Page 12 of Five for Silver

Chad couldn’t help the croak or the fearthat crept into his voice.

Romeo swooped, dropping to his knees, andlifting Chad’s chin. He pressed his lips against Chad’s softly andslipped his tongue into Chad’s mouth in what felt like anapology.

Chad sighed into it. Shuffling forward onhis knees, he gripped Romeo’s shoulders for balance as theykissed.

When Romeo pulled away, it was only tomurmur out, “Sometimes I think you’re suicidal.”

Then they were kissing again, slow lingeringkisses where time seemed to stop.

Romeo’s tongue brushed against Chad’slazily, like he was savoring Chad’s mouth. No longer brutal, butsensual. Chad clutched onto the gentleness, the easy way he teasedhis mouth, and the way his mind filled with a pleasant fuzz.

Romeo was hard and dangerous, but he couldbe sweet and soft, too, and Chad loved the combination of both.

Romeo broke away. “He chased my birds.”

“We’ll teach him not to.” Chad bit his lip.“You weren’t really going to hurt him, were you?”

“I have no desire to kill the dog despite itchasing my magpies.”

“You said you’ll give him a chance.”

“Coming in your mouth is not a substitutefor me saying I’ll give the dog a chance.”

Chad shook Romeo’s shoulders.“Please, Romeo.”

“I hate it when you use that tone. It hitsme right in the gut, feels like the organ is malfunctioning orsomething.” He shuddered. “What is this, guilt?”

“Please. It was your idea in the firstplace.”

“You had the leaflet.”

“You told me to ring the number.”

Romeo groaned.

“Ha. I win the argument.” Chad announced,bouncing to his feet. His head drifted with the lack of oxygen, andRomeo steadied him before he could fall.

“You okay?”

“Stood up too quickly. Come on,” Chad pulledRomeo’s arm. “Let’s give you a proper introduction.”

Romeo didn’t reply, he stood up whilecontinuing to stop Chad from falling. Once he knew Chad was steady,he pulled up his jeans and fixed his buckle.

“He better not have torn up mycushions.”

Chad smirked, linking his fingers throughRomeo’s. He pulled Romeo over to the living room door, opening itenough for Merc to squeeze out and waddle over.

“Merc, meet Romeo.”

Merc sniffed Romeo’s muddy boots beforesitting in front of him, swishing his tail against the ground. Hislong tongue dangled out as he panted up at Romeo.

“Romeo, meet Mercutio, or Merc for short.”Chad pulled Romeo’s hand down to Merc’s head and made him pat him.“Your new best friend...”

Chapter Three

“Merc though,” Josh said for the fifth time.He frowned at the light in the ceiling, his blue eyes shining as hewhispered out, “Merc?”

Chad shrugged. “He looks like a Merc.”

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