Page 5 of Busted String

“Jace, come here.” Nico softened his tone and opened his arms.

He moved closer to Nico, who pulled him into his arms, giving him his shoulder to lean on. “You know I want the best for you. With all that we went through on the streets, you can do this. You’re better than that.”

“I know.”

Despite Jace’s outward confidence, there was a vulnerability in his demeanor, especially when he was around him. It was in the way he sometimes bit his lip or ran a hand through his hair when he was nervous or unsure. Jace’s appearance was a blend of rockstar charisma and boy-next-door charm, making him both approachable and enigmatic. One day, he wanted to love him the way he deserved.

Chapter Three

Jace

Jace’s nightmare began in a dark, desolate place. His father appeared; face twisted with anger. Without a word, he grabbed Jace, binding his hands with rough rope. Jace struggled, but his father was too strong. He forced a gag into Jace’s mouth, silencing his cries for help.

Jace’s tall, muscular father threw thin Jace into the back of a pickup, the metal truck bed cold against his skin. The truck roared as they drove through an endless night. Fear gripped Jace as he felt every bump and turn, unable to see where they were going.

Suddenly, the truck stopped. His father yanked him out and dragged him to a massive iron gate. Beyond it, flames blazed and licked at the sky, casting an eerie glow. Jace’s father shoved him towards the gate, his eyes filled with hatred.

“This is where you belong,” his father hissed. “You’re going to hell.”

Jace’s heart pounded as the flames grew closer. He tried to scream, but the gag muffled his voice. Just as the heat became unbearable, he woke up, drenched in sweat and screamingin terror.

Nico burst into the room; his face etched with concern. He rushed to Jace’s side, wrapping his arms around him.

“Jace, it’s okay. It was just a nightmare,” Nico whispered, gripping him.

Jace’s breaths were ragged, his body trembling. “It felt so real, Nico. My father…he said I was going to hell.”

Nico pulled back slightly, looking into Jace’s eyes. “Your father isn’t here, Jace. He can’t hurt you anymore. You’re safe with me.”

Tears welled up in Jace’s eyes. “He left a message on my phone, Nico. He said I belonged in hell.”

Nico shook his head, his grip on Jace firm and reassuring. “You don’t belong in hell, Jace. You’re a good person, and you’re loved. Don’t let his words haunt you. You’re stronger than that.”

Jace nodded slowly, taking comfort from Nico’s presence. “Thank you, Nico. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Nico smiled softly, brushing a tear from Jace’s cheek. “You’ll never have to find out. I’m here for you, always.”

“I can’t sleep, Nico. I’m afraid of the fire again.”

“Oh, Jace.” He sat on Jace’s bed and ran his hand through his hair. “Want to sleep in my bed?”

Jace nodded and more tears tumbled out.

“Let me carry you out of here like a caveman,” Nico said, picking him up and hoisting him over his shoulder.

He carried him completely naked to his bedroom. He put him on the bed and handed him a pair of boxers, helped him into them and then made sure his head was on a pillow.

“You okay now, pretty boy?”

Jace seamlessly slipped into Nico’s arms and nodded his head.

“You’re safe with me. So, sleep. We have a long drive to Bakersfield.”

Despite Nico’s tough exterior, Jace adored the way Nico’s eyes softened when they looked at each other. His smile, which had the power to light up even the darkest room, and his composed demeanor spoke volumes about his self-assured nature. Nico was a perfect blend of strength and sensitivity, making him both intimidating and attractive. Jace was drawn to his strength when he was hurt and needed protection. Suddenly, the bear transformed into a gentle, docile lamb. The man he loved who wouldn’t fuck him.

They nestled together, their bodies fitting perfectly like spoons.

When Jace woke up, Nico wasn’t in bed anymore. He checked the time. It was nine o’clock, and they planned to leave at ten. Jace got up, used the bathroom, took a shower, then dressed. He went to the kitchen to find something to eat. Sammie was fussing with pancakes and strawberries.

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