by A. R. Barley
“I wasn’t jumped,” Kelly said. “I was with a guy. It was a misunderstanding.”
“You had a misunderstanding with a man in the bathroom at Ale Mary’s.” Nick stressed the club’s name. “Thanks for letting me know. I’ll take care of it.”
“You don’t need to do anything.” The color had drained away from Kelly’s face. He didn’t look angry anymore. He looked guilty. Delicate skin crinkled at the corners of his eyes. He cleared his throat anxiously. “It won’t happen again.”
“You’re picking up rough tricks where I work,” Nick said. “You could have been hurt. The police could have shut us down. You’ve been warned before. You didn’t listen. Now, you’re banned from Ale Mary’s.”
“You’ve got to be kidding.” Kelly snorted.
“Afraid not. You try to get in and you’ll get stopped at the door.” Nick grunted. His large body shook like a dog coming out of the rain, dislodging his boyfriend without harming him in any way. “I’m going to make a phone call.” His door slammed shit.
Kelly’s door echoed his friend’s, closing firmly with the handsome blond on the other side.
The hallway was quiet. The only person left was Jesse Cole in an oversized black sweatshirt. The sophomore shifted forward onto the balls of his feet. “It’s okay.” He offered a soft smile. “They can get loud, but they really are good friends. Nick’s just a big puppy dog. He’ll be fine once he’s made his call.”
“And Kelly?”
“Kelly’s been through a lot.” Jesse looked away. “But he’s getting better every day.”
Ian closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Clearly Kelly’s friends knew what was going on in his life. It made sense but that didn’t stop a spark of jealousy dancing across his skin. They might not be in a relationship—he didn’t deserve that kind of trust—but he’d seen Kelly at his most vulnerable. He’d seen the weakness in his protective walls.
How long would it be before all those barriers came crashing down and Kelly lost control entirely?
“If Kelly can’t get what he’s looking for at Ale Mary’s, he’ll go someplace else,” he warned.
“Nick will take care of it.”
The kid’s faith in his boyfriend was absolute. It was damn cute, but Ian didn’t have the same willingness to believe. If Kelly was determined to self-destruct, he’d do it...no matter how many strings Nick pulled.
Ian wasn’t a knight. His uniform was black leather not gleaming plate mail, but when he got home maybe he should give it a shine. It looked like he was going to rescue the charming young man after all. At least he’d give it a try. “Do you still have the syllabus for my class?”
“Of course.” Jesse looked offended. He really was a good student.
“My cell phone number is on the front. When Kelly calms down, give it to him.”
Chapter Four
It wasn’t just Ale Mary’s. Nick had done some of his voodoo bouncer magic and gotten Kelly banned from every halfway decent club in town. If he wanted to get laid he’d have to drive halfway to the coast.
And it was all Ian Larkin’s fault.
The jerk. Kelly leaned against the lecture hall’s back wall as the professor finished up a class discussion. Ian was gorgeous, confident and smart as hell. His students were hanging on his every word, but it wasn’t his mind or his good looks that had Kelly whimpering silently, ready to beg for a hard fuck against the nearest flat surface. It was the hint of steel that entered his voice when someone tried to argue, the same dominant tone he’d used to order Kelly’s hands over his head in the dorm hallway.
“That’s all, folks.” Ian finished class with a smile. “Don’t forget to read the next chapter before Tuesday.”
The lights flickered on and some kids near the rear split for the doors while the other students took the time to pack up their bags. At the front of the room half a dozen coeds clustered around Ian. Floozies. Kelly bit back a growl as he watched a busty brunette try to rub up against the sexy professor.
“I could tell her he swings the other way,” Nick offered from where he was standing a few feet to Kelly’s left.
“If he has a problem he’ll tell her himself,” Kelly snapped. “What the fuck are you doing here?”
“I like to walk Jesse home from class.”
“Of course you do.” Not that Kelly was jealous. He’d had his chance with Nick and they hadn’t worked out. There were no hard feelings, but it was still annoying to see his ex so sweet on another guy.
Hell, until Jesse had wandered into their lives he hadn’t thought sweet was in his repertoire. When they’d dated, Nick had seemed to vacillate between grumpy and horny.
Jesse made his way up and greeted Nick with an enthusiastic kiss on the lips.
It was enough to give someone a toothache.
“You usually wait in the hall,” Jesse chirped.
“Figured I’d see what all the fuss was about.” Nick took Jesse’s backpack, sliding one strap over his shoulder for the walk back to the dorm. “He’s a good teacher?”
“Oh sure, Professor Larkin really knows what he’s talking about.” Jesse grinned at Kelly. “And what are you doing here?”
“Nothing.” Kelly crossed his arms and ignored the sophomore’s next question. It might be rude, but he really didn’t give a fuck.
If Sugar and Spice wanted to make nice then they could start by taking him out dancing. Next Friday was eighties night at Ale Mary’s and his costume was all picked out.
Unfortunately, the other men were too wrapped up in each other to notice his bad mood. Nick’s hand was tucked into Jesse’s back pocket before they hit the door and Kelly just knew they were heading straight back to the dorms to put in some quality time on the massive bed Nick had gotten Jesse for his birthday.
“I thought I recognized your friend. Nick picks Mr. Cole up from class quite a bit.”
Kelly had been so wrapped up in his own thoughts he hadn’t noticed Ian’s approach. The rough voice made him shiver in anticipation. “Jesse had some problems last semester. Now he feels more comfortable with Nick holding his hand. Not that I blame the guy. If my last roommate turned me into ground meat, I’d be antsy too.”
“I didn’t know.” Ian’s brow furrowed “Is he seeing someone? The university offers counseling for—”
“I told him all about it.” Halston had offered Kelly every kind of grief counseling, therapy and support service under the sun after his parents died. Not that any of it worked. But he’d been more than happy to pass the contact info along to Jesse. “I think his parents are paying for private counseling.”
“Good to know.” There was a long pause. The lecture hall had emptied out considerably. The only people left were going over notes in the front row. “Is there something I can help you with, Kelly?”
“I want a drink.”
“You’re over twenty-one. Go to a liquor store.”
“I don’t drink alone.”
“Go to a bar.”
“Sure thing,” Kelly said testily. “I’ll just scoot on over to the Roadhouse—”
“It’s a great place if you want your teeth knocked in,” Ian said. “You’re self-destructive, but I don’t think you’re suicidal. Go someplace else.”
“I’ve been banned everywhere else. Nick made his phone calls and suddenly I’m persona non grata.” And hadn’t that been fun to find out the night before.
All he’d wanted was a quiet drink and some company—sexy male company for preference—but he’d been turned away from every bar within walking distance. Even his cousin Tyler who worked at The Happy Kilt on Main Street had kicked him to the curb.
Kelly’s skin heated at the memory. “It’s embarrassing and it’s all your fault.”
“It’s not my fault. Actions have consequences. In yo
ur case they’re a little harsher than I would have liked, but they’re still consequences.”
That was unexpected. Kelly blinked in surprise. “You wouldn’t have banned me?”
“If you were mine to discipline?” Ian’s voice was a rough growl. “I’d have just turned you over my knee to remind you not to put yourself in danger. It would hurt—a good punishment should hurt—but afterward it would be over. I’d hold you close and tell you exactly how pleased I was with you for accepting your punishment.”
It probably shouldn’t have sounded so exciting. Kelly’s cock bobbed against his tight jeans. His skin felt like it was two sizes too small. “Nick would never do that. He doesn’t like rough sex.”
“You two must have been horrible together.”
“We weren’t so bad. I—I didn’t used to need it so much.”
“But something happened.” Ian nodded as if Kelly had confirmed something he’d already suspected. “You don’t have to tell me about it tonight.”
Tonight. Kelly had permission to keep his secrets for the night, but someday—sooner or later—he’d have to tell Ian the truth. He’d have to rip open his chest, pour out his secrets, and hope Ian didn’t dance on his pain. Cold fear wrapped tight around his chest, making his heart stammer awkwardly. “Tomorrow?”
“Not tomorrow either. I won’t push until you’re ready, but if we’re going to be together, then I’ll need to know.”
“And if we’re not together? If it’s just sex.”
Gray eyes flashed in displeasure. Ian didn’t say anything, but the tight grip on his bag and sudden stillness in the air was enough to signal his unease.
Kelly blinked twice. He’d done something wrong to make Ian angry with him. Part of him was glad. He’d been unhappy for so long, it felt nice to drag someone else down to his level.
Then there was the small whimpering part of him that wanted to roll over and show Ian his belly, to nuzzle close and rub their bodies together until Ian felt compelled to pull him in tight and murmur soft reassurances.
He took a deep breath, curling his hands into fists. Sharp nails dug into his palms hard enough to leave bruises in the form of small half-moons. “You won’t have sex with a college kid, but you want a relationship?”
“I’m not relationship material. Not long term. I want you to be safe,” Ian said. “If you got hurt...” His gaze sharpened slightly. His skin was too dark to reveal a blush, but Kelly felt sure his cheeks would be hot to the touch. “I’d prefer if you didn’t get hurt.”
“You just met me.”
“Awkward, isn’t it?” The professor leaned forward so close Kelly could feel the heat coming off his body. Every breath he took moved the air around him. Every word spoken in his husky voice sent a small shudder of want straight to Kelly’s core. “Now, I believe you were about to stomp your foot and demand I buy you a drink. Why don’t you try asking for what you really want instead?”
“I don’t want to be alone.”
Chapter Five
Ian had been prepared for Kelly to throw off a bratty retort. Instead, the words murmured from between full pink lips almost slayed him. It wasn’t just booze or sex that Kelly was looking for in the bars. It was a connection with another human being. Something to keep the ghosts away.
Pale lashes fluttered, making Kelly’s discomfort clear. Whatever he’d intended to say, his words had gotten jumbled up inside and the truth had slipped free.
That kind of honesty should be rewarded.
“Do you like Mexican?” he asked. “There’s a great little place near my apartment.”
“I can’t do that tonight.” Kelly shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “I’m the RA on duty starting at ten. I have to be back on campus by then.”
Ian’s shoulders relaxed when he sorted through the mumbled words and realized he wasn’t being rejected. “I can promise to get you back in time for your shift,” he said slowly. Dinner was a given; now they were just negotiating terms. “Or, we can go back to your room and order takeout. Your choice.”
“Takeout.”
Ian nodded his approval before gesturing for Kelly to lead the way out of the lecture hall. He must have come straight from class because a heavy messenger bag hung off his left side. Every time he took a step, the bag slammed into his hip, but he just grunted and kept moving, his long legs stretching out in front of him as they exited the economics building and started making their way back to the dorm.
Outside, the wind nipped at Ian’s ears and whistled through his wool coat. The stiff air lifted hard crackling snow off the ground and thrust it in their direction. By the time they got to the dorm, Kelly’s skin was tinged an unnatural shade of red. He had to be freezing in his thin green jacket, but maybe he was more used to the cold than a California transplant. Where was he from originally?
This time there was no need to wait on the stoop. Kelly swiped them in quickly and hurried toward his room. His fingers were clumsy from the cold. He had to make two attempts before unlocking the door.
“Would you like some tea?” he asked, stepping out of the way to allow Ian access to the room. “I have Earl Grey and a Chai mix my aunt gave me.”
“Earl Grey.” Ian stepped inside and examined his surroundings carefully. The room was small but tidy, decorated in a comfortable mix of browns and greens. It was clearly single occupancy with one narrow bed pressed up against the near wall and a single desk shoved under the window. There was an open door near the back. “You have your own bathroom?”
“Perk of being an RA.” Kelly walked over to his desk and flipped the switch on an electric kettle. The messenger bag was tucked neatly next to the window. His jacket was placed on a hanger in the nearby wardrobe.
“Is the shower big enough for two?”
“Not unless that’s a shrink ray in your pants. I have to bend down to get my head wet.”
“Pity.” Ian unbuttoned his coat. “You’ll have to go first.”
“You want me to shower?”
“I want you to put on clean—warm—clothes. You might as well shower at the same time.”
“And if I say no?”
Kelly wasn’t his submissive. He wasn’t even his boyfriend. There was no reason for Kelly to follow direction. That didn’t stop Ian’s hackles from rising in response to the challenge. Still, the last thing Kelly needed was a dominant shouting his displeasure.
“You’re the one who came looking for me.” Ian kept his voice gentle. “I’m trying to be accommodating, but I won’t compromise on your health.”
Kelly straightened his spine. His shoulders squared. “I’m not looking for a parent.”
“I’m not feeling particularly paternal.” Ian grinned, admiring the way the melted snow made Kelly’s wet jeans cling to his muscular thighs. It was taking every ounce of willpower he had not to strip Charming down and take him hard. Blood surged downward to fill his cock. Still, Kelly’s safety came first and it had been cold outside.
“Take a shower,” he said. “I’ll be waiting when you get out.”
“Right.” Kelly collected a fresh set of clothes from the wardrobe and went into the bathroom. The door shut and a few seconds later the sound of water hitting tile filled the small room.
Ian let out a breath he hadn’t known he’d been holding. He’d been on edge since spotting Charming in the back of the lecture hall half an hour earlier.
Taking off his jacket, he dropped his stuff at the foot of the bed. It made the small room look untidy. He picked the jacket up and hung it off the back of the desk chair. His bag was tucked beside Kelly’s.
Better.
The bookshelf was full of writing textbooks, classic literature and fantasy paperbacks, all arranged by subject and author. There was an old-fashioned alarm clock near the bed and a framed family portrait
on the desk. The picture was a few years old and had clearly been taken at some kind of celebration. Kelly was slimmer, softer, his shoulders swimming in a black suit. His parents—a good-looking blond couple—beamed down at him proudly.
Would they approve of their son dating someone so much older than him?
Ian frowned. He didn’t date students. It was a rule, but if he thought about it then maybe it was more like a guideline. Kelly wasn’t in any of his classes—he wasn’t even taking classes in the economics department—and he was going to graduate in a matter of weeks. Why bother waiting, especially if he could help give Kelly the structure and security he so obviously needed? If Ian really could keep him safe? Then he wouldn’t just be a knight in shining armor. He’d be a damn hero instead of the kind of man who could walk away when his lover was in trouble.
His gut churned at the memory. He’d done everything he could for David, but he still hadn’t been able to save him from himself.
Ian kicked off his shoes and made himself comfortable on the bed, nestling his head in a pile of pillows. The soft scent of lemons and sugar clung to the bedding beneath him.
When Kelly came out of the bathroom, the sight of the freshly scrubbed blond made Ian snap upright.
Damn.
Kelly’s skin was pink from the hot water. His pale hair was plastered to the side of his head. His soft gray T-shirt clung to broad shoulders, and a pair of silky black basketball shorts swished around his lean hips.
He looked positively edible.
Ian’s throat felt thick. It hurt to swallow. He forced himself to take a deep breath—practically choking on the heavy air.
The scent of lemons was thicker now, hanging in a cloud around Kelly’s freshly washed skin. It had to come from his shampoo or body wash. Ian flushed, realizing Kelly’s skin must have scented the sheets on previous after-shower occasions.
The kettle whistled. Kelly retrieved a pair of mugs from his desk drawer and made two cups of tea. He handed one to Ian. “You snoop around my room while I was showering?”