by Kamisa Cole
I stepped closer, ignoring the finger between us, and his hand fell away as he swallowed.
“Kash, take it somewhere else,” Dan muttered next to me, but I shook my head.
“Almost done,” I hissed toward him before nudging my chin up. “Trust you to do what, Baby Boy? Grind against a guy in there that may end up not wanting the best for you? I get that you are finally free to take home whoever you want to, but let’s face it, someone who decided he can finally go wild cannot be trusted in a club filled with gay men. And what if someone buys you a drink? How in the world will you be able to—”
While he’d seemed nervous when I stepped closer, the fury was back in his beautiful eyes now. “I won’t drink it. I didn’t come here asking for permission. I came here to ask you to please let me be a responsible nineteen-year-old without ruining the best thing that has ever happened to me, Kash.”
His voice had gone soft at the end, and my name on his lips caused my body to want to pin him to a wall and kiss him until he was drunk on me and didn’t need to go dancing, but would come home with me instead.
I cleared my throat, although I knew it wouldn’t make much difference to the rasp in my voice. “Sav will keep an eye on you, just so you know,” I stated, putting some space between us, but Alec followed, clearly realizing he’d gained the upper hand.
I turned away from Dan and the rest, hoping to hide what Alec had clearly seen, and he surprised me by cupping my semi through my pants. “Maybe you should switch with Savage and keep an eye on me instead, I’m sure he’d enjoy the fresh air,” he murmured, his lips so close I could’ve claimed them.
My fingers wrapped around his wrist and, although I wanted to pull it away, I allowed his hand to massage me for just another moment, then I pushed him back. “Go and dance, Alec. Find your happy. You deserve it. And no worries… I’ll let Gage handle you. After all, you’re right, you’re not my responsibility,” I reminded him, or maybe I was reminding myself.
His expression fell, and he bit that full bottom lip. I turned away from him, and while it probably appeared like a dismissal to others, it was just a chance for me to regain my composure. For some reason Baby Boy always pushed my buttons and that wasn’t a good feeling at all.
Resuming my spot next to Dan, he cocked his head. “So, Alec and you,” he started, but I didn’t even let him finish.
“There’s no Alec and me, now drop it.”
The line next to us was filled with whispers, no doubt about our display, but I ignored them all. Folding up my collar against the breeze washing the side of the building, I turned to Dan. “Are you freezing, too?”
He blinked as if he’d never seen me before, and I nearly rolled my eyes.
“What now?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “We’ve stood in knee-high snow and you haven’t been freezing, boss. Sure you’re not coming down with something? Something like…love?” he snickered, and I snorted, deciding to not even dignify that with a response.
“Sav?” I muttered into my mic.
“Boss?”
“Let’s switch. I’m sure you’ll appreciate the fresh air,” I stated.
If Savage found that weird, he didn’t say. “Sure. Meet you at the door.”
“Don’t say a thing,” I ordered when a smug grin appeared on Dan’s face.
“Wouldn’t dream of it, boss,” he assured me, and I decided to not worry about exactly why I was going to put myself inside the club to see how many men would approach Alec on the dance floor.
The beat was heavy, the thumping causing my heart to fall into the rhythm. I couldn’t help but think that the DJ knew exactly what he was doing because it was club music, but it also had something much more…animalistic, sexual. From where I stood, a little elevated on the side of the dance floor near the VIP-booths, I could see Alec perfectly.
He was drawing attention left and right, and that was when he wasn’t even trying to flirt. He really had come just to dance, and my heart squeezed in jealousy at how much fun he seemed to have with Cam. The two didn’t touch, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t tension between them.
In fact, it was so tangible I think most of the men around them couldn’t decide if they were ready to get between those two or not.
“I have more people in here that need watching, K-ass.”
I arched a brow and turned to Gage. “I am watching the whole place,” I insisted, knowing that by defending myself I had just proved I wasn’t.
He cocked his head. “It might seem that Alec is—”
I held up my hand as Sav’s voice cackled to life in my ear. “Boss? Assholes out front. Dan said you had them here earlier. They seem to be drunk and clearly know the place quite well. I can call the police and they’ll be spending the night in a holding cell,” he offered.
Gage perked up. “What?”
“There are four guys who’ve already tried desperately to get in here. Seems they’re quite the homophobic little shits. Appeared twice tonight already.”
Recognition flittered over Gage’s face. “They are often here during mixed nights, spewing hate, and yet I found two of them cornering Cam once, forcing him to his knees inside the kitchen. He was alone and they demanded he suck them off. He was shaking. I can’t remember why I went into the kitchen in the first place, but trust me, I was glad I had done it. Nothing happened besides Cam being scared.” He brushed his hand across his buzz cut. “Daryl kicked them out and told them to never come back. They stay away for a while, and then try again. I forgot to give you the list of people who aren’t allowed in here.”
I grabbed the front of his shirt. “You forgot? Just like you conveniently forgot to mention that Thursdays are fucking busy?”
He gave me a smug grin. “Can’t handle your job?”
I pushed him back, furious because he was getting the best of me. “I can, but let’s face it, three isn’t enough for this kind of crowd, and I’ll have more people on site in the future. I just need to know these things, Gage. I know you want me to fail, badly, just to be able to say you predicted it, but what you don’t see is if I fail, people get hurt. Your patrons, your barkeepers, your waitresses. Someone can get hurt just because you have a fucking huge chip on your shoulder. Let that sink in.”
I turned away, and Sav’s voice came back on. “Boss?”
“Are they attacking you?” I asked back, already leaving my spot while dialing Nyra on my phone. “Come in now,” I ordered without preamble and she promised she’d be here in thirty. I should’ve called someone in earlier, but I’d hoped we’d be okay. However, with these punks outside and my attention diverted, it was safer for everyone.
“They aren’t. Just standing and grumbling,” Sav replied while I pushed through the throng of people.
Once the cool air hit my face, I lifted my chin, walking over to the four. “I told you earlier to get lost. If you want someone to suck your dicks, I’d suggest you find a quiet place and just do it for each other. There’s a chance to just go in a circle and everyone will have a wet dick,” I suggested, and they sputtered in indignation, their faces turning red.
“What the hell are you talking about?” the biggest of them asked, stepping forward and trying to push me.
It didn’t work because I still had sobriety and training on my side. “I know you aren’t allowed inside the club even sober, so how about you get lost? I will not let anyone enter this bar only to assault the cooks or anyone else in there. I’m sorry you’re scared of your deep-rooted need for dick, but I can’t help you.”
I turned away and the guy slapped my ass. “You’re one of them, aren’t you? One of the guys who love taking it up the ass.”
I focused back on him. “Touch me again and you won’t be able to use your hand for the next three months. Maybe you should take it up the ass once in a while. It might pound the homophobic shit right out of you. Now get lost or we will call the police.”
I stepped over to Sav and Dan, knowing someone should be inside, bu
t needing their backup here in case the four decided to risk it. Luckily, they argued among themselves and then left. For good this time, or at least I hoped so. “Nyra will be here any second. Send her right in. And if they come back, don’t wait, call the police and report their asses.”
Sav nodded. “You got it, boss.”
He didn’t offer to switch with me again, clearly knowing I wouldn’t accept. I passed by the bar on the way back to my vantage point. “Get that list to me and by the a.m. tomorrow. And try to remember all things that matter, or I swear, you and I will take it out back and whoever wins has to give in. Deal?”
Gage just gave me a smug smile. “You better get back to your spot because I’m sure you want front row seats to Baby Boy getting handsy with a lot of guys.”
He knew he got me there, and still I tried to act unaffected. “Did you understand what I said?”
Now he looked chagrined. “You’ll have a list tomorrow. I promise.”
I nodded and then made my way back to the VIP-section, my heart thudding in my chest. I let my eyes survey the whole crowd, not allowing myself to seek out Alec specifically. I needed to keep my mind on the job, and Alec could do what he wanted—no matter how much I didn’t even like the thought of it.
ALEC
It was going on midnight. I was sweaty, and horny, and thoroughly enjoying myself. I couldn’t remember a time when I’d felt as free as I did that night on the dance floor with Cam as my company and Kash’s eyes on me. I’d caught him watching me for quite some time, but now he seemed to avoid glancing in my direction at all costs.
In fact, I’d lost sight of him twenty minutes ago when Nyra and he had switched places. Now he was pacing the dance floor somewhere while she was watching over everyone.
Cam was intoxicated, and I couldn’t help but smile to myself because he was getting weirdly attached to cuddling and being very affectionate. “You know, I love you, man. I’m glad you joined. You are…like…the bestest friend anyone could wish for,” he announced, and I returned my attention to him.
Many guys had tried to hit on him, but for some reason I felt protective of him, worried they’d be using his needy state for things no one wanted to name, so I’d drawn him closer, grinding against him. It didn’t cause the same reaction in me that Kash’s mere presence did, but it was fun either way and I was sure Cam knew we’d never be more.
His hands on my hips and his lips on my neck were nice—until I remembered it was Cam behind me, and no one else, and so I turned in his arms. I was about to say something when he cupped the back of my neck and kissed me. I froze, unable to hold a single thread of thought in my mind while his tongue delved into my mouth, bringing with it the taste of coconut and banana. My fingers dug into his hips while I tried to catch up with what was happening. Clearly encouraged by my non-reaction he stepped even closer, wrapping me in his arms, and I decided that it didn’t matter. This felt nice, and I’d missed being close to someone. I could allow myself this one kiss, just for a few seconds, before I pushed him away.
He was smaller than me, almost cute, and when cheering around us started I remembered that we were in the middle of DiverCity. I knew I had to put a stop to this, instantly, especially because our colleagues would most likely see us. Any other time, any other place, and I might have been inclined to take this a little further.
Scratch that, you’d never use his intoxicated state like that, no matter how much he wanted it, my mind whispered, and I broke the kiss, drawing his head against my shoulder. “What the hell was that, Cam?” I asked quietly, holding onto him while swaying softly to the music. He was my best friend, had become it easily and without having to try. I knew for the longest time Nina had been the person I trusted most in this world but being around Cam made me realize what it really meant to have close friends.
No judgment.
Jumping in when you needed it.
Compassion.
No reason to hide any part of yourself. Ever.
“You’re hot, and you were so close. I was sure you wanted it,” Cam muttered against my shoulder and I pressed a kiss to the side of his head.
“We’re friends, and you can always snuggle up to me on the couch when you need it, but… Nothing more.” No matter how much I wished I could have sex right now.
“We can do benefits,” he muttered, and I pulled back, framing his face so I knew he was listening to me.
“We cannot do benefits. It’s bullshit, telling yourself we could go back to normal. It’s one thing to jerk off together, but a whole different thing having sex.”
His eyes lit up. “Are you saying you want to jerk off with me?”
I laughed, shaking my head. “I cannot believe that’s all you heard. No. I’m saying I want to be your friend, and that’s it, and I hope…” I didn’t finish the sentence and didn’t have to.
Cam’s expression turned soft. “Of course. I never had a best friend before. People don’t exactly agree with how I am, you know? And so… Well… You are hot, and looking at you move your hips makes me horny, but I know, okay? And he’s watching us, too.”
It took a moment for me to figure out that we’d changed the topic. I just didn’t know where it had started. “What do you know?”
He rolled his shoulder in a careless shrug. “You have the hots for Kash.”
When that settled in, the rest of his sentence did, too. But before I could turn and seek him out in the crowd, Cam took my hand. “I don’t feel too good,” he muttered.
“Okay. Let’s get out of here.” I turned briefly, finding Kash’s dark eyes on me, and there was a question there, anger too. Frankly, as much as I wanted to go over to him and assure him that he could be with me if he’d just say the word, I needed to get my friend out before he was throwing up all over the floor.
I pulled him through the crowd, my hand in his, and was glad when I spotted the door. Walking outside, I was hoping the fresh air would settle his stomach some.
“You okay there?” Savage asked, coming over the moment he spotted us. There wasn’t a line anymore and I knew Gage would close the bar by one at the latest. Were we close to that now? If so, maybe one of the staff could drive us home. I highly doubted Cam could walk the whole way, no matter how good it would be for him.
“He’s just… Didn’t realize he was a lightweight. I need to go and ask Gage to call a cab. Can you watch him for a moment?” I asked, and Sav shook his head.
“You don’t need a cab. We’re about to close the door, Dan will stay here and I’m leaving. I can take you. I just need twenty minutes,” he offered, and I was grateful. I didn’t know him well, but Kash did and that was all I needed.
“Thank you.” Cam slid down next to the wall and I stayed with him, hoping the twenty minutes would pass quickly.
KASH
By the time Gage called for the last round there were maybe thirty people left and I was spoiling for a fight. Sadly, none of the guys looked as if they were going to get into it.
“How about you get yourself a beer or two and I drive you home afterward? You look as if you could use it, boss,” Nyra said, appearing next to me. I’d offered to let her go home earlier, but she’d decided to stay for the music and some mocktails. I wasn’t an expert, but she swore they had the biggest range of those here.
“I don’t need alcohol,” I replied curtly, and she cocked her head.
“You won’t find flying fists here anymore. And if you can believe the rumors, there’ll actually be hardly any flying fists at all. More indecent exposure, heavy making out…” Her voice held a curious edge and I turned to her.
“If you have something to say, why don’t you just say it?” I challenged, and she shrugged.
For a moment she let her eyes wander over the remaining people, then she cleared her throat. “I saw them kissing, too, and it looked intense. It looked like they were two people who knew each other very well. I know it’s not my place to say anything as your employee but considering I’m off the clock le
t me say something as a friend.” I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear what Nyra had to say.
“Yes?”
“Either put a claim on him or let him be but make a decision because he’s nineteen. God, he’s practically a child compared to you, and he’s going to miss out on the good stuff if he keeps holding out hope for you.”
I coughed. “I don’t know what all of you think you see, but the only reason I have my eyes on him is because he walked in here that first day battered and bruised. I don’t think he’s a virgin, or that he doesn’t know what to do with guys, but I do think he has no idea what it’s like out in the world, around all those guys who have less than impure thoughts about him.”
A chuckle sounded from behind us. “You mean like you do? I’m pretty sure you want to have him in—”
I spun to Savage and nailed him with a hard stare. “Is there a reason why you’re still here? I thought you were going home.”
He was smart enough to bite back another comment. “I’m taking the cook and Alec home. Just so you know.”
“Why would I care?”
Sav shook his head. “You’re a fool, Kash. Do you want to drive them? That’s all I’m asking.”
When I didn’t answer, but started to walk toward the bar instead, Sav called something after me that I luckily couldn’t hear clearly over the bass, and then was gone. Nyra, didn’t follow me either, and I was glad about that too. Nash was wiping down the counter and grinned.
“Sit,” he ordered, not even looking around to see if his boss was close. Clearly he wasn’t afraid of Gage.
