Liam spanking me was the first real intimacy between us.My first orgasm with him.I want to hold on to the specialness of that for now.If this doesn’t work out the way I want it to, maybe someday I’ll be ready to let someone else do that to me.I definitely got off on it.I’m just not ready yet.
“Sounds good, cub.You make yourself comfortable; I’ll lay out my tools.”
“Okay.I’m ready.”I think.
Whatever Red sees on my face makes him come over.“You’re sure?”
One last time, I glance at the door.My heart sinks a little.I guess I was wrong.Liam’s not coming.
I’m getting myself into position when there’s a knock at the door.Red cracks it open to speak with someone on the other side.Then he swings it wide to reveal…
“Zed?”
He grins at me while I resist the urge to cover myself.I’ve seen him in various states of undress too, after all.He was the most consistent participant at Liam’s garage parties.Not that he knew I was there.
Liam walks in behind him.Or rather, it’s more like a sort-of hobble.He definitely doesn’t look good.
“What happened?”I stand from my half-kneeling position, no longer caring that I’m completely naked.
Liam looks terrible.He was worse than when I saw him last, and that’s saying something.
“Little trouble in the jungle,” Zed says.
“Forest,” Liam corrects.
Zed shrugs.“Forest.Jungle.Either way, trees and mayhem.”His eyes flick up and down.“So, little Ravi, you sure grew up.”
“Oh my God.”
It’s a little weird.But it’s also funny, and I kind of needed the laugh.
I roll my eyes up to the ceiling.It’s painted black like the rest of the room.
Liam’s right inside the door, braced sort of haphazardly on a single crutch, staring.
“What are you doing here, kid?”He’s not stern or angry or even stoic the way he’s always been.The question is soft and almost sad.
My heart squeezes, and it hurts.
“What happened?”I ask again.
Ignoring my nudity, I cross my arms over my chest.I’m not answering his question until he answers mine.
“When you left, I decided to take point on an investigation.Mistakes were made.”
“When you told me to leave, you mean?”
“That,” he says softly.“Ravi, why are you here?”He glances at Red.
“Sort of was hoping you’d come.”There may be others in the room, but the only one who matters is him.
“You took the watch on purpose.”
“Well, it is my watch.”I meet his gaze, feeling raw and vulnerable.“Also, yes, I hoped you’d come.”
“You wanted me to find you.”
“Duh.”I roll my eyes.“I was all the way to Georgia when I realized how stupid this all is.Or I guess I realized before I left, but it took me that long to admit it and turn around.I decided this decision shouldn’t be up to you since you have a history of making bad ones where our relationship is concerned.Hoped maybe if I came here, you’d get jealous and come find me.”