DANGER ZONE

The Elite #1

BROOKE BLAINE

ELLA FRANK

Copyright © 2020 by Brooke Blaine & Ella Frank

www.brookeblaine.com

www.ellafrank.com

Edited by Arran McNicol

Cover Design: By Hang Le

Cover Photography: Viccaro Roberto

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Contents

Synopsis

Also by Brooke Blaine

Also by Ella Frank

Classified Information

1. Grant Hughes

2. Mateo Morgan

3. Mateo Morgan

4. Grant Hughes

5. Panther

6. Solo

7. Panther

8. Solo

9. Panther

10. Solo

11. Panther

12. Solo

13. Panther

14. Solo

15. Panther

16. Panther

17. Solo

18. Panther

19. Solo

20. Panther

21. Solo

22. Panther

23. Solo

24. Panther

25. Solo

26. Panther

27. Solo

28. Panther

29. Solo

30. Panther

31. Solo

32. Panther

33. Solo

34. Panther

35. Solo

36. Panther

37. Solo

38. Panther

39. Solo

Thank You

About Brooke Blaine

About Ella Frank

Synopsis

They train to serve their country.

They strive to be the best.

But only a select few can be...

The Elite

* * *

MATEO MORGAN

CALL SIGN: SOLO

Reckless, arrogant, and bold, Solo is as known in the U.S. Navy for his bad-boy reputation as he is for his skills as a fighter pilot. It’s a surprise to his peers, then, when he’s chosen to train and compete at the most prestigious naval aviation academy in the world.

MISSION RULES:

1. Kick everyone’s ass.

2. Do whatever it takes to win.

3. Do your best to distract the competition.

4. Especially when that competition is a gorgeous blue-eyed perfectionist who makes your blood run hot.

* * *

GRANT HUGHES

CALL SIGN: PANTHER

Disciplined, smart, and confident, Panther can’t afford not to play by the rules. As the son of a top Navy commander, all eyes are on him, and being anything less than number one is unacceptable.

MISSION RULES:

1. Keep it safe in the air.

2. Prove you’re more than Commander Hughes’s son.

3. No distractions. Stay focused.

4. Don’t fall for your competition—especially not the rebellious heartbreaker with lips made for sinning.

In the heat of the hot California sun, tempers flare and desires ignite as Solo and Panther try to resist their attraction while fighting to be number one.

With passion this intense, the question remains:

Who’s gonna come out on top?

Also by Brooke Blaine

South Haven Series

A Little Bit Like Love

A Little Bit Like Desire

The Unforgettable Duet

Forget Me Not

Remember Me When

L.A. Liaisons Series

Licked

Hooker

P.I.T.A.

Romantic Suspense

Flash Point

PresLocke Series

Co-Authored with Ella Frank

Aced

Locked

Wedlocked

Fallen Angel Series

Co-Authored with Ella Frank

HALO

VIPER

ANGEL

An Affair In Paris

Standalone Novels

Co-Authored with Ella Frank

Sex Addict

Shiver

Wrapped Up in You

All I Want for Christmas…Is My Sister’s Boyfriend

Also by Ella Frank

The Exquisite Series

Exquisite

Entice

Edible

The Temptation Series

Try

Take

Trust

Tease

Tate

True

Confessions Series

Confessions: Robbie

Confessions: Julien

Confessions: Priest

Confessions: The Princess, The Prick & The Priest

Confessions: Henri

Confessions: Bailey

Sunset Cove Series

Finley

Devil’s Kiss

Masters Among Monsters Series

Alasdair

Isadora

Thanos

Standalones

Blind Obsession

Veiled Innocence

PresLocke Series

Co-Authored with Brooke Blaine

ACED

LOCKED

WEDLOCKED

Fallen Angel Series

Co-Authored with Brooke Blaine

HALO

VIPER

ANGEL

An Affair In Paris

Co-Authored with Brooke Blaine

Sex Addict

Shiver

Wrapped Up in You

All I Want for Christmas…Is My Sister’s Boyfriend

Classified Information

CALL SIGNS

Lieutenant Grant “Panther” Hughes

Stealthy, proud, and ferocious in the air. Also given the name due to his midnight-black hair.

Lieutenant Mateo “Solo” Morgan

Much like Han Solo, he’s gutsy but tends to think only about himself.

Lieutenant Pete “Gucci” Carter

Received his call sign after devouring too many shots the night before his first day of officer training and upchucking into a woman’s Gucci handbag.

Lieutenant Billy “Houdini” Wasowski

Can get in and out of anything—trouble, women’s pants, a bad situation in the sky…

Lieutenant Tia “Whiplash” Castaneda

Call sign given by her fellow trainees after several experienced extreme whiplash doing a double take in her direction.

Lieutenant Paul “Utah” Weinberger

Made everyone’s life in officer training a living hell.

U.T.A.H. = UpTight AssHole

Lieutenant Abcde “Alphabet” Szabelska

On the first day of officer training, no one could pronounce his name, so everyone called him “Alphabet.” It stuck.

Lieutenant Darrel “Phantom” Anderson

Has a tendency to vanish when he’s needed.

Commander Victor “Midnight” Levy

Was found passed out on a beach with a stripper named Midnight. To this day he denies it.

Commander Pamela “Ketchup” Heinz

Turning up for training with a last name like Heinz was asking for it.

Captain Franklin “Razor” Hughes

Known for pulling the sharpest turns and maneuvers in combat training.

1 Grant Hughes

IT WAS ONE of those hot summer nights, the ones best spent lying on the beach, a cold beer in hand, staring up at the jets flying overhead, the roar of their engines shaking the sky. That was where I should’ve been. It was the smart decision, the obvious choice between being responsible and where I was headed now.

Fuck it. The next ten weeks would have me on my best behavior, and if I needed a night off to get through it, then I’d take it.

A bead of sweat trailed down my neck from beneath the suffocating heat of my helmet as I waited for the traffic light to change. The last of the sun was setting behind me, leaving the sky overhead a bruise of purples and blues, and as the light flipped to green, I gunned the engine and took off toward the dark.

Minutes later, I smoothly guided my Ducati 848 into the parking lot of the unnamed bar—God, that was sketchy as hell—and then cut the engine. There was no hesitation as I climbed off the back of my bike, removed my helmet, and clipped it to the back of the seat. Then I shrugged out of my leather jacket, feeling relief as a gust of warm wind cooled my bare skin and the sweat on my brow. As the music playing inside filtered out through the front door opening and closing, a low purr of anticipation filled my gut. It’d been too long, and I was starving.

As I walked inside, my eyes adjusted to the dimly lit room. It looked like any bar you’d find anywhere in the U.S.: cracked vinyl booths along the perimeter, an old jukebox near the fully stocked bar with TVs playing a whole lot of no one’s watching. For a Sunday, it wasn’t too packed, but that didn’t much matter considering I was here for a sure thing. Another quick sweep of the room told me he hadn’t arrived yet, so I made my way to the bar, conscious of the gazes my way, sizing me up.

“I’ll have a Heineken,” I told the bartender, resting my elbow on the bar top and dropping my jacket onto the counter. Sitting down would invite visitors, and my night was set.

When the bartender popped the top and pushed the bottle my way, I took a long swig of the ice-cold beer and glanced up at the one television not playing a sports channel. The local news was on, running a feature on the air show from the weekend, and as I watched the planes showing off maneuvers, I felt a pair of eyes watching me.

I glanced at the clock behind the bar, choosing to ignore whoever it was making my skin heat, and silently cursed out my now late date. The last thing I needed was to be standing here solo, looking like I wanted someone to approach. That wasn’t me; I wasn’t the kind to troll a bar looking for a good time. I was more into having a plan and executing it. No surprises that way. No way for things to blow up in my face.

Keeping that thought in mind, I continued to pay extra-close attention to the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft executing barrel rolls across the television screen. I thought I was doing a pretty good job of giving off a don’t come near me vibe, but a few minutes later someone stepped up alongside me, invading my personal space in a way that indicated he wasn’t merely interested in the empty seat beside me.

Dammit, this was the last thing I needed.

“Hey there, this seat taken?”

The cocksure tone of the man who’d just delivered that very unoriginal line told me he wasn’t worried in the least that I’d turn him down. In fact, before I said anything, I could feel the guy sliding into the seat beside me, his body heat warming the bare skin of my arm.

I ground my back molars together and slowly turned in the direction of my new companion, and as I prepared to give my “thanks, but no thanks” speech, my words got caught somewhere in the back of my throat.

Situated as we were, I found myself looking down into a pair of eyes the color of smooth, expensive whiskey, lined with lashes so thick it looked as though he had taken a kohl liner to them. His hair was buzzcut short and brown, his skin bronzed like some kind of sun god, and when I continued to stand there like some kind of statue, a brilliant white smile crept across a pouty set of lips.

Hell, this guy was one of the most beautiful men I’d ever seen in my life—the problem was, he knew it.

“I’m gonna take that as a no.” Those stunning eyes boldly swept over my body, from my black t-shirt to my jeans, and when they finally landed back on my face, he winked. “Lucky me.”

Arrogant, bold, and cocky. The guy staring back at me was everything I steered clear of when it came to a quick hookup. I needed reliable, trustworthy, and discreet.

Looking away, I took another sip of my beer. “Sit wherever you like.”

“Ahh. I see.”

When he didn’t add anything to that, I took the bait. “See what?”

Out of the corner of my eye, that cocky half-smile still on his face, the guy shrugged. “Two theories. You’re either into playing hard to get, or…”

Though every instinct told me not to engage, I looked his way. When his eyes locked on mine, I realized my mistake. “Or?”

“Or you’re the aggressor.”

“The what?”

“The guy who goes after what he wants, not the one being pursued.”

I snorted and went back to pretending to watch the news, but then the guy leaned in, invading my space once again.

“So? Which is it?”

“Maybe it’s neither.”

“Or maybe you’re lying.” He dropped his voice down low. “Want me to go back to the end of the bar?”

I couldn’t help the chuckle that left my throat, because as unwanted as the attention was, you almost had to give it up for the guy’s persistence. If I wasn’t waiting for someone, I may have even found him charming.

“Another,” I said to the bartender, holding up my empty bottle. Then I glanced over my shoulder, looking once again for the familiar man I was here for, but when he still hadn’t arrived, I turned my body so I casually faced the man practically begging for my attention.

This time, I let my gaze roam over him, taking in the tight fit of his dark jeans and the way the olive-green t-shirt he wore was practically a second skin over his muscled build. He was devastating in that heartbreaker-but-you’ll-love-every-second-of-it way, and damn if my cock didn’t take notice.

“Oh please, feel free. Should I stand up?” He went to stand, but I shot my hand out, pushing against his chest so he stayed right where he was. His body beneath my fingertips was nothing but hard muscle, and I licked my lips before I could stop myself. Fuck, he was tempting.

When the bartender pushed another beer my way, I jerked my hand back and reached for the bottle.

“You don’t say much, do you?”

“Not here to talk.”

“No?” He got to his feet this time, kicking the stool away. “I can get on board with that.”

I sighed, half annoyed and half turned on. I knew which side would win in the end. “Look, I appreciate the attention, but I’ve got plans and they’re not with you.”

The guy grabbed his chest like he’d been shot. “Ouch. Brutal.”

“Better not to waste your time.”

“Ah-huh. So where’s your date?”

My jaw twitched. “Late.”

“Sounds like that’s more of a waste of time to me. I’d never make you wait.” He leaned in, his words practically a whisper. “I’d come every time you told me to.”

Shiiit. I swallowed hard, my cock kicking up a protest against my stubborn refusal. It would be so easy to give in. To grab the back of his head, force him to his knees, and shut that mouth of his. I could feel my resolve crumbling as I breathed in his heady cologne, and I was two seconds away from throwing caution to the wind when I looked up and saw the man I’d been waiting for entering the bar.

“You make an enticing offer,” I said, and when I pulled away, I smirked. “But my date just walked in.” I tossed a couple of bills on the bar top and grabbed my jacket, but before I walked away, the guy reached for my arm.

“Just my luck.” For some reason, there was still a grin playing on his lips, like somehow he still thought he’d have me. “By the way, you never told me your name.”

“No, I didn’t.” I shot him a wink, and as I walked off, called over my shoulder, “You have a good night.”

2 Mateo Morgan

THAT GUY WAS all wrong for Mr. Smooth over there. He was too…bland, like one of those guys you just knew would be the most boring lay of your life.

After tossing back the last of my beer, I motioned for another and watched the happy couple take up a spot in one of the back corner booths and proceed to make what looked like awkward small talk. Not sure why they bothered when it was clear it was all a hookup, but maybe one or both needed the extra liquid courage.

Again, I found my eyes roaming over the tall, dark-haired drink of water who’d blown me off even though it’d been obvious he hadn’t wanted to. One of those do-it-out-of-obligation types, though it certainly didn’t seem like he was getting the better end of the deal with those standards.

What the hell does he see in that guy? Not that I cared; I was just genuinely curious at this point how Smooth would manage to get it up with someone like that.

Like he felt my eyes on him, Smooth glanced up, and even from across the room it was impossible not to get sucked into those piercing, cold baby blues. And that was only if you managed to look away from his well-toned physique, one that screamed of hours spent honing each and every curve of muscle.

Too bad his body wouldn’t be put to good use tonight. Not with limp dick over there, anyway.

I chuckled as I brought the cold beer up to my mouth, causing Smooth—still looking my way—to frown. With his brows pulled down, he narrowed his eyes, the question in them as loud and clear as if he’d asked it out loud: What the hell is so funny?

If he couldn’t figure that answer out for himself, I wasn’t gonna be the one to tell him.

Leaning back against the bar, I propped my elbows behind me, beer in hand, and cocked my head to the side. This guy needed a challenge, not the sure-to-be-a-disappointment in front of him. My lips curved, and I gave Smooth my most seductive grin, the one that had a ninety-five percent success rate, and waited for him to realize his mistake.

He held my gaze for a long moment, and just when I thought I had him, he shook his head, said something to peanut dick, and slid out of the booth. As his “date” followed suit, I kept my eyes locked on the two of them. It was clear I’d provoked some kind of reaction from the guy, but what I wasn’t quite sure.

Was he about to peace out on the idiot who’d shown up late to claim his prize tonight? Or was he—yeah, fuck my luck—about to take him out the back and try to prove to himself that he wasn’t more interested in me than the guy whose hand he was now taking hold of?

As Smooth wrapped his long fingers around the dipshit’s hand, I imagined how it would feel having them tightening around my cock instead. I widened my legs a fraction, my jeans growing uncomfortably tight as Smooth weaved the two of them through the crowd in my direction. I knew he wasn’t heading my way, but the fact that I could see his chiseled jaw and the stubble lining it just made my dick throb even harder. Because hell if that wouldn’t feel amazing between my thighs.

As though he’d read my mind, Smooth whipped his head in my direction, his eyes locking on mine like a missile finding its target, and just before he disappeared down the side of the bar, I threw a wink his way and then ran my tongue around the top of my beer before taking another sip.

Fuck it. If he was about to go out the back and get his rocks off with one of the most boring men to walk through the doors of this bar, he might as well do it with the image of me in his head, because let’s face it, we both knew whose tongue he wished he could be tasting here—and it wasn’t the guy he was now aiming a fake-ass smile at.

When Smooth disappeared from sight, I scanned the bar looking to see if there were any other viable options for the night. With NAFTA looming just around the corner, I’d come here tonight with a plan—to get laid. I had ten arduous weeks ahead, which meant ten weeks of celibacy. But with the only person I’d taken an interest in now off fucking someone much less interesting than myself, it seemed my plan had just taken a nosedive.

I turned back to face the bar and gestured for the bartender. I didn’t need the shot of tequila, but since my options had been find someone to fuck or get fucked, it looked like plan B was in effect: get off-my-face wasted. Nothing like a bangin’ hangover to make a good first impression on my instructors. Not that they’ll be expecting anything less from Mateo Morgan, I thought, rolling my eyes as I swallowed down the shot. I was more than aware of how my reputation preceded me, and the fact that I’d been accepted into the most elite fighter pilot academy in the world? Hey, they knew what they were getting into by shooting me an invite. After all, my last evaluation had read: While Mateo Morgan remains an excellent pilot, we have concerns about his reckless behavior, aggressive maneuvers, and his lack of willingness to be a team player.

“Team player,” I muttered to myself, holding my shot glass out for a refill. Maybe I’d be a fucking team player if everyone else got their heads out of their asses and learned how to fly a goddamn plane.

I downed the shot, not even feeling the burn this time, and then scrubbed my face with my hands. I hadn’t come here to think, not about anything other than my dick, and I refused to sit here wallowing with no prospects. This might’ve been the only gay bar on the outskirts of town, but from the look of it, I’d have a better chance hooking up with some random in an alley. Heading to a bar anywhere near the base wasn’t the smartest move, not with the way our small community talked, and God knew I already had a target on my back.

I motioned for one last shot and then closed out my tab, ready to find somewhere more promising, when Smooth’s plain-vanilla fuckboy walked out of the bar—alone.

Huh. That’s an interesting development…

Shoving my wallet in my back pocket, I headed in the direction the guys had disappeared to. It’d only been, what? Five minutes? Definitely less than ten.

I snorted. Called it.

The short hallway seemed to branch off into different rooms—how had I missed this?—but before I had to guess which one they’d gone into, Smooth stepped out of the one on my right.

A quick once-over told me whatever had happened had indeed been unimpressive. Barely a hair mussed, his stunning face relaxed with no hint of excitement in his cheeks.

“Aww, leaving so soon?”

At the sound of my voice, Smooth raised his head and his eyes found mine, and I wasn’t shocked in the least to see them filled with frustration instead of desire—satisfied or otherwise.

“You know, I’m all for a quick fuck, but that would’ve had to have set records. Lemme guess, he couldn’t get it up?”

When a dangerous gleam entered Smooth’s eyes, my lips twitched. There was nothing I liked more than a little danger to ramp up the adrenaline, and this guy seemed to have a knack for making my pulse go from zero to a hundred in mere seconds.

Oh, he also had a knack for making me shoot my mouth off.

“Ahh, that’s not it? So maybe it was you who couldn’t get it up.” As the word up left my tongue, Smooth took several steps forward until I was forced to back up, and when my ass met the solid wall behind me, I couldn’t stop the smile that curved my lips. Seemed I’d struck a nerve.

“You don’t give up, do you?”

I let my eyes rove over the stunning face now only inches from my own, and took in the sinful body I wanted pressed up against me, then brought my eyes back to his. “Not when I see something I want.”

Smooth placed a hand up against the wall by my head, his eyes now so dark they were almost black. The danger from seconds ago was still there, but it was now coupled with the desire that had been missing.

“And you don’t care if that something has made it clear he’s not interested?”

“Not always. Sometimes that makes it even more fun.”

“Fun, huh?”

“Well, I guarantee you wouldn’t be walking out in less than five minutes. Aaand”—I glanced down between our bodies—“it’s pretty obvious you wouldn’t have a problem getting it up.”

“That was never a problem to begin with.”

“No?”

“No.”

“Then what was?” I knew the answer to that question already. You took the wrong fucking guy out back. But whether Smooth here would admit it was left to be seen.

“A pair of whiskey-colored eyes, tanned skin, and a mouth I really want to shut up but somehow know I shouldn’t.”

Well, shit, that sounded promising—and surprising, considering I hadn’t expected a truthful answer. I reached for the belt loops of Smooth’s jeans and tugged him in, closing the final distance between us. I needed to feel that rock-hard body against mine, and when he thrust his hips forward, I couldn’t help the moan that escaped my lips. His erection was hard and thick against mine, and I pushed my hips up against his to feel the friction again.

“This is what you want?” he asked, his voice low and husky.

“Feels like it’s what we both want.”

“Maybe.” He brushed his thumb over my lips before trailing his fingers down my throat and over my shirt. I felt him trace the outline of the dog tags I wore, and then he leaned in so close I closed my eyes, expecting his mouth to take mine. Instead, he said, “But I know your kind, and you’re the kind of trouble I can’t afford.”

Then Smooth, or whatever his name was, dropped his hand and stepped back, giving me one final look before turning for the door.

“So that’s it?” I pushed off the wall. “I don’t even get a name?”

He stopped and looked over his shoulder. “What do you need my name for?”

With a smirk playing on my lips, I decided to give him one last memory to think about. “So I know what to call out when I get myself off later.”

Surprise lit his face before the hunger settled in, and he dropped his head and chuckled. Then he started to push the door open, paused, and when he looked back my way, he said, “Grant. That’s the name you can use later.”

3 Mateo Morgan

Call Sign: SOLO

“SOLO, MY MAN.” A hand slapped down on my shoulder as I opened the locker I’d been assigned, and I glanced over my shoulder to see Gucci a.k.a. Pete Carter, my best friend, with a big, goofy grin on his mug. “Can you believe we’re doin’ this?”

“Fuck yeah, I can,” I said, as we clapped hands and went into the special handshake we’d come up with a decade ago, back when we were silly teenagers with big dreams. Now we were just foolish bastards with even bigger dreams.

“You check out your plane yet?” he asked, opening the locker beside mine.

“You know I have.”

“Some dicklicker posted a sign on mine that says Chanel. Fucking Chanel. Can you believe that shit?”

I snorted, unpacking the contents of my bag into my locker. “Gucci, Chanel. Easy mistake.”

“Oh, fuck you, man. It’s your fault I’m stuck with the name for life.”

“That’s what you get for puking your guts in a girl’s handbag right before training.”

Gucci groaned, slamming his head into his locker repeatedly. “Four rounds of three wisemen and you expect me to keep that shit in my body? Why couldn’t I get ‘wiseman’?”

I raised an eyebrow. “You really want me to answer that?”

“Or even ‘lightweight.’ Hell, I’d take that.”

“Could be worse. You could be stuck with ‘vomit.’ Or ‘hurl.’”

“Yeah, yeah.” Gucci haphazardly tossed his toiletries into the locker, muttering, “Chanel…”

With more care than my former copilot, I set each item in its place and ran my fingers over the tan flight suit hanging up—I was already wearing the green one. Ready for day one. The Naval Aviation Fighter Academy, or NAFTA, here in Mesamir, California, would be my home for the next ten weeks. I was used to living out of a duffel bag, going from base to base wherever I was assigned, never putting roots down anywhere. Who knew where the hell I’d end up once I finished the competition here? Guess that’d depend on whether I choked or won the whole damn thing.

“So what’d your ass get up to last night?” Gucci let out a moronic snort of laughter as he added, “Or is it too tired to answer?”

A smirk tugged at my lips as I closed the locker door. “You’re such a class act, Gooch.”

“What can I say, my mother raised me right.”

As I leaned up against the locker, I thought back to last night and Mr. Smooth, and while I wished the slight discomfort in my body this morning was due to being pounded into my mattress by that phenomenal body, the alcohol was what was responsible for my less-than-tiptop condition.

But Gucci didn’t need to know that.

“Your mother’s a wonderful lady who has the unfortunate luck of claiming you as her son.”

Gucci flashed a toothy grin my way. “Whatever. I’m her favorite son—”

“You’re her only son.”

“Exactly. Heather and Holly can battle over who’s the favorite daughter, but I will always be the favorite son.”

“You’re an idiot.”

“And you’re avoiding the question. So, lemme guess.” Gucci stroked a finger over his chin. “You went to some seedy bar on the outskirts of town…”

Okay, the fact that he zeroed in on that so quick was fucking alarming. But then again, if anyone knew a seedy bar, it was my man Gooch.

“You perched that sweet little tush of yours at the end of some banged-up bar counter, ordered yourself a”—Gucci paused and ran his eyes up and down my body and then nodded—“a beer to start with, but looks like you hit something harder later, and perused the dimly lit interior for a burning heap of hulking man.”

“Okay.” I raised my hand to halt him. “Please stop talking or I might hurl.”

“Tell me I’m wrong?”

“You’re wrong.”

Gucci narrowed his eyes, and I made sure to keep my face neutral, but the bastard had known me way too long.

“Ha! You’re lying.”

“Am not.”

“Are too.” Gucci pointed to my eyebrows, first one and then the other. “It’s twitching. The left one. And it only twitches when you’re lying.”

Fucker knew my tells better than I did. “Fine. You nailed it.”

“Uh huh, but did you, uh, nail it?” Gucci winked at me as he changed into his flight suit, and I rolled my eyes, taking a seat on the bench.

“You know me.”

“Yeah, I do. And the way you’re not blasting off at the mouth tells me it was either the worst you ever had or you couldn’t manage to get any.”

“Oh, I got some.” I shoved my feet into my boots as another smirk crossed Gucci’s lips.

“Of course you did.”

“I did,” I said, annoyance creeping into my voice. “What the fuck did you do last night that was so amazing?”

“Flew in on a redeye. No mile-high action, but I did get the flight attendant’s phone number.”

“How exciting.”

Gucci shrugged and zipped up his suit. “That’s why I’m trying to live vicariously through you, my man. Gimme somethin’ so I don’t feel like my weekend was a total waste.”

“You called it with the bar. Some dive on the outskirts and zero prospects except one.”

Leaning back against the lockers, Gucci crossed his big, bulky arms. “There it is. And?”

“And he was a wild, hot ride. Ya happy?”

Gucci threw back his head and laughed. “You didn’t even get a name this time, did you? Just ‘wild, hot ride.’”

“Actually, I did,” I said, standing up. “Grant.”

“Grant? You sure that’s his real name?”

“Why the hell would it be fake?”

“Huh. What did this Grant guy look like?”

“Jesus, you really do want a play-by-play.” I sighed, cracking my neck from side to side. “Little taller than me, phenomenal body. Pitch-black hair like a—”

“Panther?” Gucci offered, his eyes cutting past me as several other trainees entered the locker room.

“Uh, yeah, I guess.”

Gucci nodded and then slung his heavy arm over my shoulder, and just as I was about to ask him what his deal was, he pivoted us to where the other guys were now chatting and stowing their gear.

A shiver of recognition raced up my spine as I took in the long legs, firm ass, and broad shoulders standing only feet away from me. My eyes continued their hungry path up to a dark head of hair the color of a…panther’s, and that was when Gucci leaned in close to my ear and said, “Please tell me that’s not the Grant you were mooning all over?”

I would’ve paid good money to have the answer to that be no, but as Grant’s piercing blue eyes found mine, my stomach dropped.

“Fuck.”

4 Grant Hughes

Call Sign: PANTHER

WITH THE STRAP of my bag firmly over my shoulder, I stared up at the words written across the cream-colored building: Naval Aviation Fighter Academy.

The last time I’d been here I was twelve, following my father through the corridors as he worked, watching the pilots gear up and wishing I was one of them. It’d been a long fourteen years since then, and though my father no longer served as the top instructor for the academy, his legacy would follow me the moment I stepped through those doors.

I took in a deep breath, squared my shoulders, and reminded myself that I had earned the right to be here on my own merit. No matter what my name was, there was no way a fighter pilot walked through these doors as a favor to anyone. That was how people got killed.

“You plannin’ on goin’ in?”

At the familiar Southern drawl, I turned around. “Well, if it isn’t Houdini himself.” I grinned as I greeted him with a fist bump. “How the hell did they let you in?”

“Oh, you know. Sexual favors.”

Though I knew he was joking, I wouldn’t put it past him to offer up his body in exchange for getting him what he wanted. Houdini was the embodiment of the good ole Southern boy but with a helluva naughty streak. He looked like Robert Redford in the Butch Cassidy days, and he had a constant twinkle in his eyes and a smile that would charm the pants off just about anyone.

Hence the name Houdini: the guy could get out of—and into—practically anything.

“If I thought for one second they let you in for because of that, I’d be in the commander’s office right now demanding they reevaluate. Everyone knows you’re a flight risk when it comes to hookups. That’s something we can’t afford up there in the sky.”

Houdini looked me up and down as he slowly chewed on a piece of gum, then leaned in close to me. “Aww, don’t worry, Panther. I’d make sure you were purrin’ before I’d leave.”

As he threw a wink my way, I shoved him in the arm. There weren’t too many guys I let get away with talking to me like that, but I’d known Houdini for years. Charming bastard. “You’re cutting it a little close, aren’t you?”

“You’re one to talk. I figured you’d already be in there sizin’ up the competition.”

I smirked. “What competition?”

Houdini laughed and slapped me on the back as we headed up the stairs. “Don’t think I’m lettin’ you walk away with bragging rights this time. I ain’t just gonna hand you the trophy.”

“Mmm. We’ll see about that.”

Walking inside, the entrance was exactly like I remembered it, albeit with more security and metal detectors. We checked in at the front desk, and as we stopped in front of the metal detector, I gestured for Houdini to go ahead.

“Ladies first,” I said, causing Houdini to throw me the finger before walking through.

Once we’d grabbed our bags from the conveyor belt, we followed the signs that led to the locker room, where we’d change into our flight suits before orientation. The hallways smelled like fresh paint, the walls a cream color that matched the outside of the building—yet another difference from what I remembered. Back then, they’d been a drab grey.

“Lieutenant Hughes.”

I stopped at the firm tone and looked behind me to see Commander Ancog walking briskly toward us. Tall and imposing, he stopped in front of me, and I straightened to attention.

“Commander Ancog,” he said, his deep voice a rumble echoing off the walls. “I worked with your father.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”

“I can’t tell you how pleased we are to have the son of Razor here with us this time around. We can’t wait to see what you’re going to be like up in the air.”

Barely in the door and there it was. “I appreciate that, sir. I look forward to making my father and NAFTA proud.”

A hint of a smile crossed Commander Ancog’s lips. He nodded at me and only then noticed Houdini, who also got a nod.

As Ancog walked away, Houdini said, “No pressure or anything, but if you don’t win, ya might be disowned.”

No shit, I thought, but tried to brush off what the commander had said. I didn’t need to focus on that right now, not when classes hadn’t even started. “Let’s go.”

Down at the end of the maze of a hall, the locker rooms split up, and we veered off to the right, running into some of the other trainees.

Houdini seemed to know them all—of course he did—and made quick introductions as we headed into the room.

“Thirty-five, thirty-five,” I said under my breath, scanning the locker numbers for mine, and when I found it, I dropped my bag and popped the locker open. Two sets of flight suits were hung inside, and as I reached for one of them, I heard a laugh from the other end of the room.

Glancing to my right, I caught sight of two guys I’d yet to meet. They were talking amongst themselves and making it clear to everyone else in the room they were happy to keep it that way by not bothering to come over and introduce themselves.

One looked to be the size of a house, and I couldn’t help but wonder how he managed to fit in the cockpit of a plane, while the other was much leaner. With their backs turned toward me I couldn’t see either one’s face, so when Houdini stepped up beside me and opened up his locker, I heard myself asking, “Who are those two?”

Houdini peered around me to the other end of the locker room, and when he zeroed in on the two standing there, he rolled his eyes. “Gucci and Solo.”

When he offered nothing more, and instead went back to sorting out the contents of his locker, I narrowed my eyes as the hulk looked my way.

“Solo? As in—”

“Yeah, as in the reckless fucker who almost cost the Navy a jet last month. That Solo. Not real sure whose dick he had to suck to get here, but clearly it worked. The guy’s trouble.”

I studied the pair of men again, wondering which of these two was the infamous Solo, but when the hulk slung an arm around the other guy’s shoulder and pivoted him in my direction, I knew exactly which guy was which.

I’d seen trouble last night, I just hadn’t realized it had followed me here.

Fuck.

5 Panther

I COULD FEEL his eyes boring into the back of my head.

Solo.

Of course the persistent man from last night was now sitting behind me in the training room, because life could never just be that easy.

I kept my attention on Commander Levy at the head of the classroom and tried to focus, even as panic flooded my veins. With such a devil-may-care reputation, would Solo out me to my peers and instructors? I kept my private life private for a reason, and now this guy’s very presence threatened what I’d worked so hard for.

This was why I didn’t fuck around with anyone within the military: people talked, and even though it wasn’t technically against the rules anymore to be gay, it still made others wary and look at you differently. Knowing how my father felt about it had kept my lips sealed and actions under the radar from anyone other than my closest of friends—and they weren’t talking. Hell, that was why I went out of my way to hit up bars outside of town where it wasn’t likely to run into anyone with loose lips. Once I’d felt Solo’s dog tags last night, any attraction I felt no longer mattered. I wasn’t about to risk my career for anyone, so thank God I hadn’t been thinking with my cock last night.

But damn, I’d never expected he’d show up in my life again, and definitely not here.

Fuck, fuck, fuck. Why did the charming, attractive man I’d thankfully resisted have to be a fellow pilot with a reputation of infamy throughout the Navy?

Beneath the desk I clenched my fists and forced my focus back on the orientation. At the front of the room, Commander Levy paced, his eyes cold and assessing.

“Each of you have proven yourselves to be the top of your respective classes, and that’s why you’re here.” Commander Levy stopped in front of me, his hands clasped behind his back. “The Elite. It’s not just a name, ladies and gentlemen. It’s a badge of honor. The highest aviation honor in the Navy, which means all eyes are on you and what you do here in the next ten weeks.”

It didn’t escape my notice that he stared directly at Solo as he said that, probably hoping to instill a bit of fear into the guy known to be fearless.

“By the time you graduate—if you graduate—you’ll have your choice of jobs anywhere in the world. But I must warn you, the next two and a half months will be the most intense of your life. You’ll face scheduled and unscheduled hops at our discretion, sometimes at a moment’s notice. Sometimes you’ll go up in pairs. You’ll be forced to work together as a team while also competing against each other.”

The thought of being paired up with the man still staring at the back of my head made me uneasy, but I’d be damned if I showed it. This competition was mine to lose, and I never lost. I wouldn’t start now.

Commander Levy went back to pacing the room. “Only one of you will come out on top—”

Behind me, someone snorted.

Commander Levy jerked around, staring over my shoulder. “Is something amusing, Lieutenant Morgan?”

“As a matter of fact, there is,” Solo replied, arrogance not-so-subtly laced through his words.

“Since you find it important enough to interrupt my class, perhaps you’d like to share?”

All eyes turned in Solo’s direction, and being determined not to draw attention to myself, I glanced behind me. With his flight suit showing off that spectacular body, Solo lounged casually in his seat, his arm propped up lazily on the back of his chair. A smirk tipped his lips, as if he didn’t have a care in the world, as if he wasn’t sitting in a room full of the best and most respected pilots in the Navy.

“You say only one of us will come out on top,” Solo said, and then his eyes flicked to me. They seemed to be more golden than brown under the fluorescent lights, but the devilry I’d seen in them last night was still there. “It just so happens, being on top is my favorite position.”

Then he winked at me—fucking winked, that asshole—and I jerked back like I’d been slapped, turning back to face the front, because was he kidding with that shit? Could he be more obvious?

“No one wants to hear about your sex life, fucker,” Utah called out, causing a low chuckle to filter across the room.

“I’m not talking about my sex life,” Solo replied. “In that case, I don’t care who comes out on top.”

Sweet God almighty… Like I needed that thought in my head.

Or that visual.

“That’s enough,” Commander Levy snapped, and then narrowed his eyes on Solo. “I’ll see you in my office at the end of the day, lieutenant.” When Utah snickered, Levy added, “You too, Utah.”

A hush fell over the class, no one else wanting to start off their time here by getting ripped a new asshole on the first day.

“For your first hop you’ll be working as a team. Lead and wingman. I’ve assigned your partner for the duration of the course, though your roles will change up for each different hop.”

I glanced down at the binder in front of me and looked over the flight brief and specs of the F/A-18A Super Hornet.

“Now, I know most of you are familiar with these jets, or should be, at least. But just in case any of you are still coming to grips with the fact you actually made it here and will be competing for the highest honor you can get, I’m giving you an easy day.” Commander Levy paused, looked over the class. “Enjoy it. It’s the only one you’ll get.”

A murmur rang out amongst the class as the commander headed back to the desk at the front left of the room where he picked up a clipboard and pen. This was it; he was about to assign the partnerships for the duration of the competition.

“Right, listen up. I’ve got Utah as lead with Houdini as your wingman. Phantom? You’re in lead, and Alphabet, you’re flanking him. Gucci? You’ll take lead with Whiplash as your wingman. And from what I’ve heard, Whiplash, be thankful you won’t be sharing an actual cockpit…” A chorus of jeers rang out, and Whiplash turned her head to aim her eyes Gucci’s way.

“You ever throw up on me, lead or not, I’ll cut off your ball sac.”

As Commander Levy continued to call out the pairings, my heart pounded and I sat up a little straighter.

Everyone knew that who you were paired with could either make or break you when it came to these hops, and as the list got smaller and my name hadn’t yet been called, I gripped my pencil so hard that I was surprised it didn’t snap.

There were only a few names left besides mine, none of which would’ve been my first choice, and one that was certainly my last. But surely my luck wasn’t that bad—

“Solo? You’re going to take lead with Panther as your wingman.”

Okay, apparently it was.

“I want you all to work together. Remember, it’s imperative to come together as a team in this particular instance. Prove you can work well with others. Okay, let’s go over the brief.” The commander turned to pick up his binder, and as he flipped through the pages, I heard a chair shift behind me and a slight breeze on the back of my neck.

Don’t look. Don’t look, I ordered myself. But when that all-too-familiar voice whispered by my ear, “I’m all about coming together with my team. What about you?” my head whipped to the side and I aimed a cool glare at the cocky fucker.

Unbelievable. This was the last thing I needed. To be tied to an irresponsible, reckless hotshot who thought he could do whatever the hell he wanted and get away with it. Including, apparently, goading me.

But I wasn’t about to bite. I was there for one reason and one reason only, and no one was going to keep me from succeeding, especially not somebody who had a target on his back. With my face set to neutral, I held Solo’s stare, refusing to let him see how much he’d gotten under my skin, and when the corner of his mouth curved and he slumped back in his seat, I slowly turned back to face the front.

It was going to be a long ten weeks, if this shitshow of a first day was anything to go by.

6 Solo

TODAY WAS MY lucky day.

First, laying eyes in the locker room on gorgeous Grant from last night, and then getting paired up? As my Ma used to say, it was a sign.

If the frosty looks he’d been sending my way all morning were any indication, Grant—or Panther—wasn’t exactly thrilled about my presence here, and it didn’t take a genius to figure out why.

Panther was a classic daddy’s boy of the Navy, one of those bred-for-this-shit offspring of top-dog captains, and I’d wager ole Daddy-o wasn’t too pleased about his son’s sexual preference.

Too bad, I thought as we were dismissed from orientation and told to go gear up. As everyone filed out of the room and headed toward the bay, I dropped back into step with Gucci but kept my eyes locked on the gorgeous man marching down the hall in front of me.

Oh yeah, Panther was pissed.

“I would tell you to behave yourself up there today. But since you’ve already managed to get on the commander’s shitlist, I’m just gonna go with: are ready to get your ass kicked today?”

Somehow I managed to tear my eyes away from Panther’s spectacular ass long enough to glance at Gucci and see his arrogant smile.

“If I were you, I’d stick with your first train of thought, because there’s no way you’re gonna kick my ass up there. Never have and never will.”

Gucci scoffed. “You know, one of these days, someone better than you is going to come along.”

“Yeah? Well, it ain’t gonna be you, and it ain’t gonna be today.”

“Whatever you say.”

I followed Gucci inside the bay, and as we headed over to where our gear was stored, I spotted Panther a few feet away. “Plus, the only guy who actually stands a chance of beating me up there just got partnered with me.”

“Partnered?” Gucci let out a bark of laughter. “More like assigned to be your warden. He looked about as happy with that decision as someone sentenced to life without parole.”

I couldn’t argue with that, but I wasn’t about to let that deter me. Everyone knew that Grant “Panther” Hughes, son of Captain Franklin “Razor” Hughes, was one of the best pilots in the Navy. The one to beat.

The fact that I’d been paired up with him just increased my chances of winning. It also increased the time I’d be spending with him one on one. Something I was choosing to see as a bonus, and something he was clearly seeing as a fate worse than death.

“Nah, he’ll come around.” I picked up my G-suit and wrapped it around my waist, snapping it shut down my side. “I grow on people, you know that.”

“Grow on people? Like fungus, you mean?”

I flipped Gooch the bird, then went back to clipping the legs of my suit and zipping them up, making sure they were all nice and tight, each piece of our gear having been tailor-made for us. Next, I grabbed my survival vest off the hook and my eyes wandered over to where Panther was stepping into his, which was laid out on the floor.

My hand tightened around the torsion strap as he bent down to pull the gear up over his thighs. As he straightened to slip his arms inside the harness and maneuver it into place, I couldn’t help but let my eyes wander down his tight, built physique to where the vest lovingly cupped his crotch.

Daaaamn. Nothing made me hotter than a sexy guy in full flight gear, and I was really damn glad my uniform was flame-retardant, because Panther was scorching hot.

“Aww, hell.” At the sound of Gucci’s voice, I tore my eyes away from Panther to see my friend shaking his head. “You weren’t kidding earlier, were you? You really did hook up with him.”

Well, not exactly. But I couldn’t backtrack now. Instead, I stayed silent.

“This has disaster written all over it.”

“Stop worrying, would you? Shit. You’re worse than a mother hen. It’s going to be fine.” At least, that was what I kept telling myself as I stepped into my own vest and pulled it up my legs. But when I stood tall to pull my shoulder straps in place, I felt someone’s focus locked on me and looked up in time to see Panther watching me.

His lips were pulled tight and his intense eyes narrowed as he studied me from head to toe, and when they reached my face, his expression remained unaffected. Yeah, well, that wouldn’t do. So I reached down to readjust the cock he’d awakened with his little gear-up.

Just as I’d hoped, Panther’s eyes dropped to what I was doing, and when they quickly darted back up to my face, I aimed the same slow smile I’d thrown his way last night and winked.

I expected some kind of reaction. More likely a scowl, but I was hoping for more of a heated look or lick-your-lips situation, any response to tell me he was affected.

But no. Panther’s expression remained stoic as he pulled the strap tight across his chest. Then he grabbed his helmet and turned on his heel, heading out of the bay, and I quickly finished putting on the rest of my gear before he got too far.

“See you out there,” I said, clapping a hand on Gucci’s shoulder, and then I grabbed my own helmet and jogged out in the direction of the hangar. Up ahead, Panther kept up a brisk pace, but I quickly caught up to him.

“You wouldn’t be trying to leave without me, now, would you?” I said, popping on my Aviators as we walked out of the hangar and into the blazing sun. With all the extra gear on, it felt like it was about five thousand effin’ degrees.

Panther kept his gaze forward. “The thought had crossed my mind.”

“Look, I don’t know what you’ve heard, but you got lucky with me as your partner.”

He snorted.

“You don’t think so? Ever flown with me?” When Panther remained silent, I dropped my voice to a purr. “Then you don’t know what you’ve been missing.”

Panther stopped abruptly and ripped off his sunglasses. His blue eyes blazed, finally the reaction I’d been provoking him for. “I get it. You play the part of the rebellious pilot to hide your insecurities. You’re an attention seeker, which is why you don’t keep your mouth shut, and you want nothing more than to get into your competition’s head, which is why you keep fucking with me.” Grinding his jaw, he stepped even closer to me, out of earshot of the others heading out to their planes. “I keep my shit private, you get me? Say something like you did in class today again, and I will fucking end you. I will end you. So if you know what’s good for you, you’ll keep your head down, your lips zipped, and you’ll fly clean.”

Panther shoved his Aviators back on and walked away, and I couldn’t help my grin. A raging Panther was hot.

7 Panther

I NEVER KNEW I could be capable of murder until this morning, but it was possible, and it could happen at any given moment.

As if running into Solo here wasn’t bad enough, he had to be my partner for the duration of the competition? Was this some kind of cruel karmic joke coming to bite me in the ass? I didn’t remember doing anything bad enough to warrant getting stuck with the notorious pilot. If he went off the rails and screwed my chances at the top spot, there would definitely be a death later.

Once I reached the plane I’d been assigned, I went through the preflight check, as beside me Solo did the same.

Forget him. Keep your mind on the hop. Stay calm and ready for anything.

After running through the checks, I closed my eyes as I sat in the cockpit and took a deep breath before letting it out slowly, clearing my head. This is what I’d been born to do, and no one was getting in the way of me proving it.

I slipped on my helmet, attached the mask, and then waited for my cue. Solo was positioned to take off ahead of me, and as he got the go-ahead, he tore off down the runway.

Here we go.

Adrenaline was already pumping through my veins, giving me a buzz not even alcohol could. I’d been flying for years now, and one thing I hadn’t expected when I first started out was that it never got old. The high of flying a jet was unlike anything I’d ever experienced in my life, and as I got the go-ahead to take off, I punched the engines and roared down the runway. My entire body vibrated as I increased the speed, more, more, and then the jet was airborne, soaring into the clear blue sky, not a cloud blocking the view.

My heart hammered in my chest, though I maintained the smooth control I always did when flying. Up ahead, I caught sight of Solo and continued the rise to thirty-one thousand feet, where he’d leveled out.

Play it straight for once in your life, Solo.

The mission that had been laid out in the brief today was straightforward and to the point. The commander wanted to see our basic fighter maneuvers and how we handled ourselves in a dogfight. This was something we practiced repeatedly. A midair showdown where we each tried to maneuver ourselves behind our opponent’s aircraft and intercept the perceived intruders in an attempt to drive them off course and leave the area.

If they didn't leave? Well, that was when you better pray that you knew what the hell you were doing up there.

The roar of the slipstream as I turned made my wings flex, and it was a sound I’d never grow tired of hearing. I moved into formation with Solo, around ten feet from where his jet was tearing up the sky. Then I checked my wing line and longitudinal references to make sure I was in position.

As his wingman today, it was my job to keep an eye on my lead at all times and make sure the wingtip to nose-tail separation was exact, to keep our flying safe. As lead, it was Solo’s job to delegate tasks within the flight to ensure the mission was safely accomplished.

I knew I’d do my part with the utmost diligence and responsibility, but as for Solo, who knew what stunt he’d pull.

“Panther, nice of you to finally join me up here today. Looking good on my six, over.”

If there was one thing I, and most other pilots, hated, it was a chatty Cathy over the comm. The term “zip up and shut up” didn’t come from men who wanted to have a full conversation in the sky. But somehow, Solo didn’t strike me as the type to give a shit about that one way or another.

Lucky me. “I’m in position and got you in sight. Let’s get this done.”

“Aww, what, no small talk?”

“I’m not here to entertain you, Solo. I’m here to win.”

“Can’t you do both?”

I was just about to tell Solo to shut his damn mouth and focus when Gucci’s plane appeared from out of nowhere and locked on to Solo's position. Then, just as it always happened up here, things went from intense to insane in a matter of seconds, as Solo shot off and began to climb, clearly about to implement some serious repositioning maneuvers.

I had no choice but to go with him, and the two of us punched our jets in gear and began one of the fastest, most extreme ascents known to man. We were on the straight-up vertical now, and the thunderous sound of air rushing by as we pulled some serious fucking Gs made my entire body vibrate and come alive.

The rush of living this close to the edge, the knowledge that you were doing something only a handful of men and women could physically and mentally do, took a high-octane mixture of ego and guts, fear and intelligence, and when Solo finally reached the pinnacle of his climb and banked left before executing a hard dive, I knew I was witnessing the ego and guts firsthand. Crazy motherfucker.

As Gucci followed suit, Solo began a series of high-speed turns and rolls, each one reactive to Gucci’s attempt to lock him in for the shot, but there was no way he was about to get a clear go at a plane executing the moves Solo was.

Keeping pace with my lead, I had to admit Solo was one hell of a pilot. He was fast, fearless, and precise, and today he was playing by the rules. It was obvious he was here for a reason, and as the two of us outmaneuvered and outpaced Gucci and Whiplash, we managed to get behind them and zero in on our targets for the kill.

Well, I’ll be damned—maybe this wouldn’t be the disaster I’d feared all along.

“Hell yes,” Solo called out through the comm as we won the first hop. “I told Gooch he wouldn’t beat me today. Not fucking today.”

“Not bad,” I said, relief flooding through me. I’d been prepared for the worst, but he’d flown clean and we’d kicked ass right out the gate.

“Not bad? Is that your idea of a compliment?”

“Your ego’s big enough. Let’s head back to base.”

When Solo didn’t respond, I took that as an agreement and made a hard right back to NAFTA. It wasn’t long, however, before I realized he wasn’t following.

“Solo? There a problem?” Glancing around, I found him heading straight up, leaving contrails in the sky. “What are you doing?”

“Just showing Gooch whose is bigger.”

Oh, for fuck’s sake. “Cut the shit and get back to base.”

“Can’t. Gotta make it long and thick.”

“Make what long and thick?”

“My sky dick.”

“Your sky…” I lost my voice as Solo began to descend, and sure enough, a penis began to form from the line of contrails he was leaving behind. I watched in horror as he began making figure eights at the base of the phallus.

“Yo, Panther, how are my ball’s lookin’? Are they big enough?”

I didn’t respond. There was no way in hell I was getting involved in this, because those contrails weren’t dissipating, and I’d be damned if I lost marks for this prank.

“Come on, man, I can’t have wonky balls. Just tell me if they’re the right size.”

Ignoring Solo, I began my descent as the runway came into view, and just as I touched down, I heard him say, “Man, that’s a beautiful penis. Look up and tell me how hot my dick is.”

It was impossible to miss the massive drawing in the sky, and it was also impossible to miss what exactly it was.

I’m going to fucking kill him.

8 Solo

THE DRESSING DOWN I received alongside Panther wasn’t one of the top ten moments of my life, but I couldn’t say it hadn’t been worth it. It’d been a big FU to my best friend, who thought it was funny as hell, unlike my instructors.

Hey, it wasn’t my fault the contrails had lasted longer than they should’ve. I figured the design would be up for a few minutes max, but it was still there, and now the office was getting complaints.

Whoopsie. Not.

As we walked out of Commander Levy’s office and headed to the locker room, I could feel the tension radiating off Panther, though he hadn’t said a word to me since we’d landed. So uptight, this guy.

“Well, Commander Levy wasn’t too impressed with my dick,” I said casually. “I gotta say, that’s a first.”

“Shut. Up,” Panther said through clenched teeth.

“Did you find it impressive? You can tell me the truth.” I glanced around at the empty halls. “No one’s around to hear you admit you liked it.”

It would’ve been funny the way Panther’s fists clenched if I hadn’t thought he’d actually use them on me. He probably would.

For some reason, even the thought of getting hit couldn’t stop my mouth. “So we got spanked on the ass. It’s not like we got disqualified—”

As we rounded the corner into the locker room, Panther shoved me up against the wall so hard the breath left my body. Eyes blazing, he stared me down, his face only inches from mine.

“What the fuck were you thinking?”

“I—”

“Thought it’d be a good idea to go rogue and disrespect not only me, but the Navy? It wasn’t enough to win the hop, you had to go fuck it up after? You think this shit’s funny?”

“I’m guessing you don’t.”

“You’re lucky you’re here. You’re lucky you’re still here. And because I’m the guy who got stuck with you, it’s up to me to make sure you don’t pull that shit again.”

Damn he was hot. Something about getting Panther all fired up pushed every single one of my buttons, and being up against the wall with his strong body practically vibrating against mine? There might be another sky penis in my future.

“They aren’t gonna put up with this kind of thing, Solo. You need to pull your head in.”

I glanced down between us at my obvious erection. “Too late.”

When Panther looked down, surprise lit his face, taking over the anger that had been there, and then he jerked away from me.

“I don’t get you,” I said, pushing off the wall. “You act like you’re so scared of cock, both up in the air and mine, when I know that’s not true.”

Panther’s eyes widened as he whipped his head around, looking for our peers. “Keep your fucking voice down.”

“Or what?” I took a step toward him. “You gonna hit me? I know you want to.”

Panther lunged, grasping my flight suit as he jerked me forward. “Let’s get something straight. You don’t know me. You don’t know anything about me, and I plan on keeping it that way.”

“Because I’m ‘trouble’?” I grinned, wrapping my hand around his wrist where he held me. “And trouble scares you?”

“I’m not scared of you.”

“Oh, so just yourself, then.”

Panther’s jaw twitched and his fingers flexed in my suit. “Can you for one second in your life try to act like this means something to you.”

“You getting all up in my face? Oh, trust me, that definitely means something to me.”

Panther shoved me away and pointed his finger at me. “You’re impossible.”

“I’ve been called worse.”

“Why am I not surprised.” Panther turned on his heel, and as he began to storm away, I quickly followed, letting my eyes trail down over his broad shoulders and trim waist.

“You know, maybe if you loosened up a little you wouldn’t find me so—”

“Infuriating?”

My lips twitched as he stopped in front of his locker and yanked it open. “I was thinking more…distracting.”

Panther gripped the metal door of his locker and aimed a fierce glare in my direction, and if I’d been anyone else I might’ve felt intimidated. But that was the last reaction my body was having. I was one hundred percent turned on by the anger radiating off him, which wasn’t all that surprising.

I totally got off on the rush of danger, and right now Panther looked like the kind of danger a person would be smart to back away from.

But where was the fun in that?

“You know, I’m trying to decide what it is about me that seems to piss you off the most. That I can match you in the sky, that I know how to have fun and you clearly don’t, or the fact that even though you seem to loathe everything about me, you still totally want to fuck my brains out.”

Panther pressed his fingers so hard into the metal of the door that the tips turned white. I could see a vein pulsing at the side of his temple now, and honestly, I was shocked he hadn’t slammed his fist in my face. At this stage, we both knew I deserved it.

It was like the guy was made of stone, and hell if I didn’t want to grind up against him.

“Did it ever occur to you that not everyone here thinks with their dicks? That some of us are here because we are proud to serve our country and not just to have some hotshot job that’s guaranteed to land us some ass whenever we talk about our occupation?”

Panther then looked me up and down, and when his eyes came back to my face, there was nothing complimentary in his stare. He looked unimpressed and unaffected, and if it hadn’t been for the white-knuckling still going on, I might’ve bought into his uninterest.

“I got here through hard work and determination. I’ve had to prove myself ten times over to both my instructors and father to earn the right to say I belong here. And now I’m stuck babysitting some reckless, immature little boy who can’t prove himself unless he’s talking about his cock or how big it is. Do you know how unappealing that is?” Panther leaned in and added, “I might’ve wanted to fuck your brains out last night. But ten seconds into class this morning, I was happy to know my instincts about you had been right. That’s the difference between going with your gut and playing it safe. Now unless you’re going to apologize for fucking up my first day here, get the hell out of my way.”

9 Panther

I’D NEVER BEEN so angry or humiliated in my life. First day at the most prestigious aviation academy in the world, and I’d been called into my commander’s office and been reprimanded for something I didn’t do.

Great. This was just fucking great.

As I threw my gloves into the locker, I was happy to see that Solo seemed to have finally gotten the picture and fucked off, because I swear on all that was holy I’d been about two seconds away from planting my fist in the guy’s face—something that was totally unlike me.

But God, there was just something so damn infuriating about him. Whether he was jerking off and using seventy-million-dollar planes as crayons in the sky or running his mouth about things I wish I could forget, Solo knew exactly how to push my buttons.

“Holy shit, that was the most epic thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” Gucci said as he strolled into the locker room, followed by the rest of the guys. He fist-bumped Solo and they both began to laugh, shooting the shit like what he’d done hadn’t almost cost us our spots in the program.

“It’s all over social media, dude.” Phantom scrolled through his phone and then showed the screen to Solo, whose smile grew even bigger. I glared his way, and when he looked up at me, his smile hesitated. Then he shrugged and began to regale the others with his “epic” adventure, but I wasn’t about to stick around for it.

I slammed my locker shut and ignored the looks my way as I left the locker room, Houdini hot on my heels.

“Hey, hey, wait up.”

I kept my pace, winding through the halls to grab a quick lunch before the next class began.

“So what happened? You get in trouble for it, too?”

“Well, I didn’t get fucking bonus points.”

Houdini snort-laughed, grabbing a tray when we entered the mess hall and continuing to follow me. “You gotta admit, the guy’s got a sense of humor.”

“More like a death wish.”

“Eh, that too. The more he pulls that shit, the higher I climb in the ranks.”

Turning around, I shot Houdini a glare. “And you don’t think that shit affects me? That that little stunt isn’t going to follow me through the rest of my time here? Through my career?” I grabbed a turkey sub off the line and loaded by plate up with sides.

“It’s not like you did it.”

“No, I’m just the lucky bastard who got partnered up with a suicidal pilot.”

“Hate to say better you than me, man, but…”

“Yeah.” Forcing myself to breathe and calm the hell down, I moved down the line and paid for my lunch. Houdini joined me at a booth, keeping quiet as my anger subsided.

My father had always said it was important not to react to history, but to focus on what was going to happen next. Everything happens too fast in the air, and you only have time to rely on your training and react. And even though what Solo did wasn’t technically part of the hop, it wouldn’t do me any good to linger on his fuck-up. Nothing I could do about it now, though I had a feeling my father would have a few words for me about what had gone down.

Once I’d finished off my sandwich, Houdini said, “Do you think he’s doin’ it on purpose?”

I wiped my mouth and took a swig of my drink. “What?”

“Solo. You think he’s sabotaging himself on purpose?”

“Why would anyone do that?”

“Hell if I know. Maybe what happened to his brother messed him up in the head.”

I thought about that for a moment and then shrugged. “I’m not gonna sit here and try to understand the inner workings of Solo’s brain and why he does what he does.”

“Just curious, is all. I’ve never seen anyone defy orders on the first day and live to see the second.”

“Guess he’s not only reckless but lucky too.”

Houdini studied me, cocking his head to the side. “You really don’t like the guy, do ya?”

“Gee, what gave it away?”

“I’ve just never seen you so upset before. It’s not like you.”

“You telling me you wouldn’t be upset if you were in my shoes?”

Houdini raised his hands. “Not sayin’ that at all, but I’d probably find the humor in it, more like. A sky penis? Come on, that’s pretty damn hilarious. And creative.”

I sighed and pushed my tray away. “Really not in the mood.”

“Wanna talk about whatever else is botherin’ you, then?”

Outside of Houdini, only a handful of people knew the things I kept secret, and I debated whether to let him in on Solo. I knew he wouldn’t say anything, and hell, maybe it’d help to have someone on my side, since Solo was now a hero for that damn sky penis.

“Today isn’t the first time I’ve seen him. Solo.” I reached for my glass and wiped the condensation off with my thumb. “We had a run-in. Didn’t go so well.”

“And?”

“The end.”

“Oh, come on. That’s all I get? What kind of run-in?”

“The kind at a bar you don’t go to.”

“Where do I not— Ohhh. Oh, shit.” Houdini sat back in his chair, his eyes wide. “He’s gay?”

“I don’t think he was there for the drinks and decor.”

“Maybe he didn’t know what kind of bar it was. He’s not from around here, right?”

I raised my brow and waited for the light bulb to click on over Houdini’s head. It only took a few seconds, and then he said, “Did he hit on you? He did, didn’t he? You shoot him down? No, wait, you fucked him. You fucked him, and now you regret it, right? Damn, I’m good.”

“I didn’t touch him. Let’s get that part straight.”

“Sounds like the only thing straight in that bar that night,” Houdini said with a wink.

“Your jokes get worse every time you tell one, you know that, right?”

“Don’t try to deflect. We were finally gettin’ to the good stuff.”

“Is that what my suffering is to you? The good stuff?”

Houdini took a bite out of his meatball sub and shrugged. “You gotta admit, this is some juicy stuff. Now, stop stallin’ and spill the details.”

I sighed and tried to remember why I thought telling him was a good idea. “There are no details to tell, juicy or otherwise. He approached—”

“I knew it, he totally hit on you.”

“I said thanks but no thanks, and that was the end of that.”

Houdini chewed another mouthful of food and swallowed. “Except it wasn’t.”

“Exactly.”

“Fuck me, dude. This is better than a soap opera. Tell me, did he recognize you the second you saw each other again?”

“Well, he’s not blind, so that would be a yes.”

“But hang on a second, if he’s the one who hit on you and you said no, why are your panties all in a twist? Unless…” Houdini nodded like he was onto something. “Is he still wantin’ to pet the Panther?”

God save me from Houdini and his horrible humor. “Pet the Panther? Really?”

“Would stroke have been better?”

“Nothing would’ve been better. But thanks, now I have that in my head.”

“You’re welcome. So, okay, what’s the problem? He wants to fuck and you…don’t?”

At Houdini’s blunt assessment of the situation, words escaped me.

“Or maybe you do. Is that it? I mean, from a straight dude’s standpoint, I can see the appeal. Solo’s hot.”

Oh my fucking God. “Stop talking or I swear on my mother I will shove the rest of that sub down your throat.”

“Ahh, so that’s how you like it, huh?”

As I went for his plate, Houdini pulled it out of reach.

“Come on, I’m just messin’ with you. But seriously, if hookin’ up with Solo is what it’s gonna take to make you crack a smile again, I say do it. He doesn’t seem like the type who’s searchin’ for a long-term commitment, if you get my drift.”

“But he is the kind who has a big fucking mouth.” I sighed and rubbed my jaw. “There’s a reason I don’t date anyone in the forces—shit would get too complicated. And Solo, he’s trouble waiting to happen.”

“I get it, man. I just thought it might ease some of the tension between you two.”

“The only tension between us is over the fact he acts like a teenager out to prove his dick is bigger than everyone else’s.”

As Houdini opened his mouth to respond, I aimed a finger at him and said, “You mention that fucking sky penis one more time…”

Houdini grinned like a fool and went back to his sub, and all I could think was how I was going to survive not only this competition and training, but being paired up with someone who made my usual focus seem like a distant memory.

10 Solo

IN HINDSIGHT, THE sky penis probably wasn’t the best way to kick off my first day, but I didn’t regret it. Not one bit. How could I when it had riled Panther up in such a delicious way? Other than coming out on top in the academy, provoking Panther had now moved up to number two on my list. A couple reasons for that—first, he was too fucking hot to leave alone, and second, any distractions would make him lose focus, which would only make it easier for me to kick his ass. Not that I needed the help.

The rest of the day passed by uneventfully, just some in-class training, and then I took off with Gucci to a nearby bar—and yeah, the faint outline of my sky dick was on display, which apparently was pissing off the locals enough that the news vans had made an appearance as I was leaving. Unfortunately, the Navy wasn’t releasing the perpetrator—moi—so any TV interviews were off the table. Bummer.

I revved the engine of my ruby-red Yamaha YZF-R1 motorcycle as I waited for the traffic light to change, and as soon as I saw it flip to green, I took off, roaring down the road. After leaving the bar, I’d taken one look at the sunset and decided a drive along the ocean would be the perfect end to a pretty kickass day. It was so open out here: nothing but sky, water, and hills off in the distance. Nothing like some of the claustrophobic places I’d been during my travels. If I ever decided to have a home base, I could see it being a place like this. Not that I’d be tying myself down somewhere anytime soon. No, I much preferred the freedom of never knowing where I’d head off to next. Some may call that a lonely existence…and hell, maybe it was. But the good thing about being alone was that you were always a bar away from some company.

As the sun finally submerged itself into the water and night fell, I headed back to the barracks. It hadn’t taken much to move in, since I didn’t come with more than an oversized duffel, but at least I didn’t have to worry about sharing the small space with a roommate. No, the Elite got their own rooms, a serious perk after years of sharing bunks. I wouldn’t have minded having Panther as a roommate, though I’d probably have to sleep with one eye open so he didn’t smother me with a pillow in the middle of the night.

I slowed to a stop as I went through the security leading into the base, and then veered the bike off toward the single-story barracks I’d call home for the next few weeks. There was a seriously sick-looking ride already parked in a space near my room, and I pulled in beside it, glancing over at it as I cut the engine.

Damn, that was a sleek crotch rocket. A black Ducati 848 in pristine condition. After I slid off my bike and removed my helmet, I walked a circle around the hot ride.

You didn’t touch another man—or woman’s—bike, but damn if I didn’t want to run my hand over the glossy paint and then take it out on the freeway to see what it could do.

I was on my way back around the front of the wicked piece of machinery when I caught sight of a door being pulled open, and what do you know, Panther, of all people, stepped outside.

I wasn’t sure what it said about me, but when his eyes zeroed in on me standing next to what I now assumed was his bike, and a scowl crossed his face, my dick kicked inside my jeans.

Of course the bike belonged to him. Like the guy wasn’t sexy enough. Imagining him straddled over the back of this baby was enough to make my cock go from interested to rock fucking hard in an instant.

Panther stepped outside and eyed me where I stood. No pleasantries were exchanged, just a stare-off that I had to say was doing shit for dampening my desire to get closer to him.

The guy was just so intense, so serious all the time, and as he stepped down into the parking spot where I was standing and stopped in front of me, I couldn’t resist the urge to poke at him—since I was such a glutton for punishment.

“So, I see you do like something nice and thick between your legs on occasion. Good to know. I was starting to think you might’ve wandered into the wrong bar last night.”

Panther said nothing as he crossed his arms and stood his ground, his black t-shirt stretching nice and taut across the chest I’d been fantasizing about ever since I’d run into him last night.

“I mean, I was fairly certain you weren’t mistaken with the way you all but plastered me to the back wall of the place. But after today’s little game of denial, it’s nice to know I didn’t imagine the whole thing.”

Panther’s eyes narrowed, and when it was clear he wasn’t going to rise to the bait, I turned my attention back to his bike. “She’s a real beauty.”

I wasn’t sure what I expected from him then, maybe a “get the hell away from my bike,” but when Panther said, “What makes you think it’s a she?” I almost fell flat on my face.

I cocked my head to the side to make sure I’d heard him right. But just like before, there was no smug look on his face, no teasing smile on his lips. He stood there still as a fucking statue and just as remote, and if I hadn’t heard him with my own two ears, I would’ve thought I’d made it up to torment myself.

“So, you’re telling me this wicked-hot ride you straddle every day is a he?”

Panther ran his eyes down over me and then turned to stroke his fingers along the top of the tank. “I’m not telling you anything.”

“Now where’s the fun in that?”

Panther glanced over his shoulder at me, and for a split second I saw the same glint in his eyes from last night, before he blinked and it was gone. “The fun is, it annoys you not to know.”

“Well, it’s not like you were super subtle about it.”

“Do you even know what the word subtle means?”

I shrugged and slipped my hands into my pockets. “Sure. I can be subtle.” I then aimed my eyes to where Panther’s jeans hugged his incredible ass. “I really like your jeans. The fit is just right.”

“That was being subtle?”

“Well, yeah, what I really wanted to say is your ass is one of the best I’ve ever fucking seen. See? Subtle.”

Panther stared at me and then shook his head. “You gonna do this the whole time we’re here?”

“I don’t see why not. I can’t imagine anything better than you coming along.” Then something occurred to me, and I looked over Panther’s shoulder to the room he’d left. “Is that your room or should I be jealous?”

Panther crossed his arms and smirked. “None of your business.”

“Oh, but see, it is,” I said, running my fingers along the seat of his bike. I didn’t feel bad about touching it when the owner was standing a foot away, though he was watching my moves like a hawk. “The room beside it is mine.”

He didn’t give me any reaction to that, but not because it didn’t affect him, of that I was positive.

“So?” he said.

“Seems mighty convenient. Partners in class, next-door neighbors…”

Panther shrugged. “A coincidence.”

“Or fate.”

“Considering there are twenty of us, it doesn’t leave much room or space.”

“Halle-fuckin-lujah,” I said, walking around the back of the bike, closer to where Panther stood, unmoving. “Think we have adjoining doors?”

“No.”

“That’s too bad. Maybe I can carve out a peephole. You know. Keep an eye on…things.”

What Panther did next surprised me. He laughed. He fuckin’ laughed.

11 Panther

IT WAS AMAZING what a few beers could do to take the edge off. After our final class, I’d headed to my room, waiting for the lashing phone call from my father that was surely coming. No way in hell I wanted to be on the receiving end while out in public, so I’d popped a few bottles, and after a couple hours of silence and a good buzz, the events of today felt like a distant memory.

At least for now.

So when Solo made the crack about a peephole into my room, I couldn’t help but laugh. The guy was so fuckin’ ridiculous that I couldn’t help myself. Ridiculously good-looking, too, the voice in the back of my head said. It was a shame that the same guy drawing dicks in the sky and behaving like a rebellious fuck who didn’t give a damn was the one making my cock sit up and take notice.

As Solo rounded the back of my bike and came to a stop next to his, I was able to take a good look at the motorcycle that fit him to a T. A sporty red Yamaha that looked like it would outrun anything on the road. Combine that with its owner—brown hair disheveled and sexy from the helmet, a trim leather jacket and jeans low at his hips—and it was a dangerous mix.

“Is that a laugh?” Solo said, raising an eyebrow. “I didn’t think you knew how to do that.”

“Maybe I just don’t find you as funny as the others do.”

“Or maybe you suffer from a debilitating lack of humor.”

“I make up for it in other areas.”

Solo’s eyes sparked. “Like?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know.”

“Yes, that’s why I’m asking.” He pointed at himself. “Not subtle, remember?”

“I don’t think I’ll be able to forget.”

“Good. Then mission accomplished.” Solo waggled his eyebrows. “You didn’t think my likeness in the sky today was all for Gooch, did you?”

Jesus, I needed to get away from him, and now, because as relaxed as I was feeling, his flirting was starting to wear me down.

“If that’s true, then you might want to go see a doctor, ’cause you were a little lopsided down below.”

Solo flashed me his heartbreaker grin. “Or I could just get you to check for me.”

At that tempting offer, I backed up and shook my head. “Not gonna happen.”

As Solo followed, I took another step back. I’d let this go on too long. I needed some distance and I needed it now.

“Why not?”

Deciding my best course of action was to say nothing, I turned on my heel, about to hightail it back to my room, the one sharing a wall with the man now coming for me. Well, not coming for me but…after me. There would be no scenario in which Solo would be coming for me. Not now, not ever.

“Panther?”

I knew I should keep walking. Get inside, shut the door, and lock it for good measure. But what did my dumb ass do? I stopped and turned around—and immediately regretted it.

Solo was now up on the sidewalk standing opposite me. His gorgeous eyes locked with mine as though he were waiting for me to respond. But all I could do was look at those full lips that were so close, all I’d have to do was reach out and grab him to get a taste.

If we’d been any other people in any other place, I would have; there’d be no way I could resist. But the distant rumble of a plane taking off reminded me of who we were and where we were currently standing.

“What?”

“Can you at least admit, for one second, you were just as hot for me last night as I was for you?”

I eyed him for a beat, wondering what his angle was, because with Solo there was always an angle. “Why? It’s not going to get you anywhere. Certainly not past this door.”

Solo’s lips, those sinful lips, curved, making my dick throb a little harder. Christ, he was easy on the eyes. He made it difficult to look away.

“Now that’s where you’re wrong. It’s totally going to get me off. But guess what?”

Fuck, I was so not equipped to handle someone like Solo in my day-to-day life. Outside of work, hell yes. He’d no doubt be the hottest fuck of my life. But here at work, he was a temptation that would land me in a world of trouble.

“Tonight when I shout out your name, you’re gonna be able to hear, Grant.” With a wink designed to make my cock ache, Solo sauntered over to his door, unlocked it, and glanced back over to where my stupid self remained in front of the door. “Feel free to call out Mateo if you like, ’cause when it comes to…coming, I really don’t like to be Solo.”

12 Solo

“YO, SOLO! GET your ass over here.” Gucci’s voice could be heard over the music blaring as I headed down the beach toward where my fellow trainees were gathered for tonight’s bonfire. With the first week of training under our belts, it was time to let loose, and the party tonight was our first chance to really hang out outside NAFTA’s walls. Personally, I was more interested in checking out a half-naked Panther, but I’d humor the others for a few hours.

I dropped my towel near a cooler and walked over to where Gucci was setting up long red sticks in the sand.

“I need you on my team,” he said, pushing one of the sticks deep and covering the base so it stood upright.

“What the hell are you doing?”

Gucci grabbed a couple of plastic cups and rose to his feet. “So, the game’s called Flick n Sticks. These suckers go on top of the sticks face down. Our opponents try to knock ’em off, and if they do, they get a point, but only if we don’t catch the cups before they hit the ground. Make sense?”

I glanced over to where Houdini and Whiplash were setting their end up just like ours.

“And what are we using to knock the cups off?”

“This.” Gucci held up a Frisbee, and I snorted.

“Please tell me this is a drinking game.”

“It’s whatever the hell we want it to be.”

I grinned and slapped a high five before heading back to where I’d dropped my towel, and then I dragged the cooler over to where we’d set up. A couple of the guys were busy building the bonfire for later, a gaggle of girls beside them; some of the others were in the water or grabbing the last of the sun. I didn’t see Panther anywhere at first, but then I saw someone rise out of the waves, black hair glistening, and felt my mouth water.

Shit, a dripping-wet Panther might be too much for me to take, at least in front of the others.

Before my dick could react to the sight of him, I grabbed a beer out of the cooler, popped the top, and drained half the bottle. Tonight was going to be a test of restraint. I could feel it. Panther had made sure we were never alone after our first day, so I’d had to settle for ogling him from afar, banking mental pictures to use at night. And while that was seriously hot, I was looking forward to a time when I’d get a taste of the real thing.

“Y’all ready or what?” Houdini called out.

I set the beer down and stripped out of my shirt, leaving on only a pair of board shorts.

“All right, let’s do this.” Gucci gave me a fist bump and we readied ourselves behind the sticks.

“Ladies first,” Houdini said, handing Whiplash the Frisbee, at which she rolled her eyes.

“Oh, fuck you.” She threw the Frisbee so hard and fast that it knocked the cup closest to Gucci off before he could try to catch it.

Houdini gaped at his partner, and then his eyes trailed down her bikini-clad body, covered only in a pair of super-short jean shorts. “Uh…that was—”

“Hot? Badass?” she asked. “I know. You don’t have to act so surprised.”

I exchanged a look with Gucci that said Houdini didn’t know what the hell he was in for with that one, and then Gucci threw the Frisbee back, aiming for the cup near Houdini, who was still so stuck on Whiplash that he just let the cup fall to the ground.

“Are we playing or what?” I called out, and Houdini finally snapped back to attention, allowing the game to begin. Back and forth we went, and as the cups went flying, we dove into the sand for them before they could hit the ground. Whiplash was a beast at the game, as were we, but poor Houdini couldn’t seem to stop getting distracted by his partner, which seemed to frustrate her more and more as the game went along.

“Oh my God,” she finally shouted when Houdini missed a fallen cup. “I need a new partner. Hey, Panther, come show your guy how to use his hands.”

“I know how to use my hands,” Houdini mumbled, but I was no longer paying attention, because Panther was walking out of the water, his swim trunks plastered to his body. He ran his hand through his hair as the waves crashed around his ankles, and damn, the man was unreal. I was careful not to let my jaw drop as I took in every wet inch of him, and I would’ve kept staring if Gucci hadn’t coughed, forcing me to look away.

“You having problems with your aim, Houdini?” Panther’s voice found the three of us as he came closer, and if I thought not looking at him would help the sudden throb between my legs, knowing he was heading this way and I was about to have to face off with him did shit to help me get a hold of myself.

Okay, wrong choice of words. Right then I really could’ve used a minute to take hold of myself, but since that was out of the question, it looked like I’d be willing my damn cock into submission.

“So the aim of the game is what, exactly?” Panther walked up beside Whiplash, who handed him the Frisbee.

“You aim this at their sticks and try to knock the cup to the sand.”

By this time I felt fairly sure I was decent enough to turn back and join in on the conversation. Plus, I wasn’t about to pass up the opportunity to fuck with my opponents. I aimed my eyes in Panther’s direction and reached out to stroke the stick directly in front of me.

“Yeah, Panther, just focus on my stick.”

Gucci scoffed beside me, as Whiplash groaned, but Panther, cool as ever, ran his hands over the Frisbee and eyed the pole in the sand. Not a second later, his hand shot out and he sent the round disc flying through the air, but instead of hitting the stick in front of me, it smashed into Gucci’s, sending his cup flying over Gooch’s head and into the sand.

“Hell yes!” Whiplash called out, pumping her fist in the air. “Now that’s what I’m talking about.”

Panther aimed a smug smirk in my direction. “I was more inclined to focus on the person with the biggest stick. Sorry, that just wasn’t you.”

Whiplash busted out laughing. “Maybe the biggest ego…”

I shrugged, grinning. So that’s how it was gonna be, huh? If Panther thought I was about to get upset or offended by his little jab, he was in for a rude shock. I picked up the Frisbee and looked at the two gloating at the other end.

“Maybe it’s time to show you who’s got the biggest stick out here. ’Cause I gotta say, I’ve known Gooch a while, and—”

“Hey, man, not cool.”

“You know it’s true.”

As Whiplash pretended to gag, Panther crossed his arms over that powerful chest and gave an arrogant tilt of his head, as if daring me.

“You two going to shut up sometime soon and play or keep flapping your mouths?”

Right, game fucking on. By the time I was done out here, there’d be no question as to whose stick was the biggest of all, and it wasn’t going to be Gucci’s.

13 Panther

FIVE GAMES LATER, and we kicked Solo and Gucci’s ass. I’m not proud to admit it, but I used the fact that Solo couldn’t tear his eyes off me to my advantage. But hey, what could I say? I was there to win, and by the time we were done with the fifth match, Gucci had thrown up the white flag and surrendered.

“Okay, I give,” he called out. “My ass hurts from the beating you two just gave us.”

At Gucci’s choice of words, my eyes wandered to Solo, who brought the beer in his hand up to his mouth, took a long swallow, then said, “Speak for yourself, I like feeling it the next day. Reminds me I was giving it my all.”

The guy was so blatant with his remarks that he had me looking around to make sure no one was about to call him out—or worse, kick his ass. But as everyone laughed and went about their business, I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to feel so comfortable in my skin. Even for one day.

As we all headed back up the shore to where the bonfire was now roaring, I caught sight of Solo and Gucci talking with Utah. The three of them were laughing about something one of them had said, and when Utah began drawing something in the air with the tip of his finger, it didn’t take a genius to work out the talk had reverted to the legend that was the sky penis.

It was amazing how one act of rebellion had seemed to solidify Solo’s name forever as a God and mine as the disappointment—at least among the instructors. After that first day there had been a distinct shift in the way my commanding officers treated me, and while I knew I’d done nothing wrong, I could sense the judgment being passed.

I’d tried to let it go, tried to move on. But after that first day I’d made it a point to pay attention, do my hops to the best of my ability, and be out the door and back to my barracks before Solo had a chance to corner me and start anything.

Some might’ve seen that as running, but I saw it as self-preservation. The guy was dangerous to my well-being. Not to mention my living. I needed to be one hundred percent locked in and focused on why I was here. Flying. Winning. Proving to myself I was meant to be here. The problem was that all I seemed to be able to lock in on lately was the gorgeous man now staring at me from across the bonfire.

With the flames flickering between us, I couldn’t help but notice the way the light danced across Solo’s smooth, tanned skin. He’d left his shirt off, as had most of us, the warm summer air inviting us to enjoy it to its full capacity. Some of the guys had found a willing woman to hook up with, and as they enjoyed a freedom I wasn’t able to, I wondered what it would be like if I could just walk over to where Solo stood and take him back behind one of the dunes.

He wouldn’t protest, of that I was one hundred percent positive. But the mere thought of anyone finding out the secret I’d kept so close, of that kind of gossip getting back to my dad, had me reaching for my shirt and tugging it on over my head.

Once I was fully clothed, I chanced another quick look in Solo’s direction to see him watching me closely. He was cradling a beer in one hand and his other was in his pocket, and as he ran his eyes down over me, he tongued his full lower lip in a way that made my cock ache.

Fuck, he was hot, hotter than the flames burning between us, and as he brought his eyes back to mine and grinned, I knew I had to get out of there.

With Houdini occupied, having made it clear to everyone not to go near Whiplash, I was able to leave without anyone noticing. Well, almost anyone. I could practically feel Solo’s gaze on me as I straddled my bike and started it up.

With any luck, he’d stay there and find some random guy to screw. I didn’t want to think about that, but it was what needed to happen. It was clear the attraction between us wasn’t going anywhere, and I needed to keep myself out of temptation’s way.

It was while I was lost in thought that I heard the purr of a motorcycle and glanced in my side mirror to see Solo catching up behind me.

Shit. What the hell is he doing?

Problem was that I knew exactly what he was doing, and it was what I’d been trying to avoid. God, had anyone seen us leave around the same time? The guy was entirely too obvious. What did he think was about to go down by following me? That because everyone was at the beach I’d fall at his feet and go at it? Maybe that was his MO, but I didn’t work that way. Never had, never would.

I gunned it, speeding through the streets, but if I’d been hoping to lose him, I was shit out of luck. Solo stayed on my tail without missing a beat, the two of us flying through the night, weaving in and out of traffic so smoothly that you would’ve thought our moves were choreographed. For the moment, I tried to put the impending confrontation out of my mind and focus on the sheer power of my bike and the wind whipping around me. Maybe I’d just ride all night, stay away until the sun came up.

My subconscious seemed to be in control, though, and before I knew it, I was turning into the base. After going through security, I slowed down to a crawl, not wanting to attract attention, but Solo tore past me, glancing over his shoulder and lifting his chin.

What the hell did that mean? If he was trying to race, he would’ve done it already. If he thought I’d follow him, he was out of his mind.

But follow him I did, unintentionally, because as I turned into the barracks, Solo was there, his bike idling between his thighs, like he was ready to take off in a moment’s notice if I’d turned around.

I pulled into my spot beside his, silently cursing the housing gods that had put us together. Without shutting off the engine, I looked over to Solo, who looked right back at me, though with his helmet still on, I couldn’t see his face. If I could, I imagined it would look smug as hell, as though he figured he’d somehow won by meeting me here. Though if he could see past my helmet, he’d probably get off on the scowl I couldn’t seem to stop when he was around.

For a long time, neither of us made a move. Stuck in a face-off we both wanted to win.

This is what he wants. Your time. Your attention. Your eyes on him…

Fuck no.

With that, I shook my head and killed the engine.

14 Solo

PANTHER WAS OFF his bike and halfway to his room before I could blink.

I wasn’t stupid. I knew about sixty percent of him didn’t want me to follow him back here, but that other forty percent? That was begging me to make a move.

I’d watched him watch me when he thought I wasn’t looking, even though he was definitely…what was that word he used with me? Subtle.

Good thing I could read between those subtle lines of his to see he was playing hard to get.

Panther’s key was in the lock when I reached him, but before he could disappear inside, I slipped into the space between him and the door. That made him take a step back, and he shook his head.

“You don’t give up, do you?” he said.

“Not when I see something I want.”

“Even if they don’t want you back?”

A smile slowly curved my lips. “Oh, they want it.”

Panther looked around, paranoid as ever even though the barracks were dead quiet, no one out and about at the late hour. He didn’t meet my eyes again, instead focusing on the helmet in his hand. “You should’ve stayed at the beach.”

“No reason to if you aren’t there.”

His head shot up then. “You need to back off. I don’t fuck around on base—”

“Then let’s go off base—”

“You don’t fucking get it, do you?”

“I’m not delusional. I hear what you’re saying, but your eyes tell me something else.” Then I looked down pointedly. “And so does your body.”

With my back still pressed against his door, I decided to try my luck, and whaddya know? The knob turned easily, and I found myself pushing the door back and stepping inside as alarm crossed Panther’s face.

“If you think for one second I’m inviting you inside, you’re in for disappointment.”

“So what are you gonna do, stand out there all night?”

“No. You’re going to get the hell out of my room and go back to your own.”

I turned and scanned Panther’s quarters before looking back his way. “Well, that’s not very team-spirited of you. Here I am wanting to bond with my partner, get to know him better so we can work better together, and you’re being downright hostile.”

Panther looked down the line of our building, but just like before, it was empty. Then those sharp blue eyes once again found mine.

“Do I look stupid to you?”

“Honestly? No. You look like someone I’d like to get naked and fuck, and I don’t really go for stupid.”

Panther’s fingers tightened around his helmet, and I couldn’t be sure, but I had a sneaking suspicion he was thinking about hurling it my way.

“Get out of my room.”

Don’t ask what possessed me—maybe the memory of a half-naked, wet Panther striding out of the crashing waves—but I pursed my lips, took a step back, and shook my head. “No.”

“Solo,” Panther said through his teeth, as I stopped by the end of his bed and let my eyes wander over it.

“You know, I think your bed is bigger than mine—”

“Solo. Get the hell out of my room.”

I turned my attention back to where Panther still stood at the door, and placed my helmet on the desk. “Here’s a thought: why don’t you come in here and make me.”

Panther eyed me as though I’d lost my mind, and really, I might have, considering I was holding his room hostage.

“I’m not coming in there until you get the hell out.”

“Why? Scared?”

“That I might kill you and end up in jail? Yes, I’m definitely scared of that.”

I cocked my head to the side and rubbed a hand over my chin. “You know what I think?”

“There’s not enough money in the world that would tempt me to guess.”

I smirked and began to make my way back over to the door, back over to where Panther stubbornly stood. “I think you’re scared to come inside because you know the minute that door shuts, you’ll have no more excuses. No reason to keep your hands to yourself.”

The twitch at the side of Panther’s jaw made my cock kick. He looked like a man barely holding on to his control, and I wanted to be the one to make him lose it.

“Tell me, which part of me do you think you’d want to touch first? I have my preferences, but I’d like to know what you’d do. Where would you put your hands first?”

“How about around your neck?”

I chuckled and rubbed my fingers across my chest under the V-neck collar of my shirt. “I was thinking more on my chest. Maybe you could start there and, you know, work your way down…”

I smoothed my hand over the tight material of my shirt, and as my fingers trailed down the hard muscles of my abdomen, Panther’s eyes dropped and followed its path.

“Come on, Panther…no one’s here. Just you, me, and this nice, big bed of yours.”

“And just what exactly do you think is gonna happen if I come inside? That I’ll throw you down on that bed? That I’ll give in?”

“Mmm, a boy can dream.”

“Then keep dreaming.”

“I plan to. But it’s not all I want.”

I watched the way Panther’s chest rose and fell, his breath coming faster. Then he looked down at his helmet, and it took me all of two seconds to realize he was planning to run.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” I said. “I’ll still be here when you get back, and by then, so will everyone else…”

“You wouldn’t.”

Shrugging, I sat down on the edge of the bed, spreading my legs wide, offering myself up. “Try me.”

Was that indecision I saw on his handsome face? Was he actually considering it?

I didn’t have to wait long for my answer, because Panther stepped forward, walking into the room, and my breath caught in my throat. Holy fuck, it’s actually happening. He’s giving in.

I licked my lips in anticipation as Panther slammed the door behind him and locked it, and then he set his helmet down on the dresser.

Yesss, free up your hands so they can roam over my body instead.

As I held my breath, waiting for what he’d do next, Panther stepped in between my legs.

15 Panther

SINCE SOLO WAS all about playing games, maybe the key to beating him was to let him think he’d won.

So I stepped up to the bed between his spread legs and looked down at him. Everything about Solo was a temptation, from his insolent mouth that never shut up to the way his shirt stretched across his chest when his muscles flexed, and his board shorts had so perfectly cupped his ass at the beach.

I’d noticed. Of course I’d fucking noticed. He made it hard not to want to watch him every second of every day, and it pissed me the hell off. It seemed like Solo’s primary goal was to torture me into submission, which made me want to give him a taste of his own medicine.

Solo’s eyes were in the perfect spot for getting a close-up view as I brought my hand down over the front of my shorts to rub it over my dick.

“Oh fuck,” he said, lifting his arms like he wanted to take over, but I backed away and removed my hand.

“No touching. Not yet.”

Solo nodded eagerly. “Fine, just keep doing what you’re doing.”

“Yeah?” I lowered my hand between my thighs again, giving a long, slow rub. “You like this? Me touching myself?”

“Goddamn right I do.” Solo was practically panting, moving his hand over his erection.

“Good. Then let me see what I’m working with.”

When Solo fumbled with the tie on his shorts, I shook my head.

“Your shirt. Lose it.”

He ripped it off over his head so fast that I almost chuckled, and then his eyes were darting between my hand and my face as he awaited my next instruction. It was a shame, really, because if we’d been anywhere other than where we were right then, I would’ve been stripping down and climbing on top of his willing body.

But we weren’t anywhere else, and I knew if I gave in to the hunger now clawing to break free, there’d be no going back. So my only option was to play this little game of Solo’s. Play it and win.

“You gonna return the favor?” Solo asked from where he lay back on my bed, and when I released myself to reach for the hem of my shirt, Solo’s hand paused over his cock as if he thought I might stop what I was doing if he moved.

“Do you want me to?”

“More than my next fucking breath.”

I grinned then, because damn, he was a stroke to my…ego. He was so obvious in his attraction that it fueled my own, and even though I knew where this was going, I let myself enjoy the feeling for a moment.

As I inched my shirt up and over my head, Solo pumped his hips up off the bed, a low groan rumbling from his throat. I tossed the shirt down on the covers beside him, and when he snatched it up, brought it to his nose, and inhaled, I had to squeeze my dick a little harder.

“Fuck, you smell amazing.” Solo’s eyes were on mine as he held my shirt in one hand and continued to stroke himself with his other. “Like sun, salt, and man. All man. Come down here.”

Jesus fucking Christ. That mouth was almost too much to resist, and I knew if I didn’t take control and fast, Solo would have me on that bed and between his legs before I remembered why that was a bad idea.

“Uh ah.” I shook my head and crooked a finger at him. “How about you come here.”

Apparently happy to follow orders when it came to the bedroom, Solo quickly sat up on the edge of the bed and spread his legs wider. As I moved up in between them, he went to reach for my waist, but I shook my head. “Hands flat on the mattress.”

And just like that, Solo planted his palms on the covers.

He stared up at me, those gorgeous eyes framed by his thick, luscious lashes, and I couldn’t help myself—I had to touch him in some way or another. I reached out and gently ran my fingers down his jaw line to his chin, and once I had a hold of it, I tilted it up and whispered, “Stand up.”

Solo’s lips parted, and he slicked his tongue over his lower lip as he slowly pushed up to his feet. His breathing was rapid now, his eyes heavy-lidded, and I reached for his wrist and spun him around until his back was up against my door. As I crowded in against him, I dragged his hands up over his head and pinned them in place.

Solo arched forward against me, trying to find something to grind against, trying to find something to ease the ache we were both feeling, but I had a different idea. I leaned in close until our mouths were barely an inch apart and said, “We might be partners in the sky, but when it comes to this, you’re gonna have to get used to flying solo.”

Then I reached down with one hand, flicked the lock, turned the handle, and shoved him out the door. As Solo stumbled back, his mouth open wide, I quickly picked up his shirt, tossed it out the door at him, and said, “See you tomorrow…partner.”

Then I slammed the door in his face.

16 Panther

BRIGHT AND EARLY Monday morning, and I’d managed to keep the rest of my weekend Solo-free. The look on his face as I tossed him out and slammed the door had been priceless, and it had given me a good chuckle all weekend—along with a severe case of blue balls, the fucker.

If he was embarrassed about what had gone down, though, Solo didn’t show it. He was just as carefree as ever, making everything a joke and sending an occasional wink my way. The guy was incorrigible in an almost endearing way.

Almost.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we have a special guest today,” Commander Levy said as he paced the front of the room. “He’s a former top commander here at NAFTA and one of the best fighter pilots in the history of the Navy. Please welcome Captain Franklin Hughes, call sign Razor.”

My blood turned to ice, freezing the flow to my heart as I slowly turned around and watched as the door opened and my father stepped into the room. In an instant, the whole mood changed, or maybe that was just me projecting. My father was a dominating force, one that radiated power, whether it was in or out of the Navy. He was no different at home, always controlling, always carrying himself with a certain amount of importance.

The fact that I hadn’t heard from him after Solo’s impromptu air design, that he hadn’t given me a heads-up about his visit at all but had decided to show up first thing this morning? It wasn’t a good sign. Not at all.

A few of my peers were glancing my way, and I quickly schooled my face into nonchalance and forced a few steady breaths. I didn’t want anyone to see the cold sweat that had broken out all over my body or to think I had any reason to be intimidated by anyone—including my father.

The man had a way of scaring you shitless, though.

Down the row in front of me, Solo leaned back, looking my way, and then lifted a brow in question. Whether that question was did you know he was coming? or you okay with him being here? I didn’t know, and I wasn’t about to answer. Not with my father turning to face us at the front of the room.

“Thank you for being here, captain.” Commander Levy gestured for my father to have the floor.

He stood tall, his demeanor making him seem larger than his six-foot frame. He still had a headful of silver hair, and combined with his full service dress, he looked as distinguished as ever. Slowly, taking all the time in the world, my father ran his keen gaze over each and every one of us, as if measuring our worth. I’d never heard the room so pin-drop silent, and even Solo seemed to have the good sense to keep his mouth shut.

As my father’s eyes locked briefly with mine, the look he gave was indecipherable, and he quickly moved on to the next person. Tension corded my body as I waited for the reason why he’d come.

“So you’re the Elite,” he finally said, and though he said it without inflection, I could practically hear the sarcasm in his voice—no doubt directed at me. “The best fighter pilots in the Navy. Do you agree?”

No one dared open their mouth and risk the spotlight focusing on them, and it made my father smirk.

“Is that a no? No one in here thinks they’re the best?” He tsked. “That’s disappointing. What the hell are you all doing here then?”

“I’m the best,” Solo said, lazily grinning as he lounged casually in his chair.

“Oh?” My father turned Solo’s way, and I wanted to groan. Of course the guy had to be the first to speak up. I had a feeling he wasn’t done. “And what’s your name, lieutenant?”

“Mateo Morgan, sir. You’ll see it on the trophy at the end of the competition.”

My father whistled. “That’s a bold statement. Do you all agree Lieutenant Morgan is the best of you?”

A snort sounded from somewhere in the room, and my father’s sharp gaze found its owner immediately. Utah.

“I don’t think anyone in this room would agree with that statement, sir,” Utah said. “Especially after the, uh, incident last week.”

“The incident?”

“Yes, sir. The sky…drawing.”

“Ahh.” My father looked back to Solo, who was grinning proudly. “So you’re the Michelangelo of the skies. Solo, is it?”

“That would be me, sir. Although, if we’re talking badass painters, I prefer the Leonardo guy.”

Chuckles sounded as my father’s gaze hardened. “You were partnered up with Panther that day, correct?”

At the sound of my name, several eyes turned in my direction. It was no secret that I’d been pissed as hell about the penis-in-the-sky deal. But I also wasn’t about to open my mouth unless I was directly spoken to.

You just didn’t do that with my father. Not at home and definitely not here on base.

“That’s right. But I take full credit for the artwork that graced California’s skyline that day. Panther had no clue what talents I was withholding.”

If I could have, I would’ve groaned. Either that or told Solo to shut his damn mouth. Couldn’t he see he was just digging a bigger and bigger hole for himself? Sure, his fellow trainees might think his little stunt was amusing. But the only expression on my father’s face was incredulity. Incredulity that someone dared talk to him the way Solo was, and that someone dared be so disrespectful of not only the Navy but the multimillion-dollar plane they had the privilege of flying.

One thing my father had always instilled in me was to respect the uniform and everything that went with it. This was something he never deviated from.

“Tell me, Solo. Do you think it’s amusing to waste the hard-earned tax dollars of the citizens of this great country, by taking one of the aircrafts designed to protect them for a joyride for you to show off in?”

Shit. Shit, shit, shit. In that moment I wish I had a way to tell Solo to keep his mouth zipped. I’d been on the end of my father’s pointed questions once too often, and if Solo thought he was going to come out on top, he was dead wrong.

“I think it’s good for them to see we know what we’re doing up there and don’t always take ourselves so seriously.”

“And you think you achieved that by drawing a giant phallus in the sky and risking not only your position here in this program but also your partner’s?”

It wasn’t lost on me how tense the room had just become, and as I straightened in my seat, my father’s eyes shifted and locked on mine.

“I can’t imagine that you were too happy with the actions of your flight lead that day up there in the sky, Lieutenant Hughes.”

What did he think he was doing? It was bad enough that he’d turned up here unannounced to crash one of my courses, but now he wanted me to call out my partner in front of my class for all to see?

I didn’t mind telling Solo I thought he was a reckless imbecile of my own free will. But I had to fly with this guy for the duration of the course, we had to trust one another up there, and no matter how idiotic I thought he could be at times, I wasn’t about to throw him under the bus now, not even for my father.

“I wasn’t aware of what Solo had planned until I had already landed my plane, and while it was not part of the briefing, sir, I don’t believe there was any malicious intent behind his actions.”

17 Solo

OH MY GOD. Did Panther just defend me…to his father? Well, color me fucking shocked. If someone had pulled me aside and told me that the guy who had gone out of his way to avoid, frustrate, and scold me at every damn turn would be defending my honor this morning, I would’ve called them a liar.

Hell, if he’d just looked my way and cracked a smile I would’ve been shocked after this past weekend. But as Panther faced off with dear old Dad, I couldn’t help my pulse speeding up.

It was hot. Not only because it showed his loyalty to his partner, but also because Captain Hughes was one scary motherfucker.

“Malicious or not, it was inappropriate and immature, behavior unbefitting of one of our Elite trainees, and I would expect you to understand that.”

Uh…fuck. I guess this is probably where I should step in. “In all fairness, sir. Panther did point out quite…forcefully how inappropriate he found my actions that day.”

When the captain’s eyes came back to mine, I was sure he thought I should cower into my seat. But fortunately for me, nothing much rattled my resolve these days, not even the stoniest death stare I’d ever seen in my life.

“Did he now?”

“He did.” I looked back to Panther, whose face gave nothing away. “He was the ultimate professional. You should be proud.”

The captain’s cheeks flushed slightly and Commander Levy stepped forward to intervene.

“I think what Solo is trying to say, captain, is that they have all learned their lesson and it will never happen again. Isn’t that right?”

Okay, so maybe I should’ve gone with that. “Yes, sir.”

“Very good. Now how about we run through today’s brief and catch the captain up. I’m sure he’d like to see what you will be up to today.”

Well, that had been a nightmare class. Captain Hughes was a man of strong opinions, and after we went through the brief, he ended up scrapping the whole thing and deciding on a different course, a.k.a. whatever the hell he wanted.

And here I’d thought Panther was the strait-laced, by-the-book guy. Which he was, but not to the extreme degree his father was—at least not yet. It was clear why Panther stayed in line growing up with a guy like that, and I almost couldn’t blame him for wanting to kick my ass on the daily.

After a quick talk with Commander Levy, who encouraged me to not be so mouthy next time, I grabbed my notebook off the desk and headed out of the empty classroom toward the mess hall. My stomach had been growling for the last half-hour since the class had run over big time, but since the hop for this afternoon had been canceled because of Captain Hughes, I wouldn’t have to rush through lunch. It seemed everyone else had the same idea, because the halls were empty, but as I turned a corner I could hear angry voices, somewhat muted, and glanced around to see where it was coming from. A door was cracked up ahead, and I kept my footsteps silent as I headed down the hall, fully ready to eavesdrop on something juicy.

“How dare you defend that boy’s actions. He could’ve cost you your spot, and how do you think that would look? My son, expelled from the Elite?”

Oh, shit. I’d stumbled into Captain Hughes and—

“He didn’t mean any harm, and it won’t happen again,” Panther said.

“How can you be so sure? You heard him today. He’s a degenerate. He’s cocky and careless, and I won’t have you associated with someone like that.”

Gee, thanks, Captain Asshole.

“What does that mean?” Panther said. “I can’t exactly avoid him. He’s in my class—”

“But he doesn’t have to be your partner.”

Wait, what?

“I’ll speak to your instructors. You won’t win being stuck with Solo as your partner, so I’ll have them switch you. I don’t know why they paired you two together in the first place.” Captain Hughes’s voice brooked no argument, and I felt something twist in my gut. I wasn’t good enough to fly alongside his son? That was what he was saying?

I felt my anger rise, and I was this close to storming inside and letting him know exactly what I thought of his idea, but then Panther spoke up, halting me before I did something I’d regret.

“Absolutely not. I won’t agree to that.”

“Excuse me?”

“Solo is my partner for the duration of my time here, and I’d like it to stay that way. He may be all those things you say, but he’s also one of the best pilots I’ve ever seen. You want me to win? Then I need to be paired with the best.”

Holy fuck. My jaw practically crashed to the floor. I strained to hear the rest.

“That’s a mistake—” Captain Hughes started.

“Then let it be my mistake,” Panther said.

There was a long pause, and I wondered what was happening inside that room. Panther was no doubt getting one of those epic death stares from Daddy-o, and I had to admit that hearing him stand up to his dad was another mark in the fuckin’ hot category.

“Don’t cry to me when this all blows up in your face,” Captain Hughes growled, and then the door slammed open and I hugged the wall as he stormed out. Thank God he went the opposite way, because I had a feeling if he’d seen me in that moment, looks would’ve killed.

RIP Solo.

I waited for Panther, not entirely sure what I’d say when I saw him, but figuring a “thanks for defending me to Captain Asshole” might be in order. When a couple of minutes went by and Panther still hadn’t walked out, I peered around the door.

With one hand low on his hips and the other on his forehead where he leaned against the window, he gazed out at the airfield in the distance. What was he thinking? It seemed like a private moment, but when had I ever given him space? I wasn’t about to start now.

Panther let out a long, heavy sigh that seemed to go on and on, and then he pushed off the window and froze when he saw me.

“How long have you been standing there?”

18 Panther

THE LAST PERSON I needed to see was standing in the doorway watching me.

“How long?” I said again, as Solo stepped farther inside.

“Long enough.”

Great. Just fucking great.

“Look… I just want to—”

“No.” I shook my head. “I’m not getting into this with you.”

“Panther—”

“Stay out of my business.”

Solo sighed and turned around like he was going to actually listen for once and leave. But then he shut the door and locked both of us inside.

“Have you lost your mind?”

“I’m gonna assume that’s a rhetorical question,” he said, leaning back against the door and crossing his arms. “I heard what your father said—”

“Of course you did.”

“And I appreciate you going to bat for me.”

“Going to bat for you?” I blinked. “Going to bat for you? The only reason I’m even in this shitfuck of a situation is because of you.”

“Oh, we’re back to this. All right, let it all out.”

“I don’t need to let anything out, because you’re leaving.”

“See, I would, but I feel involved now.”

“Because you’re a nosy motherfucker who can’t mind his own business.”

“It’s not my fault the door just happened to be open when I walked by.”

I rubbed my face with both hands, emotions bubbling over from my standoff with my father, and now this. Was there a reset button somewhere that I could push?

I lowered my hands and looked Solo in the eye. Maybe I could appeal to his compassionate side—if he had one. “Look, is it too much to ask of you to just…oh, I don’t know, let this go?”

“I’m more than happy to let it go. What would you like to discuss instead?”

As I stared at him as though he’d lost his mind, Solo smiled deviously.

“No ideas? I have several. Maybe we could start with the way you threw me out of your room the other night?”

I glared at Solo so hard that it was a miracle the ground didn’t open up and swallow him whole. The guy had no clue about discretion, timing, life in general, if he thought for one second I was in the mood to discuss that.

“I can see you don’t really like that option. So let’s move on.” As Solo pushed off the door, I automatically took a step back into the room. I wasn’t in the mood to be dicked around right now. “How about we discuss the fact that you just told your father I was one of the best pilots you’d ever seen?”

“How about we don’t.”

“Aww, you don’t need to be shy, Panther. You can admit it: you think I’m a badass.”

My lips twitched despite myself. Who the hell was this guy that nothing seemed to faze him? It was like Solo walked around with a perpetual I-don’t-give-a-fuck mindset, and I had to admit, I wished I shared his blasé view of the world right this second. I would give anything not to feel as though I’d just let down my father. Anything not to feel as though I couldn’t act on the desire I had for this infuriating man in front of me.

But, just like the good little soldier I had been raised to be, I squashed down any and all emotions that hinted at my actual feelings. “You need to get out of my way.”

“Oooor what?”

“Or I’ll move you out of my fucking way. I’m really not in the mood for this.”

Solo took another step toward me. “What are you in the mood for?”

I went to open my mouth and throw out some kind of lie, but Solo cut me off.

“And don’t give me some bullshit answer. What do you usually feel like doing after a one-on-one with dear old Dad? I can’t imagine that’s the first time you’ve gone a couple rounds.”

“It’s none of your business.”

“I know, but tell me anyway.”

I ground my molars together, my hands balling into fists by my sides. What did I usually do? I usually got on my bike and drove all night. Or got in a plane and tore up the sky. I did whatever it took to erase his disappointment in me with a rush of pure adrenaline, and if anyone would understand that, it would be Solo.

“I fly or ride,” I heard myself say.

“Why?”

“Why?” Solo nodded, and I shrugged. “I don’t know. It helps somehow. That rush…”

“The high?”

My pulse began to race as Solo’s question lingered in the air between us, the same way it did when I slid into the cockpit of my jet. This was not good—he was standing much closer to me now, and as my heart began to thump erratically, my head spun.

I needed to get the fuck out of there now, before I did something I’d regret.

“Panther?”

“Huh?”

Solo was now toe to toe with me, and when he slid his tongue along his lower lip, I had to swallow back a groan.

“For me, the only thing that’s ever come close to that high I get in the cockpit,” Solo said, my eyes focused on his mouth, “is sex.”

I didn’t have time to react before Solo gripped the back of my neck, forcing me down so that my lips crashed against his. I froze, unable to comprehend what was happening—where it was happening. All I could feel was Solo’s mouth moving against mine, and as all the reasons why this was a bad idea flashed through my head, I knew there was no way in hell I was about to put an end to this, not until I’d at least had a taste of the lips pressed up against mine.

19 Solo

PANTHER IS KISSING me.

Panther is kissing me.

Holy fucking shit, Panther is finally kissing me.

If I hadn’t been the lucky fucker on the receiving end of his commanding mouth, I might not have actually believed it was happening. But since his delicious tongue was now slipping between my lips and tangling with mine, there was no mistaking it. Grant “Panther” Hughes was kissing the ever-loving hell out of me, and showing no signs of stopping.

Not about to let this moment pass me by, I reached for those beautifully built biceps of his and hung on, wanting something to steady myself as my knees began to weaken. My fingers dug into the material of his flight suit, and just in time, too, because Panther shocked me by wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me in tight.

Hot damn. When I first reached for Panther, I hadn’t been sure what kind of response I would get. Would he punch me? Would he shove me away again? But never in my wildest imaginings could I have predicted this.

Dreamed and fantasized about it, yes. Predicted it, hell no. It seemed more likely that hell would freeze over than Panther would actively be involved in one of the hottest make-out sessions of my life. But as a groan left my throat and my body came into direct contact with his, Panther growled, and I knew I wasn’t dreaming because that sound went straight to my dick, which hardened in response.

Not about to let him go, now that I had him where I wanted him, I looped my arms around his neck, and when my erection rubbed up against his, Panther tore his mouth free.

“Damn.” The curse was low, much lower than his usual tone, and the raspy cadence made my body tremble. Panther’s eyes were blistering hot as they stared into mine, and when he licked his lower lip as if to get another taste of me, I thrust my hips forward again to see what he would do.

The hand Panther had at my waist slid down over my ass, and as he grabbed a hold of it and began to walk me backward, I let him lead me wherever the hell he wanted to. When my back hit the door, I grunted from the impact. It wasn’t soft, but neither was the man in front of me.

I spread my legs a little, hoping Panther would—yes, exactly that—slide one of his between them, and when his thigh grazed my covered cock, my eyes fluttered shut and I moaned.

“Why’d you have to be so fucking sexy?”

The question was asked so quietly that I barely heard it, but when I opened my eyes and saw Panther’s roving over my face, I knew I wasn’t mistaken. His pupils were blown, his eyes close to black they were so dark, and when he rocked his hips forward and I felt that hard cock up against mine, I sighed.

Panther groaned as he touched my face, and when he traced a thumb over my lower lip, he muttered, “So fucking gorgeous. It’s not fair…”

Pinned as I was to the door, I could do little but stand there and let him do what he wanted, but if I was honest with myself, I wouldn’t have changed anything anyway. Instead, I sucked his thumb into my mouth and began to roll my hips along his thigh, and watched as Panther once again lost that incredible control of his.

First his jaw began to twitch, then his nostrils flared, and when I flicked the tip of my tongue over his thumb and then bit it, he tore his hand free—and the kiss Panther laid on me then was brutal.

Hard, hot, and straight-up sex, that was what this kiss was about, and had he given it to me the other night back in his room, I wouldn’t have gone home as quietly as I did. This kiss was designed to destroy brain cells, and when he took hold of my leg and hiked it up the outside of his thigh, I wrapped my calf around the back of his leg and began to grind against him like we were both naked and somewhere near a bed.

I had no idea how long we were standing there in that room, plastered up against the door. It could’ve been minutes, hours, days…all I knew was that it wasn’t long enough, because when Panther began to pull away, every single fiber of my being began to protest.

As our lips disengaged, and our bodies disentangled, I stared at Panther and what a sight he was. His lips were swollen, his chest was heaving, and his hard cock had me reaching for mine.

“Don’t.” The order was raspy but clear, as Panther’s eyes fell to my erection.

“Why not?”

Panther licked his lips, and for a moment I thought he might ignore me, but then he said, “Because if you do, I’m not sure I’ll be able to walk out of here.”

This was the first time Panther had actually admitted to wanting me. To really wanting me. “Would that be such a bad thing?”

“It wouldn’t be a smart thing.”

“But would it be bad?”

Panther closed his eyes and appeared to be searching for patience. “I need to go. Please, just let me go.”

I pushed off from the door and stepped to the side, and as Panther walked forward and reached for the lock, I turned my head against the wall and caught him taking a final once-over.

“Would it really be such a bad thing?”

Panther’s eyes climbed back up to my face, and he shook his head. “No, it’d be too good, and that’s the problem.”

Before I could come up with a response, Panther flicked the lock open, yanked the door wide, and then strode out into the hall, leaving me standing there wondering how in the hell to make Panther change his mind.

20 Panther

I HAD TO get out of there.

Everything was a blur as I raced out of the building, my mind whirling. Had I really kissed Solo back? On base? Only minutes after the confrontation with my father?

As I straddled my bike and started it up, I wasn’t sure where I was headed, but I knew I couldn’t stick around the base any longer. I sped through the streets of Mesamir blindly, trying to outrun my father’s words, trying to forget how good it felt to kiss Solo.

Shit, I’d actually kissed him. And not only that, but I’d felt every hard inch of his body against mine, and it had been mind-blowing. All the time I’d spent trying to avoid him, pushing him away at every turn, and the explosion between us had happened when I least expected it.

No one saw us, I thought, trying to calm the panic in my brain. No one else knows.

Swallowing hard, I raced across the city only to find myself heading toward the airport. There was a park nearby, deserted for as long as I could remember, and even before I could drive, I’d cycle over to watch the planes take off overhead.

I pulled in and parked the bike beside the rusted swings, glancing up as a 737 raced down the runway and then pulled its heavy body up into the sky. It always gave me chills to watch how smoothly the pilots navigated such massive aircraft with ease, and with each takeoff, I wondered where they were headed. I’d never considered a career in commercial flying—with my father being who he was, that was never an option, even if it had been something I wanted.

I took a seat between the bars of the merry-go-round and leaned back onto my hands. It was surprisingly peaceful between the jets taking off—exactly what I needed to deal with the chaos in my brain and to calm my body the hell down.

Moments later, a crunch of gravel alerted me that I was no longer alone, and I didn’t bother turning around to see who the intruder was. I already knew.

“Did you put a tracker on me?” I said, keeping my eyes on the runway, where an airbus had started its ascent.

Solo chuckled as his steps grew closer. “Nah. I just followed you instead.”

It should’ve bothered me that he’d come here, that he’d interrupted a private moment. But as he motioned toward the spot beside me on the merry-go-round and said, “This seat taken?” I found myself not really caring that he’d made his way here. And, if I were honest, I’d expected him to come. Maybe I’d wanted him to.

“It wouldn’t stop you if it was.”

Solo smiled as he sat down. “Glad to see you’re finally getting it.”

“Like I said—you’re not subtle.”

“No, I’m not.”

We watched in silence as another plane took off, the sound loud enough to drown out the noise in my head, which was exactly why I’d subconsciously chosen this place.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Solo rubbing his lips. Those lips that tasted as good as they looked. “You ran out kinda fast.”

“Yeah.”

“I’m not sorry.”

The comment was so unrepentant, so…Solo, that my lips quirked. “I’m not surprised.”

“Do you want me to apologize?”

I stared up at the sky as I thought it over. My body was at war with my mind, half of me wishing he would just leave this thing between us alone, and the other half desperately craving what he wanted to give.

“It’s a simple yes or no,” Solo said, leaning back on his hands to mimic my position.

I shook my head. “It’s more complicated than that.”

“Because of your father?”

The fact that he’d nailed the source of what felt like all my internal conflicts jolted me.

“I’m gonna take a stab here,” he continued. “I’m guessing he doesn’t want you out to all his colleagues.”

“He doesn’t want me out, period.”

“Ahh.” He paused while another plane took off. “But what do you want?”

I opened my mouth to answer, but when nothing came out, I frowned. “I guess that’s complicated too.” I looked over at Solo, resting my chin on my shoulder. “What about you? What’s your story?”

“Trying to take the focus off you. Got it,” he said, smirking. “Well, let’s see. I was born a quarter of a century ago, I had parents, they died, had a brother, he died too, became the most kickass fighter pilot in the Navy, aaand then I met you.”

Damn. I knew the story about his brother, but I hadn’t realized he didn’t have any family. “Solo, I—”

He waved me off. “It’s fine. I’m fine.”

I doubted I’d be fine in his situation, and it wasn’t like Solo was some invincible superhuman who wouldn’t be affected, even years later. The brush-off made me wonder how deep the hurt went. “Can I ask what happened to your parents?”

Solo shrugged. “Old age. They had me late in life, and after José… Things happen in threes, you know? Bam, one, two, three within a year. Orphan Solo.” A rough laugh escaped his throat. “Get it? Orphan…Solo.”

It didn’t surprise me that he’d make a joke about something so hard in his life. That seemed to be his way, didn’t it? Make light of anything and everything to hide the vulnerability that had to be lurking so far down that no one would find it.

“I’m sorry about your family,” I said quietly.

“I told you it’s fine.”

“It’s okay if it’s not fine.”

A furrow formed between Solo’s brows, and he opened his mouth to say something that would no doubt be a smartass remark, but then seemed to think better of it and looked down at his hands. “I’m not sure what’s worse. Not having parents or having parents you hate.”

With the heel of my boot, I drew lines in the sand, something to do instead of having to look at the man beside me. “I don’t hate him. He only wants the best for me.”

“Why do you always defend him?”

“He’s my father. You saw him. He’s this larger-than-life person that everyone bows down to. If I’m anything less than perfect, it reflects on him.”

“Hmm. You are pretty perfect.” Solo nudged me until I looked up at him, and then he smiled, and it reached his dark eyes. “I bet you’d still be pretty fuckin’ hot even if you weren’t.”

I held his gaze, and then looked away, chuckling. “You just want to kiss me again.”

“Damn right I do. You even manage to do that perfectly.”

I rolled my eyes, and he laughed.

“It’s true. It’s actually annoying as shit. I’m hoping it was some kind of fluke, and when I kiss you again it’ll be all fish lips that I’ll have nightmares about.”

“Why the hell would you hope that?”

“So I could stop thinking about you.”

21 Solo

SURPRISE LIT PANTHER’S eyes, and for the life of me I couldn’t understand why. I’d been nothing but upfront about my attraction to him, something that was starting to drive me crazy, because I couldn’t understand it. I couldn’t stay away no matter how much I wanted to or how hard I tried.

Okay, strike that: I hadn’t tried very hard. He was everywhere—in class all day, every day, sleeping in the room beside mine…it was torture. Pure fucking torture that I inflicted on myself because… Well, shit. I didn’t actually know why. I just knew I didn’t want to stay away, and no matter what he said, I didn’t think he wanted me to stay away either.

“You can wipe the shock off your face, Panther. This isn’t exactly breaking news.”

“If you were as intent on winning the competition as you are on stalking me, you’d have a good chance of taking that trophy out of my hands.”

“Oh, damn. Who’s cocky now?” I laughed. “One thing you should know about me: I don’t like to lose.”

“Guess you’re gonna have to get used to disappointment.”

“Will you kiss me and make it better?” When Panther’s eyes widened, I chuckled. “You know, to ease the disappointment.”

Panther shook his head. “You know, I’ve never met anyone like you.”

“I’m going to take that as a compliment.”

Panther’s lips twitched, and I couldn’t help but remember how good they’d felt against mine, how delicious they’d tasted…

“Solo?”

“Hmm?”

“I asked if you’re always like this.”

I cocked my head to the side. “You’ll have to be more specific. Am I always this persistent? This kickass as a pilot? So good at kissing I make every man who kisses me forget anyone who came before me?” I paused and winked at Panther. “And yes, I mean that in a figurative and literal sense.”

“See, that’s what I mean. You just blurt out whatever’s on your mind no matter who’s around.”

“Well, yeah, why shouldn’t I?”

Panther arched an eyebrow. “Oh, I don’t know, professionalism, discretion, privacy? Should I go on?”

I shrugged and leaned over to bump shoulders with him. “How’s all that working out for you?” Panther opened his mouth, but when nothing came out, I flashed a crooked grin. “I used to be like you. All buttoned up and shit.”

Panther scoffed. “Is that how you see me? All buttoned up?”

“It’s the only way you’ve let me see you so far. Unless we count this afternoon. The chains unraveled a little then.”

Clearly choosing to ignore that, Panther said, “What changed?”

“I got tired.”

“Tired?”

“Mhmm. It’s fucking exhausting trying to be perfect all the time. Don’t you think? Plus, it gets boring after a while. I mean, you can’t tell me limp dick from the bar that night got you as hot and bothered as I did back on base today.”

Panther’s eyes lowered to my mouth, and nothing in the world could’ve stopped me from running my tongue along my lower lip. The memory of him grinding against me, his body hard and unyielding, his hand tight on my thigh, was something I would never forget. It was also something I would be remembering in great detail…later.

“No, I can’t.”

I shifted on the merry-go-round, my dick hardening under his intense perusal. “I’m sorry, can you repeat that? I didn’t hear you.”

Panther raised his eyes, and nothing could’ve prepared me for the desire I saw swirling there. It was the same expression I’d seen when he finally let go and took what he wanted from me. “You make a mess of me, you know that? My composure, my concentration—you make me forget myself, and that’s…dangerous.”

I wanted to tell him it was all in his head, that the job he did every day, strapping himself into a fighter jet and tearing up the sky, was more dangerous than I could ever be. But I could see the conflict now replacing the desire in his eyes and knew that Panther’s fears, his concerns, were very real. As real as the passion I’d felt back in that room.

The real question here was which one of those two emotions would Panther let win out, and from everything I knew of him, I didn’t really like my odds. Not that that had ever stopped me before.

When a few silent minutes passed, Panther sighed and pushed up to his feet. “I better get back,” he said, gesturing with his thumb to his bike. “I want to go over the brief for tomorrow’s hop.”

I nodded and got to my feet as well. “Yeah, of course, I do too.”

Panther frowned. “Are you really going to go over the brief?”

I chuckled. “Okay, no, I’m gonna go eat with Gooch, but I’ll look over it before bed.”

As Panther turned on his heel and headed for our bikes, I followed.

“You could always come over when I get back and go over it with me?” I didn’t even need to see Panther’s face to know the answer to that would be hell no. But as I unclipped my helmet and straightened, I saw Panther sitting astride his bike with his helmet in his hands.

His eyes were locked on me, and as he brought his helmet up, he said, “See? Dangerous…” Then he put his helmet on and, without another word, gunned his engine and rode away.

I’d let him run for now, I thought, as I pulled my helmet on and climbed on my bike. But he knew, just as I did, we were not done here. Not by a long shot.

22 Panther

THE LAST TWENTY-FOUR hours had been one head spin after another. My father showing up at NAFTA. Solo kissing me. Me kissing him back. Being followed and letting down some of my walls long enough for Solo to get a peek inside, something I never did.

And now it turned out Solo and I would be competing against each other directly in the hop today, something that was sure to turn any warm feelings from the day before into cold, hard rivalry. Neither of us liked to lose, but we couldn’t both win, so once I took Solo down, I could only imagine the disgruntled remarks he’d shoot my way.

Maybe it would make him back off me a little. But was that what I really wanted?

The logical side of my brain said yes, but I couldn’t deny the lust that shot through me when I remembered the way Solo had ground against me as he kissed every thought out of my head. He was a risk I wasn’t willing to take.

But…

But.

“Oh shit, this should be good,” Houdini said over my shoulder as we studied the whiteboard where our pairings and objectives were clearly marked. “So. You think Solo’ll cry when you win, or just nosedive straight into those cliffs?”

“Mighty presumptuous to assume I’d let Panther win,” Solo said, strolling into the room. He dropped into a chair beside us and kicked his feet up onto the desk. “If I were you, I’d be more worried about Gucci tagging you out in five seconds flat.”

Houdini smirked. “More likely to puke in his cockpit, from what I hear.”

“Oh hell naw.” Gucci shot daggers at Houdini as he walked in. “I’d never lose my lunch in the pit. Do I really have to give everyone the damn play-by-play? It was a handbag.”

“He’s just trying to rile you up, Gooch,” Solo said, and then he gave Houdini a wry grin. “Keep that shit up. It’ll only fuel the fire.”

“Maybe you should focus on your own match today. My boy’s gonna have you chasin’ his ass all over the sky.”

Solo’s eyes practically sparkled as he looked my way. “Sounds like a good time to me.”

The innuendo made my stomach flip, but I couldn’t let myself get distracted right now. More than any other day, I needed to keep a clear head and focus on the hop, which was sure to be the toughest one yet. Solo wouldn’t be going easy on me, and I didn’t want him to.

As I shoved down everything that had happened yesterday, Houdini turned his back toward Solo and kept his voice low. “The guy gets off on a challenge. Be careful up there.”

“I’m not worried.” Then I glanced over my shoulder and indicated Gucci. “You got this.”

Houdini grinned. “Damn right I do.”

After we went through the briefing with our instructors, we received our lineup order and then headed to the bay to gear up. Solo and I were last on the list, so we’d join the others in watching each pair battle it out.

“Saving the best for last,” Solo said, his voice a purr in my ear where he stood behind me. “Looks like today’s my lucky day.”

I didn’t turn around, because the last thing I needed was to have him in my head when I’d already worked hard to get him out.

I finished snapping my gear into place, checking and double-checking that everything was as it should be, and then I headed out of the bay to watch the first match of the day—Houdini and Gucci.

“Ahh. Ignoring me, then. And I thought we’d finally gotten to a good place yesterday.”

I kept a fast pace, but he caught up to me anyway. “Not now, Solo.”

“Aw, don’t be nervous. I’ll go easy on you.”

“No, you won’t.”

“Yeah, you’re right. I won’t. I was just trying to make you feel better.”

“I feel fine. I’m not scared of you, and I don’t need you trying to fuck with my head.”

“So I can fuck with other parts of you?”

Jesus Christ. “Go away.”

“I would, but it looks like we’re heading to the same place.”

Rolling my eyes, I pulled open the door to the viewing area we’d be watching from and headed inside, Solo at my heels. The guy was so damn persistent, going from annoying to charming and then back to annoying in a matter of seconds. It was hard to reconcile the competitive Solo with the Mateo who’d opened up and showed a different side. The Solo I was seeing today didn’t have an ounce of vulnerability anywhere.

Luckily, the first match-up between Houdini and Gucci caught his interest enough that the only smartass comments he made were directed at their flying and not at fucking with me.

It was a close call throughout, and just as I thought Houdini was about to lose it, he came back from behind to lock in on Gucci.

Solo chuckled. “Should’ve placed a bet on that one, Panther. At least you would’ve won once today.”

I could feel the eyes on us, the tension in the air, and I was more determined now than ever to shut him the hell up.

For the rest of the hops, I put in my earbuds and blocked out the rest of the world, training my eyes on the sky and watching each match, filing away each pilot’s go-to maneuvers for future competitions.

Finally, it was go time, and I followed Solo down to the hangar, adrenaline starting to take over. It wasn’t nerves, it was excitement, the thrill of a challenge, of doing something dangerous and coming out on top.

And, of course, beating my rival.

As I stopped in front of my plane, Solo winked and said, “Looking forward to chasing your ass.”

“Looking forward to kicking yours.”

I went through the preflight checks then put on my helmet, and as I climbed into the cockpit and buckled in, it never failed to hit me that this was my job. That I literally strapped a plane to myself each and every time I clocked in for work. There were connections of all kinds linking me to the jet, from oxygen to the seat parachute. It was as if you were becoming one with the powerful piece of machinery. It was the body and you were the brain.

I shifted in the seat, mentally ticking off my checklist. There was no getting comfortable; that wasn’t what this was about. This was about survival, making sure everything was as it should be before I got up in the air and it was too late.

The seat was firm under me, not a lot of cushion, due to the fact I was basically sitting on two rockets and an ejector seat, but once I was happy that everything was good, I gave the thumbs-up and prepared for takeoff.

I taxied out to the runway, and as I maneuvered my plane into position and waited for the go-ahead, I sent up a prayer that we came home safely. I might’ve also made sure to add, Please help guide me to fly clean and smart, and kick Solo’s ass.

As the all-clear signal was given, I throttled up and punched the engines. Seconds later, I was tearing down the runway, my body pushed back into my seat from the pressure of the acceleration, and as I hit the end and got the gears and flaps up, I was pushing well over two hundred miles per hour.

The sensation of speed was exhilarating, a total rush, and as the plane lifted and I headed straight up, pulling some hard Gs, I let the euphoria engulf me.

I was born to do this, raised here in the halls of this very academy, and as I leveled out and waited for Solo to join me, I was more determined than ever to prove I was here for a reason—and that was to win.

23 Solo

ITCHING TO GET up in the air and go head to head with the only person I really considered my competition around here, I was all but vibrating with pent-up adrenaline as I was given the all-clear and took position.

I knew it was going to take some clever flying to beat Panther up in the air today, and as I was given the go-ahead and thundered down the runway at breakneck speed, I was focused on one thing only—winning.

I was off the ground in seconds, and as I shot into the sky like a cannonball, my fingers tightened around the controls. These planes didn’t enter the sky all smooth like a commercial plane. Oh no, where they were designed for stability and comfort, fighters were the complete opposite.

Designed to be unstable for maneuverability, the wings on this bad boy were more rigid, and any bumps and dips from turbulence you felt in the pit of your gut. Something the average Joe usually tossed his cookies over, but not me. I lived for this shit. Hell, I often thought my lungs ran better on jet fuel than oxygen, I’d been around it for so long.

But as quickly as that thought entered my mind it left, because just as I hit the correct altitude given in the brief today, Panther—somehow or other—had come up on my left and was moving in at a fast clip, catching me off guard and getting me on the defensive.

“Shit. Where’d you come from?” I muttered to myself.

My pulse began to race and all my senses went on high alert, as my brain fired off all my options at a hellacious pace. As it assessed and dismissed different case scenarios and threw out all losing options, I was reminded that making life-and-death decisions in seconds really wasn’t the most normal job in the world. But as Panther’s plane closed in on me, I was also reminded it was the best, because just when he would’ve locked on to me and I’d be done, I break-turned and reversed, causing him to overshoot or hit me.

As Panther tore right by me, I knew I was committed now to the decision I had made. I angled the plane upward and climbed further into the sky, preparing to execute my first roll and lead the two of us into a fighting maneuver known as the rolling scissors, or “rollers.”

I hated this move—it was never easy to pull off and put both the attacker and defender in a shitty position. But hey, I’d been sent up here with the same instructions he had—to not lose.

Pulling my nose through the top of the turn, I made sure my lift vector was correct and lined up with Panther, then I dove ahead of him in a barrel roll. Knowing it was hella important to get my nose down before he got his up, I kicked it up a notch, and as we began to barrel-roll over one another up there in the big blue, my heart began to pound so hard that a normal person might’ve stroked out.

As I came up a second time, I used gravity assist to help increase the sharpness of my turn, and as I rolled over to come back down, I relaxed up on the Gs to keep control of my vertical moves.

Panther was making me work for it. Shit. It was hard as hell to determine any kind of accurate position while doing these maneuvers, and it was even harder to lock in on the one pursuing you. He had me on the run, in the defensive position, and knew it, but as I made the third high nose turn and dove toward him, everything changed. My turns were faster than his by mere seconds, and what had started as a one circle fight soon turned to a two, giving me the advantage and forcing Panther into my 3/9 line.

Now in a full-on tail chase, the two of us continued to try to outfox the other with a series of barrel rolls, but nothing was shaking me now. Panther had one of two choices: he could either wave the white flag and disengage or—

“Motherfucker.”

—he could do this the hard way.

Oh well, he hadn’t left me much choice, and with each roll we made, we got closer and closer to the ground until we were precariously close to the danger zone. But I wasn’t backing down. I wasn’t about to lose this.

“Come on, Panther. Disengage, you stubborn fucker.” But as we hurtled toward the earth, our altitude seriously dropping, the barrel rolls became unachievable and it was time for that final decision. I either disengaged and lost by default, or I forced him closer to the ground, to where he’d have to transition into the flat scissors and level out—or smash his jet face-first into the desert, which I was gambling he wouldn’t do.

Decision made, I went in for the kill—well, the mock kill—and as Panther seemed to realize this was all over for him and I wasn’t about to let up until he did, he flattened out and pulled off to the right at the very last second, surrendering and handing me this one.

As I shot off over the top of him, I knew Panther would be fuming at the way things had gone down—namely him.

He’d come at me hard, and I’d retaliated. Maybe I should’ve let it go when it was clear I had a lock on him, but when he’d decided to keep on instead of surrendering, my competitive side had come out to play.

Plus, no one had gotten hurt, and in the end I’d completed the hop. If Panther was pissed, I’d deal with it, but for now I wasn’t about to let that get me down. I’d just beaten the golden boy of NAFTA, and hell if that didn’t feel damn good.

Panther was out of his plane the second he parked beside me, ripping his helmet off, that gorgeous face of his red and furious.

As I stepped out of the plane, I shot him a grin. “Gotcha.”

“Are you fucking out of your mind? Were you trying to get us killed?”

“That would hardly be fun. No chance for a rematch.” I climbed down the stairs, helmet in hand, and had barely stepped onto the pavement when Panther stabbed his finger into my chest.

“That was stupid and dangerous. We’re not up there to play chicken, you dipshit, not in a seventy-million dollar fucking plane.”

“Calm down. It’s not coming out of your pocket.”

“That’s what you heard from what I just said? You almost got us killed with those final rolls—”

“That you didn’t have to engage in,” I said, brushing by him, not at all bothered by the fact that he was pissed as hell. The high of winning felt gooood.

Panther grabbed my arm, jerked me around, and then gave me a hard shove. “You know what your problem is? You think you’re the only one up there. That your life is the only one that matters.”

“Is that my problem? What about your problem?” I said, moving forward so we were toe to toe. I wasn’t about to back down, not in the air and certainly not on the ground. “You’re just mad you lost. I get it. It sucks. Get the hell over it.”

“You think I’m mad because you pulled a shady-ass move to win? I don’t need to cheat to win—”

I ground my molars together and pushed him back. “I’m not a fucking cheater—”

“Gentlemen, knock it off and get to debriefing.” Commander Levy’s voice over the hangar’s intercom echoed around the base, and I looked up to see the entire training class staring down at us from the viewing area.

Panther’s eyes were narrowed as he looked at me with unveiled contempt, and then he slowly backed away, shaking his head. He turned on his heel and headed to the bay to change, but I took my time going that way, giving myself a minute to cool off. When a minute didn’t do it, I said to hell with it and joined him in the bay, but this time he didn’t say a word, didn’t even look my way.

The tension was palpable, and so was his anger by the way he slammed shit around, and it only got worse as we sat through debriefing with the rest of the trainees, all of them looking between us like they expected a fight to break out at any moment.

But I didn’t want to put my fist in his face. I just wanted to put him in his place, and beneath me seemed like a good spot.

After getting admonished by the instructors in a more civilized way than Panther had gone at me—though I’d technically done nothing wrong or illegal—we were dismissed, and Panther tore out of there like hell on wheels.

I found myself following him, because apparently my weakness had become a pissed-off Panther. All that passion aimed at me was like an electrical jolt to my cock, and I couldn’t let him get away that easily.

Stepping in front of his bike as he kicked on the engine, I placed my hands beside his on the handlebars and shouted over the roar, “You still mad? How about a rematch?”

Panther flipped up the visor on his helmet. “Move.”

“I’m serious. Put your money where your mouth is.”

“Grow up, Solo.”

“Oh. You’re scared.” I pushed off his bike and backed away. “I get it. No worries, then.”

As I turned to walk away, I gave it about three beats, and then I heard Panther say, “All right. You’re on.”

24 Panther

IF SOLO WANTED a go at me, he could fucking have it.

I was over the narcissistic asshole tackling whoever he wanted to get to the top, no matter what the cost. This shit wasn’t going to fly with me. Not anymore.

“Third and Sunset,” I yelled out to Solo over the purr of our engines, and then I took off out of the base, my adrenaline pumping even more than it had during the hop. It was mixed with anger and frustration now, making it a deadly combination that Solo wasn’t ready for.

He wanted a race with no rules to ignore? He’d fucking get one.

I rolled up to the intersection of Third and Sunset, practically deserted at this time of day, and didn’t have to wait long for Solo to pull in beside me. As he looked over at me, he revved the engine, causing me to grit my teeth. I flipped up the visor and pointed out in the distance some twenty miles away. “The end point is Black Rock Cliffs. You know it?”

Solo nodded.

“On green,” I said, pointing to the traffic light, and snapped my visor back down and got ready to fly. The heavy thud of my heartbeat was like a countdown…four…three…two…one.

The light flipped to green and we were off.

Gunning it through the streets of Mesamir, my vision may have been red, but my focus was clear. Solo wasn’t winning this time. I’d hand him his ass on a platter and relish every second of it. First, though? He could choke on my dust.

I raced ahead, swerving into his lane and cutting him off, an asshole move right up his alley. In my mirrors, I could see him move to the left, and I followed, blocking him yet again. Then to the right he went, but a car in the lane beside us forced him back behind me, and I grinned.

Was it the smartest thing in the world to race in broad daylight where we could get caught? Hell no. But I didn’t plan to get caught, and as we outpaced the car beside us, it was clear Solo gave no fucks either.

It was like the guy got off on the danger, like giving the finger to anyone of authority made him high. Invincible. I couldn’t fathom how anyone went through life without a moral code to keep them in check, but this guy… This guy was too much, and his ego needed to be brought back down to earth.

Up ahead, the road turned into a series of sharp curves, one side rocky cliffs and the other nothing but open air, the road overlooking the ocean below. As I rounded the first section, my bike so low to the ground I almost grazed the asphalt, I maintained the speed, not giving an inch. Solo had kept pace with me so far, and I needed to get a wider lead.

I flew around the second curve with ease, but as I rose back up, Solo was there, sneaking into the inside of the lane, and as a car came barreling by in the opposite lane, I had to break position and whip in behind him.

Shit. He was ruthless, on the ground, in the sky… It didn’t seem to matter much to Solo where he was. If there was something to win, he’d win it. If there were rules to break, he’d break ’em.

That just made me want to punch the shit out of him.

As the other lane cleared out for the moment, I took the opportunity to move into it, pushing the engine as hard as I dared so that I came up alongside him. It was neck and neck as we took the turns, but I needed to get the hell out of this lane before another car—

Shit.

I had to swerve into Solo’s lane, almost knocking into him as a truck blew its horn as it passed by. My heart was jackhammering at the close call, but I wasn’t letting Solo take this race. Not today.

Solo looked at me as the road straightened out, and it was a good thing our helmets muffled any words, because I could only imagine the curses Solo was throwing my way after almost ramming him into the rock wall.

We were halfway to the finish line, and I needed to kick things up a notch. Problem was, coming down out of the hills meant having to deal with the beach traffic on the other side of Mesamir.

There would be no slowing down, at least not for me, which meant throwing my cautious-by-nature side to the wind. Gaining ground, I sped ahead of Solo, weaving smoothly between cars already going over the speed limit. The red lights were few and far between on this stretch, thank God, because even channeling some of Solo’s devil-may-care attitude didn’t permit me to put other’s lives at risk.

At the first one, I swerved onto the empty sidewalk, bypassing the stopped cars as Solo continued to weave through them. He lost momentum then, and I thought he’d stop altogether at the light, but then he charged past everyone, barely missing a car attempting to turn. A chorus of horns broke out behind him, and I glanced over my shoulder to make sure he hadn’t killed anyone.

Reckless motherfucker.

25 Solo

I CURSED AS I pushed my bike harder, faster, trying to regain the ground I’d lost when Panther had taken to the sidewalk to pass the traffic. He was in a mood to play—and win—but I wouldn’t be giving in so easily.

I hadn’t done anything illegal in the hop, but not following the rules to the letter obviously riled him up enough that it’d been either kick each other’s ass on base in front of everyone, or find another way of dealing with pent-up aggression.

I could’ve thought of a better way, personally, but it would’ve involved no clothes and something other than our bikes between our thighs.

Up ahead, Panther looped through the cars with amazing ease for how fast he was going, and if he hadn’t been kicking my ass, I would’ve almost smiled. For someone who cared so much about rules, he sure wasn’t so keen on following them right now.

The beach traffic was a pain in my ass, and as Panther blew through a yellow and it turned red before I got there, I swerved onto the sidewalk as he had.

There. Getting closer now, but I needed to pull out some serious maneuvers if I was going to win this thing. And I didn’t like to lose.

I managed to catch his tail, and I knew the moment he saw me in his mirrors, because he shot a finger my way.

So pissed, I thought, my lips curving. Pissed meant passionate, and that was something I could work with.

He continued blocking me at every turn, ratcheting up my frustration. We weren’t far from the end, and I didn’t have long to win this thing. If I were an asshole with a death wish, I would’ve bumped his back tire to send him spiraling out. The only problem with that plan is I’d probably end up in that wreckage too—and my idea of taking Panther down didn’t include casts, just a bed. Or a counter. Or a wall. I wasn’t picky.

I faked to the right so I could move around him on the left, but Panther didn’t take the bait. Unwavering, he kept his lead through the final stretch, and then he veered down onto the beach.

Sand sprayed everywhere in his wake, forcing me to move to the side, narrowly avoiding the massive rock foundations at this end of the beach. No one usually came down to the cliffs, not with the strong undertow in the water or the rocks casting shadows when they tried to tan. It was the perfect spot to end this thing, and as I curved around one of the formations, I pulled even with Panther. Only a little bit further, a little bit more power, and—

Like he’d been saving a jolt of adrenaline to his engine for this very moment, Panther burst forward, flying to the finish line.

Fuck. Fuck that, fuck me, and fuck his bike on steroids.

As I slowed to a stop, Panther jumped off his bike, tearing off his helmet, and it took less than two seconds for me to do the same. I stalked across the sand, the water crashing against the rocks not far from us, and jammed my finger into his chest.

“Are you fucking kidding with riding on the sidewalk? I doubt that was in your rulebook.”

Fire blazed in Panther’s eyes, hot and triumphant. “I told you to throw out the rulebook.”

“I didn’t realize you even knew how.”

Panther stepped forward, pushing me back. “So now you know how it feels, right? When someone doesn’t follow the rules?” His voice was low and husky, and I could feel my cock stirring. “Makes you want to kick my ass, doesn’t it?”

“I wasn’t thinking kicking. I was thinking fucking.”

Panther strode forward the two steps he needed until his chest was up against mine. “Is that all you ever think about?”

Not about to back down, I angled my chin up. “When it comes to you, yeah, pretty much. Also, I was just watching your ass for the last twenty miles, and I gotta say, you bent over—”

Panther grasped my chin, halting my words. His eyes were boring into mine now, even as his fingers dug into my skin, and his aggression was ramping up my need to push him that little bit further.

“Aw, come on, don’t stop there,” I said. “Things were just getting interesting.”

Panther took a step forward, making me take one back, and when my foot sank into the sand, causing me to stumble a little, he smirked and kept coming until the two of us were between two massive rock formations the waves had carved out over the years.

Out of the public. Out of sight. We were one hundred percent hidden from view, and when my back came up against the jagged surface behind me, Panther stopped, dropped his hand, and said, “Unzip your fucking jeans.”

26 Panther

SOMEWHERE BETWEEN THE time I kicked Solo’s ass and when he’d torn his helmet off to give me a good tongue lashing, all of my pent-up anger and frustration had finally reached its boiling point. That was the only excuse I had for myself, as I watched the sexy daredevil reach for the button of his jeans.

Hell, who was I kidding? They weren’t the only reasons I was out here. They weren’t the only reasons I’d picked such a secluded place as the end point to this death race alongside the Black Rock Cliffs. The real reason I’d ordered him here, the real reason I’d suggested it, was that somewhere in the back of my mind, I’d known it would come to this.

I’d known from the first moment I’d locked eyes with Solo in that damn bar that I was going to have him, that he was going to be mine, and it was going to start right fucking now.

“Unzip my jeans, huh?” Solo’s tongue came out to tease his lower lip as he popped the button free.

“That’s what I said, wasn’t it?”

“It was, but the last time we went down this road you got cold feet and tossed me the fuck out. I don’t really do repeats, so…”

Quick as a flash, I reached for his jeans and tugged him off the rocks and into contact with me. As he aimed a defiant look in my direction, I slowly lowered his zipper.

“Does this feel like a repeat to you?”

Solo grabbed hold of my arms, much like he had that day on base when I’d all but devoured him against the locked door.

“It doesn’t feel like anything— Ahh…shit,” he said, as I shoved my hand inside his jeans and found his hard cock. Solo’s fingers dug into my biceps, and I muscled him back against the rocks.

“What was that? You don’t feel anything?” I made sure to add a nice, firm stroke to emphasize my point, then lowered my head until my mouth hovered over his. “Liar.”

“God,” he said, his hot breath ghosting over my lips.

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” I tightened my grip on his throbbing dick, and Solo’s eyes flared. “You’d like me to turn you around, pull down these jeans, and fuck you right here.”

Solo shoved forward, tunneling through my fist in his quest for more friction. His gorgeous, whiskey-colored eyes were now dark and heavy-lidded from the lust overtaking any form of common sense, as he bit down into his lip and nodded.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought. But I’m still deciding if you deserve that.”

Solo’s chest rose and fell as I continued to work him, his breathing becoming more rapid. “Deserve what?”

I brought my other hand up to take hold of his chin, and when I had him exactly where I wanted him, I grazed my lips over his. “My cock in your ass.”

Solo let out a low, torturous groan, and then a husky chuckle followed.

“Something funny?”

“Mhmm.” He tipped his head back, and when he pumped his hips up, I automatically increased the tempo of my strokes to match him. “I was just thinking how I love being right.”

My fingers stopped moving, but I flexed them around his throbbing erection. When Solo opened his eyes, his lips curved into a sinful smirk I wanted to kiss right off his face.

“You do like to be the aggressor.”

Solo pushed off the rocks then slid his hands up over my shoulders to the back of my neck.

“That’s okay,” he continued, when I said nothing. “As long as you know that I do too.”

Solo’s mouth was on mine before I could respond, his tongue thrusting between my lips as he shoved me back into the solid surface behind me and plastered himself against my body.

A feral sound left me as my eyes fell shut and my tongue slid along his in a fight for dominance. I could feel his pre-cum making a sticky mess of my fingers now, and as he ground his hips against my hand and body, my dick began to throb like a son of a bitch.

“Damn, Grant.” Solo ripped his mouth free, but his hips never slowed, and my entire body vibrated at the use of my real name. “I’ve wanted to do this from the second I saw you.”

I pulled my hand free of his jeans, about to grab his ass and haul him back in so he’d stop talking and keep doing. But before I could, he took hold of my wrist, pulled it up between us, and flicked his tongue along my fingers.

A filthy smile accompanied the bold move, but it was what came out of his mouth next that had me close to coming without any hand to dick contact.

“Hmm, I taste good. Wanna try?”

Hell yes, I did. And I didn’t care how it happened. His fingers in my mouth, his tongue, his cock… All I could think about was how I would just about kill to have the taste of him on my tongue, so I dropped down to my knees in front of him and reached for his open jeans.

“Oh fuck.” Solo looked down at where my knees were now sinking into the sand, and when I curled my fingers around the denim and pulled it out of my way, he reached inside and freed his cock.

From feel alone, I’d known that Solo was long and thick, but seeing his hand run up his length to the flushed, swollen head made my mouth water. I wanted that luscious prick between my lips, wanted to taste it on my tongue, and, more than anything else right then, wanted to watch Solo lose his mind.

I ran my eyes up his tight, compact body, but before I delivered, there was one other thing I wanted.

“Take off your shirt.”

Solo licked his lips then grabbed a fistful of the material covering his shoulder and drew it up his muscled torso. As the sharp ridges and lines of his abs came into view, I reached between my legs and palmed myself.

Damn he was sexy.

Once the shirt was off, Solo tossed it to the ground, then wrapped his hand around his naked cock and aimed it in my direction.

“Anything else?” His tone was arrogant, smug, and hot as hell, and when I shook my head, he said, “Good. Now open your fucking mouth, Grant.”

My balls tightened, and though my first instinct was to tell him to fuck off, my need to know how he tasted was that much stronger.

So I opened my damn mouth.

27 Solo

NEVER HAD I seen a better sight than Grant “Panther” Hughes kneeling at my fucking feet.

Holy shit.

If someone had told me this was how my day was going to end, I would’ve told them they were delusional. But as I stared down at the sexy as hell man moving up to his knees and flicking his tongue over the end of my—ahh, hell yes—dick, I knew I wasn’t imagining this.

How did I know that? Because my imagination hadn’t been this damn good.

From the second I’d climbed off my bike to face off with Panther, the tension between us had been sparking and sizzling like a firecracker in July. Talk about waiting to blow—and not only our tempers.

It was taking everything I had not to shove between his teasing lips and shoot down his throat the way I was dying to. But it seemed he wanted to take his time, so I wasn’t about to make him hurry. If he wanted to suck on me like I was candy, then I wasn’t about to stop him.

Just as that thought entered my head, Panther drew the head of my cock between his lips and sucked, making my eyes nearly roll to the back of my head. God, that felt unreal, and as I dug my feet into the sand for better balance, he put his strong hand on my thigh to steady himself, before he lowered his head and swallowed me so deep that I could’ve sworn I was halfway down his throat.

I drew in an unsteady breath and slid my hands through his hair to the back of his head, and when he pulled his lips off me, a harsh groan escaped my throat. “Fuck me.”

Panther glanced up, and when his lips crooked, I bumped the head of my dick against them. He immediately opened, and this time when I slid inside, he kept his eyes fastened to mine. A soft grunt left him as I tightened my fingers at the back of his head, and as he went to withdraw, I let him go, before urging him to once again take me in his mouth. Panther didn’t protest. He widened his lips, relaxed his shoulders, and let me lead him in one of the hottest blow jobs I’d ever received.

Damn, he was good at this. Sure, the guy might not be telling the world he was out and proud, but he sure as hell knew what he was doing and clearly enjoyed it. Something I soon learned as my hips began to roll forward, my tempo increasing, and Panther slid his hands around to my ass. He grabbed hold of me, and as he swallowed me down once again, he took me so deep that his nose nuzzled up against the trimmed hair around the base of my cock.

“Christ,” I said, and dropped my head back, pumping in and out of the most talented mouth I’d ever been inside, and suddenly that wasn’t enough. I looked down at where Panther’s cheeks were hollowed in and his lips were stretched taut around my base and pulled out.

My rock-hard erection throbbed in protest, as Panther’s molten gaze found mine, his cheeks flushed with desire. I grabbed a handful of his shirt and urged him to his feet, and he was up and pulling me into his body before either of us could think beyond getting our hands on the other.

As his lips crashed down on mine, I quickly unfastened his jeans and got my hands inside the denim.

Panther pulled his mouth free as I squeezed and stroked the hot dick in my hand, then he bucked forward and growled, “Jesus, Mateo. Harder.”

I did exactly what he asked, then leaned forward and scraped my teeth along his jaw. “That better?”

“Fuck yes.”

As I crowded him back against the rocks, I shifted slightly so I was straddled over his thigh. This way I could continue getting him off, while at the same time getting my own. Something I made him highly aware of as I began to rub my leaking cock all over his leg.

“You’re so fucking hot,” I whispered by his ear, as I moved my hand up and down in time to my grinding hips.

Panther grabbed my ass and tugged me as close as he could get me, and when he turned his head so he could get to my lips, he said, “You drive me crazy.”

I bit down on his lower lip and drew it between my teeth, before freeing him and whispering, “I know.” Then I slammed my mouth against his and took what I’d always wanted from him—everything.

I shoved my tongue inside his mouth and savored the taste of myself there, and as I moaned, Panther fucked into my hand with a vicious punch and pull of his hips. He was getting close, getting off on the sheer rush of what we were doing and where, and as the two of us raced to this new finish line we’d set for one another, we reveled in the delicious high of finally touching, of possibly being caught.

My hands were down his jeans, his mouth was devouring mine, and I was all but fucking his leg in broad daylight with my jeans tugged down under my bare ass. It was a risky, stupid move that could land us both in a shit-ton of trouble, but when Panther tensed in my hands and hot jets of cum shot from his stiff cock, I didn’t give a flying fuck. I was ready to risk it all.

My reputation, my job, my spot in the most prestigious flight academy in the world, as long as I got to finally—

“Oh fuuuck…”

—come with Panther.

A shiver raced down my spine and I came in direct response to his fierce unraveling, and as my body vibrated, I raised my eyes to see Panther looking at me, those blue eyes now soft, satisfied, as he squeezed my ass and—holy shit—grinned at me.

“You going to leave your hands in my jeans all afternoon?”

I blinked once, twice, and then somehow managed to relocate my brain. “Doesn’t seem like a bad idea to me. Plus, you’re still feeling me up, so fair’s fair if you ask me.”

Panther’s fingers tightened, digging into the curve of my ass. “That was—”

“Fucking hot?”

Panther’s eyes lowered to my mouth, and he nodded. “Mhmm.”

“I told you.”

“I never said it wouldn’t be hot.” Panther smoothed his hands over my bare skin and then reached for my jeans to tug them up. “I said it would be a mistake.”

I stepped away from him, sensing the moment was coming to an end, and as Panther zipped up, I did the same, following him back to where we’d left our bikes. Once we were there, I pulled my helmet on in silence, and as I straddled my Yamaha, I looked over to Panther.

“Hey, by the way.” Panther glanced at me as I gunned the engine. “Just so you know, I have a feeling you’re going to be my favorite mistake ever.” Then I gunned it out of the lot and headed back to base, letting Panther make of that what he would.

28 Panther

THE NEXT MORNING I was zipping up my flight suit, getting ready for the day, when I heard Solo’s laugh echoing in the hall outside the locker room. I’d barely slept last night, too busy thinking about what we’d done on the beach. I had wanted it, God knows I’d wanted it, but the harsh reality was that I’d let go of my control in a public place, where anyone could’ve seen us. My adrenaline rush had taken over, and before I could think too much about the consequences, I’d dropped to my knees for a taste of the man I’d been denying.

I couldn’t say I regretted it, though. Even though I was conflicted, remembering the way we’d kissed, the way all the tension had left my body as we’d come together against the cliffs… Shit. I was practically hard just thinking about it. And even though I shouldn’t, I wanted more.

“What are you smilin’ about?” Houdini said, popping open his locker beside me. “I woulda thought it was ’cause ya done killed Solo after what happened yesterday, but I just saw him, so…”

“Just ready to kick your ass in the hop today, is all.”

Houdini snorted and kicked his shoes into the locker. “Like that’s gonna happen. Besides, I saw the pairings for today on Levy’s desk, and you’ve got Alphabet.”

“Lucky for you.” I chanced a look over my shoulder to see Solo and Gucci giving each other shit in much the same way Houdini and I did. As Solo mouthed off to something his friend said, his eyes caught mine, lighting up, and causing him to falter for a second. That momentary hesitation made Gucci look around, and I quickly turned away. The last thing I needed was the gossip mill to start churning, and I prayed Solo would know better than to tell anyone about yesterday.

I was grabbing my Aviators out of the locker when I heard that all-too-familiar voice behind me.

“Hey.” Solo, still casually decked out in jeans and his motorcycle jacket, tucked his hands into his back pockets and gave me a small smile.

Damn, he looked good. Way too good. His hair was still wet, like he’d showered and put his helmet on straight after, and something about it was so sexy that I had to remind myself where we were so I wouldn’t reach out to touch him.

Knowing there were eyes on us, that others would be listening, I lifted my chin in greeting. “Hey.”

It wasn’t what I wanted to say, just as I could tell there was something more he wanted to add, but we let all those words go unspoken between us. What else could be said? Hey, man, enjoyed the epic release yesterday, you? Have time later for a round two?

That wasn’t shit that needed to be out there, and for once, Solo kept his mouth shut. Rocking back on his heels, he nodded at me, that smile still on his face, and then he headed back to his locker to get changed.

It was only then that I noticed how dead quiet it’d gotten in the room, like everyone was holding their breath. Oh, right. They were waiting to see if we’d kill each other. After all, we’d left the base yesterday on a rampage, so it would only make sense that we’d be throwing jabs and insults each other’s way now.

Only we hadn’t. He’d smiled. God only knew what was going through everyone’s heads.

“What the hell just happened?” Houdini whispered, but it was so silent that I wouldn’t have been surprised if Solo heard it across the room. “Why’s he being so…nice?”

There was only one way to play this thing if I wanted to throw off the scent, and if Solo was smart, he’d go along with it.

“I beat his ass,” I said, grabbing my notebook and kicking my locker closed. “That’s all you need to know.”

As I walked away, I threw on my shades, and when I passed Solo, he smirked. Okay, so we’d both kicked each other’s asses yesterday—and reaped the rewards for it—but no one needed to know the details.

THE INSTRUCTORS HAD tossed the schedule out today, giving us a briefing first thing in the morning before throwing us into the day’s hop. It’d been an individual ride, no partners, every man or woman for themselves. I’d gone head to head with Alphabet, a nice enough guy with a name that no one could pronounce, hence his call sign. While he was an excellent pilot, it hadn’t taken me long to lock guns on him, giving me the fastest win of the day.

He was still spouting off as we sat at one of the long tables in the mess hall. Pair by pair the others joined us, half of them on a winning high and the other half either dejected or in denial about losing. The massive grin on Solo’s face as he entered with Utah glaring behind him told me all I needed to know about who’d won that round.

“You were right, Panther.” Utah yanked a chair out from the end of the table and flopped down into it. “This one’s a shady motherfucker.”

Solo’s cocky expression didn’t change as he walked past us toward the food. “All I heard is thank you, Solo, can I have another?” He shot me a wink and then grabbed a tray, and I shook my head at Utah.

“You were expecting him to play fair? After yesterday? Then you deserved to lose.”

Across the table, Houdini raised an eyebrow. “You defendin’ him now?”

“No. I’m just saying he’ll do whatever it takes to win, and we’ve all seen it.”

“Does that mean you’re admitting he’s better than you?” Whiplash asked, leaning forward where she sat beside Houdini.

“That’s what you got from what I just said?”

“Oh, come on, Panther. Tell them how much you enjoy when I do whatever it takes to win,” Solo said, dropping his tray down beside Whiplash.

“About as much as I like a nail through my foot,” I replied.

“So you like a little pain with your pleasure.” Solo waggled his brows. “Good to know. I’ll make sure it hurts next time.”

“I don’t know how you’re still talking today,” Whiplash said. “I would’ve thought Panther had permanently knocked your jaw off its hinges yesterday.”

“I gave as good as I got. Mine hurts a little, but maybe ask Panther how his is feeling today.”

I almost choked on my fry, and after I swallowed it down and took a swig of water, I said, “My jaw’s just fine.”

“You sure? It’s not a little tense? I went at you pretty hard.”

Fuckin’ hell. “Obviously I can handle it.”

“Ooooh.” Solo’s cheeky grin made my heart thump harder. “We’re back to that pain and pleasure thing, huh?”

Chuckles rang out down the table, and I rolled my eyes and took a big bite of my lunch. It was that or I’d keep running my mouth, and staying silent had always worked for me before.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t the way Solo rolled.

29 Solo

I HAD TO say, I more than enjoyed a little double entendre, and I liked it even more when it came out of Panther’s mouth. That same mouth that I’d gotten off to several times over the course of my hour-long shower that morning, thinking about the way he’d sucked me down like he’d never tasted anything better.

Fuck, that was hot.

Across from me, Phantom shook his head. “Seriously thought he was gonna kill you yesterday, man. There was hellfire coming out of his eyes.”

“Nothing I can’t handle.”

He dipped a fry into a mound of ketchup and popped it in his mouth. Around chews he said, “It’s either brave or a death wish to go after the favorite. Can’t figure out which yet.”

The favorite, huh? “Says who?”

“Says me—”

“No, I mean who’s he the favorite of?”

Phantom wiped his mouth and tossed the napkin on his tray. “If you think Captain Hughes’s son doesn’t have this in the bag, then you’re clearly delusional.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Panther freeze. He clearly heard what Phantom was laying down, but he was choosing not to say anything.

I didn’t play quiet too well.

“How’s your eyesight, Phantom?” I asked.

“Perfect, as mandated. Why?”

“Just curious, since you seem to have somehow missed the beatdown I gave to Lieutenant Hughes in the sky yesterday.” I swallowed some of my water and shrugged. “Maybe you should be calling me the favorite.”

“You? The favorite?” Gucci snickered. “Hell would freeze over first.”

“It could happen. Climate change and all.” Feeling Panther’s gaze on me, I looked over to where he was slowly unclenching his mangled roll. His face had reddened slightly, and he seemed to be trying to get himself under control, maybe forcing himself not to walk over to Phantom and bash his head with a tray. As he took a deep breath, he gave me the subtlest of nods and then reached for his drink.

“Oh shit, you guys.” Whiplash gaped at her watch, her barely eaten wrap dropping onto the tray. “We gotta go.” As she jumped to her feet so fast her chair fell back, the rest of us stared at her until she said, “We’re late. It’s two after.”

Chaos erupted, all of us scrambling out of our seats, curses ringing out as we realized we were in for some serious shit for missing even a few seconds of our training class. It was a race through the halls, but my mind wandered, an idea forming that had nothing to do with what we’d be learning from Commander Levy today.

As the rest of my fellow officers filed into the room, I hung back, and before Panther could follow the others, I blocked his path.

“Can I talk to you?”

“Yes, but not right now,” he said, but before he could move past me to open the door, I stepped in front of him.

“What’s the rush? We’re already late.”

Panther hesitated and then gestured for me to go on, and I felt a small victory at making him break a rule.

“You like Mexican food?”

His brow furrowed. “That’s what you’re making us late for? To find out my food preferences?”

“Another minute isn’t gonna kill us. So…?”

Panther rubbed his forehead and sighed. “Yeah, I like Mexican food, why?”

“I’ll be at Salsa’s off Boundary around six.”

Seconds passed as Panther stared at me like he was waiting for the shoe to drop. “Is that your way of asking me to go?”

“Why else would I tell you?”

“Well, you could ask me.” Amusement played on his face, making his lips curve.

“Fine. Maybe you should be at Salsa’s off Boundary at six.”

“I think I’m busy then.” Panther moved past me, but before he could open the door, I grabbed his wrist and made him face me.

“Grant, I’m going to be fucking starving and ready to devour something delicious around six, and I’d like it if it could be you.” When Panther’s mouth fell open, I smirked. “I mean, I’d like it if you could join me.”

Panther’s eyes dropped to my mouth, and when he swallowed, all I could think about was the way he deep-throated my dick, and damn if that didn’t make me hard right then and there.

It was gonna be fun walking into class with an erection, said no one ever.

“Gentlemen, is there a reason you’re standing outside the classroom instead of in it?”

Panther jerked his arm from my hold.

When I turned around, the newest instructor at NAFTA sighed. “Lieutenant Morgan. Why am I not surprised to see you disrupting the halls?”

“Apologies, commander,” I said. “We were just clearing the air.”

Commander Heinz narrowed her eyes at us over her glasses, and even though she was only about five foot six, she still made it seem somehow like she was looking down at us. “After yesterday’s performance, I would think the two of you would avoid any more confrontations.”

“Less of a confrontation, commander, more of a”—I raised an eyebrow at Panther—“confirmation. I believe Lieutenant Hughes and I have reached a compromise. Isn’t that right, lieutenant?”

Panther eyed me for a beat, making me wait out his answer, and just when I thought he’d disagree, he nodded. “Yes, it looks like we’ve made a deal.”

I let out the breath I’d been holding and then gave Commander Heinz my most charming smile. “See? No punches necessary.”

“Then I suggest you take a seat inside before Commander Levy grounds your plane indefinitely.” She looked at Panther. “Yours too, lieutenant. I doubt your father would like to hear about the continued incidents between you and Lieutenant Morgan.”

“No, he wouldn’t. Apologies, commander.” Panther inclined his head toward her and then glanced at me before heading inside. I took my time following, unable to wipe the grin off my face.

Not only did I have Panther breaking the rules, but I had a date with him tonight. Not even the verbal lashing I’d get from Commander Levy could bring me down.

30 Panther

AT FIVE FIFTY-FIVE p.m. I turned into the parking lot of Salsa’s and made my way through the rows of cars, looking for, and spotting, Solo’s ruby-red crotch rocket.

The entire way over here tonight I’d been going back and forth on whether this was a smart idea. But as I pulled my bike in beside Solo’s, and my heart began to thump a little harder, I knew there’d really been no choice in the end.

From the moment he’d left me at the Black Rock Cliffs yesterday, I’d wanted a repeat. In fact, it’d taken every ounce of willpower I possessed not to knock on his door when I’d arrived back on base, enter his room, and strip him naked. My mind had fixated on him even more since I’d finally gotten my hands on him.

What would he look like naked?

What would he be like in bed?

How would he sound when I finally entered his body?

And how would it feel when he entered mine?

Those were the questions I couldn’t seem to shake. They were also the questions I’d imagined the answers to very vividly in my shower last night, then later in my bed.

The fact that I’d been able to be anywhere near him at training today without getting a major hard-on was a damn miracle. It was also due largely in part to how many times I’d gotten myself off between yesterday and today.

I cut the engine and removed my helmet, and as I sat there staring at Solo’s bike, I knew that by the end of the night I would have my answers. I was almost as certain that being here was asking for all kinds of trouble. That didn’t stop me, however, from getting off my bike, securing my helmet, and heading inside to track down the man I’d wanted since the moment I laid eyes on him.

As I crossed the lot toward the two-story adobe building that was home to Salsa’s, I looked down at my navy button-up shirt, jeans, and black boots. I’d gone casual tonight, knowing this wasn’t a dress-up kind of date or place, but as I got closer to the front door, I began to second-guess my choices.

Stop it, I told myself, as I reached for the door and pulled it open. But as I stepped inside the crowded foyer and it slammed shut behind me, the panic set in.

Shoulder to shoulder with several other people waiting for a table, I couldn’t help but think: What if I see someone I know? What if they recognize me and it somehow gets back to my father that I was out eating dinner with Solo? But just as that thought entered my head, I heard my name being called out.

“Grant? Grant! Over here.”

I turned in the direction of the voice I was starting to hear in my dreams, and as Solo’s familiar face came into view, my breath got caught somewhere in the back of my throat.

Damn, he was gorgeous. Not like I didn’t already know that, but I’d gotten so used to seeing him in his flight gear that I’d almost forgotten how amazing he looked out of it. Well, not out of it, per se, although I was fairly certain Solo naked just might kill me. But dressed in his civvies, he was one extraordinary-looking man.

Tonight he’d gone with black boots and fitted black pants, paired with a wine-red deep V-neck t-shirt, which not only showed off his ripped biceps and chest, but also his dog tags, which invited me to take a good, long look at the tanned skin they lay on.

My cock jerked as he made his way through the crowd toward me, and as he got closer, I noticed he had a small silver hoop in each ear, and wrapped around his right wrist was a leather band and a beaded bracelet.

The overall package was super fucking hot, and when he stopped in front of me and flashed that heartbreaker smile, I had to remind myself I was out in public and couldn’t just grab him and kiss the ever-loving hell out of him.

“You came,” Solo said, his eyes all but twinkling as he looked at me.

“I told you I would.”

Solo nodded and then sidled in closer beside me. “Yeah, but I wasn’t sure if you were fucking with me or not.”

I arched an eyebrow and glanced at him, and something about his grin made me relax. “Trust me, you’ll know when I’m fucking with you. But for now, I believe you promised me a meal.”

As I straightened, Solo licked along his bottom lip, and sweet God almighty, if this conversation was any indication, tonight was going to be torture. Because being this close to him, yet keeping my hands to myself, was proving to be much more difficult than I’d imagined. Something I’d become increasingly aware of throughout the day.

Solo inclined his head for me to follow him, and I was careful not to make it too obvious that I was staring at the way his pants hugged his ass, just so I could claim tonight as partners hanging out if I was recognized. But Solo had been smart. He’d chosen a restaurant on the outskirts of town, not far from where we’d first met.

He gave me the side of the booth facing the door, like he knew that would be my choice so I could keep an eye on the entrance. He was right, of course. It was a habit, one I’d picked up from my police officer friends.

As soon as we sat down, a waiter stopped by to drop off chips and salsa, and after they took our drink order, Solo picked up a chip and loaded it down with the hot stuff.

“Mmm,” he said around a mouthful. “The spicier the better.”

“That seems to apply to most things in your life.”

He swallowed, and then that sexy half-smile emerged. “Glad you’ve noticed.”

“You’re pretty hard to ignore.”

“A compliment. I’ll take it. But I have to say, I’m glad I got your attention.”

The waiter dropped off the beers, and I took a long swig of the cold brew as I weighed what I wanted to say. I needed to be transparent here so there was no misunderstanding.

“You know this isn’t a good idea.”

Solo’s dark eyebrow rose. “Dinner? This much spicy salsa?”

“This.” I motioned between us. “Whatever this is.”

“Then why are you here?”

A blunt question, just like the man himself. I hadn’t expected anything less. “Because,” I said, lifting the beer to my lips, “you got my attention.”

That earned me another sexy grin, and it made me realize how much I’d be willing to give to keep scoring those. My gaze moved to the small silver hoops in his ear. He’d been wearing them the night we met, but since jewelry of any kind wasn’t allowed on base, I’d forgotten he had them.

“You like?” Solo asked.

“I do. Any other surprises?”

“Yes, but you’ll have to find out for yourself.”

Shit. Now I’d wonder for the rest of dinner what the hell he was hiding beneath those clothes. Just picturing what it could be had my cock throbbing, and I shifted in my seat.

“I’d ask the same question, but I’d rather find them with my tongue.”

God-fucking-dammit. Now I was sweating.

As I wiped my brow, I had to laugh. “You’re not going to make this easy, are you? You know what? Don’t answer that. You like to do everything the hard way, in and out of the cockpit.”

Solo groaned, his head falling back. “You’re right about that. I like everything fuckin’ hard. Especially you.”

31 Solo

IT WASN’T SHOCK written all over Panther’s face, but a combination of amusement mixed with frustration, maybe? Like every time I opened my mouth, it made the guy exasperated, but he still somehow found it hot. At least, I was assuming he found it hot. His actions while on his knees yesterday had told me as much.

“That should have me out the door,” Panther said.

“Then why aren’t you?”

Panther looked down at the beer bottle he rolled between his hands. “I don’t know. I really don’t.”

“I can help you there.”

He lifted his head, a line forming between his brows. “You got me figured out?”

“Easy. You’ve always played by the rules, and now you want to break a few.”

Panther snorted and shook his head. “And you assume I’m going to break them with you?”

“Well, it was your mouth all over my dick yesterday—”

“Jesus.” Panther glanced around, looking to see if anyone was listening in. Newsflash—they weren’t.

“Can I ask you something?”

“I have a feeling I’ll regret it if I say yes.”

I leaned forward, not to keep my voice down, but to get a better read on his answer. “My charming personality aside, do you see me getting shit from anyone?”

Panther frowned. “What?”

“At NAFTA. Have I gotten the short end of the stick in any way? Any hate from our instructors? What about the other trainees?”

“No. What are you talking about—”

“I’m gay.” As Panther sat there trying to piece together where I was going with that obvious statement, I said, “I’m gay, and not one person gives a flying fuck. So guess what? They wouldn’t give a flying fuck about you either.”

He stared at me, unblinking, and then shifted in his seat. “It’s different—”

“For you? Because you’re some special snowflake?”

Panther’s blue eyes turned icy. “You know why it’s different. My father would make my life there a living hell. Not everyone can be as unaffected as you are about everything. I have to be smart here.” He pushed his beer away and stood up. “You know what, this was a bad idea—”

“Wait.” I grabbed hold of his wrist before he could walk away and stood up so we were almost toe to toe. “I’m sorry. I’m just trying to help.”

With a sigh, Panther glanced down at the hold I had on him, and while he seemed to be debating whether to stay, I tugged him back to the table.

“Come on. Just dinner. I’ll drop it.”

Panther gave a short nod and then slid back into the booth as I did the same. I motioned for another round of beers and finished off my first.

Why did I always have to butt in and interfere when it was so clearly not what others wanted? I couldn’t seem to help myself. It was like my mouth had a mind of its own, and there wasn’t one damn thing I could do to stop it.

But for Panther, for tonight, I’d try.

“I appreciate you wanting to help,” he said. “But I don’t have a choice right now.”

All I could do to bite my tongue, because of course he had a choice—he just wouldn’t get the results that he wanted.

But tonight wasn’t the time to delve into all those issues. It was time to flip the switch back to why I’d asked him here in the first place.

“You’re a little buttoned up tonight, Lieutenant Hughes,” I said, sliding back into the sensual tone that told him exactly where I wanted to go. “Maybe a couple of those could, I dunno, pop off.”

Panther glanced down at his shirt and then back to me, and the frustration from seconds ago vanished, a lighter emotion now filling those blue eyes of his. “Just pop off, huh?”

I leaned back in the booth and shrugged. “Or, you know, I could rip ’em off.”

Panther’s mouth curved as I lowered my eyes to the buttons of his shirt.

“You like that idea? Me ripping your shirt off?”

Panther raised his beer to his lips. “I don’t hate it.”

I reached for a chip and scooped up some salsa. “I’ll be sure to keep that in mind, you know, for later.”

“Later?”

I swallowed my mouthful and then leaned forward, my eyes locking on Panther’s so he didn’t miss my meaning when I said, “Unless, of course, you’re not hungry anymore…”

Panther’s eyes narrowed, and the intensity in that gaze was so potent that I had to reach between my legs to readjust myself.

He hadn’t said a word and my cock felt as though he’d just wrapped his fingers around it and given me a nice, long stroke.

“Oh, I’m hungry.”

Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. When Panther got like this, like he was that first night we’d met, I was lucky if I could form a coherent sentence. It was like a switch flipped and all of his hang-ups, all of his worries vanished, and he embraced that arrogant attitude that suited him so damn well.

“You are?” I managed, though how, I had no idea, since all of the blood in my head had now gone south.

“I am. But not for anything on that menu.”

I licked at my suddenly dry lips, and when Panther’s eyes followed the path, I groaned. “Are you serious right now?”

The expression on his face left little doubt he meant what he said. His lips were pulled taut, his cheeks were slightly flushed, and there was a slight twitching in his jaw. All signs that he was as on edge as I suddenly was.

“Don’t I sound serious to you?”

“You sound like you’re offering to eat me, so if that’s not what’s on the table, you need to stop teasing me right fucking now.”

The sinful smile that curved Panther’s mouth was something straight out of every fuck fantasy I’d ever had of him. It was cocky as hell, and when I cursed beneath my breath, he chuckled.

“Hmm, and here I thought you said you didn’t like things easy.”

That was it. I slid out of the booth, and as I got to my feet, I didn’t bother trying to hide what he’d done to me—and I was happy to note Panther didn’t bother pretending not to look.

I tossed a couple of bills onto the table then leaned down until my mouth was hovering only inches from his. “I don’t. I like them nice and hard. Exactly the way you’ve got me right now.”

Panther’s eyes flared as I glanced down at his lap.

“There’s a hotel at the far north end of Boundary. When you think you’re able to walk out of here, come meet me there. Actually, don’t come—do that when you meet me there.”

I straightened, about to walk out when Panther grabbed my hand.

“What makes you think I’ll be there?”

I smirked as I pulled my hand free. “Because, like me, you can’t stay the fuck away.”

32 Panther

I WAS DOING this.

I was throwing every ounce of caution to the wind and giving in to what I wanted and not what anyone else wanted for me.

Would what was about to happen come back and bite me in the ass? Maybe. Probably. But I was much more looking forward to a certain someone biting me in the ass…

I pulled into the hotel’s parking lot, spotting Solo’s motorcycle right away. I chose a spot in the adjacent lot, out of view of passing cars, just in case. It wasn’t likely anyone we trained with would be out this far, but you could never be too careful.

Once I’d shut off the bike, I checked the text message Solo had sent with the number of the room.

Solo: 323

I made my way through the lobby toward the elevators, feeling like there was a bright spotlight on me, like everyone knew why I was there, when no one was paying me any attention at all.

Paranoid much?

Taking in a deep breath, I walked into the elevator and punched the button for the third floor. As the doors closed and I removed my jacket, I asked myself one last time if this was a good idea. But I didn’t have time to debate, because as the elevator reached the third floor and the doors opened, the sight of Solo leaning casually against the doorframe and looking good enough to eat clinched it.

Decision made.

Helmet in hand, I strolled forward as Solo’s eyes slowly trailed down my body. It was so potent that I could feel his searing gaze as it lingered below my hips, causing a visceral reaction I had no hope of hiding.

My heart hammered in time with the throbbing in my dick, my blood pumping lust through my veins, my desire taking over. I’d wanted him the first night I saw him, but I’d held myself back. Every day since then, always holding back, never allowing myself the pleasure my body yearned to steal from his.

It was when Solo’s heated gaze came back up to meet mine and he licked his lips that the feral animal inside was ready to claw itself out.

I slipped my fingers into the waist of his pants and shoved him back into the room, dropping my helmet and jacket on the floor and then kicking the door shut.

For once, Solo didn’t say a damn thing, choosing to take action instead, because as soon as the door shut, he charged forward, slamming his mouth against mine with such force that I stumbled back. He kept advancing until my back hit the door, and then he reached between us and stroked my swelling cock through my jeans, bringing it to full mast. I was so hard it was painful, and yet I relished it, remembering what Solo had said before about mixing pleasure with pain. Relief was coming, oh God was it coming, and as I sucked greedily on his tongue, my mind raced with how I wanted it to happen first.

It was so reminiscent of the day at the cliffs when I’d gotten my first taste of him. It’d been a rush, hands and mouths everywhere, much like what was happening now. We went at each other like it was a race to the finish; I had a hold of his ass, forcing him against me so that his legs tangled with mine, giving my dick that delicious friction with every grind.

I couldn’t get enough of him, of his hot, talented mouth, or the way I felt his erection rubbing against my leg, as hungry for release as mine.

“Fuck,” he said, his lips still against mine, but he moved his hands to the button of his pants, and that was it. All bets were off.

I pushed off the wall, breaking our connection as I moved in behind him and walked him forward so that his front was against the door and that sexy ass was perfectly positioned for my dick.

“Nice maneuver,” he said, breathless and grinning as I reached around him, pushed his hands away, and then unbuttoned and unzipped him myself. With my hands busy, Solo took the opportunity to reach behind him for the waist of my jeans, flicking the button open and unzipping me in seconds.

Greedy, greedy…

But before he could let go, I reached for his hand and wrapped my fingers around his wrist, holding it in place behind his back. When he realized his error, Solo aimed a look over his shoulder, and the twinkle in his eye told me he was totally getting off on this new restriction.

“Now what, lieutenant?”

Cocky fucker. I tightened my hold and shoved him forward until he had to turn his head or risk breaking his nose, and when his cheek was pressed up against the door, I crowded in behind him until his ass was cradling my aching cock.

“I’m going to get these fucking pants out of my way and finally give you what you’ve been asking for since the first time you sat down next to me.”

Solo pushed back into my body, his eyes full of heat when they found mine. “And what do you think I’ve been asking for?”

The question was rhetorical, since he’d been pushing for the two of us to get naked for the last couple of weeks, but it seemed Solo liked to use all of his senses when it came to sex.

I lowered my head and drew my tongue along his cheek. “A hot, hard fucking that’s gonna make it really difficult for you to walk out of here tomorrow.”

If I thought for one second that that would shut Solo up, I would’ve been wrong.

“Tomorrow, huh? That’s some stamina you must have.”

I jacked my hips forward. “God, you’re mouthy.”

“Hmm, trust me, that’s gonna work in your favor tonight.”

That wicked hot promise was too much to resist, so I pressed my mouth to his in a hard, uncompromising kiss that had him straining against my hold to get closer. When I raised my head, and he groaned in protest, I smirked.

“I’m going to hold you to that. Now stand still.”

“Yes, sir,” Solo said, much like he did at training, then winked at me. Before I was tempted to take his mouth again and teach him a damn lesson, I let go of his wrist and reached for his pants.

I slipped my fingers into his waistband and lowered behind him, tugging his pants and briefs over the curve of his seriously perfect ass.

As I moved to kneel behind him, I saw a tattoo come into view high up on the back of his right thigh. Shit, was this the surprise he’d been hinting at earlier when I’d asked? I slowly pulled the material free, and the outline of a star became visible. Not just one, though, because that would be too subtle for Solo. Oh no, he had four of them winding down the back of his muscled thigh to the inside by his knee. As I let the material fall to his feet and drank in the sight of the stars, my cock punched against its confines.

Fuck. That was one seriously hot tattoo, and before I even knew I was going to do it, I rose to my knees, grabbed his naked hips, and leaned in to trace the outline of the star at the center of his thigh with the tip of my tongue.

Solo groaned and glanced over his shoulder at me, and when I aimed my eyes his way and did it again, he flashed me a grin that could rival the devil’s.

“You like?”

I dragged my tongue up the back of his thigh until I could nip at the underside curve of his ass, and then nodded. “Very fucking much.”

I tore my eyes away from his and back to the little surprise I’d just found. I reached out and followed the lines with my fingertip, causing goosebumps to break out over Solo’s skin. Then I dropped my hand, sat back on my heels, and said, “Get your boots and pants out of my way, Mateo.”

33 Solo

A BOSSY PANTHER was now at the top of my all-time fantasy fuck list, and as I kicked out of my boots and the pants and briefs he’d removed for me, I grinned to myself.

His tongue tracing my tattoos had been unexpectedly hot, and so was the vision of him sitting back on his heels at my feet, his eyes roaming over my body like he was wondering where he wanted to touch and taste next.

“Anyfuckingwhere,” I said, answering the unspoken question in the room, and Panther looked up at me with molten eyes. Then he rose to his knees and cupped my ass with his strong hands, plumping them, and I groaned and thrust my hips back.

Seconds later, his mouth grazed my skin, his teeth nipping, and while I loved every damn bite, I needed more, and I needed it now.

“Stop with the fucking foreplay,” I rasped. “I don’t need it.”

Instantly, Panther’s mouth was gone, and I regretted my words. But when I felt him rise behind me, removing my shirt up over my head in the process, I shivered in anticipation.

“My pants pocket.” With my hands still up against the door, I looked down at my discarded clothes. “Left side.”

Panther fished out the condoms and lube I’d been smart enough to bring with me tonight, and then pressed his still-clothed body against mine. He found his way to my ear, sucking my lobe and earring into his mouth, making my cock throb harder, and then lubed fingers were sliding down the crack of my ass.

Yes. Oh God, yes.

With one hand, he pried my cheeks apart, and as his finger found my hot hole and began to massage it for entrance, I angled my torso and pushed back against him.

“Goddamn.” Panther sucked in a breath, his finger firmly inside me, and as he began to move, I said, “Another.”

Two fingers and an orgasm just out of reach…it was torture. Pure, unabashed torture that I was dying for more of, but Panther was keeping just out of reach. I wasn’t kidding when I said fuck the foreplay. I wanted his dick pounding me into the door without abandon, the way I knew he wanted to.

Reaching behind me, I took hold of his erection straining behind his briefs, making Panther gasp.

“Ready, are you?” he said, his cock pulsing in my hand, ready to find its way home.

“I was ready at the bar two weeks ago.”

“Mmm.” Panther’s fingers left my body, and I heard him rip open the condom packet and get himself ready.

“Do it,” I said, bracing my hands higher on the door, angling my ass toward him. “Fuck me until I can’t walk out of here, like you promised.”

Gone was the man holding himself back from what he wanted. In his place there was only an animal lust that begged to be sated, and with one sharp thrust, Panther pushed inside me. Balls deep, his muscles tensed, he stayed flush against me, like the feel of his cock inside was too much and he needed a second to get his bearings.

Then his teeth found the juncture where my neck and shoulder met, and as he bit down, enough to give me a sting of pain that went straight to my dick, he began to move. It wasn’t a slow fuck, but a vicious punch and pull of the hips, one that made my eyes roll to the back of my head and curses fall out of my mouth.

I’d known it was going to be hot. I’d known it was going to be good. What I hadn’t known was that having Panther inside me was unlike anything I’d ever felt before. He was strong, forceful, and just as greedy as I was, and as he went at me like he’d never fuck again, it was all I could do to keep myself upright.

“Shit,” Panther growled by my ear, as he brought a hand up and grabbed my shoulder, tugging me back into his body, where he bottomed out and froze. “You’ve got the tightest ass I’ve ever been inside.”

I tensed and clenched around his shaft, proving him right. Then he wound his other hand around my waist and took hold of my erection.

“Ahh, shit.” My hips punched forward, sliding me along the thick rod inside me, and when Panther followed, forcing me back up against the door, I braced myself.

Good thing, too, because in that moment it seemed like anything and everything Panther had been holding back was finally set free. He planted one hand on the door by my head and grabbed my waist with the other, and as he drilled into me over and over at a relentless pace, I closed my eyes and let the sublime feeling of ecstasy take me over.

This was what I’d wanted ever since I’d seen him walk into that damn bar: his body pummeling mine until I was all but out of my mind with need. As he tensed behind me and thrust as deep inside me as he could get, Panther shouted my name like it was a prayer and came long and hard in my ass.

As the echo of my name faded into silence, and the hard body behind mine withdrew, I moaned at the loss but turned to lean up against the door. I wanted to see with my own eyes the sexy man who’d just fucked me like there was no tomorrow.

With my dick still hard, aching from the fucking but jealous from its lack of participation, I reached down and wrapped my hand around it. Panther stood less than a foot from me, his cheeks flushed, his eyes heavy, his jeans gone but his proper shirt still all neatly buttoned up. He reached down and rolled the condom free, and as he tossed it in the trash and looked back to me, I said, “My fucking turn.”

34 Panther

JESUS CHRIST. THAT had been the hottest fuck of my life, but from the look in Solo’s eyes as he turned around to face me, it wasn’t anywhere near over yet. And even though I’d just come long and hard inside him, I could feel the stirring in my cock again, all that pent-up desire still coursing through me.

How could it not, with a naked Solo facing me, his erection long, thick, and hard, not so patiently waiting its turn for release.

I hadn’t gotten the full picture of the man before me in all his glory, but looking at him now was unfuckingreal. Strong, muscular thighs that were hiding those sexy tattoos wrapping behind one leg. The corded muscles in his arms that grew taut as he flexed and took a step toward me, the small hoops in his ears winking in the fading light peeking through the closed curtains.

He stalked toward me like my namesake, and without saying a word, I knew exactly what he’d do next. Solo grabbed hold of my shirt, hauling me in for a kiss so deep that he stole my breath. He flicked open the first two buttons of my shirt, then pulled away and, with both hands, ripped the material down the middle. Buttons went flying as Solo looked up at me.

“Whoops.”

He was something else, and I had to laugh at the ballsy way he went about everything.

“Still like that?” he asked.

“I don’t hate it.” I shrugged out of the torn shirt, letting it drop to the floor, and then I kicked off my shoes and the pants and briefs that were still around my ankles. “Might be an interesting ride back to the barracks.”

But Solo wasn’t listening. With my body bare to him, he was too busy taking an eyeful. His hands came up to my chest, running circles around my sensitive nipples with his thumbs before trailing down the ridges of my abs.

“Your body…” His hands stopped moving as he reached the V of my hips, and then he leaned in, his words a breath on my lips. “I want to destroy it.”

Before I realized he was going to do it, he shoved me back hard, and as I landed on the bed, he crawled up my body like he was on the prowl.

Aaand there it was. Officially hard again.

“I want to feel it tomorrow,” I said, laying down the challenge as I pushed myself up the bed so I was fully on it, and then, because I was feeling especially relaxed after such an explosive orgasm, I added, “Do your worst, lieutenant.”

Solo growled and planted a hand on either side of my head, then he rolled his hips, dragging his naked cock along the underside of mine.

“Mmm…” he said, his lips hovering over mine. When I craned up to take them in a kiss, he moved out of reach, shoving me back to the mattress. “I told you, it’s my turn.”

His arrogant tone made my dick impossibly harder, and when he added, “Put your feet flat on the bed,” it was all I could do not to come.

Bending my legs, I did as I was told, and when Solo lowered his head and pressed his lips to my nipple, my pulse began to race. He flicked and sucked at the sensitive nub until a low groan rumbled out of me, then he raised his head, grinned at me, and started to kiss his way down my body.

As he trailed his lips down my sternum and along the ridges of my abs, my body bowed up off the bed to get closer to that teasing mouth. I reached for his head and smoothed my hand over the back of his hair until I had a good grip, then urged him further down. He complied, following the grooves of my body until he was at the V of my leg.

Solo’s eyes found mine, and the wicked hot desire swirling in them had me bucking my hips up. But the teasing fucker shook his head and said, “Don’t move,” before shifting off the bed.

A flashback of the night I tossed him out of my room came hurtling back, giving my dick a momentary burst of panic, but when Solo picked up his pants and pulled a condom and packet of lube free, I let out a silent prayer.

I should’ve known better, really. Solo wouldn’t be going anywhere until he got his, and judging by the impatient cock he was now covering, that involved getting deep inside me.

As he walked back to the end of the bed and looked down at me, he opened the lube, squeezed its contents into his hand, and then reached down to stroke himself, and holy hell. The sight of Solo getting off on me was a total high. So much so that I widened my stance, reached for my own erection, and mimicked his move.

“Jesus, Grant. Fuck.”

Solo’s voice was strained, as though the chain holding him back was close to snapping, and when I bucked my hips up to give him an even better look, a wild light entered his eyes and he climbed up onto the bed.

With his attention now zeroed in on what he was about to get inside, Solo moved between my bent legs and let go of himself to smooth his hands along the top of my thighs. Then, with his eyes on mine, he drew his hands back up the outside and hooked them under my knees before he tugged me down the bed, closer to him.

When he reached out to run his slippery fingers over my balls and down to my crack, he said, “Pull your knees back,” and the expression in his eyes dared me to challenge him.

But not this time. I was too turned on to do anything other than what he said, and as I reached for my knees and pulled them back toward my chest, a rough growl of approval left Solo.

“Hell yes,” he said as he trailed his fingers down to my desperate hole. It’d been a long time since I’d had a good fucking, but I knew Solo was about to fix that, and I couldn’t wait.

35 Solo

I COULDN’T DECIDE which was better—the way Panther looked splayed out beneath me, or the way he felt as I entered him with my fingers. The groan he let out as I stretched his hole, getting him ready for me, was so sensual and so full of need that it spurred me on, faster, deeper, way past the point of wanting to get inside him.

With his eyes closed and lips parted, Panther was the sexiest bit of sin I’d ever had the pleasure of fucking, and I was going to commit every second of tonight to memory. I hoped like hell this wouldn’t be the last time I had him beneath me, but I wasn’t gonna think about that right now. All I wanted was to give as good as I’d been taken.

“You’re right.” Panther’s eyes opened and he bit down on his lip. “There’s no need for foreplay tonight.” He clenched himself around my fingers, and he didn’t have to say anything more. I removed my hand and then took my time sliding my dick inside, watching every little emotion cross his face as he took me into his body inch by inch.

“Oh fuck.” I dropped my head as I went in as deep as I could go, shuddering at the intense pressure and pleasure that made me almost lose my self-control.

Hell no. That is not happening. Not fucking yet.

“Feels too good,” Panther murmured, gripping the sheets beside us as I slowly began to move, making sure I wouldn’t be coming too soon. I wasn’t ready for this to end, not when we’d barely just begun.

With the tip of my cock still inside, I said, “Yes, you fucking do,” and then drove back into him in one solid thrust. The sound he made then as he cried out was so erotic that I knew I would never forget it, and as I continued to tunnel inside him, he gripped my forearms and squeezed.

“I want everything you’ve got,” he said, his tight hole squeezing my dick like a vise.

I halted my movements and rose, and then I grabbed the back of one knee and pushed it toward his chest, giving me an even better angle.

“Let me watch you touch yourself while I fuck you.”

Panther’s pupils were practically blown, barely any hint of blue to be seen as he reached for his cock and began to stroke.

“Yesss…” I began to pick up the pace, and the faster I went, the faster he milked his dick. It was a scorching sight, watching the by-the-rules man fall completely apart beneath me and because of me. I didn’t think there could be anything hotter in the world than that, until a low groan full of sex vibrated out of him.

I let go of his leg and came down over the top of him, needing to taste him. As I planted my hands by his head, Panther wrapped his legs around my ass, pulling me deeper inside him.

Fuck, I could feel my cock throbbing, threatening to explode before I was ready, and when I nipped at his lower lip and Panther automatically opened for me, I shoved my tongue inside and groaned at the taste of him.

He was the perfect combination of sin, sex, and man, and as he began to writhe under me as though he couldn’t bear to keep still, I sank my fingers into the covers by his head and began to fuck him the way I’d always dreamed of.

With hard, fast movements, I pounded him into the mattress beneath us, fulfilling the promise I’d made of making him feel it tomorrow, and as I did, Panther slid his arms around my neck and held on for the ride.

We were as intimately fused as a vine to a tree, each of us entangled tightly around the other. I couldn’t tell where he began and I ended, but when his muscles flexed and tensed under me, and Panther pulled his mouth free, I stared down into those blistering eyes and felt my orgasm skate down my spine to my balls.

“Favorite fucking mistake ever,” Panther said in a voice that pushed all my buttons, then he arched up and crushed his lips to mine, as I tunneled home one last time.

36 Panther

I CRACKED MY eyes open to see bright light peeking through the curtains. I had no idea what time it was, and as I reached for my phone, every muscle in my body cried out in protest.

“Did I work you too hard?” Solo’s voice, full of gravel, made me turn my head to see him lying on his stomach beside me, his arms wrapped around a pillow and his eyes closed.

“Pretty sure I need an ice bath,” I said, chuckling as I reached for my phone to see the time. Still early, just past six, but since we hadn’t actually passed out until some time well after midnight, it wasn’t quite a restful night.

I wasn’t complaining.

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Solo smiled. “We late?”

“Nah.” I set my phone back on the nightstand and moved onto my side to face him. His eyes were finally starting to open, though it looked like it was taking a massive effort.

“I can’t seem to move my body,” Solo said, his words half muffled in the pillow. “Maybe you should wake me up.” He waggled his brows, and I laughed.

“We ran out of condoms somewhere around two a.m.”

“Ah, shit. That’s right.”

I needed to get up, get dressed, and head back to my room for a shower, but I couldn’t make myself move. We’d spent hours going at each other like rounds of an MMA fight, and I was sure when I looked in the mirror later that there’d be bruises or some kind of marking as a result.

But damn… I hadn’t known what I was missing giving Solo the brush-off. Or maybe I had known deep down and didn’t want a taste to turn into a full-blown craving. He’d been the hottest, dirtiest fuck I’d had in my life, everything he’d promised and more. Solo was the same guy whether he was flying or fucking—cocky but with the skills to back it up, aggressive…and unpredictable. It would be hazardous to my health to get addicted to a guy like him.

That wouldn’t happen, though. This thing between us was scorching, that was for damn sure, but it wasn’t going anywhere, and we both knew it.

“You’re thinking awfully hard over there.”

I turned my head to see his eyes were shut again. “How can you tell?”

“I can hear the fucking wheels turning. Do you ever just stop?”

I rolled to my side so I was facing him and let my eyes wander over the smooth skin of his arms hugging that pillow. “Pretty sure I stopped last night.”

He opened his eyes, and they were beautiful. It wasn’t something I’d ever tell him, but I’d never seen lashes so damn thick on a man before. They should’ve looked ridiculous, like he’d lined them with eyeliner and spent time applying mascara, but I knew he hadn’t. His eyes were always this captivating, always this mesmerizing, and not staring into them was fast becoming a problem.

“Hmm, you did, didn’t you. Aaand…?”

I couldn’t stop my grin. “Is that your way of asking if I regret it?”

“Sure, we can go with that. But personally I was aiming more for: was it as good for you as it was for me?”

“Feeling insecure?”

Solo chuckled and rolled to his back, the sheet shifting until it was barely covering his hips. “Do I look insecure to you?”

I let my eyes roam down his body and felt my cock stir. “You look fucking unreal to me.”

Solo whipped his head to the side to look at me. “Yeah?”

“Fuck yes. But don’t try to pull that shocked shit with me. You know what you’re working with. You made that clear the first night we met.”

“Well, yeah. But you’ve never actually admitted it, so I wasn’t sure what you thought.”

Without even thinking about it, I shifted up and over the top of him, bracing my hands on either side of his head on the pillow, the sheet falling off my bare ass but still acting as a teasing barrier between us.

As I rolled my hips over the top of his, I said, “I think it’s going to be very difficult to be around you now, and not think about the way you look and sound when you come.”

“Fuck…” Solo arched up under me, his erection rubbing against mine through the sheets, making the friction all the more sensual.

“I also think you are one of the most beautiful men I’ve ever seen in my life, and that’s going to make it even harder to forget last night.”

Solo’s eyes narrowed, and when I would’ve rolled off him so I could go and get ready, he reached up, wound his arms around my neck, and tugged me down so he could suck my lower lip into his mouth.

A low rumble of pleasure left me, and when he released me, he said, “Why in the world would you ever want to forget something as hot as this?”

Why indeed…

My mouth opened to his as I continued to rub my morning erection against his. One last time couldn’t hurt, right?

Clearly on the same page, Solo moved his hand to my ass, gripping me tight to keep me right where I was.

“Now this must be what they mean by rise and shine,” Solo murmured against my mouth, and then he pulled me in for another kiss as our hips moved against each other faster.

I didn’t know how either of us had the energy for another round, but our cocks clearly had minds of their own.

Dropping my head into Solo’s neck, I picked up the pace, the friction of the sheet and his hard, hot cock against mine all I needed for the orgasm that was building…building…

“Fuck,” Solo cried out, jerking beneath me with the force of his climax, and it was enough to send me over the edge.

I thrust my hips into his once, twice, and then…God. I came so hard I nearly blacked out, my moans muffled from my mouth on Solo’s neck. Slowing my movements, I settled my weight on top of him, and he wrapped his arms around my waist.

“I’m not gonna let you forget, so good luck trying.”

I smiled into his neck and then lifted my head. “If you could keep those reminders out of the training room, I’d appreciate it.”

“Are you accusing me of having a big mouth?”

“Biggest I’ve ever seen.”

Solo grinned. “The better to use on you.” He slapped my ass, pushing me into the sticky evidence of my release, and I groaned.

I reached around to remove his hands and then stood up. “I need a shower.”

“Good, I’ll join you.”

When he sat up, I pushed him back onto the bed. “Not here.”

“Why not? You think I won’t be able to keep my hands off you?”

I placed my hands on the bed and leaned in close so we were nose to nose. “I know you won’t.”

37 Solo

IF WE HADN’T already fucked all night, I would’ve called Panther a cock tease. As it was, I didn’t know how my dick was even still functioning, but I knew it would only be a matter of minutes before I was raring to go again.

Panther stood beside the bed stretching what had to be sore limbs if he was feeling even remotely the way I was. How the hell I’d manage to peel myself off the bed I didn’t know, because my body was so spent I’d be feeling it for days. Damn. Who knew what an insatiable animal lay under all that good-guy behavior?

As Panther searched the room for his clothes, I toweled myself off with the sheet and then kicked it away. Folding my arms beneath my head, I watched Panther bend over to grab his ruined shirt, that spectacular, well-used ass on full display. I knew he worked out—I’d seen him in the weight room and going for runs—but having a naked Panther standing in front of you was something else entirely.

He took one look at his ruined shirt and shook his head. “What am I supposed to do about this on the ride back?”

“Keep it off. Your body is sexy as fuck. Keep your pants off, too.”

Panther chuckled, and even that low laugh was attractive, the fucker. “I think that might make for an uncomfortable ride.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right. Plus, I don’t want you to damage anything I might wanna use later.”

Panther looked around the room, clearly searching for a workable solution.

“Just wear your jacket. Mmm, yeah. Jeans, boots, a leather jacket and nothing else—now that’s a visual I can work with after you leave.”

“After I leave?” Panther made his way over to the bathroom door. “You need to get your ass up and get to base after I leave or you’re going to be late.”

“Eh, I’m not worried about a few minutes.”

“A few minutes every day adds up, you know.”

“Yes, sir.” I saluted him from where I lay in bed, and Panther flipped me the bird. “I’ll just be a few minutes.”

“A few minutes,” he said. “We’re up against the instructors today, so get your ass out of bed and pretend you care about your spot at the academy.”

“I do care. I’m just focused right now. Is it my fault your ass is distracting me?”

“Get up. Now.”

I sat up and pulled the pillow from under my head, hurling it across the room. It hit Panther’s bare ass right before he disappeared behind the closed door.

As much as I hated to admit it, he was right. I’d been late a couple times now, and honestly, Commander Levy was probably looking for an excuse to tear me a new one. So I swung my legs over the side of the bed and cracked my neck. From behind the bathroom door I could hear the faucet going—Panther doing a quick cleanup before pulling his jeans on was my guess—and as I got to my feet and stretched my back, I reveled in the delicious ache.

Damn, I’d wanted to feel it this morning, and boy did I. Panther had worked me over, and good. I hadn’t felt this satisfied…ever.

Just as that thought entered my head, the bathroom door opened and Panther stepped out dressed just as I’d suggested. With the overnight stubble and slicked-back hair, it was a miracle my knees didn’t give out.

He looked hot as fuck.

Not worried in the least by my lack of clothing, I walked over to him and reached out to finger the chain of his dog tags, then I hooked my finger behind them and tugged him down to take his lips one last time.

Panther opened to me immediately, taking this final moment before we had to head back to base and pretend nothing had changed since yesterday. But when he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me flush against his body, there was no denying it—everything had changed.

As we pulled apart, Panther reached behind him for the door handle, and I walked to the bathroom, about to go and get ready. But before I could shut the door, I heard him call out my name. Not my real name. But my call sign: Solo.

I glanced back at him, and that was when it became crystal clear that Panther was also feeling things he hadn’t felt the day before, because he’d plastered on that familiar, inscrutable expression. “Don’t think this changes anything. We’re still competitors, you know.”

I knew he was trying to re-establish some distance before we had to see one another in class, but that ship had sailed. There was no erasing this from my mind, no pretending it hadn’t happened. So I ran my eyes down over him and reached for my cock to give it a bold stroke.

“As far as I’m aware, we never stopped being competitors. The only question that’s really left now is which one of us will come out on top next time.”

And with that, I kicked the bathroom door shut behind me.

38 Panther

I ARRIVED AT training with only minutes to spare, after a record-quick shower and change of clothes. The rest of the guys were already in class waiting for today’s brief, and as I stepped through the door and spotted Solo sitting in his usual chair at the back next to Gucci, I had to do a double take to be sure I wasn’t seeing things.

How in the hell had he beaten me to class? I’d left before him. Hell, the last time I’d seen him, he’d been butt-ass naked and in no hurry to go anywhere. But as Houdini spotted me and called me over, Solo looked my way, raised his arm, and tapped on his watch.

Smartass fucker. What’d he do, beam himself up?

“’Bout time you showed your ugly mug around here,” Houdini said as I slid in behind my desk. “You’re not usually late. Everything all right?”

With Solo no doubt listening over my shoulder, there was no way in hell I was about to say no. Instead, I nodded at Houdini and pulled out my binder.

“Everything’s fine. Just slept through my alarm, that’s all.”

Houdini scoffed. “That’s all? What, you have a late night or somethin’?”

“Just couldn’t sleep. Drop it.”

From over my shoulder, I felt a breeze ruffle the back of my neck, and then Gucci chimed in, “Scared to go up against the commander, huh?”

I glanced back at Solo’s sidekick and arched an eyebrow. “Do I look scared to you?”

My droll tone made Gucci sit back in his seat, and when he did, my eyes caught on Solo, who was watching me closely while twirling a pen through his fingers. Fingers that had been inside me just last night.

Shit. Don’t think about that.

“I don’t think he’s scared, Gooch. But maybe something else kept him up last night.”

I wasn’t sure if it was just me, but I could’ve sworn Solo added extra emphasis to the word up.

Solo looked at me and said, “There’s only one reason I’d show up late for a hop against the commander, and he sure as fuck better be worth the ass kicking I’d get.”

That mouth of his. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to punch him in it or fuck it senseless. Actually, yes, I did, but thinking about that now wasn’t going to do me any damn good. So I turned back to my binder and took great interest in the words written there.

What they said was anyone’s guess.

“All right, is everyone here?” Commander Levy asked as he walked through the door and headed toward the front of the room, and when he spotted me, he gave a clipped nod. “Nice of you to join us, Lieutenant Hughes.”

What the hell? I hadn’t been late. Guess he’d stuck his head in early. Great, today was starting off fucking stellar.

“As you all know, today’s the day you get to show me what you’ve got. We’re two weeks in, and I want to see if you’ve been paying attention in here and learning anything up there.”

Where usually someone would have something arrogant or cocky to say about the hop ahead and how they’d crush it, no one dared to presume they could, or would, beat Commander Levy.

Although I was pretty sure I knew a certain someone who figured he could win against anyone he was up in the sky against—or die trying.

“I assume you’ve all studied today’s flight and what’s expected of you. Fly smart, clean, and safe. Nobody is looking for a hero up there.” The commander looked around the room, and then his eyes zeroed in on Solo. “There are no medals for being the biggest badass in the sky today, got it? Because that medal is already taken—by me. So go gear up and meet me in the hangar. Panther? You’ll be up first, since you showed up last. Don’t make me wait a second time today.”

As Commander Levy marched out of the room, the rest of the trainees turned on me, unable to resist the shit talking that was synonymous with this job.

“Wouldn’t want to be you today,” Whiplash said, as she passed me by and headed toward the female lockers. “Sure hope Solo was right and she was worth it. Because Levy is on a mission with you.”

A snicker sounded from behind me as I walked into the locker room, and then Solo said, “Yeah. Sure hope she was worth it.”

I didn’t get a chance to respond, because the room was full, and what I wanted to say wasn’t something that needed to be overheard. Instead, I quickly changed into my flight suit and then headed to the bay to gear up, eager and ready to get back in the cockpit and prove myself.

As I passed the viewing area on the way to the hangar, Solo sidled up beside me, his voice low enough for only my ears.

“So. Was I worth it?”

A snort escaped me as I shook my head.

“No? Well, shit. That’s a first.”

“I didn’t say no.”

“You didn’t say yes.”

I stopped and faced him, getting an eyeful of those pouty lips. “Pretty sure coming all over you this morning was a yes.”

Solo’s mouth fell open, and as I backed away, I shot him a wink and then headed toward the hangar for another ride in the sky.

39 Solo

THAT DIRTY FUCKER, I thought as I watched Panther walk away from me for the second time this morning. It was a killer view to go along with the words that had just come out of his mouth, and I found myself grinning as he disappeared from view and I finally dragged myself into the viewing room. Three-hundred-and-sixty-degree glass walls and a glass ceiling that gave us a full view of what was happening in the sky, only with the comfort of air conditioning instead of standing out in the blazing California sun for hours.

I grabbed a chair that faced the runway, and in the distance I could see Panther doing checks on his plane. Something told me he wouldn’t be playing nice against Commander Levy today, and I couldn’t wait to see him take down our instructor like I knew he had it in him to do.

“We placing bets today, ladies?” Gucci said, grabbing the spot beside me. “Twenty on Levy?”

“I’m sure you meant that as a joke, lieutenant, since gambling on base is not only illegal, but grounds for dismissal,” Commander Heinz said from where she stood cross-armed by the door.

“Oh, uh, Commander Heinz. Didn’t see you there.” Gucci shot me a look that said shiiit and then plastered a smile on his mug. “Course it was a joke. I don’t have a pocket big enough for my large wad of cash.”

“Careful, lieutenant,” she replied, narrowing her eyes. Then she flipped on the switch that allowed us to hear what, if anything, was being said in the air. More useful when there were teams, but also a safety precaution in case there was an issue. There were also two TVs set up in the corner, each showing the camera that was trained on each pilot.

I leaned over to Gucci. “My money’s on Panther, and I’ll raise you another twenty.”

He smirked. “Deal.”

Panther was already turning his jet toward the runway, and I imagined his nerves and adrenaline colliding as he prepared for takeoff. A few seconds later he began to move, faster and faster as he charged down the runway and lifted off. Commander Levy was already up there in the clouds, but the sun was bright behind them, and I had to grab my Aviators to keep from squinting.

Just as I thought, Panther wasn’t fooling around today. When he reached hop altitude and spotted Levy, he instantly went on the attack, and I waited to hear a curse fly out of the commander’s mouth, but he stayed dead silent and laser-focused. Panther wasn’t one for idle chitchat either, not even to himself, and somehow the silence between the two amped things up even more as they engaged, weaving in and out of the clouds.

“Shit,” Gucci said, and then whistled. “Panther came to play.”

Hell yes he did, I thought, as he went vertical and then swooped around, upside down, to move in directly behind Levy. It was a sweet move, and gasps rang out across the room.

“Oh my God, he’s got him,” Whiplash said.

But as soon as the words were out of her mouth, Levy pulled a hard right and gunned it, getting himself out of Panther’s line of fire before he could get a lock on.

The battle continued, neither side giving an inch, neither of them saying a damn thing, which frustrated me to no end. If it were me, I’d be giving my classmates a play-by-play, letting them know exactly how I was dominating my opponent.

But no. Not Panther. That same strong, silent type that left me exasperated but also turned me on. And even without saying a word, his flying right now was a serious fucking turn-on.

“There he goes again,” Houdini called out. “I think this is it.”

No one breathed as Panther zoomed in on Levy from seemingly out of nowhere, and just when I thought he was ready to call it, words I never expected to hear out of his mouth echoed across the room.

“Air in the cockpit,” Panther said, his tone clipped, still in control, but with an edge of panic in his voice. “Ready to eject.”

Holy fuck…what? I jumped to my feet, my heart practically stopping as I ran toward the glass. Then Panther’s voice came through the speakers again.

“Altitude dropping. Controls lost.”

Fuck. Fuck. This couldn’t be happening. It had to be some kind of mistake. But as I stared out the windows alongside everyone else, we watched in horror as Panther’s plane began to plummet to the earth.

The silence in the room was no longer rife with tension and excitement, but horror and dread, as the Hornet dropped ten thousand feet in a matter of seconds.

It was like watching your worst nightmare, but if you looked away or even blinked, you might lose sight, it was falling so fast. As I stood there helpless to do anything but pray that Panther had time to get himself in position, my gut twisted around on itself until I wanted to vomit.

“Come on, Panther,” Houdini said, his best friend voicing my own thoughts as we all waited for that moment we knew was coming. One we’d all trained for extensively, and hoped like hell we’d never have to employ, because no pilot ever wanted to be in a position where they had to eject from their aircraft. It was literally the last course of action you could take to try to save your life. But when the options were to plummet headfirst into the Pacific Ocean or blow yourself out of the cockpit and hope like hell all your limbs were intact and you survived, there really wasn’t much choice.

Not a second later, the blast from the rockets under Panther’s seat lit up the sky as he was catapulted into the air like he was nothing. The world went silent for a heartbeat, then two, and then emergency sirens blasted through the base, jump-starting my heart again.

Chaos erupted and someone screamed, but all I could do was watch as the plane careened on a death spiral to the water below. I frantically searched the sky for Panther’s chute, for any sign of him, but instead, all I saw was nothing…

He was gone.

Thank You

Thank you for reading DANGER ZONE. We hope you enjoyed flying high with our scorching-hot fighter pilots!

Make sure to join us for the next book in Panther and Solo’s journey, NEED FOR SPEED, as they speed headfirst into a high intensity love affair neither saw coming.

You can pre-order NEED FOR SPEED here!

Release Date: MARCH 27th, 2020

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About Brooke Blaine

About Brooke

Brooke Blaine is a USA Today Bestselling Author of contemporary and LGBT romance that ranges from comedy to suspense to erotic. The latter has scarred her conservative Southern family for life, bless their hearts.

If you’d like to get in touch with her, she’s easy to find - just keep an ear out for the Rick Astley ringtone that’s dominated her cell phone for years. Or you can reach her at www.BrookeBlaine.com.

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Brooke & Ella’s Naughty Umbrella

www.BrookeBlaine.com

brooke@brookeblaine.com

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About Ella Frank

If you’d like to get to know Ella better, you can find her getting up to all kinds of shenanigans at:

The Naughty Umbrella

And if you would like to talk with other readers who love Robbie, Julien & Priest, you can find them HERE at

Ella Frank’s Temptation Series Facebook Group.

Ella Frank is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite contemporary romance, Sex Addict. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!”

Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.

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