Page 10 of Duped

A chuckle rumbled from Tarek at his thoughts.

Portland’s fingers dove into Tarek’s hair as a moan filled the air. “Fuck, Tarek. Just like that.”

Tarek settled in to tease and please. He took his time. This relationship was exactly what he wanted. He needed Portland to understand it.

Sweat coated Portland’s skin. He wondered if he would die like this. Tarek had sucked his dick so long and perfectly Portland thought his heart might give out. Each time he nearly came, Tarek would move away, denying him his orgasm. It was hell and heaven. Nothing existed except Tarek’s mouth. Goddamn. Portland wanted to keep him.

The tension built again, winding tighter than ever before. “Please? Fuck. Please?”

Tarek chuckled around his dick.

Portland flew apart. He forgot to breathe. His lungs seized as he shook. The level of ecstasy that roared through him was unlike anything he had ever experienced, and that said a lot. He had thought there was nothing left to experience. Tarek had proved him wrong. He was beautiful in every way.

Tarek kissed his stomach.

Portland fought for air like he had run a marathon. “Give me a minute and I’ll return the favor.” He gasped out the words between struggling breaths.

He felt Tarek’s lips shape into a smile against his skin. “You’re fine. I just want to hold you.” His kisses moved upward until he rested on Portland’s chest with his ear pressed against him. “You have a nice heartbeat.”

It was such an odd thing to say. He imagined everyone's heart sounded the same. But it was an incredibly sweet thing to say, nonetheless. The claim still made Portland smile. “Tell me what you want. I’ll buy you anything.”

He felt Tarek shake with silent laughter.

“Why are you laughing? I’m being serious. You deserve a prize after that.”

Tarek laughed harder.

Portland found himself smiling. He supposed he did sound ridiculous—like he tried paying off a whore. Portland’s smile disappeared. “There I go again, trying to buy you. I hope you know that’s not how I meant it. You deserve beautiful things because it’s you. I have money. That’s all. I’m not trying to bribe you or purchase favors or whatever. Fuck.” He was rambling and couldn’t stop. “I don’t know what I’m saying, but I hope you do.”

Tarek pushed his way higher and claimed Portland’s lips, cutting off the spew of nonsense.

Portland’s muscles relaxed. Tarek understood. He knew this was more… maybe. Goddamn it. Tarek had to know it was more. He cupped Tarek’s face and held him away so he could look into his eyes. “I don’t want you to see anyone else. For once, I need to be with someone who wants only me.”

“Lucky you. You’re the only person I want.” Tarek made the claim, wearing the sweetest of smiles. It vanished. “What if I don’t want you seeing anyone else either?” He visibly swallowed. “I don’t think I could handle that.”

Portland kissed the tip of Tarek’s nose. “You definitely have nothing to worry about. Not only have I always been a one-man guy, but I’ve been single a long goddamn time and haven’t found anyone who makes me feel the way you do.”

A shy-looking smile touched Tarek’s lips. “Oh. Okay.”

Fuck. Sometimes he threw off such an innocent vibe. It was at such odds with the version of Tarek that had just sucked his dick. Portland had to taste the purity on Tarek’s tongue. While Tarek might not be virtuous, he sure as hell wasn’t anything like Portland. His chest hurt as their tongues brushed. If they did this for real, one day, Tarek would see the real him. He would find out all Portland’s dirty secrets. Portland didn’t know if Tarek could or would look past his faults.

Determination filled Portland’s heart. He would give Tarek the world. Portland would spoil the fuck out of him, showering him with so much affection and gifts, he wouldn’t be able to leave. He would trap him—like a web. Portland would make sure Tarek couldn’t get away. This time, he wouldn’t fail. Tarek wasn’t like Court. There was a slight insecurity in him he tried to hide behind boldness. Portland saw the real him, though. He knew exactly how to play this. Tarek wouldn’t get away.

Chapter Five

Theinsecuritysetinas soon as Tarek was out of sight. Portland made it five hours before he blew up Tarek’s phone with texts. When his messages went ignored, Portland worked on grinding his back teeth to a pulp. He made it another two and a half hours before he stormed into the casino, hunting his prey. People who always only saw him at his most congenial scampered from his path the moment they saw his expression. Portland couldn’t imagine how he looked. Probably like he intended to murder someone. He wasn’t sure that wasn’t exactly what he planned to do. Portland had told Tarek they were a couple now. If he had forgotten that already, Portland might do anything.

Finally, Tarek came into view. He stood stoically at an empty table. Some days were like that. People chose slots over cards. Portland’s shoulders eased a hair. At least Tarek hadn’t lied about working today. He tried to calm his temper. Honestly, he felt a little ridiculous since he had driven Tarek to work this morning. Of course, he could have left with someone else. He didn’t know why he couldn’t break this ugly cycle in his head. Then Tarek turned his head and their gazes met. Tarek underwent a complete transformation. He went from the professional dealer to just a man. One who was visibly elated to see his man. Portland calmed. His ego had the balm it needed. Still, he couldn’t handle being ignored, and it was best for Tarek to understand that now. Portland wouldn’t tolerate having his messages unanswered.

He snagged a barstool at the chest high table.

Tarek’s eyes sparkled with happiness. “Hey, gorgeous.”

“You’ve been ignoring my texts.”

Tarek looked a bit confused, but quickly rallied. “I’m not allowed to look at my phone while I’m here.”

Portland felt a little stupid. Of course, Tarek wouldn’t be allowed to touch his phone on the floor. An uncomfortable chuckle escaped Portland. “I didn’t think of that. Maybe just ignore my texts when you turn on your phone. My messages might’ve gotten a little unhinged by the end.”

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