Safe and Sound (4 page)

Chapter 6

“I think the library and the window will be enough to convince the jury and unbalance Langley in the courtroom,” Aiden said as he leaned against the counter. “They found three strong witnesses that will testify about the library and the window’s significance,” he added and Lane nodded as he flipped grilled cheese sandwiches. Aiden felt a tickle of anticipation as he watched. He was hungry and grilled cheese sandwiches were all that was lacking in an otherwise perfect day. Lane pressed a quick kiss to Aiden’s lips as he stepped past him then opened the fridge and reached for a beer.

“I knew you’d find something,” he said as he twisted off the cap. “I’m guessing it was romantic in nature,” Lane murmured as his hand slid around Aiden’s jaw and his thumb brushed across Aiden’s lips. Aiden grinned.

“He was involved with one of his professors and he broke it off with Langley in front of that window. How did you know?” He asked and Lane laughed as his eyes washed over Aiden’s face.

“Nothing hurts a man’s ego more than getting dumped. And from what I’ve heard, Langley thinks he’s practically God,” Lane explained and Aiden nodded in agreement. Lane reflected on his own ego. He was sure that it would be considered healthy but he would take it very badly if Aiden left him. “I’d burn down a building over you,” he teased and Aiden snorted.

“No you wouldn’t. Unless you got permission from the county and there were no people in harm’s way and a fire crew was waiting and ready,”Aiden said and Lane shrugged.

“It might make me feel better,” he offered and Aiden narrowed his eyes as he studied Lane.

“Maybe. Though you’d experience a lot of remorse for putting so many people through the trouble of extinguishing the fire and ensuring the scene was safe. And the waste of tax dollars would make you very uncomfortable,” he added and Lane sighed as he went back to the stove.

“Thanks. Now I feel old
and
boring,” he grumbled and Aiden quickly moved behind him. Lane smiled as Aiden’s arms wrapped around him and his chin rested on Lane’s shoulder. His breath smelled like orange juice and mint and he was warm and solid against Lane’s back.

“You aren’t old and I love that you feel so responsible for the safety and welfare of others. You’re selfless and dedicated to your job, I find that very attractive. And you’re much more fascinating when you’re naked and fucking me than a criminal that sets buildings on fire to prove he’s smarter than everyone else,” Aiden said and Lane reached back and grabbed a handful of Aiden’s ass as he carefully lifted their sandwiches from the pan.

“I’m glad you think so but if you want to eat these any time soon, you should stop grinding your cock against my ass,” he warned and Aiden groaned as he stepped back.

“But it felt so good,” he complained and Lane did his best to focus on putting their plates together and getting them to the table. It felt prefect and Lane was dealing with a very insistent hard-on as he set their plates down. When he turned around, Aiden’s hand was gripping a very large erection through his sweatpants, squeezing it as he tried to get it to subside. “I’m going to be really uncomfortable while we eat,” he mumbled and Lane shook his head as he rushed toward Aiden.

“No, you won’t,” he said as he grabbed the front of Aiden’s shirt and claimed his lips. Aiden gasped as Lane’s hand pushed past the waist of his pants and closed around his pulsing length and Lane’s tongue swept into his mouth. Aiden said he thought Lane was fascinating, he wanted Aiden enthralled and delirious. The way Lane felt every time Aiden took control of his body and overwhelmed him with pleasure. His tongue swirled around Aiden’s and he stroked firmly as Aiden’s fingers clung to his shoulders for support. Lane’s thumb cruised over the silky soft head of Aiden’s cock and Aiden moaned into Lane’s mouth as pre-cum dribbled from the slit. It was hot and slick and Lane could practically taste it. He growled softly as he pulled Aiden to the floor with him. He pushed Aiden onto his back then slid down his body. Lane tugged Aiden’s pants lower and hummed happily as he lapped at the end of his cock. It was salty, sweet and soft as more pre-cum coated his tongue. Lane took Aiden deep in his throat and sucked hard as he raised his head and Aiden’s shoulders came off the floor as he gasped Lane’s name. Another burst of salty, sweet softness and Lane worried he might be addicted. He pumped Aiden’s cock and squeezed his balls, coaxing more of his essence from him as he sucked hungrily and Aiden clawed at the floor as his head lolled drunkenly.

“Jesus, Lane!” Aiden panted as his legs kicked restlessly. “Lane!” His head snapped back and his chest locked. Aiden’s body jerked and jumped and Lane braced his hands on the floor and opened his mouth wide as he watched Aiden’s chest heave. Come erupted from the head and spilled onto Lane’s tongue and he moaned in delight as he wrapped his lips around Aiden’s shaft and drank his release. Wave after wave of come flooded Lane’s mouth as Aiden breathlessly chanted his name. He waited until Aiden was completely spent before he raised his head and smiled up at Aiden as he shivered and covered his face with his hands. “It feels like I don’t have any bones in my body,” he mumbled as he tried to catch his breath. Lane silently cheered as he settled Aiden’s pants around his waist then hopped to his feet.

“Come on!” He said cheerfully as he grabbed Aiden’s hands and tugged. Aiden sighed dreamily as he stood. He pushed his hands though his hair and stretched then a goofy smile tilted his lips as he looked at the table.

“And I get a grilled cheese. I feel like King of The World right now,” he said as he stumbled toward the table and sat. Lane laughed as he dropped into his seat next to Aiden’s and leaned close.

“I don’t know about the whole world but you’re king of my world,” Lane said as his lips glided along Aiden’s jaw. Aiden shrugged and his hand curved around Lane’s thigh as he picked up his sandwich.

“That’s fine. You’re all that matters, really. I don’t care about the rest of the world,” he said before he took a bite. Once again, Aiden was boyish and uncomplicated and Lane wasn’t sure if he was big enough to contain the joy and love that swelled within him.

Chapter 7

Lane hummed softly as he skipped down the stairs. He shook his head as he stared at Aiden’s back as he sat at the table. He was hugging a glass of orange juice as he studied his notes on the Langley case. Lane kissed Aiden’s temple on his way to the coffee maker but aside from a soft nod, Aiden barely reacted as he hunted for a photo. Aiden rarely noticed anything around him when he was working. If he was writing or analyzing or studying, it was hard to break his focus. Lane frowned as he watched Aiden flip a page and scribble. The notes weren’t for him, he kept everything in his head. They were for the prosecutor. Lane wondered how many hours Aiden had been at the table. He was sure that if he checked, the juice would be warm.

“I have to run to the station to check on a few things then I’ll head to Chicago,” Lane said loudly and Aiden nodded again but didn’t look up. Lane started the coffee maker and went around the counter. He squatted next to Aiden and gathered his face in his hands. He turned Aiden and waited for his eyes to drift to his. “I have to leave soon but I’ll see you later, at the hotel,” Lane said and Aiden grinned.

“I know. I’ll meet you there and we can have shower sex and a nap before we meet Kat for dinner,” he said and Lane nodded. There were grey shadows under Aiden’s eyes. He would need a long nap. Aiden leaned close but his eyes went back to his notes and his lips missed Lane’s and landed on his chin. Lane cleared his throat and Aiden smiled sheepishly. “Graves is picking me up in two hours and driving me to the courthouse,” Aiden said and Lane decided it was time he had a word with Graves.

Aiden was testifying and Lane was looking forward to his involvement in the case coming to an end. He followed the case on the news and reviewed most of the photos, statements and notes the DA and Graves sent over. They nicknamed Langley The Gentleman Genius but Lane didn’t like the guy. Something about him got his hackles up. He seemed smarmy and manipulative. Lane didn’t give a fuck if the asshole was an actual genius and he had a megawatt smile. He made Lane’s skin crawl and he was ready to move on.

“No more cases for a while, alright?” Lane asked and Aiden’s brows pulled together as he looked up at Lane.

“Doesn’t that depend on what comes up? What if something happens and someone needs my help?” He asked and Lane shrugged.

“It doesn’t have to be your problem. You’re not the only one that can solve crimes and catch bad guys,” Lane said and Aiden frowned.

“I know. But I don’t want to say no if I can help,” he argued and Lane held his hands up.

“I get that, believe me. I’m just saying you need a break. Take a few weeks and decompress. Just be an average guy for a while,” Lane said and Aiden’s lips twisted as he considered.

“I can do that,” he said and Lane let out a long breath as he relaxed. Aiden smiled softly as he stood. “You’re worried about me and tired of the case, aren’t you?” Aiden asked as he reached for Lane.

“You’ve been sleeping less and sometimes, you’re not really here. And you don’t eat well when you’re focused on a case,” Lane explained and Aiden nodded.

“All of that is true,” he admitted as he slid his hands up Lane’s chest. “As soon as I leave the courthouse this afternoon, I’ll forget about Langley and I’m all yours,” Aiden promised and Lane moaned softly as he pulled Aiden against his chest and lowered his head.

“I can’t wait. I gave very strict orders. No one can call me unless the station is on fire and under attack,” Lane murmured as his lips brushed over Aiden’s. He felt them curve against his.

“I’ll put my phone on Silent and ignore it all weekend,” Aiden announced and Lane laughed as his hands slid up Aiden’s back.

“I think I’ll cancel our dinner reservations and we’ll do room service all weekend.” He felt a little giddy and relieved at the thought of the two of them lounging in robes or in the nude for two days with no interruptions. Well, he planned on a lot of champagne and some very fine food so there would be a few brief interruptions. A large, marble tub and two glasses of champagne floated into Lane’s imagination and he groaned as the front of his trousers became tight. The few times that Aiden drank champagne over the years resulted in some very exciting sex. Acrobatic, even… Lane kissed Aiden slowly, savoring the soft citrus warmth as he willed his body to calm down. He didn’t need to make the day longer by getting wound up and dealing with a hard-on until Aiden could get away from the courthouse. “I have to go.” He swore under his breath as he leaned back. “I’ll see you later,” Lane said as he stole a quick kiss before he dashed back behind the counter. He quickly filled a travel mug and added a few teaspoons of sugar. “I’ll order dinner and have the tub ready when you get there. Call and give me a fifteen minutes heads up,” he said as he pulled on his coat and shoved his phone and wallet into his pockets. Aiden glowed as he followed Lane to the door.

“I can’t wait. Make sure they know I don’t like white cheese, or too many cheeses,” he said and Lane nodded and rolled his eyes as he reached for the door and pressed a quick kiss to Aiden’s lips.

“Have I ever let you down?” He asked. “Just orange cheese and two slices, I know how to do my job,” Lane winked as he pulled the door open. Aiden grabbed Lane’s face and his kiss was tender and his lips clung as he stumbled over the threshold with Lane.

“Thank you,” he whispered as his eyes poured into Lane’s. “You make me so happy. I love you,” Aiden said as he smoothed the front of Lane’s shirt and straightened his tie. Lane brushed the hair away from Aiden’s brow and offered him a cocky grin.

“I love my job,” he teased. “And I love you.” With that, Lane turned and jogged to his car. He waved before he ducked into his seat and Aiden folded his arms over his chest as he leaned against the door.

Things couldn’t be more perfect,
Lane decided as he steered the car down the drive and stepped on the gas.

Chapter 8

As soon as Aiden left the stand he slipped out of the courtroom. Lane was waiting for him at The Langham and Graves had a car waiting outside the courthouse to drive Aiden to the hotel. He absently moved away from the courtroom doors as they opened and waved impatiently as he waited for his phone to turn on.

“Dr. Sharp!” A voice had Aiden frowning as he turned. Gavin Langley waved excitedly as two guards guided him away from the courtroom. He smiled at the larger officer to his right. “Could I have just a moment, please?” Langley flashed the other officer a gentle grin and they paused. Aiden’s head tilted as he watched the exchange. Langley was young and handsome and had a very pleasant demeanor. He was excessively charming and Aiden was fascinated by the way he manipulated everyone he encountered. Several people had commented that it was a terrible shame that Langley turned out to be an arsonist, that he was the kind of man “you wanted to take home to meet your parents”.

Throughout the investigation and trial preparations, Aiden noticed many similarities between him and Gavin Langley. They were the same age and while Langley didn’t have any tattoos, their height, build, hair and eye color were very similar. Aiden assumed their IQ’s were close, that they were intellectual equals. The biggest difference was their personalities. Where Aiden was introverted and awkward around people, Langley was magnetic and socially nimble. He could read people and draw them in in ways that mystified Aiden. As Langley turned the full force of his smile on him and gestured for Aiden to come closer, he felt a hint of jealousy as he stepped across the hall toward Langley.

“It was wonderful to finally see you in person, Dr. Sharp!” Langley said as his eyes quickly scanned Aiden. It made Aiden very uncomfortable but he resisted to urge to step back.

“Was it?” Aiden asked as he watched Langley’s eyes. Langley’s grin spread even wider as he tried to lean closer.

“Of course! You know, I sensed your presence when I was being questioned. I hoped you’d be assisting and I swear, I felt that you were nearby,” he said and Aiden’s head pulled back in shock.

“You hoped I would be assisting?” He asked and Langley nodded.

“I’ve been a big fan of yours for a few years now. You were great in there,” Langley’s head jerked toward the courtroom and for a moment, Aiden was a little disoriented. He had just testified against Langley, yet he seemed quite pleased.

“Thank you?” He said as he discreetly swiped the camera on his phone and started recording. Langley laughed as his eyes drifted slowly down Aiden’s body again. This time, Aiden’s eyes flicked over Langley as he quickly reviewed everything he knew about him. Pulse, pupils, body temperature, posture, demeanor…
Oh, fuck. He’s sexually attracted to me,
Aiden instinctively stepped back and Langley smiled knowingly.

“I knew we’d meet eventually and that if anyone was going to catch me, it would be you. I’m looking forward to getting to know you better,” Langley said and Aiden frowned and slowly shook his head.

“The trial is almost over, I don’t imagine there would be any reason for us to see each other ever again,” he said and Langley responded with a soft laugh. It was warm and rich but it made the hairs on the back of Aiden’s neck stand.

“Don’t be so sure, Dr. Sharp,” he said then tilted his head forward and gave Aiden a wink. “Sorry, you prefer to be called Aiden,” Langley said and Aiden’s breath caught. That wasn’t public knowledge.

“What is it you imagine will happen?” Aiden asked and Langley’s smile faded and his eyes were calculating as they locked on Aiden’s.

“I’ve imagined many, many things. Now that we’ve met, I’m looking forward to making them a reality,” he stated and Aiden did his best to appear bored. He held up his phone and pretended to check his messages. He felt a bit of relief knowing that most of their encounter was being recorded. He shrugged nonchalantly.

“I see,” he murmured then sighed. “I’ve been stalked by better psychopaths, Mr. Langley. Frankly, it gets really old.” Aiden was about to turn but Langley’s eyes lit up and his expression reminded Aiden of the Cheshire Cat. Aiden’s stomach became cold and twisted.

“Jonathan Burgess. Crazy the way your husband just killed him, wasn’t it?” He asked and Aiden shook his head.

“Burgess broke into our home and aimed a gun at us. There’s nothing crazy about that,” he argued and Langley laughed.

“Perhaps. Or, Lane West has a tendency to get a bit too possessive and jealous.” Langley offered a wicked grin as he shuffled closer. “There are a dozen cameras watching us. What if I kissed you? The media would love that and I bet that would drive him insane,” he mused and Aiden’s stomach flipped and his nose wrinkled. He offered an exaggerated sneer and waved dismissively.

“I’m afraid I find that rather…undesirable. Please, don’t,” Aiden said as he went back to being bored and more interested in his phone. Langley wilted and his expression became petulant.

“You don’t mean that,” he said as he searched Aiden’s face. He nodded absently as he stared at his phone.

“I assure you, I do. You were somewhat interesting to study as a case, but I don’t find you very interesting as a person. I’m not sure what you thought would happen once we met but I have a feeling you’re going to be disappointed. I’ve got other cases to consult on and better things to do. You’re going to prison for a very long time. I don’t expect that you’ll ever be released,” Aiden said. He had to be careful. He wanted to be very clear and discourage Langley’s interest but he was dangerously close to taunting him. Taunting a narcissistic psychopath would be extremely foolish. He offered a curt nod as he turned to leave.

“I wouldn’t be so sure of that, Aiden. I just might surprise you,” Langley said silkily and Aiden was able to contain the shiver that trickled down his spine and appear aloof as he strode toward the courthouse doors.

Once outside, out of Langley’s sight, Aiden shook his head wildly and hauled in several deep breaths as he waited for his heart to stop pounding.
No. This is not happening again.