Bound to Liberty

by Kiru Taye

  The vulnerability in James’s voice called to Ethan’s protective instincts, and he shoved aside his mild irritation at the situation. James needed him; his confidence, his sensitivity.

  He placed his arm around the younger man’s shoulders and pulled him into a side hug.

  “You’ll be alright,” he said in a low voice.

  James glanced up, his uncertainty evident in the bite of his lower lip and the crease on his forehead. “You think so?”

  Ethan nodded with a smile. “I do. It’s just like riding a bicycle. When you’re new, the wheels wobble until you get the hang of it. All you need to know is that I’ll be here to catch you if you fall.”

  Ethan hadn’t entirely meant to come out with such a declaration. Now, he didn’t wish to take back his words.

  Regardless of his screwed up emotions, he would be here for James.

  James’s gaze flickered with amazement. “You mean that, don’t you?”

  Ethan nodded. “Yep. The guy better be nice to you, because if he’s not, then I’m kicking his butt.”

  Now he sounded like a big brother, sending his sibling out on their first date. He did a mental face-palm and held onto a grimace.

  Surprisingly, James laughed. “Yes. I can just picture that scene.”

  Ethan grinned and shrugged. James relied on him for safety. Ethan wouldn’t let him down, even if it meant screening his client’s potential lovers.

  “I guess I better get in there. Wish me luck,” James said and strode to the door.

  “Good luck,” Ethan said, and waited a couple of heartbeats before following him into the venue.

  He approached the reception and requested a table for one. Luckily, he found one where he could see the entrance and James’s table.

  He saw James’s date arrive—a white man in a blue T-shirt and smart black trousers. He had brown hair and tanned skin.

  Ethan pulled out his phone and took a discreet photo of the man. He did this as part of his investigation into James’s stalker. He’d taken pictures of everyone James had interacted with over the past weeks, as he needed to analyse and rule out the innocent.

  He watched their interactions, from the initial almost awkward handshake to their animated conversation.

  He couldn't hear what they said from his table.

  James smiled for most of it, which meant the date was probably going well.

  Ethan didn’t have an appetite, so he ordered just a starter—king prawns in garlic and smoked chilli butter served with a baguette, along with a bottle of cider.

  He settled his bill before the food arrived because he needed to be ready to leave in case of an emergency.

  He shouldn’t drink on duty. But he could be forgiven for having this one drink, considering the sacrifice he was making by sitting here and watching James with another man.

  Nevertheless, he sat through it without driving his fist into a wall or into someone’s face.

  James sent him a message to say they would be leaving the restaurant shortly.

  He followed James and his date when they left the bistro, always a few paces behind but never interfering.

  They entered a music lounge and he went in. He ordered a fizzy soft drink and found a space to stand and watch them.

  They drank, chatted, and even danced a few times.

  “Hello, sexy.” A guy sidled up next to him. “Can I buy you a drink?”

  “I’m fine, thank you.” Ethan glanced in James’s direction, but the man wasn’t there. “Excuse me.”

  He stepped away from the person trying to chat him up. His heart rate picked up and his gaze bounced around the room, searching.

  “Hey, you.”

  He glanced down and found James standing next to him.

  Ethan puffed out a sigh of relief. “Where’s your date?”

  James shrugged. “It didn’t work out. Do you mind if we get out of here?”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Ethan felt weightless and breathless as he directed James towards the bar exit.

  He shouldn’t be filled with this much joy because he didn’t have to watch his ward with another man. Better still, James wasn’t going to have sex with someone else, tonight at least.

  He was turning into a selfish bastard. But he would take his blessings in whatever forms they came.

  He kept his left hand on James’s back while clearing a path through the noisy crowd with his right. The contact felt right; protective and possessive, but still right, if only for the moment.

  They walked out of the building, which had people queuing to get in, and took steps away to the quieter side street.

  “What happened?” he asked, reluctant to relinquish the feel of James’s warm skin through his shirt.

  James shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  Ethan tensed and glanced towards the bar. “Did he do something to you? Say something?”

  “No. It wasn’t that.” James frowned. “He was nice. We talked. We danced. He asked if I wanted to go back to my hotel. I said no. It just felt wrong.”

  James kicked a pebble on the tarmac. “Maybe I’m not cut out for hook-ups. Maybe I need a few more dates, and have to have trust before I can go all the way. Does that make me a weirdo?”

  “Of course not,” Ethan said as they strode along the street, navigating around other late-night revellers and vehicles.

  “But every gay guy I know has slept with more than one guy. For them, sex is no big deal. Why can’t I do it like them?” James asked with a frown on his face. He appeared truly perplexed.

  Ethan needed him to know that there was nothing wrong with him. He stopped and turned to face James. “You’re not them. You don’t have to be like them. Some people need to have an emotional connection with someone before they have sex. You’re just one of those people. And there’s nothing wrong with that.”

  James looked up at him with a wide smile. “You’re so good for my ego.”

  Ethan chuckled. “Be serious.”

  “I’m serious. Will you be my friend? I should warn you, in case you decide to accept my offer of friendship. I don’t have lots of close friends. But the ones I have, I keep for life.”

  An ache bloomed in Ethan’s throat and he rubbed James’s back slowly. He didn’t want to get locked in the friend zone. Right now though, James needed a friend more than anything else.

  “Of course we’re friends. Don’t sell yourself short. There’s a lot to be said for loyalty. In a world where everyone is focused on ‘self’ and popularity seems to have replaced integrity, true friendships are hard to find.”

  James nodded. “You’re being kind. Thank you.”

  “I haven’t told you anything that wasn’t true. And as I recall, you’ve been trying to get rid of me from the moment you were told about my assignment,” Ethan teased.

  James winced and covered his face with his hands. “Okay. I was trying to get rid of you at the beginning.” He dropped his hands. “But to be fair, you turned up on a bad day. Having Kezie show up at Henry’s birthday party really pissed me off, so I guess I projected it onto you.”

  “Point taken,” Ethan said as they started walking again.

  “And my point still remains. Having you around has been good for me so far. You love books, you make me feel good and, of course, when you finally get your hands on my stalker, which, I know you will, you’re going to go all ninja on his ass. Any man that can do those things is a keeper.” James winked.

  Ethan chuckled. He couldn’t fault James’s sense of humour. The man had been making him smile for the past few days.

  A black cab with its light on came around the one-way street.

  Ethan stuck his arm out to hail it. “Let’s catch a taxi back.”

  He didn’t want to keep walking through these streets, which still had open gay bars filled with potential men for James. The sooner they got back to the hotel, the sooner he could have James all to himself.

  “Sure,” James said as the cab halted.

&
nbsp; Ethan told the driver where they needed to go and they piled into the back seat. Less than fifteen minutes later, they climbed out in front of the hotel. Ethan paid the fare. When he turned around, he found James waiting by the entrance. A light drizzle of rain fell.

  A smile crept across Ethan’s face because James had waited instead of going inside the hotel. He hurried across the pavement. “Come on. Let’s get you inside.”

  Inside their suite, Ethan pulled a bottle of water from the fridge while James settled on the sofa.

  “So,” James said as he turned on the TV. “Do you think I should arrange another date through the app?”

  Ethan settled on the sofa and placed his water on the side table. “May I be honest?”

  “Of course.” James glanced at him.

  “Dating apps are like meat markets,” Ethan said. “Most of the users are there for the sex. They treat their matches like toys to be played with and discarded. It might take a long time and a lot of dates before you meet someone you make a real connection with.”

  “Oh Lord. I’m doomed to be sexless.” James slumped against the sofa. “I suppose I can always go back to Kezie. At least I had an emotional connection to him.”

  Ethan shook his head. James’s words reeked of desperation, and there was no way he was going to let the man go back to his ex. Not if he could help it.

  “James,” Ethan said in a quiet voice that carried a warning. “Don’t do that.”

  James looked at him, his brow creased in a frown. “What do you mean?”

  “I have a solution to your problem.”

  “You do?”

  “Yes. I don’t want you to arrange any more hook-ups or go back to your ex.”

  James narrowed his eyes and placed the remote back on the table, giving Ethan his full attention. “And why is that?”

  “I want us to try something.”

  “You and me?”

  “Yes. You said you came to London to have fun and forget your hassles. But meeting a new guy every day is mentally draining for you, isn’t it?”

  “Yes. How did you know?”

  “From observing you last night and today. I want to offer you something more stable. You won’t have the hassle of multiple dates with different people, and you’ll have fun and be safe.”

  “You’ve got my attention.”

  “Have you ever participated in role play?”

  James sat upright. “You mean during sex? No. I wanted to experiment. Kezie didn’t like it.”

  “But you do?”

  “I guess so. I won’t know until I actually try it. But I love seeing the interaction between my brother and his wife. Although for them, it seems to be less role play and more of a natural state. She’s princess and he’s Baba.”

  “What do you like about their dynamic?”

  “I love that he’s protective towards her and that she can be herself, good or bad. Most of all, I love their devotion to each other. You see them, and you know they would do anything for each other. If I could get a fraction of what they have, even for a short while...”

  James’s eyes got a faraway look.

  “I can offer you the chance to experiment while we’re in London. Would you like that?”

  “Wow.” James tilted his head and a smile spread on his face. “Yes. That would be wonderful.”

  “I want to take care of you, to lead, guide and protect you for the duration of this trip. In return, I ask that you hand over control of your body and time to me. How does that sound?”

  Ethan paused and waited for it to sink in.

  “Great. I’m excited.”

  “This type of relationship can be overwhelming, especially for a newbie. So, we’ll go slow and ramp up gradually. That means no sex for now which includes sex with anyone as well as self-pleasuring. As time goes on and we grow to understand and trust each other, we will explore your sexual needs and ways to satisfy them. I know this is probably not what you want to hear, considering you’re looking to have sex as soon as possible.” He leaned forward so he could look James in the eyes.

  “But I promise you that when you finally get your sexual release, it will be more intense than anything you’ve ever experienced.”

  “Okay.” James looked like he was thinking it over.

  “Don’t make any decisions yet. Sleep on what I’ve just said and let me know your decision in the morning. If you decide to accept my offer, be ready in your gym gear at 8 o’clock. We’ll be using the facilities downstairs before breakfast.”

  “8 o’clock in the morning? That’s too early,” James protested.

  “If you’re not up, then I’ll know you rejected the offer.” Ethan didn’t bother to argue with him as he stood. “I’m heading off to bed. I suggest you do the same. And don’t leave this suite. If I have to go looking for you tonight, you won’t like the outcome.”

  Ethan winked at James as he headed to his room. Somehow, now that he’d laid his cards on the table, his worry had departed.

  He felt optimistic about his personal life for the first time in years.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The dinging of the alarm woke James. The heavy curtains in his room stopped light from getting through the window.

  But it had to be daylight. Sleepy, he rolled over and grabbed his phone from the side cabinet and swiped. He flopped back on his side, sliding into sleep.

  It felt as if he had just closed his eyes again when the second alarm went off.

  Damn it. Why had he set his alarm for so early? He was on holiday, for goodness’ sake.

  Last night’s conversation with Ethan replayed in his mind. Ethan had offered him a relationship, a temporary affair that would allow him to experiment with his fantasies.

  James had spent the night analysing his options.

  Sure, he could carry on using the dating apps and arranging hook-ups. But as his two previous dates had proved, he wasn’t cut out for the wham-bam-thank-you-pal game.

  What Ethan offered had merits.

  James liked Ethan, seriously fancied the sexy hunk of a man. He’d started featuring in his sexy dreams a few weeks ago.

  The man was older by at least fifteen years, and the age gap played a huge part in the attraction, as well as other differences. Ethan was adventurous and courageous; he had to be, to have been in the military. He was affectionate, perceptive, and protective. So, he was a little bit of a hard-ass, too. But a little discipline might be good for him.

  And if it meant he got to spend one-on-one time with Ethan, then he’d live with it.

  There was an emotional connection between them, so getting to the next step should be easy. James would love to get down and dirty and sweaty with Ethan.

  But Ethan wanted to take it slow.

  Another downside to the offer.

  James was highly-sexed. That had been one awesome aspect of his relationship with Kezie. They had indulged in sexual pleasures any opportunity they got, which was frequently, as long as they were in the same city.

  For the past few weeks since their break-up, he hadn’t had any sex, and he was beginning to feel as if he was undergoing withdrawal symptoms.

  A hook-up would provide him with brief respite.

  But there was something about Ethan’s offer that proved irresistible. He couldn’t put his finger on what it was. Just that he wanted Ethan’s attention, and would take it in whatever form it came along.

  So here he was, dragging his body out of bed at what seemed an ungodly hour considering what time he’d gone to bed.

  Because he wanted to please Ethan.

  He padded into his bathroom, used the WC, washed his hands and face, and then brushed his teeth. He would have a shower after the workout, but he wasn’t leaving the suite without brushing his teeth.

  Out of the bathroom, he pulled on his gym shorts and vest. He dug his running shoes out of the wardrobe and put them on. Lastly, he put his sports wristwatch on, grabbed his phone and headed out.

  He stepped out
of his room and his heart slammed into his chest.

  Ethan sat on the sofa decked out in his sports kit—shorts, tank top, and shoes.

  James glanced at his watch, a reflex action, and checked the time. 7:59 on the digital readout.

  He’d cut it fine, but he was still on time. Phew.

  He hadn’t wanted to start out on the wrong foot. Knowing Ethan had been ready and waiting made any residual grogginess dissipate.

  “Good morning,” he said, trying to sound cheerful.

  Ethan straightened to his full height, and James saw the tattoos that decorated the man.

  The mix of honed muscles and dark artwork was a bit heady to watch. His fingers itched to trace every outline, and grip the sinews while they made love.

  His morning wood reawakened.

  “Morning, James,” Ethan said. “By showing up on time, I take it that you accept the offer I made last night.”

  The depth of Ethan’s voice vibrated through James and added to his growing arousal. He suppressed a groan.

  “Yes.” Damn. His voice sounded breathless.

  “The correct phrase is ‘Yes, Sir.’” Ethan arched his left brow. He sounded like a drill sergeant.

  Being in the military had never appealed to James. But he supposed he could sign up for this platoon of two, with Ethan as his commanding officer.

  James tamped down the urge to give a snarky salute. “Yes, Sir.”

  “When we’re in company, you can address me by my given name. But privately, from now until the holiday ends, I am Sir to you.”

  “Okay.” Ethan raised his brow again, and James added, “Sir.”

  James was quickly learning that a raised brow from Ethan was a warning signal. He could get the hang of this.

  “Respect and obedience will go a long way to making our time together run smoothly. If you break the rules or become disrespectful, I’ll have to take punitive action to correct your behaviour. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, Sir,” James replied. “But where’s the fun in being good all the time?”

  “Where’s the fun, indeed.” Ethan took a step forward, his bulging arms crossed over his impressive chest. Damn, he was imposing, even intimidating, in the stance.