Page 98 of Cold Hard Cash

Jimmy glared accusingly at Cold. “You only offered to help my dad to get the stupid ring from me.”

“Because there was nothing else you’d be willing to trade it for.”

“But you had me trade for something you were already doing?”

“Mmhmm.” Cold offered Jimmy mercy and moved his hand down over his side. He nuzzled against Jimmy’s neck, his lips allowing a chaste kiss next to his ear.

“That is so freakin’ sneaky! You said you wouldn’t lie to me again—”

“I didn’t lie. I manipulated the situation to our mutual advantage. I get the ring, your father will be freed. I’m going to make sure of it.”

“That’s, that’s still so screwed up.” Jimmy groaned as Cold’s hand moved down the front of his pants, and Cold grunted when he found Jimmy hard and leaking. Jimmy kept his hips firmly planted against the sheets, trying to resist the urge to thrust up into Cold’s palm.

“Any other burning questions?” Cold asked far too calmly for someone who had their hand wrapped around a dick.

“Yes.” Jimmy gritted his teeth. “Why were you already looking into the case? Why?” His eyes widened as a few of the pieces fell into place. “Augustus. You said Augustus lied about something. That’s how you were going to get him. You found something?”

“Gold star for you, Mr. Poe.” Cold stroked Jimmy’s cock. “I admire that lovely brain of yours, I do, but right now I’m interested in a very different part of your anatomy. I’m not going to answer any more questions, so I hope you’re satisfied?”

“Yes, sir.” Jimmy’s eyes fluttered closed. “At least, with, um, asking questions… Definitely maybe could think of some other… satisfying things to do.”

“It’s not nine o’clock yet.” Cold released his hold and gave Jimmy a small smile.

“Are you really paying that much attention to the time now? Like, right now?” Jimmy all but growled. “Are you serious?”

“We should wait until you’re on the clock.”

“Do you want me to beg? Is that what this is?” Jimmy whined, falling boneless against the bed despite a wild urge to kick and scream.

“I want to make sure you’re truly up for this,” Cold corrected as he touched Jimmy’s cheek. “My intention is not to be cruel.”

“Rod,” Jimmy said earnestly, invoking his name to help convey how serious he was, “I could have died today. And when I was down there on the floor, I didn’t have any of that whole life flashing before my eyes or anything. All I thought about was you.”

Cold’s snark was wiped away and replaced with a curiously blank expression. He appeared to be searching, gazing over Jimmy’s face in desperate need of something. He stroked his thumb across Jimmy’s cheek as he commanded quietly, “Then strip, Mr. Poe.”

“Yes, sir.” Jimmy closed his eyes briefly and let that dominant tone seep right into his soul. He pushed the shirt up over his head, careful of the bandage, and wiggled his pants off in a blink. He watched as Cold shifted onto his back and sat up against the headboard.

Patting his thigh, Cold beckoned him over, and Jimmy crawled into his lap, surprised when Cold guided his hands up on his shoulders. Jimmy was thrilled with being given such permission to touch.

Cold ran his fingers down Jimmy’s arms, pausing over the wound. He traced around the bandage, and his brow furrowed. His touch was tender, gentle, as he said, “I wish that bastard was still alive so I could kill him myself.”

“I’m okay.” Jimmy dared to rest his hands on Cold’s chest. “I’m here, I’m safe. I’m yours.”

Eyes narrowing, Cold gripped Jimmy’s hips possessively. He rolled his body up against Jimmy’s, causing Jimmy to gasp when he felt how hard Cold was already. “Mine.”

“Yours,” Jimmy agreed, breathless as he watched Cold grab lube from the bedside table and slick up his fingers. He arched his back and tried to press into Cold’s hand when he reached between his cheeks.

“Patience,” Cold chastised, not yet penetrating him. “You do realize that this isn’t going to count toward your outstanding balance?”

“Seriously?” Jimmy laughed. “Yeah, I guess… I guess I’m not that worried about it.”

Chapter nineteen

Once nine o’clock rolled around, Cold gave Jimmy plenty of time to work off some of his debt. Cold tied him up, immobilizing his injured arm. It was apparently very important to prevent aggravating it, and Cold had insisted it was for his own good. He kept Jimmy stretched across the bed and teased him for hours before giving in and finding their sweet end together. After a long evening of such hard labor, Jimmy passed out with a blissful smile on his face.

Too bad he didn’t wake up that way.

Jimmy jerked up from the sheets, his heart racing and his skin drenched in sweat.