Behind the Secrets (Behind the Lives #4)

by Marita A. Hansen

  “I did notice that. He keeps calling me gorgeous and staring at my breasts.”

  “Looks like he’s attracted to you, then, so give him a try.”

  L shook his head. “Still not interested, I’d rather be alone.”

  “No one would rather be alone.”

  “Not true, I do.”

  “If Ash wuz free and wuz into you, would you be alone then?”

  L grimaced.

  “I thought so, so stop limiting yourself. Find a man—”

  “I like women too.”

  Tiana’s eyebrows shot up. “You’re bi?”

  L nodded. “It doesn’t matter what gender someone is, I’m attracted to beautiful people.”

  “Okay, then find a good man or woman and be happy.”

  “I’m happy by myself,” L held up a hand to stop her from saying more, “but if I find the right person or persons, I will be happy to start a relationship.”

  “Persons?”

  “I’m open to having more than one partner, because it’ll be unfair to limit someone since I’m not particularly sexual. I prefer companionship more.”

  “That’s sweet.”

  “What’s sweet?” Ash cut in.

  L looked up, seeing Ash carrying in two guitar cases, plus an amp.

  “Llewellyn,” Tiana said. “He’s a sweetheart.”

  “Yeah, Louie’s a good bloke,” Ash said, using the name he’d called L when they were younger.

  L frowned, for the first time not liking being called a male. Instead, he wished Ash saw him as a woman – the dream of still being with the man hard to shake. L refocused on Tiana, knowing he needed to shut that thought down, not only for Ash’s sake, but also for his own.

  His mind went to Dante, wondering...

  No. He couldn’t try Tiana’s suggestion, because even if Dante was interested in him, L wasn’t interested in the drama that went with the guy. His mind went to Kara, wondering whether he could try her instead, especially since Dante was with Beth now. He wondered whether she was still at the police station. Though, she was a bit rough ... but that was because Dante wouldn’t stay with her. He’d seen his sister have much rougher breakups than Dante and Kara.

  Ash thrust a guitar at L. “Let’s jam.”

  L’s thoughts about Kara disappeared, Ash once again filling his mind.

  18

  Corey

  Corey opened his eyes, having hardly slept, his mind plagued by the argument with Sledge. He understood Sledge couldn’t control what he said at times, but he didn’t have to insult or yell at him, calling him nasty names when all Corey had done was try to get him to stop talking. God! Sledge had been told enough times that his father was homophobic, yet it was like talking to a brick wall, and a really thick one.

  “I’m not a baby,” he grumbled under his breath, imagining saying it to Sledge. “You’re just a big arsehole, who thinks he’s always right.” He clenched his right hand and hit the mattress, then did it again, getting his frustrations and anger out. “I’m not a baby,” he muttered again. He rolled over and looked across at the cabinet mirror, seeing a sweet face staring back at him. He scowled at his reflection, trying to look mean, but all it did was make him look even cuter. He picked up a pillow and threw it at the mirror, then turned over and buried his face into another one, wishing he was tough-looking like Sledge, then no one would call him a baby. Then again, if he did look tough, Sledge wouldn’t be interested in him.

  He looked up at the mirror again, his eyes focusing on his beanie, which he had a habit of wearing to bed. He lifted it a fraction, wishing his hair would grow back quicker. He pulled the beanie down further, happy at least the cancer was in remission, and even better, his stomach had stopped hurting.

  He poked his tongue out, imagining poking it at Sledge. “You’re the arsehole, not me.” He screwed up his face, knowing it wasn’t entirely true, because he’d been a jerk back to Sledge. He hated fighting with him. He also hated pretending that they were just friends, all because his father couldn’t handle two guys loving each other. It wasn’t fair that his father had accepted Beth’s pregnancy to a man-whore, but wouldn’t accept his relationship with Sledge. He’d listened into Beth and his father’s conversation, hearing his father accept Beth’s engagement to an ex-drug dealer, someone who’d fucked half the female population, yet Hell would freeze over before his dad ever accepted him being with Sledge. He should’ve yelled at his father instead of Sledge, telling him there was nothing wrong with one guy calling another hot, that it was a compliment, and that his father could take a flying leap with all the other homophobes.

  Corey flopped back onto his bed, now even more upset, since this wasn’t Sledge’s fault, it was his father’s. Yet, he’d yelled at Sledge, telling him to shut up, when all Sledge had done was be honest. Now Sledge was upset, which upset Corey even more, because of all the people he shouldn’t be arguing with, it was with the guy who’d saved his damn life, the one person he loved more than anyone in the world.

  Knowing he had to make things right, he sat up again and swung his legs over the side of the bed, feeling a twinge of pain in his damaged ankle. He ignored it and slipped on his moon boot, then grabbed his crutches, intent on apologising to Sledge.

  His phone went off on the side cabinet. He grabbed it and placed it to his ear. “Hello?”

  “Hello back,” Ant said, his gruff voice making Corey go stiff. “I missed you, baby boy.”

  “I’m not your baby boy, you arsehole.”

  Ant laughed. “I really love talking to you; you have the cutest tongue. It sounds funny when you swear.”

  “Don’t patronise me, and stop callin’ me.” Corey hung up, his hand shaking like crazy. He wanted to tell his mother about Ant’s harassment, but knew she’d go to the police, which he couldn’t allow, since Ant would hurt her if he found out.

  His phone went off again. Corey stared at it, his heart pounding. He let it go to voicemail, then picked it up to check what Ant had said. No message was left, the number untraceable, nothing to prove Ant was harassing him. The phone went off again, making Corey cry out, upset that the creep wouldn’t leave him the hell alone. He hated Ant with a burning passion, absolutely despised him, but he knew he couldn’t keep ignoring the psycho—not if he wanted to keep his family and Sledge safe, Ant having threatened to put hits on them.

  Almost in tears, he answered the phone. “Why can’t you stop harassing me? I promised not to testify against you. Why can’t you just leave me the fuck alone?”

  “I can never leave you alone, cutie pie, and you may be doing what I asked, but I hear from a very good source that your sister is speaking to the police. I told you what would happen if any of your family spoke to them.”

  Corey shook his head vigorously. “She didn’t mean any harm by it, and her testimony won’t do a thing, it’s only mine you hafta worry ’bout, and you know I won’t take the stand.”

  “Because I will have someone you love killed if you do.”

  “I know, you don’t hafta keep reminding me.”

  “Just make your sister stop talking to the police.”

  “She won’t listen to me, and if I tell her why, she’ll panic.”

  “Unless you want to go to her funeral, make her listen.”

  “You promised you wouldn’t hurt anyone if I didn’t take the stand. You promised!”

  “I’ve been known to break my promises.”

  “She can’t do anything to you; you know it’s only my testimony that can. Why can’t you just leave us alone? You caused all of this mess.”

  “I didn’t, you did by going against me.”

  “I wuz never with you! You’re delusional. I love my boyfriend, who you hurt. I hate you; I hate you so much—”

  “Watch your tongue!”

  Corey went silent, fear now coursing through him – fear for Sledge, for his sister, for everyone he loved. “I’m sorry, please don’t do anything.”

  “I won’t ... as long
as you make sure there are no more police visits. This is your last warning, Corey.”

  “I’ll make sure, I promise.”

  “Good boy. By the way, I’m very bored and lonely in my big house. I miss seeing your cute face and gorgeous wee body.”

  “Please, just leave me alone,” Corey sobbed.

  “No. Entertain me, cutie.”

  “I can’t.”

  “You can. What are you wearing?”

  “Clothes, and I hafta go, I can hear my mum calling.”

  “I think you’re lying. Take your clothes off.”

  “No.”

  “I get nasty when I’m told no, so don’t say it again.”

  “But you can’t see me.”

  “I can imagine, plus I have some of those naked pictures you let me take of you.”

  “I didn’t let you! You drugged me.”

  “And now I’m blackmailing you, so strip, Corey, and give me every little detail.” He laughed. “I was referring to your cock then.”

  Corey wiped his cheeks, tears now spilling over them. “You’re cruel.”

  “I can be even crueller if you don’t start stripping.”

  Corey sniffled. “I’m pushing my pants down,” he lied, wiping his nose.

  “And your underwear, pull them off too.”

  “Yes,” Corey said, again lying.

  “Are they off yet?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good. Now, put the phone down and remove your top.”

  Corey put the phone down and grabbed a tissue, blowing his nose. He breathed in and out, trying to get his crying under control, as well as his shaking hands. He hated Ant more than anyone in the world, but he hated himself even more for talking to him, no matter whether he had a choice or not. All he wanted to do was to shoot the bastard for hurting Sledge, but he had to play along with Ant’s sick fantasies or Sledge would suffer again.

  He picked up the phone. “Done.”

  “So, are you completely naked?”

  “Yes,” Corey said, wrapping his left arm around his body, his hoodie big on him.

  “Touch your cock.”

  “I’m doing it,” Corey said, his hands nowhere near his lower half.

  “Turn onto your front. I want to imagine fucking your sweet arse.”

  “Please, I wanna stop,” Corey said, feeling repulsed.

  “Do as you’re told!”

  “Okay.”

  “Good boy. Now, spread your legs.”

  “Done.”

  “Mmmm, I’m imagining your sweet arse, so pink and smooth. I can’t wait till I’m out so I can actually be there with you, taking you hard and fast, making you scream my name as I fuck your cute little hole.”

  Corey squeezed his eyes shut, willing the psycho to hang up. A knock made him jolt.

  “Corey!” his mother called out. “Can I come in, sweetheart?”

  “My mother’s at the door,” he whispered into the phone, “I hafta go.”

  “She does have a loud voice. Okay, baby boy, I’ll call you another time. Actually, I’ll Skype you tomorrow night so I can see you strip.” Ant hung up.

  “Corey?” his mother called out again.

  “Just a sec, Mum.” He wiped his eyes. “You can come in now.”

  The door cracked open, his mother poking her head through the opening. Her face fell a second later. “Oh, baby!” She rushed over and sat down next to him, pulling him into her arms. “Don’t cry, sweetie, Sledge didn’t mean to get mad at you. He’s upset too.”

  Corey pulled back, again wishing he could tell his mother about Ant’s calls. “Is he all right?” he asked instead.

  “He was really upset last night. He was crying and—”

  Corey’s face dropped. “He cried?”

  “Yes. He didn’t take you being mad at him too well. You have to realise he doesn’t understand things like he used to. I know you had to get him to stop talking because of your father, but please do it in a way that doesn’t shatter Sledge.”

  “What do you mean by shatter?”

  “He got himself so worked up that I had to give him some medication. I checked on him later on in the night and he wuz hitting his head, calling himself a waste of space. He told me he wished the bullet had killed him instead of leaving him handicapped. He used another word for handicapped, but I won’t repeat it.”

  “Why would he say that?” Corey said, shocked by her words.

  “He thinks you hate him.”

  “But I don’t! I love him.”

  “I know that and I tried to explain it to him, but he was too upset to take it in.”

  Wanting to go to Sledge, he grabbed his crutches and pushed up.

  His mother rose with him. “I have to go now, work’s called me in.” She kissed the top of his head. “Just remember, be careful with how you speak to Sledge, and whatever you do don’t upset him again. Your father’s gone to work so at least you don’t have to worry about him overhearing.”

  Corey nodded.

  “Good boy, and if there’s any trouble, call me, I’ll come straight home.”

  “Thanks, Mum.”

  “You’re welcome.” She gave him another kiss on the head, then disappeared out the door, yelling loudly, “Take care of my future son-in-law.”

  Corey smiled at her comment, wishing he could marry Sledge. He wanted to more than anything in the world, and for his mother to say those words—it made him feel like it was possible.

  He headed out into the passage, zeroing in on Beth’s old room, the door closed. He turned the handle and peeked inside, finding Sledge lying on his side, facing the wall. Corey remained in the doorway, wondering whether he should wait until Sledge woke up.

  Sledge rolled over, looking wide awake. “Are you gonna stand there and stare at me all day or sit down?”

  “I’m sorry ’bout last night,” Corey said, remaining where he was.

  Grimacing, Sledge turned to face the wall again.

  Corey stepped inside the room. “Don’t ignore me, Sledge, I said I wuz sorry.”

  “You yelled at me when all I did wuz call you hot.”

  “I panicked. I thought you were gonna give us away to my dad. You shouldn’t say stuff like that in front of him.”

  Sledge turned back around. “Not my fault you’re hot.”

  “You really think I’m hot?”

  “Obviously, otherwise I wouldn’t want to dick you.”

  A smile pulled at Corey’s lips. “I think you’re hot too, no, I think you’re hot as hell.”

  Sledge smiled back. “You’re forgiven. Just don’t call me an arsehole again.”

  “You called me one too.”

  “You deserved it.”

  “No I didn’t!”

  Sledge turned back to the wall.

  “Hey! Don’t ignore me.”

  “I’m sick of you yelling at me, so piss off if that’s all you’re gonna do.”

  Corey grimaced. “I’m sorry.”

  “Mean it.”

  “I do.”

  Sledge turned back. “Then c’mere.”

  “Why?” Corey said now nervous, Sledge’s tone a touch mean. “What are you gonna do?”

  “What do ya think I’m gonna do? Spank your arse?”

  “You wouldn’t dare.”

  “Maybe, maybe not.”

  “Then I ain’t comin’ over.”

  “Pussy.”

  “I’m not a pussy!”

  “Then c’mere.”

  “Only if you promise you won’t smack my arse.”

  “I promise I won’t smack your itsy-bitzy-teeny-weenie arse.”

  Corey glowered at him. “Why are you bein’ mean?”

  “Why are you bein’ an oversensitive twat?”

  “Stop insulting me!”

  “Then man up and come over ’ere.”

  Corey breathed out. “Okay, but no smacking my arse,” he said, hobbling over. He went to sit down on the bed, but yelled out as Sledge grabbed him, yanking him
onto his back. Sledge planted his lips against Corey’s, his hands moving all over him. Corey remained still, Sledge moving faster than his brain could process.

  Sledge started yanking Corey’s pants down, snapping him out of his stunned state. Corey grabbed Sledge’s hand and jerked his head to the side, snapping, “Stop it, Sledge!”

  Sledge stopped. “Why?”

  “We can’t fuck on Beth’s bed, plus the door’s wide open.”

  “I don’t care.” Sledge started tickling him, making Corey squeal. Sledge burst out laughing. “You sound just like a girl.”

  Corey placed a hand on Sledge’s face and shoved him back. Sledge grabbed Corey’s hand and rammed it into the mattress. He locked lips with Corey again. Corey stopped fighting him, wanting what Sledge was doing. He placed his other hand behind Sledge’s head and kissed him back, no longer caring where they were.

  A bang came from outside, making Sledge jerk back. He sat up, his eyes going to the shuttered window. “What wuz that?”

  Corey leaned over and grabbed his crutches off the floor. “I’ll go check.” He pushed up and hobbled out of the room, heading for the back door. He poked his head outside. A full clothes line greeted his gaze, and a...

  His eyes went to the rubbish bin lying on the ground, its contents spilled out. He looked up, spotting a cat jumping over the wooden fence. Closing the door, he hobbled back to Sledge. “It wuz just a cat,” he said, entering the bedroom. “It knocked over the rubbish bin.”

  Sledge slung his legs over the side of the bed and sat up. He patted his lap. “Then close the door and gimme a lap-dance.”

  Corey’s eyebrows shot up. “You seriously want me to give you a lap-dance?”

  Sledge patted his lap again. “Yup, then I’m gonna fuck you.”

  Corey grinned. “How hard?”

  “I’m going to tickle your tonsils from the other end.”

  Corey laughed.

  Sledge grinned. “Now, get some music on.”

  “I can’t do much with my bung foot.”

  “You can so; you’re s’posed to get that moon boot off soon, so start stripping, ho.”

  “Ho?!! Don’t treat me like a female.”

  “Get over yourself and out of those clothes.”

  Corey scowled at him, but instead of complaining he shut the door and turned to the CD player, preferring sex over arguing. He flicked through the CDs in Beth’s holder, picking out some R&B that wasn’t Destiny’s Child or TLC, Beth a huge fan of both. He slipped the CD into the player and flicked the switch. As the music started, he turned back to Sledge and hobbled over to him.