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supplied information many times that has saved our collective asses.
When Cameron joined us, and we moved again, we moved near to
where Trace was living. By this point she was a good friend, and she
knew all about you.
Jake s arm tightened around his shoulder.
She knew how I felt about you, and how I was trying to hide it,
and why. She didn t tell me her reasons for doing so, but she told me
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that she needed to be seen to be with someone, anyone really, on a
regular basis. So we arranged to meet. We knew what each would be
wearing, and on a night out with the guys, I looked like I met up with
this gorgeous woman and left with her for the night. And I did. But
nothing happened between us.
Daniel could feel the tension in Jake, and he rubbed his chest with
his free hand. Nothing ever happened between us.
Ever? Jake s voice was low and a bit wobbly. Daniel lifted his
head to look at him and saw his eyes were filled with tears about to
spill over, and his jaw was clenched tight. Daniel suddenly found
himself squeezed tightly against Jake s chest, two arms locked around
him. Jake pressed a kiss to the top of his head. You never slept with
her? You never wanted to?
We kissed, in front of the guys, sometimes in front of whomever
she was putting on her show for, but that s all it ever was, a show. I
thought I had to protect myself, my heart, from the appearance of you
not wanting me. But as I told you before, it was just another way to
hide. No clothes ever came off and we were never intimate. We never
had sex. How could I? Daniel squirmed in Jake s arms, which
loosened enough for him to reach up and trace the side of Jake s face
with his fingertips. You re the only person I ever wanted.
Jake took a moment to process what he had just said. Are& are
you saying that& that I was& that you never... He trailed off, as if
uncertain of how to finish his question.
No Jake, I have never been with anyone else. I may have felt like
a freak to be a twenty-eight-year-old virgin a few weeks ago, but shit,
I was seventeen when we met. Sure, I had experimented a bit, with a
couple of guys before we met, and some toys he could feel heat
rise in his cheeks at this admission but you are the only person I
have had sex with. Please believe me, Jake. I wouldn t lie to you, not
about this. The only lies I ever let you believe were that I was straight
and that I was having sex with Trace, and you now know why I did
Another Way to Hide 119
that. Daniel s eyes shone with tears, pleading with Jake to believe
him.
I do. And he did, Daniel could feel he really did, but now he did
not know what to say. Daniel could feel the happy, possessive
feelings running through Jake, aimed at Daniel himself, but he could
also feel something else. There was doubt and regret there. You
doubt me, Daniel whispered softly, looking away.
I m doubting myself. He hooked a finger under Daniel s chin
and made him meet his gaze again. Never you. You would never lie
to me, not about this, and I would never doubt you. You say you are
telling the truth and I believe you. I haven t been with anyone else
since we met either. He let out a low laugh. Two guys celibate for a
decade because we were both too damn scared of rejection to say
anything. It was your first time, though and it should have been more
special. I wish I had known. Relief flooded Daniel at where Jake's
feelings were coming from. Even with their bond, there was still room
for misunderstandings it seemed.
It was special. It was everything I could have wanted because it
was with you.
Daniel tried to project everything he was feeling at Jake. His total
contentment with Jake and their mating, his happiness at them finally
being together and his love for the man. It must have worked because
the emotions coming at him disappeared, to be replaced with joy and
desire.
Jake shifted on the sofa, sliding his body down until Daniel lay
full length on top of him. Come here. The kiss they shared was full
of love and promises for the future.
Hang on a minute. Jake pushed Daniel back up a few seconds
later.
What? Why? Daniel tried to kiss him again, but Jake obviously
needed to know something because he kept evading him. Fine.
What?
Trace
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You want to talk about her now? I thought we were past that? I
thought you believed me&
No, baby, I do, it s not that& what? The look on Daniel s face
must have been what made Jake pause.
I like that.
Like what?
You, calling me baby. Daniel smiled at him sweetly then rolled
his eyes. God, I sound like such a girl!
I think we are perfectly entitled to be a bit sappy after waiting for
so long. Jake put on a mock-superior air and raised his chin. They
both laughed.
What about Trace? You were going to say something, Daniel
reminded him.
Oh yes. Well, she teleported, or something. Right?
Yes. Fuck that was weird! Outside the bar one moment, and then
she grabbed me and the three of us went sprawling on the floor in the
entrance hall. I have no idea what happened!
So what exactly is she? That woman from the warehouse, she did
it, too. It s not something I have ever come across before, I didn t
think it was possible! Now I have seen two do it in two months. What
are they? Are they the same thing?
You got me. Daniel shrugged, puzzled. I think I will have to
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