“Until you receive your secure cell phones during your training, communication about this mission should only be done through the iPads. Do not use unsecured email or telephone lines when contacting me or your law enforcement connections in Ireland. And remember, do not discuss this with anyone.”

“Yes, sir,” both men responded in unison.

The general stood, indicating the end of the meeting. Rod and Wyl stood at the same time. “Gentlemen, thank you.” He walked toward them, extending his hand. “You will receive further information in the next few days. Thank you for coming to visit in person. The car is waiting to take you back to your hotel.”

“We’re glad to be of service, general,” Wyl said. They each shook the general’s hand before exiting the office and the building. The black Suburban waited for them at the door. They climbed in the back seat and left the Pentagon. Neither spoke a word as Agent Travers maneuvered through D.C. traffic. The suburban pulled into the hotel's circular drive and stopped. Agent Travers removed his sunglasses and turned to them, piercing gray eyes flicking back and forth between Rod and Wyl, handing each of them a sealed packet marked Official Business - United States Government. “The packets include information about your mission. You two are an inspiration,” he nodded at them. “I wish you well.”

CHAPTER FOUR

Wyl and Rod strolled to their suite, their minds occupied with the bombshell Pentagon meeting. They entered, somber and quiet.

Rod closed the door. “C’mere.” He drew Wyl into a tight hug.

“What have we gotten ourselves into?” Wyl’s trembling whisper ghosted Rod’s ear.

“I hate to use a cliche, but the world's weight rests on our shoulders,” Rod said. “We have been chosen for this mission in part because of our unique relationship.”

“Roddy, I wanted us to be us: ranchers; world travelers; the same happy gay couple who appeared on the cover of The Advocate.”

“We are, but we are much more.” Rod tightened his arms around his husband. “I never thought the simple act of falling in love with you would have worldwide implications, but here we stand, Colonels in the military.”

Wyl took a deep breath. “This is all my fault.”

Rod leaned back, grasped Wyl’s chin, and gazed into his gorgeous green eyes. “Babe, you asked me to marry you, and I said yes. We are a we now. As you’ve emphasized numerous times, we are Sterlings. What we do, we do together…as one. Neither of us is at fault.”

Wyl bowed his head. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.” He glanced at Rod’s eyes. “What do we do now?”

“Let’s dump our suit coats, ties, and shoes so we can relax on the bed and read the information Travers gave us.”

Extra clothing gone, they propped themselves on the bed and grabbed the packets.

The cover sheet included additional information about MacGowan and Knowlan. In addition to their six-year relationship, they frequent the Galway gay bars. They traveled to California three times in the past five years. They own a small home in a suburb of Galway. Knowlan teaches computer graphic art at Galway University and loves betting on the horses. MacGowan became a full professor only two years prior and enjoys all the perks attached to the title. He loves opera and never misses a performance.

“Horses. Opera.” Rod summarized. “It should be easy to befriend these two.”

“No wonder General Steinburg picked us,” Wyl said. “If we can figure out where they hang out, they’ll come to us.”

They read on, learning the details of their individual missions.

“I’m slated to speak at a symposium on cybersecurity at GMIT,” Wyl said. “The topic should draw MacGowan's attention. He’ll be stalking me after the presentation.”

“I’m giving a guest lecture at Galway University. I’ll highlight Don Giovanni,” Rod said. “An opera lecture will also attract MacGowan since he’s a fan.”

“We have almost too much in common,” Wyl said. “What are we missing?”

“Knowlan,” Rod said. “Almost everything points to MacGowan. The only thing we have in common with Knowlan is horses. Neither of us is much into art, although I come closer than you.”

“We possess a massive background in horses,” Wyl said, “or at least I do. We should have no trouble engaging Knowlan.”

“Part of the key to this is our relationship,” Rod said. “We need to show them we are as much in love as we are.”

“You bet.” Wyl leaned to nibble Rod’s earlobe. His hot breath in Rod’s ear worked, and Rod melted into a passionate kiss.

Tossing the information packet aside, Wyl unbuttoned Rod’s shirt and stroked his warm hands over Rod’s chest.

“Oh god, your touch always drives me wild.” Rod tossed his packet to the floor.

Wyl’s cock stood at full attention, and his buckle clinked as Rod unhooked the belt and unbuttoned Wyl’s slacks. He lowered the zipper and reached inside Wyl’s boxers to tease the little rancher.

“Little rancher likes it when my husband plays with him,” Wyl panted, his cock pulsing with every beat of his heart.

“And I like playing with the little rancher,” Rod whispered in Wyl’s ear. Wyl groaned at Rod’s hot breath in his ear. He unbuckled Rod’s belt and unzipped his pants, reaching in and wrapping his hand around Rod’s throbbing manhood.

“Let’s shed these clothes,” Wyl said. Shirts, pants, and underwear came off in a flash before they both fell on the bed.

Wyl fingered Rod’s cock, stroking the head and the shaft as Rod squirmed. “God, Wyl, don’t ever stop.”

“Are you ready to enter the tunnel of love?” Wyl panted.

“Yes! I need to be inside you.” Rod reached for the lube. The cap snicked open, and Rod drizzled the slick liquid across Wyl’s cock and down his balls, lube running down between his cheeks.

Wyl spread his legs in an invitation for Rod to play.

Rod moistened his hand by spreading the lube over Wyl’s cock, watching Wyl gasp as he slid his grasp over the head and down the shaft to tease the slick ball sack. He teased Wyl’s pucker, which clenched with each throb of his cock. Rod ran his slick finger around the tight hole, stroking it and sending Wyl into paradise.

“Fuck, that's amazing.” Wyl gasped.

Rod nudged inside and finger-fucked deeper and deeper, tagging Wyl’s gland.

“More, babe.” Wyl’s half-closed eyes showed evidence of his passion.

Rod added a second finger and pushed in and pulled out, nudging Wyl’s gland each time. A pool of pre-cum in Wyl’s navel jiggled with each tag of Wyl’s gland as his stomach muscles reacted to the pleasure.

“I need you inside me,” Wyl gasped.

Rod positioned himself and pushed inside. His husband's warmth surrounded his cock as he leaned down to devour his mouth in a searing kiss.

Wyl reached between them and wet his hand in the pool of pre-cum before stroking himself.

Wyl tightened around Rod's cock. “Are you about to cum, babe?” he whispered.

“Oh God, yes.” Wyl gasped, his breathing fast and shallow.

“Cum for me, babe.”

“Guh!” Wyl gasped, his anus throbbing with each shot of warm cum.

Rod went over the edge, filling Wyl with his man seed as he held his breath in ecstasy.