Hidden Passions by Emma Holly Read Free Book Online

just let the warmth of his palm sink in. "You were dreaming about that fire, the one that put you in the hospital."
    His guess turned Chris's gaze to him. "You heard about that?'
    "Please." Tony's manner was humorous. "Saving those kids made you a hero to heroes. You know how people talk in our lines of work."
    Chris wasn't sure how he felt about that. In his mind, his tiger had done the deed. He hugged his knees closer, then released them. When he inhaled, he could smell his own fear sweat. "I need a shower."
    "You want company?" Tony asked as he got out of bed.
    Chris was tempted, but, "Not this time," he said.
    Seemingly not upset, Tony flopped back and closed his eyes. "Wake me when you get back. I should have my second wind by then."
    He'd completely stretched out his body, toes pointed, long leg muscles delineated, cock and balls rolling loosely between strong thighs. Chris remembered how it felt to fuck him, how Tony had cried out and bucked up him. His prick lengthened, more interested in another go than Chris's head was ready to handle.
    Before his cock convinced him to climb back into bed, he strode to the nearby shower. The pelting spray washed the last of the dream away. His inner darkness wasn't entirely gone, but he was himself again: reliable, closeted Chris Savoy.
    He found his clothes and dressed, deciding it was safer to have them on. Tony was fast asleep when he finished, curled around Chris's pillow with the sheets kicked to his ankles. His body was a true masterwork, not as substantial as a tiger's but genuinely strong. His cock lay limp, partially obscured by the pillow he was hugging. With nothing to stop him from staring, Chris curled his tongue over his upper lip. Waking that sleeping length--and Tony with it--would have been easy and pleasurable, especially since Chris would probably be the first man to introduce him to that delight. If Tony had been a different guy, Chris knew he'd have done it.
    Sadly, Tony wasn't a different guy. He was out and sweet and a teensy bit flamboyant. Chris could get away with being pleasant to him but not with being secret fuck buddies. He believed Tony when he said he'd keep his mouth shut. The problem was, one hopeful look from those soft green eyes would give the game away. All his years of playing normal would have been for nothing.
    Chris's job was his life. Being a leader, saving people, gave him a sense of worth nothing else equaled. He loved knowing he did it well. Hell, he loved the excitement. He wasn't about to throw that away just to admit he was gay. Chris needed to be a fireman more than he needed that.
    He, of all people, couldn't afford to indulge his longing for honesty.
    His eyes burned as he watched Tony sleep. The wolf's cheeks were untouched by lines, his slumber as untroubled as a child's. Chris wondered if he'd hit thirty yet. Tony seemed young to him, though he was older than Chris's brothers had gotten a chance to be . . . older than all their years put together, he suspected.
    Leave , he ordered and made himself do it.
    One night and done was what this had to be.
    ~
    Tony wanted to kick himself when he woke hours later. The sun was extremely up. Nate's front windows were blazing.
    He knew at once Chris Savoy was gone. Tony hadn't meant to sleep that long. The sex had just been so damn good and relaxing. Plus, he'd thought for sure the fireman would want a second round.
    Him preferring to shower alone should have rung a warning bell.
    Chris's nightmare had not been nothing. Tony should have pushed him to talk about it and not let him run away.
    "Right," he drawled to the industrial struts on the loft's ceiling. Being pushed to talk always worked fabulous. Just think how he'd reacted back when women tried it on him.
    He got out of bed and hit the bathroom--which smelled of Chris's shower. That didn't stop him from using it. Barely less grumpy but squeaky clean, he stumped to Nate's kitchen. Chris hadn't left so much as a post-it to say