Bound to Liberty

by Kiru Taye

  “I called you but your phone was switched off.” James shook his head and closed his eyes. “I didn’t know what to do.”

  He swayed, and Ethan wrapped his arms around him.

  “It’s so good... your arms again. But we can’t.” He pulled back with tears in his eyes.

  “Why? What happened?” Ethan asked quietly.

  “Jibril knows... about us...” James didn’t finish before he passed out.

  Cursing, Ethan scooped him up and called out. “I need to get James to a hospital.”

  Dumelo rushed out and held the door for him.

  Outside he placed James across the back seat and climbed in, placing James’s head on his lap.

  He had too many questions that needed answers, but the most important concern was making sure that James would be okay.

  *

  James woke to bright lights and beeping machines.

  “So good to have you back,” a low male voice said, before a shadow appeared above him and lips pressed onto his forehead. The scent was familiar and comforting.

  He blinked a few times to clear his blurry vision and licked his dry mouth. “Where am I?”

  “You’re in the hospital.”

  He saw the person holding his hand as some of his memory returned.

  “Ethan, what happened?”

  “You were at TJ’s bar. Do you remember?”

  “Yes.” Some memories came flooding back. “Oh Lord. Those photos. My life is over.”

  He tried to lift his hands to cover his face as tears flowed down his face.

  “No. Don’t say that.” Ethan gripped his hands. “Firefly, I saw those photos.”

  “So you know how bad they are. Jibril is going to show everyone.”

  “I won’t let it happen.”

  “How are you going to stop him? He could have sent them out already.”

  “He doesn’t have them, and I’ve got the source.”

  James opened his eyes. “You have?”

  “Yes. Damola is the one who took those photos. He was sent by Jibril to spy on you. He was the one who sent you the horrible messages. He also sent the photos on Jibril’s behalf.”

  “What? He did?”

  “Yes. Damola’s intention was to drug you and abduct you. I don’t even want to think of what he could’ve done to you.” There was a growl in Ethan’s voice. “Anyway, TJ extracted the information from him. We have the phone and storage device with the photos. The files that were sent to Jibril by email have been wiped. We’ve dropped malware on his devices to erase all of it, so he’s never going to access any that he’s downloaded.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes. Trust me. This is not my first rodeo.”

  James heaved out a breath, grabbed Ethan, and pulled him down for a tight hug. “Thank you.”

  He lifted his head and stared at Ethan. “You keep saving me. How can I repay you?”

  Ethan caressed his forehead and cheek. “How about you promise to be mine for keeps?”

  James’s heart thumped hard and the beeping of the machine increased. “As in forever?”

  “Yes. I love you, firefly, and I want us to make a life together.”

  James could swear he was going to pass out with joy. He tugged on Ethan’s shirt and whispered against his lips. “I love you too, and I promise to be yours for keeps.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  The next morning, James sat in the passenger seat while Ethan drove his AMG across town. The medics at the hospital had kept him overnight to monitor him affect Damola had drugged him with a tranquiliser.

  He’d been devastated when he’d opened the parcel and seen those incriminating photographs of him and Ethan in London along with the threat from Jibril. The man had been intent on turning what had been the best experience on James’s life so far into a seedy affair to be ridiculed and derided.

  James’s first instinct had been to call Ethan and when he couldn’t reach the man he’d panicked. He couldn’t have called Henry or Gloria anyway, even if he’d been brave enough to explain the situation, as they were away. And after his breakup with Kezie, he couldn’t reach out to the man who had been his closest friend in over a decade.

  Unable to concentrate on work and out of options, he’d decided to leave the office. He’d headed to TJ’s Bar, on a whim. He’d been at the venue the first time Ethan had saved him and perhaps he’d been hoping for a repeat performance.

  A miracle had happened.

  He’d been surprised when Damola had shown up and hadn’t been aware of the man spiking his drink until he’d started feeling drowsy. Next thing Ethan had swooped in along with the bodyguard. And then he’d ended up in hospital because Damola had spiked his drink.

  Now, he relaxed into the leather seat, content with being awake and sober unlike the first time Ethan had driven his car. Even with all the adjustments, the man took up so much space, making James stare in awe.

  The car radio played his favourite local radio station, old school soul and RnB tracks helping to relax him.

  At the gated entrance, Ethan lowered the window when the security men came to check them out.

  “Hi, Dumelo,” James called out in greeting. The man had been relieved of duty at the hospital.

  “Welcome, James. Ethan.” The bodyguard returned the greeting after staring from him to Ethan. He waved at BamBam. “Open the gate.”

  Soon the sound of metal bolt unlocked and the barrier slid to the side along rollers.

  Ethan drove in and parked next to the Mercedes SUV.

  Grabbing his satchel, James reached for the door lever.

  “Stay in the car for a minute,” Ethan said.

  “Why?” James asked in reflex.

  Ethan raised his brow in that stern look of his and said, “Are you going to argue?”

  “No.” James muttered.

  Ethan smiled at him before leaving the car.

  James twisted in his seat to see what the man was doing.

  Ethan stood chatting with Dumelo. James couldn’t hear what they were saying. Ethan opened the hatch of the boot.

  “Can I come out now?” James called out.

  “Stay where you are.” Ethan replied as he took out a leather overnight bag.

  “Uh. What’s going on?” James asked. He wasn’t used to sitting still for no good reason.

  Ethan didn’t reply before closing the boot with a thunk. He strode to James’s side of the car and pulled the door. “Come on, firefly.”

  Hopping out, he saluted with a cheeky grin. “Yes, Sir.”

  Ethan shook his head, eyes twinkling. “Get inside the house before we give the security men a show.”

  James chuckled as he practically bounced to the door. Having Ethan back in his life as more than a security specialist felt right. Having the older man here as his boyfriend and lover was the stuff of his dreams. His hand shook with excitement as he pulled his keys out of the leather messenger bag and unlocked the front door. The hallway was dimly lit and the house in silence.

  He turned as Ethan stepped in behind him. “Welcome to my humble abode.”

  Ethan laughed and shook his head. “If this is a humble abode, I’ll eat my hat.”

  “Ah. But you’re not wearing a hat.” James pointed at Ethan’s head. “And this is a humble abode. You should check out the neighbours’ houses.”

  “This place should’ve been named Billionaire Island instead of Banana Island.” Ethan dropped his bag on the marble floor.

  “True.” James nodded, feeling a little apprehensive now that he’d gotten the man into his house. He walked past the guest reception area into the family room, turning the light on as he went.

  “So there’s no one else home?” Ethan asked.

  “Yes. The household employees are on a break while Gloria and Henry are away. The security team don’t come in here unless they are summoned. So it’s just me and you.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Do you want me to show you around the place?”

 
; “No need. I already did a full tour when I took on your case. I even have a blueprint of the house.”

  “A blueprint?”

  “Yes. I need to be able to access it in case of an emergency.”

  “Hmmm. I’m going to get a drink. Would you like one?” James pointed behind him with both thumbs.

  “Sure. Water for me.”

  James entered the kitchen, grabbed two tall glasses from the cupboard and a bottle of water from the fridge. Placing them on the central island counter, he poured the liquid and gave one to Ethan before drinking the other. One of the side effects from the drug was thirst. He drank two glasses before he spoke. “I’m going to take a shower, get dressed and head to the office.”

  Ethan put his glass down. “That’s not going to happen. You’re on rest and recuperation until next week Monday at the earliest.”

  “But it’s a work day.”

  “And I took care of that already. Your assistant has been informed of your absence. She’s got everything under control.”

  “But—”

  “No more buts.” Ethan was upon him, caging him against the central counter. One hand gripped his nape while the other covered his package covered in black denim.

  James’s breath locked in his throat and his heart thumped as the other man stroked him and kissed him at the same time.

  “Uh,” James moaned into Ethan’s mouth as his spine tingled. A bolt of pleasure rushed through him.

  Ethan squeezed him and he gasped in climax.

  A rush of heat went up his face when Ethan released him. He tucked his face against Ethan’s neck.

  “I’m sorry,” he muttered in embarrassment.

  “There’s no need to be sorry, firefly.” Ethan lifted his head, showing his smug grin. “Your orgasm is mine to give or take. You needed the reminder.”

  James mouth dropped open but no words came out. Ethan had made him come in his pants on purpose.

  He stepped back. “Now take your clothes off.”

  “Here?” James’s heart raced.

  “Yes. You said we are alone. So get to it.” Ethan said.

  James removed his wallet and phone from his trouser pockets. He toed his shoes off, pulled his briefs and jeans off as well as his shirt. Then he used his shirt to wipe the sticky smear around his groin before walking naked to the adjoining laundry room and tossing the clothes in the basket.

  When he came back into the kitchen, Ethan held the bottle of water and a glass.

  “Come on,” Ethan said and strode into the hallway. He picked up the bag he’d left and went up the staircase.

  James picked up his shoes and followed into his bedroom.

  Ethan placed the bottle and glasses on the bedside cabinet and the bag beside the bed. “Shower time.”

  James dropped his shoes on the rack and walked to his en suite bathroom. His skin tingled and his pulse race as he remembered his time with Ethan in London. This had been part of their nightly ritual.

  He found an unopened toothbrush from the wall cabinet and placed it on the counter before taking his and spreading paste over it. He brushed his teeth.

  In the mirror he caught a reflection of Ethan as he strode into the room. His hand stilled. And his mouth dropped open.

  Ethan was naked. The first time he’d seen the man fully undressed.

  He was big and buff. Everywhere.

  The tattoos snaked around his body, creative and tribal.

  Damn. He was all of James’s fantasies embodied in one man. And his body responded accordingly as Ethan came to stand beside him.

  “Is this for me?” Ethan asked as he picked up the new toothbrush.

  “Yes.” James said in a croaky voice as he tilted to the side, hoping the other man didn’t notice his shaft that had come up to attention. He’d had an orgasm minutes ago.

  He glanced down and stared wide eyed. He’d wanted the man inside him from the first day but now seeing how well-hung he was, his ass clenched.

  “You keep staring at me that way and I’ll be replacing your toothbrush with my dick.” Ethan teased with a smile.

  James scrubbed a hand over his head before rinsing his toothbrush and wiping his mouth. He strode over the shower cubicle, needing some space between him and Ethan.

  He turned on the faucet and water cascaded from the round head above the stall.

  A knot sat in his stomach as he stepped under the warm spray.

  Ethan entered the enclosure, and wrapped arms around him.

  Ethan reached for the shower gel, poured some on his hands and massaged it onto James’s skin.

  The caresses reawakened James arousal. But Ethan just washed him and rinsed him.

  Then he switched off the water and stepped out, grabbing the towels from the rack.

  James took one and dried his body before replacing it.

  Ethan took his hand and they walked into the bedroom. “Let’s get dressed and them I’m going to feed you.”

  “Oh. Can’t we just skip the food,” he grumbled.

  His lover chuckled. “No. I know how grumpy you get when you don’t eat.”

  Truth.

  James still rubbed his body over Ethan’s.

  “Firefly, don’t make this hard.”

  “That’s the point, Sir.”

  Ethan groaned and held him still. “Much as I’d love to fuck you right now, you still have another forty-eight hours before the drug leaves your body. I need to know that you’re not under the influence of the drug. I need to know that you truly want me.”

  “But I’ve wanted you since I set eyes on you.”

  “I know. Just humour this old man, will you?”

  James remembered Ethan’s story about Kunle and how his former lover only wanted him when he was under the influence of alcohol. Their relationship hadn’t been healthy and he understood Ethan’s aversion to any kind of intoxicant.

  “Okay, old man.” He kissed him briefly.

  “James!” a voice called out from beyond the closed door.

  James froze and Ethan’s muscles tensed.

  “Shit. It’s Gloria.” His body over heated. He felt light-headed and swayed.

  Ethan caught him and manoeuvred him to sit on the edge of the bed.

  A knock sounded on the door. “James, are you in there?”

  “Tell her to give you a minute,” Ethan said in a low voice.

  Nodding, he swallowed. “Gloria, give me a minute.”

  “Sure,” she replied. “Are you okay, though? I was worried when Henry called last night to say you were in hospital. I tried calling your phone but got no replies and then I took the first flight back today.”

  His chest clutched tight because he knew Gloria cared about him, enough to cancel her trip and come home. Henry was probably on an early flight back too.

  “I’m fine,” he called out. “I just got in and took a shower. Let me get dressed and I’ll meet you downstairs.”

  There was a pause. “Alright. I’ll see you downstairs.”

  Footsteps receded.

  He sucked in a few deep breaths. “What am I going to do? Should I tell her about the photos, about you and me?”

  “It’s totally up to you.” Ethan pulled on a fresh pair of boxer-briefs and then his trousers. “We can simply explain that Jibril sent Damola to threaten you and not mention the photos.”

  “But Jibril can still tell them about the photos.”

  “It’s just his word against yours. Your brother and sister-in-law are never going to believe him.”

  “True.” James exhaled but still didn’t feel okay. “What about you? How do you feel about hiding our relationship from Henry and Gloria?”

  Ethan sat beside James. “I love you and I’ll stand by whatever you decide. I’m willing to take it slow until you’re ready to tell them.

  He took James’ hand and pressed gentle lips to the knuckles. “Honestly, what I’ve seen and heard from Henry and Gloria shows they are two people who love you and will love you regardless
of your sexuality. I know it’s asking for a lot of trust and faith for you to take the leap in coming out to them. But you trust them in everything else, don’t you?”

  James tilted his head as some of the haze in his mind cleared. “I do.”

  “Then maybe it’s time you trust them with your secret. It’ll prevent people like Jibril using it to blackmail you.” Ethan’s grip tightened. “Although, after I finish dealing with Jibril no one else in your family would dare to blackmail you again.”

  “What are you going to do to him?”

  “Don’t worry about it.” Ethan patted his hand, released it and stood. He grabbed a T-shirt.

  James straightened and pulled clothes out. He dressed quietly, Ethan’s words giving him food for thought. Once he was dressed, Ethan stood waiting.

  “I promised to feed you, so I’m happy to wait outside until you finish chatting with Gloria and then I’ll take you to a restaurant.”

  “No.” He met Ethan’s gaze.

  “Oh?”

  “I can’t have you waiting outside in the sun after you’ve taken such wonderful care of me. All my adult life I’ve wanted a man of my own, a man who wasn’t ashamed to be with me in the full sense of the word. Making you stand outside says I’m ashamed of you.”

  Part of his reason for not coming out to his family before was because he’d worried about outing Kezie in the process. He’d never wanted to put his ex in such a difficult position. He didn’t have the same problem with Ethan.

  “James, you don’t have to feel that way.”

  “I do. And it’s time for me to take a leap of faith. You’ll be there to catch me, if I fall, right?” He stepped up to Ethan and took his hand.

  “Always.” Ethan raised their joined hands and pressed his lips to the back on James’s hand.

  “Then come and meet my sister-in-law and bestie.”

  “Wait. Are you sure about this?”

  “I’m sure.” He tugged and Ethan followed him downstairs.

  Before he reached the bottom step, Gloria rushed out of the living room and embraced him tightly. “Thank God, you’re well.”

  She stepped back, looked at Ethan and their joined hands.

  James took the cue, sucked in a deep breath and said in a rush. “Sweetie, I’d like you to meet my boyfriend.”