Chapter Seventeen

Pierce

 

Pierce woke from a deep sleep, peeking around the room at the unfamiliar surroundings. Tall plants sat in the corners of the room. Heavy ferns hung over the fireplace mantle. Everything was made of oak or another type of wood. All the smooth surfaces gleamed as if freshly polished. Even the floor, with its deep mahogany finish. Pierce sat up and stretched. His body still ached slightly and he could use a hearty meal. Hawk had woken him every couple of hours to give him his choice of either water or Gatorade, but every time he finished dinking, he went right back to sleep. His fatigue had diminished drastically, but he didn’t want to get out of the bed. It was so comfortable and the smell of it… it smelled like Hawk. There were only three walls to the room, the missing wall was wide open and Pierce could see the ceiling was mostly made up of sunroofs to allow the brightness of the daylight inside. The railing was about waist high and Pierce got up to take a peek over it. The clock on the table beside him said 3:24. Wow. He’d slept a really long time. But nature was calling.

He leaned against the railing and looked down to the bottom floor. Oh my god. This was Hawk’s home. His real, personal home. Pierce got a funny feeling in his stomach that had nothing to do with hunger. The SEALS that he’d come to know over the last few months working side-by-side with them didn’t trust very many people. Even he didn’t know where most of them lived. They had safe houses, temporary residences provided by the government, but very few knew the locations which many of the SEALS called home.

Hawk’s home had a very cozy feeling. So much greenery and wood. Floor to ceiling windows were wide open and it was almost like living outdoors. You could sit in the living room and watch the wildlife moving around and trees swaying in the breeze, feel it caressing your face. The furniture was absolutely gorgeous. Light brown oak with thick leather cushions on top. Various styles of art were hanging around the spacious room. Some of wildlife, some landscapes and seascapes. A huge stone fireplace took up a lot of space on one wall. From where he was standing he couldn’t see the kitchen, it was probably underneath the bedroom.

Pierce looked out onto the balcony and was stunned at the image he saw there. His eyes widened at the breathtaking site. Hawk standing outside with both hands braced on the rails of the huge deck looking up at the sky. He was standing there barefoot with low riding sweat pants and no shirt. The massive tattooed wings on his back were colored with dark browns, honey gold and black. The design was so detailed and beautifully done that Pierce wanted to drag his tongue along every line. Jesus Christ. Hawk’s hand casually stroked the chest of a large bird that was perched beside him. Is that his bird? But it wasn’t just a bird. A parakeet is a bird. This was a beautiful bird of prey. Pierce smiled slightly, wanting a closer look.

He slung a warm fleece throw over his shoulders and descended the steep wooden stairs carefully. He was still slightly disoriented, he had yet to eat any real food. He walked through the living room, casually looking around. When he got to the threshold of the balcony, the large hawk spread its impressive wings and took off into the sky, quickly disappearing into the woods. Damn.

“It takes time for him to warm up to people,” Hawk said without turning around.

Damn that sexy voice.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare him away. I just wanted a closer look,” Pierce said quietly.

Hawk turned around and smiled sweetly at him. “You didn’t scare him away.” Hawk walked over to him and rubbed his arms.

“Can you understand it?” Pierce stared up at Hawk.

He threw his head back laughing loudly and Pierce felt the warmth flood his face. “I’m not Dr. Doolittle, babe. No. I can’t understand animals. He’s wild. I’m careful even when I touch him.”

“I knew that. I was just joking,” Pierce mumbled, tucking his head in embarrassment.

“Don’t feel bad. Lucky swears me and that bird are kindred spirits.” Hawk lifted his face. “How are you feeling?”

Pierce closed his eyes and released a long sigh. “Famished.”

Hawk draped his muscular arms over Pierce’s shoulders and pulled him into his chest. He let his chin rest on top of his head, while he ran his fingers through his short blond hair. Hawk was so damn warm. Pierce rubbed his cheek over the soft hair on Hawk’s hard chest, wrapping his arms around his protector, bringing him into the blanket with him. It was brisk outside, but Pierce couldn’t feel it. “You feel good,” Pierce mumbled against Hawk’s pec.

Hawk hummed. “You do too. Your color is just about back, but you need to eat a little something and drink some more. Come on. I’ll fix you something light.” Hawk let go of him and took Pierce’s hand, leading him inside his home, to his kitchen.

Pierce wanted food but there was something he needed to say way more than he needed food. Hawk wasn’t touching him like he wanted him to. Just little comforting gestures. Like any nursemaid would behave with a patient. Maybe Hawk had decided that they were better off as teammates and nothing more. The thought upset Pierce. He wanted Hawk, he always had. But he needed to know he’d be safe with him. Not only his heart but his body too.

“Sit down. I’ll reheat the soup.”

“Do I have time to shower?” Pierce asked standing by the stools pushed up to the breakfast bar. “I’m pretty rank.”

“Sure. The master bath is upstairs, third door on the left. I have some comfortable clothes laid out for you in there too,” Hawk said while placing a large pot back on the range.

“Sure. Thanks.” Damnit. Hawk was being so nonchalant. Pierce needed to know if the sexy man was feeling the same way he was. Did Hawk still care for him? Maybe he’d pushed him away one too many times. He was sure they had made some significant progress before he was taken by Omega. Pierce’s head was racing with questions as he turned and trekked back up the stairs.

 

Hawk

Hawk heard the shower turn off and he was hoping he could get his dick to calm down before Pierce made it back to the kitchen. He’d managed to get a few touches in to see how Pierce would react, but he wanted to give the timid man some time before he made a serious move on him. He’d just been kidnapped by a crazy assassin and had almost starved to death. Last thing Hawk wanted to do was make him uncomfortable.

Pierce walked back into the kitchen looking a lot more refreshed and smelling absolutely heavenly. He had on Hawk’s boxers and a white tank top, which was the only thing he could think to give him that wouldn’t fall off of Pierce’s petite frame. His hair was still damp and sticking up in different directions. Perfect, and just enough length on the top to pull while I thrust in deep and ground against his – Fuck. Hawk had to clear his throat before any words would finally come out. “Hey. You look better. Did the shower help?”

“Yes. That showerhead is amazing. It’s like getting a massage.” Pierce smiled shyly at him as he sat in front of his bowl and took in the delicious aroma. It was chicken noodle. “Did you make this?”

Hawk smiled and shook his head ‘no.’ “I can’t say I did. I’m not the best cook, babe. Too many years of living off of MREs. That’s canned soup you’re eating. It probably taste so good ‘cause you’re starving.” He laughed deeply. It was a beautiful sound.

Pierce’s face looked warm but he quickly forgot about his embarrassment and tore into his bowl like someone might take it away if he didn’t hurry up. He finished it in record time and gulped down the large bottle of water that was beside it. He looked like he wanted more but didn’t ask. Instead Hawk placed a glass in front of him that looked like a vanilla smoothie.

“Is this dessert?” He grinned.

“It’s not dessert, but it doesn’t taste bad.” Hawk leaned one elbow on the counter to watch him. Hawk was still shirtless and he could tell Pierce was having a difficult time not looking down at his chest when he spoke. The quiet man wasn’t doing a good job at hiding his attraction and Hawk kept giving him a flirty smile to show he liked Pierce looking at him. His eyes flashed with flecks of purple and his cock throbbed for some attention. Hawk slid the glass toward Pierce and told him to drink all of it.

Pierce took one large gulp and gagged at the thick liquid. “Jesus. What is this? It tastes like chalk.”

Hawk laughed and came to stand by him, picking up the glass and putting it back to his mouth. Pierce looked into those majestic eyes and it seemed as if he was silently vowing to do just about anything Hawk asked of him, so Hawk stayed close to him, and kept looking at him with want clear in his expression.

“It’s a whey protein shake with a couple of multi-vitamin supplements ground in to it. It’s gonna replenish your body with the vital nutrients it was deprived of while you weren’t eating. It may not taste the best but it’s going to help you feel a lot better and give you a lot more energy.” Hawk tilted it to Pierce’s lips. “Just gulp it. Try not to let it linger in your mouth.”

Pierce squeezed his eyes closed and gulped the drink just like he’d been told until there was nothing left.

“Thank you,” Pierce said quietly while Hawk cleaned the few dishes. “You want some help?”

He heard Pierce climb off his stool and come to stand behind him. Though he wasn’t touching him, he could feel Pierce’s sweet breath on his back. 

Hawk turned to face him. “No I got it. Why don’t go back upstairs and rest some more.” Hawk tilted his head towards the stairs – a dismissive gesture – and Pierce backed up from him. The look of disappointment was evident on Pierce’s handsome face.

Now it’s time.