Dirty Ross, page 11
part #22 of Assassin-Shifter Series
Cole laughed. “Me cooking is sexy?”
“Everything about you is sexy, Cole.” Ross swallowed hard. His feelings for Cole were becoming much more than he’d thought they would. He ached for this man.
“Hey, are you okay?” Cole palmed Ross’ face.
Ross nodded. “Yes, just overwhelmed right now.”
“Why? Did I do something wrong?” Cole stiffened in the chair.
“No, that’s just it, you did everything right.” Ross sighed deeply. What would happen if Cole found out what he was? He couldn’t lie forever. They’d been intimate. The idea of losing Cole scared the shit out of him.
Oh God, he’d fallen in love with him.
“Hey,” Cole took Ross’ face in his hands. “Talk to me.”
Ross snapped out of his thoughts and tried to smile. “I’m okay. I love all of this Cole. Thank you so much.”
“You deserve this and so much more, Ross. I’m sorry I came on to you the way I did before. The second I laid eyes on you, I knew I wanted you. I just went about it in my normal, stupid way. You are so different from any man I’ve ever met. I really want this to go somewhere.”
“Me, too.”
“Really?”
“Well, of course,” Ross took Cole’s hand. “You cook, you clean, you brought me flowers, you’re sexy as hell, plus you fight fires and cage fight. I mean, come on — where am I ever going to find someone like that again? Is there anything you don’t do?”
“I don’t cheat, Ross,” Cole leveled his gaze on Ross’ eyes. “That’s the one thing I won’t put up with.”
“Then we agree.” Ross stood and pulled Cole into him, holding the man tightly.
“So, does this mean we’re officially dating?” Cole chuckled.
“Yes. It means you’re mine, Cole Ryker.”
Dinner was mouthwatering. Ross couldn’t believe how good the food was. The aroma and flavor tickled his senses. Ross almost groaned as the chicken melted like butter on his tongue. Rosemary and thyme scented the entire house. It was unreal.
“Oh my God, Cole.” Ross sipped his glass of wine.
“You liked it?” Cole wiped his mouth with his napkin and sipped his own wine.
“Liked it? It was so delicious! You are seriously talented. Can you do this every night?” Ross chuckled.
“Is that an offer?” Cole raised a brow.
Ross sobered and gazed over Cole’s face. He seriously had fallen hard for the man. What if Cole didn’t share those feelings? God, why did his heart lurch at the mere thought?
“I would love that,” Ross answered slowly.
“Calm down. I’m not talking about moving in, I’m just saying if we stay in instead of going out, I’ll cook.”
Cole stood and grabbed their empty plates. Ross jumped to help him. They took everything to the sink and Cole loaded the dishwasher as Ross cleaned the pans. His mind raced as he scrubbed the pan clean. Did he want Cole to move in? Hell, yes he did. Ross sighed and wiped his temple with his forearm. Strong arms encircled his waist and he leaned back into the warm embrace.
“How about we watch a movie?” Ross blurted.
Cole smiled against Ross’ cheek. “Yeah? A ‘Star Trek’ movie?”
“How about ‘Star Wars’?”
Cole whipped Ross around and looked in his eyes. “Are you fucking with me?”
“Um, no. Why?”
“You like ‘Star Trek’ and ‘Star Wars’?”
“Well, the ones that were released in the seventies and eighties.”
Cole’s mouth dropped to the floor.
Ross ducked his head and smiled. “I know, I know, I’m a huge geek.”
“Put it on.” Cole lifted Ross’ chin. “I’ll make popcorn.”
“Really?” Ross searched Cole’s face.
Cole leaned in and gently kissed Ross’ full lips. He tasted wine and spices and forced himself back from taking more.
“I didn’t think you existed,” Cole whispered against Ross’ lips. “The man who loves sci-fi, can take care of himself and really gets me. I don’t think I ever want to let you go.”
Ross swore his body was melting right there and then. Cole really wasn’t the man he thought he was all those months ago. Ross just needed to peel back the layers to see the true Cole.
And, oh God, how he loved this Cole.
“I hope you keep me,” Ross smiled.
“Plan on it.” Cole winked. “I’ll meet you in the living room. How do you like your popcorn? Wait, let me guess — extra butter with a dash of salt?” Cole smiled at Ross’ widened eyes. “Yep.”
Cole made the popcorn and found Ross seated on the couch with a throw blanket. He looked edible like that. Cole grinned and sat down with the bowl. He put an arm around Ross’ shoulder and pulled him closer. Ross snuggled into his side as the movie started.
“I always wanted a Wookiee,” Ross chuckled.
“Yeah? Me too. I always thought Chewbacca didn’t get enough credit.”
“So?” Ross looked up and met eyes with Cole. “Luke or Han?”
“Oh, Han, definitely. There was just something so…”
“Masculine about him?” Ross offered. “That and his wit. I always thought he was the better of the two.”
Cole leaned down and met Ross’ lips. Damn, but they were soft as silk and Cole drowned in the taste of them. The popcorn bowl was forgotten as the kiss became more heated. Ross was practically in his lap before Cole got his faculties back. They broke from the kiss, panting.
“Damn, I could fall for you,” Cole whispered.
Ross smiled. God, I hope so.
~*Chapter Nine*~
The lights of the Tacoma Dome filled the night sky. Ross leaned against the truck as Cole grabbed his gym bag from the backseat. He hoped and prayed Cole wouldn’t be too mad at him when he realized who all would be attending his fight tonight. He normally wasn’t the type to interfere, but Cole’s relationship with his father meant a lot more to him than he thought.
Ross searched the parking lot for the other guys’ cars. Jesse, Justice and Jaxon Salvatore’s bikes were parked side by side, along with Noah’s.
“What are you looking at?”
Ross snapped back to Cole with a smile. “Just looking around.”
“Ready?” Cole offered his hand and Ross clasped it in his.
They entered through the building’s back doors and Ross checked out the other fighters. Cole would be fighting an undefeated fighter tonight and Ross’ pulse raced at the thought of him getting hurt. The hallway narrowed as they neared the locker rooms. A body slammed into him and Ross hit the wall behind him with a thud. He looked into angry green eyes.
“Watch were you’re going, Tiny,” the man snarled.
Ross pushed off the wall and got chest to chest with the asshole.
“Ross,” Cole began.
“You want to go a round with me, asshole?” Ross hissed.
Cole put an arm between them and glared at the other man. “Save it for the ring, Conan.”
“Oh, I’ll be coming for you, Stryker. It’s time someone put you down.”
“Tonight is not that night.” Cole grinned, dragging Ross away.
“Fucking homos!” Conan spat.
Ross grabbed his dick. “What are you afraid of? It’s magically delicious.”
Cole dragged him down to his locker and shut the door. He turned to find Ross chuckling.
“What?” he asked.
“God, I so can’t wait for you to put the smack down on that ass.”
“You think I can?” Cole sat down.
“I know you can. It doesn’t matter how big they are, they’ll always fall. You just need to stick to the things you know best, okay? Watch your ribs.”
Cole stood up and took Ross’ hands. “Thanks for being here.”
“Always.”
Ross took his place to the right of the cage. A fight was already in progress and he scanned the crowd for the guys. He found them standing together, made his way over and slapped Preston Dalton on his back.
“Damn good to see you guys!”
“Well we had to come see for ourselves!” Preston shouted over the roar of the crowd. “Nikolai is here with Colin!”
Ross busted out laughing. “Oh, hell. Hope we can keep him out of the cage!”
A loud bell rang and they all turned to see the fight announcer standing center ring. The crowd erupted in shouting and whistles as he tried to calm them down.
“Welcome ladies and gentleman! Tonight we have the pleasure of three fights! First up, in the center ring — you know him as the man who beat three men in a row in back-to-back fights. Give it up for Conan the Demolisher!”
Ross and the rest of the guys booed. Out of the corner of his eye, Ross caught sight of Calvin and Cole’s father, Colton. He winked at Calvin and waved.
“Am I late?”
Ross turned to see Stuart behind him.
“What are you doing here?” Ross asked, surprised.
“The guys told me Cole was fighting tonight. Is it okay?” Stuart asked.
“Um, I guess so.” Ross looked up and met Cole’s angry eyes as he was walking out. “Shit.”
“And you know him well — the man who never even breaks a damn sweat. Cole, ‘The Stryker,’ Rykerrrrrr!”
The Dome went crazy shouting and whistling. Cole entered the cage and pounded his fists together. He bounced on his toes and stretched his arms out above his head. Cracking his neck from side to side, Cole got into his stance and grinned at Conan. He barely heard the referee as he touched fists with his opponent.
The bell rang and Cole went at Conan with a vengeance. Conan’s first strike barely missed his jaw. Cole bounced back and waited for Conan to rush him. The man didn’t disappoint. Cole readied himself. Shifting his weight, he struck out with his right foot and hit Conan square in the chest. The man flew across the mat and hit his back on the cage.
The crowd erupted in chaos as Cole advanced on Conan again. He had spent hours watching Conan’s other fights and knew the man expended all his energy in the first round trying to finish the fight. That wasn’t going to happen this time. Cole ducked as a kick whizzed by his face. He actually felt air on that one.
“I’m going to take you down, Ryker!” Conan snarled.
“I’m still waiting for you to do it.” Cole bobbed and weaved easily out of Conan’s reach.
The bell rang and the referee broke them up. Cole went to his corner and sat down. He looked up and found Ross standing above him.
“How did you get in here?”
“I told them I was coaching you tonight. Is that okay?” Ross wiped Cole’s face with a cool cloth.
“Yeah. What’s that Stuart guy doing here?” Cole sipped some cool water.
“I guess the guys told him you were fighting.”
“The guys?” Cole stiffened.
“Yes, don’t be mad but I told them to come. I wanted them to see you in action.”
“Well I don’t have much choice now, do I?” Cole stood up and rolled his neck.
“Look, I think Nikolai is giving Conan shit,” Ross chuckled.
Cole had to laugh. Conan did look a bit pale as the younger Markov rattled the cage and smirked.
“See you in a few.” Cole winked and walked back to the center of the cage.
The second round started and Cole swung his top half out of the way of another kick meant for his head. He threw his right arm out, but connected with his left and Conan went down. Cole jumped on him and wrapped his arms around him. Conan pushed off with his right arm and they were up again. The punch came out of nowhere and Cole felt his face explode in pain. While he dealt with the disorientation, Conan jumped on his back. His ribs were hit hard repeatedly and Cole struggled to get free.
“Cole!” Ross shouted.
Cole locked eyes with Ross and the blurriness faded away. He summoned all his reserves and lunged backwards. Conan landed on his back with Cole in his arms. The air whooshed from Conan’s lungs and Cole grabbed him, pinning him before the man could get his wind back. Using both hands, he punched until he couldn’t feel anything anymore.
Cole covered Conan’s body and held both arms to the mat. A stabbing pain made him cry out, but he held firm. The bell rang and the ref came in and pulled Cole off. Cole stumbled, trying to stand. Ross was by his side in an instant.
“Oh hell, I think you bruised some ribs,” Ross whispered.
“Is he out?” Cole blinked.
“Winner, by TKO — Cole, ‘The Stryker,’ Rykerrrrr!”
“Oh, thank God.” Cole slumped against Ross.
Ross held Cole up as the announcer held his right hand up. Cole tried to lift his left arm and bit back a scream. Ross held him up and began walking him toward the cage exit.
“Ryker.”
Cole lifted his head and met Conan’s eyes. “Dude, it’s done.”
Conan held his hand out. “Good fight.”
Ross narrowed his eyes. Conan held his other hand up in a show of defeat.
Cole shook his hand and leaned on Ross.
“Get me out of here,” he choked out.
Ross stood outside the showers as Cole washed up. He could hear the soft hisses coming from Cole as he cleaned up. He grabbed Cole’s clothes and waited for him at the benches. Cole came out with a towel wrapped around his waist. Ugly bruises were forming on his ribcage.
“Here, let me help you with your pants.” Ross held them out as Cole hung onto his shoulders for support.
“Shit, Conan packs a mean right.” Cole blew out a breath as he lowered a leg into his pants.
“I think we’re going to have to have a much longer massage with the herbs.”
“Don’t threaten me with a good time.” Cole tried to chuckle and winced. “Ow.”
“I think I’m driving home.”
“Sounds good.”
Ross helped Cole out of the building and into the parking lot. Cheers and whistling came from all around them and Ross looked up to see all the guys surrounding Cole’s truck.
“Dang, bro! Way to kick some serious ass!” Calvin shouted.
“Calvin? What are you doing here?” Cole wheezed.
“Are you kidding me? When Ross called and told me you were fighting tonight, I dragged Dad with me.”
Cole stumbled in shock. “Dad?”
“Well,” Colton came out of the shadows. “I have to say, son, you really surprised me in there.”
“Thanks?” Cole leaned on Ross more as the pain in his side worsened.
Colton took Cole’s face in his hands and smiled. “I’m so proud of you.”
Cole’s breath hitched. “What?”
“I know it’s late in coming, but I am proud of you. You’re fierce, Cole. You help people in need. I get it now.”
“I made him watch ‘Chicago Fire’,” Calvin chuckled.
Cole stiffened in surprise when his father hugged him carefully. They broke from the embrace and Cole tried hard to keep his emotions in check.
“You’ve got a great man by your side, Cole. I hope to see you both for dinner next month. I promise to behave.” Colton winked.
“Um, okay?”
“Let me get this guy home, okay? He needs some serious TLC.” Ross opened the door for Cole and made sure he was settled in comfortably. He turned to Colton Ryker and extended his hand. “Thank you for that.”
“I’m glad to have met you, Ross. You and my son have shown me I’ve got a lot of learning to do. I’m not going to change overnight, but my son means the world to me.” Colton looked down at Calvin. “Both of them.”
“Take care of yourself, Calvin.” Ross mussed his hair.
“Hey, is that Nikolai Markov?” Calvin’s eyes widened.
Ross chuckled as Calvin ran over to Nikolai and his boyfriend, Colin Greystone. He shook Colton’s hand and then made the rounds with all the guys. Finally, after saying his goodnights, Ross got in the truck. Cole’s eyes were closed and he was breathing evenly. Ross smiled and caressed Cole’s cheek. Black lashes fluttered and then blue eyes met his.
“Hey. Ready to go home?” Ross asked.
“Yeah. I am.”
Ross drove them to his house, because Cole belonged there. Ross knew he was in love, he also knew he was in a prime position to get hurt. Shaking that thought from his head, he pulled up to the curb and cut the engine. Making his way around the truck, he opened the door and leaned in to kiss Cole softly.
“Hey, we’re home.”
Cole opened his eyes and rolled his head to the right. Ross’ house came into view and he smiled. Strong hands helped him out of the truck and he leaned into Ross again for support. They were in the house and upstairs in no time. Ross closed the door and turned to face him. He walked to the nightstand and grabbed the jar of leaf paste.
The only light came through the window from the street lamps. Ross gently eased Cole’s shirt off, then slid his fingers into the waistband of Cole’s sweatpants. He pulled them down and helped Cole get his feet out of them. Taking the jar of herbs, he placed a quarter size dollop of it in his hands and rubbed them together. He placed his hands on Cole’s shins and gently ran them up towards his thighs. He moved his thumbs in slow circles as he made his way up toward Cole’s hips. Cole’s heavy breathing was the only sound in the room as Ross slid up his sides gently.
Ross glanced up through his lashes to find Cole’s eyes closed, his chest rising and falling evenly as Ross’ hands smoothed over his skin. Ross gently eased his hands over Cole’s bruised ribs. A hitch of breath caught his attention and he met eyes with Cole.
There was something in those eyes, something Ross hoped was love. Cole slid a hand into his hair and pulled him forward. Their lips met gently and Cole’s other hand cupped Ross’ face. Warm lips moved over his and a teasing tongue played at his bottom lip. Ross’ mouth opened on a soft moan and Cole delved inside. Ross moved his hands to Cole’s luscious ass and gripped the cheeks, pulling their bodies flush. The kiss became more passionate and Cole’s grip tightened.
“Tell me this is real,” Cole breathed against Ross’ lips.
“It’s real, Cole.”
