Jade Archer - Sandpipers 2 - Raven's Mark (14 page)

Mark studied Raven covertly as they began to walk again—it gave them both some time to process what had been said.
Raven looked terrible. He was still gorgeous, but there were dark rings under his eyes, and a troubled, tight look about him that worried Mark. He just wanted to wrap his arms around his lover and hold him close.
But he didn’t. He wasn’t sure Raven could handle it right now. In fact, he was pretty sure he couldn’t. He had that fragile, brittle look about him.
When Lark had cornered him, giving him the third-degree and demanding to know what he’d done to Raven—Mark had been careful not to betray Raven’s confidence. But apparently Lark was smart enough to read between the lines. And to set up a Raven trap.
For once Mark was obscenely grateful for the interference. He certainly hadn’t been able to pin Raven down himself. He’d forgotten how good Raven was at disappearing and avoiding people. It hurt being on the receiving end of it again, but he pushed that thought away. Now was not the time.
“I won’t t-talk about it,” Raven whispered suddenly as they continued on their walk. “About…w-what you saw.”
Mark felt the guilt hit him square in the gut. “I’m sorry, Raven. I should never have pushed you like I did. I just… I hate that you were hurt like that.”
“That p-part of my life… It’s over and d-done with. Dragging it b-back out only mmakes it worse.”
“There are people you can talk to. People that can help—”
“No!” Raven took a deep breath. “I’ve t-tried. Professionals. Groups. It always m-makes it worse. N-no one…no-one g-gets what it was like.”
Mark let silence exist between them for a moment, using it to gather his thoughts carefully and let Raven collect himself a little before he continued.
“You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for,” Mark finally said, not looking at him, using a considering voice barely audible above the noise of the ocean and the breeze. It could almost pass for thinking out loud. “You might not be outgoing or have an aggressive bone in your body, but I know how strong you are. Whatever you decide…I’ll stand by you. If you’ll let me.”
They walked on. Miles of boardwalk seemed to pass before Raven spoke again. “Mark?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m… I’m g-going running tomorrow. Would you…” Raven paused and Mark held his breath, praying he would keep going. “Would you like to join me?”
Mark felt the tight band constricting his chest release. “Yeah. Yeah, I really would.”
It was all going to work out. It just had to. He didn’t want to be without Raven again. The last five days had been terrible—not being able to fix things, scared to death that Raven might never let him close again. Or that he might take off altogether.
Taking a huge risk, Mark reached out and took Raven’s hand, giving it a little squeeze. Raven tensed, but he allowed the contact, and for a while they walked along hand in hand. It felt wonderful to be connected, even if only in that small way. Mark didn’t want to lose that sense of connection ever again.

Mark finished off the last of his ice water and set the empty glass down on the bar as he glanced around Sandpipers Restaurant—all rearranged and elegantly decorated for the occasion.

Brody, Lark and Zak’s commitment ceremony had been a tremendous success. Even the late afternoon rainstorm that had driven the formal proceedings indoors at the last minute hadn’t dampened anyone’s spirits. They had all simply relocated and continued on regardless.

Considering the unconventional nature of the relationship they were celebrating, the event had been much the same as any of the weddings and commitment ceremonies Mark had attended over the years. There had been the usual reverent joy as everyone listened to the trio share their promises with each other—Lark bubbling over with enthusiasm, Zak quiet and composed, and Brody nervously stumbling over his lines. Then a moment of tenderness as they shared a kiss, quickly followed by the chaotic excitement of congratulations. And finally it had all dissolved into the wild abandon of a party—beginning with hearty laughter as Wolf insisted on leading the family in their first dance together.

Now, several hours later, things had started to wind down. The buffet had been largely demolished, although dessert and coffee were still available for those that could actually fit them in. Groups of people relaxed and spoke quietly around the room. And on the dance floor, the songs had turned to slow and romantic numbers that encouraged holding dance partners close and swaying more than anything else. Brody and Zak were currently locked in a tender embrace as they rocked slowly together amongst the numerous couples following their lead.

It seemed there was nothing like a wedding, even one with slightly unorthodox numbers, to bring people together. An ache of longing started deep inside Mark as he gazed across to where Raven was speaking quietly with Jaime. As if conscious of being watched, Raven looked over and offered a smile that went straight to Mark’s gut…and sent a curl of heat dancing a little lower down too.

Mark’s heart pounded with a strange mixture of apprehension and desire. It had been several weeks now since ‘the sleep-over incident’ as he’d started to think of it. Slowly things were starting to get back on track between them. But while they’d settled into an easy companionship—one he certainly didn’t want to mess up—he still couldn’t deny he craved more right now.

He wanted so badly to ask Raven to dance—to hold him so they could move together as much more than just friends. He just didn’t know if he should push that boundary. If Raven agreed to dance, it would be the first time they’d ‘advertised’ to the world, so to speak. Not that most people at the restaurant didn’t know or guess they were together—or at least were trying to be—he supposed. Still, while not exactly shouting it from the rooftops, it would be a fairly blatant declaration.

Unable to stay away any longer, Mark crossed the space that separated him from Raven. And yet, when he got there he still hadn’t quite worked out what he was going to do. Hesitating in front of Raven and Jaime for a moment, he finally cleared his throat—ready to take the plunge.

“May I have this dance?” He’d meant it to sound light-hearted, but instead it came out strained and oddly formal.
He sounded ridiculous, even to his own ears.
“Go on,” Jaime said, nudging Raven with her elbow. “I’ll keep an eye on the kids.”
Ryan and Wolf were busy devouring their second piece of cake, both little boys starting to look decidedly sleepy.
After a small pause, awkward but tinged with a thrill of excitement, Raven nodded. Before anything could interrupt or come between them, Mark led Raven to the dance floor, took him in his arms and began a slow sway. The feeling was exquisite.
“Thank you,” Mark breathed against Raven’s temple, relaxing into the moment with a sigh of relief.
“You’re welcome,” Raven replied, barely a whisper—as if he too was afraid to break the spell.
They stayed that way—more embracing than dancing—through the entire song and on into the next. If it was a dream, Mark never wanted to wake up. It was perfect—the feeling of Raven pressed close and held securely in his arms.
“I’ll need to take the boys up to get ready for bed soon,” Raven murmured. “You’re staying the night?”
“Yeah. The guys have booked a room at The P-Paragon. They’ll be back Monday afternoon. I said I’d look after Wolf and keep an eye on the p-place for them so they could relax.” Raven blushed. “It was sort of p-part of my gift to them.”
Mark soaked in Raven’s spicy, warm scent. “It’s nice they get to spend some time together on their own. You’re a good friend.”
Raven’s blush darkened at the compliment, but it was accompanied by a shy smile.
“I’m going to head out soon too,” Mark said a moment later, as they continued to sway to the music.
Raven nodded, but at the same time Mark felt him inch a little closer and hold just a little tighter. Damn it felt good, and made it even harder to leave.
Mark sighed in contentment and closed his eyes as they continued to move together.
“It’s your fault, you know,” he murmured. “If I don’t get my rest, I won’t stand a chance of keeping up with you on our morning run, lightning.”
Raven snorted. “Yeah, because you’re so old and d-decrepit. You’re the one that mmakes us run on sand for resistance t-training.”
Mark chuckled, enjoying the fact they could laugh about him being older where once it had worried him. It gave him hope they could work out all their issues, given time and a little trust.
“So will I see you for our regular Monday run?”
“Uh huh. I’m d-dropping the boys off at p-preschool then I’ll be ready to go.”
“I’ll meet you at the preschool as usual then?”
“Sure,” Raven replied, all husky and rough.
Mark felt his cock perk up and take interest at the sound. Fortunately, the song ended and he was able to step back. He wasn’t quite ready to wade into those murky waters. Things were going well between them, but he wasn’t sure Raven was ready for anything more physical. He didn’t want to risk messing things up again.
Mark cleared his throat, resisting adjusting himself and giving the game away. “I better get going.”
Raven looked over to where Jaime was still watching over the boys. She gave them a smile and made a little shooing motion with her hands.
“Looks like I can w-walk you out,” Raven said with a smile.
“I’d like that.”
But as they stepped into the foyer, Raven stopped him.
“M-Mark?”
All too eager to delay his departure, Mark turned to face Raven, only to start worrying when he saw how serious his expression was.
“What’s wrong?”
Before Mark’s imagination could run away on him completely, Raven reached up and pulled Mark in until their lips touched in a sweet, undemanding kiss. The sensation was still electric. Tingles erupted and coursed through his body at the feeling of Raven’s mouth under his. The light pressure that Raven used to keep their lips joined was a heady rush…almost as overwhelming as the endless moments of the kiss itself.
More than anything he wanted to deepen the kiss. He wanted to crush Raven against him and ravage his mouth and then trail his lips lower. He wanted to mark Raven’s neck and feel the sweet curve of his ass in his hands. But he couldn’t. Too much too soon and he was sure it would all come to a crashing end. And Mark didn’t want that—couldn’t even stand the idea in his head for more than a second.
When the kiss came to an end, Mark pulled away just enough to see Raven’s eyes closed, his lips parted as if begging for more. He lowered his forehead to Raven’s as his eyes opened—a stunned look of wonder clearly showing in their depths—resisting the temptation to take more. It was good. For now it was enough.
“I want to t-try again,” Raven breathed across his lips. “Being together. As l-lovers I mean.”
Mark couldn’t have been more surprised if Raven had clubbed him. Or more aroused. “Raven—”
“Not now, but…maybe sometime s-soon. I’m not rushing. I’m not m-messed up this time. Well, no more than usual.”
“I—”
“When it feels right,” Raven explained quickly. Then his expression faltered, his dark brown eyes clouding with worry. “That is…if you… I m-mean if you w-want to.”
Mark groaned and closed his eyes. “Oh man! You’re killing me here. Of course I want to.”
To prove it he pulled Raven in closer and let him feel the hard ridge of his erection pressed up between them.
Raven gasped before a tentative, wicked grin came out to play and he leaned into Mark, subtly rubbing himself against the length of his full cock. “Ah! But what dreams may ccome.”
Mark moaned and pressed back into Raven. Even he knew enough to recognise it as a quote from Shakespeare—some reference to death or something. But the ‘little death’ was about the only thing on his mind right now.
“Wet dreams,” Mark mumbled.
Raven laughed. And it was glorious to hear.

Laughter bubbled up out of Raven’s throat. It was amazing how easy the sound came now. Then again, he wasn’t sure why he was surprised—Mark always made him feel good.
How had he ever got so lucky?
The last few weeks of Mark’s patience and persistence had worn him down…and then built him right back up again. He still worried. He’d probably never stop completely. He still had moments of insecurity and doubt, but he was slowly feeling strong enough to try—brave enough to see what happened. He tried not to question why Mark wanted to be with him or wonder if it would last. That was a steep and slippery slope to disaster.
Most importantly of all, at least as far as Raven was concerned, Mark had kept his promise and never asked or spoken of the scars. And that was the final key. If he didn’t have to reveal his shame, if he could just forget about it and move forward, it would work. Really it would.
“I better go,” Mark said, still with his forehead pressed against Raven’s.
“Yeah.”
Stepping back with obvious reluctance, Mark pushed through the door and stepped out onto the footpath. The earlier storm had left behind that new, fresh washed dirt smell that always thrilled Raven for some reason. It was just so potent and invigorating. He’d never particularly liked rain, but coming outside afterwards was like waking up to a whole new world of possibilities.
The row of streetlamps that lit the way to the parking lot reflected off the puddles and raindrops that had been left behind. And in the lee of the door, they were cosseted and secluded.
“Don’t come out,” Mark said.
Raven frowned. He wanted to make sure Mark made it safely to his car. It was a crazy, protective instinct that just appeared from nowhere, but he wouldn’t be able to rest if he didn’t know Mark was safe.
“Where are you parked?”
“Just over there.”
Sure enough, he could see Mark’s dark blue SUV parked close, directly under one of the nearby lights. Raven liked that. Mark was careful and conscientious. It was…reassuring.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Mark said, breaking into his thoughts.
“Yeah.”
Mark leaned in and dropped another sweet kiss on Raven’s mouth.
“Night.”
Then Mark was gone with a smile full of promise. It left Raven hard. A promising sign, even if it was uncomfortable.

As the gate to Riversands Preschool clanged shut behind him, Raven scanned the area, searching for Mark. Feet crunching across the gravel of the parking lot, his gut tightened when he didn’t spot anyone but the usual harried mothers with toddlers in tow and a father whose business suit seemed to have had an altercation with a cereal bowl recently. Normally, Mark was right there waiting for him, but today he was nowhere to be seen.