by K. C. Wells
“Alex,” began Leo patiently, “it’s midnight. The streets are deserted.” Despite the darkness in the car, Alex could feel those eyes spearing into him. “Why are you so afraid?”
Alex shook his head, unwilling to share right now, his eyes downcast.
Leo cupped his cheek, guiding Alex’s face inexorably toward his. “I’m not letting you go without a kiss,” he said softly. “So you’d better prepare yourself, boy.”
Alex caught his breath as Leo’s lips met his in a sensual kiss, his tongue slipping into Alex’s mouth, exploring. Despite his fears, Alex couldn’t help but respond. He let out a low moan, moving into the kiss, letting Leo in deeper. Now it was Leo who groaned.
Leo pulled away from him, his breathing ragged. “God, Alex, your kisses…. You’re sending me home with a hard-on.” He grabbed Alex’s hand and pulled it down to the bulge of his crotch, his erection plainly evident. Leo pressed the heel of Alex’s hand against his cock, and Alex whimpered, feeling its heat through the layer of fabric. Leo grinned. “Three guesses what I’ll be doing when I get back to the apartment.” He pushed up with his hips, pressing his erection more firmly against Alex’s hand, and Alex let out a low moan. A shudder ran through Leo’s body. Leo pushed Alex’s hand aside. “If you don’t get out of this car right now, I won’t be held responsible for my actions.” He grinned at Alex. “Now, boy. You’re far too big a temptation.”
A part of Alex was shocked Leo was so aroused by him, but equally, after all that had passed between them that night, it gave Alex such a buzz to know he’d turned Leo on. And that knowledge put a smile on his face as he climbed out of the car. He walked around it and impulsively leaned in through Leo’s window to kiss him one more time, neighbors be damned.
Leo’s huge smile at Alex’s spontaneous kiss was so worth it. The man looked ridiculously pleased.
“I’ll see you soon,” Leo promised, and with that, the car pulled away from the curb, leaving Alex standing by the road, his eyes fixed on the car until it disappeared from sight. If home was where the heart was, then why did his heart feel so heavy right now?
ALEX lay back on his bed, propped up on a pile of pillows, his robe wrapped loosely around him. He may have been staring at the ceiling, but in reality, he was seeing Leo. In his head, the evening’s events were playing on a loop, and every now and then, he paused it to focus his attention on a particular point: Leo’s tongue slowly licking his ass; his mouth around Alex’s cock; the look on Leo’s face as he came. He ran a hand across his chest, teasing his nipples. A wicked thought crossed his mind, one that sent hot and cold flushes over him—would Leo ever want to have phone sex? Or even cybersex? As soon as the thought occurred to him, however, Alex dismissed it. Hot though it sounded, there was no way he would even consider it while under his parents’ roof.
Alex stroked his cock, which was already hard, and pulled back the foreskin, revealing the wide purple head where precome already glistened. He worked the shaft, fondling his balls, rolling them through his fingers. No need for porn tonight; the best porn ever was playing inside his head. His eyes were closed, shutting out the outside world as he concentrated on making himself come. His hips began to lift from the bed, his cock sliding faster…. Yeah, that’s it….
The sound of the bedroom door handle had him opening his eyes in surprise.
Rob strolled into his room as if he had a perfect right to walk in unannounced and shut the door behind him, his gaze moving over Alex on the bed. But rather than make a facetious comment, as he’d done so many times in the past that Alex had lost count, Rob simply leaned back against the door, his whole attitude one of… waiting.
Alex hurriedly pulled his robe tight around him and glared at his younger brother. “What do you want?” he hissed, glancing quickly at the clock next to his bed. It was nearly 1:00 a.m.
Rob said nothing, and Alex found his silence disconcerting. This was not like Rob at all. Rob watched him, his expression oddly neutral. Seconds ticked by, and still not a word.
“Rob?” Alex was starting to lose his patience. The two brothers had never been particularly close, but things seemed to be getting worse as they got older.
Rob cleared his throat. Finally. “My PC up and died on me.”
Alex rubbed his forehead, wondering what on earth this had to do with him. “And?”
“Mum and Dad say they can’t afford to buy me a new computer right now.”
Aha. “So you want to borrow my laptop, is that it?” Fat chance.
“No,” Rob replied with a pleasant smile that made Alex immediately suspicious of what was coming. “Actually, I thought that, as you’re working now, you could buy me a laptop.”
Alex gawked at his brother incredulously. What the fuck…?
It was late, his parents were fast asleep, and Alex had a full day’s work to come. Now was definitely not the time to be getting into a shouting match with Rob. “Why would I buy you a laptop?” he asked, puzzled.
Rob’s smile increased. “Because if you don’t, I’ll have to tell Mum and Dad what I saw just now.”
Alex froze. Oh no, no, no, fucking no! Please, God, tell me he didn’t…. “What are you talking about?” Alex kept his face straight, but his guts were in a twist.
It was as if someone flicked a switch. Rob’s smile disappeared, and a coldly calculating look took its place. “I’ve just been round at Jamie’s,” he said matter-of-factly.
Alex was suddenly cold. Jamie Bryant, Rob’s best mate, lived around the corner. The corner where Leo had just dropped him off.
Rob gave a slow nod, aware of the mental connection Alex had just made. “Yeah, imagine my surprise when I’m coming out of Jamie’s house, and I see my brother pulling up in a little sports car.”
This is not happening.
“But then imagine my reaction when I see this older guy feeling you up, kissing you.” There was no disgust in Rob’s voice, but his tone was cold. “I couldn’t believe my eyes. And then you go and kiss him.”
Blind panic surged through Alex. His throat seized. He couldn’t breathe.
Rob’s eyes met his. “Don’t get me wrong, Alex,” he said, shrugging. “I don’t give a damn who you fuck. But I’m pretty sure you’re not about to come out to Mum and Dad any time soon.” He gave Alex a tight smile. “Nothing personal, bro. I’m just in this for what I can get. And a laptop will do nicely. For starters.” Rob turned to leave but then paused and looked back. “Think about it,” he said seriously, as if he were making Alex a generous offer. “I won’t tell them right away. You’ve got a little while longer.” That icy smile flashed. “But don’t leave it too long, will you? ’Cause if you make me wait too long, heaven knows what I may let slip.” He gave Alex a final nod and left the room, closing the door behind him.
Alex lay in stunned silence, trying to quell the rising tide of sheer panic inside him. What the fuck did he do now?
PLEASE, someone, just shoot me now….
“Alex, what the hell is up with you today?”
Sev sounded pissed off and Alex couldn’t blame him. It had been a morning filled with one disaster after another. Alex had dropped plates, spilled soapy water all over the kitchen floor, broken three glasses…. And he felt so fucking tired. Of course, getting no sleep all night might’ve had something to do with that.
Sev appeared by his side, frowning. “Take a break. Now.” His stern words were softened, however, by the fact that he held out a mug of green tea with vanilla. Alex took it thankfully. He really didn’t deserve his boss. Sev’s expression softened. “I don’t know what’s going on, but really, Alex, you need to get your shit together.” A wry smile told Alex he wasn’t fired just yet.
Alex gave Sev a grateful look and went to the small staff room on the first floor, next to Sev’s office. Pietro was sprawled on the sofa, clutching a mug of tea.
He grinned as Alex entered. “Sev finally couldn’t take any more catastrophes, huh?”
Alex groaned, dropping down onto
the sofa heavily and almost spilling his precious cargo. He sipped the hot liquid carefully, murmuring appreciatively as its flavor burst upon his tongue.
Pietro sat up and moved closer to Alex, his hands wrapped around his mug. “Alex, what’s wrong?” His voice dropped. “And don’t tell me there isn’t anything wrong. I’ve never seen you like this.”
Alex deliberated for a moment. Pietro had become a really good mate. Alex got on well with the earnest young man, as they both had a similar sense of humor. He nodded, coming to a decision. Quickly, he told Pietro about his date with Leo, though he didn’t reveal all the details.
Pietro became distracted at that point, however. “Leo Hart is hot!” he admitted, grinning. “You’re a very lucky boy.” His eyes gleamed wickedly. “So, did you and he…?”
Alex almost choked on his tea. “Like I’m gonna share stuff like that with you.” His cheeks heated up with embarrassment.
Pietro chuckled. “Well, that blush on your face tells me you got up to something last night.”
Alex was glad he couldn’t see his face right now.
“So, I take it this morning’s catalogue of fiascos has nothing to do with the date?”
Alex shook his head. He told Pietro the rest and watched as his face darkened.
“That fucking little….” Pietro’s eyes blazed. “That’s just plain evil.”
Alex nodded, sipping his tea. God, he was so tired. He could easily stretch out on the sofa and sleep for a couple of hours.
“What are you going to do?” asked Pietro earnestly.
Alex stared down at the mug in his hands. “I don’t know,” he said helplessly.
“Will you tell Leo?”
Alex recoiled. “Fuck, no!” Pietro was startled by his outburst. “Sorry,” he apologized. “I’ve not had much sleep—if any—and I am on a very short fuse today.” He met Pietro’s worried gaze. “In fact, I’ve been thinking….”
“Ooo, why do I not like the sound of this?”
Alex had been thinking about this all night. There was only one course of action open to him. “I’m going to tell Leo I can’t go out with him anymore.”
There was a moment of stunned silence. “Why, for God’s sake? You don’t really want to break up with him, do you?”
Alex felt miserable. It wasn’t what he wanted at all. But Rob had left him with no choice. “Pietro, there’s no way I’m telling my parents I’m gay. You don’t know them. I… I just can’t. Not right now, at least. And I don’t want to give Rob any more ammunition.”
“So you’re going to buy him a laptop, then? What next? ’Cause it won’t just end there, y’know. Blackmailers rarely stop once they see they can get what they want.” One look at Pietro’s face told Alex his friend was seething with rage.
Alex nodded unhappily. “It won’t be forever. Once I have enough money, I’ll be moving into a place of my own. No more Rob to worry about.” He gave Pietro a wan smile. “I’ll tell my parents eventually. Just… just not on his terms.”
“And what about Leo?” demanded Pietro. “How do you think he’s gonna feel?”
All night, he’d been thinking of what he would say to Leo, what excuse he would give. And as yet, he didn’t have one. He tried not to think about Leo’s reaction. Despite only having had two dates with him, Alex knew instinctively Leo would not take this lying down. This was a total fucking nightmare.
LEO sipped at his glass of iced tea, his eyes wandering over the tables. Though it was still relatively early, the restaurant was packed, which probably explained why he was still seated in the bar awaiting a free table. The odd thing was there’d been no sign of Alex. At all.
“Good evening, Leo.”
Sev was standing next to him. He looked different, and at first Leo couldn’t work out why. Then it hit him. Sev wasn’t smiling.
“Sev,” he said, acknowledging his friend. “Anything wrong?”
Sev let out a heavy sigh. “My friend, if this is what happens when you take Alex out on a date, I’d rather you didn’t do it again.”
Leo gaped at him in surprise. “What are you talking about?”
Sev paused for a moment before continuing, his manner cautious. “Did anything happen last night? Because Alex has been in a state all day. I sent him home early. Rather that than have him break anything else or mess up any more orders.”
Leo’s thoughts were racing. Something was wrong. “Sev, believe me when I tell you, Alex was a very happy boy when I took him home last night. Whatever happened to cause his behavior today must have taken place after that.”
Sev pursed his lips, apparently deep in thought. “Maybe Pietro knows something,” he said after a moment’s contemplation. “They were on a break together.”
Leo started. Surely not…. “Pietro?” There couldn’t be two boys with the same name; the coincidence seemed too great.
Sev tilted his head. “Do you know him?” he asked curiously. When Leo simply lifted one brow, Sev let out a low whistle. “One of your subs?” he whispered.
“Possibly. Though surely I would’ve seen him around here—”
Sev interrupted him. “He’s my trainee chef; no reason for you to have seen him.” He gave Leo a knowing glance. “Do you want to speak with him?”
Leo nodded eagerly. It was time he found out exactly what was going on with Alex.
PIETRO’S eyes widened considerably as he came into Sev’s office and found Leo waiting for him. Leo sighed. Yep, it was one of the subs from the club. He couldn’t help but smile as he watched Pietro fight the urge to kneel. Good submissive, he seemed to recall.
“Sit down, Pietro.” Leo gestured toward the chair facing Sev’s desk. Pietro moved swiftly into the chair, lowering his gaze. “Pietro, look at me. We’re not in the club. Right now I’m just Mr. Hart, okay?”
Pietro nodded, shyly raising his eyes to look directly at Leo, his cheeks flushed.
Leo decided to come straight to the point. “Pietro, what’s wrong with Alex?”
Pietro caught his breath. “I’m sorry, Sir….” Leo raised his eyebrows, and Pietro blushed. “Sorry, but can I call you Sir? It… it’s easier that way.” Amused, Leo nodded. “Sir, I’m not sure if I can break a confidence. Alex trusts me.”
Leo frowned. This was not going to be as easy as he thought. “Pietro, I’m very worried about him. So is Sev. If you can shed any light on what happened last night, I’d be very grateful.”
Pietro’s body language was speaking volumes right now. Leo noted his hands twisting nervously in his lap, his eyes flickering from left to right, and the uneasy shifting in his seat: the sub was clearly feeling conflicted. But Leo had to know. Time to play hardball. “Pietro.” Leo spoke in a low, firm voice, and Pietro’s eyes snapped down to the floor. “Tell me,” he insisted.
Pietro froze, and then the sub’s shoulders relaxed. “Yes, Sir,” he said softly.
ALEX sat in Platt Fields Park on one of the wooden benches around the boating lake. To an onlooker, he was studying the boats moored by the lakeside, but he didn’t even see them. He gazed out over the lake, his mind on Leo, Rob, his parents…. What a fucking mess.
Sev had told him to go home and get some sleep, but Alex couldn’t bear the thought of going anywhere near the place right now. The word was a joke. In his mind, home was a place where people loved you, cared for you, wanted the best for you. His was a place where he was ignored, blackmailed….
As a child, Alex had always felt as if he didn’t fit. All he’d craved was time to be by himself, with his own thoughts, but this had been frowned upon constantly by his parents—well, mostly his mother, if he were perfectly honest. Dad seemed to be a bit of a nonentity around the home. “Privacy” didn’t appear to be a word in their vocabulary. Alex liked being quiet, thoughtful, but his mother berated him for being shy, uncooperative, and even as he grew up, her condescending remarks had been a permanent feature of his life. Why couldn’t they treat him like an adult? Christ, four years at university, and they
still talked to him as if he were twelve years old.
His phone rang, making him jump. He glanced down and frowned. It was an unknown number. He thought briefly about ignoring it, but there was that tiny bit of his mind that was curious. “Hello?” he said.
There was a pause. “Did you think you could hide something this big from me, boy?”
Oh hell. Leo. Alex swallowed. There was no way he could hang up, even though his guts knotted inside him once more. “How did you get this number?” he asked. Then he let out a bitter laugh. “Stupid question. Sev, of course.” He suddenly recalled Leo’s words. “Wait a minute. What are you talking about?” A wave of nausea rolled over him. Surely Pietro hadn’t….
“I’m referring to your shit of a brother and his blackmail attempts.” There was no hint of humor in Leo’s voice. “Not to mention your plans where I’m concerned. What were you thinking, Alex? Did you really believe I’d just give up on you?”
Alex felt sick. Pietro had told him? So much for him being a friend. “You weren’t supposed to find out,” he said quietly. “I was just going to walk away from you.” He raised his voice. “How did you get Pietro to tell you all this?”
“Never mind how I came by my information. The important thing is, I know.”
Alex leaned back against the bench, thoroughly miserable. Just when he thought his day could not get any worse….
“Alex.” The voice in his ear was softer now. “Where are you?”
Alex stared out across the lake once more. There was silence at the other end of the call. Leo was waiting. “I’m sitting in Platt Fields Park,” Alex said at last. “By the boating lake.”
“Stay there. I’m coming to get you.” Leo ended the call.
Alex stared at his phone in disbelief. Leo was coming for him? So much for walking away. But a small part of him rejoiced. Leo wasn’t letting him walk away. Leo didn’t want them to end.
Alex sat back, looking up at the early evening sky. The sun was just beginning to set, and the remaining wisps of cloud were tinged with varying shades of gold. It was going to be a beautiful evening.