Leckadams bought this story, and donated to a great cause. She also ended up to be a pre-reader for this chapter. So, thanks for answering my questions.
As I told reviewers, this is the first detour the story is taking. Due to all of the comments on the last chapter I decided to veer off course and give you this sneak peak into what happened at the bar that night with Jasper and Jacob. This will answer a lot of the questions and concerns. Thank you for all of the wonderful words, I read and take each one into consideration. You guys help me fill in the gaps. I've made alterations to the story, and created this bonus chapter because of them. So keep 'em coming, and I'll keep on responding with replies, amendments to the story, and bonus chapters as seen fit.
And the winner is…
THE X GAMES!
The winner hadn't changed from chapter 5 to chapter 6, and the votes were almost just as close. The X Games beat out Burnt Marshmallows by TWO votes, and Love at First Sight was a close third, only six votes behind the leader. Thanks to everyone that had an opinion. I'm so glad that all three stories are liked equally.
FYI – there is a good chance I could finish both XG and BM, since the X Games could go a variety of different ways. I had several different scenarios lined up for that one. So, once I re-read it I'll be able to decide which route I want to go with the boys,but I want to warn you that if there was ever a worse threat of a non-HEA from me - - it will be THAT story. It may be 1 more chapter long or it could be 3-4 more chapters long. SO put it on alert, and you should see the continuation sometime in December.
Layne Faire is the bestest beta
Thanks to kkcats, I couldn't respond to you review since you have turned your PM's off. I appreciate the kind words.
Disclaimer – I do not own Twilight or any of its characters. As far as I know, Bon Terre doesn't exist, but it should – it sounds like a really cool place.
Bonus Chapter
Jacob POV
Wiping the sweat from my brow, I close my eyes, lift my face, and allow myself a moment to bake under the simmering Louisiana sun.
It's a beautiful day to be back home.
The dock is busy; many ships have come in this day, meaning tomorrow will be a long grueling day of schmoozing with the vendors. They'll be here bright and early looking for ridiculous deals on merchandise I've procured on my latest journey.
I cringe in distaste at some of the antics I'm forced to perform, but the price is small when it allows me to do what I want, when I want.
Although I'd had my share of company during my expedition, it's been a draining, lonely two months.
I've been traveling with my cousin, and lackey, Diego for a year now. I used to make the trips alone, not trusting anyone else to complete tasks exactly how I required them to be done. Then, last summer, Diego requested to accompany me on a two-week business excursion/drinking binge. My trips have always been a grand mixture of business and pleasure, so we set out to find massive quantities of both.
And that we did. We'd partied in excess, but during this adventure, Diego also proved to be a reliable extra hand, and I finally recognized the merits of having an assistant. I'd offered him the position at a fair wage, and he gladly accepted.
I also share compagnie of different men at each port, and I look forward to seeing each and every one of them when I sail through their towns, but there's nothing better than being at home with my family and true amis.
Traveling is becoming wearisome. I'll be careful in the future not to take such lengthy, extended voyages. It's come time to start limiting my business to a couple of weeks at a time - tops.
Unloading the spoils from my latest venture, I don't feel that familiar joy in my abundant success, but instead a tired relief. I want my mama's crawfish stew, and to watch a baseball game on a TV with decent reception. I want to tease my little sister until she's red in the face and mad as a hornet.
And, after that's all said and done, I want to have Jasper's dick buried so deep in my ass that I choke on it. We may not even make it to the comfort of my bâteau before I swallow that magnificent cock of his.
Sounds like the perfect welcome home to me.
I redouble my efforts, setting up an impeccable display of the various commodities I'd acquired, in preparation for tomorrow's sale. The serious merchants will be here right at the break of dawn, and the better the merchandise is presented, the faster it sells. That's why I take great measures to make certain the tables are clean, the boxes are stacked neatly, and the silver and gold is polished to a bedazzled shine.
Some of my competition would do well to learn such tricks of this trade. Their slobbish ways warrant the waste of a perfectly good afternoon, when they are forced to barter the same trinkets I'd divested for higher prices earlier in the morn.
"Are you goin' to the island tonight?" A familiar voice calls out from the dock. I recognize the distinct tenor of my old classmate, and fellow 'bottom'.
For shame, because he's definitely a portrait of beauty, however, no matter how gorgeous he is, I only ever go one way.
Garrett's not one I'd consider a friend, more of an acquaintance I choose to keep at close range, so I can track his moves.
I watch my competition with a hawk's eye.
Jasper and I are 'exclusive' when we're both in the general vicinity of Bon Terre, but he's free to see whomever he so desires while I'm sailing. Maintaining a 'friendship' with Garrett ensures he'll not be available should Jasper be inclined.
It's not that I give two flying fucks who Jasper chooses to fill while I'm away, but if I have a say in the matter, I'd rather not have him hook up with someone I'd consider equal or better than myself, and Garrett is a lovely specimen. All that soft wavy brown hair, big chocolate eyes, dark red lips, and perfect derrière…no, I had to make sure Jasper couldn't touch him.
"Of course, dear." I purr. "Why do you ask?"
"Jasper's been searching for you for well over a month now. Don't you give the man your number?" The curiosity in his voice is unmistakable. I've never given him, or anyone else, details about the nature of our involvement. It's none of their business, but Jasper and I don't make it a practice to communicate while I'm gone.
That resembles too much of a relationship.
"Has he now? Well, phone calls really aren't our style, but he'll see me tonight. I'll find out then why he's so urgently seeking me out." I wink, feeling even more excitement for our rendezvous tonight.
My boy's horny, huh? It suits me fine, for my urges are rather large as well. I chuckle, thinking Jasper is way too picky for his own good. He needs to expand the selection of his lovers.
He abstains for way too long when I'm inaccessible.
However, a desperate Jasper always makes for a very satisfying encounter.
"It doesn't matter now. He's probably already found what he was looking for." Garrett studies his nails, feigning disinterest in the topic.
"Why do you say that?" I mirror his relaxed attitude.
"Looks like he had a date last week. He was real cozy with someone I'd never seen before…and I'd remember a guy like that if I had," he supposes, smiling puckishly.
I seethe internally, witnessing the wicked gleam in his eye, wondering if this bitch is playing my game.
But my thoughts scatter at the information the haria provided.
Jasper had a date...with a stranger, no less.
I want to blow it off…I really do. Jasper very rarely ever drifts. Even now, he feels guilty about sticking that gorgeous dick into some random ass. If he found a nice piece while I'd been away, that's his prerogative. However, I don't like his men being thrown in my face by the likes of Garrett, who could match me in the ability to get and keep any man he wanted…for as long as he wanted.
"No worries, ami. Jasper can see whomever he chooses while I'm away, so long as he stays out of the circle."
Jasper and I have an arrangement that suits us both famously.
We began seeing each other a couple of years ago. The resident bottoms squealed in delight when gossip surfaced that Jasper and Alec were no more. I'd been the first to pounce, and naturally it hadn't taken long for Jasper to capsize under my irresistible charms.
I have ways of getting whatever I want; I'm not ashamed or guilty of that skill.
Jasper and I had gotten along for quite a few months without any commitments or rules, but that had been ruined after one evening.
Jasper had arrived at the island completely vulnerable…and horny as hell. Although he was adept at concealing his broken heart with the others, I easily saw through his façade. I'd already latched onto another lucky bastard for the evening, but Jasper looked so pathetic, trying to hold his head up high and pretend he didn't care none about the stupid asshole that dropped him like a hot potato. I couldn't possibly say 'no' when I knew that pent-up aggression meant he'd fuck me through the mattress. It'd been no contest. When I'd let the other guy down he threw a hissy fit, and I couldn't blame him.
After that uncomfortable scene, Jasper and I had made the tentative commitment to only be with each other when we were both in the area.
The decision had been tough one. I'd been accustomed to a wide assortment of men, and wasn't sure if monotony – even if only in Bon Terre – would work for me, but after two years I've not regretted it.
We'd only had a few more discussions over the years to amend our agreement to fit our budding needs. One of those conversations had led to the creation of a rule that if either of us strayed while the other was out of town it wouldn't be with anyone in our 'circle of friends'.
Which is why I smile sweetly at the exasperating man in front of me.
"I'm glad it doesn't bother you, 'cause let me tell you - he's some kind of hottie. I'm not sure I'd be okay with that," he claims. I feel suspiciously like I'm being baited, but I keep cool.
That's my specialty.
My pa taught me how to hide my emotions, to never show weakness, but to find these detriments in others and manipulate them for my own purposes. I've discovered this works well in business and in pleasure, but I've yet to find these faults in Garrett.
I shrug, confident I can motivate Jasper to forget about this silly fling.
Because he's one of the best lovers I've ever had, I think about Jasper now and then during my travels, but it's not until I reach the shores of Bon Terre that I crave his touch, desire his thick, beautiful schlong. I have plans that have him cumming all night long; by midnight he won't remember this boy Garrett mentions so cattily.
"He even left with him," he adds.
Garrett seems to be on a roll, since that one visibly causes me pause. I think I actually flinch, because his smirk grows wide and full, revealing his perfect white teeth.
That can't be true.
Jasper doesn't leave with anyone, not since Alec…and that includes me. Not that I'd want to see Jasper's quaint cabin, or fall into the bed he sleeps in. The lit in my bâteau'scabin proves to be quite comfortable for our extracurricular activities.
I'll show this pompous ass who Jasper really belongs to.
I remember our last meeting. Jasper was an eager participant, as always. If the passion had fizzled out…if he was getting bored with our arrangement, or if his needs or wants were shifting, I would have sensed it.
What could have changed so drastically in two months' time?
XXXXX
Red hair? Seriously? This has to be a sick joke.
That skinny, pale boy is supposedly my competition…the person that's going to steal Jasper away from me. He's not a 'hottie', as Garrett had suggested, but a scrawny duckling.
I'll give the gens the eyes though…a sparkling jade that can be seen clearly from the full longitude of the island's only establishment.
I observe the two of them from a safe spot, surreptitiously evaluating the situation. At first glimpse, I don't see any cause for concern. Jasper has no idea I'm back home, so he's free to converse with this guy, but I fear Jasper's desperation has reached an all-time high.
This boy is definitely not Jasper's type. I know all five of the men that Jasper's had sex with since we've been together. I'm not ashamed to admit I keep tabs on him in my absence.
My true amis keep me informed of who he's been with. While it's of no real consequence who Jasper screws, it's still a reflection on me, and therefore my business to know.
So far, the men Jasper had previously been with are handsome, virile 'tops', and I thoroughly approved of them all, even having been with a couple of them myself. But I'd bet tomorrow's earnings that this lanky boy definitely falls under the ranks of 'firm bottoms', and he's not physically appealing at all.
The pair sits awfully close together, almost intimately…like they're sharing illicit secrets. Jasper sneaks meaningful glances at the pale boy when he isn't looking, wistfully gazing at him while he guzzles his beer. I recognize the want and lust in Jasper's soulful eyes, having witnessed it firsthand hundreds of times, but there's something else there, something I can't put a name on…maybe longing…maybe even something more.
I'll stick with longing. My boy is sick with need.
The pale boy pushes a lock of hair from Jasper's face, and now it's time to make an appearance before Jasper commits himself to something he won't be able to follow through on.
My stride increases when I see Jasper raise his own hand, intending to give the boy hope where there isn't any…at least not tonight.
I can't let him do that…I'm not that cruel.
Not yet, anyway.
"Bonjou Jasper," I say, silkily. Slipping between the two of them, I place a gentle kiss on Jasper's supple cheek.
"I heard you've been looking for me, chéri. Mo chagren, I had some business out of town that lasted way too long, but I'm here for you now." He continues to stare at the pale boy. When his gaze finally lands on me, I'd have expected a look of unadulterated lust, maybe one of profound relief, but absolutely not the tight-lipped smile he bestows on me.
So, I grin sweetly, while sizing this boy up at a closer range. Had I missed something spectacular from a distance?
Pale? It looks as if he powders himself. Maybe he has bad skin. His messy hair is a combination of reds and browns, and I hope for his sake that he doesn't pay for this look. Long strands of hair sticking up and out, like he'd just tumbled out of bed. Lord, he couldn't even bother to put a brush through it?
But those eyes…
I avert my gaze when my thoughts can be mistakenly construed as jealousy, which is not the case.
I'm not jealous. I don't get jealous…ever. I'm possessive of what I own, and while I'm here I own Jasper…in that, I'm sure.
I adore the relationship I've cultivated with him, and I'm not prepared for that to change. I must have faith that he won't renege on our agreement, and two years of history, for a gens that can't even compare to me - in looks or in bed.
I'm voraciously arrogant, and rightfully so, because I can back it up.
I know what Jasper likes, what keeps him on his toes, what keeps him coming back for more…and more.
Jasper tests my unfailing patience when his eyes remain transfixed on the pale boy, rudely ignoring me while I stand by his side, giving myself to him.
"Go ahead. I'll be fine here." The man finally speaks, his gaze falling to the floor. His voice cracks; he gives in way too easily.
He wants Jasper - that much is for certain.
On one hand, I'm surprised because I'd anticipated more of a rumble, and I'd been looking forward to demonstrating my dominance over the beautiful man next to me. On the other hand, I give the gens credit. He's smart then - aware of the futility and danger of stepping between me and what I want.
Yet it doesn't stop his words from grating on me. Who is he to grant permission for Jasper to go with me? Did he really think he wouldn't have come with me without his acquiesce?
A dark feeling surrounds me when I take in Jasper's features.
Desire, disappointment, anger, yearning…duped, and then blatant disgust at the pale boy's quick compliance.
Jasper had wanted him to fight.
Keep your enemies close boy. My pa's words never fail to remind me.
"Are you going to introduce me to your friend, Jasper?" I inquire, amiably.
Jasper twists away from me, facing the bar. He's aware that I'm a master at reading faces, so is he attempting to hide something from me? Can he really be into this personne?
When he turns back, I have my answers.
He is. Very much so.
Observing Jasper for these last two years has given me an inside track to his thoughts. The telltale signs that Jasper can't look at him as he introduces us…the way his face becomes a wall…so blank and uncaring while he speaks the words, translates his emotions so clearly.
I haven't seen Jasper so confused…so lost…in over a year.
The pale boy…Edward, is tying Jasper in knots.
For unknown reasons he's attracted to the gangly gens, but from the tension surrounding us, I'd wager nothing has happened between the two of them…yet.
So, Jasper states Edward is a guest at the inn. It's a sudden and unwelcomed realization that a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.
That's why they had left together.
Feeling secure with that knowledge, I loosen up, smiling genuinely, and wrapping my arm around Jasper's slim waist. "Pleased to meet you Edward. I hope you're enjoying your stay here in Bon Terre."
Frustration blazes in his eyes before he fakes a smile.
Sorry about your luck.
I should probably pity the poor guy. I'm sure there might be another man here willing to comfort him, maybe I could even send one over his way to keep him company while Jasper and I take care of some business.
I scan the dance floor looking for someone I can offer up to Edward in conciliation.
"Come dance with me chéri. I've missed you so," I say, smiling brightly at Jasper's handsome, but torn face.
Don't pout mon chér. I'll make you forget this little crush.
Without another glance at pale boy, we dive into the sea of dancers. I'm about to reach Phil, a nice but rather ordinary man, with a request to fill Edward's drink while Jasper and I are otherwise occupied, but when I glance back I see Seth already approaching Edward.
My conditioning again cannot restrain my expression, and there's another flinch.
Seth and I had a one-night stand last Christmas while Jasper had been visiting his family in the city. I should have rejected his advances. Seth's carried deeper feelings for me for years, and I actually like him…too much. Too much to have sex with, but I'd been weak that night with consumption and couldn't resist the temptation of finally tasting him.
He'd been a faux pas…a mistake. He was in the 'circle', therefore off limits, but he never told Jasper and I'm thankful for that.
He hadn't been a disappointment in bed, but our friendship has been strained since then.
I don't like the fact that he, too, is interested in Edward. If I had a choice I'd pick a generic…like Phil, but Seth will serve well for the purpose, I suppose. The pale boy doesn't look like he'll be in the mood for anything other than conversation anyhow.
Jasper attempts to pull me further into the mass, but I stop just past the fringes knowing that Edward, and maybe Seth too, need to learn a valuable lesson.
"That boy is so far out of his element. Why bring him here?" I ask Jasper, pulling him close.
"He asked," he answers, shortly.
"I'm sure he's regretting that right about now. What do you think?"
"I think you sure are chatty all of a sudden." Jasper presses me hard against him, his heartfelt groan sending vibrations against my chest, "Do you really want to talk?" He suggests, grounding his erection against my hip, instantly causing me to forget my next thought or our audience.
But it's difficult not to notice that time and time again his eyes drift away from me, toward the bar.
"Why do you keep watching him?" I fume, not hiding my displeasure.
"I'm responsible for his safety. He came here with me."
"Is that all?" I ask, snidely.
He huffs, "Do you want to talk about Edward…or do you want to fuckin' dance?"
I laugh happily, loving Jasper's roughness…always loving his roughness. "I'm here to fuckin' dance," I repeat with a mischievous smile, playing with the hem of his shirt. The action causes his jaw to tighten imperceptibly, and his eyes to roam again, but before they reach their intended destination, they immediately revert back to mine, staring hard.
Now that I've brought the issue to his attention, he's trying hard to keep his gaze on me.
Good boy.
He'll get his reward; he knows it.
I wink suggestively at him, and his expression transforms into a mask.
"C'mon Jasper, snap out of it," I urge gently, tugging at the hem of his shirt. It's a small victory when his arms drift up ever so slowly, determination seeping into his saddened eyes.
I don't waste any time peeling the cotton away from his toned physique. With his shirt halfway off, I stop to peck comforting kisses along his quivering chest, capturing a distended nub in between my teeth.
He's trembling with desire…but for who? my conscience adds.
I'm too intuitive for my own good.
With his shirt off, I explore his face for answers, but he swings me around, crushing my back into his taut chest. I begin to wonder if he'd only turned me so he could evade my scrutiny, but when his tongue traces along the edge of my collar, I'm reminded of why I bother to go through all of this misère.
A growl escapes me when I think about all the lewd acts he could be performing with that skilled tongue, and I push my derrière into his hardness.
"You want me…don't you?" he whispers. His question sounds unsure, his usual confidence spent on a boy that's quite possibly been playing him for a fool. He embraces me impossibly tighter, pressing his body into me, stabbing me with his impressive length.
"Say it," he hisses into my ear. "Say you want me goddammit," he pleads, his dick grinding sensuously against my backside.
"mmhmm," I moan, too overcome by his sincere desperation just to be wanted as a man.
I rip off my shirt, knowing he needs more than just simple words. "Touch me, Jasper. Feel the way my heart pounds for you."
So he does, rubbing his heated palm over my slickened flesh, while he sucks the skin just below my ear.
I can't help but glance at the bar, happy to report that both men are watching us.
"Jesus…he's…," he whispers, his hand stalling on my chest.
Afraid that he's going to end the dance, I rotate in his arms and kiss him with everything I have. He responds immediately, thrusting his tongue into my mouth and the kiss becomes exactly how I want it - frenetic and wild…for about two seconds before he rips his mouth away.
He shakes his head, backing away from me. He looks over toward the bar and his eyes flare.
"What the hell is Seth doin'?" He snarls.
I grab onto both of his arms before he is able to escape. Seth has finally made his move, and is talking to Edward.
"They're just talking Jasper. Seth isn't going to attack the pa…Edward." I hitch my thumb toward them. "See…he's just buying him a drink. Stay…don't go," I implore.
I'm just astounded. I've never exerted so much effort for a tumble in my life.
Jasper is hesitant, and we stand idle, in the midst of dancing couples for what feels like ages, while he wages war with himself. Finally, he starts to move against me again, but his movements are stiff, his eyes never leaving the two at the bar.
"Come with me." I'm beginning to get pissed now. He reluctantly allows me to drag him behind me, but when I reach the entrance to the 'play area' he resists, so I turn on him.
"What's going on Jasper?" I demand.
He just stares.
His mouth opens, but no words come forth.
"Did you have sex with him? Cause if you did, it's…it's just a lay…it doesn't mean anything." I'm mortified by the desperation in my voice.
"Nothing…nothing is going on," he groans, pushing his hands through his hair agonizingly.
"But you want there to be."
Pain slashes across his features. "I'm sorry. I have to go."
"Look at me Jasper…I want you." Not above begging to keep what's mine.
"I thought I would be able to…could do…this with him here, but I can't."
"Then take him to the inn and come back to me." Before I'm even finished with my sentence he's shaking his head adamantly.
"Maybe some other time."
"Maybe?" I repeat, incredulously. "Are you…are you ending this?"
His face glazes over with a different kind of pain, a kind I don't like at all. It triggers an ache in my chest, causing my head to whirl, and the whole room to spin.
"I'm sorry…it's not…"
I won't let him finish. "This isn't done, not like this…not because of him," I interrupt. With lightning speed, I fall to my knees and undo his jeans. Not sparing a thought to anyone that could be gawking, I pull out his flaccid cock and bury it in my mouth.
He yelps, arching against the wall, his fingers lace in my hair while he pushes his hips into my face.
His fingers clench clumps of my hair, as he thrusts into my mouth harshly.
"Fuck…," he pulls away, just far enough that his semi slides from between my hollowed cheeks. "I-I can't…" His eyes wander to a man he can't possibly see from where we are.
I try again, grasping his cock, but he pushes me hard this time. "Stop."
I stand up, and he grabs his shirt that I'd stuffed in my pocket while we were dancing, puts it on, and tucks his cock back in his jeans.
He sighs heavily, clenching his eyes shut. When they open they're deep blue pools of sorrow and guilt. "Jake…" His eyes flicker across the room again, but then he does a double take as his whole head whips around, "What the FUCK!" he pulls away intending to leave.
He takes several steps before I can detain him. "What about us? What about our…"
But his attention is long gone.
He bolts, leaving me trailing behind him like a lap dog. I barely see Seth and Edward sharing a kiss before Jasper wrenches them apart.
He makes a huge scene out of it, and several people stop what they're doing to take it all in. One of those people is Garrett, who watches the spectacle with a grim expression.
Jasper rushes by, his eyes conveying his apologies, as he mouths, "I'll call you", tugging the besotted fool behind him. Edward's bright green eyes widen, when I'm spotting shooting daggers at him. If it was the thought that counted, he'd be writhing on the floor in a bloody pool, but fortunately for him, I'm not a violent man.
But I do believe in getting even…wholeheartedly.
I'm beyond embarrassed. I look around the bar to find a multitude of prying eyes, including Garrett's chocolate ones, dancing with barely contained mirth.
Bastard.
My chin lifts a notch; I stare back defiantly.
He smiles, raising his glass in a mock toast.
I'd never felt so betrayed. Jasper and I don't have a relationship, nor would I want one with him, as I don't have feelings for him in that way. I don't think I'm even capable of those tender emotions, but we had an agreement, and beside the one lapse with Seth, I've kept to my end of the bargain.
My cool demeanor begins to crumble around me, and I see red.
It's not over, until I say it's over. Nobody takes what's mine.
"Hey Jacob." A sweet voice says behind me.
Seth.
The wheels start turning, and ideas begin to form.
"Well hi, baby. It's been too long since we've chatted last," I say, turning around, flashing him a blinding smile.
His beautiful eyes light up, surprised and happy.
This is going to be too easy.
When I peek at Garrett, he's no longer there.
AN: I thought this chapter turned out pretty well, I hope you did too. So, now we've got yet another new character – Garrett – I wonder if he'll play a part in this tale. Any guesses on what Jacob's up to? And how is poor Seth going to be involved? And what's up with the way Jacob talks? I'd love to hear your thoughts!