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She waved a hand. He s a prick, Reeve. Let s face it, he s gay
himself and just can t admit to it.
What? The cowboy s face went white and he absently felt
around for the chair.
You didn t know& She smirked. Why do you think I
screwed all those other men? Hell I m surprised I got pregnant
with you and Clarence in the first place. Everything in life has a
simple answer, sweetheart. She sat down across from him. I m
just sorry I didn t leave years ago and take you kids with me.
Thelma sighed, clasping his large hands in her warm one. Now,
come on, why did Slade leave you? I m really attached to him, so
tell me.
Reeve explained everything from the beginning and when he
was through, he actually felt like a burden had been lifted from
his shoulders.
She reassuringly smiled. Slade s a good man, be patient, let
him cool off, then talk to him again.
I don t know, Mom. I m going crazy. I can t help but
think& what if some other guy s touching him? He despondently
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Devotion 2
frowned.
Stay for dinner, all right? She passed him another beer.
Clarence will be here at any moment and he wanted to see you.
He loves you. He s bringing a friend. She laughed, shaking her
head. He s so bloody ashamed. I think the fellow is his
boyfriend or something. He clams up when I ask. He s not like
you, so bold. Thelma got up and hugged his face into her chest,
then kissed his forehead. You made a mistake, sweetheart,
you re human. Slade knows that. Just let him cool off.
Yeah, I know, time.
She pinched his cheeks. You re so damned cute.
Mother, please& Reeve groaned rolling his eyes.
Couldn t you see one girl? Just for me and get her pregnant?
I d love one grandchild.
The sharpshooter sullenly eyed her, resting his head on a
tight fist, No, Mother. Ask Clarence.
I already have.
Hearing the front door open, Mrs. Taylor shot through the
house.
Reeve watched her leave and finished the last of his second
beer. As the muffled voices became louder and clearer, the
cowboy sat bolt upright, then the man stared dumbfounded as
his brother and Slade walked into the room. All four people
looked at one another equally abashed.
Slade swore under his breath, Shit I should ve known& He
shot a look of pure distain at Clarence. I thought you said he
wouldn t be here!
Mrs. Taylor nervously giggled and grappled the cadet
commander before he could make a beeline for the door. Come
on, Slade, honey, I haven t seen you for such a long time, you re
staying for dinner.
He went to speak, but froze as Reeve punched his brother in
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Blak Rayne
the face.
The cowboy was instantly jealous and flew right off the
handle. You asshole how could you!
Clarence rammed into his larger sibling, tackling him to the
floor. Why don t you shut up, Reeve! He panted. I brought
him here for you!
Bewildered, Reeve s grip eased on his throat, You did?
Yeah, shit the guy whines so bloody much about you, I had
to do something!
Slade s face sagged to a grim scowl. Thanks, Clarence. Just
great. If you ll excuse me.
Please& Reeve scrambled to his feet, begging. Can we
talk?
* * * *
Mrs. Taylor saw enough and decided to intervene. Hastily taking
Slade by the arm, she forcefully dragged him through to the rear
of the house. Now, enough of the petty shit, Igerman, my son s
dying here! She shoved him into Reeve s old bedroom, then
yelled at the cowboy, You get your ass in here now and talk to
this man once and for all!
Reeve stupidly gawked at her as the woman also pushed him
into the small room. Once in the room, he spun around as the
door was locked on them both.
* * * *
The smaller man cursed, dropping down on the bed. Don t
bother, cowboy. You ll be wasting your breath!
She won t let us out, blade boy, so I ll fucking say what I
want to!
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Devotion 2
The commander sprang to his feet, jabbing a finger. Screw
you! I m not interested anymore!
Reeve looked at the smaller man s tense face. I love you.
Slade shoved him out of the way, Yeah, right! He repeatedly
yanked on the doorknob, grumbling.
I do with all my heart. I made one mistake, Slade, and you
hate me for it. Why can t you just forgive me for balling, Zack? I
thought you loved me?
The swordsman turned around, leaning up into his face. I
do love you! he cried. But you re so bloody blind, cowboy. I
forgave you for that long ago. It was a mistake. I understood, he
yelled, shooting out his arms. But I thought you were my best
friend, my companion! You lied to me, Reeve, and that s what
fucking hurts! Then you become a drunk and a nasty one who s
always fighting with me. You lied about that. You lied about the
murder case. He stepped back and hurriedly wiped his eyes.
Instead of just coming out and saying it, you lied. Then I find
out through Laird. How the hell can I ever trust you again? He
directed his line of sight to the wall and his low voice dropped in
pitch. I don t give a shit about the sex. I understand you never
meant it to happen. It s through. But the lying, Reeve& jeez how
do I know you haven t lied to me before?
* * * *
The room went deathly quiet. Reeve swallowed. He was bereft of
speech and didn t have the faintest idea how to respond. I am
sorry, Slade. I just thought& He shook his head, plunking
down on the bed. I don t know what I thought. I was terrified
you d leave me again. He smirked, staring at the floor. But you
did anyway. He began to choke up while hanging his head. I
never meant to hurt you.
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Blak Rayne
* * * *
Slade watched the sharpshooter for the longest time and, hearing
the man cry, his heart ached and he wondered if he d taken
things too far with the issue of lying, that he d allowed his
jealousy and ego to get the better of him.
* * * *
Reeve blinked a few times as different articles of clothing hit the
floor by his feet and the commander s boots made a thud. Slowly
wiping his eyes, he turned as the mattress sank from behind. He
stared at Slade s naked body and there was instant arousal. The
sharpshooter inadvertently tensed up, reluctant to move. What
are you doing?
The smaller man quite casually signalled for him to come
closer with the flick of a hand.
Reeve nervously shifted and the swordsman clasped his head
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