*****
“Where’s Ethan?” Niko walked through the back door. After being away from his new boyfriend all day, he needed to take a shower, eat something, and crawl into bed. In that order. Preferably with Ethan.
“I have no idea. I’m not his personal secretary.” Knox said, as he pulled the Jimi Hendrix T-shirt over his head. “When I got back he was gone. Maybe he went upstairs?”
Niko set his bag next to one of the loungers. “Why are you changing clothes out here?”
Knox drew his eyebrows together. “Why not? It’s not like you guys didn’t see my junk last year after the conference. I think we’ve gotten over the girls’ slumber party shyness.”
Niko had forgotten about the fight Knox had gotten into in the alley behind a bar. All hell had broken loose when Niko had punched the guy in the face and Seth stepped in, pinning the man against the wall. Someone had called the cops, and it didn’t help that Knox, with bloody face and hands, stood over him, a bottle of whiskey in his fist and his pants around his ankles. Pissing on the guy as Ben held the thug to the ground in some kind of Rambo move hadn’t helped Knox’s case.
“Good point.” Niko started toward the apartment door. He felt like a dick for taking advantage of the easy access, but he needed to find Ethan and make sure he was okay.
“Ethan?” When he reached the top of the stairs, he knocked on the door. “It’s me. Open up.” After he knocked the third time with no answer, he tried the knob and it turned.
The apartment was silent. He started up the stairs and didn’t see anyone. Walking by the couch he saw the piece of paper on the kitchen counter. The key to the door was sitting beside the note.
I hope one day you’ll be true to yourself. I can’t pretend I haven’t fallen in love with you. I lived a lied before and I can’t take another heartbreak. I left the key. Everything is going to be okay. Love, Ethan
“Hell no,” Niko growled through clenched teeth as he slammed his fist on the counter.
“Hey, you all right?” Seth was standing in the doorway. “The Professor wants to have a meeting. Do you need a minute?”
Niko crumpled the piece of paper and shoved it in his pocket. “No. I need to get the fuck out of here. I need a drink and to kick someone’s ass.”
“Listen, there’s only two things that could make you this upset. Either someone has threatened us or your man has skipped town. The fact you’re up here tells me it’s the latter.”
Niko planted his elbows on the counter and held his head in this hands. “He’s not my man. He’s a…friend.”
“Buddy.” Seth squeezed his slumped shoulder. “What you think is a secret was written all over your face the moment he took that apartment. He makes you happy. You know me. Do I seem like any less of a man? Choose your response carefully or I’ll kick your ass.”
Niko laughed. “Like you could really kick my ass. I might not be as big as you, but I’m much quicker. You know I accept whatever you do.” He stood, his face hot from frustration. “I can’t do this. For the first time in my fucking life, I can’t do this. He’s not coming back. I messed up.”
“You’re the can-do guy. If you want him back, get him.”
Niko followed Seth toward the door. “I have no idea where he’d go. His parents are out of the picture. If he found another guy, I’m going to go ape shit. Jesus, what if he’s sleeping out in the cold tonight? It’s not like it’s July. Fuck, Seth.”
Niko locked the door and they headed down the stairs. “Let’s see what The Professor has to say then we’ll put our heads together.”
Niko didn’t have the peace in his head to answer. He knew his brothers had his back, but would Knox? He was in and out, and they never knew which personality they’d get next time he showed up.
When they got to The Professor’s office, everyone was there. Even Knox was leaning on the wall, wearing an unbuttoned grey and red flannel shirt. “We got disturbing news today. I called Mitch. He’s looking into the situation.” The guys looked at one another.
Scarlet added, “Someone has alerted the State Board of Health that we had a violation with disposal of bloody equipment. Obviously, it’s all a lie, but now we’re under investigation. Ethan has been great at keeping the rooms in order and everything disposed of properly.”
Niko fisted his hands at his sides, the good-bye letter in his pocket.
The Professor leaned on the desk. “The city wants to rezone the area. Apparently, some of the buildings in the district are being restructured into apartments and that makes this a residential area. The city can vote to close this place due to the zoning. If the city vetoes the plan, then we can stay. Trust me. We’ll fight this, but we’re going up against some heavy hitters. The good news is several businesses, have already bought the places around here and that gives us more credit, but they can still vote to get rid of the shop. I’ve talked to Mitch and he said he can look into it. I want you guys to keep up on your appointments and do the day to day in your normal routines.”
Niko snapped his gaze at Seth. He knew exactly who was behind this and he wasn’t about to let the bastard use money to close the shop or take Ethan out of his life. He shoved his hand in his left pocket and squeezed the letter. His heart trampled his chest, like CPR forcing him to wake up. Jesus, was he this man? Was he afraid? Was he ready to live under the bridge on the avenues?
For Ethan—fuck, yes.
“I need your help,” he murmured, his voice blending with the hum of the people talking, making plans, discussing what to do. “I said I need your help,” he said, louder. Everyone stilled. This was only the second time in his life he’d muttered those words. The Professor was the only other soul who’d ever heard him ask.
Scarlet was the first to speak. “What can we do, Niko?” Her knowing gaze made him uneasy, unsure if this was the right thing to do, but getting Ethan back was worth the humiliation. The fact that he loved his boyfriend was enough for him to tell the memory of his father’s words to go to hell.
“I’m… Jesus, I’m gay.” He held his breath until the burning in his lungs brought spots into his vision.
Knox started a slow clap. “And…so…are you asking me out or what? I am the hottest guy in here, but I’m not really boyfriend material.”
“No,” Seth added. “He already asked me out. I told him to back off. He just wants in my pants and I want something long-term.”
Niko shook his head, putting his hand over his mouth to hide his laugh.
“Wait.” Scarlet pressed her palm to her chest. “He was lying to me! Niko, you said you loved me. What about the other night? You promised me I was the only one.”
“Holy fucking shit, you guys.” He looked over at Ben who was leaning against the wall with his familiar baseball cap dipped low enough to hide the tip of his scar. Niko raised his eyebrows, waiting for the next jab at his confession. Ben just smiled and nodded.
“Anyone else want to reveal any secrets?” The Professor scanned the room. “Speak now or forever hold your peace. Nothing? Okay.”
Niko sighed. “One more thing. I know why the shop’s getting this shit thrown its way. Ethan’s in trouble.”
“Is he all right?” Scarlet pressed the palm of hand against her chest. “He hasn’t been here this afternoon. I thought he had class.”
“I’ll take care of him if you’ll take care of getting the mess here figured out. I need to talk to you guys.”
The Professor rounded the desk and sat in the leather office chair. “Just remember, boys, a few of you have records, and if you land yourselves in jail again, I’m not sure I can help you out on this one. Niko, think before you do something you’ll regret.”
The only regret he’d have was if he couldn’t get to Ethan in time. He gave a sharp nod and left the room, the guys filing out behind. Ben shut the door to the empty cigar lounge. “So?” They all sat down. “What’s the plan?”
Niko dipped his head in his hands. “We go get my boyfriend and remind this bastard
who he’s messing with.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Ethan sat on the edge of the bed in his old room, the sour turning in his stomach a constant reminder of how much he hated it here. The knock on the door startled him enough he jumped to his feet.
“You getting settled in, my love?” Charles asked from the other side.
said he fisted his hands. “I guess. Where is all my stuff? I left several boxes in here.”
“In the closet. I had Cindy put them in there when she cleaned. I would like to see you downstairs in twenty minutes. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a session. I can’t wait to get my mouth on that beautiful cock. I expect you to be naked. I have several things to bargain with, so maybe this session we can take our play to another level.”
Ethan ran to the closet. The five boxes he’d packed were neatly stacked in the corner. “I’m not sure about tonight. I’m really tired. Maybe tomorrow night?” Ethan fought back the bile burning his throat.
“Tonight, Ethan. I won’t be kept waiting any longer. Roseanna decided to keep her townhouse so we’ll once again have the house to ourselves. We can go to the club tomorrow night. Everyone will be excited to see you. They love watching you pleasure yourself. So do I, my love.”
“I have class in the morning,” Ethan searched through the bag he’d packed when he left the apartment. He pulled out a black T-shirt he’d taken from the hamper in Niko’s bathroom. Hugged it tightly against his chest. “Will you keep your promise since I came back?”
“I told you in the car I would stop the injunction of the zoning and smooth over the Board of Health issue. If you give me tomorrow night, nothing will come of the threats.”
“And Niko?” Saying his name made tears streak down both cheeks.
“Your friend will not be harassed in any manner, but if you leave, there will be consequences. My driver will take you to school and pick you up. You will not have a job. I’ll give you everything you need. Are we clear on these rules?”
Not have a job? Ethan panicked. He’d be more trapped than he was before and the previous agreement was no sex. The thought of fucking Charles made his skin crawl and itch. What was he going to do? He loved Niko and part of loving someone meant to sacrifice.
“I’m really tired.” Mental exhaustion was winding him down and all he wanted to do was close his eyes and pretend he was somewhere else. “I understand the rules, but I just want to go to bed now. It’s getting late.”
“All right. We can talk more in the morning. Sleep well, my love. I’m so happy you’re back home safe and sound. Sweet dreams.”
With clothes and shoes still on, Ethan flipped the covers and slid under the sheets. Holding the T-shirt close to his nose, he inhaled. The faint scent of earthy cologne and Niko’s skin comforted him. He closed his eyes. The glow of the bedside lamp was supposed to keep the monsters away, but he had a feeling it wasn’t going to work anymore.
He buried his nose in the soft fabric. The heady scent of cologne and the wintergreen soap Niko used still lingered. He remembered him wearing the shirt when they’d gone out to dinner for his twentieth birthday. Niko had said they’d have a party later, but Ethan hadn’t cared. They’d made love and had breakfast in bed. Ethan dug in his pocket for the leather bracelet Niko had given him. It was perfect.
As he fought to stay awake, the drift was stronger than his effort. The glow from the lamp faded as the room disappeared and he was forced to sleep.
He was running down a long dark corridor. Bang! His weak legs gave, forcing him to stumble against one wall, his head bouncing off the black-and-red wallpaper. Running again, he tripped. Bang! His head hit the prickly carpeted floor. Bang! Ethan! Sparks of light slipped into the shadows lining the corridor. He tried to lift his head. Heavy weights pinned his neck.
Crack! Ethan felt his body twitch then shake. His thoughts, musty and weak, gained strength as he sat up in bed. He’d been dreaming.
“Ethan!” The doorknob hit the wall with enough force to dent the plaster.
“Ben! What…what are you doing here? Is Niko okay?” His heart wouldn’t hold together if Charles had broken his promise. “Where is he? Please, Ben, is he okay?”
Ben started opening the dresser drawers only to close them again when his investigation came up empty handed. “Where’s your stuff? We got to get you the hell out of here before Niko does some stupid shit.”
Ethan tossed the covers back and jumped out of bed. “He’s here? Where?”
“Less chatting, more packing. Let’s go. Where’s the boxes Niko was talking about?”
“I have several. There’s a few in the closet and the two I had taken before. That’s everything.” Ethan opened the closet door then remembered why he’d run away in the first place. “I can’t go, Ben.”
“Like hell, you can’t. We’ll have to live with that grouchy bastard if you don’t come home.” He stacked the boxes on the bed and tossed a pair of tennis shoes at Ethan’s chest. Ethan caught the shoes and sat on the chair next to the desk. “Listen, I don’t know exactly how you ended up here, and, to be honest, I don’t give a damn. You need out, it’s not safe, and one of my best friends loves you. That’s enough. End of story. Get your shoes on before Niko kills that asshole.”
Ethan’s chest vibrated. His shallow breaths created sparkling lights in his vision. “Jesus,” he mumbled and stuffed his feet into the shoes. “If I do this The Professor will lose the shop and Niko could go to jail. Charles will find some way to get him arrested. What do I do?”
Ben hoisted two boxes in his arms. “Don’t fuck this up. Let’s go.”
Ethan grabbed his jacket from the back of the chair and slid his arm through his backpack. “Niko will blame me. Wait…you know about us?”
Ben peered out the doorway. “Yeah, Niko told the whole damn shop.”
Ethan picked up the box. His head swam; excitement made his fingertips tingle. His boyfriend had risked everything to make what they shared real. “I’ll do whatever you guys want to help save the shop. I love him, Ben. I never meant to hurt him.”
“I know, kid. Love can be really fucked up. Come on. The hall’s clear.”
As they walked past Charles’s bedroom, the sound of shouting voices echoed from down the wide staircase. “Get off! Niko! Don’t do this!” Ethan wanted to drop the box and run, but Ben blocked his way. “Jesus!”
“Let him go,” Knox’s voice casually added.
“Got him!” Ben shouted as he set the boxes by the front door.
Ethan walked out of the marble-floored foyer into the study. Niko was straddling Charles, punching random shots. “Niko!”
With hooded eyes, Niko looked up, wiping the back of his hand over his bloodied lip.
“Please stop. He’s not worth going to jail. Let’s go home.”
When Knox stood Ethan could see where he’d been sitting. The man who’d assaulted him on campus was passed out on the floor. Seth leaned over and pulled on Niko’s shoulders. “That’s enough, brother. You got this. Ethan’s safe. We need to get out of here.”
Niko shot his gaze over. Ethan’s hands trembled as he walked to where Niko was hunched. “Take me home, Niko.”
When Niko stood, Ethan wrapped his arms around his wide shoulders and pulled him tight. The thickness of his arms engulfed Ethan’s waist, leaving no room between their bodies.
“I thought you left because I was a coward.” Niko nestled his lips behind Ethan’s ear. “I don’t want to lose you.”
Ethan hugged tighter. “I had to go. There was no other way to keep you from getting hurt and keep The Professor from losing the shop.”
Niko leaned back, taking the sides of Ethan’s face into his hands. “The only way you’re going to hurt me is by leaving again. I need you.” He skimmed his lips over Ethan’s mouth. “God, I fucking need you.”
Ethan opened, letting him slip his tongue inside.
“This is great, you guys wanna play kissy face and all.” Knox appeared on the other side
of the room. “But I’m sure when we broke the little box by the gate something was triggered and we’ve already been here fifteen minutes. We’ve got the truck loaded up.”
“We gotta go.” Ethan regretted they’d had to end the kiss. “Knox’s right.”
Within seconds, they were piled in Ben’s double cab utility truck and back on the road. When they passed an unmarked police car Ben turned down another road and killed the lights.
Seth held onto the dashboard. “Man, you can turn the lights back on anytime. Seriously, anytime.”
Ben chuckled. “I got this.” When they got to a highway, Ben turned the truck toward home.
Everyone emptied the breaths they’d been holding. “Who in the fuck can do that?” Seth asked, hands still flat on the dashboard. “You’re nuts, man.”
Ben lowered his hat a bit and turned on the radio.
“If I have to sit back here with you guys then no making out.” Knox propped his elbow on the door and cradling the side of his head. “I need a drink.”
Seth turned in his seat. “No, you don’t.”
Ethan had always seen Seth as the big, happy-go-lucky, albeit tattooed with small gauge earrings, kind of guy, but the look on his face was anything but friendly. Note to self—don’t piss off the bulky cigar-smoking bear.
“I…um…I’m sorry for all of this.”
Niko tightened his grip on Ethan’s hand. “We got this, baby. He’s not going to mess with you again.”
Knox snorted. “I never thought I’d hear Niko the grouchy ass tough guy call someone baby.”
Niko reached over Ethan’s chest and smacked the side of Knox’s head. “Shut the fuck up.”
“Ah.” Knox rubbed the spot where Niko’s hand had landed. “That’s my boy.”
Ben pulled the truck in the lot behind the shop. Everyone filed out. Seth leaned against the door of his black Mustang Cobra. Ethan had no clue what the guy did outside the tattoo shop, but whatever it was, he was making a ton of money to be able to drive different cars to the shop.
“Mitch will figure out the legal side of all this. Let the system work, Niko. Don’t do anything stupid. You’ve got your man back. If Mitch is the bastard Scarlet says he is, he shouldn’t have a problem helping us out.”
Savior: A Tattered Club Story (Tattered Social Club Series Book 1) Page 17