All in One Night

“My name is Peter, and I’m an addict.” Daniel resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He had heard this at least twenty times already. The Narcotics Anonymous meeting on a Friday night was always packed in preparation for the weekend. Temptation was always great then. And Daniel hated coming to this thing. But it was a stipulation with Jamie. He had to stay. His job and his relationship were safe if he showed he was coming to make sure he was keeping clean. Jamie had put his own career on the line to help him when Daniel got stuck in his downward spiral. Daniel owed him that, at least. His partner stood beside him, watching the young, clean-shaven kid now talking in front of a group of strangers with a blank expression. He glanced at Daniel, and that blank look turned into a frown. “You could at least look interested, Daniel, instead of standing there with a scowl.” Daniel snorted. “Look interested?” he whispered. “Are you kidding me?” “You need this, Daniel. Don’t pretend that you don’t.” “I’m down to one meeting a week. That should say something.” Jamie sighed. They were right at the back of the hall, Daniel leaning against one of the pillars. As far away as Daniel could get without actually leaving the room. The leader of the group had not looked impressed at Daniel’s intention of staying where he was instead of joining in, but he had eventually let it go, on the condition Daniel went up to talk. It was a compromise and Daniel grimaced every time he spoke up about his addiction. Three years clean, and he was still expected to talk. Daniel barely had any twinges or temptation to take any drugs. He even stayed away from painkillers for a headache. But Jamie was still concerned. His lover of fifteen years worried about him. It was endearing, but in this case it was annoying. “Don’t scowl so much.” Jamie reached out and rubbed his back. “I’ll make up for it when we get back. I promise.” Daniel arched an eyebrow. “Are you going to let me take charge?” Jamie’s mouth twitched in a slight smile. “Don’t push it, love.” If Daniel’s problem had been drugs, Jamie’s problem was control. Especially in the bedroom. The younger by two years, the moment they started getting intimate Jamie was the one taking over. It was a different side to the rookie cop who had caught Daniel’s attention the moment he walked into the police station. Daniel was happy to let Jamie call the shots, finding out very quickly that it was difficult for his partner to let go and allow anyone to take charge of him in bed. A former drug addict and a control freak. They were a right pair. And, somehow, it had worked. The sound of the door opening behind them had Daniel looking over his shoulder. And then staring. A man in his early twenties stepped into the room, dressed in army fatigues. Holy hell. He was built. Very built. Broad shoulders, trim waist and the loose garments were not hiding the fact he was very muscular. It made up for the fact he was barely shy of six feet. His cap was on, the brim low over his eyes. Daniel’s instincts went on the alert. Something wasn’t right here. This man wasn’t here for a meeting. This was meant to be anonymous, where nobody knew where you lived or what you did for a living unless you divulged it. Daniel never wore his uniform to his meetings and while he mentioned his job a couple of times, he didn’t broadcast it. Jamie always kept his badge and gun hidden in case he spooked anyone. So, either this guy was a psychopath who liked to parade around in his uniform or he was looking for someone. The latter looked more likely, as the young man hovered at the edge of the room, scanning the people there. He didn’t move from the door, his face blank as he looked over everyone. Then his expression slipped and he began to look worried. Scared, even. Daniel was on the alert now. Something was not right here. He nudged Jamie. “Jamie, I think we’ve got a problem.” “Hmm?” “Behind you. Guy in the fatigues. I think he’s looking for someone.” Jamie glanced behind him. Off to the guy’s right, they hadn’t been noticed yet. Jamie stared, and then turned back. “You don’t recognize him?” “With that cap over half his face, that’s a little difficult.” Daniel frowned. “Should I recognize him?” Jamie rolled his eyes. “You don’t follow the Society pages much, do you?” “In Kentucky?” Daniel snorted. “You must be joking. I’m not interested in any of that.” “Too bad.” Jamie shoved his hands into his pockets, leaning into him. “That’s Nick Horscroft. One of the youngest billionaires in the country, if not the youngest in Kentucky.” Horscroft. That sounded familiar. Then it clicked. “Horscroft as in Horscroft Aviation? The people who make private jets for the rich and famous?” “Yep.” This soldier was a billionaire? It didn’t look right. Daniel looked over the uniform. He did look good in them. What would he look like out of it? Naughty. “He looks a little young to be the owner of such a big company. And I didn’t realize they had changed the dress code.” Jamie smiled. “I think it’s just in name only now. His dad was the owner and he died a couple of years ago. Left everything between his two kids, with the company to his son.” “So, he simply signs the checks while he serves his country,” Daniel mused. “Nick’s a sergeant in the army. Although,” Jamie made an appreciative noise, “he does look pretty good in a suit. The pictures of him were certainly mouth-watering.” Daniel arched an eyebrow at his partner. “You’re drooling over him already?” “I’ve been drooling over his pictures for ages. Now?” Jamie grinned. “Looks like dreams do come true.” Daniel bit back a laugh. “You are awful.” At least Nick Horscroft had some sense about him. Who would be interested in pandering to the rich and wealthy to get them from A to B? Daniel certainly wouldn’t. Everyone got treated the same and if they had an entitled attitude, they weren’t going to get anywhere. Daniel had been spoken to about it a couple of times with his sergeant, but Daniel wasn’t about to change the way he talked to people because they had a lot more money in the bank. Money didn’t talk with him. Although if Nick committed a crime and he started using his money, Daniel might make an exception. But what was he doing here? He didn’t look like an addict. Then again, neither did he. If anything, Nick looked like he had literally gotten off the plane from a tour. His fatigues were still dusty and there were dark circles under his eyes. He looked like he needed sleep, but here he was looking around trying to find someone. And getting more panicked about it. His shoulders slumping, Nick turned and left. Daniel pushed off the pillar. “Come on.” “What?” Jamie blinked. “But you haven’t been up to speak yet.” “I think someone needs our help. That’s a bit more important.” Jamie looked like he was about to argue, but he sighed and threw up his hands. “Okay, fine. Sometimes, I wish we were just regular guys.” Daniel kissed his cheek. “Nothing regular about you,” he whispered, which resulted in getting a shiver from Jamie. Fifteen years, and the two of them could still turn each other on with a simple glance, a few words and a smile. Life certainly wasn’t slowing them down. Now Jamie followed him out into the hall of the church. Daniel knew he should step back and leave the man alone. Chances were, he had just been coming to surprise someone that he was back, but Daniel had seen his face. He had looked very scared. Clearly, he had been there hoping that someone was safe and well. Daniel just wanted to go and help him. It had nothing to do with the fact the sight of the young soldier had Daniel’s blood stirring. Nothing to do with it. Liar. Nick was halfway across the lobby towards the front doors when Daniel and Jamie caught up with him. Daniel had to jog to keep up with him. “Hey, wait up there.” Nick immediately spun around, his hand going to his waist, only to grasp at air and realization dawned that he wasn’t armed. His body tensed and he naturally went into a defensive stance. “What do you want?” He looked a little spooked. Daniel slowed to a stop, signaling for Jamie to back up a little. There was no need to crowd him. “You okay there? You walked into an NA meeting and then walked out again. Were you looking for someone?” Nick’s eyes narrowed, barely visible under his cap. “Why would you care?” “Because I thought you could use some help.” Daniel spread his hands, showing that he posed no threat. “I’m Daniel. This is Jamie. We thought we could reach out and see if you needed help.” Nick’s lips curled into a sneer. “I don’t want any help from addicts.” “You got a problem with addicts?” Jamie snapped. Daniel glanced at him. His partner had moved to the other side of Nick, effectively blocking him in. He had adjusted his jacket so his badge and gun were on display. Nick’s eyes widened as he stared at the badge, and then up at Jamie. “You’re a cop?” “We both are.” Jamie nodded at Daniel. “I’m here for him.” “Jamie.” Daniel could feel his face getting warm. He focused on Nick. “Look, we can’t force you to talk to us, but we can help if you need it. If you’re looking for someone, we can help.” Nick looked at him. Really looked. And Daniel thought he had the most stunning blue eyes he had ever seen. Arousal stirred in his gut, and Daniel had to force it back. Now was not the time to think how attractive this young man was. “You two are really cops?” Nick asked. “Surprising, isn’t it?” Jamie snorted. Daniel shot him a sharp look before turning back to Nick. “Yes.” “And you’re in an NA meeting.” “We’re not above falling to the bad stuff, either.” Nick’s eyes were piercing as he looked over Daniel’s face. Cool, measured. He was young, but there was a sharpness in him that just sizzled off his body. That was more of a turn-on than Daniel expected. No wonder Jamie had thought he was handsome in a suit. He was something else in his army gear. “Can I trust you, though?” Nick demanded. “Do you mean am I going to sneak off and take drugs when I’m on the clock? No. I’m three years clean.” “And if he wants to stay in a relationship, he’s staying clean,” Jamie growled. He wasn’t helping. Daniel bit back the urge to snap at him. Nick looked between the two of them, as if he couldn’t quite make them out. “You two partners or something?” Jamie answered this time with a slight smirk. “On-duty, no. I’m a detective while Daniel works patrol. Off-duty…” He glanced at Daniel, his expression softening a little. “I’d say we were certainly partners.” Now Daniel was confused. They didn’t broadcast that they were in a relationship or even gay at work, but the brass knew about it. Those in their job who did know kept it discreet, and Daniel and Jamie didn’t rub it in anyone’s faces. Never would they say that they were a couple to a possible witness. What was Jamie doing? Nick’s eyes widened a little, and then his cheeks went red. Great, now they had embarrassed him. But then something flashed in his eyes, which had Daniel pausing. Did he find that a turn-on? Nick cleared his throat and adjusted his cap. “Is there anywhere we can go to talk? I don’t feel comfortable doing it out in the open.” Daniel caught Jamie’s eye, and Jamie nodded. They didn’t need to talk to communicate. Daniel nodded. “Our place is just around the corner. We can talk there.” * * * * Nick cast a sidelong glance at Daniel and Jamie as they walked along the street. He had not gone in there for anything other than looking for Kathy. She was beginning to really worry him. This was the longest Kathy had gone without checking in, and Nick was sure that something had happened. The NA meeting was one Kathy went to regularly, and he had hoped to find her there. He should have had some sleep after getting off the plane, but Nick knew he wouldn’t be able to rest properly until Kathy was found. Then he would have peace of mind. But Kathy wasn’t there, and Nick had no idea where to look now. It was a surprise to find two cops at this place. Nick knew even police officers could fall to temptation, and he shouldn’t be judging. But Nick had judged as soon as they approached him. Although not in the way he had expected. Hot damn had been his first thought. Nick could appreciate a good-looking man, but these two weren’t just that. Off the charts gorgeous in his eyes. They had to be in their late thirties, at the most. Both over six feet and muscular like they worshipped the gym. Daniel was the shorter of the two, long and lean with dark hair and the dusting of a beard across his jaw. There was a dangerous, alluring air about him. But he was softly spoken, his voice almost calming. Jamie was broader, stocky in build, his hair already completely silver. He looked like he spent a lot of time in the sun, and he walked like a tiger walking through the jungle. Now Nick had been in their company for more than a few minutes, he could tell that they were cops. It was in their walks, the way they held themselves. Career-cops, certainly. And a couple. That had thrown Nick a little. They didn’t touch or act lovey-dovey, but Jamie’s admission was enough. And Nick caught them throwing glances at each other that seemed to be more than affectionate. It was actually quite sweet. Nick felt a little envious. He wished he could have that for himself. Have a man like Daniel. Or Jamie. Or he could be greedy and have both. Not now. Think about Kathy. She’s more important. Then you can think what it would be like to be in bed with two hot men. Daniel and Jamie’s home was a cute little white house on a residential street. It looked like any other home on the road. Two cars were parked in the drive, and there was a large tree on the front lawn. The perfect suburban street. Nick had no idea what he was expecting to find, but it suited them. Nice and simple. No frills or fancies. It was very pleasant. Nick thought about the home his parents had left him. Far too big, far too fancy with a team of servants looking after it. Every time Nick stepped into the place, he felt like he was not a member of the house. It didn’t feel like a home at all. It was just a simple shell. Jamie took out his keys and unlocked the door, glancing over his shoulder at Nick. “It’s not much, but it’s ours.” That look of his practically sizzled. He didn’t seem to have any idea of how alluring he was when he gave someone a simple look. Nick felt a shiver up his spine and his c**k twitched. God, not now! This wasn’t a private orgy, it was talking to two cops about Kathy. Maybe they’ll be up for an orgy later. Enough! Nick pushed his thoughts away. The last thing he wanted to do was walk around with a hard-on. Hardly appropriate, especially when his fatigues wouldn’t be able to hide it. While his body and mind were worn out, his c**k certainly wasn’t. Nick followed Jamie into the house, Daniel close behind. Nick found himself looking around in slight awe. It was simple, but tastefully decorated. Nothing too loud that jumped out. A few pictures lined the wall of the hall. One of Daniel standing with Jamie with a proud look on his face as Jamie received an award. The two of them together on the beach, out on a hike. And one with Jamie holding Daniel in a loving embrace as they looked at the camera with warm smiles. If Nick was in doubt about their relationship before, he wasn’t now. He couldn’t stop looking at the pictures. When was the last time he had had someone hold him like this? Make him feel like a million bucks? Men gravitated towards him when they found out how much he was worth, and Nick got fed up with that. He just wanted someone who could love him as much as he loved them. No money involved. A stab of envy pierced his chest. Why couldn’t he have a bit of happiness like this? “Nick?” Nick turned. Daniel was regarding him thoughtfully, his hazel eyes drifting over Nick’s body. Was he checking him out? Nick felt the temperature creep up. Was an older guy checking him out? No, he couldn’t be. Daniel and Jamie were an item. Clearly for a long time. Why would he be checking out someone else? Nick gulped. “Yeah?” “We’ll go into the living room.” Daniel gestured to a door to his right. “We can talk there.” “Oh. Right.” Nick looked at the pictures again. “How long have you two been a couple?” Daniel smiled, his eyes softening. “Fifteen years. Pretty much as soon as Jamie started at the station as a rookie.” “He kept pestering me until I agreed to have a drink with him after work,” Jamie added. He appeared in the doorway, now divested of his jacket to reveal a body that the red shirt he wore couldn’t hide. Damn, he looked good. “Let’s just say the rest is history.” “I didn’t pester you,” Daniel protested. “I beg to differ.” Jamie grinned. “Not that I was complaining. I mean, who wouldn’t want to bang this specimen?” Daniel rolled his eyes, but he was smiling. Nick could see why anyone would want to take him to bed. There was something about him that, while dangerous, had him wanting to fold into his arms and stay there. You really are suffering from lack of sleep if you’re thinking about sleeping with these two. “I…” Nick squeaked. He cleared his throat. “Do your bosses know about this? I know how things can be in the police force.” “We don’t broadcast, but the brass know,” Jamie answered. “And those who do know are discreet.” He arched an eyebrow. “Do you have a problem with that?” “No, of course not.” Nick took off his cap. He felt silly still wearing it inside. “I get it with the privacy bit. The army is the same. Trying to explain that you’re not going to bang some random chick because she hasn’t got a c**k isn’t something that comes naturally to me. They still think I’m a virgin because they haven’t seen me with a girl.” Nick could handle that. It was better than the truth. One of his squad buddies had come out and he was harassed so much that he ended up quitting. No one wanted to be on the front line with a gay soldier. While it wasn’t meant to be a problem, people weren’t as understanding as they claimed to be. Soldiers still had a mentality about it. Nick kept it quiet, not wanting to lose the career he loved because people saw him in a particular light. Both Jamie and Daniel were staring at him. Had they expected him to say that he was straight? Then he saw arousal flaring hot in Jamie’s eyes, with just heightened curiosity in Daniel’s. It was at that point Nick had a sudden thought. Did these two share? From the way they were looking at him, it was clear both found him attractive. That made Nick’s own arousal spike. Did Daniel and Jamie take a man to bed and share him? God, that was like a man’s wet dream. Later. Remember Kathy. Nick shook himself, looking at the floor as he stepped around Daniel and Jamie, heading into the living room. Jet-lag was a b***h if he was forgetting that Kathy was in danger. The living room was a typical man-cave with the huge TV on the wall, the huge bookcases with DVDs and books, and the large couch and two leather armchairs. Surprisingly clean. Nick didn’t think two cops would find time to even clean. He sat on the couch as the two men followed after him. Jamie stood in front of the TV, hands shoved in his pockets and giving Nick a sudden view of his package through his jeans. Nick felt his face getting warm and looked away. God, if that was him soft, what would he look like hard? Stop it. “You wanted our help, Nick.” Daniel eased onto the couch next to him, his knee nudging Nick’s. “So, talk to us. What’s going on?” “Right.” Maybe he should have gone to the police station. At least he would be able to focus. Nick looked at his cap twisting in his hands. “It’s my sister Kathy. She’s gone missing.” “How long?” Daniel asked. “About a week. She’s a college student, and it’s currently finals week, so I thought she was studying hard. She did warn me that studying was going to take priority, but she would send me a text each evening. I didn’t think too much of it until I came back a few hours ago and went to the campus.” Nick tossed his cap onto the coffee table. He kept twisting it and he was going to rip it to shreds. “I wanted to surprise her, but her roommate said that Kathy had disappeared about a week ago. She hadn’t turned up to any exams and no one could get hold of her. She…she’s just vanished.” God, saying it out loud made it feel even worse. Nick realized he was shaking. Kathy had been through a lot since their parents died in a plane crash, and Nick felt awful for not being there when he should be. But he had done what he could and Kathy had showed that her life was going back on track. She was doing well, even after the heartache from the previous school year. She couldn’t be relapsing now. “It’s okay, Nick.” Daniel pressed a hand to his knee. “Take a deep breath.” Nick hadn’t realized he was beginning to breathe more heavily. He did as he was told, focusing on Daniel’s soothing voice. He eased his breathing and looked up. Daniel smiled at him and Nick found himself going back on an even keel. This man knew how to calm someone down. He needed that right now. “You were looking for her in an NA meeting,” Jamie murmured. “Is she an addict as well?” Nick winced. “She was an addict. Our parents died just before Kathy graduated high school. She went downhill fast. Took drugs, any kind she could get her hands on. She lost her place at university and I got her enrolled in a nearby college. Things got better for a bit, and then she nearly died from an overdose after…” Nick stopped himself. He wasn’t about to divulge that. Not yet. It was probably not something important right now. Jamie frowned. “After what?” “Doesn’t matter.” “I think it does.” Jamie came around the coffee table and sat on the edge of it, his eyes never leaving Nick’s face. “You might not think it’s important but we do.” Nick winced. They weren’t going to let him get away with it. “Kathy had been in a relationship…with another girl. This girl seemed to be good for her, kept her clean. Then they had a fight and…” Nick swallowed. “Both of them ended up taking ecstasy at a party. The girlfriend died and Kathy almost followed suit. I made her go to rehab, go to therapy, and got her back on track.” “I see.” Jamie’s expression said that he did see. He didn’t look judgmental at all. “How long has she been clean this time?” “Nearly eight months. She was starting to be happy again, dating casually even.” It was going to take some time for Kathy to give her heart to someone else again, but Nick knew it would happen. It would get there eventually. Jamie glanced at Daniel, and Nick saw the look pass between them. They were that type of couple who didn’t need to speak to communicate. If only he could have a relationship like that. Maybe he could. One day. “Your relationship is solid with your sister, then,” Jamie said gently. “Yes, very.” Nick rubbed his hands on his thighs. “We’ve only got each other. Our grandparents on Dad’s side live in Wisconsin and Mom’s parents immigrated to Australia five years ago. The rest of the family are scattered across the world and we don’t speak much to them. It’s just us for the most part.” “And you think she might have relapsed and vanished because of it.” Nick nodded. Then he shook his head. He slumped against the cushions, rubbing his hands over his face. “I don’t know anymore. I thought she might have been at a meeting. I knew of a few she would go to, so I thought I’d try and see if she was still attending. Even if she had vanished off the college campus, she might still be going to meetings. I had to try.” “Not being at a meeting doesn’t mean she’s relapsed,” Daniel said gently. “I won’t know one way or the other until I find her.” Nick hated this. He liked to know what was going on, no p***y-footing around it all with kid gloves. People had tried that with him before when he became the unwilling CEO of Horscroft Aviation, and Nick had laid into them. He may only be twenty-two, but he had seen a lot more than the fancy ponces who worked at the company whose only concern was keeping the rich happy. Nick was happy to simply sign the checks or approve them to be signed by his lawyer, but he wanted nothing more to do with them. He had more important things to worry about than how big the private room on a jet was going to be. Things like making sure his sister was safe and well. He hated not knowing what to do. “You’ve got all the money in the world.” Jamie tilted his head to the side as he regarded him thoughtfully. “And Kathy is a billionaire as well. I assume she’s the joint owner.” “It’s in a trust fund for her until she’s twenty-five. My share is in the trust fund.” Nick made a face. “The money I have is both my earnings and what was in my parents’ account. As the heir, I get it immediately. Then when Kathy is twenty-five, it gets split between us.” Daniel glanced at Jamie. “You don’t like having so much money, do you?” he murmured. Nick scowled. “I don’t see the point of having so much when I know I got it due to my parents dying. I would rather have them back than the multiple figures in my account. Kathy thinks the same.” They were in the process of waiting for someone to buy their company out. Nick knew it was his father’s pride and joy, but even Gary Horscroft had gotten fed up with his board and the VPs. Something shady had been going on, and Nick had notified the IRS a few months back to check into it all. Selling it to someone else and having them do a complete overhaul would ease the headache that was Horscroft Aviation. Nick looked at the two men sitting before him. Both of them were rather close. Daniel’s knee was still touching his and Jamie was almost crowding him in. But it didn’t feel like crowding. It felt…comforting. That was a reaction Nick was not expecting. He should be feeling intimidated. But this felt rather intimate. He needed to get his head straightened out. Kathy was in possible danger and here he was wondering what would happen if he managed to get Jamie and Daniel shirtless, or even naked. God, now he wished he hadn’t thought of that. His c**k was standing to attention now. Nick stood up abruptly, almost bumping into Jamie, and stepped away. “Look, can you help me or not? I want to know my sister is safe. If she doesn’t want to come home, fine. But I need to know she’s not in danger or on drugs.” Daniel pressed a hand to Jamie’s knee. Jamie glanced at him and nodded. Then Daniel gave Nick a smile. “Give us what you can on your sister and we’ll look for her. We’re good at that.” That felt like music to Nick’s ears. Shoving his hands into his pockets, he gave Daniel a sharp nod. “Thank you.”