a stud than me. I wouldn't mind playing." Spinning, John pulled him into a waltz. "You never mind playing." Hell, he didn't either. He knew what they had. Additions were like sprinkles in ice Collars and Cuffs - 41

cream. Of course, the cop was a little like sprinkling glass shards or metal shavings or something. "Hey, I've been a lot more picky these days." Smacking his ass for emphasis, John gave him a kiss. "Mmmhmm. You remember that dancer you brought home once? The one into magical spells and incense and yoga? He was something else." "I do. He could do the neatest backbends." Yeah, and go on forever. Tantric something. It actually had chafed, and he'd had to throw away three sets of sheets from the smell of patchouli. Jesus. "I doubt the cop can do that, but she's strong. And she gave me a twenty." Oh, Lord. If she tipped that well, she'd be at their place in no time. Ben went to pour the coffee, making a mental note to do a little snooping about Officer MacTavish. After breakfast, blowjobs and naps.

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Chapter Five “I’ve got you, you bitch.” She gritted her teeth, forcing herself not to scream, not to throw her head back and beg. She could feel the blood seeping down from her breasts, dripping from her nipples, sliding down to pool underneath so that, when she moved again, it would pour out over her stomach, down onto her thighs. She wanted out. She wanted this shit to cease. Now. And he was coming for her again. Four nights she’d been down here, waiting for someone to find her happy ass -- no, not someone. Not just someone. Danny. Agent Donalds. FBI agent extraordinaire, world-champion snuggler and husband. Where was he? Goddamn it. Four nights she’d hung by her wrists. Four days she’d been working at one of the cuffs in the dark, trying to work it out of the wall, off of her torn wrist. Blood as lube. Go her. “You don’t think I’m going to let you go, do you? Not after you’ve ruined my fun? Fucking cops. Fucking cunt. Fucking whore.” Fun? Fun? Taking little girls and keeping them for days? Torturing them? Tearing them into little pieces for them to find? A hand in Plano. A bit of scalp in McKinney. Clothes in Rockwall. “You motherfucker! You wait until I get out of this. I’ll rip your lousy balls off with my teeth and make you eat them. You’ll never get another little girl, do you hear me? I found you, all by myself. The other ones will fucking find you, too.” She didn’t sound as scared as she was, which was good, she guessed. Because if she had, all that fucking blustering would just have sounded like begging. Collars and Cuffs - 43

Pleading. Which was what she wanted to do. “I don’t need another little girl. Not right now. Right now I have you.” His voice was so fucking close. Too fucking close, and she had to fight not to cry out, not to sob. Don’t hit me again. Please God. Not again. “Are you scared, you bitch? Scared of how bad I’ll make you scream?” “Bring it on, you weak, dickless asshole.” Danny. Danny, please. Please come. I’m right here. He screamed, and the rage and fury buoyed her up a little, prepared her for what was coming. What she knew was coming. Hannah could hear the pounding, the hammer, slapping into the cinderblock walls, slamming into the concrete. He was coming. Coming for her. Please God. Please. Not again. She saw the sparks from the claw part of the hammer, dragging across the stone. He had her pistol strapped to his thigh, had her bite marks sunk deep into his cheek, the flesh there red and streaky, starting to swell. She was beginning to believe that bit of DNA she would leave behind was the only thing he’d leave of her for the others to find. Hopefully it would kill the son of a bitch. “Let’s start with the good bits, honey. I bet you break. Let’s see what makes you cry.”

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When the hammer flew, sinking into her lower belly, the flesh bubbling around the metal, she found out. She found out exactly what broke her. Hannah woke screaming, curled around her hands that were pressed into her belly with its scars, holding tight to the mass of pain that Jenkins had left behind. Her pillow was wet with tears, her head throbbing as the adrenaline from the dream coursed through her, leaving her shaken and dry-mouthed. Two years and it still happened, over and over again. Every fucking day. He stole everything, in four days, eight hours and seventeen minutes. She thought about getting up, going for pizza or a beer. She wasn’t on call tonight, although she was going in to look at the ME’s report on the second vic, see if there were any similarities. She hadn’t seen any. The second vic’s death read like an accident -- a little too much wine, a too-long scarf and a fall off a balcony and boom. Still. The powers that be saw the connection. Then there were the two strangulation vics over in Garland and Grand Prairie. Both tall girls, long, curly, bright copper hair. One was African American, one was white. Still... Maybe she ought to call, just to compare notes. Her phone rang, and she grabbed for it, flipping it open without looking. Only her mother or Nogales would call her this early in the afternoon. “MacTavish.” “Hannah. It’s...” That familiar voice dragged over her nerves like acid, washing the lingering fear from the nightmare away from her. “I know who it is. What the fuck do you want?” Agent Donalds wasn’t her motherfucking hero anymore. Hadn’t been in a very long time. Asshole. Collars and Cuffs - 45

His sigh made her lip curl. “Look, Hannah, honey, do we have to be enemies? I want to be your friend. I want to help you out.” “Help me out? How? What do you have that I need?” “I saw your name on the reports coming up. Saw that maybe you had a hate crime situation. That’s my specialty.” La-di-da. Homicide wasn’t good enough anymore? “I don’t need you here.” “I thought...” “Don’t think. Don’t fucking come. We have it under control.” “It’s a hate crime. It’s a serial. You’re going to get assistance. Don’t be stubborn, H.” She looked at the phone, considering just throwing it across the room, letting it shatter. She could hear him, though, going on and on, jabbering away like she gave a good God damn. She put the phone back up to her ear; he hadn’t even known she was gone. “I thought maybe you’d want to know that they’re sending me to Dallas to work the case.” “Yeah? You think you want to get lucky, Danny? Have a little fling while you’re out in cowboy country?” Fucker. “Hannah? I’m married. I sent you an invitation, it was returned. Maria... She’s... she’s due in June.” “Oh.” She blinked at the phone like it was some sort of snake or something, something that had bitten her bone deep. Babies. Shit, there must be something in the water there in Maryland. “Congratulations.” “Thanks. I fly out in two days to consult.” “Consult away. It’s my case, Douglas. Mine. We don’t need the feds.” “That’s what all the cops say.” Collars and Cuffs - 46

She ran her fingers along her belly, staring at the blank wall, and closed the phone without another word. Shit. Two years and Danny was an AIC, had a house, a new car, a wife, a baby on the way out on the East coast. She had a fifty-gallon tank of fish, the same partner, the same beat and fading squares on the walls where his art used to be. Life was stone-cold. Sort of like her. *** He watched her, walking into the dance studio -- it was popular, offering lessons and exercise and yoga and daycare for dozens of little ballet-shoe clad girls in pigtails with harried looking mothers and older siblings in baseball uniforms and karate uniforms and whatever uniforms snarly, pitted-faced, bored teenagers wore when they were forced to tag along with their middleclass families and pretend to be bored. This was a Saturday afternoon, so the place was mostly empty -four couples in blue jeans and suede-soled boots taking line dancing lessons, a troupe of tweens in cheerleader uniforms and then the Saturday afternoon beginning Pilates class. Seventeen of them. Twelve women. Four men. And his Angel. He’d been following the police officer the first time he’d noticed her -- the fierce, scowling police officer with her hair hacked short like she had been attacked by a psychotic child with a pair of blunt safety scissors, wearing a too-big jacket to cover her breasts, her midsection, her weapon as she investigated the dancer. The big blond dancer who’d interrupted him and his Collars and Cuffs - 47

work. The man who’d stopped the rhythm of his dance and startled his beautiful bird. The smiling bastard who’d caught her attention, turned her head, made her follow him, necklace dangling in her hand. Made her look at another man instead of him, made her cry out instead of loving him, wanting him like he’d been wanting her all those days. He’d been watching like a hawk, trying to decide how much of a threat she’d be, whether she was different from the others. He suspected she was – there was something about her, something hard and glassine, something feral that made places within him itch. Bitch. Cunt. He leaned back in his chair, wiped his mouth with a napkin as a line of sweat beaded up on the pale, newlyshaved skin. Breathe. Breathe. He couldn’t be concerned with the police, with the dancer, not when he’d seen her and the world stopped again. Angel. Beautiful Angel. His beautiful Angel. She’d been wearing pink that morning, and he’d wanted to go up, grab her arm and shake her, tell her that red-heads should never wear pink, never. It diluted their beauty. Angel wasn’t wearing pink today. Today it was a deep, rich green, the dark color lovely against her skin, the edges pushing in, just a bit, proving that she was soft, giving, eager to feel his fingers push into her flesh, the skin puckering around his nails... Breathe. He sat across from the studio at the coffee shop, the sunshine kept off his face by the brim of his ball cap. He was invisible like this, just another man enjoying the early autumn, reading the Observer in t-shirt and jeans, Collars and Cuffs - 48

sipping his latte, watching her as she stopped at the front desk, as she tied her hair up, exposing the wide expanse of her back and shoulders, framed by the dark leotard. No marks. No ink. No scars. Not marred like the others. Not broken. Not a nasty bitch, ungrateful for his touch, his love, his magic. His hand clenched, the pale, sweet coffee sliding over his fingers like blood as his nails pierced the cup. He grabbed his napkin, finished the drink quickly, forcing himself to relax. They didn’t matter now. Maybe they never did. All that mattered now was her. His Angel. Lovely Angel. He slipped his hand into his backpack, fingers slipping against the silky material that, if he closed his eyes, he could imagine was still a touch warm from her body. He knew they would still smell like her skin, much as her pillow did this morning as he held it to his face and breathed deep, the scents of her shampoo – tangerine and melon -- and soap -- Ivory -- mingling with the steam pouring out of the cracked bathroom door, the tortoise shell cat that belonged to the skinny brunette standing in the hallway (he’d seen her last night, tottering on too-thin heels, as she dragged in a bag of Cat Chow and a twelve-pack of diet Dr. Pepper, and a laptop case, the SMU tag reflecting the lamp in the parking lot) bristling, staring at him as if to decide whether he was real. If he was supposed to be able to slip inside the apartment’s first floor window and creep across the floor like a ghost, touching the little girl jewelry box with a class ring and a charm bracelet and an amber rosary. Whether he could open a drawer, silent as smoke, slip a single pair of white panties into his Collars and Cuffs - 49

pocket and slid away out the front door before the shower ever stopped running. Surely if he was solid, real, he wouldn’t be able to manage all that without anyone questioning, noticing, worrying. He was not real. Not yet. Not to his Angel, but he would be. He would be, very soon. Soon he would strip off his layer of invisibility, of normalcy, and he would break free, bare his teeth and show his Angel his world. He watched her head into the studio, the large windows becoming impenetrable walls, the solid faces covered in mirrors, hiding her beauty from him. Soon. He stroked his treasure once more, imagining how she would look, dancing with him. Loving him. Eyes only for him. Yes. Yes, soon. *** The dance instructor was hot. Shelly had signed up for Super Sexy Strip Cardio because her ex-boyfriend had said she needed to lose a few pounds, that complacency had made her chubby. Complacency, her ass. More like pizza and beer suppers with Rod's buddies, and cheesecake in bed in his offcampus apartment. Boys. They could lose twenty five pounds in a week, just by cutting back on beer and hitting the gym. A girl like her, at almost six foot and correspondingly soft, had to starve for months just to lose five. Damn it.

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"Go to John," her roommate, Angie, had told her. "He'll make it so you can still eat steak and cheesecake if you want." Gyrating, Shelly watched John's perfect six-pack crunch while he led them through the hip-twister, the sheen of sweat making his tanned skin glow. Oh, she knew he was too perfect, that no one could be that pretty and not be an asshole or something, but he was fun to watch. "Shelly! Come on, honey. You're slowing down." Bouncing over, John grabbed her hips and started doing some impromptu dirty dancing with her, blue eyes twinkling down. She worked it harder, letting the feel and smell of hot man work her up, really get her going. He never treated her like a big girl. Hell, he could fling her around like a sack of potatoes. "Good! Way to go, honey. Okay, ladies, time to work the pole. Remember, keep dancing while you wait your turn!" Another half hour of bumping, grinding and pole dancing, and Shelly had worked up a sweat, worked off five hundred calories or more, and had worked up a healthy dose of admiration for her instructor. Not that it would go anywhere. No matter what the fantasy, they all knew John had a honey waiting at home. Angie said he was gay, but no one had ever proven it, as far as Shelly knew. "Good work today, honey," John said, appearing in front of her and handing her a Gatorade. "Don't forget your water bottle next week, huh? No keeling over because you're not hydrated." Her cheeks heated, but she grinned and nodded. "You notice everything, teach." Collars and Cuffs - 51

"You know it." He patted her shoulder, smiling right back. "You're more flexible, have you noticed? You got your leg all the way up on the one spin." He had to be gay. No straight man could make that into a compliment without it being sexual. "Yeah. I've been working on those stretches you gave me." "Good. Keep it up!" Patting her one more time, John scooted off to make nice with another student, leaving her to stare wistfully after him before she toweled off and tied the top of her dark green track suit back around her waist. Pushing her mass of red hair back into her ponytail, Shelly headed down to the street, humming the last bars of the music from class, her hips shaking a little. It felt good, suddenly, to be free, to not have Rod telling her how crappy she looked or how lazy she was. She felt energized, almost bouncy. Good. Ready to do that damned ceramics project she'd been putting off. It was just starting to get dark when she passed the tiny alley between the dance studio and the big tortilla factory next door. Shelly glanced across the street at the coffee shop, pondering a non-fat latte, and she totally missed the hand that reached out to land on her arm, hard fingers closing on her flesh like a vise. Her tennis shoes scrabbled against loose chunks of asphalt, her mouth opening to scream. The hand that matched the one on her arm clapped over her mouth, cutting of her scream and her air, her gym bag falling with a thud. Warm breath stirred the hair at her ear, making her shiver, even as she fought against the man who held her. "Don't fight me, Angel, you know you want this." Oh. Oh, God. This was really happening to her. Some man was... he wanted... Oh, God. She would go back to eating beer and cheesecake. She would. She'd give up Collars and Cuffs - 52

and just get really fat. Anything, if this wasn't really going to happen. Her mouth tried to shape words, but the man's fingers tightened brutally, bruising her cheeks. "It hurts me when you fight, Angel. When you act like you don't know me. I'm real, damn it." She tried to shake her head, tried to tell him that this wasn't happening, that he was just her imagination, but spots were swimming in front of her eyes, her vision dimming as her breath left her and she couldn't pull any more in. Her arms felt like lead, and she damned that fucking stripper pole for taking whatever strength she might have had to fight. The scent of garbage made her try to gag, and suddenly she was crying, her whole body trying to convulse, her heart racing so that Shelly thought it might explode. How could this happen? How? On a busy street with a coffee shop and her dance class friends walking by not ten feet away. There was a tug at her hair, the ponytail holder falling away so her hair fell down her back, something rough and hard yanking at it. "So pretty, Angel. So pretty..." She could see the outside of a van, just out of the corner of her eye, the tears making it impossible to make out any details. The man changed his grip for a half second, and Shelly knew that was her chance, her one oh my God I have to stop this chance, so she drew in a deep breath. Before she could even whimper, the man whispered to her, something that sounded like, "You disappoint me, Angel." Then her head cracked against something so hard that she thought her skull would split open like an egg, and everything went black. Collars and Cuffs - 53

Chapter Six Johnny's wrists were bruised. Johnny's motherfucking WRISTS were bruised. Ben stared at them, the bones red and raw where the cuffs were. He couldn't believe that they'd pulled Johnny in again. Kept his lover overnight questioning him. Kept them apart until the lawyer could make things happen. Jesus motherfucking CHRIST. Ben just stared, shaking a little, so fucking tired and so pissed off he couldn't bear it. That fucking bitch walked by, papers in hand. "I need you to sign your statement." "Don't sign anything." He stepped between Johnny and the cop. "He's not fucking signing anything. He isn't under arrest. You back the fuck off." "Control your lapdog, man. I've been up for fortyeight hours and I'm not in the mood." He was going to tear her face off. Johnny just sighed. "It's okay, baby. Steve was there for my statement. He read it over, right Steve?" Johnny smiled at the lawyer when he walked out of the back room, but it was strained around the eyes. "You're fine. Detective, if you harass my client again like this, I will file a grievance." "Do I look worried?" No. No, she looked tired and bitchy. Johnny didn't look worried, either. Just tired and, yeah, bitchy. He scribbled his name at the bottom of the report, those bruises standing out, stark and ugly. Ben glared at the detective, snarling, letting her know that she did that. She fucking hurt him. "Come on, baby. I want to go home." Johnny slipped an arm around his waist, and the weirdest look passed between him and the cop. Collars and Cuffs - 54

"Okay, love. Thanks, Steve." He resisted saying 'fuck off, bitch' with all he was. They left, Johnny leaning on him a little, obviously not caring who saw. "Are you okay? What happened? Why did they pull you in? Are you hungry? How can I help?" "I don't know if I'm hungry, babe. I just..." Johnny swallowed hard. "There was a girl. In one of my classes. She's dead." "No shit?" He stopped short, staring. "Who's trying to get you in trouble?" "I don't know. She was a nice girl, though. You know?" Wow. It had to be bad if Johnny was thinking about someone else before himself. That wasn't even mean of Ben. Just true. "I'm sorry, Johnny. I am. Come on. Come home. We'll..." Do something. Take a bath. Eat. Fuck. Something. "Yeah. I probably need to eat, huh?" He got a glimmer of a real smile. "Hell, it's just good to go home." "Yeah. Yeah, you know I wouldn't leave you in there, right? They don't really think it's you, do they?" "I don't know." They finally made the car, and it said a lot that Johnny let him drive without even a bad joke. "I mean, this is two that I was one of the last people to see." "What did the bitch say? I mean, you've been at work. People see you." "I know. And I have alibis. But I'm the only common thing, you know?" Johnny ran a hand over his face. "Shit, baby. I have no idea." "Okay. Okay. No more questions. I promise." He reached out as he merged onto the access road. "Let me get you home." Collars and Cuffs - 55

"No, it's okay. I mean, I just don't know what they want from me." Johnny held his hand tight, the bruises stark where he could see them out of the corner of his eye. "They hurt you." It pissed him off, made him a little acidy. "Yeah?" Sounding surprised, John looked down. "Huh. Man, I got to tell you, after that, the whole being tied up fantasy isn't so hot." "Shit, you like touching and moving. Tying you up would bore you." "You know it. You, though, you I like." He got a real grin, Johnny starting to touch. "I hope so. I called the lawyer and posted your bail." John growled. "I shouldn't need bail, damn it. They have nothing but a coincidence." "I know. I know. Shit, I'm sorry, Johnny. I won't bring it up again." Jesus, he was in stupid-tired mode. "Stop." Johnny patted his leg. "Just stop, baby. I'm sorry I'm snarly." "You have good reason, huh? Been a fucked up few days." He pulled into the parking lot, headed back home. "No shit." Laughter came again, Johnny starting to settle, the low buzz of nerves starting to fade away. "Come on. Let's go up. I'll run a bath, and we'll chill." "Oh, a bath." They got out of the car, and Johnny grabbed him and hugged him, tight-tight. "Love you, baby." "I love you. I won't let them fuck with you, I swear." He rested his face against Johnny's shoulder, breathing in that familiar, male smell. "Good. Come on. You promised me a bath." Johnny needed to get clean. That hard tension in those shoulders told him louder than words. Collars and Cuffs - 56

They headed in and he locked the door behind them, using the chain and everything, just in case. "Grab a couple of beers, and I'll start the water?" Ben didn't wait for an answer, he just headed into the bathroom and lit some candles and got the hot water heater working. Once steam was coming out, he went and got Johnny, who was kind of standing in the front room, staring at nothing. Looking a little worn down. Oh, damn. He headed over, took one of Johnny's hands. "Come on, now. Let me help." "Huh? Oh, hey, baby." Johnny leaned on him, hand holding his tight. "How was your day?" "Well, my system crashed, I lost the Bowl-a-Rama account, and my lover got arrested. It can only get better." Come on. Walking to the bathroom. Left. Right. Left. "Oh, that sucks. Well, not the bowling thing." Yeah. Johnny never had liked the account rep there. "Yeah, Jack was a smarmy fuck. He wanted blowjobs to pay for design work. I hate that." That really made Johnny stiffen up. "Mine. He can't have you." "Like I'd want anyone like that." Sure, they played, but he wanted Johnny. "Yeah." Leaning down, Johnny gave him a quick kiss, but one that spoke volumes. "Oh, candles and everything." "You deserve it." "Good to me, baby. I'm not sure I do deserve it, but I ain't gonna complain." Stripping Ben down, Johnny moved in and let him pull the dirty clothes off that amazing body. He tossed all the clothes into the hamper, bullying Johnny into the tub before he opened the beers, sat them within reach and slipped in himself. Johnny settled Collars and Cuffs - 57

against him with a happy sigh, just melting into the hot water. Damn. That was way better. For both of them. Ben got the Ivory and started soaping up his hands. He began with John's feet, then the ankles, the stiff, muscled calves. "Jesus, that's good." Johnny wiggled a little, settling in, getting comfy. "That's the point." He chuckled, kept his hands moving up. "You need to relax." "I know. I can't help it if I need to tell you, huh?" Johnny's eyes glinted for him, that smile bright and happy. "Tell away, man. I'm listening." He leaned forward, hoping for a kiss. Warm lips pressed against his, Johnny's hand slipping around the back of his neck, holding him there for more. "I have you." He slid and pushed until he was stretched out along Johnny, their slick bodies rubbing the shit out of each other. "Yours." Johnny went crazy, rubbing up on him, water sloshing all over. "Yeah. Yeah." His hands slid along the outside of the tub, their legs tangling together. Another kiss had him gasping for air, his whole body at attention, Johnny's hands moving on him now. They were slick, soapy, and it felt damned fine. He met Johnny's eyes, and then caught that full bottom lip between his teeth, tugging hard enough for John to feel it. "Mmnh." That noise was low, hot, enough to make him do it again, just to hear Johnny moan. He pushed down hard, knowing he couldn't keep his grip if he moved his hands. "More." It was murmured against his mouth, Johnny rocking up against him, holding on tight. Collars and Cuffs - 58

"Yeah. Everything." He jerked, rubbing harder, his muscles all tight. "Need you. God." He could tell that Johnny was just lost, now, completely gone. They were making a hell of a mess, but it was so worth it. "You have me. You want me on your cock or just this now?" Anything to make it better. "Just this is good, baby. We can wait on the other. When we've slept." "Yeah." He nodded, found a smile. They were both exhausted and scared, both stressed the fuck out and... John's hand nudged his cock, and he cried out, thoughts scattering. "Love how you feel, baby. Love it." They really got going, Johnny kissing him hard, pulling at him. He thought maybe everything went away but him for Johnny, too. "Uh-huh. Johnny. Gonna make me shoot, love." He couldn't hold on; he never could with his Johnny. "Come on, then. Want to feel you." Oh, yeah. He could see it in Johnny's pretty eyes. The heat. The need. John's thumb nudged the tip of his cock hard enough that the zing went right through him, and his thighs jerked. "Johnny!" His balls ached, he shot so hard, eyes rolling back in his head. "So fucking pretty. My Ben. God." Poor Johnny sounded like he'd swallowed a frog, and that thought made him laugh, even when his cock gave a few more weak jerks. "Yours." Nobody on earth thought he was pretty. Nobody but his Johnny. "Come on, lover. Let it go." "Ben..." Johnny came for him, hot as all get out, making waves in the bath. Oh, better. Just look at those muscles relax. Collars and Cuffs - 59

"Yeah. Yeah, Johnny." He let the water run out, then refilled it so they could float together, soak. They relaxed, Johnny's big body lax against his, one hand on his chest. He got a hum and smile. "Thanks, babe. I needed that." He nodded, grabbed a beer and handed it over. "We need to take a couple days off, Johnny. Cook. Snuggle. Take the phone off the hook." "We do. I think the gym will understand if I want a few days, and I don't have any parties booked." Shit, Johnny had even been talking about quitting doing private parties at all. Who could blame him, huh? "Well, then. We'll spend a few days pampering ourselves, fucking like bunnies and just having fun." "That sounds like a plan." Lord, Johnny was getting baby head, blinking hard. "Uh-huh. Nap here or bed-bed?" Did that make sense? "Bed, honey. Or I'll never get up and we'll get all wrinkled. You know how vain I am." Laughing, slipping and sliding like they were on ice, Johnny got up and pulled himself out of the tub, reaching down for Ben. "Vain? My Johnny?" John hauled him up, and he grabbed the towels, working on drying that amazing body. "Shit, Ben. I'm a bastard, and I know it. But how anyone could think I could kill someone..." Shrugging, Johnny pulled him close and gave him a hug, leaning on him just like he had before they got home. "They don't know you. They can't. You're... you don't have a temper to speak of. I do." Hell, he could get in a rage. Johnny? That was too hard, work-wise.

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"Yeah." He got an evil little grin as they staggered to the bed, Johnny pinching his ass. "Maybe they should be looking at you." "Nope. No looking. I'll beat that fucking detective with a shovel." He jumped at the pinch, dragging Johnny down against him. "Okay. She might like it." They flopped on their big bed, and Johnny wrapped around him, holding on tight. He reached for the light, then the covers, hugging Johnny tight. "I got you, man. I got you." "I know. You always do. My rock, baby." Those words were slurring, slow and tired as Johnny melted against him. "Your lover." He held on until Johnny fell asleep, then he watched that pretty face, willing nothing but good dreams. Please, God. Just good dreams.

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Chapter Seven "Talk to me, Ollie-man." Her head was going to split down the middle like an over-ripe melon. She was going on her third day of half-hour naps and high-dollar doses of caffeine, and the world was getting fucking weird around the edges. There was another girl on Ollie's table, red hair grossly bright under the lights, the bruised line across the girl's throat lurid. Shit. Shit. "Shelly Cavarel," Ollie said, glancing up from his clipboard. "Concussive head wound. Strangulation." "The other ones weren't hit, were they?" She flipped through her files -- Andrew 'Andi' Parsons, Tashawnda Martin, Maria Torrez. All strangled, all red headed, all tall. Then there was Iris Daniels, blond, bubbly, drunk as hell and hanged from a balcony. One of these things was not like the others, man. Especially once you added this Shelly girl into it. "No. This one has defensive wounds on her hands, too. She tried to fight. Then again, she had no blood alcohol, either." Ollie raised a brow, waggling it up and down. "Yeah, yeah. Okay, so we got five vics -- four if we set the blonde aside. We got Grand Prairie, Garland, and two here in the Oak Lawn area." She looked over at Ollie. "This is bigger than just us, man. The Tarrant county folks gonna play?" At least the bastard hadn't headed into Plano and Richardson yet. Shit. "Yeah. We've got full cooperation. This one was a real redhead." Ollie made an abrupt gesture, pointing down the girl's torso. Collars and Cuffs - 62

"Her family been called?" That was Nogales' job, dealing with crying people. Damn it. "Yeah. They're on the way, but I thought you'd want to see where things were." "Yeah. Yeah, I do. It's a tall guy, huh? From the angle?" John hadn't had any bruises, no scratches. "You get anything from under her nails?" "Maybe. Not sure if it's not just her own skin, but we'll see." Ollie showed her the little crescents in the girl's palms. "Hey, we can hope, huh?" She wandered around looking. "They don't look alike, except for the hair. They're not the same race, they don't have the same jobs..." "All tall. Hell, some people are crazy enough that's all it takes." Ollie gave her a sideways look. "He may be looking for the perfect one, you know?" "The perfect redhead? I guess that's better than blondes. There's fewer." Jesus. "What have you got in suspects? Anyone give a DNA sample?" Shit, Ollie was optimistic. "That dancer did. He's clean, so far. Hell, the son of a bitch has alibis for the Martin and Torrez murders and a tight-tight timetable to have killed this one and started another class. I don't know, Ollie." Maybe John was just a coincidence. Except that she didn't believe in those. The forensic guys did; she knew it. Hell, she'd heard them testify to it, but her gut said no. Things happened for a reason. "Well, if you only have the one common denominator..." Ollie shrugged. "The only other thing I can tell you is that they all had really good skin. Even the guy."

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A chill scrambled up her skin, just like the temperature had plummeted. "God, that gives me bad thoughts." "Yeah? Well, you got a way better imagination than I have." He gave her a purely evil grin. "Well, given your work, man, I'm not sure an imagination would be safe, Ollie." "Yeah. Well. It's tempting sometimes. Christmas lights in a chest cavity..." Oh, gross. Yet, somehow oddly funny. She got to giggling, both of them laughing, the sound having an edge of hysteria to it. "Okay, Hammer. If I can find out anything else, I'll let you know. You want a copy of my notes? I'll email them to you." "Yeah, man. I'm going to head back out to the crime scene, look around. See if I can figure anything out. Holler if you need me." "Will do. We need to get late night pancakes, huh?" Ollie was even funnier outside of work. "God, yes. I'm having bacon withdrawal." She grabbed her briefcase and headed out. There had to be things she was missing. Had to be. "Officer McTavish?" A deep voice echoed in the hallwayk and she stopped, looking at the lady standing in front of her. "Yes? Can I help you?" "I was wondering if you'd learned anything about Andi's death." Andi. Right. Come on, H. Figure this out. "LeFarge. We're still investigating." "Lisa, yes. I have some pictures, if it'll help. Of the party." Long-nailed fingers held out a package, and she took it, smiling. "Thank you, Lisa. I appreciate it." Collars and Cuffs - 64

"Do you... Do you know when they're going to release her body? We want to have a funeral." Oh, God. Where was Nogales? "As soon as they're done in the ME's office, ma'am. I swear." "Where can I ask about that?" Shit. Luckily, one of the assistant examiners came by just then, and she was able to pawn all the questions off on the guy. Yay. Hannah nodded at LaFarge, flipping through the pictures on her way to the parking garage. La la la. Lots of girls. La la la cake. La la la booze. John shaking his ass. Dude delivering flowers. More ass shaking. Not one picture that screamed MURDER. "Hello, H." Oh, fuck. Danny. Her ex. Her day was just getting better and better. "Agent Donalds. You found Dallas. I'm incredibly impressed." "You don't have to be evil, H. I'm here because my superiors think it bears looking into." He looked her up and down, taking in every detail. The temptation to pull up her sweater and show him that the scars were still there was huge. "Look away. Nogales is in dealing with the family. You were always good at victim relations. Have at it." "H." He could still sound so fucking reproving, so damned stiff upper lip. "What, Danny?" She couldn't fucking believe it -- the bastard walked in like he owned the place and got all fucking snotty. Fuck that. "I need you to work with me here. Okay? I'll try to stay out of your hair. What you have of it. But I have to do my job." Collars and Cuffs - 65

"You've always been good at that, Danny, except where I'm concerned, huh?" Fuck. Fuck, that was a low blow. She didn't wait to let the apology out, though, didn't stay to see the wounded look on his face. She knew that it hadn't been fair -- not her expecting him to save her ass or his belief that he ought to have been the one to do so. It hadn't been fair. That didn't matter, though. He didn't try to stop her. Damn him, he'd never once fought for her. Fuck him. She'd proven herself already. She fucking saved herself. *** Jesus, he was tired. John tried to ramp up the energy for the last five minutes of class, but he wasn't in his own classroom. He didn't know where all the damned dips in the floor were, didn't know how to set the ladies up to see themselves move. Fuck, he was still bruised. He just wanted class to be over so he could have his Gatorade and go home to Ben. He didn't wait to answer questions or deal with bullshit; he just threw his street clothes on and ran down to the CVS to grab some aspirin and something to drink. When he turned the cornerk he ran straight into McTavish, looking like death, swaying in front of the No-Doz. "Damn. You people are everywhere." He snapped it out without thinking, sick to death of cops and, well, death. Collars and Cuffs - 66

"Looks like it." She grabbed a handful of the pills and a six-pack of Jolt cola. "Yeah." Damn, she looked tired. "You know, sleep is way better than that." "Well, when people stop committing homicides, I'll get on it." "Hey, don't look at me. I'm just in the way somehow. I'm all for the stopping." He held up his hands, the raw spots on his wrists still right there. "Yeah." She looked like she was going to fall over, really, like this was driving her crazy, this man killing women. Why the hell she brought out sympathy in him, he had no idea. "You want some coffee? There's a notStarbucks place just around the way." "That's probably not very smart of me, but yeah. Yeah, I need some of these and coffee before I drive home." The packets of No-Doz were dangled from those little fingers. Jesus, it was easy to forget that she was only part ogre. "Cool. Come on." He led the way, both of them hitting the check out first. They got their shit, and he got a big old Snickers bar for Ben, before they headed down the street. She didn't say anything, not anything at all, but she stayed with him. They got to the coffee shop, awkward as hell, and John ordered a grande mocha latte. He needed it. Sugar and caffeine. "Triple espresso, please, double sugar." Her hands were shaking a little when she put the money down. "Damn, woman. You've got a hard on for the razor edge, don't you?" He grinned a little, admiring her despite himself. "There's not a whole lot about me that's soft. It's a fact." Collars and Cuffs - 67

"Oh, I bet you have a side you don't let most folks see." He did, didn't he? And if John did, anyone could have a squishy underbelly. "No. Not really. You'd have to ask the ex-husband. You'll meet him, I'm sure." "Why would I meet your ex?" John raised a brow, his lips quirking. It wasn't like they were going to be buds or anything. "He's Agent Donalds. FBI. They sent him to work your case." Fuck, look at how tight her lips got. There was some sheer fury. FBI? Shit. That made things even scarier, somehow. "My case? Honey, I keep telling you, I'm not part of a case." That probably wouldn't make her any happier. "Unfortunately, John, you are." They sat down, staring at each other. She had enough baggage under her eyes to move four third-world families in and have room for Imelda Marcos' shoes. "I've got some photos of the party you danced at. Would you mind looking at them? Tell me if you see something?" "Sure. I mean, whatever I can do." Hell, why not? He knew he hadn't done it. "Thanks." She handed over a little packet of four by six glossies. Then she took six of those damn caffeine pills and sucked down the coffee. "Easy, tiger." She was as bad as Benny. "Rowr. Haven't been home since... what day is it?" "Uh. Thursday, I think?" Hell, he just did what his schedule told him to do. "Damn." She honestly looked shocked. "Yeah. I tell you what, it's been a week, huh?" He actually laughed. Laughed, with someone who wasn't Ben. "Yeah. Yeah, even worse than normal, huh?" She chuckled and, damn, it made her all light up. Collars and Cuffs - 68

She was just intriguing as hell, and John couldn't figure out for the life of him why. "So, what now?" "Well, is there anything you notice about the photos? Anything weird or off or..." "Oh, shit. Right." He stared at the pictures, looking them over. He sort of remembered the party -- it hadn't been anything special, really. Just another job. Just another hour's work. The "bride" had been sweet, tipping him well and sending him home with a lot fewer bruises than usual. "I don't know. I mean, there was a guy who brought food. One who brought flowers. Not unusual, though." "Do you know either one of them?" "Who? The delivery guys?" No one had ever asked him that before. Weird. "Yeah." She blinked over at him, eyes moving slow. "Uh. The food guy. I've seen him. Frou frou delivery service. The flower guy I've never seen." "Frou frou. Figures. I never did get that shi... stuff." "Me either. Pizza. Beer. I like a good burger." Well, he liked a good shrimp cocktail, too, but damn. Some of the shit people ate at hen parties. "You know it. There's nothing like a good steak or a plate of nachos." She chuckled. "Bacon and eggs." "Oh, man. Pancakes. Real maple." They shared a huge grin. Maybe it was the coffee, but John was feeling better than he had all day. "God, yes. Or funnel cakes." Oh, God. A woman after his own heart. "Yeah. With powdered sugar, though, not that custard goo." Ben hated the custard shit, too. Ben. Shit, Benny. He would be worried. It sucked that Ben had to worry these days, not just get lost in his work until John got home. Collars and Cuffs - 69

"Yeah. I hear you." Hannah finished off her coffee, started gathering up her photos. "I don't mind the strawberry stuff." "Hmm. You might just cross the line with that." He winked. "If I think of anything else... Uh. How can I get in touch with you." Smooth. Real smooth. Possibly crazy. "I always answer my cell." She passed over a business card. "Cool. Thanks. For having coffee with me." Not for making me a suspect, lalala. "Thanks for the break. I have to get back to work. Keep your nose clean, sir." "That's not what I like to get dirty." He took the business card, letting his fingers linger on hers a moment. "Well, I ought to get, huh? Holler at me if you need anything." They went their separate ways, him toward home, her toward his studio. He didn't envy her having to go back to work. He had something much better to go home to. It almost gave him sympathy for her. Almost.

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Chapter Eight It wasn't easy, but he managed to get enough for a week in two suitcases, answer all his emails, and get all the bills paid before Johnny woke up. Ben looked at the clock. Okay. It was two in the afternoon. Maybe it wasn't that hard, but still. He'd done it; it was time for his reward. Nine hours drive down to Padre, six nights in a little condo, just them. He got the car loaded and then headed up the stairs, glass of orange juice in hand. "Rise and shine!" "Huh?" Johnny turned over, butt up, bare as a newborn's. Ben put the glass down, stared, aimed and focused. Then he pounced and bit that fine, tanned butt. "Vacation!" "Oh." Moving for him in a slow roll, Johnny chuckled. "Am I allowed to leave town?" "We're going. You promised. You and me and the beach." He'd kidnap the bastard if he had to. "Honey, I'm fucking ready. I even left a message for that damned cop with the itinerary." Johnny hated that, he could tell. Having to inform the authorities about his movements. "Car's packed. I brought juice." Mmm. That was the finest ass he'd ever seen, so he took another bite. Humping a little, Johnny laughed. "I love juice." "No. You love me. You like juice a lot." He focused a little further south, licking and nibbling. "Uh. Uh-huh. I... what?" Johnny spread like hot butter, lifting up into his touches, his kisses. "We should start our vacation now..." He spread Johnny's ass with his thumbs, moaning as he touched his lover. Collars and Cuffs - 71

"Oh, I think that's a good idea. No juice there, though. Sticky." "I'd lick it clean." He bit harder, chuckling a little under his breath. "You would. Slut." The accusation was fond, and he could see Johnny's hands clench in the sheets when his breath hit a sensitive spot. "Mmm." Ben grinned, tongue slipping down to slap at Johnny's balls. "Benny! Oh, Christ. Love that." Uh-huh. His Johnny loved all the parts. He did it again, and again, wishing he'd thought to get naked himself before he started this. Pushing up, Johnny got to his hands and knees, giving him an easier target, giving him all that skin. "You're wearing too many clothes, baby." "Uh-huh." He agreed. Of course, he was really too busy licking to stop. Those lean hips wagged for him, Johnny's balls swinging, all those muscles sliding under that tanned skin. Johnny moaned, back arching, giving him glimpses of a thick, hard cock. His own cock ached in his jeans, wanting in that tight little hole. "Babe. Need more." Like Johnny could read his mind, the man pushed against him, ass just begging for it. "Yeah. Yeah." He pulled back, yanking at his clothes with clumsy fingers. "Here." Popping up, Johnny reached out to help him, cock bobbing like crazy. Of course, he couldn't resist reaching out, fingers wrapping around that heavy, pretty cock, stroking good and hard. Collars and Cuffs - 72

"Baby, you're getting distracted." Johnny moaned for him, though, pushing through his fingers. "Uh-huh. You do that to me." He whimpered a little as John found his cock. "Need you. Right now." "Well, come and get me. Fuck me, Ben. I need to feel it." Johnny slicked him up, spit and sweat making him ready. "God, yeah." He pushed John back, muscling between the strong legs, holding his cock to aim. "You ready enough?" "I am. I can't wait. Come on." Johnny pressed back, skin going dark, hot, that ass pulling at him. Oh, God. Oh, God. There was nothing like that -nothing like that sweet, tight ass wrapped around him, squeezing his cock. "Benny! More. Oh, God. More." Johnny rocked back against him, back arching, hands clenching. He didn't bother answering; he just fucked harder, slamming into his lover over and over, muscles screaming with it. They got into a serious rhythm, both of them grunting, sweating, the sound of the bed hitting the wall loud as anything. Johnny clamped down on him, making him cry out, his body like a live wire. He managed to reach down, grab hold of John's cock and stroke good and hard. "Ben!" There was his name again, sounding hot as fire on John's lips, and then wet heat was flowing over his hand, too. Johnny came for him like no one else ever had. "Fucking love you." He groaned out the words, balls tight as he thrust a couple more times. "Then give it to me!" Johnny was still working him, body squeezing down. His head snapped back, throat working as he shot, pouring himself into his lover. Collars and Cuffs - 73

They collapsed together, Johnny laughing out loud with pure joy. "God, I love when you get all butch." He managed to swat that fine fucking ass, hard. "That's me. Butch-designer extraordinaire." "Yep. My manly-assed baby. Did you say you brought juice?" Someone was looking way more relaxed. "Mmmhmm. Orange. Car's all packed. Condo's rented. We're solid." He leaned a little harder. "We can stop in Austin tonight, if you want. Go dancing at Oilcan Harry's." "That sounds good, baby." Shifting a little, Johnny moved around to kiss him, lazy and happy. "Love you, huh? We're going to laze around and think happy thoughts." "We so are. Get some sun, get some lovin' in." They rolled a little, Johnny reaching for the juice, sharing it with him. "Yep. Swimming, eating, resting." He couldn't wait. *** John liked Austin. Oh, he was looking forward to the beach and all, but he loved the capitol, loved the tower, and he adored Sixth Street, with all of its quirky bars and milling people. They'd had Vietnamese food for supper and were heading out to go dancing, and he hadn't felt so damned good in weeks. God knew, he loved to show Benny off. Everyone thought he was vain, and he was for sure, but it was Ben he was most proud of. Harry's was there, just like always, and they paid their cover and headed in. Bikers, students, leathermen Collars and Cuffs - 74

and geeks -- they all milled around, some dancing, some drinking. They fit right in. "You want to drink or dance first, Johnny?" "I want to dance, huh? Work up a thirst." He tugged, wanting to rub and bump. Ben's chuckle followed him, and he felt hands on his butt, squeezing him. "Woo." The beat was good, and he let his hips lead, let it take him where he needed to go. "Jesus. You... you just blow my mind." He'd heard that at least a thousand times, maybe two, but when Benny said it, Ben was looking in his eyes. "You I adore, so that works." His hands landed on Ben's hips, helping his pretty geek move to the music. "Yeah, yeah." Ben relaxed into his hands, let him move them both. He chuckled, remembering the first few times they'd done this, Ben so worried, so stiff. Now his Benny wasn't so self conscious. Now they could just dance and make it foreplay. Get all hot and sweaty. Ben's hands slid up his arms, fingers curling around his shoulders. "You know, someone might think you did this for a living." "You think?" He rocked his hips, really letting his ass shake. "I might just like it." "Yeah? You might just make a few dollars." Ben stepped closer, rubbing against his thigh. "You gonna stuff twenties down my pants, baby?" Ben should definitely stuff him with something, even if he could still feel it from the last time. "No, this time I'll let you do it for me. I'm worth at least a fiver." "You're worth more than that to me." Hell, Ben was worth the whole enchilada. He'd never thought anyone else was worth moving in with. Collars and Cuffs - 75

"I know. Mmm. A slow song." Ben cuddled in, snuggling with him, fingers massaging his neck. "Oh. Hey." Yeah. A slow song, with lots of rubbing. That was the ticket. The dance floor was packed, but that gave him an excuse to tug Ben closer. They swayed, his mouth against Ben's temple, his hands clenching on that fine ass. His cock pressed against Ben's hip, starting to harden up a little. "Tell me we can stay here for, say, a month." "You bet. We'll dance and dance." They could do whatever they wanted, damn it. "Okay." Ben lifted his face for a kiss, those pretty lips parted for him. He didn't even look around. No one was watching. No one cared. John took that mouth, a low moan pushing out of him. Ben's tongue slid against his, the kiss wet and hot, slick. Sweet. God. Just to be away from home, away from all the damned cops. To feel like no one was watching. To know they were just one more couple. Just another set of guys. He turned Ben in a slow circle, their hips grinding in time to the music. "Having a good time, honey? This is good?" "This is real good, baby. Real good." Hell, he could go without the drink. Just a Coke maybe, to keep them lubed. Hell, the rate they were going, they could stay like this until closing time. Together.

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Chapter Nine Surf. Sand. Sun. The three ingredients in the nomore-fucking-stress meal. Ben stretched out on the beach chair under the sun, cheek on his arms, dozing. It had been a perfect day. He and John had eaten and slept, eaten and slept again. He was a fan. His eyes closed, and he drifted off, listening to the guys playing volleyball in the sand. A hard smack to his ass had him popping up like a jack in the box, and Johnny laughed like a loon, handing him a cold drink. "Hey, babe." "Hey." Fuck, he was sun-stupid. "Having fun?" "I am. You?" Like Johnny couldn't tell. "Mmm." He was being a lazy bum. It was perfect. Johnny flopped down next to him, preferring a blanket on the sand to a chair. "Feels good, huh?" He nodded, letting one hand flop down, land on the small of Johnny's back. "Mmm. You're all warm." So was Johnny. The finest sheen of sweat covered that smooth skin, slick and good. "I am." He was basking, getting all brown and melty. Johnny arched into his touch, the tiniest bit of sandy grit covering the tanned skin. Warm didn't begin to cover that man. His hand started sliding, slipping down to cup one ass-cheek, squeeze a little. "Gonna make me all pointy, babe. Not sure if that's allowed on the beach." Johnny was laughing, though, the sound breathless and good. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm too lazy to get up to anything." Probably. Maybe.

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"You think?" Reaching up, Johnny stroked the backs of his thighs, at least as far as the man could reach. It tickled, those hard fingers catching the tiny hairs there. "Uh... Uh-huh." His toes curled, and he shivered, jerking away a little. "Well, I guess I can stay here and be pointy." Oh, that bastard was teasing, right at the hem of his trunks, pushing them up a tiny bit. "Johnny..." He fought the chuckles, his ball sac wrinkling up. "You'll get me arrested." Oh wait. That wasn't funny. "God, I'm sorry." Johnny snorted and then started laughing. "Yeah, well, indecent exposure is way better than murder. Lots more fun." "No shit." He met John's eyes, both of them hooting, laughing so hard it hurt. Rolling to his feet, Johnny grabbed his blanket and held down a hand. "Come on, baby. Let's go get naked." He let himself look all the way up that fine as fuck body and then meet beautiful blue eyes. "I'm with you, man." His hand fit perfectly in Johnny's. They meandered up the beach toward the condo, the sand shifting under their feet. The day was getting hotter, especially now that he was moving. They rinsed off the sand at the little shower outside the back gate, gasping together at the chill of the water. "Damn. That's bracing, huh?" Laughing, Johnny hauled him inside, stopping at the fridge for some beers. He stopped, hands landing on Johnny's ass with a slap and a squeeze. Pretty, pretty. "Oh, no." Laughing, Johnny wiggled for him, and they were like a conga line of two when they ran to the bedroom and tumbled to the bed. They landed together, bouncing a little, his cock nudging Johnny's crack. Collars and Cuffs - 78

"Shit, yeah. Feels good, Benny. I need." Johnny had been needing a lot, but he didn't mind giving. Not one bit. "I've got you." He leaned in, nuzzled the back of Johnny's neck, and then bit a little. "You always do, babe." The little swim trunks Johnny wore hit the floor with a sodden thump, and suddenly he had more skin to touch, to play with. That ass wiggled for him, Johnny moaning loudly. He swatted Johnny’s ass once, chuckling at the jump and roll, then he started heading south, paying attention to every bump of the long spine, knowing how his lover was crazy sensitive there and knowing that moving slowly would make the man growl and need. "Ben!" Yeah, that was growl. Full-on, all male growl. Johnny was good at that. "Mmmhmm." He liked to tease. He licked and nuzzled, slowing down even more. Squirming, Johnny tried to get more, a harder touch, a longer stroke, but Ben knew he couldn't. Not in his position. Ben was in control. "Love this." He traced circles with his tongue, his cock leaking, rubbing against Johnny's thigh. "So fucking hot." "More." Demanding man. Yeah. He loved the way Johnny rocked for him, almost dancing. "Yeah." He rested his forehead on Johnny's spine, looking down his lover's body and watching his fingers spread that tight ass wide. "Love it when you touch me. Love you inside me. Come on, baby. Right here." He sucked and licked at his fingers, wetting them well before he touched that tight hole.

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"Uhn." Johnny opened right up for him, still loose and easy from their frenzy the night before, still tight enough to make him really feel the heat. He didn't bother too much about being careful; he knew John's body better than his own. He pushed them both, fucking Johnny but good, letting the flat of his hand hit hard enough to slap with each push in. "Benny. Oh, God. Oh, God. Please." There was nothing as pretty as his Johnny when he begged. Nothing. "Love you." He shifted, letting his cock bump his fingers, stretch Johnny a little more before he pushed in, sinking deep with a low cry. "Fuck. Fuck, yes. More than anything, baby." Clamping right down, Johnny sucked him in, tight body pulling at him, scraping every nerve ending. He dropped his head onto Johnny's shoulders, pounding hard, driving into that perfect fucking heat. Reaching back, Johnny held him, hands on his hips. Those strong fingers dug in, letting him feel it, letting him know what he needed to do. Letting his thighs part a little more, he went to it, giving John all he had, all he could. They swayed, the bed creaking under them as Johnny braced himself, pushing back against him. They grunted, rutting against each other as hard as they could. Damn. "Come on. Come on, Johnny. Need you to." "Uh-huh." Nodding that golden head, Johnny bucked for him, ass squeezing down, almost sending him into orbit. Hot and wet, Johnny came for him, the smell earthy and right. "Hell, yes." John brought out the Texan in him like no one else, ever. "Come on, baby. I need to feel you. Hard." Collars and Cuffs - 80

"Uh-huh." He couldn't quite catch his breath, sawing back and forth until he couldn't bear it anymore. Johnny squeezed, those muscles clinging to him, stopping him in his tracks. He couldn't hold on, the pressure in his balls too damned much for him. Johnny's name rang out as he shot, filled his lover up. "Benny. Babe. So good." Johnny fell to the bed, panting, sweat beading up on his skin. "Uh-huh. More than." "Have I thanked you yet?" That golden body turned, Johnny's arms sliding around him. "For what, Johnny?" He pushed close, cheek resting on John's upper arm. "For everything. For handling all of this so well." He got a kiss, right on the corner of his mouth, sweet, almost. "Shit, John. What was I supposed to do? You're mine." "Thank God." Those blue eyes burned into his, John staring right into him. "I do love you, baby." "I know, man. I so do." He nodded. "It's going to be okay. It's got to be." "It's got to be. Yeah." Johnny smiled, bright, the shadows in his eyes disappearing. "So. Want to order a pizza?" "God, yes. Olives and sausage and peppers." He rubbed their noses together, grinned. "Double cheese." "You know it. We can grease it up and work it off later." No one was reaching for the phone, were they? No, sir. Johnny was in full cuddle mode. "Sounds absolutely perfect, man. Absolutely perfect." They'd needed this, needed to get away and leave Dallas behind for a while. Hopefully, by the time they got back, the whole damned mess would blow over. Collars and Cuffs - 81

A man could dream, after all. *** He sat outside the dancer's condo in his car, staring. Sighing. Tapping his fingers on the steering wheel. The sun was sinking, the sky dark and cloudy. These neighborhoods were ridiculous -- fake and cookie-cutter, empty. Soulless. Not a place for his Angel. Not at all. He'd been inside three times now -- not inside the dancer's home. That was pointless. No, he'd discovered what he was looking for when he had followed the dark sedan over, watched that short-cropped hair shine in the sunlight as she'd knocked, peered in windows, watched. His Angel had come out then, from the building next door, asking questions, answering questions when the officer had flashed her badge. She was perfect -- full breasts, curvy hips, long copper hair. Copper. Such a good girl, his Angel. So honest. So lovely. No, he'd been inside her house, stretched out on her bed, ran the bar of soap in her tub across his tongue. He reached down, hand sliding under his shirt. He'd taped her washcloth to his belly, let it dry against his skin. He'd waited all day, just to see her, but she hadn't come out. Not to check her mail, not to shop, to work. It was insane, for her to hide from him like this. Honestly ridiculous. Nonsense. He shifted his feet as he saw her coming out of the condo next door. Oh. Oh, Angel. Collars and Cuffs - 82

She walked across the yard without even looking toward the dancer's door, red hair... He frowned, stopped. She was a blonde today. A blonde. Rage bubbled up in him, hot and fiery. He pushed the door open, stepping out before he could even think. "What did you do to it?" Angel stopped, stared at him. "Do to what? Do I know you?" He reached out, grabbed her hair and punched her hard, shutting her up. "Don't talk to me. Don't you talk to me. What did you do to it? Why did you change it, you BITCH?" He pushed her into the car, her eyes rolled back into her head. Bitch. Bitch. His Angel's hair was red. It had always been red. *** John didn't want to answer his cell phone. He stared at it, waiting for it to stop, waiting for Benny to wake up and tell him not to answer it. Neither happened, and he really didn't want to wake Ben, since he was getting his first good sleep in days, so John grabbed the phone and headed out to the little patio, flipping it open. "Hello?" "John." Amazing, how he already knew her voice. Like she was a friend or something, and not just a weirdly hot cop out to bust his nuts. "Yeah, Officer? How's it hanging?" Collars and Cuffs - 83

"Hanging in. Can I ask if you went on your vacation?" "I did. I'm at the beach now. Stopped in Austin a few days ago. Why?" Please God, don't let someone in Austin be dead or some shit. "I just wanted to make sure. Have you got receipts? Witnesses?" "Yeah, and I happen to know you can check my phone records, see what tower I 'm on." There was a crackling pause. "I can, yes. How's it going?" "Sun, sand, all the boyfriend ass I can stand. Is this a social call?" "No. No, I was calling to tell you that there's been another abduction and a new DB." Shit. He knew what a DB meant, now. But wait. "Does that mean I'm off the hook?" "Not exactly. Do you know a…" The sound of flipping notebook pages almost made him smile, because he could picture her rough fingers and bad nails. "Felice Ambrose?" Acid rose in his throat, coming right up from his belly. "I know her, yeah. I mean, in passing. She lives in the condo across the way, right?" "She did, yes." Oh, Jesus fuck. Oh, God. He only remembered her because of her funky name. She had a pretty face and a curvy body, and she was curious as a cat. "We had her over for a barbeque once. That's all." "Well, I'll have some questions for you when you get home." Another pause. "And I think you might want to be, well, careful. When you get back to your place." "You think this guy knows where I live."

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She sighed, and he could imagine her running her hand over her close-cropped hair. "I think we shouldn't rule out anything. I just thought you ought to know." "Uh-huh. You thought you should check up on me." "That, too. You behave yourself, stud." John shuddered, thinking about poor Felice and how guilty he felt that he was relieved that he hadn't been there. That he couldn't be blamed. "Believe me, honey. I'll behave when it comes to the law." "Good. Night, then." "Good night." He hung up, clicking his little phone closed, sitting on the patio for a minute until the urge to go wake Benny passed. Jesus. This whole fucking mess was just never going to go away.

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Chapter Ten John hadn't wanted to go home. No, sir. The whole naked at the beach thing with Benny was too good, too hot, and he'd wanted to stay and bask in it. Too bad he had to go back to work, and Ben had projects that needed to get done. The good thing was getting home and faxing his receipts to the lady cop, proving where all he'd been, from Austin to Corpus and back. Not in Dallas, where their poor neighbor... Well, he hated to think on that. Hannah, the cop, had been almost fun to talk to once she got his fax. Oh, who was he kidding? He thought she was kind of fascinating. John pondered calling her again, just because he was bored. Benny was coding. Just like he'd conjured her, his cell rang, 'det mct' on the display. Lord. "Hello?" John found himself actually looking forward to sparring a little. "Hey. I wanted to let you know your faxes went through the channels. You're set. Thank you." "Yeah? Does that work for getting y'all off my ass?" "I think it might. Assuming, of course, that the feds go home. They really want this to be your fault, you know." "That's because they like things neat and tidy, huh?" At least that’s what he saw on TV all the time. On those cop shows. "Tell me about it." Oh, ho. There was a story there. "You'll have to tell me about it sometime." Somehow he didn't want to let go of the good detective just yet. "You don't need to hear about the ex-husband, man. I have your necklace. Is there a good place to bring it to you in the next week?" Collars and Cuffs - 86

Her ex. Oh, yes, he did want to hear about that. "You can bring it to me at work, I guess. Does that work for you?" "Sure, if having the cops start showing up won't cramp your style." "Why let it start now?" They'd been after him at work, at home, everywhere. "Hey, man. I'm just doing my job." "I know, I know. I don' mind so much." That was the truth, at least. She fascinated him. Her chuckle was low, sexy, hot. "I guess I should let you go, sir. I'll bring the necklace to you." "Thanks, Mac." She seemed like she would be a Mac. He hoped he wasn't offending. "Anytime. Tell your partner that I hope there's no hard feelings." "I will." That would go a long way with Benny. The man did love his social niceties sometimes. "I'll see you soon." "Yeah." Click. Boom. Dead line. So much for social niceties. John chuckled, hung up the phone, and went looking for Benny. He was bored, now, and Ben had been catching up long enough. He heard Ben's whistles from the hallway. Bingo. Someone was in a good mood. John peeked into Ben's little space, holding his breath so he wouldn't make noise. Ha! Video game engaged. Now was the time. Ben was blowing up little jewels, one set after the other -- boom, boom, boom. "Hey, baby. Feeling better?" John stroked the back of Ben's neck, knowing how he hated to be behind. "I do. Am. Whatever. That feels so good." "Yeah?" Ben had been pampering him; maybe he needed to pamper Benny a bit. Collars and Cuffs - 87

"Uh-huh." Jesus, the muscles in Ben's shoulders were tight, stiff as board. "Damn, babe." John rubbed, feeling selfish as all hell. Shit, he'd been flirting with the cop while Ben sat and stewed. "Hmm?" Ben's head fell forward, the moan soft, sweet as hell. "You're all caught up. You should have said." Digging in with his thumbs, John gave Benny some love, bending to kiss the back of that stiff neck. ""I. Uhn. What?" "Stiff. Hard. Full of hardness." He was just teasing now, but he loved it, so he kept on. "Mmm. I could be full of hardness, Johnny." "Yeah. You so could. I could do that little thing for you." Not that anything was little. "Mmm. What else could you do for me?" "Anything you want, baby. We can get really horizontal and dance. We could do it in the shower..." "We haven't been in our bed in days." "I know! What's up with that?" He pulled Ben right up out of the chair, leading him to their loft. Ben's laughter followed him up the stairs, maybe even chased him a little. They tumbled to the bed together, both of them already pulling at the soft sweats and low-slung jeans, needing to have skin. God, he loved how Ben moaned for him, writhing on the mattress. "Hot. You're hot, Johnny. Please." Ben bit at his shoulder, moaning against his skin. "Love how you feel. Love how you want." Fuck. He loved all the parts when it came to his Ben. "Mmmhmm. Who wouldn't want you? My wicked Johnnie." Collars and Cuffs - 88

Laughing, he nibbled at Ben's skin a little more. "You might be a little biased." "No. I want you. Your clients. Hell, that little Attila the Hun cop wants you." John chuckled, licking at Ben's upper arm. "She's okay, you know? Tough. But she's not you." "Nope. She's not." Ben grinned down at him, fingers knowing just where to touch, where to hold him. "Only one Ben, huh? Mine." John sucked up a mark, glad as hell that Ben worked from home. "Yeah. Yeah, Johnny." He could feel Ben swallowing, hear the way Ben moaned for him. They rocked together, both of them starting to pant, both of them biting and stroking and pushing. God, he wanted to make Ben feel good, wanted to make him feel amazing. The bed springs started creaking, Ben wrapping one leg around his. John kissed Ben, wanting to blow his mind, wanting to give. That was kind of an odd thing for him, so he went with it while it lasted. He loved the way Ben opened up for him, tugged him down closer and rubbed against him. "Baby." He bit down against Ben's skin, hard, wanting to feel the blood beneath the skin. "Johnny!" Oh, fuck. That was hot. Benny was humping up on him, clutching at him madly, and John bit down again, wanting to see that again, to feel it. "Johnny. Johnny, please. Fuck me, huh?" "Yeah. Okay, baby. Let me get you wet." He'd do that his favorite way. With his mouth. "Yes. God, yes. You make me want." Ben moaned, spread for him. "Good." He pushed Benny back and down, lifting those pretty legs in the air so he could get to Ben's ass. He loved the way Ben didn't hide a thing, spread and stretched for him, so fucking eager it hurt. Lifting a little Collars and Cuffs - 89

higher, John pushed at Ben's ass with his tongue, stretching and wetting that little hole. Yeah. "Oh, sweet fuck. More. More, Johnny." The words kept coming, pouring out for him. "Mmmhmm." Licking, pushing, he opened Benny up for him, getting the man good and wet. Then he started pushing fingers in. It was easy as hell, the way Ben let him in, rode his touch like it was the only fucking thing on Earth. Ever. Moving his fingers in and out, John moaned, kissing the back of Ben's thigh. "Come on, baby. Need you ready for me." "I am. I'm ready. Come on, Johnny." Ben grinned at him, the look wild and kinda frantic. "I'm real ready." "In." In, in. Jesus, he needed in. He pushed up between Benny's thighs, his cock nudging at that tight hole. He only paused long enough to slick his cock up a little. Ben grabbed his knees, pulled up and out and spread like a practiced whore. "Yeah, beautiful. In." Jesus. He was going to have palpitations. "Benny." John slipped right in, pushing hard enough to get past the resistance, but not hard enough to hurt. Ben's body rippled for him, pretty as anything, and he sank deeper, his cock wrapped with heat. Panting, John started moving, started thrusting, his hips working good and hard. There was nothing like being inside his Ben. One hand cupped his cheek, thumb tracing his lips in a motion that was incredibly gentle, compared to the way their bodies slammed together. He smiled against Benny's thumb, then bit a little, licking to ease the sting. Ben chuckled, and all those muscles around his cock squeezed. "Oh. Babe. Jesus." His head was going to fly off. Every bit of him tingled. Every inch. Collars and Cuffs - 90

"Uh-huh." Ben started tugging off, the dark red cock head leaking like a sieve. "Come on, Benny." His hand closed around Ben's, his fingers squeezing down. "So pretty. So hot." "Yours. Fuck. Right there." Benny's eyes rolled. John reached up with his other hand, his forefinger and thumb finding Ben's nipple and squeezing. "Like that, too?" "John." Oh, fuck. Yeah. He felt that all along his cock. "Uh-huh." His hips moved faster, pushing his cock in, his hipbones smacking against that fine ass. "More, baby. I want to see." Ben grunted, shoulders leaving the mattress as hot seed sprayed over his chest. "Fuck. Fuck, baby. So hot." His cock was squeezed, all the way in, all the way along his length, and John bit his lip, waiting for Benny to finish. He wanted it all. "Love." Ben's muscles rippled all around him, working his prick, driving him crazy. "Gonna." He blew like a damned blue norther, his cock aching, his balls emptying at an alarming rate. Ben held on, rocking him a little, breathing hard. "Damn, Johnny." "You know it. Feel better, baby? Not so tense?" That was the fucking important part. "I think I'm on the far side of melty, thank you." "Good." John settled down, tickled as hell with himself. Usually it was the other way around, so he was pretty proud. Ben's arm landed across his waist. "Glad to be home?" "Yeah. I loved the beach and all, but it's good to be home and know I'm clear." Collars and Cuffs - 91

"God, yes. If we never have to see you in cuffs again..." "Well, not unless they're fur lined." He kinda shuddered at the idea of those cold, metal handcuffs. Ben grabbed his hand, kissed his wrist. "No, not even then." "Okay." He chuckled. "I wouldn't mind seeing the cop at one of my classes, though." "Yeah? You think so? You don't think she's a little... grr?" "A little? Hell, yes. She's also sexy as all fuck." He didn't know why, but she was. "You just want someone to kick your ass a little." "You think?" Huh. Maybe. Benny was more likely to fuck his ass. "I'm not the kicking type. She's something else." "She is." John bit his lip, hating to ruin the afterglow. Still, better to ask now than to surprise Ben later. "I was thinking we could have her over for supper." Ben -- his Benny who loved him like nothing else -reached out, stroked his bottom lip. "You want more than supper, huh? She's got you all fluttery." "She does." He closed his eyes, kissed Ben's fingers. "Not without you, though. Supper it is, if you're not into it." He wouldn't lose Benny for the world. "No. Not without me." Ben hummed softly, lips brushing his temple. "We'll see how it goes, Johnny. See if she even bites. Hell, she may arrest you." "Yeah. Who knows?" His Ben never ceased to amaze him. He needed to say it more. "Love you, baby." "I know." Ben kissed his cheek, his jaw. "Good." He chuffed a little laugh. "Be lost without you, babe."

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"Good thing you don't have to worry about that." Ben and him, they were thick as thieves. Nothing could come between them. Nothing. *** Okay. Okay. Finish the beer. Give the man his necklace. Go home. Simple. Easy. Quiet. Quick. She'd faced murderers. Rapists. Gigantic assholes that wanted to tear her into bits. This was easy. She was far enough away from the stage that Hannah knew none of the dancers would see her, hidden in the shadows so that she could watch the scary brides-to-be and older women with perfectly done hair and lipstick and boobs. Hannah looked down at her black button-down, her matching jacket hiding her piece. Man, she was… Penal. Pure cop. Law-abiding. Yeah, not sexy. Good thing she wasn't fucking here to be sexy. She was here to catch John and give him his property so she could stop thinking on Mr. Shake-It-Baby and get back to finding the perp. The problem was that lap dance she'd gotten the last time she'd seen him at work. The smooth skin of his hip under her fingers had made her think decisively un-coplike thoughts. So did the sight of him coming toward her right now wearing nothing but a pair of tiny, clingy, red work-out type shorts and some glitter. "Well, hey there, Ms. Hammer. Bride or groom?" he asked, flashing his wide, white grin. Shark. Pure, sexy fucking shark. Note to self -- her middle name was Elizabeth, not Chum. Collars and Cuffs - 93

She tossed her head a little, rolled her eyes. "Neither, thank God. I have serious allergies to tulle." "Oh, I bet. You seem much more like a suede leather girl." He leaned on the table, arm muscles bulging just so, pecs rounding out beautifully. The guy was a pro. "Cotton." She was pretty sure blue jeans were made of cotton. "I have your necklace. It's no longer evidence." She dug in her jacket pocket, the little brown evidence envelope hiding for a second. "Yeah? Cool." Straightening, he propped one hip on the table, the other cocked out, his package kinda...bulging at her. "I like that one." "Yeah." She looked at his eyes, refusing to give in to the urge to ogle. He did have the prettiest eyes, surrounded with gold eyelashes and everything. It wasn't fucking fair. "You'll have to sign for it." He held out his arms, the smile growing. "I'm afraid I don't have anywhere to stash a pen." Hannah fought that goddamned smile with all she was, and the fucker still broke free. "Good thing for you I came fully dressed and accessorized, then, huh, Studly?" "It is." His leg slid along hers, up and down. "I like a lady who has her shit together." "Down, boy." She tugged her jacket closed, hiding any evidence of sneak nipplage. Stupid body. "You've got a whole room of wealthy women dying for a look at that. I'm just on a cop's salary." His legs parted a little more, giving her a glimpse of golden pubes as his shorts slipped to one side. "It's the ones who don't have to pay for it that get me going, Detective. You? Would never pay for it in a million years. I like that about you." She chuckled, her grin honest and unembarrassed for the first time all night. "Well, I appreciate it. I'll make Collars and Cuffs - 94

sure and put you as a reference the next time the Ethics committee comes breathing down my neck." The chain slipped out of the envelope and into her hand. Heavy. Slick. Man, talk about the bling-bling. "Put it on me?" he asked, leaning forward so she could reach his neck. He smelled like smoke and musk, clean sweat and something that might have been stage make-up. She met his eyes, dead-on. "You so much as pretend to go for my weapon, and I'll lay you flat out. Clear?" Those were the rules. She wouldn't ever be caught off-guard again, pretty eyes or not. He stared at her for a minute, eyes wide, then started laughing. "Oh, honey, I don't touch those things. Period. I'm more likely to make a grab for your tits." "They're considerably less impressive than my Glock." She winked and fastened the necklace on John's neck, fingers sliding over that warm, warm skin. "Oh, I don't know. I think you're way more impressive than flat steel." She could feel his breath on her cheek. Oh, damn. She hadn't been so riled up in years -- not about something that wasn't a case, at any rate. She fumbled a little with the clasp, lip caught between her teeth. One of his hands came up to steady hers, warm and firm, fingers long enough to circle her wrist. It took a lot for a man to make her feel small... Goddamn it, Hannah! Get your shit together. The man wasn’t into girls, and even if he was, he was involved in a relationship, and even if he wasn't, she wasn't in the market to get screwed with again. The damned clasp fastened. "There. Back where it belongs." Collars and Cuffs - 95

"Thanks." His voice had gone all dark and husky, his cheeks pink under his tan. "I appreciate it." "You're welcome." It looked good, too. Shiny, bright, perfect against that fine skin. Her fingers trailed along his arm, actually petting for a second before she caught herself. "I should go. Stay out of trouble, Studly." "Hey!" He caught her, his hand on her waist. "Come to dinner with me and Ben tomorrow night." "Dinner?" She stumbled a little, hand landing splayed on his chest. God, he was warm. "Are you... I mean, I don't think your partner wants to spend his free time with Attila the Hun, yeah?" He gave her a look that had her tingling in places she thought were dead. "Ben knows I like you. He's willing to play, too. I just had to wait until I wasn't a suspect." "Oh." Oh, good lord. Come on, Hannah. He's beautiful. Committed. Gay. Hung. Muscled. Sexy as fuck. Putting you on. He has to be. Has to be. And if she knew this, why the fuck was she nodding, agreeing? "Where?" "Do you like Mexican?" He grinned, teeth flashing. "Ben likes margaritas." "I do. I haven't had a good margarita in a while. The guys tease. What time?" Her cheeks were heated, heart trip-hammering. "I get off at four. Ben should be done with his coding by six. Six-thirty? We could pick you up. Or meet you at Chuprio's. You know it? It's in my neighborhood." Oh, he was just...well. She thought he might act smug, but he wasn't. The stud just stared at her, serious heat in his eyes. "The one over off Oak Lawn?" At his nod, she smiled. Yeah, she knew it. The owners had a son that was in Narcotics. Sweet boy. "Okay. I'll try for sixCollars and Cuffs - 96

thirty, but I can't promise. Criminals can be fucking rude about schedules. Here, here's my cell number. If I'm more than fifteen minutes late, call." Not that she'd forget, because who could forget those eyes? His fingers moved, stroking a little, giving her shivers. "You bet I'll call. We'll look forward to seeing you, then." "Have a good night. I'll see y'all tomorrow." It took more than she liked to admit to start walking, to move away from that touch. "Count on it, lady. Count on it," he said, as she headed for the door. She waved and made it almost to her car, silly little fantasies in her head, before her phone went off. It was Ricky, calling in a hot lead on the red-head case. Oh, hot damn. It'd be nice to bag that fucker, now, before he hurt someone else. She caught someone with her shoulder as she walked around her sedan, hard enough that they both spun a little bit. "Oh, careful. Sorry." "No problem, officer." The tires squealed as she pulled out of the parking lot, eyes focused on the road. It wasn't until the middle of the night, when she was in the midst of a happy fantasy of watch John and his dark-haired lover together, that she thought to wonder how the guy in the parking lot had made her as a cop.

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Chapter Eleven Do I look all right, babe?" John straightened the collar of his crisp white shirt, knowing it set off his tanned skin just so. He wore the heavy gold chain McTavish had brought back to him the day before, and a pair of charcoal gray pants that made his ass look amazing. He wanted to impress. And not just the lady. He wiggled a little as Ben looked him over, giving his lover a show. He always wanted to impress his Ben. Always. "Mmm... good enough to eat." Ben smiled, wandering closer, dark eyes traveling over him. His Ben was nothing to sneeze at, looking sleek in a black turtleneck, black pants and jacket. With the glasses and the little goatee that had come to stay once the summer started going out a little, Ben looked like a poet gone classy. Geek chic made him hard. John grabbed Ben and kissed him, putting a little color in those pale cheeks. "Good. And you look like dessert, babe. You ready to go play?" "I do believe I am, Johnnie." Ben took his arm, petting him just a little. "Who's driving?" He wanted Ben to have his margaritas. "I am. You know I'd rather gorge on the cabbage stuff than shoot tequila." They headed out, bumping hips, and John was feeling good. They had a date. It was weirdly cool. "Oh, lord. Tell me you have Gas-X in your pocket. Otherwise you'll knock the scary cop-lady out before the sopapillas come." Oh, someone was in a playful mood, wasn't he? Which was good, as Ben was at his most charming when he was happy and bouncy. Collars and Cuffs - 98

"No, I thought I'd light farts to entertain her... jeez, Ben, gimme some credit." He whapped Ben's arm as he opened the car door for him, bowing low. "Your chariot awaits." "My hero." Ben managed to cop a feel on the way into the car. "I can't imagine what lighting farts would do to our dry cleaning bill. Could be an interesting addition to your show, though." "I could team up with old Velda the Smoking Pussy... you remember her?" John shuddered. The things that woman had done to her, uh, parts down below for money just boggled the mind. "Oh. Oh, God. Blah. No. Ew." He hid his grin as Ben's hands started going, fluttering. Ben's gross-out level? Way lower than his. Chuckling, he pulled out into traffic, heading for Chupiro's. He'd picked the place because it had intimate lighting, waiters who spoke little English, a fairly low brow atmosphere that he thought a cop would appreciate, and fantastic food. No sense in pretending to be hoity-toity, as they surely weren't. "I don't know, babe," he said, pushing a little. "I always thought she had talent." "Don't think I won't beat you. That woman gave me nightmares." Ben reached over, tweaked his nipple. "You focus on the scary cop lady, okay? She didn't... Well, you know... The last time I saw her, she was covered in mud and sort of smelled foul. Do you have a stinky girl fetish?" "Nah, I just like to crack the tough nuts." He let his shifting hand drift over to cup Ben's crotch. "And lick the soft ones." He did love Ben's laugh, the way Ben played with him. Spread for him. "Be good, Johnnie. I can't go be cool and suave with a stiffie." Collars and Cuffs - 99

"Uh-huh. You can be all hot and bothered," he said, sliding his hand up and down a minute before he had to gear down. "It's your best look, babe." "You're awful." Well, he might be awful, but he was still right. Flushed and damp lipped, eyes sparkling -Ben looked hot. "No, I'm not. I'm good, and you know it." He turned right, heading down to the more commercial streets, flirting madly. "You love me for it." "I adore you, but it's for your cooking skills and the way you look when you're vacuuming." Oh, butter wouldn't melt in that man's mouth. "You like how my ass looks framed by apron strings?" God, this was good practice. He had a feeling McTavish would be full of piss and vinegar and that they'd all spar some. Hell, for him and Ben it was a national pastime. "I like how the vibrations of the vacuum make it jiggle. The apron strings are just a bonus." They pulled down Oak Lawn, the little coffee houses and restaurants starting to fill as the little odd shops finished closing up. "Yeah, well, I like it when you scrub the bathtub. Hands and knees, ass moving in little circles..." He'd attacked that ass more than once, pouncing on it when the urge got too strong. "Hey, doesn't look too crowded tonight." "We're a little early for the crowds, and that new place opened up down the street." Ben's nose wrinkled up, lip curling a little. "That nouveau fusion CubanMexican place that's all flash and no substance. Pure glitz." Somebody was still bitter about losing a web design gig. He chuckled, patting Ben's leg again after he found a parking spot. "They didn't deserve you. You ready?" Collars and Cuffs - 100

"Always." Ben leaned over for a quick kiss before they headed in. The restaurant was that kick-ass mixture of intimate and sparkly that only a metric ton of used Christmas lights tacked on every inch of ceiling and draped on the world's most bizarre pinata donkeys could give. Hannah was actually there, sitting at the bar and talking to the bartender like they were best of friends. The little green sweater she was wearing didn't give him much to look at, but the tight jeans hugging her ass as she perched? John approved. John went over, hauling Ben with him, coming up so she could see him from the side so he could put a hand on the small of her back without her shooting him or something. "Hey there, lady." He got a smile, sudden and warm, and damn, he'd bet she had no idea how sexy it made her. "Hey guys. How's it hanging?" His blinky silence made Ben chuckle, so John figured he'd better close his sagging mouth and say something. "It's hanging... You look great." The lack of a suit jacket did wonders for her. It really did. "Is that my cue to say 'this old thing?' and flutter? Because Nogales made me go buy something that wasn't black, blue, or capable of hiding my shoulder holster." Ben snorted, shook his head and laughed. "Do you flutter?" "No. Not as a rule. I'm not the type." Hannah looked at Ben, straight on. "Do you?" "Oh, honey, let me tell you..." Ben went limp-wristed and drama-queen long enough for them all to laugh good and hard. "Come on, let's get a table," John said, catching them both around the waist and pulling them around, Hannah stumbling against him a little as he yanked her off her Collars and Cuffs - 101

barstool. "Ben is jonesing for margaritas, and I want to play footsie with someone." She smelled good -- warm and earthy and not floral. "Are you sure someone wants to play footsie with you, Studly?" Ben chuckled, looked down over at her and winked. "Yeah, he's sure. What're you drinking?" She held up her almost empty glass. "This is Sprite. I figured I'd save my one drink for a margarita." "Hell, yes. That's my one, too. Ben, I intend to get tipsy as anything. He's really amusing." They got a booth, and he debated. Sit across from Hannah and next to Ben? Or corral the cop and play with Ben under the table? "Lucky guy." Hannah slid in to the spot with the single menu, sort of deciding for him. She smiled up at the waitress, and he noticed suddenly that her ears weren't pierced, no necklace, no rings. Just a solid looking watch. Bizarre. Unusual. He liked it. It was like she just said, 'fuck you, world, this is me'. John nudged Ben into the booth, trapping him against the wall. All the better to play with his pretty. "Margaritas all around?" "Works for me. On the rocks, no salt." Hannah nodded, settled, legs crossing under the table, foot just brushing his leg. "And a glass of water." Oh, ho. Someone was ready to play. Maybe since he was off the suspect list, she was really interested. She did seem all business, after all, taking her job very seriously. This was a whole new ball of wax. John rubbed back, just a tiny bit. "Water here, too. Oh, and queso dip, and some of that cabbage slaw stuff."

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Ben chuckled. "I want a frozen one, salt." One hand brushed over his lower back, teasing and tickling, making him wiggle a little. His cheeks heated, his eyelids drooping a little as he looked at Ben. Then he grinned over at Hannah as the waitress left. "So, can you tell us anything about your case?" "Not really, no. Not beyond you're not a suspect." She grinned, shrugged. "Cap had me and Ricky over in Plano today doing some work on another case. We've got full case loads." "How many do you work?" "Anywhere from five to twelve, in varying stages." He blinked, and Ben's head tilted. "Damn, that's a lot." "Well, if y'all will get on the horn and tell the bad guys to stop, it'd make my job way easier." She brushed her hand through her hair, laughed. "What about your partner?" "Nogales is the public face -- talks to the vics, the perps. Hell, he usually testifies." "Gee, I wonder why that is." He laughed. "Too blunt, lady?" Her eyes went wide and then rolled dramatically. "People don't like to hear the truth. Especially asshole defense lawyers. The last time I was in court, the damned prosecutor slipped up and called me Hammer. Judge Harvey wasn't impressed." "Hammer? As in pounding nails?" Ben tilted his head and then leaned back as the drinks and chips showed. "Kind of, yeah." Hannah's smile faded just a little, then recouped. "Come on, you don't have a nickname, Ben?" Oh, he'd have to avoid the Hammer nickname if it bothered her. John grinned, steering the fun toward Ben. Collars and Cuffs - 103

"He has a good many, but none anyone would use in court. Maybe you'll get to hear some of them later." "Careful, Johnnie. Some of us know all your secrets." Ben looked over the top of his glasses, dark eyes dancing. "And there will no embarrassing nicknames." Oh, so letting on that Ben's family all called him "Pooter" was right out. Good to know. John laughed, fingers petting Ben's thigh under the table as he let his foot wander up Hannah's leg a little. Fuck, he was getting hard. Felt good. Real good. "Okay, okay. No nicknames. So tell me what you do in your time off, McTavish." "Time off?" She chuckled, tossed her head a little. "Last time HR called, I had a hundred and eighty hours of leave saved up; Rick has two hundred and fifteen. Cops don't have time off." No wonder she was in desperate need of a manicure. She worked her fingers to the bone. "That's not right, is it, babe?" "God, no. Stress does terrible things to your body, honey. Wears you down. I'm surprised you don't have a permanent head cold." Ben shook his head. "You should take a cruise. Something with surf and sand and sun." Hannah chuckled, eyes just dancing. "A cruise? Oh, good Lord. I think I'm better suited to where I am." Oh, fuck that would be fun. Him and Ben rubbing lotion into each other's skin, trying to convince Hannah to wear a bikini. She had the body for it. Those jeans told him so. She wasn't as square and solid as she liked to pretend. "That would be fun as all get out." Ben's legs spread a little for him, ass wiggling on the seat, not enough to see, just enough to feel. "It would. We haven't been on vacation in too long, Johnnie." They all laughed at that. Collars and Cuffs - 104

"It's been what, John? Two days? Three?" John gave her a haughty look. "At least two weeks, thank you." "It's been days and days, you two. Days. What are you hungry for..." Ben looked over at Hannah, smiled. "What would you like me to call you, detective? We really never did the informal introduction thing." "Hannah works. Or Hammer. MacTavish. Whatever you're comfortable with." She shrugged, rolled her eyes a little. "I answer to almost anything. And I'm thinking cheese enchiladas." "I was thinking carnitas." He loved the way Ben picked up all his signals, gave it right up. He dipped his fingers between those spread legs, like he had in the truck. "You could get the supreme burrito thingee you like so much, and we could all eat off each other's plates." "Mmm... perfect." Now was that little purr for the food or his fingers? Just in case it was for his fingers, he pressed one to the bottom seam of Ben's zipper, exactly where Ben probably needed it right now. Then he looked over at Hannah. "No cruises, huh? How about a trip to the beach, then? A long weekend. We know the prettiest little condo…" Ben's hips rolled, so pretty. Yeah. It was his fingers. "Padre's pretty this time of year." He got a look, one red eyebrow arched a little. The woman didn't miss a trick. Didn't say anything, though, just sipped her drink and ordered when the waiter came back by. "It is." He gave her a grin right back, his cheeks heating at the way Ben responded to him, at knowing she was watching. "It would be a great place to play. We like to play, don't we, Ben?"

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"Mmmhmm." Ben finished his drink, humming a little, eyes wicked. "There's nothing like getting away from the daily bump and grind." That got Hannah to laughing, and even Ben stopped and looked, admired a little. Yeah. That was it. See, babe, he thought. See how fine she is when she lets go. "Yeah, sometimes you need a break from designing porn, too, huh?" "You design porn?" Hannah chuckled, shook her head. "I guess the new laws are kicking your ass, huh? I worked Technology crime for a few years before a slot opened up in Homicide." "I design ads, mostly, and yeah, I made some good money making sure my clients were all legal-beagle before the change." Ben chuckled, shook his head. "You don't look like a geek, Detective." Hannah snorted. "It's a stone cold bitch to get into Homicide. I've worked T.C., Vice, Narcotics. Whatever it takes." Ben shivered a little, sorta scooted closer to him. "Sounds dangerous, honey." That was part of the attraction, wasn't it? She looked and sounded like she could kick ass. John liked it. He let his ankle rub one side of Hannah's leg, then the other, shifting a little to adjust his cock. It was fascinating, because she didn't come off as little, but he'd had his fingers around her wrists, could feel how small her legs were, compared to his, to Ben's. "Just another job with a little more overtime than most." She moved toward his touch, then away as she sat up a little. "So what do y'all do in your off-time? I mean, dancing's not a nine-to-five gig; it's got to be a little weird." Man, she was a ball of contradictions. To give her credit, she was probably a little confused, too, what with Collars and Cuffs - 106

there being three of them, and two of them already a couple. John would bet she'd never done anything like this in her life. "Well, you know I teach classes, yeah? And I model." John laughed a little. "And I've been known to hire myself out as a naked maid, though Ben could tell you I don't do much more than swing a mean feather duster." That got another laugh, sexy as fuck, those green eyes dancing. "Well, now, what good is that? If I'm going to hire a maid, I need someone to clean my cave." "Oh, now. Are you telling us you're not Suzie Homemaker?" Ben ducked the napkin she tossed at him. "I clean the fish tank. That's good enough." Nodding, John pressed at Ben's fly again. "Always make sure you take care of the pets first, yeah?" Ben purred a little, rubbing up against his hand. "This would be why we don't have any. No little fuzzy critters so we can leave for a week, no stress." "Yeah? I got them after my divorce to replace the sofa. The tank's not as soft, but it's fun to watch." "Relaxing?" She needed to unwind some, but John doubted fish would do it. "Yeah, I guess. They're all sorts of colors and shit, and the tank lights up, keeps it from being too dark." John laughed a little, fingers pressing under Ben's cock. "I have Ben. He keeps me pretty well relaxed and entertained." Ben shuddered, belly going tight, cock throbbing for him. "Relaxed, huh?" "You two best be good before somebody calls a cop." Hannah's eyes were dancing, laughing at them. "Oh, now, why would anyone do that?" He let his foot slide a little higher on her leg. "We're just having some fun." Collars and Cuffs - 107

"Ben looks like he's having more than fun. I've never seen a man go cross-eyed like that." Oh, Ben was glazed over, eyes glassy, lips damp where he'd been licking them. Everything in him just went hard. God, that look. "I like to keep him entertained, too, you know." "Question is, is he easily entertained, or are you good at entertaining?" Catty little bitch. How she kept it from being nasty and made him laugh was beyond him. "He's good. Real good." Ben had the babyhead thing going on. "See? Satisfaction guaranteed." Sneaking a napkin off the table, John pulled the tablecloth over to cover Ben's lap, unzipping his pants. "Come on, babe. As an appetizer." Hannah's eyes went wide as Ben moaned low and deep for him, cock pushing right into his hand. "Johnnie." "Uh-huh. Come on, babe. Yeah." He stroked, his hand closed tight on Ben's cock, pulling, trying to make his arm movements less than obvious. "You two are fucking insane." Hannah's eyes were burning, her lips parted. Fuck, she was hot. "Uh-huh. We just like to have fun, right, babe?" Oh, the way Ben jerked and almost moaned, biting his lip, made John so fucking hot he thought he might explode. "Yeah. Fun. Fun. Oh, God. Hurry. The food'll come." His thumb brushed across the slit of Ben's cock, and everything in Ben went tight and stiff, cock throbbing. He caught Ben's come in the napkin, the smell making his mouth water harder than any chile sauce could. Jesus, he hurt, but Ben was right. The food was on its way. They barely got Ben zipped back up before it landed on the table. John winked at Hannah. "Smells good." Collars and Cuffs - 108

He had to give Hannah credit, she recovered quick, rolling her eyes and chuckling. "Now you both need a nap, not food. I'm going to be denied my sparkling witty repartee." "You've obviously never been around Ben after he's had a nice appetizer. And I'm hardly done. In fact, you could say there's still something pressing I have to do." Oh, he liked her. He did. "Well, if you disappear into the men's room, I'll attempt to look innocent and make sure they don't steal your water glasses." Ben chuckled, the sound husky and rough. "You are polite, aren't you?" "She is." He gave Ben a smile, too, just flying, having a ball. God, he loved to play. Loved it. He stole a bite of Ben's burrito. Ben leaned in a little, reaching for the salt and cuddling all at once. "So why did you become a cop, really? I mean, is it a family thing? A power thing?" "A family thing. My father is a retired sheriff; both my brothers are in federal law enforcement. I never wanted to be anything else." He did like watching her eat, lips wrapping around the fork and tugging the food off. He might have to go to the bathroom after all. He could just imagine that mouth around him. She wouldn't be delicate; she'd be greedy. Forceful. He'd bet on it. "Huh?" he asked, when Ben poked his ribs. Hannah laughed again, deep and low. Fuck, it was pure sex. "You got lost there for a minute, Studly." Ben leaned over, whispered in his ear. "I see you, looking at her mouth." "Well, babe..." Jesus, he thought. Just look at it. John laughed, too, though, right from the belly, laughing at Collars and Cuffs - 109

himself and the whole situation. He grabbed up his fork. "Come on, lady. Share." She turned her plate, offering him a bite of enchilada. "They're good and cheesy. A little hot, though." Man, she managed to make that sound suggestive. John forked up a bit and nipped it off, humming a little. "Yum. You should try, Ben." "Well, that's no fair, not unless we give her some." Ben stabbed a bite on his fork, leaned over and offered it to her. "Open up, lady." Hannah blinked for a second and then leaned over, lips parted. That moan came from him, didn't it? God, the two of them, if they ever did more than flirt, were gonna kill him. Ben could make him fucking soar as it was. He got a sudden, curious look, those eyes a little wide as she took the bite, settled back in her seat. "It's good. Spicy. I like it." "It is." Maybe he was going too far. John sighed a little, sat back, determined to be a good boy for a bit. He gave Ben a bite of carnita, bumping hips. He and Ben fed each other, playing idly, Ben's fingers making sure his cock never drooped, never even thought about going soft. Hannah watched them, ate her food, shaking her head when the waitress asked her if she wanted another margarita. "No, I have to drive. Thanks though." "Oh, I can drive you home. Give her another one." He grinned. Really, she needed to loosen up again. Smile for him again. John took the bull by the horns. "We didn't upset you, did we? I'm sorry if we did." "No. No, you have to appreciate a couple that are still into each other so much." They got a wink, a half grin. "Just be grateful I wasn't on duty." Collars and Cuffs - 110

"Yeah. I can see that." Lord, maybe he'd stomped her foot when Ben came or something. He'd been a little distracted. "Well, you're safe for at least..." She checked her watch. "Fourteen hours by my watch." Ben shook his head. "No, no. No thinking about work, lady. This is about playing. Thinking and planning complicates things." "No shit." Not that he and Ben didn't think. They knew how. That got her laughing a little, and she slipped her watch off, popped it in her pocket. The pale line around her wrist drew his eyes; he'd bet she was so sensitive there, skin so soft. He wanted to put his lips there, taste the skin. John settled for some more of his carnitas platter. "You want another margarita, too, Ben?" "Surely." Ben nodded, offering another bite to Hannah. "Do you dance, lady?" "Dance?" "Uh-huh. You know, music, dim lights, bodies moving in time. Dancing." Ben chuckled, winked. "Possibly booze." "No. No, I haven't. I'm not the type." "Oh, we should take you. I bet you move way better than you think you do." Not the type, his ass. "Like I would look like anything but a short doofus next to the two of you." She cackled, eyes lit up again. "Besides, you might lose me in a crowd and then where would I be?" "We'd put you between us." He winked, gasping a little as Ben petted his belly. Damn. Oh. Good. "Now that's a pretty visual." Her mouth snapped shut, cheeks turning a sweet pink. Oh, yes. Somebody was paying attention. Collars and Cuffs - 111

"It is, isn't it? I think we might have to try it." "Mmm. Yeah. There's a sweet, quiet place three doors down. Not too loud, not too quiet, nice Latin music." Ben nodded at him, then at Hannah. "You'll love it. It's like legal public fucking." His nipples had to be showing through the white shirt, hard as they were. "That's a great fucking idea. Let's do it." They got a look, a little blinky, a little wide-eyed. "I. Okay. Okay, so long as if I look stupid, I get to just sit and watch." "You won't look stupid, lady." Ben finished his drink, cheeks flushed. "Trust us." "Definitely." He gave her a huge grin, feeling like he might just come in his pants. "Trust us." John could make anyone look good while they danced. And he had a feeling with Hannah he wouldn't have to even work hard at it at all.

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Chapter Twelve She was out of her fucking mind. Well, okay, that was a given. She'd just watched a former murder suspect give his very male partner a hand job in a restaurant. But hey, no cash passed hands and she didn't see anything and somehow she kept hearing “boys will be boys” ringing in her ears. But dancing? Her? No way. Hannah looked at herself in the bathroom mirror, looked close at how pale she was in the florescents, how plain she was next to tall, blonde and painted. Her fingers brushed over her belly, the thick, ropy scars left there, hidden under the sweater. Oh, yeah. Out of her fucking mind. She washed her hands and face, dried off some. Maybe she could just sneak out while the guys were dancing together, walk back to her car and get a six-pack to drink at home. Get a six-pack and call Ricky to share it with her while they went over the notes on that triple homicide near Farmer's Branch. Yeah, that sounded less pathetic. Still, it was a thought, except that when she walked out the bathroom door, John was right there to grab her arm. "We thought you'd fallen in." "I got mugged by one of the beautiful people. They wanted to see if I should wear Passion Pink or Fuck Me Red lipstick. I fended them off." She grinned up, sort of distracted by those eyes again. Damn. He radiated heat, too, even through her sweater, his fingers making her arm tingle. "Well, I'm all for fuck me red, myself. Come on, lady. Let's boogie." He didn't give her time to beg off, pulling her to the edge of the dance floor where Ben was waiting, Collars and Cuffs - 113

laughing with this pair of Amazonian twins, all blond and fierce and boob jobs. Wow. "Hey, babe," John said, as he got close. "Let's dance." John got a bright smile, Ben moving close. "You didn't run off after all." "Did I say I was going to?" Bastard had a pretty smile. "Would you say so if you were?" "Of course she would. She's a straight shooter, right, lady?" They both got towed out on the dance floor, and John hadn't lied. He made her feel like she could dance, just by putting a hand on her hip and guiding her a little. His other hand rested at the small of Ben's back, keeping them all close. The music was easy to move to, and they surrounded her, both watching her, watching each other. It was enough to make a woman feel wanted. So was the erection that ground against her every time John got close, his pelvis sliding against her hip. It was enough to wake up parts of her that had been dead and quiet for months, enough to make her ache and start to rub back, her belly board-tight. "Mmm." He could hear the low hum even over the music, John's hand starting to move on her, up and down her back. "Pretty, lady. Huh, babe?" Ben's thumb lifted her chin, eyes searching her face. "More than pretty. Sexy, fine. Pretty's for little girls." That got a low growl from John, a fancy little swirl of his hips. "Yeah. Yeah, Hannah's special." God, that smile. It should be illegal. "Y'all are terrible teases." It tingled so good, when John's arm brushed her breasts, her nipples standing up and begging for attention. "Oh, no," John said, bumping her hip again, breath fanning her cheek. "We always follow through." Collars and Cuffs - 114

"Mmmhmm. Johnnie's exceptional at the followthrough." Ben bent, lips brushing just at the edge of her hairline, making her shudder. "Oh. Someone's sensitive." Then that little brush of lips happened again, setting her afire. "Yeah. She's...damn. You're something else, lady." There, John's hand settled at the small of her back again. The scent of male arousal came, hot and heady, making her dizzy. Someone bumped her, momentum pushing her right into John's body, straddling one hard thigh. She couldn't swallow her gasp as the motion drove the seam of her jeans just right, the pressure on her clit perfect. John held her there, swaying to the music as the beat picked up, his hips driving against her, his leg lifting her nearly off the ground. Hot. His skin was so hot against her, his eyes on fire for her. She was burning up, close to embarrassing herself and melting down. "I can't..." "Shh. Sure you can. Just hold on, lady. We've got you." Ben's voice was deep, low, pitched just right to send shivers through her. "Yep. You're safe, okay? Promise. We're not gonna do anything you don't want." John's voice was a little higher, more breathless, but still held that hint of sexy growl. Her eyes rolled, hips moving of their own accord. Fuck, she wanted. She wanted skin and hands and lips and cocks so badly she could taste it. "Oh, lady. You're just sensual as hell. I like it." John's hands slipped and slid, making her gasp, his leg pressing and releasing between hers. "Y'all are. Sexy. Damn." She was so wet, so close, her thighs shaking. Collars and Cuffs - 115

Ben chuckled, squeezed her ass. Bastard. He'd already gotten what he needed. "So are you, Hannah. I swear. You're making me hard. I can't see straight." John's voice... God. Hot, breathy, good in her ear as he pressed her hard against him. She laughed, the sound husky, raw to her ears. "Stud, you're not straight." "You're right, I lean to both sides of the middle." He slid his hand down, cupping her ass and squeezing. "Fuck, I want..." Her head rolled, Ben's lips meeting John's against her neck, the sensation overwhelming, the most erotic thing she'd ever felt. "Uh-huh. Yeah. We could... oh, honey, the things we could do." They just kept at her, both of them licking and nibbling, sharing a strip of skin right there on her throat. Someone's hand slipped down to cup her crotch, another hand tweaked her nipple, and she was lost, shaking and gasping between them, coming right there on the dance floor. "Oh. God. Yeah." John's skin was on fire against her, flushed and hot as he stroked her, watched her. Saw her. "So hot, lady." Ben's lips kept tasting, making her shiver. "Can we... I... This place is so..." Public. "We can. We could go back to our place. Can't we, babe?" John and Ben shared a look that like to burned her alive. "Hell yes. Come and play, Hannah." Ben's eyes never left John's, the heat there incredible. "Are you sure?" Fuck knew she didn't want to be in the way. Collars and Cuffs - 116

That dual look turned on her, and God. Okay, yeah. Okay. John nodded, hand meeting Ben's at her waist, just under her sweater, as they started guiding her out. "Yeah. We can... shit. We're gonna." He made a frustrated sound. "I can't think. Does it occur to anyone else that I'm the only one who hasn't come?" Ben chuckled, breath tickling her neck. "It's hell to be you, Johnnie. You're first in line when we get home." She laughed, dared to tease. "Now, now. I'm the guest. That's not very nice." Somebody goosed her. "Then you get to be the one to make me come," John said. "Guest's choice." "He's focused, lady. You might as well go with it." Hannah reached around, fingers cupping the bulge in John's slacks, squeezing. Oh. Hard. Fat. Hot. She wanted to feel that. "I can appreciate focus." He went up on tiptoes for her, a rough noise coming out of him. "You keep that up and we'll get very busy right here, lady. All three of us." "I am not explaining to the guys why patrol got me on public indecency." She rubbed again, petting, fingers trailing along the length as they got back to the parking lot, John's car. Oh. Right. She drove herself. "I'll follow you?" Like one man they turned and looked at her. "You promise to?" John said, as Ben nodded. "Not get cold feet and leave?" John arched into her hand again, before she could pull away, his hardness a graphic description of what she was doing to him. "I'm not a runner." She stepped up, pushed right into a deep, slow kiss that better knock his socks off because her panties were melted. "I'll be right behind you." Collars and Cuffs - 117

He blinked at her, eyes so hot she swore she could see little flames dancing in them. "We'll see you there, then." John took Ben's arm, turning him toward the car, walking away, but she would swear she heard him mutter, "Can't fucking wait." *** Slut. He stood outside the door, in the shadows. He'd been watching. His Angel was lost, that was the only answer, the only one at all. Lost. Trapped between the dancer and his... The thought made him shudder. He hadn't thought she was his Angel. The shortcropped hair, so much like a man's, had distracted him, confused him, but she was everywhere -- watching him, teasing him, taunting him. She was everywhere. Looking for him and making notes and trying to drive him crazy. He growled, the loop of rope in his fist pressing into his skin. She never stayed still. She never stopped. Soon she would, though. Soon he would clip her wings. Another person came through the door, bumped into him. A pretty little thing with tear-stained cheeks. So sweet. So sad. His fist clenched. Maybe he should help her. Maybe that would be kind of him. Kind...

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Chapter Thirteen John tried not to speed home. He was being followed by a cop after all, and it would suck for both him and Hannah if they got pulled. But man, he was hard. Dancing was like breathing to him. He did it all the time, and he and Ben were good at it. It made him hard often, dancing with Ben. Dancing with Ben and Hannah had almost made him blow. He glanced over at Ben as he turned down their street. "You sure you're okay with this babe?" Hard as he was, horny as he was for Hannah, he would never do anything to jeopardize his one good thing. Ben chuckled, fingers tracing his abs, sliding over his muscles. "You going to decide all of a sudden to go all Suzy Homemaker and get married and raise a family of little beat cops?" "Oh, God, no." That horrified him, just the thought. "Well, then." His cheek got the softest kiss, almost a tease. "She's something else, Johnnie, and she’s just about to explode with it -- might as well let her explode with us." That was his Ben. John grinned and nodded, pulling into their little complex. "Yeah. Yeah, that's what I figure, too. This is gonna be fun." "Always is fun, playing with you." Ben turned his face as they parked, the kiss enough to short him right out. Whimpering, John kissed him back, hips rising and falling, before he broke away and tried to breathe. "Damn. Okay, damn. Let's... God. Okay." He was losing it, no doubt. Shaking his head, John slapped at Ben's hands and got out of the car, leaning on it and trying to catch his breath. Ben waved to Hannah, and John got to watch her move across the parking lot, Collars and Cuffs - 119

strong and steady, sure. Like she knew just what she wanted. "Come inside, lady. He needs, and then we can relax and play a little." Oh. Ben. So good to him. Wordlessly, John moved, heading inside, digging his keys out of his too full jeans, grunting as they pressed his zipper against his cock. He would swear he felt a soft touch to his ass as he went up the stairs, but damned if he could tell who was doing it. "This is okay with you, that I come in?" He just heard Hannah's voice, soft and husky. "Yeah, lady. Feeling good isn't a bad thing. Touching. Getting close. Don't stress it." His Ben. God. He managed to get inside, get them both inside, before grabbing Hannah for a kiss, his hand reaching out to pull Ben close, too, needing his lover in on this one hundred percent. Feeling good was never bad, never. Hannah's lips opened right up, hard little body pushing into him. Ben's tongue teased where their lips met, then moved down along his jaw, his throat, teeth dragging on his skin. God, he was going to explode. Just bubble over. John arched against Ben, his hands cupping Hannah's ass to pull her even closer, trying to just make their clothes melt away with his thoughts. That made him chuckle. If he was ever gonna be a superhero he wanted that to be his power. Ben helped him out, got his zipper undone, his cock free. "Want me to suck you, Johnnie? Take the edge off so you can explore this fine lady?" Moaning, John nodded, turned that little bit so Ben could get to him. He loved Ben's mouth on him, he surely did. And it let him lift Hannah's little green sweater, let him get his first good look at her compact, firm body. Collars and Cuffs - 120

Ben dropped down as Hannah went still, cheeks fiery red as one hand covered the skin of her stomach. Christ, someone'd done... Something to it. "We can leave the sweater on." That made him pause, had him stroking Ben's cheek while he looked at Hannah, really looked. He didn't let her tug the sweater down just yet, though, just let his fingers move on her side, her lower back, warm and easy. "We can if you really want, honey, but I'd rather see you. All of you." Ben leaned over, kissed her hip, his finger, and Hannah shivered a little, eyes meeting his, the look, a mixture of vulnerability and strength, fucking fascinating. Or maybe that was Ben's mouth, sucking him right in. "God, yeah," John said, his head falling forward to rest against Hannah's. She wasn't getting a choice. That sweater was coming off. He inched it up some more. Ben's mouth was moving, sliding on his cock, tongue flicking and pressing into the slit. His fingers reached the bottom of Hannah's breasts, the warm heat soft in his hands as he cupped them. Lord, she was pretty. Not in a traditional, pillowy sort of way. But oh, she was hot. And Ben was making him crazy, that mouth moving and moving. John brushed a thumb over one of Hannah's nipples through her bra, watching her face. Her lips parted, and he swore he could feel her nipple fill, push right toward his touch. Her eyes were big as saucers, staring up at him as her tongue slid on his bottom lip. "Mmm." It came out more big bad wolf growl than moan, but that was because Ben hit the base of his cock, Collars and Cuffs - 121

nose in his pubes, and John went up on tiptoes, his hand clenching unconsciously on Hannah's skin. "Fuck..." "Oh, you're something. Come on, now. Give it up." Hannah nipped his lips and Ben hummed and swallowed and fuck. Just, fuck. His orgasm shocked him, rising right up from his balls to try and blow the top of his head off. He came so hard he cried out, mouth opening against Hannah's, hips snapping, pushing his cock into Ben's lips again and again. Hannah kissed him, carried him through the orgasm and into that spine-melting aftershock part, Ben helping to support him as his knees got rubbery. John clung to Hannah, feeling a little selfish and a lot amazing and just fucking fine. God. "Oh. Oh, y'all..." Ben chuckled, tongue sliding over the ultra-sensitive crown of his cock. "Better, Johnnie?" Hannah's laugh just added to the pleasure, making him flush and grin. "Much better," he agreed. "We might even make it to the bed now." Hannah chuckled. "You think we can manage that? It's been... two and a half hours since Ben got his." She squeaked as Ben goosed her, the sound surprising him, tickling Ben, who chuckled around his prick. Moaning, he pulled Ben away, his cock tingling, so sensitive it almost hurt. "You two are gonna conspire against me, I can tell. Come on, let's get more naked and comfortable, huh?" "Mmmhmm." Ben stood up, rubbing against them both. "I'm all about the naked and comfortable, Johnnie." Hannah's hand was on his belly, stroking just barely. "I could do comfortable." Collars and Cuffs - 122

He was going to explode before the night was over. John put an arm around both of them, guiding them toward the bed, needing to get horizontal. Needing it bad. His skin was sparking hard. Ben did the weird host-thing, pointing out the loft with all the computer equipment, the spare room, the formal dining room that Ben was so proud of. Hell, the condo'd been worth it, just for that. Then they got into the bedroom, Ben excusing himself to hit the bathroom, leaving him with a disheveled, flushed, incredibly sexy cop. "Hey." He smiled down at her, turning a little to put his hands on her hips, settle her against him. John had a feeling if he let her think it might be bad. "You okay?" "I think so. I don't... This isn't like me." Maybe not, but that sweet little body settled right against him, rubbing a little. So hungry. "Sometimes it's good to step outside the comfort zone, honey," he said, kissing her again, loving how she moved against him. She opened right up, tongue fucking his lips. Oh, yeah. Hell yeah. He knew she wouldn't be a shrinking violet, knew she'd go for it. His whole body went tight and hard, his hips moving as his cock twitched and hardened again. She let him push the sweater up higher, arms sliding out of the soft little thing and wrapping around his waist. That was much better. She didn't look so selfconscious now, looked hot instead, her hair ruffled from the sweater. John bent and kissed her again, his hands sliding on her shoulders and arms, down her back and around her ribs. Christ, her skin was hot, almost feverish, muscles firm and strong under his fingers. Collars and Cuffs - 123

John went for the clasp on her bra, wanting to see all he could, needing it somehow. She just made him crazy, made him almost forget Ben wasn't there. Almost. Oh. Pretty. Between the tight little nipples and the sweet curves, it was enough to make him moan. Add Ben's hands sliding around him, working his shirt open, cock hard against his ass and he was in heaven. Somewhere around the time Hannah started sucking on his neck and Ben started humping him in long, slow strokes, John stopped thinking, stopped worrying if he was touching too hard or too soft or if anyone was uptight. He just ran his thumbs over Hannah's nipples and pushed back against Ben and panted, letting sensation wash over him. "Bed, Johnnie. Let's make her fly." Teeth scraped over his jaw, sliding up toward his ear. Like Ben was doing anything to make him think about stopping. "Okay. Yeah. I. Bed." John swore he was moving, pushing at Hannah, but fuck he was clumsy with wanting. It was like a dream, one of those good dreams that ended with him turning toward Ben and pushing close. He did that now, too, pushing both Hannah and Ben down on the bed and taking a kiss from Ben that curled his toes. They were like apples and oranges, Hannah tart and a little tough to get into, but worth it. And Ben? He was like that sweet burst of flesh when you bit into a Golden Delicious. Ben worked at getting him naked, hands smoothing down his spine, the motion brushing Hannah, making her moan. He could smell them -- all three of them, hungry and musky and delicious together. John rolled, trying to get his mouth on someone to taste, kiss, lick, hell, he was easy. He got Hannah, his lips sliding down Collars and Cuffs - 124

her chest, his chin resting against her breastbone. Such pretty skin. "John..." Her fingers tangled in his hair as she arched, rubbed against him, jeans rough against his bare legs. Ben's tongue was like a little flame, licking and lapping down his spine, the sensation making him groan. It was too much, but it wasn't enough. John scrabbled at Hannah's jeans with one hand, reaching back for Ben with the other. Greedy? Him? Fuck yes. He moved just slightly, his mouth closing around one high, tight nipple, feeling Hannah arch beneath him. Fuck, she tasted good, that pretty bit of skin going hard under his tongue, her cry just ringing out. He felt Ben chuckle against the small of his back, then Ben's fingers joined his, working Hannah's zipper down and sliding that denim over her hips and thighs. So fucking good to him. "God. Y'all. Making me crazy." He was caught between the two of them, on fire. Hannah chuckled, the sound husky and raw. "You're going a damn good job on your own." Her laughter spiraled up into a sweet little cry as he slid his fingers through those little curls and found slick, wet heat. "I try, honey. I sure do." His finger circled her clit, pushing against it, seeking more of those little noises. Ben's tongue worked the base of his spine, fingers on his balls, stroking and petting, somehow matching their rhythm, the motion of his fingers. Hannah gasped into his mouth, shifting to rub back against his touch, to beg for more. It was electric, little shocks running up and down his back, exploding in his brain. John kissed Hannah's throat as he worked her, two fingers sliding right into her cunt, opening her up. Collars and Cuffs - 125

Christ, she was hot, wet, squeezing his fingers, sweet cry sounding as one of her legs bent, giving him more room. Ben's fingers pushed between his legs, arm rubbing his balls as Ben touched her, too, sharing this with him. He didn't know which of them to throw down and fuck. John nipped Hannah's neck, his fingers moving alongside Ben's touching them both. "Want inside you," he said, just hoping someone would volunteer. Ben chuckled, bit his ass. "Mmm. Want inside you." "Okay, that works." Him in Hannah, Ben in him. "Yeah, honey? That work?" "Okay. Just, first, right there... Oh." She rocked a little, bucked on his fingers, sweet little hard body flushed pink. Thank God for multiple orgasms. "Oh, that was sweet, Johnnie. We'll have to see that again." Ben handed him a rubber, lips moving back up his spine. "Yeah. Oh, fuck, yeah. We got...uh. We need. Damn." He just couldn't think. Good thing Ben was way smarter than him. "No thinking, Johnnie. It's not the time for it." The condom was taken back from him, eased on nice and easy, Ben's hands hot and sure on his cock. "There you go. Let me get you slicked up and we'll be gold." Hannah chuckled, pushed up on her elbows and took another kiss, tight little nipples teasing his chest. That he could do. He could let Ben slip two fingers inside him while he kissed Hannah, his cock in one hand, rubbing against Hannah's clit, his other hand on the small of her back. The kiss went from hot to blazing just about the time that Ben's teeth sank into his shoulder and those long fingers pegged his gland and made him arch. Collars and Cuffs - 126

"I. God. Yeah." He hoped Hannah was ready for him. She was wet, relaxed, and so, so soft. He put the head of his cock at her entrance, pushing against her cunt. He needed in. She hummed, stretched beneath him and started moving, rocking, letting him sink deep inside her just like that. Ben found their rhythm, fingers sliding, pushing him, driving him just a little faster and faster. "Babe. Don't make me wait," John said, bending to lick at Hannah's tits, loving how hot her skin was, how greedy her sounds were. "Please." "Okay, love. Stop a second." Ben slid behind him, cock hot as a brand as it pushed against his hole, opened him up and pushed him deeper into Hannah. "Uhn." His eyes rolled, his teeth closing on Hannah's flesh like he could find something solid, some purchase. He heard her cry out, felt Hannah's body clench around him. He looked up to make sure that was a good sound and, hello, she was fucking flying, lips open, head thrown back. Fuck. Fuck, he’d known she would look like that, all hot and pretty, so much more than the almost mannish facade she had on the rest of the time. John pumped his hips, taking her in front, taking Ben in behind, losing himself in them. It was fucking amazing, the sounds they made, the way he just fucking flew every time they shifted. Ben groaned and whimpered, shaking against him. "John. Love. You're hot, I. Close, Johnnie." "Uh-huh. Shit. Hannah? Honey, are you? I need to..." He couldn't talk, could only gasp, his whole body pumping and shuddering. "Right fucking with you, boys. Come on." She jerked, flat belly going tight as she squeezed him, her Collars and Cuffs - 127

fingers on her own nipples, tugging and pulling and giving him a show. "Oh. Oh, God." John just lost it; he arched and thrust and grunted as he came, the sensation rolling up his spine and exploding in his brain. Ben wasn't too far behind him, panting and groaning on his shoulder, heat filling him, cock throbbing inside him. His poor abused body tried to give one last little leap, and John shuddered, echoes of pleasure running through him. "Mmm. Good, babe. Good." "Uh-huh. Real good." They rolled off Hannah, Ben just snuggling right up to him, hand sliding around his waist. He snagged Hannah with one arm, pulling her up close, too, the one drink he'd had and the... who knew how many orgasms making him sleepy. "Nap now," he said, nuzzling in all warm and sleepy. "Mmmhmm." She kissed his throat, eyelashes tickling a little as her eyes closed. It was Ben that pulled the comforter up and over them, made it just right. Yeah. Lord. Who knew what they'd just gotten themselves into. John figured they could sleep on it and figure it out later. It was good to have a plan.

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Chapter Fourteen Some days it was good to be alive. Nights. Whatever. John tried to stretch, but he was pinned down by two warm bodies. Two. It still kind of blew his mind. Ben was familiar, heavy, a little fuzzy. Hannah was softer, if almost as squared off. The thought made him smile and squeeze his two armfuls of flesh. Ben grunted softly, burrowing in like a little pig. Hannah, though, her eyes popped open, the look absolutely fucking terrified for a second. "Hey." He said it gently, easily, soothing her. "Hey. I dozed off. Sorry." Her cheeks went bright red. "I guess I should go, huh? Let y'all have your bed back." "You don't have to." He thought Ben would agree, hoped his lover would, but he wouldn't blame the man if he didn't. The words just popped out. "I..." Her hand covered her stomach, the scars there, and Ben shifted. "Shh. You're good. We're good. It's late. Let's make coffee and play some more." That was his Benny. "Yeah." Smiling, he patted her back before turning to kiss Ben square on the mouth. Ben moaned, opened up and kissed him right back, one hand sliding over his side, heading toward Hannah. Sweet man. John did love him for that generosity. Well, and for the mouth that was about to eat him alive. Hannah stayed for a minute, cuddled up behind him, and then moved away, padding into the bathroom. Ben watched with him, both of them admiring the curve of her ass. "She's nervous. Should we all get in the shower, Johnnie?" Collars and Cuffs - 129

"Sure." Sure, why not? He loved a wet Ben, and a wet Ben and Hannah would be hot. Ben chuckled. "You go first. I'll start coffee." "You okay, babe? I can just let it go." God, this felt weird. "Shut up." Ben whacked him. "She's scared. Go make her feel beautiful. I'll be right there." He got another kiss, this one long and sweet. "This way there's no reason to stop after our shower. There'll be coffee waiting." "Good idea." He kissed Benny a little more, savoring, and then headed for the shower and Hannah. She'd already had too much time to think. He knocked once and headed in. Hannah was standing in front of the sink, washing her face, looking a little shell-shocked. "Hey." He grinned at her in the mirror, trying to tone down his usual cocky shit. "Hey. Are you going to believe me when I say I don't do things like this?" Well, duh. "Yeah. I am. And no, that's not an insult." He put his hand on her back, right down at the small of it, just resting it there. Her skin was warm, smooth, soft. "It was good, though, wasn't it?" She met his eyes in the mirror, staring at him. "Hell, yes." It had been kind of stunning. There. There was a smile. "And Ben?" "He's a happy man. He's coming as soon as he gets the coffee going." Then they could all get even happier. "Coming where?" She leaned back, the swell of her breasts just visible at the bottom of the glass. He wanted to see the nipples, see if they were hard. See how dark they were, if he'd left any marks.

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"In to have a shower with us." Sliding his hand around to rest on her hip, John pulled her back against him. Oh, there they were. Hard and deep pink, one a little more swollen, a little darker, with a tiny little hickey right there. "I could get wet." Her cheeks went bright pink. "You could. We could all get clean while we're getting dirty, too." Hoo yeah. His hand slipped around, touched that mass of scars, and Hannah jerked. "They don't hurt. They're just ugly." "They feel like they had to hurt when it happened." He wasn't trying to kill the mood, so he rubbed a little higher. "It's not ugly." Hannah chuckled. "John, a serial killer tried to give me a hysterectomy with a claw hammer. It's ugly." Women. They never understood that an unadulterated show of strength was sexy as hell. Always. "A serial killer? No shit? Scary, yet incredibly hot somehow." Ben walked in, grinned. "Why aren't you in the shower, and can I see?" Ben was a sick little shit. Hannah cracked up, leaning against him and laughing hard. John hugged her hard, lifting her a little and steering her toward the shower. "You can see when you wash her, and I get to watch that." "Oooh. Wet, naked, soapy cop!" Thank God for Ben. "Uh-huh." Kissing Hannah, then Ben, John got the ball rolling again. Then he pushed them together, intent on actually watching a little. Ben wrapped his arms around her, stepping in close. "Turn the hot water on, Johnnie." Then Ben kissed Hannah, letting her have the full power of that hungry mouth. John stared, mouth dry, Collars and Cuffs - 131

cock twitching. He was supposed to be doing something. Water. Right. Of course, about the time he started moving, Ben's mouth headed south, sliding over Hannah's breasts, then right down to her belly, lips on the scars. "Oh..." He and Hannah said it at the same time, and John reached out, tangling his fingers in Benny's hair. "It's okay. You said I could see." Ben whispered the words against Hannah's belly, and then John saw that pink tongue flick out, stroke Hannah's skin. "Yeah. Oh, yeah." Jesus, he could watch Benny's mouth all day, and the way Hannah's body rippled just made it better. One of Ben's hands slipped up Hannah's thighs, that tongue tracing one scar after another. Lord, look at that. Just look at them together. He finally made himself let go of Ben, moving to turn the water on. The heat would help get them revved up, as if what Ben was up to wasn't enough. Hannah moaned, the sound husky and surprised. "Oh, fuck. Ben. I. Oh..." John got them all moved without separating Ben and Hannah, and the water started pouring down on them. It was like his own personal porno. Ben's hands were moving, sliding up to tease the bottoms of her breasts, down to spread her legs a little farther apart. Hannah's head fell back, water splashing on her, rivulets running down, dripping off her nipples. Grabbing a washcloth off the towel bar, John moved to get it wet before rubbing it against Hannah's chest. The cloth ought to be rough enough to give her a thrill. "Fuck. Fuck, that..." She licked her lips, then bit her bottom lip as Ben's head moved. "Ben!" Collars and Cuffs - 132

Laughing, John pushed up behind her and rubbed the cloth lower. "He has a great mouth, doesn't he?" "Uh-huh." She leaned into him, pretty little ass rocking against his cock. "Oh, sweet fuck. Y'all." "More." He didn't even know what he was asking for. He just wanted to see and do everything. Ben chuckled. "Greedy greedy." That was all he heard before Hannah gasped, her fingers tangling in Ben's dark hair. "You know it, babe. I love how you move, and this lady is sexy as hell." He slid the cloth around in circles, rubbing down over Hannah's belly. Ben's head was moving in little jerks, and Hannah was rocking, his cock sliding against her ass in the best possible way. John went with it, dropping the damned cloth in favor of grabbing Hannah's hips, moving her and Ben a little. Just like he wanted them. "Boys." Jesus, the husky little sound of Hannah's voice went right to his balls. "So pretty. You're so pretty together, honey." He stroked Benny's cheek with one finger, silently telling his lover that he was fine, too. One of Ben's hands slipped between Hannah's legs, fingers teasing and petting his nuts. "Christ!" John went up on tiptoe a moment, almost slipping. Then he settled back against Ben's hand and bit at Hannah's neck, anchoring himself. "Don't stop. Y'all. Come on now. I." Hannah's words faded off, the rocking of her hips losing the rhythm. All he could do was lick and kiss, bite and push. He was about to lose it, and he knew Ben was with them, because those lean hips were moving, and Ben was moaning, the sound sexy as hell. Collars and Cuffs - 133

She grabbed his hand, brought it up to one heavy breast. "Please. I just need a little." "A little... Oh, honey." Squeezing, then pinching her nipple, he gave her more than a little. Her hips slammed back into him, that sweet, hard little body going tight, little shudders rocking her. "Fuck." He said it against her skin, pushing his cock against her, pushing against Ben's hand. "Oh, fuck." Ben whimpered loud enough that he heard it, fingers working his balls, the base of his cock. "Benny! Hannah..." He couldn't tell which one of them had gotten to him better, worse, whatever. All John knew was that he was coming, rocking back up on his toes. Ben scrambled to his feet, stood up, eyes a little wild. "If somebody doesn't touch me." "Come here, babe." It was funny how they both reached for him. Hannah's hand got there first, but John's closed over hers, and they both started stroking. Ben's eyes rolled back in his head, hips pumping, driving his cock into their fingers. It didn't take long, with the water pouring down and them both jacking him, before Ben was shooting, calling out. They both moaned, watching, John moving in for a kiss, drawing Hannah in with him until it went three ways. God, that tasted good. Felt good. Was good. And God help him, he wanted to do it again.

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Chapter Fifteen Her phone was ringing. Hannah groaned and crawled out of bed, carefully avoiding the whole ‘Jesus Christ, you slept with two guys who aren't even into girls' thing. She grabbed the phone, flipped it open. "What the fuck do you want, Nogales?" "There's been another one. Feds are trying to railroad it." Fuck her. Fuck her raw. "Okay, where?" She started throwing her clothes on, ran her fingers through her hair. Her piece and her badge were in her purse along with some mints. She had a toothbrush in her locker at the precinct. "And what time is it?" "Five forty-five and Garland. There are two this time. Twins. It's bad, Hammer. Real bad." "Okay, text me the address. I'll be there in twenty. You keep him out of my crime scene, you hear me?" Ricky didn't even have to ask what she meant. He knew all about that former decent person now a son of a bitch bastard ex-husband of hers. Hell, Ricky'd held her hair while she cried and ranted and puked. She snapped the phone closed, grabbed her bra, and tugged it on. Damn it. Damn it. Damn it. "Hannah?" John sounded like he'd been on an all night binge. Which she guessed in a way, he had. "Got another murder. Go back to sleep." "Another... Shit. Well, I guess you know I'm clear for this one." Little shit. Collars and Cuffs - 135

"Don't make me beat you." She grinned over, shook her head. "I wouldn't have gone to supper with you if you were still a suspect." "Yeah. Well, I can't say I feel good that my air tight alibi happened because someone else died." Her grin died. "Yeah. No shit. I gotta go, man. Duty calls." All of a sudden she felt a hundred years old again. "C'mere." He grabbed her arm, closer than she expected him to be, and he pulled her in for a chaste kiss on the lips. "Be safe." She kissed him back, just a peck. "Always. Get some rest, John, and tell Ben I said goodbye. You'll call?" Was that needy of her? "I will." That was definite, and he'd never lied to her yet, so hey. What the hell? "Night, you." She shrugged on her sweater and then strapped her holster on. Time to go. Maybe the bastard left a clue this time. *** Jesus. Jesus. "Johnny, how much do you know about Hannah?" Ben was staring at his computer screen, reading. "What? Why?" John was doing sit ups, which was usually Ben’s favorite recreational sport to watch. "I Googled her. She got captured by a fucking serial killer. He had her for three fucking days, man." It sort of wigged his ass out a little, knowing that. Three days. "Well, that explains the scars, huh?" Man, Johnny could be the least sensitive person on earth.

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"Uh-huh. He did it with a hammer, the scars, I mean." God, and people called her Hammer now. That was fucking sick. “Jesus." Even Johnny had to stop and stare at him now. "That's... wow." "Uh-huh." He met Johnny's eyes. "I can't decide if that's really hot, that she's so fucking strong, or really goddamn creepy." "Both, I think." He got a chuckle. "She said to tell you bye, by the way. On the way to work." "She works a lot, huh?" Ben shrugged, grinned. "We seduced a lady cop." "We did." Lord, Johnny looked tickled. "She's hot, huh?" "Yeah." It was a little surprising, but yeah. Really. "I mean, she's not as hot as you." The funny thing was that Johnny always meant it. "Dork. Still, she's like... always about to explode. It's something else." And he knew Johnny. Johnny liked the wounded ones a little. "It is." Tilting his head, Johnny pondered a little. He always chuckled at that, as so many people didn't believe Johnny had a thought in his head. "I think we'll help her open up some. Prime her for the next big thing. You know?" Ben nodded. Him and Johnny, they weren't ever gonna be the end, but they sure liked making friends with benefits. "She needs to remember there's more than the job, huh?" "You know it. People get wrapped up." "I guess." He shuddered a little bit. He couldn't quite get it, really. Wanting to deal with dead bodies and murderers and shit. He was much better at the theoretical. Give him computers and a hot dancer, and all was right with his world. Collars and Cuffs - 137

Johnny went back to sitting up, and he went back to surfing. Hammer. Shit. That was... yeah. Too fucking weird for words. *** Man, John was bored. Bored, bored, bored. Man, he either needed to get laid or find some porn. He thought about calling Hannah, but a quick time check told him she would probably not be home and that not enough time had passed since she'd left. He didn't want to be stalkery. So. Working hard and ignoring him or not, John would just have to stalk Ben. Ben was looking fine, wearing nothing but the oldest, tiniest little workout shorts on earth, bent over the keyboard. That little spot at the small of Benny's back called to him, and John was never one to ignore his instincts. No, sir. In fact, he sort of considered that a crime against nature, not to pounce and give Ben a touch. So he did, sliding to his knees behind Ben's chair, pushing the man forward to lick. "John...Johnny?" God, he loved that hungry little moan. "Mmmhmm. Hey, baby. I'm bored." "Bored?" Ben leaned forward, let him have more. "Uh-huh. I need distraction." He kissed a line up that spine. "Am I distraction enough for you?" Ben shivered, hands bracing that fine body on the desk. "You so are. You've been working hard, huh?" He licked back down, savoring the salty taste of Ben's skin. Collars and Cuffs - 138

Ben's grunt felt so fucking good against his tongue. Somebody was sensitive and paying attention. He reached around, one hand landing on Ben's thigh. The heat there amazed him. Oh, yeah. Someone was paying attention for real. “Feels good." Ben spread for him, hips shifting, that tight little ass sliding on the chair. Uhn. Johnny grabbed the waistband of the teeny shorts. "Lift up." "Huh? Okay. Okay, yeah." Ben lifted, and he tugged, baring his lover. "That's it." The heavy balls and sweet ass called him, and John pushed Ben up to lean over the desk so he could move the chair out of the way. Oh, damn. Look at that. He ran his hands down Ben's back, fingers tracing the long, lean lines all the way down to that pretty bubble butt. He spread Ben's cheeks, finding the little hole he loved so. Then he bent and licked at it. Ben went up on tiptoe, thighs going tight, hips starting to swing. Licking some more, he pushed his fingers between Ben's legs to press at the tight balls. Now that was entertaining. "Fuck!" It was kinda like pushing the 'Ben is a slut puppy' button. Those thighs spread wide-wide. "Love that." He murmured it against Ben's skin before pushing his tongue against that hole again and again. "Love you. More. More, Johnny." "I love you, too, baby." He so did. He kissed and licked and rubbed those balls until Ben was wild for him, begging him. Then he pushed two fingers inside Ben's body. "I want. Come on. In me. Want your cock." Collars and Cuffs - 139

"Where's the slick stuff." Ben was hot, but tight, and John didn't want to hurt him. "Johnny." Ben wriggled. "I can't fucking think." “No? Well, then let your fingers do the walking." There had to be something in the drawer in the desk. Ben's ass squeezed all around his fingers, echoing the laughter that shook the lean shoulders. He chuckled as Ben tried to dig out the little tube of lotion. They finally got it out, open, and he got a hold of it with his other hand, squirting slick stuff on the fingers he had buried inside. John moved them in and out, stretching and wetting the tight ring. "Less bored now?" He was going to beat Ben's ass. Once he had a free hand, anyway. He got Ben stretched and ready, slicking up his cock before he answered. "Yes." Then he pulled his fingers out and slid his cock in deep. Ben's head slammed back, and this great fucking sound rang out, filled the air. Oh, hell yeah. "Oh." John pushed hard, his hips rocking up, his thighs straining. "So not bored." "Not... not bored. Harder, Johnny. Like you mean it." "I always mean it." He fucked Ben with hard, deep strokes, knowing he needed to reassure a little, to make sure Ben felt it for days. "Good." Ben started rocking back, made sure to meet each and every one of his thrusts. Their skin started slapping together, their heat blazing. "Very." His cock was on fire, Ben so good around him, and he reached down, needing to feel Ben's prick in his hand, too. Solid, throbbing, wet-tipped and all his. All his. He ran his fingers up along the shaft, squeezing the thick, slick tip. John grunted at the way Ben's ass clenched, gripped his cock in response. Collars and Cuffs - 140

They rocked together, and John moaned, bending to bite at Ben's shoulder. "Soon, baby." Ben's hand slid back, and their fingers twined together. "Soon." "Yeah. More. Come on. Love." His balls were going to explode. Ben's fingers squeezed his tight-tight. Ben was right there, grunting, body milking his cock. John let his head fall forward on Ben's shoulder, tasting that skin again even as he came. He shot hard into Ben's body, everything letting go like a coiled spring. He barely felt the answering heat on his fingers, but he heard Ben call out for him, heard his name echoing in the room. They hung there over Ben's desk, panting, before John pulled and sank back, sitting in Ben's chair with Benny in his lap. "That really takes the edge off, baby." "Uh-huh." Ben nodded, going a little baby-headed. "'M edgeless." "Good deal." He laughed, the air puffing against Ben's skin, drying a bead of sweat. "Wanna go to bed?" "Uh-huh. Maybe get burgers later?" "Oh, God yes." They could have a ball. Just hang out. They needed it, and he knew it. Something normal. Easy. Something theirs.

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Chapter Sixteen Fuck a duck sideways, she was tired. Hannah rolled her head on her shoulders, going from the pen toward the elevators, praying to God the victim's way bigger than normal family had cleared out. This one hadn't fought, but the bastard'd taken his motherfucking time with her, and Hannah needed to find the son of a bitch before every redhead in the Metroplex died. She caught a glimpse of someone by the elevators, crying, so she made a quick turn and slipped into the stairway, headed down. She wasn't fucking up to that again today. Just because she had tits, didn't mean she had the slightest talent in the dealing-with-folks thing. Hell, she was the poster child for tough old bit... She'd gone about a flight and a half when she heard the steps behind her. She slowed down, listening -- shoes, not boots, keys dangling, and the person was trying to catch up to her. She put her palm on her piece and turned. "Who is it?" "Just me, H." Fucker. "What do you want, Danny?" She didn't move her hand off her gun. "You looked tired. I was making sure you got home okay." "You don't get to do that anymore." Danny wasn't allowed to fucking be nice to her. "Do what? Act like a human being. Come on, H, I still worry about you." "Fuck you. Is there anything new on the case?" Are you leaving yet? I have murders to solve. "That depends." He got that same calculating, I'll be a politician someday smile she'd always hated on his face. "Come have coffee with me." Collars and Cuffs - 142

"No. We're not friends, Dan. Never going to be. What did you find out?" "You never did play the game for shit, baby. I swear, some things never change." He actually had the gall to reach for her, and she was about to snap his fingers off and shove them up his ass when the door to the landing below opened. "Hammer? Where are you, man?" "Nogales!" She stepped back a step. "The agent here was just telling me he had info on our case." Thank God. There was deep shit for killing a fed. "No shit? Because like five minutes ago he was telling me he had squat." Ricky gave Dan the evil eye. "Come on. I'll buy the pancakes." "Squat. Figures. I want bacon, man." She waited for Ricky to get to her, and they started walking again, shoulder to shoulder. "Oh, and you ain't invited, G-man." Ricky put a hand on her hip, kind of possessive like. Huh. Made her feel damn good, too. Ricky had her back. Always had. "So, I think your ex is a little fixated, Hammer. Did I make a mistake telling him about the stripper?" "Depends on what you told him, Nogales." Oh, good lord. "Just that you had a hot date the other night." She got an evil, sideways grin. "How'd it go?" "Fucker." She grinned back. "It went. It got interrupted by a serial killer. Asshole." "No! Poor Hannah." He pinched her. On her ass. He was so going down. "For that? You're buying double bacon." She nudged his arm, both of them laughing hard as they headed down the stairs and out into the parking lot. Collars and Cuffs - 143

"Jesus Christ, how can you heartless assholes laugh? There are victims!" Ollie was heading toward his SUV, winking at them. Yeah, right. She grinned over, nodded. "You get anything new, Ollie?" "Not really. We all breakfasting?" "Nope. Hammer and I have partner shit to discuss." Okay, had the whole world gone nuts? Ricky never said no to Ollie. Ollie's eyebrow went up, but the man didn't argue. "Enjoy. I'll have lab results on trace tomorrow." "Thanks, Ollie." She looked at Ricky, tilted her head. "You driving, or am I?" "I'll drive." He grinned again, hands up at his sides in an appeasing gesture. "What? I haven't shot the shit with you alone in weeks." "I hear you, Nogales. Fucking murderers, never following schedules." They started laughing again, heading for Ricky's car. He was right; it'd been forever since they just sat. Ate. Bitched about traffic and TV. He held the door for her, and she was about to lay into him about being possessed by an alien or something when he noogied her head. That was more like it. They headed out toward the highway, him slapping her hand when she switched the radio station, her teasing him about the cherry-shaped air freshener hanging from the rear view mirror. "So," he asked, grinning over at her, "is it hot? Sleeping with two guys?" "Shut up." "Come on, it's got to be better than the Fed." "Shut. Up." She was fixin' to kill him.

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"What? I would so do two women if they offered. They never do, though. They just press charges." He pulled out of the lot, the radio blaring a little. "Man, two women would wear your ass out. Notice that I left two of 'em sleeping and went to work..." "No shit." They were heading to the really good pancake place, not the Denny's. "It was a little weird, nice though. I mean, after Dan." The man had run screaming from her, from her scars, her nightmares. "Yeah? They make you feel like a sexy kitty?" She might just have to beat him. Hard. "Don't make me hurt you, jackass. Let me enjoy it for an hour or two." "Okay, Hammer." Ricky pulled into the diner's parking lot, turning to face her once he put the car in park. "I worry, okay? And not like your slimy ex." She nodded, met his eyes. "It ain't no love affair. It's just... nice to feel... I don't know." "Pretty?" She snorted. "I wasn't pretty, even before." Nogales chuckled. "No. No, you weren't, but isn't that what girls want, Hammer? To feel pretty?" "A lot of them, sure." She stopped, tilted her head as they walked into the diner. "Why redheads, Nogales?" "Maybe it's their skin? Hell, I don't know. What do you think?" "No, the one girl was black. One was a dude... Let's use me as bait, man. There's no one as redheaded as me." Hell, they knew the bastard watched John's place. "Hannah. That's stupid." Ricky sounded downright shocked. "Why?" She was dead serious. "Because you have to be free to work the case." That was almost reasonable. Collars and Cuffs - 145

"Uh-huh." Still, if she could get his attention... It might be worth a try. "Hammer, I think you need to step back and think." They got coffee, got menus. "I'm thinking. People are dying, Nogales. I'm over that." "Okay. Okay, I can see that. Let's at least think it over hard, though." Hannah nodded. She didn't intend to stop, but it wouldn't hurt anything to agree with Ricky over coffee. It wouldn't hurt anything at all.

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Chapter Seventeen "Baby, are we out of orange juice?" John stared into the refrigerator, trying to make orange juice materialize out of thin air. "Uh... maybe? Do you see orange juice?" "No. Do you think Hannah would bring me some?" "Well." Ben's head popped around the pass through. "I suppose it depends on whether she's saving the metroplex from evil." "Very funny." He could just send Ben out for OJ, or he could go himself, but they hadn't heard from Hannah in days. His ego was bruised. "So, call her." "No. I called her last time, right?" At least he thought he had. "Did you? Hell, Johnnie, I got the impression she didn't even know what day it was, last time. And there was another murder." "I know." He stood up and slammed the door to the fridge. He wanted orange juice. Hell, he wanted a good pout, and Ben wouldn't let him have it. "Dude, you're cute when you're mad. You want me to call her?" "No!" He stalked over and pushed right into Ben's space. "I want you to fuck me or something." "Why didn't you just ask?" Ben's hands pushed into his hair, and the beautiful son of a bitch dragged him down into a long, fierce kiss that burned him balls to bones. Oh. Oh, hell yeah. John moaned, long and low, his hands closing on Ben's hips. Fuck. Oh, Jesus fuck that felt good. Ben was Collars and Cuffs - 147

fucking fierce, tongue pushing into his lips over and over, those fingers keeping him right there. The feeling burned his lips like too hot chili, and it made his toes curl. Made his cock hard. Ben's cock was like a brand against his hip, already hard, already stiff in those worn Dockers. He reached down between the waistband and Ben's belly, needing to feel that in his hand. Ben tore their lips apart. "Touch me. Get me revved up, Johnnie." "You know it, Benny." Not that Ben needed much revving. That thin skin over hardness was on fire for him. His jaw was licked and lapped, then his earlobe was bitten. Hard. "Uhn." He curled his hand, rolling Ben's cock through his fingers, his hips rocking, too. "Fuck, yeah." That bite came again, and then Ben was humping his hand. "Look at you." Tearing at those Dockers with his other hand, he got Ben naked, got the man just like he wanted. Now all that skin was open to his touch, his kiss. Ben snorted. "You're the hot one." "I just want you. Need you." It was damned true. Ben was necessary. "I'm yours. Keep touching." "Here?" His thumb slid beneath the head, scraping that little bundle of nerves right there. "Oh, Jesus fuck!" Ben's head slammed back, throat working. "Uh-huh. You're the hottest thing ever." He bit that throat, wanting to leave a mark. "Johnny." He could feel Ben's swallow, the motion moving against his lips. Collars and Cuffs - 148

"I got you." He could suck. He could fuck. He could get fucked... "Uh-huh. Want your ass. Need in. Get naked." "You know it." That didn't take long. All Johnny had to do was slide his sweats off. One of Ben's hands reached around for his ass, the other pushed up against his lips. Grinning, Johnny licked those fingers, getting them good and wet. They'd need to be slick for what they had planned. "That's right. Just like that." They sort of moved together, finding a rhythm like they were dancing. Johnny liked dancing. A lot. Especially with Ben. He ground his hips, begging for more, getting Ben's fingers ready. "Bed, or do you want it right here on the table?" "Right here." Turning, Johnny spread like soft butter, offering his ass right up. He grabbed the edges of the table and wiggled. Hot, slick fingers pushed against his ass, spreading him, spearing him. "Benny." That was good. That was real good. But he needed more. "Uh-huh?" Fucker was going to make him ask. Not that he was too proud to. "Fuck me. Need your cock, not your fingers." He felt Ben shudder behind him, shudder and gasp. "Yeah. Yeah, Johnnie." Then Ben's fingers slipped away and that thick cock was filling him up. "Baby. Oh, fuck. Fuck me." His ass rocked back, his muscles tensing and releasing, letting Benny in. "Forever. Oh, John. Perfect fucking man..." Bullshit. Still, it did his wilted ego good to hear it, and it did a good bit for his cock, too. Collars and Cuffs - 149

Ben's fingers wrapped around his hips and dragged him closer. He arched, knowing Ben loved how his muscles flexed. Ben also loved how that tightened him around that amazing cock. John was an expert on his Benny. "John. Oh, fuck." Ben leaned forward, rested that sweaty forehead between his shoulder blades. He could hear Ben panting, feel it. "Come on, lover. I'm just waiting for you." He wasn't waiting too much. His hips were already going to town. "Could do this forever." Except John knew they couldn't, they'd both explode. "Then do it." Chuckling a little, he started rocking harder, panting, sweat starting to bead up. One of Ben's hands slipped down his belly, nails scratching all the way down to his cock. His toes tried to curl, but John needed them for balance, so he held on, shivering. "More." "Uh-huh." Ben started slamming into him, that heavy cock spreading his ass. That was it. That was the ticket. Moaning, John rocked and pushed, back on Ben's cock, forward into Ben's hand. His Ben knew just what he needed, just how to fuck him and make him need it. "Love you, Benny." He wasn't sure if he said it too much, or not enough, but damn. Damn. "I know. I know. Come for me. I need you." "Yeah. Yeah. Just... there!" His back arched impossibly, his hips snapping. Ben had hit just the right spot inside him. "Oh, fuck." Ben grunted and slammed into him again, right there, right where he needed it. "I... Oh. God." That was it. John shot hard, his teeth rattling, his balls aching. Collars and Cuffs - 150

It didn't take long -- a thrust or two, maybe three -before Ben's cock jerked and swelled, heat pushing inside him. "That's it. Babe. Oh, hell yes." "Johnny." A sucking kiss landed on his shoulder. "Fuck, I needed that." "Uh-huh. Always need it." "You know it." The restlessness was gone. Completely melted out of him save for a vague worry about Hannah. "So." Ben slid out of him, groaning softly. "You gonna call her?" "Now? No. She's probably sleeping." Turning, Johnny grinned and leaned in for a kiss. "We'll call her. Tomorrow, huh?" "Mmm. Sounds like a plan, Johnny. We'll make fondue, make her come lick chocolate off our fingers." "There you go." That sounded nice. Of course, so did spending an evening with Benny not working and just hanging out. "Want artichoke pizza?" "Uh-huh. And beer." "Chips. I want those barbecue chips, too." Man, he could eat the house. "Mmm. And olives. Come shower with me." Ben swacked his butt. That made him jump, made him wiggle happily. "Yeah. We're kinda stinky, huh?" "Just a little." Ben's fingers lingered, sliding on his skin. "Vain old man." "Me?" Sure, he was vain. But old? "Mmhmm. You deserve to be, you know. You're fucking stunning." "You're a flatterer." Benny loved him like no one else ever had. Sometimes he just needed to remember that. Collars and Cuffs - 151

"I'm yours. Come on, stud. Shower, then pizza and beer and bad kung fu movies. Hell, if you're a very good boy, I'll send our studly little copper some flowers before you call tomorrow. Flowers or fish food or something." "Sounds like the perfect night." He twined his fingers with Ben's, heading for the bathroom. Good thing his ego only needed so much stroking. Otherwise he'd be insufferable. Even to himself.

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Chapter Eighteen Eight days. Eight fucking days and nothing. Hannah sighed, tugged at the hem of the teeniesttiniest miniskirt in the history of the earth as she made sure to be visible as much as possible. Tonight was 'on the town' night for this bullshit. Nogales was fucking loving it. Asshole. He'd even picked out the fucking outfit -- little white blouse, tiny black leather mini, black boots laced up her thighs. Made up, short hair teased and glittered -- she looked like a tramp. An over-painted, miserable tramp. An over-painted, miserable, well-fucking protected tramp. She had one piece strapped to her thigh, another in the small of her back and a taser in her purse. She walked down Greenville Avenue, from the Thai place to the No Name bar. Her phone rang, and she answered it without thinking. "Hey, you." John. He sounded pretty happy, too. "Hey there." She chuckled, tottering a little on the heels. "How's things?" "Not bad. Had a good day. How are you, honey?" "Tired. Been working hard." And her ass was sore. "Yeah? You got any free time coming up? Ben and I were thinking we ought to take you out or something." "I haven't had a day off in eight. I'm hoping to find some action tonight. Wait, I mean, I'm walking down lower Greenville heading for the No Name bar, hoping that our perp decides he wants another red head." "Wait. What? You're playing bait?" Now that smooth, full-on sex voice went all growly. "You know it." She yawned, heading up the wooden stairs. "You should see what Nogales dressed me in." "Yeah? Is it hot?" Collars and Cuffs - 153

Such a boy. "I look like a hooker." "Woo!" She could hear him murmuring to Ben, hear Ben chuckling. "Well, if you want to come over..." "I'm working. I have to drink and flirt and push my cleavage around." Yay. Except not. "Oh. Well, we could come there. Ben! Get dressed, baby." "You... I'm..." The line went dead, and when she tried to call back, there wasn't an answer. Damn it. God save her from people who didn't work regular jobs. John and Ben both set their own schedules and just expected her to be able to hang out. She headed in, going right for the bar, ordering a club soda with lime and leaning to look at the room. It wasn't too busy, but busy enough that someone could be watching and she didn't know it. Her phone vibrated again, Nogales this time. "What?" "Are you hot?" "Fuck you." "You see anything?" She looked again. "No. This one's a dud." She didn't even feel a little nervous. "You sure? You want me in there?" Inside? Watching her with Ben and John? She... Hannah was fucking positive that she didn't want to think about how that made her feel. Nogales whistled. "Hammer. You still with me?" "Fucker. I'm right here. Why don't you go home, asshole?" "Because you're my partner. I mean, unless you have a better offer, I'm right here." Collars and Cuffs - 154

Her cheeks heated, and she shook her head. "I..." Damn. Damn. She was being an idiot. She shifted on the barstool. "I feel like a hooker." "Well, you look like one." His chuckle made her roll her eyes and laugh at the same time. "Only classier." "I blame your hairy ass." She tugged at the hem of her skirt again. "I swear, you're wearing the mini skirt next time." "Yeah. Like I'd be able to tuck enough for that." Hannah snorted, sipped her drink. "Nogales, this skirt ain't that short, man." "You think? You never know until you try." He was laughing at her. Hard. "Uh-huh. You got about as much interest in my scarred-up ass as you do in a toothless abuelita." "You're a piece of work, Hammer. We'll give it a half hour and call it quits, huh?" "Yeah. There's no love here. This guy's being an asshole." "Well, it never rains but it pours. When he decides to go, it will be a humdinger." She saw John and Ben wander in out of the corner of her eye. Damn. They'd gotten there fast. "Hopefully he'll pick me." They made a bit of small talk and then Rick hung up and Hannah turned back toward the bar. Damn. "Hey, lady. Buy you a drink?" She looked over, found a smile. "You recognized me." "Well, yeah." John frowned, glancing at Ben. "Was I not supposed to?" Collars and Cuffs - 155

Ben chuckled. "I think she's feeling a little... overdressed?" "More like underdressed." She rolled her eyes. "I told Nogales that this outfit was a bad idea." John looked her up and down, slowly, bright blue eyes hot as fire. "It's a departure, sure, but it's good." Her nipples went tight, and she fought the blush with all she was. "The boots are a little much." Ben stepped in, lips near her ear. "Johnny almost creamed his jeans when he saw you. You should leave them on, later..." Oh, fuck. Who knew it was Ben who would be the trash-talker? It kinda melted her. She felt the slick heat of Ben's tongue, just tracing her ear, so quick no one would see. John moaned, his hands rubbing up and down the thighs of his faded jeans. "Y'all. Gonna embarrass myself." "We should dance." There was a group of drummers on the stage, the beat low and steady and seductive, and Ben was tugging at her hand. "I've danced more since I met y'all..." she protested, as they led her out. "That's because you're learning how hot it can be." Hips already moving, Johnny sandwiched her between him and Ben, humming a melody around the beat. She was taller with the boots on, and John and Ben's hips rolled and ground against her, making her gasp, rub back. Ben pushed close, then groaned. "You're armed? That's so hot, Hannah." John reached around to feel where Ben was pressed against her. "Oh. Oh, damn." "There's another one in my boot. Be careful." Collars and Cuffs - 156

Of course, the way they pushed against her, it was better than hot. "Boots of doom." Chuckling, John felt her up a little, felt Ben up, too. She could feel the way Ben's cock jumped. "I'm working, boys." She shivered, from her toes all the way up. "Yeah? Working it out, that's for sure." Leaning in, Johnny nibbled at her neck a little. She could hear Ben's moan, deep and low and harsh. "Hot." "More," Johnny agreed. They were going to make her crazy. John's chest brushed her breasts, his cock hard against the zipper of his jeans. Ben's lips found the nape of her neck, teeth threatening, just a little, just enough to push her into John. They rocked that way, the beat becoming a little frenzied. That was okay; it matched the beating of her heart. She felt her moan, vibrating in her, deep and low, and fuck, she was wet, aching to feel them both again. "We should go somewhere." Always pushing, always forward that Johnny. "Uh-huh." Wait. She was working. Right? "We could go to the condo. I put on clean sheets." Ben's voice was husky, rich. "We could invite your partner, have a big party." That made her chuckle. Right. Because Rick would fuck the guys. "Oh, yum." John winked, pushing hard against her for a moment. Jerks. "You're both buttheads." She laughed, though, one leg actually sliding up along the outside of John's. He took advantage of it right away, his thigh pushing up, lifting her skirt to the point of danger. God, they Collars and Cuffs - 157

were going to make her come right there if they weren't careful. "It's okay. No one's paying attention." Ben moved them to a darker corner, the drum beats becoming more seductive, slinkier. John moved with them, easily, flowing like water. God, they had this down to a science. "No one'll see, lady." Ben's teeth teased her ear as John hiked her knee higher. One of John's hands slid under her leg, opening her a little wider, the hard ridge of his cock pressing against her leg all of a sudden. "Oh, fuck." Her head fell back, throat working. One of Ben's fingers slipped under the edge of her panties, sliding up to circle her clit, the jolt of pleasure making her legs weak. "That's the idea." "Or at least rubbing and kissing and..." John put the words into action, taking her mouth hard enough to bruise. Between the music and the lights and the kiss, Hannah was melting. There was a core of heat in the pit of her belly that left her aching, a spring that kept getting tighter and tighter. Johnny found her breast with his free hand, thumb and forefinger closing around her nipple. He pinched, rocking against her, kissing her again and again. Ben's finger kept moving, constantly driving her higher. Then he started talking -- saying filthy, wicked shit that made her belly get tighter, made her shake. Johnny just laughed against her mouth, pressing up so Ben's hand was caught between them, the back rubbing Johnny's cock. "After you come, honey, we'll take you home, get the sheets all dirty." Working. Collars and Cuffs - 158

She was work... Oh. The kisses and touches all seemed to get a little harder, a little better, all at once, and she went up on tiptoe in those stupid boots. "Now, darlin'," Johnny murmured against her mouth. "Come on." "John. Y'all." She met John's eyes, blue bright and hot and focused right on her as that spring inside her let loose, her orgasm rocketing through her. "That's it, honey. Hannah." Woo. He did know her name. Go him. "You... I ought to..." She had been working, damn it. Ben chuckled. "Uh-huh. You should. Come home with us. You can catch bad guys tomorrow." "You can catch bad boys right now." John was more forceful and less amused, it sounded like. They were both very convincing. "Now is... Now's good for me." She was off the fucking clock, right? It'd been half an hour. "Then let's go." They helped her get her act together, get her skirt down. Johnny wrapped an arm around her waist. They headed out, and for a second, just a second, Hannah thought she saw Rick Nogales in the crowd, sitting with a beer, staring.

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Chapter Nineteen John loved that Hannah had let him and Ben make her come at a bar. It said volumes about her learning to let go a little, about her sensuality. He was even happier to get her and Ben home, though, so they could all get naked. The whole hooker look had to go. "Home sweet home," he said, opening the door. Ben chuckled. "Beer, Hannah?" "I'd love a big glass of ice water, honestly." "Sure." John gave her a goose and Ben a kiss on the way to the kitchen. He knew what Benny would want. He could hear Ben and Hannah's voices in the background, the sound good, familiar, comforting. John popped a beer for him, one of those fancy brews for Ben, and got a water for Hannah. Hell, he even pulled the snack tray out of the fridge. He walked back into the front room and stopped dead. Ben was kneeling between Hannah's legs, working off those oh-fuck-me-now boots. "Fuck. Where's my camera?" That was something he wanted to remember. "In the desk drawer." Ben leaned in, licked at Hannah's inner thigh. "No need to take pictures, y'all." Hannah's voice was mostly moan. "No need, no. But want? Oh, yeah." John dropped the tray of food and drink on the table and went to get the camera. Jesus, they were hot. He'd bet Hannah had no clue that she was like a wet dream, painted up and in disarray. Benny knew exactly what he was doing. Always. Fucker. John started snapping shots, trying to make it quick, before Hannah stopped him. Collars and Cuffs - 160

"Y'all..." Ben pushed her legs a little farther apart, the tip of his tongue sliding along the edge of her panties. "Hush, girl. Work with us, here." He didn't get too close, too intimate with the camera. He wasn't taking blackmail shots. "This... this isn't about work..." She licked her lips, and that little natural, unconscious motion was the most erotic thing he'd seen a woman do in damn near forever. "Nope. No, it's about fun, right, Ben?" He moved close, setting the camera aside in favor of rubbing Ben's shoulders. "Mmmhmm. Fun. Jesus, honey, you smell sweet." Look at that blush. "Benny." He poked a little, digging his fingers in to the muscles across Ben's shoulders. "Uh-huh?" Ben eased Hannah's little lace panties down. "You have too many clothes on." Oh, he could smell Hannah. Deep and sensual and hot. "Uh-huh." Ben nodded, tongue tracing a circle over Hannah's bright red curls. "Fuck." His knees hit the floor right behind Ben's butt, and John reached up to run his hands along Hannah's legs, leaning on Ben's back. "Boys..." "Shh. Just... hold her open for me, John." He let his fingers slid up, tease her slick folds for a second before spreading her lips so that Ben's hot, pink tongue could slide in, circle her clit, flick across the little bundle of nerves. She moaned, her legs moving restlessly, and John chuckled. "He has a good mouth, huh? Talented." "Yeah. He does..." Her eyes were closed, lips opened. She looked like pure sex. Collars and Cuffs - 161

He pushed her open a tiny bit more, giving Ben better access. Giving him a better view. Slick and shiny, Hannah's body was flushed, hips rolling slow and easy. Ben's tongue kept flicking out, tasting, testing, trying to drive her crazy. John bent and nipped at the back of Ben's neck, needing to taste something, too. "We could move to the bed. I could suck you, baby." Ben groaned, lips pushing against Hannah's body so he could suck for a second, good and hard. Hannah cried out, reaching down to tangle her fingers in Ben's hair. He thought that was a yes. "Come on." He hated to move everyone and risk losing the mood, but damn it, the couch just wasn't going to work. He stood, moving to help Ben lift Hannah up. Hannah's laugh was husky, tickled. "Bed, hmm? I want." Ben grunted in response. They shuffled to the bed, laying Hannah out, spread and ready. John stripped the rest of her clothes off, leaving room between her legs for Ben. Ben stripped down like his clothes were on fire, then settled between Hannah's legs, hands rubbing up and down her thighs. "That's it, baby." He hummed, settling on the bed just like he had on the floor. He'd start with Ben's fine ass. Ben pushed back against him, then bent to lick and nuzzle at Hannah. Their stud of a woman was stretched out, fingers on her hard, dark nipples. "Sweet." He moaned a little, then pushed down to lick at Ben's balls, all exposed and hanging low. Ben was moaning, rocking into him, whole body into it, like they were fucking. Hannah started making low, needy sounds, encouraging Ben not to stop, not yet. Collars and Cuffs - 162

John moved up a little, one hand on Hannah's stretched leg, the other on Ben's hip. He pushed his lips along Ben's crease, letting his tongue trail down. Ben's thighs went tight, and John wasn't sure what Ben was doing with that amazing mouth, but Hannah definitely gasped. Obviously, he had his work cut out for him, if he was going to hold his own with Benny. John pushed his tongue against Ben's hole, demanding that the tight muscles open up. The motions of Ben's hips slowed; he felt Ben's toes curl against him. "Mmmhmm." He let the sound vibrate against that tiny hole, then pushed in again, and again. "Oh, fuck." He heard Hannah's soft, husky cry. "Ben. Don't stop. Please. I need..." "Not gonna stop. Neither are you, Johnny." Ben's voice sounded almost guttural, growly and sexy. John did as he was told, working Ben harder, faster, adding a finger to the mix, slipping it in alongside his tongue. His head spun, just from the heat, the pure need filling the room. So fucking hot. He finally pulled back, his finger twisting, trying to find Benny's gland. "Suck or fuck, baby?" "Fuck me. Now. Now, John. Fucking hurry." Ben's fingers were pushing into Hannah, fucking her while his mouth teased her clit. "Yeah." He knew just where the lube was, knew just how much of it Ben would need without any more stretching. John surged up once Ben was wet, open, pushing his cock against the hottest, tightest hole ever. He met Hannah's eyes, pretty sure that the stunned, dazed look on her face was echoed in his. He reached around Ben even as he pushed inside his lover's body, his fingers grazing Hannah's skin. "More, huh?" Collars and Cuffs - 163

"Uh-huh. So good." Those scars were right there, and he let his fingers trail over them. "Come on, Benny." John's hips started moving, rocking him deeper and deeper. God almighty. Hannah's head fell back, and Ben's ass squeezed around his cock, making him grunt out in pleasure. They all got to moving, Ben's mouth never leaving Hannah even as that fine ass pushed back against John. Multitasker show off. He swatted Ben's butt, just because, then gasped as Ben's body clenched tighter. "Baby. Hot." Hell, he pinched Hannah's thigh, just for good measure. Share the joy and all. Hannah moaned, reached up and tweaked one of his nipples. Hard. "Christ." His hips jerked, and he laughed out loud. "You can hold your own, honey." "I can. I can hold a lot." Ben moaned, head bobbing in time with the pistoning of his fingers. The look on Hannah's face got distant, a little dazed. Johnny nodded, grabbing Ben's hips again and starting to slam home. They all needed to be together on this. It wasn't going to take long, thank God. Ben was jerking, Hannah was right there, and his balls were hard as rocks. Moaning, he reached down and grabbed Ben's cock, jacking hard. He felt the impact of his touch all the way up his dick when Ben squeezed tight around him. Hannah cried out first, body arched, nipples diamond hard, but Ben wasn't far behind. Johnny held off, watching Hannah's bright green eyes go cloudy, watching the flush crawl up Ben's spine. Then he let loose, too, jerking and moaning like a fool. Hannah blinked up at him, grinned. "Wow." Collars and Cuffs - 164

"Mmm." Ben was humming, leaning on Hannah's belly. "Yeah," Johnny agreed. "Wow. Glad you came home with us, honey." "Me, too." Hannah was petting Ben's head. "Real glad." They were all settling in for a hard cuddle when somewhere in the front room, a cell phone started ringing. "Oh, for fuck's sake. I'm going to kill that little prick." Hannah bit the words out. "Who?" Benny sounded drugged, holding on to Hannah when she would have moved. "Nogales." She yawned. "My partner. Calling to tell me he's got an itch on his butt or something." "Well, he can wait, then. Tonight is ours." Really, Johnny was starting to think the partner was jealous, the way Hannah talked about him. Of course, Johnny thought, if he was the partner, he'd be jealous, too. Damn jealous.

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Chapter Twenty Omelets. Omelets were good. Ben chopped peppers and onions, tomatoes and garlic, ham and mushrooms, before putting six slices of toast in the oven. The pan was hot, the first set of eggs whisked, and all he needed was... Cheese. Right. Cheese. "Do you like Swiss or cheddar on your omelet, honey?" He heard Hannah's feet slap on the tile, "Oh, cheddar, please. Can I help?" He looked over. "Do you know how to cook?" "I'm a cop. I eat at Denny's. My fridge has lunch meat, beer, and mustard." "Uh-huh." That's what he'd thought. "Pour orange juice." She nodded. "You got it." She was good, though. She didn't get in his way even a little, like Johnny would have. Johnny, who was still snoring away. Butthead. "How about more coffee?" "That would be cool, honey. You could go punch Johnny for me, too." "Uh. Is he being bad?" Hannah glanced over her shoulder, then back at him, eyes twinkling. "Lazy." He winked over. "And he hates rubbery eggs, hmm?" Spoiled baby. "Ah. Well, I could go pour ice water on his head." Oh, she had some good ideas. Collars and Cuffs - 166

"Or a nice nipple tweak works wonders." "Ah, the Texas tittie twister..." "There you go." She actually headed over, fingers snapping, and Johnny sat up in bed with a snort. "No nipple pinching unless it's fun." Ben chuckled, plated Hannah's omelet before starting Johnny's. "Omelets, beautiful man." "Oh, I love those." Johnny chuckled, stretching hard and rolling to his feet. "I know. Hannah poured juice." That was usually Johnny's job. "Yeah? Go her." Johnny gave Hannah a smile, dropping a kiss on her mouth before coming to him. "That means I get to be the kiss up." "You are exceptionally good at that, Mister." "Am I?" Johnny kissed him like there was no hot pan, no sizzling egg matter nearby. "Mmm..." What was the question? "Omelet?" Johnny patted his ass just as Hannah came over with the juice, and the kiss went a little three-way. "Uh-huh." Right. Eggs. Tongues. Skin. No. No eggs on skin. Ick. Johnny laughed, pinching him. "You're distracted." "That's y'all's fault!" He grinned, rescued Johnny's omelet. Hannah grabbed her plate, propped up in his old robe on a bar stool. "Our fault? Dude, Hannah. He's blaming us. You know he was thinking something gross." Johnny knew him well. "Uh-huh. If he cooks like this, he can think gross things, Stud. This is magic." "Benny's good." Johnny gave him a look that told him he was good at far more than cooking. Collars and Cuffs - 167

He grinned over, grabbed his bowl of eggs and started his omelet. "It's just eggs." "Yeah, but seeing as how neither of us can cook." Johnny grinned at Hannah. "Can you boil water?" "I can make coffee. Does that involve boiling?" "No. Perking." Those blond eyebrows went up and down, Johnny inviting them to laugh at the look he gave Hannah's tits. It was weird, how comfortable it was. "You two are something else." He twirled the skillet, making sure the egg cooked. "Nah." Hannah snorted into her coffee. "I'm just a cop." "You were more than a cop in that outfit last night, honey. Damn." "No shit." Johnny was bouncing, but the man let them all have coffee, eat. Ben was proud. Hannah kept looking at Johnny, smiling indulgently. "You have ants in your... balls?" "Huh? No. Well, kinda. I mean, I want to do bad things to y'all." Oh, Ben did like how Hannah rubbed her thighs together when she was turned on. "Yeah? I could get behind that." "Good." Johnny petted Hannah's belly through the robe. "Benny likes bad things, too." "Now, now..." His eyes were fastened where the robe parted, to that triangle of auburn curls. "You can help with this, and I'll help with the dishes later, baby." Johnny was like a firecracker. Ready to go. Boom. "How could I say no?" He didn't want to, not even a little bit. "Well, come on, then." Grinning, Johnny held out the other hand to him, warm and firm and not at all eggy. Collars and Cuffs - 168

He found a good spot, between Hannah's curves and Johnny's solidness. This was heaven. They both pressed close, smiling, lips open to take his in another amazing kiss. He wasn't sure where one started and the other stopped. He was damn sure it didn't matter, really. Hannah pressed against his arm, her nipples hard, hot through the robe. Johnny was hard, too, and there was no robe there, nothing to hide the heat of that amazing cock. So pretty. So pretty and so ready. Ben took Hannah's hand, wrapped it around the hard, thick shaft. Johnny moaned, hips bucking, pressing into the touch. They all took a couple of deep breaths, hands and mouths moving. Then Johnny was grabbing his ass, pulling him up so hardly any air passed between them. "Want you. Now." Hannah chuckled, "Here?" "Here. Now." Johnny was so focused. Yeah. "Okay." He dropped to his knees, moaning as the thick prick pushed into his lips. Hannah's hand met his lips, still rapped around Johnny's cock, and it was like the most perfect dessert. If you could have that at breakfast. "Fuck, that's hot." Hannah sounded husky, rasping. "Yeah. Yeah, you should feel his mouth." "I did. Last night." He smiled at Hannah's words, at Johnny's moan. They were so hot against him, Johnny a little wet at the tip. He could smell Hannah, so close. Johnny's hand slipped down, brushing through Hannah's curls, the sweet smell stronger now. "Benny. God." Johnny was so hoarse, that morning voice even worse than usual. Collars and Cuffs - 169

"Mmm." He hummed around that heavy cock, smiled. God, this was fun. More than fun.

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Chapter Twenty-One John figured he was just gonna bust. Goddamn, Hannah and Benny were hot together, hot for him and with him and all of those superlatives and shit. Benny was sucking him like there was no tomorrow, and Hannah held on, feeding him into Ben's mouth. They were all sweaty and panting, and his balls were going to explode. Just frickin' explode, any second. John loved sex. Like really, really. His fingers twitched, sliding along Hannah's wetness. He pushed one inside her, but he couldn't get enough leverage to really give it to her, not with Benny going down on him like a Hoover. "Maybe we ought to lie down." "Maybe," Hannah agreed, going up on tiptoe to kiss him, making him forget why he wanted to get horizontal. There were hands and mouths everywhere, and damn... Damn. Benny went all the way down, lips pushing Hannah's hand back toward Johnny's balls, and he almost lost it right there. Almost. He held on, lifting Hannah up, pushing his finger in good and hard. Her wet heat closed around his finger, and his thumb pushed against her clit, making her cry out. Benny, well, Benny was the prettiest thing he'd ever seen, down on his knees like that, mouth stretched around John's cock. Jesus, he was the luckiest man on earth. "Gonna come," he murmured against Hannah's mouth. "Can't stop." Benny reached up and tugged at his balls, and Hannah's hand squeezed down on him, and Jesus. John Collars and Cuffs - 171

blew so hard that his knees buckled, sending him crashing to the floor. Benny blinked at him, face right next to his, mouth still open, and damned if they both didn't start laughing at him, the sound merry and happy. "Gonna make us come, too?" Benny licked his lips, wiping his chin off with one hand. "I was working on it when you sucked all my brains out, baby." Tugging Hannah down, John grinned. "I said we should lie down, didn't I?" "You did. Sitting on the floor counts." Hannah shrugged the robe she'd been wearing the rest of the way off. It wasn't covering anything anymore, anyway. Wow, that was a lot of anys. "What are you laughing at, Johnny?" Ben moved close, almost sitting in his lap, that hot, heavy cock rubbing his thigh. "Me. Playing word games." "Ah. Well, I'd rather play reindeer games. I bet Hannah would, too." "You could fuck her." "She's right here." Hannah wiggled closer, too. "Maybe I'd rather you put your mouth on me." Benny nodded, eyes bright. "You could do us both." "Baby, I'm talented, but not that talented." He had a thought, though. "You could fuck me while I make her come." "That works." Moving fast, Benny rolled away to grab lube, even while John lay back and pulled Hannah up to sit on his chest. She was hot, wet, her folds glistening. He felt Ben lube him up, and John grabbed Hannah's hips, pulling her close, sealing his mouth against her. His whole world became her scent, her taste, which was like the ocean first thing in the morning. Beautiful. Collars and Cuffs - 172

Then Benny slid deep into him, reminding him that the best feeling on earth was that cock in his ass. Jesus, he was in heaven. "Fuck." He honestly wasn't sure who said it. It might have been both Hannah and Ben. Who knew? All John knew was that they formed a closed circuit of pleasure, that the shivering, desperate feeling would only go away when they all achieved orgasm. He started moving, taking Ben deep, his tongue pressing inside Hannah's cunt. She moaned, rocking above him, her hands sinking into his hair. Goddamn, he liked a woman who took what she wanted, who knew how to make her own pleasure. Benny slammed into him, making John grunt, reminding him that someone else was looking to come. He squeezed down with his ass, knowing Benny loved that, knowing it would make his baby crazy. Hannah screamed. Ben slapped against him so hard that those heavy balls swung against him. He grunted, biting a little at Hannah's most sensitive skin, urging them both to come before he passed out from sheer lack of oxygen. Ben came first, filling his ass, swelling impossibly inside him. Hannah was right on Ben’s heels, though, her hips rocking and rolling. John's cock gave one last twitch, feeble as it was, and he blacked out for just a minute. Life was damned good. "You having fun, lover?" Benny asked him. Johnny nodded, patting Hannah's ass. "You know it. You?" "You better believe it." *** She was a whore. A sister of Babylon. Collars and Cuffs - 173

This one was no angel. She never had been. She was a red-headed daughter of Cain. He'd seen her, at the bar. Seen her dancing. Seen her making a mockery of everything that love could be. Everything. He wanted to be with his angel, but this devil-woman kept distracting him. Kept making him sweat, making his hands itch to wrap themselves around her throat. How could she do this to him? How? He'd avoided getting too close to her for a long time, but now it was like she was flaunting herself. Wearing short clothes, showing off for her two conquests. Two. What angel needed two men? It was a blot on God's eyes. He didn't want her. No, not for himself. Not at all. But he would have to rid the world of her so he could stop seeing her everywhere he went. So he could find the one he was meant to be with. Yes. He would have to stop her. She was making a mockery of him, and he would not let her keep taunting him. She was with them now, safe in their little perfect world. She would have to leave some time, though, and when she did, he would be ready. He would be ready, and it wouldn’t matter how many protectors she had. Her end would free him. Then and only then could he find his one. His angel.

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Chapter Twenty-Two "I can't just stay all day, boys..." She'd been snuggled, bathed, fed, and now she was wrapped in a blanket on the couch, leaning against John. "No?" John raised a brow, smiling, which was lethal that close. "You got to go meet your partner?" "Not until the morning. He's going fishing." Or maybe he was going to his niece's quinceanera... "Ah. Well, then he won't have time to be jealous." "Jealous of what?" Ben snorted. "You're not that clueless, lady." "Maybe she is. She's kind of guy-like." John pinched her hip. "Hey! So I'm macho. I'm not all that butch." "No, I mean in your serious lack of understanding how hot your partner is for you." John wiggled his fingers, which were working up under the blanket. "Me? Bullshit. He's seen me... at my worst." Bloody, crazed. Sobbing. "Well, there you go." Laughing, Johnny winked over at Ben. "Anyone who's seen you like that and stands by you? Good deal." "Absolutely. I mean, I've seen John without his spray tan." Ben managed to sound utterly horrified. They all cackled, and Ben moved to sit at their feet, leaning on them. Warm. Nice. Hannah reached out, stroked Ben's thick hair. "I just don't think he sees me like that, boys, like a woman." "I think you're wrong." John huffed out a little laugh. "And Lord knows I know sex looks." "Sex looks?" She chuckled. "I should practice that one." "There you go." Been hooted. "Show her Johnny." Collars and Cuffs - 175

John glanced over at her sideways, eyes suddenly hot, lips a little pouty. Yeah, like Nogales would ever, ever look like that, at her or not. One of her eyebrows arched. "No man on earth looks at me like that, Stud." "I do." Turning just a tiny bit, Johnny leaned over and kissed her mouth, right at the corner of her lips. She couldn't help her smile. It was inevitable. "See?" Benny chuckled again, leaning on her harder. "Don't let him fool you. He looks at you with actual respect." "I know. You, though... He looks at you like you hung the moon." Benny snorted. "That's because I did." John hooted. "And you eat sunshine and shit rainbows." "You told her my secret!" Benny jumped up, pounced them, landing across their laps. She squeaked. Actually squeaked. Johnny just laughed, wrestling Ben around to kiss him. Fuck, that was pretty. Johnny focused on Ben completely, tongue fucking those sweet, swollen lips. Ben reached up to push both hands into John's hair, and they just went at it. They were all long muscles and hot skin, all but burning where they touched her. She leaned back, watching so she couldn't miss a thing. "Y'all... Damn." "Mmm?" John turned to smile at her, his mouth still partly attached to Ben's. "C'mere." Hannah leaned forward, the blanket falling to her waist as she pushed into the kiss. Ben's hands found her skin, and suddenly they were all right there, all over each other. Zero to sixty in nothing flat. Jesus, they were everywhere -- touching her, each other. They made her hands feel stupid. It didn't matter. Collars and Cuffs - 176

They had way more hands with way more talent. It felt like heaven. Maybe a little like hell. Either way, she was happy as fuck to be there. Ben touched her scars, John's hand sliding up along her back. "Mmm." Ben seemed fascinated with her scars, which would have freaked her out even a few days ago. He leaned in, traced each scar with his tongue, touching the bunched up skin first, then the smooth bits in between. John chuckled, right there by her ear, his lips sliding along completely different bits of skin. "So pretty." She groaned her immediate argument, then his teeth scraped her skin, made her shiver. They both moved again, like they had one mind, one that was completely in sync. Ben moved down, licking at the tops of her curls, and John moved to kiss her mouth. She was supposed to be... Oh. Oh. Ben spread her, and John's kiss left her breathless. Ben's fingers opened her, exposing her, and his mouth found her most sensitive flesh. John moaned against her mouth, his fingers slipping around to join Ben's. Oh. Oh, damn. Fuck. She bore down onto the touches, hips moving faster. Ben slipped farther down between her thighs, his tongue licking at her like a tiny flame. John held her open, giving Ben full access. These little sounds kept hiccupping out of her, over and over, in time with the touch of that tongue. Johnny chuckled against her neck. "He's so good with his mouth, huh? Makes you want to scream." Collars and Cuffs - 177

"Uh-huh. He... It's maddening." "It is. When he sucks me, I just forget everything else." John's fingers found her clit at the same time Ben's tongue slid inside her. "Jesus." She jerked, ass rubbing against Johnny's cock. "Please." Hell, she didn't even know what she was asking for. "Mmmhmm. We got what you need, huh, Benny?" Ben raised his head for a few seconds, nodding. "We do. Come on, Johnny." "Please, boys. I need." "Yeah." Ben moved away for two seconds, reappearing with a condom. John lifted her, Ben put the condom on John, and it was like a puzzle coming together. Her eyes rolled back in her head as John pushed inside her, the tenderness in her body welcome, good. Ben bent right back to that spot, his lips meeting the base of John's prick. Christ, they were going to burn her alive. Johnny's hands cupped her breasts, thumbs working her nipples as they all started to move. Rocking, rolling, they started up a rhythm that made her muscles sing with tension, made her breath come short. They were crazy-making. She was lucky as fuck to have them as friends. "Harder." "Yeah." Ben grabbed her thighs and pushed. John grunted and slammed up to meet her. Damn. Her head fell forward, the coil of need in the base of her spine making her want to scream. Ben found her clit with his lips, tugging at it a tiny bit. That was all she needed. Hannah came with a short, sharp scream as that spring inside her let loose.

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"Christ." John rocked, jerking madly. Ben moaned, moving away to stroke his cock. She saw it out of the corner of her eye. She tried to reach for Ben, but she was too clumsy and he needed too bad, hips snapping as he shot over his fingers. Johnny was right behind them, panting loud in her ear when he came, his whole body like a live wire under her. Head lolling, she blinked up at Johnny, kissed his jaw. "Wow." "Mmm. See, you didn't need to go anywhere." Ben rolled on the floor, chuckling. "Can we go take a nap?" John's stomach rumbled. "No. We need to refuel again." "Is there a law that says we can't do both?" "Nope," they said it in concert, looking like nothing so much as those Siamese cats from that dog movie. Man, it was going to be a long, wonderful day. She figured she might as well stay.

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Chapter Twenty-Three The little bitch. He watched her, every day. He watched her move, from one man to another, like a whore. They fucked her, touched her. Touched what was his. In public, over the phone, in private. In beds, on tables, couches. He shook his head and slipped into the door, closing it carefully behind him. Little bitch. Little whore. Cheating slut. He'd show her. The room was pristine. Not at all what he'd expect from the fallen angel. His angel. She'd been that once. Perfect and pale, beautiful and untouched. His breath hitched, but he forced himself to remain silent. To be silent, find a spot, and wait. *** "Man, tell me why I became a cop again, Nogales?" Hannah stretched, hands on the small of her back as her spine popped and cracked. "Because you're a tough broad?" Ricky grinned. Tacos had knocked him out of his snit. "Oh, right. I remember now. Me? Vicious bitch. You? Growly partner." "There you go. See? We could be a TV show." Nogales rolled his head on his neck. "You think we'll ever run out of reports to go through?" They were looking through all of the case files, and they had a hell of a lot of paper to have Jack shit like they did. Collars and Cuffs - 180

"No. I think Cap's in his office with a fucking midget under his desk cranking them out." She sighed and shook her head. "When is this fucker going to make a mistake?" "Maybe he has already. We just have to figure out what it is." "He didn't go for me." It had been a long shot, but she'd hoped. "Not yet, anyway." He gave her a dirty look. "Bad deal, using you as bait." "I've told you, you come up with a better idea with someone able to cope, and I'm there." "I'm trying!" He shot a rubber band at her ass. "I'm telling you, Hammer, I'm actually ready to turn this one over to your ex." "Like he can do anything but crawl up my ass." She frowned over at Nogales, though. Jesus, he'd been... quiet. Invisible. "He's been damned hands off here, don't you think?" "I do." Now Ricky was frowning, too. "I mean, he came in all, 'I'm going to solve this' didn't he? Where'd he go?" "I don't know. I mean..." She stopped and thought. Really thought. When had she seen him last? Talked to him? Heard someone talk about him? Hell, had it been longer than a week? Yeah. Yeah, it had to be because she hadn't gone out as bait. Nogales frowned harder. "What's in that head of yours?" "We haven't seen him in more than a week, Ricky, right? He's just staying out of our way?" Even though that was the absolute last thing Danny ever did. Ever. She whipped out her phone. Ricky pulled his out, too. "I'll call the field office." Collars and Cuffs - 181

She didn't want to think too hard about what it meant that she had her ex husband's number still programmed in. Jesus, she'd been so caught up in fucking and dressing and shit that she'd just let a fed disappear. The phone rang and rang, eventually going to voice mail. "Donalds, it's MacTavish. Call me." When she glanced back at Nogales, he was looking green around the gills. "He hasn't checked in, Hammer. They thought he'd gone on assignment." "Shit, Ricky. How can we lose a fucking fibbie?" "I don't know, babe." His fingers were starting to drum on the desk, a sure sign of impending blow-out. "How could they?" She stopped. Blinked. "Get the captain. Tell him we need to talk. I'm going to call Jack and Vicki from day shift." "You got it." He was off in a flash. Rick was good that way. Her brain was going a million miles a minute as she dialed Jack Wanner. There were a few scenarios -Danny was hurt. Danny was working another angle, which was the most likely answer. Danny had been called back in and the paperwork trail hadn't caught up to him yet. "Wanner." Jack sounded peeved. She wondered what he was up to. "MacTavish. You been working with Agent Donalds?" "Who? Oh, the fibbie? No. I thought he was your ex or something. You take him." "Shit, man. I haven't seen him. Not for a week, easy." Shit. Shit. "No kidding? Well, maybe he decided we're too podunk. Would have been nice to know before he left." Collars and Cuffs - 182

"Yeah. Fucking feds." Hannah knew better. She knew better. Danny would've called to at least bitch. Rick came back, motioning to her, mouthing, "Cap wants to see you." "Sorry to bother you, man. Cap's calling for me." "You need us in?" "I don't know yet, man. I'll call." "I'll let Miss Vicki know." Rick tilted his head when she hung up. "Any news?" "Nothing. You?" "Captain just wants us to meet in his office. Quieter." Okay, that was bad. Probably really bad. What the fuck was going on? She nodded and headed in, telling her heart to slow the fuck down. "Sit." The captain barked it at them, waving to his viciously uncomfortable chairs. "Tell." "Don't know if there's anything to tell, Cap." She sighed and sat, one leg crossing over the other. "We were running over the files and it occurred to us that we hadn't seen Danny -- Agent Donalds -- in more than a week." "I know we've all been busy, but whose job was it to coordinate with him?" The cap was actually looking sympathetic. The shit was about to hit the fan. "I don't know that anyone was, sir. Shit, I'm his fucking ex-wife. We're not close anymore." "Someone had to be." Cap grunted. "Has anyone called his home office?" Nogales shook his head. "Called the local field office; he hasn't checked in." "Called Wanner. They haven't seen him." "Okay. Someone needs to get ahold of whoever he reports to. Someone else needs to find out where he's Collars and Cuffs - 183

staying here in town and go there. Get back to me when you have something." "Yes, sir." Fuck. Fuck. She stood up, shook her head. His wife was pregnant. The fucker's wife was pregnant. Nogales took her arm, leading her out. "What do you need me to do, Hammer?" "You talk to the brass. I'll find out where he was staying and check that out." "You got it. Stay in contact. I don't like you going alone." "Yeah, yeah, yeah. I hear you." No one ever wanted her going alone anywhere. At some point, someone needed to tell her why she kept hanging out with men.

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Chapter Twenty-Four Hannah looked at her watch. Fucking noon. Fucking noon and no one'd seen a tall, fairly handsome fed in a suit in days. His hotel room was empty -- paid for, but empty -- not so much as a speck of trash. The wife hadn't heard from him, but she wasn't worried -- he had a hot lead. A hot lead? Jesus. "Danny, where the fuck are you, man?" She rubbed the back of her neck, sighed. This was fucking nuts. Okay. Okay, could she fucking pull phone records on a federal agent? She headed back into the precinct, eyes searching for Nogales, knowing he'd be there even though they were supposed to be off shift. Ricky sat at his desk, phone tucked between his ear and neck. "You're sure? Yeah, yeah, okay. Keep me posted. Sure. Okay, bye." "You hear anything?" She plopped down at her desk. "Nope. I was just on with the Feeb field office again. They're stiff upper lipping me, but they're worried. I got the whole, 'Please keep us informed' doolie." Nogales rolled his head on his neck. "That bastard's got him." "Why? He doesn't fit the profile, not at all." Nogales shook his head. "You're talking out of your ass." "No, I'm not. I know." "What, woman's intuition?" She got a shit-eating grin. "Little late in life to be invoking that now, Hammer." "Fuck you, man. Danny's a fucker, but he wouldn't just run out. He wouldn't."

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"So, what do we do then? I mean, no one is gonna believe it." That was her partner, always willing to run with the ball for her, even if he thought she was nuts. "I don't know. I... Damn it, why didn't he go for me?" "What if he did?" When she glanced sharply at him, Rick shrugged. "What? He's your ex. Maybe he took the bait, but found out who you were." "Okay, what's he gonna find out from Danny? Where I work. My name." She stopped, head tilting. Where she lived. "I have to go home." "Now? You want me to come with?" Rising, Rick pulled his gun out of his desk drawer. "No. He'll be watching. That's the only intel he could get from Danny, man. Home." "No." Staring her down, Rick blocked her way. "No way are you going in without a plan, without back up." "Don't get all puffy. I have a plan." Sort of. In theory. "What? Waltz off and let him grab you?" Nogales was all red in the face and looking super grumpy. "Yep. Then I shoot him in the knee." Or the balls. It was an exceptional fucking plan. Classic, simple, pure Hammer. "What if he's smarter than that? Or crazier." It was left unsaid, but she knew Rick meant what if you get captured again. "I've lived through it before. Fuck him." She wasn't fucking scared. "I know, I know. You're a stud. But damn it, Hannah..." He trailed off, shoulders hunching. "Those other girls were surprised. I won't be." She didn't mention that if he had Danny he'd managed to snag an armed agent. "Uh-huh. Let's think this through. Your guy has been missing long enough that if he's dead, he's dead. Let's Collars and Cuffs - 186

call in some support." Holding out his hands, Rick actually pleaded with her. What the hell was with him? "Jesus. What are we going to tell his wife?" "I don't know, Hammer." They stared at each other for a few minutes, quiet, both of them thinking. She could hear the wheels turning in his brain. Jesus, when did Rick get a pretty mouth? He met her eyes again, and there was something there she couldn't remember seeing before. Something bright and hot and gone almost before she noticed it. She frowned, opened her mouth, when her cell vibrated, the buzz making her jump. "McTavish." "Hannah?" She almost didn't recognize the voice; it was higher, thinner than usual. But it was John, sure enough. "John? What's wrong?" She frowned, met Rick's eyes. "I need help, honey. I-- Jesus. There's this dead guy, and Bennie is gone..." His voice trailed off now, and she heard a swallow, a sob. "Dead guy? Shit. Are you at home?" She motioned to Nogales, grabbed her shit, and they headed out at a trot. "Yeah. I'm -- Benny's gone!" His voice was shaking, thready. Christ, he was about to melt down. "Okay. Gone. Is there a note? Did you call his phone?" The trot became a run. "I've called and called. I think someone made a trade." He was holding it together by a thread, but bless him, he was holding it together. "Okay. Okay. We'll be there in eight minutes. You keep talking." She looked back at Nogales. "EMTs at the boys' place." Nogales nodded, calling for medical and back-up. John kept talking, babbling about how he'd just gone for fucking smokes and some OJ for Ben. Collars and Cuffs - 187

"It hasn't been long, then, huh? I'll find him, John. You have my word." Fucker. Pig fucker. "Just need to see you, face to face. Wait, the guy is breathing, Hannah. Just barely, but he is." "Okay. Okay, the ambulance is coming. We're on the way. Is your door locked?" "Yeah. I put a chair in front, too. You'll have to let me know when to open up." She could hear it, when he calmed down enough to start to get angry. "Someone took him, Hannah." "Yeah, and I'm going to get him back." "Okay. Okay. Hurry?" "Using the siren and everything, John." They got to Rick's car; she slid in the passenger side. "I don't know what to do for this guy, H. He's... wow. I mean, I thought he was dead..." Fuck. She closed her eyes. "Can you see where he's hurt?" "He's one big bruised and bloody mess, honey. Nothing is spurting." "Good." Their guy wasn't a beater. He choked them. Well, the girls. Jesus. "Christ. He's moaning. Hurry, huh?" John's teeth were starting to chatter. She could hear them, just like castanets. "We're two minutes out." She made sure she was loaded, made sure backup was on the way. Nogales nodded, eyes hard, staring into hers for a second before going back to the road. He was driving like a maniac. They were racing the ambulance, the sirens fucking annoying together. "You hear us, Johnny? That's us." Collars and Cuffs - 188

"I hear you. I've got you on speaker. I'm trying to make the guy more comfortable, okay?" "Good deal." She was out of the car and running before Ricky was really stopped, her feet pounding on the stairs. The lock turned the moment she reached for the knob, John standing there looking absolutely broken. Confident, cocksure John. "Breathe. You did good." Her eyes landed on her exhusband, and she winced. "Fuck, Danny. What happened?" The EMTs pushed past her, and Rick went to check the upstairs, just in case. Danny's right hand opened and closed, but that was it. John blinked. "You know him?" "He's my ex-husband." She sighed, rubbed the back of her neck. "Okay, tell me everything that happened." The story was brief, uncomplicated. "I went to the store. I was gone, what, thirty minutes?" John rubbed his arms. "When I got back, the door was gaping open and Benny was gone. He was on the floor." "Was there a note? Anything?" Something? Some motherfucking clue? "Not that I saw." His hands moved, almost reaching out for her, stopping dead when Nogales came in. "I didn't dig in his pockets or anything." "Good." She looked at Rick. "Anything?" "Nothing." Rick looked grim. "We better have Cap call the feds. They're gonna be pissed." "Yeah. I'll call him. He'll tell me to call the field office." Rick grimaced. "I've established rapport." "Good for you. Don't mention me." She reached out, eased Johnny over as the EMTs moved Danny. Collars and Cuffs - 189

"Yeah." Rick turned away, his back stiff, and Johnny shook his head. "Poor guy." "He'll make it." He had to. He was going to be a dad. "What was Ben doing? Was he dressed?" "Mostly? I think he was in sweats and a T-shirt. We'd slept in a little, done the mimosa breakfast thing." She nodded. So he would have opened the door. Okay. Good to know. How the hell had none of the neighbors seen someone carrying Danny up? "Nogales! Get uniforms going door-to-door! Someone had to see something!" Nogales waved a hand, his other at his ear, indicating he would do it when he was off the phone. "How could this happen in during fucking rush hour, Hannah?" "That's what I'm trying to find out, John." Her cell rang, and she answered it. "MacTavish." "If you want him back, you slut, you'll come outside. We'll make a trade." "What?" Fuck. "Right now. You walk outside now, and I'll let him go. Otherwise, I'll put a bullet in his head and leave him for the blond to find." "Okay. I'm on my way." "Alone. You leave the Mexican in there." "Yeah. No sweat." She hung up. "I have to check something out, Johnny. Sit tight." Fuck. Fuck. She slipped her piece into the small of her back, where she could reach it, then she headed for the door.

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Chapter Twenty-Five John thought he might just have a meltdown of epic proportions. Ben. Someone had his Benny. Some psycho, the kind who killed people. The kind who would do... that to Hannah's ex. And now Hannah had disappeared, leaving him with her partner, who was stony-faced and grim. "Where's Hannah?" John finally asked, knowing -what was his name? Nogales? -- had an earpiece and probably had a clue. Nogales gave him this look. "She talked to you on the way out the door, loverboy." "Yeah. Yeah, she said she had to check on something. That was like, twenty minutes ago." Those dark eyebrows got all heavy. "What?" A phone came out, the man hitting 1. Dude, she was 1 on speed dial. John bit back all the questions he wanted to ask, waiting. He wouldn't get anywhere being a prick. "Come on. Come on, Hammer. Answer your fucking phone." John's eyes narrowed, and he started chewing on a thumbnail, something Ben always chided him for. What the hell? "Shit." Nogales slapped the phone shut, looked at him. "What did she say to you?" "I told you. She said she had to check on something. She was on her phone." Dread settled in his chest. Why wasn't Hannah answering? "Okay. Okay." The phone was flipped open again, buttons mashed. "Nogales. I need phone records on an officer, now." There was a long silence, and John couldn't look at Nogales' face. He just couldn't. Collars and Cuffs - 191

"No. No. Hannah MacTavish. Badge number..." Nogales rattled off a string of numbers, one hand fisted at his side. John started to pace, his feet needing to move. He wanted to hit things. Hard. "I want to know every fucking call she's had in the last hour and I want to know fifteen minutes ago!" John waited until Nogales hung up before asking. "What's wrong?" "I don't know, man. She always answers me. If she's in the bathtub, if she's asleep. Always." "What if she's on some kind of lead?" "She'd hang up on me, or her phone would be off and go straight to voice mail." "I--" John scratched his arms, turning in a circle. Something was wrong. Really, really fucked up. "I have to go." "No way. You stay right here." "What? I have to go look for Ben -- for Hannah." He couldn't just do nothing. "No. You sit. You stay. I've lost two. I'm not losing three!" "But --" Nogales gave him a look, and John shut up, figuring he'd wait for the cop to get busy and forget him. He went to the window and stared out, willing someone to be there. Nogales answered the phone again as soon as it rang. "Cap. Cap. No. No, man. No. You gotta get me that information. We ain't doing this again." John listened, his whole body straining, but that damned Nogales was blocking the door. "No. No, I'll call her again." "Come on, Hannah. Where are you?" John's shoulders twitched, feeling the danger. Damn it. Nogales' eyes met his, dark and, not worried. Scared. Collars and Cuffs - 192

Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck. He headed for the door, not caring if he had to plow the man down. His hand hit the knob, and it opened, almost hitting him square in the face. Ben plowed through the door into his arms, covered in blood, face swollen. "Benny?" John distantly heard his own voice, high and thin, panicked as all hell. "Ben! Baby?" "He didn't want me." "Fuck. I need medical!" Nogales was right there. "Who did this to you, man? How'd you get loose?" "He didn't want me." "Ben." Johnny held Ben up until they could get to the couch. "Johnny. He didn't want me. She got in the van. She went with him." "What?" Now it was Nogales who was shouting, hands reaching for Ben. Johnny knocked him away. Ben was hurt enough. "You mean Hannah? Hannah went with him?" "She... She gave him her gun. She said... She said she'd survived worse." Nogales' face went white. Pure white. "Hannah." Oh, God. Johnny kind of wanted to puke, but he knew Ben needed him to be strong. He wasn't sure how he was gonna do it, though. This whole case depended on the strongest person they all knew. And she'd just given herself over to a killer.

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Chapter Twenty-Six He had her. Oh, she was no angel now; he knew that. No, not an angel anymore. She was tainted, but strong. So strong. And she was his. He hadn't wanted that filthy boy. No, he hadn't even wanted to touch him, which was why the little bastard had gotten off so easily. That and he'd known. He'd known she would trade herself for him. The other man, well... He'd gotten carried away, hadn’t he? That one had known his angel too well, had known things that no one should know. He'd had to hurt that man. No killing, though. No, he'd had to leave the trail of breadcrumbs. Breadcrumbs. Candy. Witches and ovens. Child's play. Now he had her. She had thought he was going to hit her when she walked to him, had been bracing herself for it. No, no, he was smarter than that, now. He'd been hoping that was what she'd be thinking. That way she wasn't ready for the needle. It had taken only seconds to push it into her arm, press the plunger. Seconds later she was asleep, looking like an angel again. Her face wasn't soft; she was a warrior angel. Rage filled him again when he thought about what she'd been doing, who she'd been doing it with. His teeth ground and his fists clenched with the need to hurt her, tear her apart, teach her that she couldn't just go and do what she had... Swallowing, he pulled himself together. No. No, first he needed to clean her, to secure her, make sure she wouldn't run away. He had to get her to the safe place, Collars and Cuffs - 194

the place where no one would hear her sing, where no one could hear her cry. His chest swelled with pride. He'd gotten her. He would take her and learn every inch of her. He would make her over in the image he most admired. He would make her his. And if none of that worked, he would kill her. Then she would become an angel again, and his work would be done. *** She kept praying that she could just stay asleep this time. Just stay asleep and float away. Hannah knew how this worked. She'd been here before, been in this gray space where pain and horror waited on the other side. She knew that nothing good waited out there for her, nothing at all. Whatever waited out there had teeth and was hungry. So hungry. She tried to wrap herself in memories -- Rick laughing with her over coffee, Danny's face at their wedding in Vegas, Johnny and Ben dancing with her, making her feel so beautiful. Her mother's perfume and the heavy wax of the bright red lipstick that meant going out with Daddy. Daddy's dress uniform. Taking a motorcycle out to Big Bend in the spring, knowing the wind was going to chap her face and tangle her hair and not caring. They were coming in that desperate way that her subconscious recognized, knew. She wasn't going to die, not yet. Her fucking body was betraying her again, metabolizing the drugs and making her wake up, making her come back to the real nightmare. The teeth nightmare. Collars and Cuffs - 195

She couldn't fight it, so she stopped trying and starting using it. She was going to wake up. It was going to hurt. The psycho that had her wanted to hurt her, cut her, rape her, then kill her. That was his M.O. That was what he did. What she had to do was let him get into his routine, let him sink into whatever sick fucking bullshit got the psycho fucker off. Then she got her fucking hands loose and she got free. Nogales would be looking for her. Ricky wouldn't let her suffer long. The man was smart -- wicked smart -and wily, and he wouldn't let her suffer. Dying was okay. She could handle dying. Hell, she could handle suffering. She just couldn't handle it long. It was all she could do not to let her eyelashes flutter when she felt soft, hot breath on her cheek. He smelled like toothpaste -- Aquafresh, maybe, or a cheap knockoff -- and there was a hand on her belly. Her bare belly. No. No, she didn't want to know that. That meant that she was altogether too close to awake for her liking. Still asleep meant still drugged. Still drugged meant not hurting. Not hurting meant a little bit closer to sane than insane. She'd done her time in insane. She didn't want to do any more. She'd learned everything psychosis could teach her, right? Of course right. "Wake up, Angel. It's time to start." No. No, she wasn't ready. Please, God. Not yet. Just a few more minutes. A couple of seconds. "I know you're awake. I see your breathing. You can't hide from me." The voice was strident, like a cartoon teacher, an impotent adult with too big shoes and heavy glasses. Teachers in cartoons always had glasses. Collars and Cuffs - 196

"Listen, you slut! Listen, you don't open your eyes and I will slit you from top to bottom!" The tip of something sharp slipped into one of her nostrils, the bare pressure enough for a coppery-flavored wetness to tinge her sinuses, and her eyes popped open, the light huge and blinding, stabbing into her brain. "Good girl. Don't wait so long next time. I don't want to have to hurt you, but you make me. You always make me hurt you. Why is that, do you think?" Hannah didn't have an answer, really. What did you answer to something like that? Because you're a fucking looney? Because serial sexual sadists were, by definition, cracked? Because somewhere in your broken fucking brain the decent human gene was defective? Pick one. A sharp blow rocked her head, the world going bright red. "ANSWER ME, BITCH." Hannah's answer was a groan. Please. She was so scared. At least the last time she hadn't understood how bad it could get. This time she knew.

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Chapter Twenty-Seven Johnny sat next to the bed in the hospital room, his hands clenched between his knees. They'd gone through all sorts of shit, from the ambulance ride to the tests and the cleaning and stitching and all the people touching Ben. He'd wanted to scream, and Ben had drifted in and out. Now Ben was out, sleeping, and John was having guilt because he was glad Ben was there, even as he worried himself sick about Hannah. "John." Ben blinked at him, staring. "Can we go home now?" Shit, home was a fucking crime scene. "Hey, baby." John reached out, his fingers grazing Ben's arm. Ben shivered, pulling away, then reaching for him. John blinked before grabbing Ben's hand gently. "I haven't had time to clean up." "Are you hurt? I... He didn't hurt you." "No. No, he didn't hurt me, except through you." Jesus. Ben was fucking beat up and he was worried about Johnny. "Okay. Okay. I want to go home. My head hurts." "I know, Benny." He rubbed Ben's hand with his thumb. "I'm sorry." "I didn't mean to let him in." Ben had talked and talked to the cops, to the fucking feds, everyone. The FBI guy was in critical condition, the cops were running around everywhere, and Hannah was nowhere to be found. "I know that." Like he'd blame Benny for any of this. He wouldn't. Not a bit. "What happens now?" "I don't know." He wished to hell he did. "No one will tell me anything." Collars and Cuffs - 198

Ben started to sit up. "Let's go figure it out, then." "Baby, stop. You need to rest." He squeezed Ben's hand, then helped ease the poor beaten body down. "Johnny..." Ben blinked at him, clinging a little bit. "What if... he knows where we live. He was in our house. Inside. He brought that bloody man in our house." "They're gonna catch him. Hannah will see to it." If she was alive. "He wanted to..." Ben shuddered, closed his eyes, and turned away. "Shh." He stood up, hoping Ben wouldn't shy away, and put a hand to Benny's cheek. "You can tell me, if you need to. But you don't have to hide." "He's going to kill her. Hannah. He wasn't interested in us. Not even the other guy." "No?" Shit, the guy sure had messed up the FBI agent. A lot. "I hate to say that I'm glad, but I'm glad he wasn't interested in killing you." "I..." The door opened, Hannah's partner coming in. "I have a few more questions." Ben groaned. "We've gone over it and over it." Nogales nodded. "We have, but you're our only resource right now." "Resource for what? The fucker was crazy." Ben had some serious assed guilt behind those eyes. "Yes, but you might be able to tell us something you saw, something you noticed." The guy was relentless, and John felt the need to get between Nogales and Benny. "He was in a van. He had a gun. She gave him hers. They left." Benny was shrinking in the fucking bed. "What else?" Nogales just wouldn't let up. Collars and Cuffs - 199

"Christ. Don't you think he's been through enough?" Johnny sort of exploded. "Why aren't you out there looking for her?" "Where?" Nogales snapped right back. "Where the fuck should I start? Ben's the only motherfucker alive who's seen him!" Fuck. Fuck, Hannah's ex was... Jesus. He forced back a gag, his bile rising. "I'm sorry. I am. But Benny's hurt, scared. He doesn't know any more." "He kept calling her his Angel. He was mad. He... He looked like everybody else, but crazy." "Was there anything about the van? Pictures, carpet, anything?" "It smelled weird. Like... pickles? Yucky pickles?" "Pickles." Nogales just stared. "What the hell?" "Hey, you asked!" "It did. I just... it was weird." "You did good, babe." Johnny stroked Benny's arm, needing to touch. "He took her. He's gonna kill her, and it's my fault." Nogales stood, glared. "No fucking way. You say that again, you little fuck, and I'll beat your ass. She isn't going to fucking die." Johnny nodded. Right. "He's crazy, baby. That's not your fault." "No. None of this is anyone's fault." Nogales stood, fists clenched. "Does he know y'all slept together?" Ben shook his head. "I didn't say it." "Would that make a difference?" Johnny watched Nogales' hands, kind of fascinated. "I don't know... Maybe? This whole angel and whore thing... It worries me." "Oh." Yeah, he guessed he could see that. "So what smells like bad pickles?" "Delis?" Nogales shrugged. "WalMarts?" Collars and Cuffs - 200

"No!" Benny's eyes went wide. "No. No, dark rooms. Dark rooms smell like that. I should know, I took a shitload of photog classes in art school." "Dark rooms?" Now Nogales looked a little excited. "I can work with that. Thanks, man." Then they were alone, just like that. Ben looked at him, eyes dark and glittering in all the bruises and swelling. "I..." "I know, baby." What else could he say? "I love you. You did so good." "Good? I just... I didn't... I didn't even get to hit him back!" "You're alive. You didn't crumble under the pressure. I love you." Johnny was shaking now, his hands quaking with it. Ben reached for him, took his hands and held on. "I got you, baby. We'll find her. You maybe gave them something with the dark room." "How are we going to go home?" "I don't know. We may have to hit a hotel for a few days." He'd get someone in to clean up, and then Nogales and Hannah would kill this stalker guy. Benny looked at him, then nodded. "Okay. Okay, yeah." "I love you, baby." He needed to say it over and over, just to make sure Benny knew. "I know. Weird shit, huh? All this?" "Hell, yes." He hated to think it was all his fault, too, but he couldn't escape the idea. Ben held onto his fingers -- just held on, breathing in and out. That suited him to the ground. At this point, all he had to do was sit. And listen.

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Chapter Twenty-Eight Someone was talking. She wasn't sure who. She wasn't sure where and she was sure it didn't matter, but Hannah could hear it. She didn't want to. Hearing meant hurting, hearing meant bleeding. Her tongue lay in the bottom of her mouth, heavy and dry, and she didn't try to move it, because somewhere in the back of her head, she knew that was bad. Very bad. No swallowing. Maybe never again. "Are you waking up, Angel? Coming back to me?" Hands were on her skin, and she fought the urge to scream, to call out, pull away. No touching. But if the alternative was letting him know she was awake... "Wake up, now. There's water for you." Everything in her screamed yes, but she... Wait. What was that sound? She focused on the noises. The road noises. Around them. Close enough on one side to move the... The van. She was still in the van? Back in the van? Think, Hannah. Focus. A blow rocked her backward, slamming her head into something that shifted, moved. "Open your eyes, you whore!" "F...fuck you." She didn't recognize her own voice, but she remembered the pain. "No! No. That's the problem. You're supposed to be an ANGEL!" His voice rose to a shriek, hysterical. Collars and Cuffs - 202

"FUCK YOU!" She slammed her head, her whole body back again, the metal of the cuffs tearing into her wrists. Something cracked behind her, the sound like ice or plastic or something that splintered. Fuck, yes. She screamed, hitting again and again, fighting the hands that tried to pull her back in. "No!" A stunning blow rocked her head to the side this time, and she started to tilt sideways. She got one foot on the floor, her ankle snapping with the force, but she got herself moving backward again, the window shattering as she slammed through. "HELP!" Something hit her throat, and the sound stopped as the world went black. *** “No! No, you bitch!” He tore her back in, shoved her to the floorboards and started kicking, screaming at her. He’d taken her to the rest stop, knowing he had to stay on the fucking road. He knew and the bitch had to ruin everything! Everything! He kicked her again, but she didn’t move, didn’t make a sound. A thin stream of blood slipped from her lips, staining his floor. Staining his floor. He heard banging on the van door. “Hey! Hey, dude! What’s going on in there? You need help? I’ve called 911, man.” Fuck. He hurried to the front of the van, the mask over his face protecting him, hiding him. All he had to do was get out of here. Get parked inside. Get hidden. Collars and Cuffs - 203

Some asshole was pounding on the windshield, a huge beast of a bastard, banging away. “Fuck! Fuck, y’all! He got himself a mask! Billy, grab my gun!” He slammed the key into the ignition, the engine roaring to life. He didn’t look to see who was behind him; he just went. Fuckers. Trying to interrupt his work. His angel needed him, needed to learn what only he could teach her. These men weren’t going to interfere. They couldn’t. He had her, and he would take her somewhere and teach her to repent. Purge her of all her sins. *** "Nogales!" The captain barked out his name, and when Ricky looked up, the cap jerked his head toward the office. “Now!” The private office where no one would hear them. No. No way. He knew that look on Cap's face, and he wasn't going to believe what he was fucking terrified it meant. He wasn't fucking giving up on her. Not until he saw her body. He took off at a dead run, sliding in the office like he was sliding into home base. Cap shut the door behind him. "Trucker called in a kidnapping." "A kidnapping? What the fuck? Was it her?" He didn’t have time for fucking games. “Yeah. There’s a photo. I got an ID.” Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Collars and Cuffs - 204

“But.” Wait. Wait, Cap had said… His shoulders relaxed so fast that something cracked in his neck. "Not a DB." "No. But..." Cap nodded to his monitor, the image of bright red hair being slammed through a window sickening. Jesus, he could see the blood, even with the fuzzy quality of the cell phone photo. Ricky stepped forward, one finger tracing her head on the screen. "Christ." Bile rose in his throat, and his belly pulled in, trying to contain itself. Motherfucker. Kill him. Nogales was going to kill him and make the fucker pay. "Yeah. There’s some good news. We got a name, a license. An address. An entire city worth of cops and feds hunting a white Dodge van with a broken window. He mowed down a trucker at a rest stop north on 35, then headed back this way. A pair of truckers followed him until he got off the Interstate, calling it in on the way.” “How long ago?” “I just got the call. Took Lewisville police fifteen, twenty minutes to make the connection and find us.” "Why am I in here, then? Give me the BOLO, damn it." Hannah. Twenty minutes was fucking forever in the arms of a mad man. Stay strong, baby. Stay strong. I’m coming to get you, and I’m going to make that motherfucker pay, string him up through the balls and drag his ass behind our cruiser. "Because I need to know whether you're hitting the man's house or his studio." Cap met his eyes. "I'll take the other." "House." Somehow he didn't think this guy would choose a business space to work his victims in. Collars and Cuffs - 205

"Let's go." Cap's eyes were serious as a heart attack. "You find her, you tell her she'd better not fucking die on us." "Yeah. You, too." Looked like Cap was ready to kick some ass. So was Ricky. That motherfucker had his partner. His Hammer. His Hannah. And Ricky was fixin’ to go get her ass back.

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Chapter Twenty-Nine "Bitch!" He hit her again, and her teeth clicked together. The tiny sting was maddening, somehow bigger than the huge pains everywhere else. Hannah blinked away the blood in her eyes, looking at everything, remembering everything. She had to remember the details. She had to. If she died, she wasn't going to go easy, and if she got free, she was going to bring this motherfucker down. The van was stripped down on the inside. No love machine, this one. No, just restraints and shit. Torture porn at its best. There was some kind of toolbox, but she'd never seen the inside of it. They weren't on the road anymore. They were stopped, but it was dark, so it had to be inside. In a building, right? Come on, Hammer. Come on, think. No one would hear her. Inside and dark. A garage. It didn't feel big, either. There weren't any weird sounds trickling in. Nothing like the warehouse district, with all its trains and trucks. Not industrial, then. Residential. Not a condo or an apartment. A house. A house meant a garage and that meant tools. Hoes. Shovels. Clippers. Screwdrivers. She started focusing on her wrists, on her bonds, which were getting looser. Tenuous, at best. If she could just get them free... A stunning blow rocked her head back against a wheel well. "How can you be an angel if you refuse to be cleansed?" She heard the seat crack, felt it go between her legs, so she kicked out, screaming in triumph as her legs moved, calves slamming into his crotch. Fucker. Collars and Cuffs - 207

A howl was her answer, the guy doubling over against her. Heavy bastard. Hannah kicked again, and again, screaming as she did. Get off! Get off! She had to get out. Outside. Something snapped in her foot, but the guy went down, rolling away, screaming nearly as loud as she was. Maybe louder. She hurtled across the van, slamming into the door, desperate to get out. When the latch went, she tumbled onto the floor, crashing into the concrete. Her body was trying hard not to work, but she scrambled, screaming. Screaming hard. "Hannah!" "Nogales! Ricky! Help me!" Fuck. Fuck! "Hannah!" The door of the building started bulging in, someone kicking it from the outside. She rushed forward, screaming in pure agony when something smashed into her shoulder from the back, the blow sudden, wild. "NO!" The door splintered, tiny shards of light started to come through. Please. Oh, please. She crawled, her hands bleeding. Nogales sounded like a Mexican banshee, his English gone. A thin line of fire dug into her throat, and she jerked short, caught up, her voice cut off. "I'm going to have to kill you, angel." The words were sobbed against her ear just as the door gave way. Her eyes met Ricky's, wide and furious, the last thing she saw before the world went black.

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Chapter Thirty Ricky stared down at the murderous bastard who had been choking the life out of Hammer. He hadn't even realized he was pulling the trigger until after the guy went down like a rock. The shot was clean, through and through, not deadly, and he cocked the hammer again, pondered putting a bullet through the fucker’s brain, right then and there. Bastard deserved to die. Hannah shifted, one leg moving just the tiniest bit, so he satisfied himself with bashing the fucking asshole in the temple, making sure he wouldn’t wake up, wouldn’t move again. It was surprisingly satisfying. Honestly. He zip cuffed the fucker, not being careful, even a little. There wasn't gonna be any trouble there for a good bit. And while he still wanted to kill the man in a primal, furious sort of way, Hannah was more important. She was laid out on the concrete, bleeding, gray, fucking still as a corpse. Fuck. She’d moved, right? She wasn’t dead, right? "Hannah?" He called her name when he knelt by her, his hands shaking a little. He had to check her pulse, but he was terrified to. He had called for backup, for EMS; he knew they were coming to help. Her short, auburn hair was matted, her eyes bruised, swollen almost shut. Jesus. He’d hurt her if he touched her. She might not have enough time for EMS if he didn't help her, though, so he reached for her throat. There wasn't a place on her that wasn't bruised. He touched her throat, and she jerked away, tried to crawl off, one hand Collars and Cuffs - 209

hanging at a hideous angle, blood dripping on the concrete. Her mouth was open like she was trying to cry out, scream, but there wasn't any sound. Fuck. Fuck. "Shh. It's okay, Hammer. It's okay. I got you." He had to get her off that hand. Had to. Fuck. She was taking harsh, gulping breaths, shuddering. The whites of her eyes were... red. Gagging, he tried to get her to understand, "Hannah. Hammer! I need you to help me. You have to stop, baby. You have to stop." She frowned at him, eyebrows lowering. The look was so Hannah that a seed of hope started blooming. She was in there, in all that pain. "That's it, Hammer. I'm your fucking partner. I need you." Her lips moved, forming his name. Yes. Yes. "God, Hannah." He touched her again, and this time she flinched, but didn't try to run. He eased her down, got her off that hand. Her eyes got a little watery, but his hard-assed lady didn't cry, not one fucking tear. "Okay. I can hear the EMS, huh? I called in the officer down. They're coming." He wanted to hold her, to make her feel safe, but he couldn't hurt her any more. The paramedics would do enough of that, probably. Her mouth was moving, but there wasn't a single fucking sound. Nothing. Weird. "Don't try to talk, baby." He finally settled on stroking her back as lightly as he could. The sirens were there, and he felt her shuddering, breath wheezing a little. God knew what that fucker had done to her, inside. Collars and Cuffs - 210

"Shh. See? They're going to be here any second, Hammer. They're going to make you better." He glanced at the kidnapper/killer, but the asshole wasn't moving. "We got him, Hammer. He's going to fry." Ricky saw her entire body relax, like she'd just been waiting for those words. Sometimes a guy got lucky and hit on just the right thing to say with a woman. Jesus. Where the hell were those EMTs? "Nogales? It clear?" That was Jim. "I want to send the medics in." "Yeah. Yeah, he's down and unconscious. I need help with Hannah." She had to be all right. She had to be. He needed it. Needed her. Selfishly. "You got it. Now! Now, officer down!" He patted her one more time before backing off. "They're here to help you now, Hammer. I need to let them get to you." The guys swarmed in, EMTs pushing him aside. He told himself it was over. This one was over. *** Hurt. Fuck. Hurt. She had to get the fuck out of the van. Hannah pushed herself up, trying to get to the door, to the handle. If she got out, she could get help. "Detective, please." That was some woman's voice, someone she didn't know. Did he have someone else in here? Fuck. Fuck. Who else did he have? She tried to call out, tell whoever it was that she was a cop, she'd help, but nothing worked. Collars and Cuffs - 211

"Please don't try to talk, Detective. Your throat is very sore, and your airway and vocal region is a little obstructed by swelling. You need to try to rest and heal." What? What? She tried to get her eyes open, tried to focus. Where the fuck was she? "You're in the hospital, Detective. Please, lie back, and I'll get something for your pain." Hospital. Nogales. She needed Ricky. To debrief him. And to find out what the hell had actually happened to the perp. She tried asking again, but nothing happened. Nogales. She needed Nogales. Damn it. "Please." The woman touched her, hands on her shoulders. She jerked away, pain shooting through her chest, her back. "I just need you to lie back..." "Hammer, are you being a butthead?" Oh. Ricky. Hannah got her eyes to crack open, got herself to look. Nogales. It was real. It was. "Hey, you. Look at that, your eyes are not as terrifying." What? She tried to flip him off, but her hand was in a cast. God, what had that fucker done to her?

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She looked at Ricky, breath coming faster, heart pounding. He’d… She’d been in the van. He’d hurt her and… Shit. "Stop, baby." He reached out and touched her other arm. "You have to rest. I'll tell you everything, okay?" She turned her hand up, her eyes closing as she nodded. Everything. It was going to be okay. Her partner was here.

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Chapter Thirty-One John and Ben had waited for days before they went to see Hannah. They'd cleared it with her doctor and her partner, Nogales, first, too. The last thing John really wanted to do was upset her, and he had a feeling Benny was going to want to apologize and all... They needed to see her, though. She was a friend, damn it. They had her in a private room now, and there was a police officer at the door, guarding. Nogales had said they had her up, walking a little. She was going to make it. "Hi." He smiled a little at the cop on duty. "Detective Nogales said he'd let you know we were coming." "Names, please?" They gave the man their names, he checked a list, and then knocked on the door. "Ma'am. You have visitors." "I'm decent enough. Send 'em in." Her voice sounded rough, raw, almost torn. God. Ben looked at him, and Johnny nodded, smiling. He wasn't sure it wasn't gonna crack his face. Ben's fingers twined with his and they headed in. Together. Hannah was sitting in the bed, looking bruised and pale and rough, but alive. She smiled for them. "Boys." "Hey, you." He summoned a smile, too. "How's it hanging?" "Getting better every day." She looked at Ben. "You better?" "I am. I'm good. I've been home for a week." "He's been a little drag-assy." John winked. "We were gonna bring you flowers, but Nogales said they made you sneeze." "They do; no sneezing. Things are still healing." Collars and Cuffs - 214

"That's it. We brought you that dark chocolate." Benny pulled it out, laying it on the bedside table. "Oh, you two rock." Hannah grinned at them, eyes crinkling up. "Tell me, stud. You're okay?" Johnny laughed. "I'm fragile." She snorted, tossed a pillow at him, half-heartedly. "Yeah." He sat on the edge of the bed. She reached out, patted his hand. "You look good." "Thanks. Benny was looking worse for wear, but then I saw you." He grinned, falling easily back into teasing her. "Yeah, fuck you asshole." She did a fucking amazing Arnold impersonation. John cackled, and even Ben unbent a little, smiling. "So, how long are you in?" "At least another three or four days, then they want me in one of those physical therapy places." "No shit?" He shook his head. Hannah? No way. "We could do dance therapy." "Maybe. If I'm supervising." Nogales walked into the room, headed for Hannah. "Although probably not." Wow. There was something there that John had only seen hints of before in Nogales. Something a little caveman. He sure hoped Hannah liked the guy. "Hey, Nogales." Ricky walked over, touched Hannah's hair, smiled. "Hey, baby. You're looking ready to take on the world today." Whoa. Definitely different. Johnny raised a brow at Ben and grinned. Ben looked shocked, eyebrows up to the man's hairline. "Feeling better. I walked some today." "Cool. And you got visitors. Banner day." Nogales bent and kissed Hannah on the cheek. Collars and Cuffs - 215

Clearing his throat, Johnny grinned brightly. "Are we in the way?" Nogales met his eyes, dead-on. "Not at all." Oh, man. Someone was making a claim, like whoa. "Oh, good." Wow. That was a little hot, that laser focus. Go Hannah! Ben leaned against him. "Are they letting you sleep, at least?" Hannah nodded. "Mostly. Rick stays, helps." "I --" John stopped. It wasn't like him to make a big emotional scene, but he wanted her to know how grateful he was. For Benny. Hannah met his eyes, smiled. "It's cool. It's over. Now we can be friends, huh? Without the whole crazy asshole." "Hell, yes," Ben said before John could even open his mouth. "We can go out for a drink." Nogales nodded. "All four of us." "Yeah, sure, man." Johnny snorted. "Your man is making a claim here, Hannah." "Is he?" She didn't look surprised or upset by that. "Yep. Kinda cool." He winked. Hannah deserved someone who thought she was the shit. Ben's hand slipped around his waist, thumb stroking his back. Goosebumps rose on his skin. Yeah. Yeah, it was good to know someone loved you. "She's getting tired, boys." "I'm fine, Rick." "Uh-huh. Thanks for the chocolate. She loves it." "No problem. We'll be by again before you go, huh?" John wanted to keep in touch. He didn't want to be the guy who used her and left. He liked Hannah a lot. "You'd better. Email me. I'll be able to use a laptop in a week or two." He went over, kissed Hannah's cheek. "Cool." Collars and Cuffs - 216

Benny nodded, smiling and moving to kiss her, too. "Be good to each other, huh?" "You, too." He heard Hannah whisper. "I'm glad you're both safe now." "Ditto, babe. Ditto." He straightened up, getting a little frown from Nogales. "Come on, Benny. She needs her rest." "Yeah. I'll call you, Hannah. Take care." Ben took his hand, led him out. John waited until they were out of earshot of the cop before glancing at Ben. "Weird, huh?" "Not really. She... she needs someone who gets all the scars and stuff." "No, dork. I mean, it was weird being in there." "Oh." Ben chuckled, swatted his ass. "Right. Yeah. You want to feed me now?" "I do. Man, I thought you were supposed to be the drama one." Johnny was the one who'd almost broken down and babbled. Ben blushed. "She wouldn't listen if I was." "I know. I'm teasing, baby." He touched Ben's hand lightly. "Where do you want to eat, huh?" "Sushi. I love to watch you pick sushi." "Uh-huh." He stuck his tongue out. "I like to watch you lick your fingers." Ben's hand shot up, grabbed his tongue. "I like you." "Mmmph." He liked Ben, too. So much. Kinda loved the guy. "Come on, feed me, then we'll go finish painting the kitchen." Goodie. Still, it was better than going to work, and it was good to see Benny back in the swing of things and smiling. It worked for him. Maybe they were all gonna be okay after all. Collars and Cuffs - 217

Epilogue Hannah headed up to her apartment, head rolling on her neck. She fucking hated driving a desk, hated it, but Cap wouldn't clear her for real work yet. Asshole. She'd done more friggin' paperwork in the last month than she had in her entire career. She about had a heart attack when she got to her front door. Someone was waiting for her, and that still made her heart race. Luckily, it was Nogales. "Hey, you." "Hey. Shit. You good?" Her heart was slamming in her chest, and it took everything not to gasp. "Yeah." His grin faded. "You okay? I just brought dinner." He held up a bag from the best Italian place on earth. "Oh. Oh, damn. Manicotti?" She loved that. "Yeah. And that salad with the peppers." He knew her well. "You rock. Come on in, man." She unlocked the door, waved him in. Ricky'd been coming by a lot lately. She didn't mind at all. He followed her in, heading for her kitchen, laying out salad and pasta and garlic bread. "You want milk or beer?" She was betting milk, with the pasta. "Milk, I think." He grinned over. "You know me and tomatoes." "I do." She'd bought a new gallon, just for him. "Cool." He put an arm around her, squeezing a little. He'd been very touchy of late, too. Hannah leaned for a second. He was warm, solid. Felt good. Collars and Cuffs - 218

Ricky pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "So, how bad is Cap riding you?" "Bad enough. I hate riding desk." She stayed right where she was. "Yeah. I'm ready for you to come back, baby." Baby? She looked up at her partner. "Are you?" "I am." His eye lines crinkled up. He looked so happy. She reached up, touched his face. Beautiful man. Wait. What was she doing? She'd known Nogales forever. She knew he was handsome, but she'd never thought beautiful before. The way he was looking at her now, though? He was. "We should eat..." She didn't stop touching, though.

"We should." Neither did he.

"What are we doing here?"

"Hugging?" Innocent so didn't work for him.

"Uh-huh. Are we supposed to be hugging?"

"Yes." He sounded pretty sure about it.

"Oh. Good." She leaned against him, let him hold

her. "You okay with it?" He turned a bit, put both arms around her. "I am. You?" She stepped closer. "Hell, yes." He laid his cheek on her head. "I've been -- well, for a while. But then you... It made me think." "You're not real good at that, Rick. Thinking. Neither one of us. We go on our guts." "Well, yeah. Mine tells me we'd be good." They rocked back and forth a little, the smell of garlic making her nose twitch. "Either kiss me or feed me, Nogales." That wasn't exactly what she'd intended to say, but it worked well enough. Collars and Cuffs - 219

Rick laughed, but she took it as a good sign that he bent to kiss her, his mouth warm and firm on hers. Oh. The touch started a slow burn, deep in her belly. Yeah. They could so be good together. Real. Solid. His hand slid between her shoulder blades, holding her up, supporting her. He'd always had her back. Always. She liked the kissing better than the hugging, even. And she liked that first part a lot. Ricky obviously did, too. He kept moving closer. His hand slid down and down until it landed on the small of her back, brought her hips against his. She could feel him, through their clothes, hard against her. If it wasn't for Johnny and Ben, she might have forgotten what that felt like. Good thing she remembered. She hummed, let him know she approved, all the way down to her toes. Ricky's mouth curved into a smile against her lips. "Yeah." "You taste good." She hummed, tugged his bottom lip. "So do you." He moaned a little, shifting even closer, like he was trying to crawl into her. It was uncomfortable, up until he lifted her, settled her on the counter. Better. Much better. Then they could rock against each other, his chest pressing against her breasts, his hips sliding between her legs. Hot. His hands were hot. "Rick..." She licked his lips, did a little rubbing. This was insane. "I know, huh?" He laughed a little, but that didn't stop him from humping. His hands didn't shy away from any of her, and why should they? Ricky had been there, seen her at her worst. He started on her top, working the buttons, Collars and Cuffs - 220

grumbling about how it was 'damned manly'. That just meant he was pissed that the buttons were all on the wrong side. She chuckled at him, cackling when he nipped her bottom lip. Butthead. "Don't ruin the moment, Hammer." He pinched her, right under her ribs where she was ticklish as all hell. "Are..." She squealed a little. "...are we having a moment?" "We are, baby. One of those serious Hallmark things." That was her Rick, all laughter and bravado. His eyes just twinkled. "Is there gonna be Musak?" "No. I might break out the mariachi band when I take you to dinner tomorrow." Oh, man. "Shit, Rick. If you promise to sing El Rey, I'll be yours forever." "Llorar, llorar..." The warble was the last straw. Hannah lost it, cracking up. His dark eyes smiled down at her. "Okay. You're mine now. We had a deal." Hannah looked up, and suddenly it didn't feel like a joke, but a promise. "You're right. We did." She held out one hand. "Shake on it?" In the end, he did way better than that. *** Johnny flipped his little phone closed, grinning as he tossed it down on the couch. It tickled him to no end that Hannah was keeping in touch. It tickled him even more that she was so damned happy about hooking up with her partner. Collars and Cuffs - 221

He couldn't wait to show off his black eye at her bridal shower the next day. "The party ought to be interesting, baby." He whapped Benny on the butt as they passed in the kitchen. "Since I can't lap dance the bride. "No. No, if just suggesting it makes the big lug hit you? You shouldn't even hug her." Ben shook his head. "I do have the chip and dip bowl wrapped, and her cake's almost done." "You rock. I got the handcuffs and the fake gun." "We're saving the crystal hammer for the actual wedding, right?" "You know it." They had a bunch of fun shit for the happy couple. Ben smiled at him, looked him up and down. "You know... you could let me have her lap dance..." Johnny grabbed Ben, pulling him close. "For you, baby? Any time you want. No shower required."

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