by Xenia Melzer
Leeland dragged himself out of bed. He made a quick trip to the bathroom before he went into the hall. From the kitchen he heard Jonathan’s deep voice talking to somebody. He sounded upset. Did they have a visitor this early? Leeland stepped into the kitchen, and the look on Jonathan’s face while he was talking on the phone had him frozen on the spot. His man looked devastated and worried and freaked out. Not a good combination.
“Leeland has just woken up. I need to talk to him now.”
Jonathan ended the call. Leeland took some hesitant steps toward him. He could feel the blood draining from his face.
“Who is it? My mother? Father? One of my friends? Oh God, not Dean!”
Leeland started trembling as he imagined all the horrible things that could have happened to his loved ones. He felt strong arms around him, and the soothing presence of his lover engulfed him.
“Shh, honey. Nobody is hurt. Last night your uncle’s gym was vandalized and set on fire. Nobody was in it at the time, but it’s a total loss. The police are already on it since it was obviously arson. They could smell gasoline everywhere. On the walls of the neighboring buildings, there’s antigay graffiti, so it was probably a hate crime. This is not your parents’ precinct, but they have friends on the force who are doing everything in their power to find out who did this.”
First Leeland felt a great wave of relief wash through him. Nobody he loved was hurt. That was wonderful. Then he felt anger, quickly followed by fear. His stomach turned to ice. Nobody he loved was hurt. But they could have been. Setting fire to a building was serious. People could have been injured. People could have died. He could have lost—
“Leeland! Stop it! I’m here, darling. I’m here. Just breathe. With me. In and out. In and out.”
Jonathan’s voice pried Leeland from his panic, and he realized he had started hyperventilating. He needed to calm down. Following Jonathan’s example, he started taking deep breaths, releasing them slowly by counting to five. After several breaths his limbs stopped trembling and his heart rate went back to normal. Gently, Jonathan steered him into the living room, where they sat down with Leeland on Jonathan’s lap. They kept on breathing together, Leeland taking in his lover’s calming scent. When he felt a little better, he leaned back from Jonathan’s broad chest to look at him.
“What happens now?”
Leeland felt the pad of Jonathan’s thumb stroking over his cheek in a featherlight touch.
“Needless to say, training is canceled today. I just spoke with Misaki. He’ll be busy talking to the police, insurance, the people from Smash!, the media. He said you should try and relax a bit.”
Leeland couldn’t suppress a bitter laugh. “How am I supposed to do that?” He felt a sob working its way up his throat and tried his best to keep it down. “Somebody burned my ojisan’s gym! And for what? Why? Because I’m gay? Because he helps kids from the street? Because somebody didn’t like the color of Greg’s skin? Why?”
“Shh, honey. The police are going to find out. There’s not much we can do at the moment, so I thought, if you want, we could call your friends. Ask them if they want to come over. If you think that will help. If not, we just hole up here and have all kinds of sex the entire day.”
Leeland hiccupped and chuckled at the same time, which made for a strange sound.
“As much as I’d love for you to fuck my brains out, I think having my friends over, watching stupid movies, and eating as much sugar as possible would be better for me. I need to process and cope, and I can’t do that with your dick in my mouth or hole. Somehow my brain always shuts down when that happens.”
Jonathan laughed out loud and pulled Leeland back into his arms. “You’re a delight, do you know that?” He extricated Leeland’s arms from around his neck, much to Leeland’s dismay, and gently sat him on the couch. Leeland looked up into his man’s beautiful, rough face and marveled once again how he could have gotten so lucky.
“I’m calling Dean. Once he hears what’s happened, I bet he’s here in a flash.”
JONATHAN WAS in the kitchen, dialing Richard’s number. Leeland had decided to take a shower before his friends came. After only two rings, Richard answered the call.
“Jonathan. What’s up?”
Jonathan sighed. “I need help.”
“What happened?”
For a moment Jonathan allowed himself to close his eyes and thank the gods for a friend like Richard.
“Misaki’s gym was vandalized and set on fire last night. As you can imagine, Leeland is devastated. Do you think Dean could come over?”
“He’ll hop into the car the moment I tell him. Does Leeland want to see only Dean, or his other friends as well?” As always, Richard showed caution and consideration.
“Honestly, I think the more the better. He needs to process it, and the boys will help give him a sense of stability and normalcy.”
Jonathan listened to himself for a moment and started chuckling the moment Richard did.
“Okay, normalcy in their own very special way. Does that sound better?”
Richard snorted. “Any sentence with ‘the boys’ and ‘normalcy’ in it is kind of ridiculous.” He turned serious again. “But they will be there, which is the only thing that counts. With your permission I’m going to talk to Martin as well. We need to discuss security measures for both you and Leeland. I don’t want to take any risks.”
Jonathan hadn’t even thought that far ahead yet, but now that Richard mentioned it, he realized how much danger they both could be in. “Thank you, Richard. This means a lot.”
“You’re welcome, Jonathan. You know I consider both you and Leeland family. I’ll call you back later.”
A beeping sound told Jonathan that Richard had ended the call in his brusque “there’s things that need to be done” way.
About an hour later, after Jonathan had managed to get some fruit into Leeland, who tried his best to put up a brave front and was failing miserably, the doorbell rang. He went to open it and found Dean and Collin at the front door, both carrying huge, heavy-looking bags. Dean opened his mouth to greet Jonathan when suddenly his eyes went wide and he stepped forward, ignoring Jonathan completely. Jonathan turned his head to see Leeland standing in the hall, looking lost and desperate. Without hesitation Dean went to his friend, pulled him into a tight hug, and whispered so softly Jonathan almost didn’t hear him. “Oh, sweetie, I’m so sorry.”
It didn’t take more. The thin veneer of bravery Leeland had managed to uphold until now cracked, and Leeland broke down sobbing and crying like a small child. Jonathan was glad. His boy needed to let it all out. He could have probably achieved the same result with a scene, but Jonathan instinctively knew it was better this way, with Leeland’s friends present to remind him that he wasn’t alone in this.
Collin handed Jonathan the bags they had brought before he went over to where Dean and Leeland were hugging. He joined them, slinging his arms around both the other men, nuzzling his face into Leeland’s neck. They stood for some time until Leeland’s sobs ceased. When he seemed to have calmed down, Dean leaned back a bit and smiled at him.
“We brought all your favorite ice cream and chocolate. The others will be here soon. All we have to do now is hole up in your living room and start the sugar feast.”
Leeland sniffled. “Great idea. I could use some sugar.”
“Oh, it’s not only some sugar. When this day is over, you might not want to see something sweet for the rest of your life.”
Dean sounded somber, as if he meant every word. Jonathan couldn’t hide a grin. Dean’s sweet tooth was almost as bad as Leeland’s. The two were brothers in sugar and chocolate. Seeing how his boy slowly started to relax, Jonathan carried the bags into the kitchen to inspect the contents, though he doubted it would be worth the trouble of putting the ice cream in the freezer. It wouldn’t have time to melt once his boy and his friends started digging in.
Chapter 17
CURTIS AND Peyton arrived next, carry
ing even bigger bags than Dean and Collin.
“I didn’t know what you had in your kitchen, so I brought everything for chocolate chip pancakes, cookies, and lava cake,” explained Curtis with that polite expression of his that always made Jonathan feel a tiny bit like a hick. The man was the very definition of a British gentleman in every gesture he made, every word he spoke.
“Less talking, more action. Let’s go see Leeland and find out what he wants first.”
Peyton, on the other hand, was refreshingly blunt. Now that the man was done redoing his apartment, Jonathan actually enjoyed seeing him.
“They’re in the living room. If you hand me the bags, I’ll take them to the kitchen.”
“Thank you, Jonathan. That’s very kind of you.” Curtis handed him the bags before he and Peyton went into the living room.
The boys were still discussing whether to make chocolate chip pancakes or cookies first when the bell rang again. This time it was Emilio and a man Jonathan didn’t know but thought he recognized from Leeland’s description. After greeting Emilio, who acted as shy as ever, Jonathan held his hand out to the stranger, who put down a large box he had been holding before shaking Jonathan’s hand.
“You must be Seth, Collin’s wedding planner. I’m Jonathan White, Leeland’s—partner,” he ended after hesitating for a moment. Jonathan assumed Seth had to know about the special kind of relationships that Collin and most of the others had, but it always paid to be careful.
The redhead smiled at him. “Nice to meet you, Jonathan. Forgive me for being so blunt, but Leeland is your boy, isn’t he? Collin mentioned something like that.”
Jonathan nodded. So Seth knew and seemed to be okay with it. “Yes, Leeland is my boy. And my lover.”
Seth grinned. “Collin has also told me you customize cars and restore old-timers. Would you mind giving me your card? Sometimes couples request special transportation for their weddings.”
A bit taken aback by this business request, Jonathan rummaged in the bowl on the table in the hall where he and Leeland kept their keys and everything that needed dropping after walking through the door. He finally found one of his cards. The corners were a bit ragged, but the most important part, his contact information, was clearly visible.
“Here you go.”
Seth beamed at him. “Wonderful! Thank you.” All of a sudden, his face fell. “I’m sorry. This was terribly rude of me. Asking for your card when you surely have other things to worry about at the moment. Sometimes I get carried away.”
Jonathan patted Seth on the back. “Don’t worry. If I had thought your request was inappropriate, I would have said so. You startled me a bit, but not in a bad way. Now go into the living room. If you hurry, you can give your opinion on pancakes versus cookies.”
“Why would there be a discussion?” Seth seemed to be truly confused, and for a moment Jonathan doubted if this newcomer fit as well into Leeland’s group of friends as Leeland’s stories had made him think. But Seth’s next words put all of Jonathan’s worries to rest. “Of course we’re going to have both.” Seth shook his head. “As if that’s even a question. Though first—” He bent down to retrieve the box he had placed on the floor when he was greeted by Jonathan. “—we need to have a taste of these.”
“What’s in there?” Jonathan had to admit, he was a bit curious. The box was bright orange with a black floral pattern printed in the middle of the lid.
“Samples of every kind of cake my favorite bakery makes.” Seth’s eyes were gleaming now. “This way we can console Leeland and have a first taste test for the wedding cake.”
“Clever thinking, man.” Jonathan raised a brow. “How many samples are there?”
“About thirty? They have a great variety.”
“You do know Collin will never be able to choose one?”
Seth shrugged. “It’s a multitiered cake. He doesn’t have to choose one. He can choose up to five.”
“Unless he can have all thirty, presenting him with so many options is almost cruel.”
Now Seth looked a bit insecure. “Do you think? Perhaps I should take some of them out….”
When he started looking for a place where he could put the box down, Jonathan stopped him with an arm on his shoulder.
“It’s okay, Seth. Just don’t tell them it’s for the wedding. The others will probably figure it out, but Collin is very—trusting. Just say you couldn’t decide what to bring and everything will be fine. Then you can watch Collin and the others to see which cakes they like the most and, voila, you have the wedding cake all figured out without stressing Collin.”
“You’re a genius! Thank you, that’s what I’m going to do. Emilio, you have to help me out. You keep an eye on Curtis and Peyton while I watch Dean, Collin, and Leeland. Would you do that?”
Jonathan watched as Emilio smiled shyly and nodded. Since he’d started dating Garrett, the boy had come a long way. Jonathan had to admit he found Emilio attractive. Not as hot as Leeland, of course, but enough to grasp Jonathan’s attention. He led the two into the living room, where they were enthusiastically greeted and immediately drawn into the pancakes vs. cookies discussion.
Jonathan glanced at Leeland. His boy was still a bit pale, but the presence of his friends had obviously done wonders. Leeland could smile and laugh already, even if there was still a hint of despair in his eyes. Jonathan was positive it would be gone by evening. He left the boys to their discussion and sweets and went into his small office next to the master bedroom—the only room to escape Peyton’s makeover of the apartment—to get some of his paperwork done. He didn’t want to go down into the garage where his mechanics were working in case Leeland needed him here. Staying in the apartment also meant he could check in on the boys now and then and maybe help them with all the treats they had brought. It was a Dom’s somber duty to be there for subs in need, and the boys certainly needed somebody to save them from sugar overload. Jonathan was determined to sacrifice his waistline to do just that.
Four hours, two films, two dozen pancakes, three batches of cookies, three ice-cream containers, and countless cake samples later, the bell rang again. Jonathan had just ended his third call with Richard and Martin, discussing security measures for Leeland. They had decided to have four bodyguards watching the apartment in shifts, and two assigned to follow Leeland wherever he went. Since he didn’t plan on letting his boy out of his sight anytime soon, Jonathan felt this was a bit much, but Martin and Richard insisted. They had also, briefly, wondered if they should keep the bodyguards a secret from Leeland to not add to his worries. Knowing his boy, Jonathan had opted against it. Leeland wouldn’t appreciate being left in the dark.
Jonathan reached the door and found Garrett on the other side when he opened it. His personal trainer and fellow Dom patted him heavily on the shoulder.
“I heard from Emilio. I’m sorry, man. This is really fucked-up.”
Jonathan returned the gesture. “I know. Thanks. Come in.”
“I’m here to get Emilio. I have a training session scheduled with him, and then it’s dinner.”
“Uhmm—to be honest, I’m not sure if he’s going to be able to move a lot today… or have a meal. They’ve been eating for hours.”
Garrett raised a brow. “Let me guess, it wasn’t carrot sticks and low-fat yogurt dips.”
“Your guess is correct. Leeland was very upset. He needed this.” Jonathan wasn’t sure whom he wanted to protect from Garrett’s wrath—Emilio or himself. The man could be downright obnoxious when it came to food and what you should eat—or not.
Garrett sighed. “It’s okay, Jonathan. I’m not going to punish anybody. I understand, I do. It’s just—my boy has come so far. Seeing him fall back into bad habits saddens me.”
They reached the kitchen, where Jonathan poured Garrett a glass of water. Before he could get himself a drink, he heard the bell again. Wondering who it was now, Jonathan went to the door. Greg stepped in, looking exhausted. He had bags under his eyes, an
d the laugh lines around the corners of his eyes and mouth seemed to be sharper than Jonathan remembered.
“Greg. Come in. Can I get you something to drink? How are things going?”
“A water would be nice. Is Leeland here?”
“Yes. His friends have come over to cheer him up.”
Jonathan showed Greg into the kitchen, where Garrett rose from the stool at the breakfast bar. The two men shook hands.
“Garrett, this is Greg Smith, Leeland’s trainer for the UFC. Greg, this is Garrett Kiernan, my personal trainer and boyfriend of one of Leeland’s friends.”
“Pleasure.”
“Nice to meet you. I’ve only heard the best about you from Emilio. And sorry about your gym. Was it really arson?”
Consciously or not, Garrett was using his Dom voice to soothe Greg, who looked as if he was going to keel over any minute. Jonathan steered him to the second barstool, where Greg sank down.
“Yes. It was arson. And a hate crime. It’s all gone. At the moment it looks as if they’ll have to tear down the entire building because of structural problems. We’ve been talking to the police, the firefighters, the fire investigator, the people from Smash!, the insurance company, and, of course, dozens of reporters. At first there were only the local news channels, but as soon as social media got wind of it, the big ones came in as well. If one more person asks me if I think this is related to the upcoming fight, I’m going to knock them out.”
Greg buried his face in his hands. “Misaki is frantic. He’s trying not to show it, but I’ve known him long enough to see the signs. It’s not only Leeland’s training we need to reorganize, we need to find a place for Hinode as well. The insurance company isn’t going to pay until the investigation is done, and for some reason Smash! isn’t too forthcoming either. At the moment we’re basically fucked.”
