“I’m sorry. Did I say something wrong?”

  Fitz jerked his head up. “Oh God no. I’m sorry. We’re on an amazing date on a private island, and I’m getting all maudlin on you.”

  Jack reached over and covered Fitz’s hand with his. “This really amazing guy I know told me that talking about the darkness can sometimes bring a little light into it. I’ll always be here to listen.”

  It took Fitz a few heartbeats before he came to a decision. His family was something he rarely talked about. He’d learned a long time ago to keep who he was to himself. Mostly because it had the habit of sending men running in the opposite direction, several believing Fitz was high-maintenance enough without adding his parents into the mix.

  “Not a lot of people know this, but my parents are politicians. Harlow is my grandmother’s maiden name. I had it changed legally when I turned eighteen. My family name is Clark. The name I was given at birth was Fitz Martin Clark.”

  Jack frowned. “Martin Clark?” Realization dawned, and his eyebrows shot up. “As in former Senator Martin Clark?”

  Fitz waited for Jack’s shock to wear off. Would it be replaced by contempt or pity? Possibly offense for not being told sooner, or anger that his father had not only been a huge anti-LGBT figure, but one who didn’t support military vets because he believed it was an honor to serve their country and they “knew what they were getting into.” God, Fitz hated the man, and he could count on one hand the number of things or people he hated.

  Jack’s expression softened. He stood and moved his chair in front of Fitz’s as he took Fitz’s hand in his. “That must have been difficult for you. Growing up around a man like that.”

  Fitz swallowed hard. Rumors of his father’s explosive temper and anger issues had been grossly understated. His father was a vile man, and Fitz never regretted walking away.

  “As you can imagine, my coming out was very inconvenient for his political career, what with him so vehemently condemning ‘the fags.’ He loved to throw that word around. I heard it so much growing up I wondered if he got paid for every time he said it. My parents both knew, they just chose to ignore it by pushing girls at me, telling their friends my affinity for wearing eyeshadow or lip gloss was part of my ‘rebellious phase.’ They made me join sports leagues in school because if you played sports you couldn’t be gay, right?” Fitz snorted.

  “You would have thought that seeing the baseball jersey I wore during my first game, with the words I love cock bedazzled on the back, would have given them a clue, and yet?” He shrugged, doing his best not to touch his cheek. If he closed his eyes, he could still feel the pain in his jaw after his father backhanded him. “I actually enjoyed playing sports, but none more than the sport of pissing off my father.”

  Jack’s gaze turned hard. “He hurt you, didn’t he?”

  “I always paid for my ‘defiance,’ but I felt it was worth it. After a while I turned it into a game. I’d come up with the most outlandish excuses for my bruises or broken bones, each one grander than the one before. Everything from my wrestling an anaconda to getting into a fight with a little old lady over the last packet of Werther’s Original.”

  “And no one said anything?”

  “Against my father? It was easier to believe the lie and pretend everything was as he said it was. We were the perfect American family. Like every other politician worth his salt, he manipulated the public’s perception of us. I was a talented theater student, artistic and dramatic. I was going to be famous one day. Dramatic, I was, but I had no interest in theater unless it was of my own making. If my father hated gays, hated me, I was going to be the gayest gay to ever gay.”

  The year leading up to his high school graduation had been the worst of his life, but Fitz had been born a stubborn little shit with the soul of a diva and the ferocity of a fucking wolverine—and not the sexy Hugh Jackman kind.

  “They made my life miserable, so I returned the favor. Every night for dinner I dressed like a different old Hollywood actress—Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Katharine Hepburn, Joan Crawford… That’s when I realized I wanted to be a hairstylist. I’d sit for hours, watching old movies and doing my hair just like they did for those gorgeous women. I discovered I had a talent for it, and I loved getting lost in the process, in getting every hair just so. I turned eighteen election week, so I waited until my parents’ friends were gathered in the living room, sashayed my ass in there dressed in all my Hollywood starlet glory, and said, ‘I’m gay, I’m leaving forever, fuck you very much.’ I walked out of there and never looked back. Happiest day of my adult life.”

  Jack placed a kiss on Fitz’s palm. “I’m so sorry you went through all that, sweetheart. You’re so damned brave.”

  “Me? You’re the one who put your life on the line every day, facing gunfire and explosions and who knows what else.”

  “Yes, but I also went through a lot of training for that. I had weapons and an entire unit to back me up. You were a lone teenager equipped with only your wit and sharp tongue. You refused to be anyone but who you were, standing up against the world and the people who should have been there to back you up. The man who sired you—because he doesn’t deserve the title of father—was an asshole, and no matter how much he hurt you, you continued to fight. That makes you incredibly brave.”

  “Thank you.” Fitz sniffed and wiped away the tear that rolled down his cheek.

  “For what?”

  “For being you.”

  “How about a walk on the beach?” Another kiss to Fitz’s palm before Jack stood and helped him to his feet.

  “How is it you always know what to say?”

  “Maybe it’s not so much that I know what to say, but that I find it easy to speak from the heart when it comes to you. Wow, that sounded kind of cheesy, huh?”

  Fitz popped a quick kiss on Jack’s lips. “I happen to love cheese.”

  With a chuckle, Jack laced their fingers together and headed for the beach. It was like something out of a dream. Never in his life would Fitz have imagined himself with a guy like Jack. He had the most charming quirks, like the way he picked up candles he came across to smell them or the way he wrinkled his nose when he smiled, laughed, or felt embarrassed.

  The rest of the night was magic. They walked on the beach and talked. Jack told stories about his big family, his Italian father and American mother, how they met at a mutual friend’s wedding. They shared stories about their grandmothers and how much they missed them. For hours they walked and talked. When they stopped to kiss, Fitz melted into Jack, a dreamy sigh escaping him. He could barely contain his smile. Lifting his gaze to the sky, he took a mental picture. No matter what happened between them, he would think back on this moment fondly. Everything about it was perfect, from the gorgeous man holding his hand to the warm breeze and taste of salt in the air as the ocean waves broke against the shore. Soft music played in the distance, and the soft, cool sand between Fitz’s toes felt heavenly.

  “It’s so beautiful.”

  Jack hummed in agreement, and when Fitz lowered his eyes, he found Jack watching him, those intense silver eyes filled with so much emotion, Fitz had trouble holding his gaze. He looked out at the ocean, the moon casting a magical glow across the water’s surface. He’d always loved the beach. Something about the expansive ocean called to him.

  “What are you thinking about?” Jack asked softly as he brushed his lips against Fitz’s temple.

  “The ocean. How beautiful yet dangerous it can be.”

  “Sounds like someone I know.”

  Fitz cocked his head to one side. “You think so?”

  “Oh, absolutely.” Jack turned Fitz to face the ocean and tucked himself behind him, chin on Fitz’s shoulder and arms holding him close. “The way it changes color and ferocity from one moment to another, an untamable force of great beauty that demands respect. Any man foolish enough to take that beauty for granted could end up drowning.”

  Fitz turned in Jack’s arms. “You think I’m a force of nature?”

  “I think you’re the most amazing man I’ve ever met.” Jack brushed Fitz’s bangs away from his face. “I feel like I’ve known you for much longer than I have, yet so much of you remains a mystery, because I never know what you’re going to say or do.” His smile turned playful. “You know what kind of havoc that plays on a guy like me? I have spreadsheets to keep track of my spreadsheets.”

  A surprised laugh came from Fitz, and he covered his mouth with his hand before shaking his head.

  “I do,” Jack said with a smile. “You think I’m kidding, but I’m not.”

  “Oh my God.”

  Jack waggled his eyebrows. “You bagged yourself a real-life nerd. I can’t cook, but if you ever need someone to debate the scientific plausibility of Star Trek, I’m your guy.”

  Fitz playfully slapped Jack’s arm, then grabbed his hand. They went back to walking along the shore, the cooling water splashing over his feet and ankles. He didn’t want the night to end, but eventually the time came. They washed the sand off their feet before putting their socks and shoes back on.

  “Question,” Fitz said as they headed down the path that led to the helicopter.

  “Sure.”

  “How close does someone have to be to see inside the tinted windows?”

  “Um, they’d have to put their face to it. Why?”

  “How long can you stay parked here?”

  “However long I need.”

  “What would you say if I said I wanted to have sex in the back of your helicopter?”

  Jack tripped over his own feet. He stopped and turned to stare at Fitz. “You… want to have sex in the helicopter?” The flush on Jack’s face and the very evident erection straining his pants told Fitz that Jack was just a little excited about the idea. Just a tad. Fitz crossed the distance between them and took hold of Jack’s tie, their lips almost brushing from how close they stood.

  “How about it, Jack? Fancy taking me for a ride?”

  Jack visibly shuddered from head to toe. “Oh God yes.” He grabbed Fitz’s hand and pulled him along as he hurried to the helicopter. Giving the area a quick scan, he unlocked the side door and helped Fitz in. He climbed in after him and closed the door behind them. He’d just turned around when Fitz was on him. If he didn’t get Jack inside him, he was going to explode.

  “I need you naked, Jack.”

  Jack nodded fervently as Fitz pushed his jacket off him. They scrambled to undress each other, which was a little awkward and funny since they were both hunched over so they wouldn’t hit their heads on the ceiling.

  “Hold on,” Jack said, shirt hanging off one arm as he maneuvered Fitz to one side so he could open a compartment. He pulled out a rich blue blanket and laid it down on the floor between the seats.

  “Please tell me you have supplies,” Fitz said, kicking off his shoes.

  “My jacket. Inside pocket.”

  Fitz cast him a wicked smile, and Jack shrugged.

  “You know how I like to be prepared.”

  “And I like that you like to be prepared,” Fitz said, rifling through Jack’s jacket until he found the packet of lube and a condom. He tossed them on the blanket before turning and releasing a groan as Jack unbuckled his belt. Fuck, he was so handsome, and that body… Fitz bit down on his bottom lip. Jack had just stepped out of his jeans when Fitz turned him and pushed him down onto one of the leather seats. He leaned over Jack and kissed him, then spread Jack’s knees and got down on his own. With a sinful smile, Fitz took hold of Jack’s waistband and pulled, his mouth watering as Jack lifted his hips and the underwear came down, revealing that gorgeous thick cock.

  Jack’s black boxer-briefs were dropped to one side, and a heartbeat later Fitz’s underwear joined them. Fitz slid his hands up Jack’s legs, loving the feel of the soft fine hairs. His body was a thing of beauty. Defined muscles, just the perfect amount of hair, soft skin. Faint scars were dotted here and there, some barely visible, but all telling a story of a man who’d faced terrible dangers and lived. Fitz made a mental note to kiss each and every one when they had a bed where he could spread Jack out and properly worship his body.

  The moonlight coming in from the windows made Jack’s silver eyes seem to glow as he intently watched Fitz, his chest rising and falling with heavy breaths. He kept his hands on the armrests, fingers digging into the leather. Fitz hummed, and he leaned in and brushed his lips over Jack’s.

  “What shall I do to you?”

  “Whatever you want,” Jack said, sounding breathless. “I’m all yours.”

  “I like the sound of that.”

  “Yeah?” Jack tilted his head slightly, his eyes at half-mast as Fitz continued to tease him, running the tip of his tongue over Jack’s bottom lip.

  “Yeah.”

  “Just remember,” Jack whispered, placing his fingers under Fitz’s chin and nipping at his bottom lip. “At some point it’ll be my turn.”

  Fitz shivered at the thought, his cock painfully hard against his stomach and leaking precome. He brought their mouths together, their kisses desperate and sloppy. Breathless, Fitz pulled back. He took hold of Jack’s cock, grinning at the hiss Jack let out before Fitz swallowed Jack down to the root.

  “Holy fuck!” Jack grabbed on to the chair’s armrests, his body tense as Fitz started moving. Then he seemed to melt into the chair, a low groan escaping him as Fitz slowly drew his mouth toward the tip, then just as leisurely swallowed him again. He slid his hands back up Jack’s torso, rubbing his thumbs over Jack’s nipples as he continued to suck, his pace gingerly speeding up. He sucked at the tip, his tongue circling the rosy head as he played with Jack’s nipples.

  “Fitz,” Jack breathed out, his hips bucking up.

  Not able to take one more minute without Jack inside him, Fitz popped off. “Get on the floor.” He moved out of the way, and Jack quickly did as he was told, lying on the floor as Fitz handed him the lube. “I want you to prep me.”

  “Oh God, yes.”

  Fitz turned, straddling Jack with his ass facing Jack. He lowered himself so he could swallow Jack again, enjoying the way Jack jumped under him. Behind him, Jack let out the hottest groans and moans as he caressed Fitz’s ass. He tore through the packet of lube, and Fitz’s eyes rolled into the back of his head when Jack’s finger stretched him. Doubling his efforts, he sucked hard, smiling around Jack when Jack cursed. But turnabout was fair play, and Fitz struggled not to come as Jack fucked his hole with two fingers.

  Jack smacked his ass, and Fitz popped off with a giggle. Oh my God, he’d giggled. He looked over his shoulder at Jack, who waggled his eyebrows at him.

  “Sorry. I couldn’t help it. It’s right there in my face, and oh my God, it’s glorious.” Jack rubbed the spot he’d smacked and kissed it, making Fitz laugh. At least until Jack’s tongue pierced his hole.

  “Oh sweet heaven,” Fitz said through a gasp. “Yes. Please.”

  Jack seemed to take Fitz’s plea as a personal challenge, and he went to town on Fitz’s ass. Every muscle in Fitz’s body grew tight, his cock leaking on Jack’s stomach as Jack made a mess of him. No one had ever made a meal of his ass the way Jack did. Fuck, he should have known that behind that sweet smile was a deliciously sinful man.

  When Fitz didn’t think he could take it anymore, he grabbed the condom packet, carefully tore it open, and unrolled it onto Jack’s rock-hard cock. He turned and straddled Jack’s lap, then reached behind him and lined Jack up with his hole. Slowly, he lowered himself, moaning at the delicious burn as Jack’s cock stretched him, Jack’s fingers gently digging into Fitz’s thighs, his brow beaded with sweat and jaw muscles working. Finally seated on Jack, Fitz closed his eyes, allowing his body to adjust to Jack’s thickness. He rolled his hips, and Jack sucked in a sharp breath, a low groan rumbling up through his chest.

  Feeling wicked, Fitz slid his hands up Jack’s chest, loving the feel of muscle and soft hair. He leaned in to kiss Jack, toying with his tongue, sucking it into his mouth before driving himself down on Jack and crying out.

  “Holy fuck!” Jack drew his knees up, his head back and eyes on the ceiling. “Fuck.”

  “You ready for this ride?”

  Jack nodded fervently.

  “It’s going to get loud in here.”

  “Bring it,” Jack teased, that dimple showing up again.

  Fitz nodded. He put his hands on Jack’s legs and pushed them down. This was where years of yoga came in really handy. He lifted his hips and drove himself back down over and over, taking his pleasure from Jack and knowing he was giving it in return. The cabin filled with the sound of their curses, cries, and bodies smacking together as Fitz rode Jack. Every muscle was pulled tight as Fitz moved wildly against Jack, but he needed more. He needed harder.

  “Jack,” Fitz pleaded.

  As if reading his thoughts, Jack sat up, wrapping an arm around Fitz. “Get up,” Jack said, his voice low, gruff, and dripping with sex. “Bend over that chair.”

  A shiver of excitement burst through Fitz, and he quickly went to do as Jack asked, bending over the luxury leather chair. He bit down on his bottom lip as Jack knelt behind him, lining himself up. Slowly, he pushed inside Fitz until their bodies were once again pressed together, Fitz’s back to Jack’s chest.

  Jack slipped his right hand into Fitz’s hair, and Fitz covered it with his, closing his hand to form a fist over his hair.

  With a groan, Jack started to move, short hard thrusts at first that had Fitz ready to break apart.

  “I need you to wreck me, Jack. I need to feel you inside me for days.”

  “Sweetheart—”

  “Please.”

  Jack placed his left hand on the small of Fitz’s back and pulled out before thrusting back.

  “Yes! Oh fuck, yes.”

  Jack pounded into him, their bodies coming together in hard thrusts, the slick sounds obscene and glorious. Fitz moaned at the gentle ache from Jack’s fist around his hair. He grabbed on to the chair for dear life as Jack drove into him over and over. His angle changed suddenly, and Fitz shouted Jack’s name, stars dancing in front of his eyes as Jack’s thrusts stroked his prostate. The rolling waves of pleasure that pulsed through his body exploded as his orgasm thundered through him. He reached back to dig his nails into Jack’s thighs.