by Lila Rose
He let out a breath. “How are you finding working at… you know?”
“Things have been good. Are you findin’ it hard?”
“No… well, sort of, but….” He growled under his breath and ripped apart the muffin a little more.
“What’d the muffin do to you?” I asked.
He stilled, dropped the crumbs, and brushed his hands together before leaning back in his seat. Then he was leaning forward and blurted, “I’m in trouble.”
“What?” I clipped. “How?”
He shook his head. “Not the type you think…. Fuck, Kylo, I think I like a client.”
Oh fuck.
“I presume this person is a guy?”
“Yes.” He nodded and got a far-off look with dreamy eyes. Shit it all out. He was lovesick for a client. This wasn’t good unless the client felt something for him.
“Do you think this guy could… I don’t know, like you back?”
He bit his bottom lip and shrugged.
Shit.
I winced and scrubbed a hand over my face. “West, I don’t know if this is good.”
He dropped his head and groaned, running a hand through his hair. “I know. But I can’t stop thinking about him.”
“What are you gonna do?”
“That’s the thing. I don’t know.” He threw his hands up. “Do I stop going there? Do I get Saint or Country or State to get him someone else? Do I keep going and try to stop my feelings?” His eyes landed on me. “You need to tell me what to do. I have too much going on. I don’t need this extra stress in my life, and all because I couldn’t stop getting feelings for a client. Jesus, I’m pathetic.”
Leaning across, I punched him in the arm.
“What was that for?”
“To stop you from freakin’ out.”
“It worked because all I want to do now is punch you back.”
I nodded. “Good. Now, you’re not pathetic. I gave Saint a blow job on the first night, and now we’re seein’ each other.”
I could have picked a better time to say that, like when West hadn’t taken a large gulp of his coffee since he sprayed it all over the table, and a few drops landed on me.
He coughed and choked, even slapped the table. We got the attention of others around us. I waved it off and said, “He’s fine.”
West pounded his fist against his chest. “You what?” he rasped.
I smirked. “Yeah, you heard. So, in a way, I know what you mean. I tried to stay away from him because I thought he was as straight as they came, but he was persistent. What I’m gettin’ at is that it worked out for me. But Saint wasn’t a client. What vibes do you get from this guy?”
“Mixed. I know he enjoys my company, but we haven’t even kissed or… done anything else. He pays for my time to come and just”—he shrugged—“hang out with him. Yet, I think he’s interested. There’ve been moments. Tell me what I should do.”
“I can’t tell you that, West.”
He sighed. “I was afraid you’d say that. I’d quit, but I need this job, and they haven’t been pushing me into sleeping with a client. I only go on dates, so it’s a good job to have.”
“I haven’t been pushed either, but I’m sure that has somethin’ to do with Saint and us being friends with Lucas.”
He gave me a small smile. “At least there’s that. But do I give up this client who I make money off because of my feelings?”
“How often do you see this guy?”
“Every second weekend. Do you think they could get me another client? And would you take him on since I know you’re not sleeping with anyone either and you’re with Saint, which I still can’t believe.”
I winced. “Not sure Saint would like me takin’ on a male client. All I’ve had are females.”
Hell, there I went worried about what Zion would think, but I knew deep down I’d never want him pissed over anything, and if I did have men as clients, I was sure that’d send him into a mood.
“What about one of the other guys?” I suggested.
West licked his lips as he thought about it. “Maybe.” But I could already tell he wasn’t a fan of the thought since the other recruits were ones who’d been sexual with their clients.
“I’m not much help. But the main point is that if you could walk away from this guy, would you be okay with it? Is there a chance of somethin’ with him?”
He frowned. “I don’t think there is.” He looked away and blinked rapidly. “He’s very closed off. I don’t think he’s out, and I’m being stupid for even thinking about something with him.” He sat back, deflated.
“Then I think you have your answer. For your sake, it’s probably best to walk away. Get the bosses to switch you out.”
He nodded as he ground his teeth together. “You’re right. I hate it, but you’re right. Thank you for listening and talking this out with me.”
“West, it’s what friends do.”
“Speaking of friends, I’d prefer it if Lucas doesn’t know about this. It isn’t that I don’t trust him, but he’s in his own happy bubble of bliss, and I don’t want to drag him down with any of my troubles.”
“I won’t say anything because I agree, which is why Saint and I haven’t said anythin’ to anyone really. Well, except a few people.”
West nodded. Though, he looked like he was far away with other thoughts.
“Hey,” I started. When I had his eyes, I went on, “Is there somethin’ else botherin’ you?”
He rubbed the back of his neck and snorted. “What isn’t these days?”
“Anythin’ I can help with?”
He grinned. “Want to sit in on my classes and take my tests, so I don’t fail and lose my scholarship? But then there’s med school, which will be just as busy and another reason I need to keep this job, because they don’t care about my hours. But if anyone finds out I work there, it could destroy my career. I also need to get out of my unit, find a place, so I don’t have to go home and be suffocated by my parents. They don’t know I’m gay. Lucas thinks they’re all supportive and shit, but….” He shook his head. “I’m rambling. Forget it. I’ll be fine.” He laughed, but it wasn’t a real one. “I think I just need sleep.”
“Not sure I can help with much of any of that. But what about Lucas’s offer of you movin’ in with them? I’m sure they’d be cheaper than wherever you are, and then you could save a little or even quit at P and P for a normal job if it worries you that much.”
He nodded. “Yeah, I might just have to, but I have a little time to work things out.”
“How little is little?”
“About the moving situation, probably a week.” He smirked.
“West, Lucas’s place is huge. I’m pretty sure he was serious when he said you guys wouldn’t see each other. There’s nothin’ wrong with leanin’ on friends.”
His brows rose. “You ever done it?”
“That’s the thing. I’ve never really had people I could call friends until you and Lucas. Yeah, I have Boom, Wendy, and the brothers, but that’s all different. They’re more like family. I know my brothers would help me out in a pinch and would listen to me if needed. But ever since Lucas and you came into my life, I’ve just known it’s been different between us. We’re like… shit, the three bi or gay amigos.”
West laughed, and it was good to see. I wondered if there was another way I could help him out. I was sure it’d be healthier for him to get out of the job he was in. A thought occurred to me. I’d have to find out more information before I could voice it with West, but it could be good for him in the end.
It wasn’t until West and I parted ways that I made a call.
“Yo, Gun, what’s happenin’?” Death answered. The awkward stage had gone when he’d walked in on Zion and me half naked, hard, and ready to play. No one couldn’t be at ease around Death; he was just that type of guy.
The brothers had taken it in stride and started to call me Gun right away after Country had patched me in. It was
good, made me feel complete within the club and like I belonged more than I had within the brothers. It’d also been the same day where we’d punished the motherfucking cunt Steve. Along with the gunshot wound in his foot, he had a broken hand, a busted-up face, and a threat that if he ever stepped out of line with another woman in his life, he’d be dead. Death had made sure to set up surveillance on him. No one got away with shit that involved the club in any way. People would learn that eventually.
“Just got a question for you, brother.”
“Hit me,” Death stated.
“You got any openins’ in the surveillance room for two people?”
He started to chuckle. “I’m guessin’ one is you. What, Saint doesn’t like his man around others?”
“He hasn’t said shit, but I’d be more comfortable in a different situation.” It wasn’t that I hated working at the Polished Pussies and Penises club. I did like it. I enjoyed making my clients happy for the hours I was with them. But lately, I’d been feeling like shit going out on dates, even when it was work, without Zion there. It felt like, in a way, I was stepping out on him.
Jesus, I was mad for the guy.
“Who’s the other?” Death asked, bringing me out of my thoughts.
“West.”
He hummed under his breath. “Leave it with me.”
“Will do, brother,” I said and ended the call. If this worked out, the money might not be the same, but I heard it was still good. It could work out for West and me. Fuck, I hoped so.
Chapter Sixteen
Saint
Smiling, I sat with my back against the headboard of my bed and Kylo between my spread legs while he rested against my chest and we watched some fucking show Kylo liked about werewolves. I’d just finished telling him about Boom’s phone call.
Kylo snorted. He tilted his head so he could look up at me. “He seriously threatened to cut off your balls and said even though I probably like them?”
“Yep,” I replied.
“Jesus.” Kylo shook his head and shifted to watch his show again. I curled my arms around his shoulders tighter. It was moments like these I loved—just the quiet times where we could chill, talk, and just be with each other.
“Well?” I asked.
“Well what?” Kylo questioned.
“Do you like my balls?”
He snorted out a laugh. “Yeah, Zion. I like them enough that I want to keep them on your body, so you better not piss me off or hurt me, or I’ll sic Boom onto you.”
Slowly, I ran a hand down his chest and stomach, tracing my fingers over his skin. He twitched. “You know I’ll never intentionally hurt you.”
“I know,” he said, threading our fingers together and holding them against his stomach. “The same goes for me.”
“I like what we have, Kylo. A damn lot, and I’d do anything to keep what we have. Never have I wanted someone to stay by my side as much as I do you.”
He brought our hands up and kissed my knuckles. “It blows my damn mind I am where I am with you. Never thought it’d happen, but I’m fuckin’ lucky and happy to have you as mine.”
Christ, my chest expanded and filled with warmth.
“I’m the lucky one, but I’ll let you say that.”
He laughed. “Gee, thanks.”
I grinned and kissed his shoulder. “No problem.”
“Do you feel like you wanna tell the brothers? Lucas?”
“Yeah, soon I reckon that’s where it should go. I don’t wanna hide what we have.”
“Me either, but could we wait just a little longer?”
“Anything you want, baby.”
He took a breath and then said, “I caught up with West today.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah, he’s in a bind, not sure what to do, but we talked it out, and I think he now knows.”
“What?”
“That he needs to get out of Polished P and P.”
“Why? Doesn’t he like it, or does he have a problem with a client? If a client’s fuckin’ with him, he should come to me, State, Wreck, or Country.”
“It’s nothin’ like that. Shit, I’m not even sure if I should have said anything to you.”
“Kylo, you know I won’t say anythin’ to anyone unless I think it’s necessary.”
“I know. I also know that we’re together and this sort of stuff happens.”
“What, us talkin’?” I asked in a light tone. His elbow hit my ribs. “Ouch, Jesus, you have a pointy elbow.”
“Yeah, well, I’ll use it again if you annoy me. I mean that we’re together. We share shit before anyone else. So, I’m gonna tell you what’s goin’ on.”
Dipping down, I kissed his shoulder. It’d been fucking forever since I’d had a relationship. I think the last one was back in high school, but this one right here meant more to me than that, and more than any other woman I’d been with. I wanted to have him at my side as much as I could.
It sounded a lot like love to me. I wasn’t ready to spout poetry or say the words that meant so fucking much, but I recognized what I was feeling, and it sat right with me.
“All right,” he started with a nod. “West has a thing for a client.”
Fuck. That couldn’t be good.
“Shit, what’s he gonna do?”
“Since he’s pretty sure the client only wants him for company and nothin’ more, he’s lookin’ at gettin’ one of you to switch him out.”
“Probably for the best. All clients we deal with are mainly after a warm hole to slide into. Then there’s the ones who do just want company or to show off some arm candy without any complications.”
“I agree, which is why I hinted it would be good to get away from this client while he could. However, I also had an idea. I spoke to Death this afternoon because West was sayin’ he’s worried if his current employment ever got out later in his years while he’s a doctor, it wouldn’t be good. I asked Death if he had anythin’ goin’ in the surveillance room. The hours could be good for him to work around other things.”
“Yeah, good thinkin’. Death said somethin’ the other day about openin’ up another business, which could lead to more jobs, but he didn’t say what type of business. Some of the guys from the security agency could want a change if things go ahead.”
“Huh, didn’t know that, and you don’t have a clue what type of business?”
“Nope, he rambled on about somethin’ then went on about somethin’ else in the next breath. I’m sure we’ll find out soon.”
His fingers ran over my hand. “Gonna ask you somethin’ and want you to be honest about it.”
“You got it.”
“What do you think when I go out on a job?”
I stilled. He wanted me to be honest, but I wasn’t really sure of my answer because I was half and half over it.
“Kylo…,” I whined and dropped my head back against the headboard.
“Zion, tell me, please.”
“Fuck, all right. I understand why you’re doin’ what you’re doin’ to get on your own two feet and have somethin’ behind you.”
“But?”
“To start with, when we’d first started out, I wasn’t worried about it. Now, I hate the fuckin’ thought of someone else touchin’ you, even when it’s as innocent as hand-holdin’. But that’s me bein’ jealous, and it’s not fair to you. Which is why I probably should have shut my damn mouth because I don’t want you to feel guilty over it.”
He sat up and got to his knees to face me. “That’s the thing. Lately I feel shitty for goin’ out there with them. Which is why I also asked Death about a job.”
“You shittin’ me?”
He grinned but rolled his eyes. “No. I mean, like West I’ll have to do it until we can get somethin’ figured out, and this is all dependin’ on Death having some openin’s.”
Reaching out, I ran a hand up his thigh. “You wantin’ to do that for us means a fuckin’ lot. Surprised the hell outta me you already got the ball rol
lin’. But it’s good.”
Yeah, this was fuckin’ love between us, and I couldn’t wait to see how much it grew with time.
“You gonna show me how good you think it is?” His cocky arch of a brow got my dick jerking.
“Yeah, lover, I’ll show you real good.” Un-fucking-fortunately, my phone rang. “Shit.”
Kylo reached for my cell, handing it over, saying, “Country.”
“Hey, Prez, what’s happenin’?”
“How’s the arm, Saint?”
“Good, Prez. Healing nicely.”
“Great to hear. You able to head to Polished? Know it’s my night on, but I gotta go deal with somethin’. State and Wreck ain’t answerin’. Need a manager here. Sorry, brother.”
Fuck it all.
“No problem, Country, I’ll be there in ten.”
“Thanks, and tell Gun sorry for draggin’ you away from him.”
Chuckling, I said, “Will do.” I ended the call and told Kylo, “Country’s sorry for takin’ me away from you, but I gotta head into Polished to take his shift. He’s got somethin’ on.”
“I’ll come with you,” he said, climbing off the bed.
Standing, I grabbed his arm and pulled him into me. “Stay. Rest. You’ll be bored shitless if you did come.”
“Or I could give you head under the desk?” he offered with a cheeky grin.
Laughing, I shook my head. “Another time.” I kissed his nose, which he screwed up. “No use both of us bein’ tired. Get some sleep. You’ll need energy when I get home.”
“You’d better be worked up and ready to rock then.”
“Oh, I fuckin’ will be, knowin’ you’re here in our bed waitin’ for me.”
His hand cupped the back of my neck and he drew me in for a heavy and hot kiss that left me breathless and wanting more.
When he stepped away and dove on the bed again, I pointed at my junk and said, “See what you fuckin’ do with one kiss?”
He chuckled and grabbed his own erection. “Know the feelin’.” He sobered and ordered, “Be safe.”
Bending, I gave him a quick kiss. “Always.” I quickly got dressed and out of there before Kylo’s magic had me saying, “Screw it all,” and jumping back in bed with him like I wanted to.
