CHAPTER THREE
When Gray woke, he blinked at the strong sun shining in the window. What time was it? He grabbed his phone from the nightstand. Two o’clock? It was light out. Fuck. Was it two in the afternoon?
Then he remembered staggering home, soaked in alley muck after a useless stakeout. Had he really fallen asleep at the table?
“Jack? Mason?” he called. No response. Shouldn’t they be back from brunch by now? He listened carefully, but he didn’t hear anyone moving around the house. Then he saw he had a text from Jack.
Running errands. Back in a few hours. The time stamp said one o’clock.
Gray stretched and forced himself to get out of bed. If he slept any more, he’d end up on a completely nocturnal schedule. He used the bathroom, then got his laptop and sat on the couch. Now, while he was alone, was the perfect time to order Jack and Mason a very nontraditional wedding present. At least it was something he knew they’d like.
He grinned as he pulled up the website. Jack wanted a good session of punishment, and the remote-controlled vibrators he’d seen would be a great addition.
He scrolled past ribbed plugs, holy-shit-bigger-than-his-arm plugs, and—ah yes, there they were. They came in a variety of sizes and colors, all of which had a wide base so they could stay safely up Jack’s and Mason’s asses as long as he wanted them to. He selected black ones about the same girth as his cock, added them to his cart, double-checked that they would arrive on time, and completed the order.
He was buzzing with excitement as he scrolled through other pages on the site, adding more toys to his wish list. The three of them were going to have a lot of fun with the vibrators, and to up the stakes, he was going to tell Jack and Mason that a surprise was on the way and they weren’t allowed to come until he used it on them after the ceremony. Talk about torment.
He heard the sound of a key in the lock, and the door swung open. He quickly closed the laptop and set it on the coffee table.
“What are you up to?” Mason asked.
“Just messing around, waiting for you two to come home.”
Jack shook his head. “No, you are up to something. You look way too happy.”
“Can’t I be happy for no particular reason?”
“Some people can, but not you, not to the point that you’re grinning like the Cheshire cat.”
“Fine. You’re right. I just ordered something special for you.”
Mason lit up. “It must be something wicked if you’re smiling like that.”
“It is, but you won’t get it until after the wedding.”
Mason sighed. “At least that’s not too long to wait.”
Gray couldn’t wait to drop his bomb. “It wouldn’t be, but…” He paused, wanting to draw the moment out.
Jack and Mason set down their bags and came into the living room.
“Yes?” Jack asked.
“Neither of you is allowed to come until I use it on you.”
“What?” Jack squawked.
Mason looked stricken. “But we… But that’s—”
“Five days.”
“Graaaaay,” Jack protested.
He gave Jack his best arrogant-Dom look. “Are you questioning me?”
Jack looked like he would, but then he cast his gaze toward the floor. “No, sir.”
“And you?” Gray looked at Mason.
Mason followed Jack’s lead, relaxing into a submissive posture. “No, sir.”
“Good. I hope you jerked off last night.”
“Um… We did.”
Gray smiled. “I wasn’t here, and you hadn’t been told not to. It’s fine.”
Jack looked up, frowning. “How are we supposed to—”
“I thought you weren’t questioning me.”
“I… Um… I’m not.”
“Will it really be that bad?” Gray knew his question was cruel. Of course it would be.
“Fuck, yes,” Mason said.
“Just think how good it will be when you get your surprise.”
Mason seemed to be considering that. “Can we guess what it is?”
“You can guess, but I won’t tell you if you’re right or not.”
Jack wrinkled his nose as he often did when thinking. “Is it going to be something we’ve never thought of, like the heart beads?”
Heat rushed to Gray’s face. Despite the fact that Jack loved the fucking things, he’d never stopped teasing Gray for buying heart-shaped anal beads as a Valentine’s gift.
“One hint,” Gray said, trying to ignore his embarrassment. “It’s not something we’ve talked about, but it’s also not as out of character for me as the beads.”
Mason’s face screwed up in concentration. “A violet wand?”
“Maybe. Maybe not.” He’d sure as hell file away how eager Mason looked at the possibility.
Mason huffed. “We really have to wait?”
“You do.”
“But—”
“And if you persist in complaining, I will punish you and still not let you come.”
“We’ll be good,” Mason assured him.
Gray chuckled. “Either way, I’ll be happy.”
Not wanting to push too hard, he pretended to ignore the look they gave each other. “Now, what did you buy while you were out?”
***
Jack and Mason grew progressively more irritable as the week went on. Their bickering was so bad by Thursday evening that Gray considered giving in and ordering them to jerk off while he watched. But even though he could barely stand to be in the house with them, they didn’t deserve to be rewarded for being obnoxious. So instead, he put on headphones and tuned them out.
“Gray! Gray!”
How long had Mason been yelling at him? He hit Pause on the playlist he was listening to. “What?”
“I’ve been calling you for ages, but you can’t hear with those fucking things on.”
Gray glared at him. He expected that kind of attitude from Jack, but not from Mason. “That is the point of headphones.”
“No, the point is to be able to hear something privately.”
“Tonight they’re for blocking out you and Jack sniping at each other.”
Mason tossed a folder at him. “Read over that.”
Gray wasn’t interested in talking about wedding preparations with Mason in that mood. He put the folder on the coffee table without opening it. “That’s enough. I’m tempted to tie you both up and make you watch me bring myself off. I might even do it twice.”
“Like you’ve been doing every night this week?” Jack asked, stepping into the room.
Gray stared Jack down until he dropped his gaze. “One more word out of you or Mason, and I will definitely make you watch twice. Most nights I’ve only done it once, but I’d be happy to make an exception.”
“How come you—” Mason slapped Jack’s arm, and he stopped abruptly.
“Ignore him, please,” Mason begged.
“I’m sorry,” Jack said.
Gray raised a brow.
“Really. I didn’t mean to say anything.”
“Any more complaints, any more sass from either one of you, and you’ll regret it. This is all the mercy you’ll get.”
“Yes, sir,” they both said.
The package would arrive tomorrow. Maybe he was crazy not to use it right away. Maybe they all needed some release of tension. If Jack and Mason were anywhere near as nervous about the ceremony as he was, they were tying themselves in knots. He might’ve made a mistake making them wait. He’d see how things went tomorrow.
“Will the surprise leave us sore?” Mason asked.
“Still trying to guess?”
He nodded.
“Not as sore as you were last week.”
Mason groaned. “Don’t make me think about that.”
“You don’t want to think about us beating your ass, the smack of Jack’s hand and the sting of the crop?”
“Please, don’t,” Mason begged.
Gray glanced down and smiled. Mason’s cock pressed against the front of his shorts.
“Your ass was so red, so hot to the touch.”
“It burned. It was so fucking good,” Mason said, his voice low and rough.
“Yes,” Jack agreed. His cock looked as hard as Mason’s. His breath was shallow, and he was pale.
“Jack, are you okay?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Jack?”
“I…”
“Sit down, for fuck’s sake. You can’t seriously be so horny you’re about to pass out, can you?”
“I don’t know. The only time I’ve gone this long without jerking off was after I got shot.”
“You’re the one who said you wanted to be punished,” Gray said.
“Wait, is that why you’re…? I didn’t mean this.”
Gray raised a brow. “Last time I checked, it’s the Dom who sets the punishment.”
Jack opened his mouth, most likely to complain or make a sassy comment, but he closed it again when Mason shook his head.
Gray stood. “I’m going to bed. If you’re both very good, I’ll consider a small reward tomorrow night.”
“Really?” Mason asked.
“Yes, really.”
“Then we’re going to be fucking perfect; right, Jack?”
“Abso-fucking-lutely.”
***
The next night, Gray saw the package on the porch when he arrived home. Mason was working until eight, but he’d expected Jack to beat him home. His phone beeped as he was unlocking the door. When he was inside, he saw it was a text from Jack: Running late. Processing a suspect.
K. See you soon.
Since he was alone, he took the package to the playroom and opened it. Even if he did grant Jack and Mason some relief that night, he was still planning to save the vibrators until after the wedding. But he wanted a chance to test them and consider what else he’d need on Saturday.
The vibrators looked exactly like they had on the website. Gray put the batteries in them and made sure both motors were working properly. He tested all the settings from a light buzz to the heaviest vibration. These were really going to keep Mason and Jack squirming. He placed them and their remotes toward the back of the cabinet, where he doubted either of his lovers would find them. Then he found the ropes he was going to use to truss them both up, as well as some clamps, a flogger, and a few other toys he might make use of. Not long after he’d gathered everything, Jack arrived.
“Did it come?” he asked as soon as Gray stepped into the kitchen.
“Yes, and I’ve put it away.”
“Is there anything I can do for you, sir?”
Gray smiled. “On your best behavior?”
Jack nodded. “Yes, sir.”
Gray had been crazy to think they should go all week without sex. They didn’t often take their games outside of the bedroom, but occasionally Jack enjoyed being given orders when they were home just with each other.
“How about a bargain?”
Jack’s eyes lit up. There was no mistaking his anticipation. “What are the terms, sir?”
“Make dinner for the three of us. Something basic is fine; I’m not looking for an elaborate meal or one that’s too filling. Set the table nicely. Call me when everything is ready, and I’ll see how well you’ve done. If I’m satisfied, I’ll let you and Mason come tonight.”
Jack beamed at him. “I agree to your bargain, sir.”
When Mason came in, Jack was setting the table.
“Did the package come?” Mason asked Gray.
“It did. And we’ve already started negotiations for what your good behavior could win you.”
“Without me?”
“I’ve asked Jack for a little domestic service.”
“Oh, how’s he doing?”
“Let’s find out.”
They walked into the kitchen.
“Mmm, dinner smells good,” Mason said.
“And everything looks good.” Gray turned to Mason. “You should thank Jack. He’s won you an orgasm tonight.”
Mason’s eyes went wide. “Really?”
“Unless you’d prefer to wait.”
“No. No, sir. Thank you, Jack.”
Jack brought a large bowl filled with spaghetti and meatballs to the table. “You’re very welcome.”
He’d just set the bowl down when Gray’s phone rang. Jack and Mason seemed to be holding their breath as he pulled it from his pocket.
“Shit! It’s Thornton.”
They both groaned.
Damn, he did not want to have to leave his men tonight, but he couldn’t ignore it. He tapped to answer. “Sadler.”
“I know I promised to leave you alone tonight, but I need you at the warehouse on Broad.”
Gray knew Lieutenant Thornton wouldn’t call unless it was serious. “The one we were watching? What’s going on?”
“Remember those supplies for the shelter?”
“How could I forget?” Gray asked.
“There was heroin and needles stashed inside them.”
“What the fuck? None of them looked like they’d been tampered with.”
“I know. But the shelter director caught one of the patrons with enough heroin to get everyone there high as fuck. The man said he got it from the kitchen. And things blew up from there.”
“Fuck!”
“Yeah, my sentiments exactly. Get down here. We’ve got dogs going through the place to see what else might be hidden here.”
“Wait. So—”
“I don’t have time to talk now. I’ll give you more details when I have them.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll be there in ten.” Gray still didn’t understand how these drugs got in the boxes and cans, or how Williams or whoever the fuck was running this show planned to retrieve them, or really any fucking thing about this operation, but he ended the call.
“You’re leaving?” Jack asked.
“Remember last week’s case from hell?”
Both of them nodded.
“Well, it just keeps on giving. Hopefully, I won’t be out until dawn this time.”
“Will we still…” Mason’s voice was tentative, like he was afraid asking would cause Gray to say no, but he wouldn’t do that to them.
“Clean this kitchen to my standards, and no matter what time I get home, I’ll get you both off.”
“Yes, sir,” Mason said.
“I’ll clean the kitchen so well, you won’t even recognize it,” Jack said.
Gray kissed Jack and then Mason, lingering with each of them until his lips tingled and they were all even hornier than they’d been before. When he forced himself to step away, he said, “I’ll see you both later.”
At least now he’d have something to look forward to. He just hoped he wouldn’t be attending to his lovers at dawn. He’d wanted to get a good night’s sleep before their wedding.
***
When Gray arrived at the warehouse, K-9 officers were working their way through the main floor as well as the loft. The latter was a tricky operation since they had to take one step at a time due to poor condition of the floorboards.
“Look at this,” one of them called.
“What is it?” Thornton asked.
“It looks like someone’s been sleeping up here. There are blankets, a pillow, a water bottle, and some clothes.”
“But no drugs?”
The man shook his head.
“Okay, keep looking.”
“If someone’s been staying here, they’ll likely have information on this operation,” Gray said.
“They’re not likely to be back.”
Thornton was probably right, but… “Maybe that’s who I saw the other night, after the cat jumped me.”
“Maybe.”
“So they haven’t found anything yet?”
Thornton shook his head. “No.”
“And no sign of Williams or anything to connect him?”
“Not yet, but we have one of the men who delivered the goods to the shelter.”
“What’s he saying?” Gray asked.
“That he had no idea what was inside the containers.”
Gray sighed. His instincts told him the man was telling the truth. “So we’ve got nothing.”
“We’ve got a case that needs solving yesterday.”
“Yes, we do have that. Have we questioned anyone else at the shelter?”
Thornton nodded. “The director, the night supervisor, and some of the other staff.”
“What about the people staying there?”
“Officers are working on it.”
“And Williams?”
“Apparently he tried out a new hotel and then went home to his wife at about four a.m.”
So much for Gray’s instinct on that. Apparently it was business as usual for Williams. He blew out a long breath and surveyed the area. A flash of movement caught his attention. A boy grabbed a cat as it was about to bound up a tree.
The boy looked up. When he realized Gray was watching him, he started to run.
“Wait. I just want to talk to you.” Gray took off after him. The boy was fast, but Gray managed to cut him off, blocking his exit from the fenced-in lot behind the warehouse.
“I just want to talk.”
“My mama said not to talk to cops.”
The boy looked about thirteen. Where was his mother? Was he the one who’d been living in the warehouse?
“What if talking could help people?”
“She said cops just make things worse.”
“Unfortunately, that does happen sometimes, but other times we save people. Do you know something about what’s been going on at the warehouse?”
“Why should I trust you?”
Gray wished he had a good answer for that, one the boy would believe. He kept his hands away from his weapon, his posture relaxed and as nonthreatening as a man his size could be. “Because I’m asking you to. I need your help.”
“The man that owns the warehouse will kill me if I talk,” the boy said.
Gray wanted to promise to protect the boy, but until he knew more, he couldn’t do that.
“What’s your name?” Gray asked.
The boy hesitated for several seconds, then said, “Jeremiah.”
“I’m Gray. Has the man who owns this place threatened you?”
“No, but I know what kind of man he is. He kills people.”
“I know it’s scary to talk—”
“I ain’t scared.”
Gray held up his hand. “I didn’t mean to imply that. It’s hard to decide when to tell what you know, but we could help everyone in the neighborhood if we cleared him out of here.”
“Someone else will just take his place.”
That was probably true. Some days this job really sucked.
“We don’t know that for sure. Maybe a legitimate business will buy the warehouse.”
He snorted. “Yeah, right. I’m gonna tell you what I know, but only because he tried to shoot my cat, and because you didn’t order me to.”
Gray looked down at the cat. It was the same one that had leaped at him earlier in the week. He’d try not to hold it against the animal.
“If I showed you some sketches, would you be able to tell me if one of them is the owner?”
Jeremiah nodded.
“You’ll wait here while I get them?”
He nodded again.
Gray prayed he wasn’t making a mistake as he jogged to his car, grabbed the folder he needed, and hurried back. Jeremiah and the cat were still there, both giving him wary looks.
Jeremiah shook his head when he saw the first picture, but when Gray showed him Williams, he nodded. “That’s him.”
“That’s the man who owns the warehouse?”
“He told me he owns it, said he bought it from Big H.”
“Who’s Big H?”
“The guy that used to own it,” Jeremiah said, giving Gray a wow-you’re-dumb look.
Gray decided not to push that any further.
“So as far as you know, this man owns the warehouse?”
“That’s right, and he uses it to stash drugs that he delivers to some homeless shelter where dealers pick them up.”
“How do you know about that?”
“Because I listen.”
Gray studied him for a moment. “Where do you live?”
Jeremiah waved his hand. “Around. Over there.”
“You seem to know an awful lot about this warehouse.”
“Not much else to do around here but watch what goes on.”
Gray could think of numerous things other boys in the neighborhood did, all less healthy than watching your neighbors. “Do you think your mom knows anything else about this man?”
Jeremiah shook his head.
“She doesn’t watch people like you do?”
“Nah, she—” His voice cracked. “No! Okay? She doesn’t.”
“Tell me where you live, Jeremiah.”
“I don’t have to tell you nothing,” he insisted.
“Can I talk to your mother?”
“No.” Jeremiah turned away so Gray couldn’t see his face. “Nobody can talk to her now.”
Shit. “Did she leave town?”
“She’s dead, okay?”
“Are you living in this warehouse?”
Jeremiah didn’t say anything.
“Would you like somewhere better to live?”
“I don’t need your fucking charity. I—”
He started to flee, but Gray grabbed him.
He beat at Gray with his fists. “I knew I shouldn’t trust you. I knew it, but… I thought… If Mama had just…”
Sobs wracked his body, and Gray wrapped him in his arms, holding him tight.