ANGEL: When Angels Cry Read online

  Angel

  BOOK ONE: “When Angels Cry”

  ~~~

  Smashwords Edition

  Copyright © 2014

  All Rights Reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental.

  For questions and comments about this book, please contact us at [email protected]

  Cover Art: Book Cover by Design

  Published by: Rascal Hearts

  Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter One

  Devilishly Devious

  “That Ricky is a hell of an instructor.” Cole grinned and glanced at Gabe as the two sat at one of the tables before the stage. It was early in the day and only a few customers were scattered through the club, most of which were just there for a drink and mild entertainment.

  “He’s certainly got an ass that won’t quit.” Gabe observed with a slight nod of his head and quirk of his eyebrows. Cole looked at him and Gabe grinned, “Ah, but not nearly as sexy as your ass.”

  “Mm-hmm.” Skepticism narrowed his eyes, a smirk on his lips, as he turned his attention forward once more. At twenty-two and with just a hint of Puerto Rican in his blood, having come to them from a dance club in Southern California, Ricky was a lovely image of naturally tanned fit body, short, nicely trimmed black hair and eyes of midnight blue. He took hold of Angel’s waist and turned him around in one smooth motion so the boy’s back was against his chest, ass against crotch, then began to move the younger man’s body in time with his own. His mouth was close to his ear, whispering instructions. Angel gave an occasional nod and followed through with whatever it was Ricky told him to do.

  Gabe adjusted his crotch and shifted in his seat, then cleared his throat but said nothing as he continued to watch the lesson. Chuckling low as he shot Gabe a quick glance, Cole shook his head. “Jeans gettin’ tight, babe?”

  “A tad.” Gabe admitted, lips twisting, eyes never leaving the stage.

  Sitting straighter in his own chair, feeling some pressure in his pants as well, Cole looked around the club. “Where the hell is he?” he murmured. “This was supposed to be for his benefit?”

  “He probably got wind of it, and chose to stay away.” Gabe said. “He isn’t going to come here and willingly watch another of the boys rub all over Angel.”

  “I know that.” Cole muttered. “That’s the whole idea. He’s supposed to see it and not like it.”

  “You are a devious one.” Gabe mused. “But seriously, do you think he’s going to jump right in and offer to take over?”

  “That isn’t the point.” Cole said. “I just want to get his goat.” He smiled wryly.

  “Shit.” Gabe chuckled.

  Twisting in his seat, Cole leaned his elbows on the table. “For the past two weeks, since Angel showed up, Dane has been fighting like hell to deny that he likes the kid…in that hot, sweaty, let’s get jiggy kind of way.” He wriggled his eyebrows and Gabe laughed. “So as his friend, it’s my duty to help him face up to his fluffy feelings.”

  “So you’re the self-appointed enlightener, huh?”

  “Yup.” Cole grinned and turned back towards the stage. “Mm. Damn.” A pleased smile stretched his lips as Ricky had his hands on Angel’s hips, their bodies plastered together and moving in a single sexual rhythmic motion. Angel grabbed the pole, swaying against the metal bar as Ricky remained close up against him, hips rocking, beautiful ass flexing as he released Angel and reached around him, gripping the pole above his hands.

  “Fuck.” Gabe groaned and adjusted his package yet again.

  Cole smiled; this was good for later. Gabe would be hot as hell and begging to be fucked.

  “They’re supposed to be dancing on stage–not fucking.”

  Both Cole and Gabe jumped, startled by Dane’s sudden appearance behind them. “Shit, man.” Gabe gasped. “Make some fucking noise next time.”

  Dane ignored him, eyes narrowed, hard, zeroed in on the stage.

  The two guys exchanged an amused look. Cole tilted his head over the back of the chair and raised his eyes to Dane’s face. “Ricky’s one hot little dancer, ain’t he?” He snapped a quick look at Gabe then back to Dane. “Who better to teach Angel the ropes?”

  “Looks like they’re rehearsing for a fucking porno.” Dane muttered, chest heaving a little as his breath began to rush through his nostrils.

  Cole smiled wryly, “Well, isn’t that the idea? To simulate sex, get the customers all worked up so they’ll shell out more cash?” Dane merely grunted but Cole caught the way his dark eyes followed Angel’s every move–and the longing that crept into those sable depths.

  Just admit it, baby–you got it bad for the boy.

  ***

  Try as he might, he couldn’t convince his heart to calm, or his pulse to even out. He couldn’t account for the sudden frustration and irritability that caused his hairline to prickle and sizzle and hands to curl into fists as he watched the scene on stage. With every shift of Ricky’s hands, rock of his hips, and sway of his body against Angel’s–Dane had to resist, with every ounce of will inside him, the urge to lunge up there and rip Ricky off the boy. And take his place. He resisted the thought. No, not take his place. So why was he getting so riled up watching it all? This was nothing new, all the boys danced this way.

  Angel hugged the pole, his head tilting back over Ricky’s shoulder slowly, sensually, eyes half closed, a look of ecstasy on his beautiful, angelic face. It’s just part of the act, it turns the customers on. Even so, it caused a sudden tightness to squeeze his chest. From his standpoint, Ricky was going too far, affording much too much freedom to his hands.

  “They’re only supposed to simulate sex.” Dane muttered stiffly and turned away from the stage. “Not actually fuck. Ricky’s a slut.”

  “What do you care?” Cole smiled.

  Dane shot him a hard look. “I don’t.”

  “Sounds like you do.” Gabe chimed low, amused.

  His nerves fraying, Dane hissed, “Fuck you both.” And walked away.

  “When and where, baby?” Cole tossed after him, then chuckled, inciting Dane’s fists to clench tighter with the urge to punch him in the mouth.

  ***

  Angel’s gaze followed the man discreetly as he weaved through the tables, walking stiffly towards the back of the club. Ricky’s skin was hot and damp against his own, and the way his body moved felt good, but as Dane disappeared into the back, Angel found himself wishing he
were the one giving the lessons, pressed up tight against him with next to nothing covering his obviously well-endowed features.

  Though he hadn’t wanted to like the guy, the moment he’d stepped into the club and saw him sitting at the bar, Cole’s arms around him–he had felt himself slip. For the past two weeks he’d been trying to tell himself to let it go, focus on his agenda, and not get caught up in those beautiful dark eyes that he was pretty sure only pretended not to want to look at him. From time to time, he’d caught Dane watching him, but as soon as their eyes met, the man was quick to turn away. He clearly wasn’t interested in pursuing any attraction he might be harboring for Angel.

  It’s just as well, Angel thought, not without a measure of wistfulness in his heart. You’re not here to fall in love.

  ***

  “Well, that was dumb.” Gabe sipped his drink as the dance lesson continued on stage.

  “What?” Cole frowned.

  “Getting Dane pissed.” He smiled. “You’ve seen what those fists can do. Not a bright idea poking at him that way.”

  Cole raised an eyebrow. “I wasn’t the only one taking jabs.” He picked up his beer. “I believe he said fuck you both.”

  Shrugging, Gabe smirked, “Well you were the one instigating it. If he’d decided to hit anyone, it would’ve been you.”

  “So what are you whining about?”

  Gabe smiled. “Not whining. Just trying to protect my…investment.” His eyes swept over Cole’s body and his smile stretched into a sexy grin.

  “And what have you invested in this?”

  Licking his lips, Gabe set his drink on the table and leaned forward on his elbows, voice lowering. “A whole lot of bump and grind.”

  “Fuck.” Cole laughed and shook his head. “Can’t argue there.” He took another drink, his eyes flicking to the club entrance as two young guys walked in, glanced around then took a seat at the bar. They each ordered beers then twisted around and watched Ricky and Angel.

  Gabe followed his stare. “Know them?”

  “Nope.” Cole downed the rest of his beer and wiped his mouth, then winked at Gabe. “Should we give them a proper welcome?”

  Nodding, the two men stood up. The guys at the bar cast them a quick, disinterested glance and returned their attention to the stage. “They’re totally straight.” Gabe surmised about half way to the bar.

  “What?” Cole murmured. “You can’t tell that so soon.”

  “Did you see the way they looked right through me, without a shred of interest?”

  “Yeah, so?” Cole smirked. “You’re not every man’s type.”

  Gabe cocked a sharp eyebrow. “Even so, if a man is gay, he at least gives me a once over and considers what it would be like to fuck me.”

  Chuckling low, Cole couldn’t deny the truth of those words. He had yet to see a customer look past Gabe without at least a momentary pause for admiration and a lustful thought or two. That man was just fucking gorgeous, there was no getting around it. And he was right–these two newcomers weren’t giving him the time of day. That wasn’t even feasible if they were true blue fags.

  “I’ll prove it.” Gabe said low, though Cole didn’t need proof, now that he thought about it. But he simply nodded and let Gabe work his magic. Of course, Gabe was hot enough to turn a straight guy queer, so he wasn’t sure if this would prove anything or not. Still, it would be fun to watch.

  Gabe sidled up between the two young men and casually ordered a beer from Carl then leaned on his elbow and faced the older of the two guys; nicely built, short cropped black hair with an attractive, neatly trimmed scruff to his jaw and chin. He shifted away from Gabe as he stared at the stage, but even then he didn’t seem to be watching Ricky and Angel with a sexual interest. Just…interest.

  “I’m Gabe.” He was practically sitting in the lap of the younger guy as he offered his hand to the other, eyes heavy with invitation. “What’s your name, gorgeous?”

  “Wade.” The guy said stiffly but didn’t accept Gabe’s hand, or afford him more than a quick glance.

  Tossing a quick look at Cole and raising his eyebrows as if to say ‘See? Straight’, he rested his hand on the guy’s knee then slowly slid it up his thigh. “You know, we could grab us a private booth and…” His hand slipped into the guy’s crotch and gripped him as Gabe leaned in close to his ear and whispered something Cole couldn’t hear, but could guess his words; he’d whispered plenty of sweet, nasty nothings in Cole’s ear by now that he wasn’t clueless.

  The guy jerked back sharply, shoving Gabe’s hand away. “Hey, back off, faggot. I don’t go for that queer shit.”

  Suppressing a chuckle, Cole found the man’s statement somewhat amusing considering where he was.

  Gabe just smiled. “Well, maybe your friend does.” He turned suddenly and ran his hand up the back of the younger guy’s neck and leaned in, nuzzling his ear. “How about you, baby? Wanna get up close and personal? I’ll even let you touch my cock. Not club policy, but I’m willing to make an exception for a hottie like you.”

  The guy nearly fell off the stool trying to get away from Gabe, his dirty blond, somewhat shaggy hair falling in his eyes as he swept at it quickly. His face wasn’t as lean as the older guy, but still had a certain attractiveness to his features. And he was especially appealing right now as he stared at Gabe in mild horror; there was nothing quite so hot as a terrified straight boy when being hit on by a fag.

  “Fuck you!” The guy trembled, clearly intimidated by Gabe’s prowess. He didn’t appear to be much more than twenty-two or twenty-three, and had a bit of a redneck look to him, with his somewhat long, unruly hair and slightly less trimmed facial scruff.

  “Ah, that’ll cost you extra.” Gabe winked. “But just for today–I’m on sale. Fifty percent off if you throw in a blow job.” He smiled with heavy lust in his eyes. “You have such a pretty mouth.”

  Behind the bar, Carl had to turn away to keep from busting up. Cole pressed his lips tight, struggling to suppress his grin as Gabe slinked towards the guy, eyes roaming up and down his body hungrily. “Come on, baby…you came in here, so you must at least be curious. An hour with me and you’ll never want pussy again. Girls are lovely, but only a man knows what another man wants and needs–and how to give it to him.” He reached out and brushed his fingertips down the guy’s face. “Baby, I’ll fuck you so good, you’ll be begging for cock in your sleep.”

  A strangled gasp ripped from the young man’s throat and he stumbled around by the older guy who had called himself Wade, practically hiding behind him. “Let’s get the fuck out of here.”

  Wade cast Gabe a dull look and stepped off the stool without a word. He shot one more glance at the stage where the dance lessons had ended and Ricky and Angel stood talking to one another. Angel looked their way and seemed to tense when he caught Wade’s brief stare before the two young men headed towards the entrance.

  Smirking, Gabe called after them, “Y’all come back now, ya hear.” He looked at Cole and smiled smartly. “Told ya. Totally fucking straight.”

  Chapter Two

  Broken Wings

  “You got some pretty hot moves.” Ricky’s voice had no problem drifting into the next dressing room over where Dane lingered, insisting to himself that he hadn’t been hanging around waiting for Angel to get off stage. Yet, here he was when he didn’t need to be, pretending not to eavesdrop on Ricky and Angel’s conversation, yet analyzing every word.

  “Thanks.” Just the sound of Angel’s soft voice sent a flurry of butterflies through his gut. What the hell was wrong with him? Hadn’t he learned his lesson with Caleb? Don’t fall for a club boy.

  “You have to have danced before.” Ricky said, a smile in his voice.

  “A little.” Angel mumbled and there was clear note of reluctance to his tone that stated he didn’t want to talk about it. Apparently Ricky wasn’t as in tune as Dane was.

  “Yeah? Where?”

  A notable hesitation. “Just…around.”
Angel murmured. “Different places. But none of the big clubs, like this one.”

  Ricky seemed to catch on and stopped pushing for details. “I apologize if I seem a little forward, but…do you have a boyfriend?”

  A burning shot of anger mixed with a glob of jealousy encased Dane’s heart and mind. The little fucker was asking him out?

  “Uh,” Angel gave a short, anxious laugh. “No, I…” A brief hesitation. “I don’t, but…I’m not really looking…”

  Ricky laughed lightly. “Easy, babe. I wasn’t making propositions. I was just asking…for a friend, who might be interested.”

  An instant tension gripped Dane. A friend? Who the hell was he talking about? What do you care? You’re not interested–remember?

  “A…friend?” He wasn’t sure but he swore he heard a hopeful note in Angel’s voice. “Uh…who?” he asked casually. At least he reached for casual.

  Dane leaned his back against the wall, his whole body tense as he, too, waited for Ricky’s reply.

  “I shouldn’t say. He’d probably kick my ass.” Ricky chuckled. “But I guess it don’t really matter anyway…since you’re not looking for a boyfriend.” The amusement in the guy’s voice said he didn’t quite believe Angel.

  “Uh, yeah.” Angel murmured. “I’m not.”

  What the hell was with the sudden heaviness in his chest? Who cared if the boy didn’t want a boyfriend?

  “Ok then.” Ricky said lightly. “I’ll let him know you’re not on the market.” There was an audible smirk to his voice. Angel remained silent as Ricky left the dressing room. More tension seeped through Dane when he knew the kid was on the other side of the thin wall, alone. What was stopping him from stepping over there and speaking to him? Why would you do that? For what reason?