The Bad Boy

by B. A. Stretke

  Bryn was impressed with the twins, they put on a spread that was beyond his expectations. Flynn had the chef pulling out all the stops for a wonderful dining experience and an evening to remember. They finished the meal with drinks and a light desert. Cameron was only twenty so they stuck to sparkling water. He may have gotten away with drinking at the party Friday night but the restaurant would not take the chance of losing their license.

  Bryn had kept the conversation light because Cameron didn't seem too keen on answering questions. His question regarding family was met with cold silence and a stare that said back off, so he did. Bryn shared about his own family and some of his background, not the dragon part but all the information that was readily available online.

  He wondered if Cameron had researched him and based on his questions, he had. It was flattering and Bryn couldn’t wait to tell him everything that Kyle made sure never hit the internet.

  Bryn reached over and took Cameron’s hand in his and captured his attention fully. “I like spending time with you, Cameron. I’m not going to beat around the bush here because I want this relationship and I don’t play games with the important things in my life.” He paused as their table was cleared and their glasses refilled. He nodded thank you to the waiter and then got back to business as soon as they were alone.

  “I’m not a virgin or a saint and I have done things in my life that I’m not proud of but I’ve never hurt anyone on purpose who didn’t have it coming. I’ve never lied about my intentions with any of the people I’ve used. I made no promises and had no expectation beyond the act. I’ve used people and people have used me, it was the life I was leading until I met you.” Bryn took a long deep breath and noticed how still and breathless Cameron was sitting. He was listening fully with his heart and his mind and Bryn brightened with the knowledge he’d reached him.

  "I want more than that with you. The moment I saw you I knew you were different, you were special and you were mine. You make me sweat and you make me tremble, baby. I want this to go further. I want you in my life. I'm asking for a lot, I know that, but I swear to you that I will be faithful and true. Please take a chance on me; you won't regret it." Bryn leaned over and again kissed Cameron's knuckles before returning his gaze back to the shocked yet excited expression in his mate's eyes.

  The room was suddenly swamped with the sweetest scent of arousal. His mate’s need was bathing him in the erotic aroma. Cameron was not immune to his dragon mate. Bryn could feel his dragon preening beneath the surface of his skin. He so wanted to come out and claim his mate who smelled so delicious.

  "Yes, you are asking for a lot considering how we met. Normally, I wouldn't have given you the time of day. But you made me see beyond your crass, self-absorbed, hedonistic behavior." Cameron smiled and it was a teasing smile. Bryn was amazed at the powerful effect his mate's blossoming emotions were having on him. This was worth the one-hundred-year wait, definitely worth it.

  “You have a pull that I can’t seem to resist and as hard as I try to ignore what I’m feeling, I can’t. I don’t know what it is about you, Bryn, but I like spending time with you and I am not averse to seeing you again.” Cameron chuckled.

  Fuck me! This was more than he’d ever even hoped for. Cameron was really opening up and the guy was so precious. Soon he would have his mate right where he wanted him, in his home, in his bed screaming his name.

  Cameron was shocked that such a man as Bryn Keith would state his feelings so clearly without any pretense. Being so close to achieving the beginning of his life goals, he probably shouldn’t complicate his life with relationship drama, but he wanted this. He wanted to see what Bryn saw in him and he wanted what Bryn was offering.

  Cameron had been alone a long time and this taste of desire was heady for sure. He may be acting crazy but this seemed right, and Cameron always trusted his instincts. Bryn's eyes were flashing bright emerald green. It was strange yet beguiling since Cameron could not determine the light source that could cause such a reflection. It seemed to be an internal illumination rather than an external.

  He leaned in closer for a better look and Bryn took the opportunity to pull him in for a hard, hungry kiss. Cameron caught his breath and froze for a moment before melting into the warm, intense invasion of his senses.

  The kiss was mind-numbing and Cameron opened readily to Bryn's forceful tongue. He never experienced such a sensory overload as this, were all kisses this explosive or was it just Bryn? This was Cameron's first kiss so he didn't have anything to compare but he was certain that no one else could feel as good as Bryn Keith.

  Bryn pulled back and looked like he would have liked to have continued but they were in a public place. Cameron did not feel the least bit embarrassed and did not look around to see if anyone was watching. Usually, that would be the first thing he did because he hated being singled out. But with Bryn it was different and when he kissed him the world around them did not exist.

  “I don’t want our evening to be over. Would you like to go to a club or maybe even take a walk with me?” Bryn continued to hold Cameron’s hand as he waited for Cameron to decide.

  “Yes, I’d like to take a walk and then maybe you and I could go to my place and talk.” Cameron offered and Bryn was immediately on his feet and pulling Cameron from his chair.

  "Let's get out of here," Bryn stated after dropping enough cash on the table to cover the bill and a generous tip. Cameron pulled back slightly but Bryn did not release him.

  “I’d like to you the bathroom first. I’ll meet you outside.” He said and Bryn begrudgingly released his hand.

  "Okay, but I'll wait up front for you," Bryn told him and watched Cameron turn and head towards the restrooms. His body was hard and soft in just the right places. He watched his amazing ass so tempting in his snug jeans and groaned. Cameron wasn't the only one filling the room with arousal.

  Cameron was feeling on top of the world when he stepped into the brightly lit restroom. After finishing and standing at the sink washing his hands, he stared at his reflection in the mirror and wondered how he got so lucky. He was smiling when someone came up behind him and in one quick strike slammed his face into the mirror.

  CHAPTER SIX

  The attack was so fast and so unexpected that Cameron had no time to dodge or defend. He felt himself slipping to the floor as his vision began to narrow and go dark.

  Bryn stood talking with Forbes as he waited for Cameron. Flynn had left to run an errand for Calum. After about ten minutes Bryn was overcome with a strange anxious feeling, and he became concerned. He and Forbes headed to the back to check on Cameron. Bryn opened the door and as soon as he stepped inside he saw Cameron lying on the cold tile floor and his face was covered in blood.

  Bryn felt rage, panic, and helplessness all at the same time. He rushed over to him and was calling his name but he did not move. Bryn knelt down and tried to roll him over but Forbes stopped him.

  "Calm down Bryn; you can't shift in here. You'll be no help to your mate if you shift." He heard Forbes but his dragon was desperately trying to take control.

  Forbes eased Bryn back a bit so he could take over and assess Cameron’s injuries. Bryn hadn’t even been aware he was shifting, he was so scared for his mate and needing to defend. He shook his head trying to get his dragon back under control. Smoke and flames blew from his nose and mouth as he focused on his beautiful mate. Thank God that Forbes was present, he was the Clan medic and would be able to help Cameron.

  “Is he okay?” Bryn crowded closer, the panic still in his voice and smoke still spilling form his nose.

  “Yeah, I think he will be fine, but calm your shit because he’s waking up.” Forbes moved so Bryn could take Cameron in his arms.

  "I'll get something to clean his face and disinfect the wounds," Forbes said as he left the bathroom.

  Bryn smoothed the hair back from Cameron’s face and held him. “What happened, baby? Who did this to you?” Bryn saw the blood on the mirror and knew this wa
s no accident. “Tell me who did this and I promise you they will never touch you again.” Bryn’s voice dropped to a deep growl sound and his eyes started to burn. He knew he was letting too much show so tried desperately to rein in his rage, but the blood on his mate was making his dragon go crazy.

  Cameron came back slowly and the world around him came back into view. He was in Bryn’s arms and the man looked devastated. “Are you okay?” Cameron asked and Bryn gave him a half smile that did not reach his eyes.

  “I’m supposed to ask you that.” Bryn pulled him closer and Cameron realized he was on the floor but was lying against Bryn who was kneeling.

  Suddenly the memory came back as his face and his head began to throb. “My head hurts.” He couldn’t keep the slight whine out of his voice and Bryn responded with gathering him closer and dropping a kiss to the top of his head.

  "I know it does, baby, and I'm sorry you're hurting. Forbes is getting something to clean you up and I'm going to take you to the hospital to be checked out." Bryn sounded more like himself and less growly but the color in his eyes was dancing like they were on fire.

  "I can't go to the hospital," Cameron said and quickly looked away.

  "Why not? Forbes said you might have a concussion and you need to have that checked."

  “I can’t afford it. I don’t have insurance.” Cameron shifted his gaze back to Bryn. “Just take me home and I’ll sleep it off, I’ll be okay.”

  "I know you're a very independent guy and crazy smart as well, but you're acting stupid right now. So, I'm going to tell you what's going to happen and you're going to agree. We can fight about it later after you're well." Cameron was brought up short and just silently listened, having no words at that moment to use against him.

  "Okay, Forbes is a medic so he said you likely have a concussion which can bring with it many problems. He is going to clean you up, and then I am carrying you to his car and we are going to the hospital. I will pay the bill." He gave Cameron a stern look when he attempted to speak. "I will pay the bill and then you are going to do exactly as the doctor orders. Are we clear?" Cameron nodded and allowed Bryn to gather him close once again.

  “I didn’t see who it was that hit me.” He said as Forbes entered and began treating the facial wounds. “He came up from behind. I knew there was someone in the stall but I don’t pay attention to people in the bathroom and I certainly didn’t expect him to hit me.”

  “Do you remember anything about his height, clothing, anything?” Bryn spoke softly and gently urged him to think, but there was nothing.

  "I didn't see anything. I'd just washed my hands and I was looking into the mirror when suddenly my face was smashing into it. He didn't say a word, that I can recall, he just attacked."

  "There you go Cameron," Forbes stated as he finished. "Do you have pain anywhere else?"

  “My ribs ache, but it might be from the fall.”

  “May I check?” Cameron noticed that Forbes addressed that question to Bryn rather than him. Bryn nodded and Forbes raised Cameron’s shirt to check his ribs. When he touched the area, Cameron winced and pulled back.

  "Yeah, it's tender but I don't think any ribs are broken. By the looks of it, I think he probably kicked you." Forbes glanced up at Bryn and then back to Cameron.

  “But, you should have an x-ray to be certain.” Bryn pulled Cameron’s shirt down and then stood with Cameron still in his arms.

  Bryn turned after thanking Forbes and carried Cameron out the door of the restroom down a short hall and out the back that leads to an alley. Cameron had never been carried in his life. He was not a small man, and he doubted anyone could carry him, until now. Bryn did it with ease as if he were carrying a child. Cameron knew the guy was strong just by looking at him but he didn't realize he was this strong.

  Cameron held on as he was brought to the SUV parked near the back of the building. Bryn opened the front passenger door and carefully placed him on the seat and buckled him in.

  “Just lay back and let me take care of you.” Bryn brushed his hand across Cameron’s forehead and bent placing a careful kiss to his lips. It was a loving kiss, one that said I care about what happens to you. Cameron felt himself falling deeper and deeper under the spell of Bryn Keith. He was so overcome by the concern that tears began to well in his eyes.

  "It'll be okay, Cameron. I'll be with you; no one is going to touch you again." He kissed him again and then closed the door and rounded the vehicle and got seated behind the wheel. He turned and gave Cameron the sweetest smile before starting the vehicle and taking off. Cameron was beaten and his face hurt like a bitch but still, his heart fluttered and his breath caught at the look in Bryn's eyes and the softness of his touch.

  "We can contact the police if you'd like to report this," Bryn asked but Cameron shook his head. He had no desire to be questioned and his life prodded by the police.

  “It was probably just some asshole being his asshole self. They wouldn’t have any leads and it would be a waste of my time.” Cameron explained but truthfully, he didn’t want to take the risk of the police getting into his past and Bryn finding out too much too soon. He was finding that he liked Bryn and he didn’t want this weird little fantasy to end.

  What would Bryn think of a guy who was abandoned not only by his mother but also his adoptive family? The humiliation stung every time it came to mind. The Franklin family made a big show of their generosity when they took him in and soon as he didn't measure up to their perceived ideals, he was out. No second chance, no explanation and no heart. He hated those people and wished they'd never come into his life in the first place.

  "I agree with you," Bryn said and surprised Cameron. "The police wouldn't have anything to go on and even if they did, I doubt they'd do much. The area is fairly open-minded but that all ends with the police. They wouldn't be sympathetic to a guy who got roughed up while on a date with another guy."

  That was a definite eye-opener. Cameron had gotten so carried away that he'd forgotten bigots abounded. "Do you think that was the reason?"

  “Maybe.” Bryn gave him a quick side glance before giving his attention back to the road ahead. “Do you have anyone in your life that might want to hurt you?”

  “You mean do I have any enemies?” Cameron clarified and Bryn nodded. “Not that I’m aware of.” He thought about mentioning Liz but she didn’t do this and he didn’t want to open a can of worms better left closed.

  They pulled into the hospital parking lot and Bryn once again did not allow him to walk the distance to the emergency room entrance. He held him secure in his arms and did not release him even when the nurse asked him to. Finally, after a staredown to end all staredowns, the nurse relented and just indicated for them to follow her to a room.

  Bryn stayed with him throughout the examination, which included stitches, x-rays and a neurological exam. Cameron appreciated having him there taking his side and backing off the intrusive people. Cameron still had difficulty with authority figures and tended to cower. It was a holdover from his years in the system. It wasn’t something he was proud of and fought to overcome the weakness, but so far it remained fixed.

  "Your nose isn't broken nor your ribs but they will both be tender for a couple of weeks. You do have a mild concussion, and you will need a lot of rest for the next couple of days. You'll also need to see your own doctor to follow up on your treatment and to check the stitches over your eye but they should dissolve without issue." The doctor said emotionless as he kept writing on his clipboard. "Because of the concussion it is important that you be monitored this evening. If you live alone it would be advisable to stay with a relative or friend."

  Bryn was glad that Cameron didn’t fight him on staying in the room during his exam. He and his dragon would not tolerate the medical personnel looking at and touching what was theirs. He needed to protect and defend. Although, Bryn was taken aback by the passive compliance of his usually obstinate mate. He scented the discomfort and veiled fear in the air and step
ped closer to Cameron and took his hand. Not sure what was causing this reaction in his mate, he decided just to stay close.

  “No one will bother you, baby. They will have to go through me first.” That pledge got him a small look of appreciation and a slight nod.

  The examination discovered pretty much what Bryn had expected, so no surprises. When the doctor recommended he not be alone tonight, Bryn felt Cameron stiffen but he didn't say anything just gave the doctor a nod. Bryn had discovered over the past few days that Cameron would agree with people just to get them to stop talking and go away. He would then do whatever he damn well pleased.

  He hated seeing his mate looking so invisible. He took Cameron’s chin and tilted his head up to look into his eyes. “You’re coming home with me. Don’t argue, the Lodge has plenty of room and it will give you the opportunity to meet the rest of my family and friends.” Bryn turned his attention to the doctor.

  "Thank you; we'll be leaving now." He scooped Cameron off the bed and into his arms and headed for the door.

  “Wait.” The doctor called. “I have a prescription for a pain reliever for Mr. Hayes and he needs to sign some papers regarding his treatment.

  “Do you need pills for your pain, baby?” Bryn asked Cameron who immediately shook his head slowly.

  “Keep it and send the bill to me, your nurse has all the information you need.” With that Bryn carried Cameron out of the hospital and deposited him back into the SUV.

  “I don’t want to meet your friends looking like this.” Cameron was staring at himself in the visor mirror. “I look awful.”

  “You look good to me, Cameron and I’m the only one that matters.” Bryn reached over and put his hand on Cameron’s knee and squeezed. “The stitches make you look rugged and mysterious.” Bryn heard a snort followed by a chuckle and he was pleased.

  “I’m sorry the evening turned to shit like this. I shouldn’t have used the bathroom. Bathrooms never seem to be a good choice for me.” Cameron stated in all seriousness and Bryn lost it. He started to laugh so hard he nearly had to pull over. Cameron soon joined him and the heaviness in the air was dissipated.