"Don't be embarrassed. I love that I can do this for you. I..." Geoff suddenly looked away. Ben watched as Geoff stood up and took his plate to the sink.
"I what?" Ben asked him. He was sure Geoff had been about to say something more, so why had he stopped?
"Nothing," Geoff smiled at him.
Ben froze, his chest tightening painfully. "No, please tell me," Ben begged him.
Geoff turned, rubbing his hands over his face. Oh god. It was something he'd done. Ben felt sick. He knew this would happen, knew that he would do something wrong and end up back on the streets. Who had he been kidding? He was a fuck up, and he deserved this.
"I love you, Ben."
Ben frowned, shaking his head, "Sorry?" What had he just said? Did he just say that?
"I love you. I know it's probably too soon, and God knows I'm too old for you, but yes, there it is."
"You love me?" Ben struggled to wrap his head around it. Geoff loved him?
Geoff nodded, looking at Ben with his head tilted to the side, as if he was studying him. Ben's chest tightened and he swallowed past the lump in his throat. Only his Nan had ever said she'd loved him. He'd always thought that no one would be able to love him, especially when they found out that he'd sold himself. He took a deep, shuddering breath. He could feel his eyes itching as they filled with tears, and he couldn't stop them from falling.
"Hey, there's no need to cry. I shouldn't have said anything. I didn't mean to upset you."
Ben shook his head as Geoff wrapped him in his arms, holding him tight. He hugged Geoff to him. "I didn't think anyone would love me," he told him as he hiccupped before another wave of tears started. "I didn't think anyone would see me." He struggled to speak past the lump in his throat.
"Oh, Ben. You are so worth loving. Well, maybe not when you first came here."
Ben coughed out a laugh. Yeah, he hadn't been nice when he came here. He'd isolated himself, threw things and shouted. Geoff lifted his head up, looking into his eyes.
"I love you, Ben," he told him again.
Ben tried a weak smile as he sniffed. Wow, that sounded nice. Geoff passed him some tissues, and he blew his nose, wiping his eyes. He took a shaky breath in and released it. At least he wasn't alone with these feelings.
"I love you too."
"You don't have to say it back."
"No! That's not why I'm saying it! I've... I've had these feelings for a while now, but I was too afraid to say anything. I didn't want to lose you. Every time I thought about telling you, I was afraid you'd ask me to leave. All I could think about was how you'd react. I mean, a whore telling you he loved you."
"Stop thinking of yourself like that. You are more than that, you know this. That was what you did. It's not who you are. I've never told anyone I loved them, well, except my family, so this is new for me too."
"Yeah?"
"Yes." Geoff smiled at him holding him at arm's length. "Let's tidy up and go upstairs."
Ben smirked at him. "You want some sex?" he asked jokingly.
"Well, we have just declared our love, so I think it's fitting, don't you?"
"I got my results back and I'm clean, so we don't have to use anything. Can you..." He wanted to be tied up again. He loved it when Geoff tied him up and took control.
"What? All you have to do is ask."
"Cuffs..." God, why was it so difficult to ask him this?
"You want me to cuff you?"
Ben could feel himself harden at the thought of Geoff cuffing him to the bed. He nodded, watching the change come over Geoff. It was the way he held himself that little bit straighter, a little bit taller, shoulders back.
"Go upstairs. Shower. Wait for me there. Oh, and Ben? I'm clean too."
Ben's breath caught in his chest and he got up and jogged upstairs. No condoms. What would it feel like to have Geoff inside him with nothing between them? He entered the bedroom and stripped off quickly before walking into the bathroom. He turned it on and waited for the temperature to adjust. He got in and turned his face up towards the spray, letting it wash the tears away. He felt a cold draft behind him and turned to see a naked Geoff sliding the door closed. Geoff swung the cuffs on his fingers, winking at him.
"Safe words."
"Dark for stop and grey to slow down, Sir."
"Good. Come when you want. Now, no talking."
"Yes, Sir."
Geoff fastened one of the cuffs to Ben's wrist then pulled his arm up above his head and passed it through a small grab rail before fastening it to his other wrist. Funny, Ben had never noticed the rail up there before. He tugged on the cuffs and heard the metal on metal sound as they clicked together.
Geoff knelt before him and slowly licked up his shaft, twirling his tongue around the head. Ben leaned his head back against the shower tiles, moaning. God, that felt good. Damn good. He groaned when Geoff sucked one of his balls into his mouth, running his tongue over the creased flesh. Geoff moved to the other one, licking over and around it. Ben spread his legs wide to give Geoff more space to kneel when Geoff grabbed his hips and spun him around so Ben was now facing the wall.
When Ben felt Geoff's tongue on his hole, he gasped, and then groaned. The sensation of his tongue licking and sucking him caused Ben to shiver in pleasure. Geoff could do wicked things with his tongue: licking around the wrinkled flesh with the tip of his tongue then using the flat of it to lick up and down his hole. The things Geoff could do with his mouth and tongue.
When Geoff's tongue speared his hole, Ben cried out, the cuffs rattling above him as his body jerked. Geoff fucked his arse with his tongue, his hands holding Ben's arse cheeks wide apart. Ben arched up, standing on tiptoe as Geoff's tongue flicked over his hole before sinking in again.
Losing track of time, Ben moaned loudly when two of Geoff's fingers speared inside. Spinning him back around, Geoff continued to push his fingers in and out of Ben as he sucked the head of his dick back into his mouth.
Ben couldn't stop jerking and shuddering, crying out as Geoff sucked him off and fucked him with his fingers, constantly rubbing on his hot spot. He could hear the cuffs above him as he moved his arms. He couldn't stop moving, his body a quaking mess as pleasure radiated through him. The dual sensations were too much for him to take.
Feeling a tingle start at the base of his spine, Ben's balls pulled up and he knew he was going to come.
"I'm coming, Sir!" Ben shouted out.
Within seconds, he was crying out, shooting into Geoff's mouth. Every pulse of come tightened his muscle around Geoff's fingers that were still rubbing his prostate, prolonging his orgasm, keeping his body taut with pleasure.
Eventually his body sagged, all energy leaving it, and he slumped back on the tiled wall. Eyes squeezed tightly shut, mouth open and panting for breath, Ben wasn't aware Geoff had moved until he felt himself being lifted up. Ben automatically wrapped his legs around Geoff's waist and felt Geoff push in slowly past his muscle. Geoff adjusted his hold on him before allowing Ben to lower onto his cock. Ben could feel the fullness all the way in his chest and closed his eyes again as Geoff began to lift and lower him as he slowly fucked him against the shower wall. He could feel everything, the sensations so much sharper with nothing in between them.
It turned him on so much knowing that Geoff was strong enough to lift and hold him as he fucked him against the wall. He opened his eyes, looking into Geoff's. Geoff's pupils were blown wide with lust. It was a beautiful sight.
"I love you," Geoff whispered to him before licking across Ben's lips.
Ben opened his mouth and sucked Geoff's tongue in as Geoff sped up, hitting his sensitive spot with every thrust. Harder and faster, Geoff fucked him and Ben loved it. Loved the way Geoff held him. Loved the way Geoff ravaged his mouth. Loved the way he controlled his body. Loved the way he could just let go and fly. Fuck, Ben simply loved him.
Geoff was grunting with every thrust and Ben felt himself getting ready to come again, his dick hardening against his abs,
but Ben wanted to come at the same time as Geoff. Geoff suddenly grabbed his thighs tightly and shuddered, crying out as he came and that triggered Ben's own orgasm.
Ben's balls tightened, and arcs of electricity raced through his body, his orgasm flooding over him. Ben came feeling the ropes splash up onto his chest and Ben moaned loudly, his dick twitching with every pump of come that left his slit.
How long they rested together, Ben didn't know, but he let Geoff take his weight as they both calmed down. Eventually, Geoff gently lowered him to his feet, pulling out. Ben's hole twitched and he felt Geoff's come leak from his arse, running down his thighs. Stood still, he watched Geoff clean him up, wiping his chest and abdomen before he turned him to clean his arse and thighs.
Ben winced. It was fantastic with nothing between them, all sensations magnified, but there was definitely more clean up involved.
When Ben was released from the cuffs, Geoff massaged his shoulders and arms, helping the blood flow return to them, then turned the shower off. Ben stood watching Geoff dry him then he took Ben's hand and pulled him towards the bed.
Ben crawled into the bed and moved over, leaving space for Geoff to crawl in behind him. He cuddled close, his head on Geoff's chest and closed his eyes. He felt so peaceful as he lay listening to Geoff's steady heartbeat.
He had always thought that he wasn't worthy of being loved. The way his parents had treated him, the abuse he had suffered at their hands, then having to sell himself on the streets to survive, had always made him think that this was what he deserved. To know that someone loved him and wanted him in their life was overwhelming, hence the tears, which he could have done without.
He hugged Geoff closer to him and felt him squeeze him back. "Are you alright?" Geoff asked him.
"Yeah, I am. I'm just....I don't know how to explain it."
"Too much, too soon?"
"No! God, no. I'm happy, really happy, Geoff. I just never expected any of it. After everything..." Ben began to choke up again as emotions overwhelmed him.
"Don't cry, Ben. I shouldn't have said anything."
"No, I'm glad you told me because that means I'm not on my own in these feelings. I've never thought I'd be lucky enough, that I deserved to be loved. I love you so much. I didn't know what it was I was feeling, but I knew that I didn't want to leave you."
"I don't want you to leave either. I love having you here." Geoff lifted Ben's head up off his chest. "I love you, don't forget that."
Ben nodded wiping his eyes. He couldn't believe he was crying again. Hadn't he done enough of that already?
"Get some sleep, Ben." Geoff leaned down kissing him softly on the lips.
"Night, Geoff."
"Night."
CHAPTER TWENTY
Monday came too soon, and Geoff was concerned as to what would happen in the meeting with Edward. He hoped Edward wouldn't make any threats, but knowing what the man was like, and his reputation as a shark, Geoff wouldn't be surprised if Edward did.
The rumours that Geoff had heard indicated that Edward wasn't always above board in his actions in gaining whatever business or client he wanted. Now that Edward knew about Ben, he had enough information to act on and try to force Geoff into either a merger or force him to sell the business.
Geoff walked into his office and sat down behind his desk. He wasn't surprised when Seb poked his head in a few minutes later. "Today's the day, right?"
"Yes. He should be here for ten."
"How have you and Ben been?" Seb asked, walking into the office and sitting down.
"Ben's worried, but that's no surprise. As for me... Well, I just want to know how he's going to play his cards. He knows about Ben, and it's just what he'll do with that knowledge."
"He wants in here. Any way he can," Seb muttered, frowning.
"Absolutely. He's been trying for a couple of years now. We're not interested. He doesn't have a good reputation, and we don't want to be associated with him."
"I'm going to go back to my desk, but do you want me in here when he comes?" Seb asked as he stood.
"No. We'll stick to the plan. I've got the detective's number, and I'll call her after the meeting." Geoff shrugged. "He might not say anything."
Seb snorted. "Yeah, right."
Geoff smiled at him. "I'm trying to remain positive that he only has good intentions."
They looked at each other for a few seconds before they both chuckled.
"Yeah, good luck with that," Seb told him as he walked out of Geoff's office.
Geoff worked until he heard the receptionist tell him that Edward was waiting. Geoff walked to the reception area and found Edward sat waiting. Showtime.
"Morning, Edward. Come through to my office and we'll get started. Do you want something to drink?"
"Coffee will be fine, thank you." Edward smiled.
As they walked into Geoff's office, he paused and asked Sue, his receptionist, to get them some coffee. He didn't usually ask her to do this, but with the situation as it was, he didn't want to leave Edward alone in his office.
"Edward, please sit. The coffee will be here soon. Now, what can I help you with?"
Edward smiled at him as he sat, and Geoff couldn't help but think of how slimy he looked at that moment. He had a nasty gleam to his eyes, and Geoff knew that Edward would use whatever he could to get what he wanted.
They waited until the coffee was served, then Edward said, "You know I've been interested in a merger between our businesses."
"Yes, and the answer is the same. I'm flattered, but no, we're not interested at this time."
He watched Edward lean back in his chair, putting the ankle of one foot on the knee of the other. He gave him a slick smile.
"I thought that might be the answer," Edward paused, taking a sip of his coffee. "That function the other night was quite the eye opener, wasn't it?"
"No more so than usual," Geoff knew exactly where Edward was going with this and carefully kept his face blank.
"That boy you had with you. What was his name again?"
"Ben, and he isn't a boy."
"Oh no, no, he isn't, is he?" Edward commented in a tone that sounded calculated to Geoff.
Geoff frowned at Edward. He would go along with this and see where he went with it.
"Is that supposed to mean something?"
"What?" Edward smiled at him again. "How long have you known Ben for?"
"I'm sorry. I thought we were here to discuss a possible merger, not the person I brought to The Lowry."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realise it was a touchy subject," Edward said in a syrupy voice.
"So, the answer is still the same, Edward. At this moment in time, we aren't interested in a merger with your company." Geoff smiled politely at him. He wanted him out of his office, but knew he had to wait and bide his time. Edward was going somewhere with this.
"Ben. He's a nice looking young man, isn't he? Where did you meet him?"
"Is this relevant, Edward?" He was going to make Edward work for it.
"Just making conversation. I'm curious. I know someone who also knows Ben. You're aware of his past employment, aren't you?"
Geoff coughed. Past employment? That was a delicate way of putting it. "Yes, I am. Why?"
"It doesn't concern you, what he does?"
"What he did, and no, it doesn't. Why should it?"
"You wouldn't want it to become common knowledge now, would you? Being associated with a known prostitute? How would that affect you and your business? If your clients found out, do you think they would stay?"
"How would they find out, Edward? Only you and I know what Ben used to do. Who is this person that knows about Ben? Someone who used to go to him, perhaps? Someone who used to pay him for his services?"
Edward shrugged, sipping his coffee, seemingly calm and collected. "That's not really any concern of mine. Just think about what I said. You don't want anyone to know about your relationship with Ben."
"What would your advi
ce be, Edward?"
"Well, I wouldn't stay with Ben. I hope it isn't serious?" Edward seemed to look genuinely concerned. Geoff was actually amazed at how well Edward was performing. The man was that good; he should have gone into acting.
Geoff shrugged. "Well, I'm not sure what it is."
"That's good. You know I want in with your business, so think about my proposal. Oh, and stop seeing Ben. You wouldn't want people to find out about your association with him, would you?" Edward smoothed his tie as he stood. Bending down to pick his suitcase up, Edward added, "I'm sure you'll find that the terms and conditions of the merger are quite favourable for you. I'll speak to you soon, Geoff. Think about what I've said."
Geoff watched Edward walk out of his office before slumping back in his chair. It was how he had expected it to be. Nothing was said outright, but he had hinted at it. Oh, he had hinted at it. Drop Ben and sign a merger or people would find out about Ben and his past. He knew it could affect his business if it became common knowledge, let alone the damage it would do to Ben, and he was finally moving on from his past. His sessions with Clara were obviously helping him, and this would set him back.
Geoff sighed, thinking over his next steps. He had no choice but to inform the police about this. It was all insinuation though; nothing outright had been said. He took the card with the detective's details out of his drawer and stared at it before finally calling the number.
The detective answered on the fourth ring.
"Hello, Detective Jacobs speaking."
"Hi, it's Geoff Foster here. I was wondering if I could talk to you for a minute."
"Sure. How can I help you?"
"It's not related to Adam's murder. It's about a meeting I've just finished here."
"Go on." The detective sounded intrigued.
"As you know, Ben Parker lives with me, and he attended a function that was held at The Lowry and we ran into one of his ex-customers. Unfortunately, this ex-customer recognised Ben."
"Did he comment on it?"
"He's wanted to merge with my company for a couple of years now, and I've always said no. Today, we had a meeting, and he insinuated how it would be bad for business if clients found about Ben. He suggested I have nothing to do with him, and he left a copy of his terms for the merger."
New Beginnings (Second Chances Book 2) Page 17