“No, definitely not.” He ran his thumb over Edward’s chin and kissed him on the lips. “I just want to do this on my own, as an independent person. Please understand.”
“Okay. I understand.”
Harry grinned then turned and stepped away, but Edward grabbed his arm and pulled him back for another kiss. They giggled mischievously and smiled into each other’s eyes. Then Harry steeled himself and strode over to join his parents.
The three of them gazed at each other. Harry decided to let one of them speak first, rather than babbling out excuses and losing his cool.
“Haroon,” his mother said. “You didn’t come home last night. We were almost calling the police.”
Harry stood tall. “I shouldn’t have stayed out without informing you – it was disrespectful. From now on, while I live here, I promise to abide by your rules.”
His parents visibly relaxed – obviously thinking this nightmare was about to end.
“Well, I’m very glad to hear it,” his mother said.
Harry smirked. “Which is why I’m moving out.”
His mother’s expression dropped to furious. “What!”
“I’ll be staying with friends for three weeks before I leave for university.”
Mr Sawhney growled. “I forbid this. You’re not moving in with Scott and Paul!”
“You’re right – I’m not moving in with them. Edward’s living there at the moment and it’s too soon in our relationship for us to move in together.”
Mr Sawhney glared daggers deep into Harry’s brain as he tried to think of an answer. Neither of his parents seemed to want to know where Harry was planning to live – they were too consumed by his disobedience. He was so grateful to Sam and Verlaine for saying that he was welcome to stay with them for three weeks until he went off to Brighton and before they left for India. He knew it was going to be strange not living here, but Edward was right. He couldn’t allow himself to be stifled any longer. Not in a country like England where he was free to be whatever he wanted.
Harry reached out and squeezed his father’s arm. “I love you both, but I can’t be who you think I should be. I want to be part of this family, but I also want to be in a relationship with the beautiful man over there who’s currently looking a little bit worried!”
Harry turned and waved casually at Edward. Edward smirked and looked away.
Harry turned back to his parents. “I will choose him over this family. And before you tell me, I know this relationship won’t last, but there will be others if not him. I refuse to be like you, papa, being unfaithful to the person I’ve committed to spend my forever with.”
Harry let this hang in the air. His mum raised an eyebrow but – ever the dutiful wife – she refused to be drawn into a discussion about her husband’s infidelity – especially not with her son. Perhaps she was already aware of what was going on. Harry gazed at her as she set her face to stern, inhaling steeliness from the jasmine-filled air.
Harry resisted the urge to cuddle her – he knew he needed to tolerate this temporary discomfort for his long-term freedom. “If I’m not welcome here, then that’s your decision, but I won’t stop loving you. It’s impossible. Just as it’s impossible for me to love a woman.”
Harry’s mother spoke slowly. “Haroon, I love you because you’re my son. But I don’t like you for what you’re doing to our family. I cannot accept this decision.”
Harry had expected her to say something like that, but it still ripped his soul apart to hear it. The thought of stepping away from this family was like having a limb cut off. But he needed to do this. It was only happening because they didn’t accept him for who he was.
Harry gazed deeply into his mother’s eyes. “I’ll write often. I hope one day we can be friends again.”
He turned away and saw Edward watching with concern.
“I no longer have an eldest son,” Mr Sawhney muttered.
Harry spun back and spoke passionately. “I will always be your son, and you will always be my father. You can’t divorce me just because…” Harry shouted loudly. “…I’m gay!”
Mr Sawhney pulled a face like he was sucking a lemon, which looked so comical that Harry automatically burst into laughter, suddenly feeling free and light. It was against his culture to show affection in public, but he no longer cared – he suddenly lunged forward and threw his arms around his mother, hugging her tightly. Her body tensed as rigid as an incense stick, and she refused to hug him back. But that was okay. For now.
Harry released her and kissed her on the forehead. “I love you, mummy-ji.”
Without waiting for an answer, he turned and strode towards Edward. Harry suddenly felt as if he was riding on an out-of-control rollercoaster – and it was fucking amazing! He’d crashed through a stonewall barrier in his mind and skidded into a new life, where freedom and love lay.
Edward threw his arms around him triumphantly. “I think everyone in Maida Vale heard that!”
Harry sunk into Edward’s wonderful body, not caring who saw. “Good. Come on, let’s get out of here.”
They marched through the house, supporting each other like a couple of battered – but brave – soldiers. But as they stepped over the threshold and climbed into Paul’s BMW, Harry was struck with the realisation that he might never see his dear mother again. His gleeful mood shattered, and gloom smothered him.
Scott twisted in the front seat to face them. “How did it go?”
Harry bit his cheeks to stop his tears from escaping. “I wish I’d been able to say goodbye to my siblings.”
Paul smiled kindly in the rear-view mirror. “You’ll see them again, Harry. I’ve got a friend who comes from a Muslim family and she ran off with a white guy when she was younger. Her family turned their backs on her, but now they’re reunited. I reckon the same will happen to you. Your mum’ll probably crack first. Then your dad. And the best thing is, this ex-Muslim friend of mine, her family have all been transformed by her bravery, because it’s made them more accepting and loving of their daughter. And of everyone else.”
Edward squeezed Harry’s hand. “It’s all a learning, isn’t it?
Harry sighed and tried to stay strong. “Yeah, I guess sometimes you need to be brave to get what you want. And then start building from there.”
“You’re very wise, Harry,” Scott said. “I think you’re gonna be just fine in Brighton – and throughout your entire adult life.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
The musky smells of a new school year wafted through the air, and the leaves that had once sparkled bright green were now turning scarlet, gold and, copper. Scott was sad to see another summer folding itself away for the year, but London sure did look gorgeous in the autumn.
The hazy September sunshine had now replaced the scorching heat of August, but it was clement today – Scott felt warm dressed in his denim hotpants and sleeveless top this morning. Even Paul was dressed in shorts and a T-shirt, looking casual and relaxed on this lazy Sunday. Scott held his hand as they waited with Edward for Harry to arrive, so they could all say their goodbyes.
It was always quiet and peaceful in the street outside their apartment building and Scott often forgot he was in Central London. Even though the building was brand new, the exterior had been designed with a rustic look, and it put Scott in mind of an old Jane Austen mansion. This leafy road was quite suburban, and they could’ve been standing in a secluded English village – if it hadn’t been for the sound of the police sirens that wailed up and down the nearby main street every few minutes.
Edward’s head flicked around at the roaring sound of Harry’s rust-bucket car – which had just wheeled around the corner and was now drawing up alongside the sidewalk. Verlaine had assured Scott and Paul that the car was perfectly safe to drive – albeit rather clunky. Scott was proud of how keen Harry had been to help Verlaine patch the car up over the last few weeks. Verlaine had said he was glad to be rid of it before he left for India, but Scott knew he was d
oing Harry a favour by letting him have it for nothing.
Scott glanced through the rear windshield and saw that the backseats were jam-packed with the things he’d managed to grab from his parents’ house last time he’d popped back. He didn’t have much, but he had enough.
Harry climbed out of the car gracefully – like a superstar, as always. Edward hugged him and they kissed. They were so comfortable with each other now; it was as if they were destined to be together. Scott glanced at Paul, who was watching them with a proud smile.
“Should we give them some time alone?” Scott said. “I’m sure they’d like to say goodbye without us cramping their style.”
“Yeah. Let’s tell Edward the good news, then we can leave them to say their farewells.”
Scott and Paul stepped over to join them, so Scott hid the gift bag in his hand behind his back. Excitement washed through him – he loved giving people presents – especially sweet-tastic people like Harry.
“All packed?” Paul asked.
Harry shrugged. “I think so. Thank you again for lending me the money.”
Paul waved his hand. “Don’t be silly. Let us know if you need anything, okay?”
“Thank you.”
Scott sensed Harry was nervous about leaving. “Oh, hey, we got you a present!”
Harry’s gorgeous brown eyes lit up. “You didn’t have to do that!”
“I know, but we wanted to… here…”
Scott passed him the gift bag. Harry opened it and burst into laughter.
“What is it?” Edward asked.
Harry reached in and pulled out a can of hairspray. “Thank you, Scott and Paul – I shall treasure it!”
Edward laughed. “Just what he’s always wanted!”
Paul chuckled. “You’re welcome – we can’t have that quiff drooping!”
“There’s something else in there, too,” Scott said.
Harry delved inside and pulled out a silver photo-frame containing the best shot of Edward that Paul had taken on his first day with him. It seemed so long ago now – was it really only a month? Scott was thrilled with Edward’s progress, and he knew he was proud of himself, too.
Both boys gazed in awe at the photo. Harry glanced up and smiled. “Thank you – he’s so handsome, isn’t he? Perfect, in fact. I’ll keep this by my bed so he’ll be nearby always.”
Edward shot Harry a shy grin and they kissed. They gazed forlornly at each other.
“I suppose this is goodbye, then,” Harry said.
“I’ll miss you,” Edward said. “A week seems so long after seeing you every day.”
“I’ll miss you, too.”
Paul reached out and squeezed Edward’s shoulder. “You’ll be too busy this week to miss him.”
“Oh yeah,” Edward said. “The presentation for South Koreans… Paul, I’m not sure I’m up to it.”
“Course you are. And, furthermore, I’ve just been speaking to Sam…”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah. We’d like you to work for us permanently – if you’d like to?”
Scott watched Edward’s expression freeze, then a delighted grin spread across his lips. His mouth tried to form words, but he was stunned into an uncharacteristic silence. He nodded frantically, just in case Paul changed his mind. “I’d fucking love to!”
Paul laughed. “Great! And we’d like to sponsor you through your exams. You can study your business qualification while you work fulltime for us. How does that sound?”
“Fucking awesome!”
Harry draped his arm across Edward’s shoulders and kissed him on the cheek. “Congratulations!”
“Thank you! Paul – this is the fucking best news. You and Sam are awesome!”
Paul fell serious. “Welcome aboard. You’ll need to commit to this a hundred percent, okay? Because if you don’t, we’ll not only retract the offer, but also you’ll need to pay us back for the exams. That’s how things work in business.”
Edward threw his arms around him. “I know – I’ll behave myself!”
Paul hugged him tight. “Don’t mess up.”
“Message received – I won’t.”
Scott hugged and congratulated Edward, too, then he hugged Harry. “Make sure you visit us often. And take care of Edward when he comes to see you. We don’t want him going off the rails.”
They all laughed at this, but Scott really meant it. He knew Edward still possessed a slightly unhinged streak. Harry’s calm stability was good for him; they were good for each other.
Edward turned to kiss Harry goodbye. “I’ll miss you.”
“Come with me,” Harry said. “Just for tonight.”
“I can’t. You’ve gotta get settled in, and I’ve gotta work tomorrow.”
Harry linked his fingers through Edward’s and tugged him gently towards the car. “I’ll drive you back first in the morning.”
Edward looked tempted, but winced. “Nah. This is something you need to do on your own. I’ll visit you next weekend, though. If I’m not busy.”
“Ha, you’d better come to Brighton next weekend!”
Edward smirked mischievously. “I will – just joking.”
“You’re so cheeky, Edward. That’s why I love you.”
Harry allowed this declaration to hang in the air, but Edward seemed lost for words – for the second time in as many minutes. He just stared at Harry with his mouth open.
Harry turned to open the car door. “Well, I’ll see you all soon.”
“Wait,” Edward said. “What did you just say?”
“That you’re cheeky.”
“No, but after that.”
Harry gazed into his eyes. “I said, I love you.”
“But you hardly know me.”
“So what? You can know someone for years and not love them. So surely it works the other way around, too? Don’t you love me?”
Edward smiled shyly. “Of course I do. I loved you the second I saw you.”
Harry grinned and threw his arms around Edward. Majestic jubilation zoomed through Scott’s heart – it was an honour to know that he and Paul had introduced these two young lovers. Perhaps two lives had been saved that night Paul had brought Edward home.
They broke apart and Edward threw Paul a pleading glance. “Can I have tomorrow off work?”
“No way. I want you at the office first thing in the morning. Nine a.m.”
“But you won’t even be there at nine!”
“No, but you will. I trust you. You wanna pass your exams, don’t you?”
Edward winced. “Yeah…” His face lit up and he turned to Harry. “Can you get me back to the office for nine tomorrow?”
“Definitely – we can stay up all night! Hop in.”
Harry climbed into the driver’s seat, so Edward ran around and jumped into the passenger seat, calling over his shoulder, “Don’t wait up, guys!”
Scott shot Paul a tender glance. “Young love, eh?”
Paul draped his arm around Scott’s shoulders and nuzzled his face into his neck making him giggle. The sound of Harry’s car rattling into life seized their attention, so Scott waved them off on their adventure until the car disappeared around the corner. But he knew they probably weren’t watching.
Scott felt reality shift around him. Suddenly they were Scott and Paul again – no longer needing to be the sensible ‘older brother’ types.
“Do you think Edward will get back on time?” Scott asked.
“Yeah, he’s a good kid. Brighton’s only ninety minutes away – and Harry won’t let him skip work.”
Scott wrapped his arms around Paul’s waist, pulling him close. “They’re good together. They remind me of us.”
Paul kissed him on the forehead. “Me too. Hey, it’s a lovely day. Do you fancy a walk?”
“Hampstead Heath?”
“I’ll get the sunscreen; you grab the towels!”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Paul sat on the dry grass, relishing the feel of the sun o
n his face. It was busy here this afternoon, which was normal for a Sunday, but today it was mostly occupied by older guys. Maybe all the students had fled London at the same time as Harry. Brighton was going to be a riot of fun tonight! Paul grinned, wondering what his young friends were up to. Probably something Harry’s dad would disapprove of.
The jovial sound of Scott’s laughter caught Paul’s attention, so he glanced towards the bathing pond. He smiled mischievously as his eyes feasted on the delicious sight of his husband – who was dressed in nothing but a very small towel wrapped around his waist. Scott had strolled over there five minutes ago with the intention of taking a dip, but now he was loitering by the water’s edge, flirting with a muscly guy. Paul’s cock firmed in his shorts. He wondered whether he and Scott would ever include other guys in their loving again, now that they’d enjoyed it once. Perhaps they’d wait until next summer – that seemed to be the season for pushing back their sex-life boundaries.
Paul watched eagerly as the muscly guy with Scott reached out and touched his toned pecs. He suppressed an urge to shout, “Get your hands off!” and instead, he knelt up and watched the scene, knowing plenty of other guys were watching with interest, too.
Scott laughed again, then he reached up and removed the man’s hand from his chest. He gestured lovingly to his ‘Paul’ tattoo. The guy shrugged – refusing to give up merely because Scott had indicated he wasn’t interested. Scott turned and pointed to Paul, grinning – and revelling in the attention. The muscly guy looked over and inspected Paul – seeming to finally get the message. Paul resisted waving.
Scott said his goodbyes, then he strutted back over – making a show of swaying his hips and parading in front of the men who were blatantly watching and enjoying.
He flopped down to the grass and kissed Paul theatrically on the lips. “Hi, lover.”
Paul wrapped his arms around him. “I saw you flirting with Mr Muscles!”
“He was admiring my tattoos.”
“Yeah, that’s not all he was admiring. Am I gonna need to remind you that you’re still mine, Scott Bradshaw?”
“Maybe.” Scott grabbed the bottle of sunscreen by their bag. “Why don’t you start by rubbing this into my shoulders? I’m sure everyone will enjoy it – especially me!”
Lustful Gaze (London Loves #6) Page 19
