Page 24 of Fiendish Ways

Archer’s chest expanded on a deep breath. Cree braced for the worst. Archer motioned toward the new SUV in the driveway. “I see you finally gave Nebraska his gift.”

Cree nodded. “It was time. I mean, it was a risk, but still, it was time.”

For a moment, Archer stared at some point over Cree’s shoulder. Finally, his gaze slid Cree’s way. Cree’s shoulders relaxed. He knew this side of Archer. It was the side only he—and he imagined Angel—got to see. “I have a few things to get off my chest.”

“Okay.” They were always straight with each other, even when it was ugly.

“I like Nebraska. I think he actually has what it takes to keep you in line. Let me just say that right off the bat.”

“But?”

Archer shook his head. “There’s no but. I’ve just been thinking about some things since Nebraska left. It’s eating at me. You’ve been my… I don’t know. Best friend, I guess. For a long time. I know I played a huge role in fucking you up. You still didn’t hesitate to help me win Angel back. Yet I still never said, I’m sorry.”

“I’m not.” Even Cree was surprised as the confession fell from his lips. He smiled as he realized how true the words were. “Without you, who knows where I would’ve ended up? I’ve told you dozens of times, but you saved me from a horrible life. Not only will I never forget that, but I’ll also always love you. You are my best friend. I’m sorry I haven’t been much of one lately. I guess I just learned my breaking point.”

Archer nodded. “I get it. That’s why I’ve left you alone to figure things out. Without Nebraska, there’s no beauty in your world. It’s the same for me with Angel. Unfortunately, it seems people like us have to lose the people we care about the most to learn how to care properly. But I love you too. You’re closer to me than blood. With that said, if I find out you’re fucking up again, I’ll drag your ass out of here. We gave Nebraska this place as a haven. Make it a good home.”

Cree felt too much. It was like once he let his walls down for Nebraska, everyone crawled in. Before he could stop himself, he hugged Archer. To his surprise, Archer hugged him back.

“You better marry that boy. He’s earned it.”

Cree laughed. “He’s already said yes.”

Archer laughed. “Good. That’s good. I’ll let you get back to him. Just let us know when we can witness this wedding.”

“I will.” Cree watched Archer head to his truck. He waited until Archer climbed behind the wheel before he went back inside.

Nebraska stood in the middle of the living room, rubbing his arm and looking nervous. “Is everything okay?”

Cree nodded. “Damn right it is. I have you.”

As far as Cree was concerned, that was all that needed to be said. He snatched Nebraska off his feet and tossed him over his shoulder. Cree headed for their bedroom, wearing a huge grin. For once, he was the winner. This one time, he hadn’t failed. Cree planned to keep Nebraska in bed for the rest of the day and night. They had an engagement to celebrate.

Chapter Fourteen

On Nebraska’s twenty-first birthday, and in front of everyone they loved, Nebraska listened to Cree repeat his wedding vows strong and clear. It was the best way imaginable to break his birthday curse. He smiled so much, his face hurt. Nebraska declined all the champagne offered to him. He would never be his dad. That was his vow.

They had married in Archer’s huge living room. Angel and King had done the decorations. The day felt so surreal. His head spun by the time they made it to their hotel room for the night. They would leave tomorrow for a month-long European vacation. Nebraska was so excited, he could barely contain it. He was one hundred percent certain he wouldn’t sleep.

Cree kissed his neck as he peeled away the layers of Nebraska’s white tuxedo. He had almost decided against the color since his blond hair usually left him washed out when he wore white. King had added just enough black embellishments on the outfit to balance things. Since Nebraska trusted King on all things fashion-related, he hadn’t fought against the design. The way Cree couldn’t seem to get him out of it quickly enough, Nebraska assumed it had the desired effect.

Nebraska couldn’t stop touching Cree. He never got enough of the beautiful body hidden beneath Cree’s black tux.

“Goddamn. I love you, Mr. Erebus.”

Nebraska’s eyes fell closed. No one would ever know how glad he was to be rid of his father’s last name. “I love you too. Say my name again.”

Cree smiled against his skin. Nebraska felt his happiness. “Mr. Nebraska Erebus.”

“Mmm. So sexy.”

“Damn right you are.”

Nebraska had to have him. The feeling never lessened. From the first night they shared a bed and didn’t touch, this craving had become a full-blown addiction. Nebraska dropped to his knees. Zero shame.

Cree lifted him from the floor. “No. You’re not bruising your knees tonight. You’ll blow me in bed like a good boy. Oh, and I also plan to be sucking your dick while you suck mine.”

Yes. Nebraska wanted that. He tore at Cree’s clothes. In no time, he was fucking Cree’s face while choking on Cree’s cock. He already knew this was only the first of many orgasms Cree would give him tonight. The hot suction of his mouth had Nebraska already ready for more. He wanted to spit cum all over Cree’s body.

At the oddest moment, and like a truck, reality hit Nebraska. This was his family now. It was good and strong and kind. Loving. It was so fucking loving—like nothing he had ever known. He slowed down and treasured his gift. They had the rest of their lives. For once, Nebraska didn’t need to fight so desperately to horde every happy memory. He knew there would be more. Cree would never fail him.