Rack & Ruin (THIRDS 3)

“I am. They do the same to you, but you never cry.”

“It’s good you cry,” Ash said somberly. He turned to look at Sloane, and for the first time in two years, he looked… sad. “It means you’re not broken.”

Sloane frowned at him. “You’re not broken.”

“Yes I am. I only ever feel angry.”

“That’s not true!” Sloane took Ash’s hand in his. “You smile and laugh. If you were broken you wouldn’t do that.”

Ash seemed to think about that, then shrugged as if giving in. Sloane pushed on.

“You’re my best friend in the whole world, Ash.”

“I’m your only friend.”

Sloane laughed. “Okay, but if you weren’t my only friend, you’d still be my best friend. We’re going to always be best friends, right?”

Ash smiled broadly. “You bet.”

The door to their room opened, and two doctors stood by. “Ash. It’s time.”

“Okay.” Ash breathed in deep, puffing up his chest. It was as if he weren’t afraid of anything.

Ash walked to the door, and Sloane looked on worriedly. He crawled onto his bed, grabbed his favorite stuffed toy, and drew his knees up. Ash stopped to look over his shoulder at Sloane, a grin on his face. “If you touch my stuff I’ll kick your butt.”

“Got it.” Sloane couldn’t help his smile. Then the door closed, and he was alone again.

Ash would be back soon. He had to be. It was the only thing Sloane had to hang on to. Shutting his eyes tight, Sloane dreamed of the day they’d be free. He even dared to hope he’d have a normal life with someone who cared about him, who wasn’t afraid of him. Maybe even… love him.

“Sloane….”

Sloane rolled over and opened his eyes. It was dark, but that wasn’t a problem for him. Pale blue eyes filled with concern and affection gazed back at him.

“I’m sorry,” Sloane said, his voice rough with sleep. “Did I wake you?”

Dex reached out and swiped a thumb across Sloane’s cheek. Only then did Sloane realize it was wet. “Were you crying in your dream?” Dex asked softly.

“I cried a lot when I was back there. The first couple of years, anyway. I was such a mess.”

“You’ve been dreaming a lot about that place recently. More than usual. Is it because of what happened at the facility with Isaac, or everything else?”

Sloane pulled Dex up against him, needing to feel his warmth, grateful for the way Dex offered his quiet strength without hesitation. Dex laid his head on Sloane’s shoulder, his hand coming to rest over Sloane’s heart. With a smile, Sloane covered Dex’s hand with his and gave it a squeeze.

“Every time I go to sleep, I’m a kid again, back there strapped to that chair. I never expected to step foot in the facility again, much less see Dr. Shultzon. I think that’s what’s triggered the dreams. Plus knowing the place was in use doesn’t help.” He shivered, and Dex planted a kiss on his skin to soothe him. It would be in his best interest to forget. Who knew what the hell else they’d been working on? If the scopolamine concoction was anything to go by, it couldn’t be anything good. Sloane put that thought away for now, not wanting to worry Dex. His partner only had the faintest idea what had gone on during the First Gen Recruitment Program.

As if reading his thoughts, Dex spoke up somewhat hesitantly. “You never talk to me about what happened to you there.”

“I don’t intend to change that. And it’s not because I don’t want to confide in you or don’t think you can handle it, but what would be the point of telling you all the terrible details? What are you going to do with that information other than feel angry and

hurt for what I went through? You can’t change what happened. No one can.” He kissed the top of Dex’s head, closing his eyes at the now familiar scent of citrus. He nuzzled Dex’s hair and murmured sincerely. “I appreciate your concern, but some things are better left unsaid.”

Dex was quiet for a moment before nodding. He delivered another kiss to Sloane’s neck and murmured, “Okay.”

With a smile, Sloane turned onto his side so he could face Dex. He leaned forward and put his lips to Dex’s for a kiss, enjoying the way his partner opened up for him. Sloane had never cared much for kissing, but he could lose himself in kissing Dex. With a low moan, Sloane rolled Dex over to face him and deepened their kiss. His hand slipped under Dex’s boxer briefs to palm Dex’s hard cock, and Dex returned the favor. They continued to kiss as they thrust into each other’s hand. It was slow and excruciating, but Sloane forced himself to keep a steady pace. He wrapped a leg around Dex’s to pull him closer and keep him against Sloane as their pace picked up. Dex shivered, and he gasped before spilling himself into Sloane’s hand. A few seconds later, Sloane’s climax hit, and he shuddered from head to toe.

As Sloane dozed off, he heard Dex say something about being glad he was here. Sloane gave his partner a squeeze and kissed his brow before murmuring, “Me too.”

Chapter 4