Frat Boy For Sale

Frat Boy For Sale
Chapter One
            “I’m done with men.” Devin said as he watched his latest disaster walk out the door with his small bag of clothes that he’d left at Devin’s apartment. Mark had been nothing but trouble from the first second they’d met. A notorious bar-whore, he’d been tall, strong, and good looking, everything that Devin had wanted in a man. But, Devin didn’t understand the difference between being strong and being cruel. Mark had been a passive aggressive sometimes downright abusive son of a bitch.
            “It’s okay, honey.” Crystal put her arm around his shoulders and gave him a squeeze. “He’s not worth it.” Devin knew that. Logically he knew that. Didn’t he? Mark was just another in a long line of people better left forgotten. They’d all been the “one” in Devin’s eyes until he’d had the rose colored glasses torn off his face by their personalities. Devin thought he had to have a sign on his back that said “Sucker” that attracted every asshole in New Orleans.
            He sighed. “Wine?” He asked hopefully. Crystal crossed to the kitchen and pulled out a bottle she’d been chilling in his ice bucket. Thank God. “You’re the best, Crys. I mean it. Sometimes I wish I was straight.”
            “Ew. First off, that is just weird. You’re like my brother. Second, we, unfortunately, have the same taste in men and you my darling are not that type.” Crystal dug in one of his drawers and got out his wine opener. It hadn’t had much use lately. Mark had preferred liquor and had disdained Devin’s love of wine. Devin planned on drinking the whole damn bottle tonight.
            He was so glad Crystal was here. They’d been friends before she’d been his personal assistant at his consulting company and she continued to play both roles effortlessly. They’d known one another since Devin had been a fresh faced twenty and had been the unfortunate witness to his many relationship debacles.
            “Yeah. You have a point.” He conceded, pulling two wine glasses out of his cupboard. “It’s not like I didn’t see it coming.” Unfortunately he’d seen it coming from ten miles off. He wasn’t stupid and had been in similar situations before. First Mark had been attentive. That had quickly changed to controlling and then sullen at Devin’s noncompliance. They were headed for disaster even before he’d found out that Mark had been working as a pimp with a group of male rent boys in the French Quarter.
            Crystal snatched a glass and poured deep red liquid into the wine glass almost to the rim. “You knew that boy was hood before you picked him up. You love that bad boy thing.” She reminded.
            “Not even I am prepared to deal with a pimp. I got in over my head.” Way over his head if he were honest. He realized too late that Mark had wanted Devin to redeem him and Devin had been unable to do so. He just wasn’t some kind of angel. He couldn’t “fix” anyone. That had been made painfully clear over the course of their relationship. He watched as Crystal poured herself a glass.
            “I don’t know anyone who would be willing to deal with that, Dev. You’re only twenty-eight. You’re too young to be a cynic.” She said.
“How many crappy relationships do I have to suffer through before both of us realize that I am somehow fundamentally flawed? I don’t attract decent men. I am not attracted to decent men. I am so over trying to be a productive human being. I give up. I concede to the will of the universe. I am done with men.” Devin raved.
“Someday Mr. Right is going to sweep you off your feet, Devin.” Crystal warned. Devin snorted and rolled his eyes. He wasn’t going to argue with her. She was almost as stubborn as he was.
“Cheers.” He said instead.  They drank.

****
  
            They’d fallen asleep together in Devin’s huge, empty king-sized bed. Cuddling with someone he had no attraction to was a welcome change from his normal routine and it was a hell of a lot better than sleeping alone. She’d  even made him breakfast the next morning. It nearly made him cry. Mark had used to do that after they’d had a hard night. God, he hated being heartbroken…again.
            He drew his mind back from the morning and tried to focus on the project proposal that was on his computer screen. He was getting zero work done today. It just figured. If he didn’t hurry up and get his notes on this proposal before he passed it on up to the partners, he was going to get chewed out and he simply wasn’t in the mood.
            “So I was thinking about something a little crazy.” Crystal said from his doorway. She was leaning against the doorframe with a cup of Joe in her hand. Her desk was just outside the door so she got up and came into his office quite often.
            “What are you thinking about?” Devin asked. He usually indulged her when it came to her nutty ideas. They actually worked out most of the time.
            “You have to promise to hear me out.” That usually didn’t bode well. That usually meant she was going to say something more off the wall than usual.
            “O…kay.” He said slowly. He pushed back from his desk and closed his laptop. There was no point trying to even look at the proposal right now. She shut the door. His eyebrows furrowed. What was going on?
            “So, I was thinking while I was in the shower about your situation.” She began. Devin winced at her phrasing.
            “Seriously? The shower? You’re a sick puppy, Crys.”
            She rolled her eyes and pointed a finger at him. “I’m not joking. It was a brilliant idea. You know I get the best ideas while I’m showering. Something about the water. Anyways, so this idea of mine is sort of crazy.”
            “You’ve said that. Five times.” He wished she’d get on with the point. It was obnoxious trying to get information out of her when she was like this. “Spit it out, Crystal. I have work to do.”
            “Fine. Fine. Keep your pants on, jeez. So as I was saying, you like bad boys and we’ve established that they’re the only type that turns your buttons so to speak.” She said. He felt his cheeks heat. Jesus. Were they really going there? She pressed on. “I was thinking that maybe you’re just stuck on the sexual aspect of having a bad boy. You hate their personalities but they turn you on in the sack. So, my suggestion is that you pick up a rent boy. The Quarter is full of them and some of them even have websites where you can register.”
            “Whoa, whoa, whoa! You’re asking me to solicit a prostitute? You are crazy. Jeez, Crystal, what is wrong with you? I’m not a college kid aiming to cop a feel. I want a relationship, er, wanted a relationship. I told you. I’m done with men.” Devin crossed his arms over his chest protectively. She’d obviously been drinking the Kool-Aid along with her coffee this morning because that was nuts. “Besides, after finding out that Mark ran a ring of hookers you think I seriously want to pick one up?”
            “That’s the brilliant thing, you see? You’ll go out with these men a few times, get your sexual kicks, and then maybe start dating someone decent. It’ll also help you get over Mark quicker once you see that he was just another guy. It’s an exceptional plan.”  Crystal was excited. He could tell by the almost manic glint in her big blue eyes. He sighed. His PA was off her rocker. She made a noise of frustration, making him realize she’d noticed his incredulous expression. “At least check out the site I found and tell me what you think.”
            He could’ve already said what he thought but he let her come around his desk and flip open his laptop so that she had access to his screen. He signed in and let her get a good look at his desktop, the background of which was still a picture of him and Mark at their favorite bar on Bourbon. She gave him a look but didn’t say anything. She knew he was superstitious about things like that. It was bad luck to throw away pictures of your old lover before you picked up a new one.
            With a few decisive clicks and a few more keystrokes and she had a website pulled up. He looked at the porn worthy title: Frat Boys For Sale. He rolled his eyes. “That has to be some sort of joke.” I said. “There is no way this is legitimate.”
            “No! I checked, even got a friend of mine to call. It is apparently a hush hush sort of thing  but it is real. My other friend paid 200 bucks and got his money’s worth. Trust me.” She reassured. “Look, it says, “Looking for a new kind of Rent Boy? The boys of Kappa Alpha Nu are more than willing and able to fulfill you’re every deep fantasy. We are working diligently to get through school and are willing to go beyond the call of duty in order to get the job done. Browse through our profiles until you find the Frat boy of your dreams. Contact information and sexual orientation is included for your convenience.” It’s perfect.” She declared.
            “How, pray tell, did you manage to come up with this idea in the shower this morning and yet still find time to talk to your “friend” into doing this, commit this act, and hear back from him?” Devin asked dryly. This entire thing was fishy but… Damn if he wasn’t curious. The photo on the front page showed the collection of “brothers” in little to no clothing, teasing potential clients. It was so working.
            “Okay, you caught me. I had DJ try it out a week ago when I found out that Mark was a pimp.” She confessed. His eyebrows shot skyward.
            “What. The. Hell.” Devin growled. “You are unbelievable.”
            She grinned unapologetically. “You love me.” She was so lucky that he did. Seriously. “Besides, as your PA it’s my job to provide you with everything you need. You are a sexual creature my friends and as such you have needs. This is perfect for those needs.”
            “But two hundred bucks a go? I mean, even if I was considering this, which I’m not, this would be a pretty extravagant.” He argued.
            She snorted. “Oh please. Like you wouldn’t spend that much on booze the next few weeks, drowning your sorrows. Besides, I’m not saying spend that much every week or whatever but at least once. Try it out.”
            “I really don’t know about this.” Devin hedged. “I mean, I like strong guys, Crys. You know this. I know this. If they’re all twinks I don’t think they’ll do it for me.” But they didn’t look like twinks. The shirtless boys on the website’s main page looked exactly like the sort of thing that Devin would normally beeline to in a bar. Even the smaller members of the Frat looked like they could throw down.
            “Just browse through the profiles, my darling Devin. Let me know what you think at lunch.” Without another word she straightened and headed towards his door. As she shut the door behind her, Devin smoothed his hand down his face and sighed. Oh what the hell? Why not?
            He clicked the “view profiles” tab and was instantly brought to a scrolling list of frat boys complete with half nude individual photo. Yummy. This was so wrong but he was intrigued by the idea of anonymous sex. He was a serial monogamous. Had been since before he realized that he wanted a romantic relationship in seventh grade. The idea of wanting someone as a means of sexual release only was a foreign concept for him.
            The first profile flashed onto the screen. Damon Summers. Age 22. Sexual orientation: Bisexual. Open to all forms of sexual expression including BDSM. Bondage preference: Bottom. Um, no thanks. He wasn’t into whips and chains. He clicked the next profile. Jerry Louis. Age 19. Nope. Too young. He clicked the next one and sucked in a breath. Wow. Christian Matheson. He was drop dead gorgeous. He was listed at being right at six feet, several inches taller than Devin’s modest, five ten. He was also a freaking hottie. The picture on the profile page showcased the frat boy to absolute perfection.
He wore a wicked half smile, like he knew a secret and was dying to tell someone. He had lovely brown eyes and the darkest chocolate hair Devin had ever seen. He wondered if the icy shades were natural. Age 24. Sexual orientation: Gay. Top primarily, will bottom for an additional fee. Yowzah. Yes, please. Devin definitely wouldn’t mind a roll in the hay with Mr. Perfect.
Devin took his sticky pad off his desk and dug in the top drawer for a pen. He jotted down Christian Matheson’s personal phone number and a little information. Maybe he could do this. Maybe.


****

“Don’t be nervous.” Devin commanded himself as he stared into the mirror of his bathroom sink. “There is nothing to be nervous about. You’re just going to pay him for sex. No big deal. It’s been happening since cavemen could barter for stuff way back in BCE. This is not a date.” He still had butterflies. He didn't know if he could even go through with this. If not, who cared? No one would ever know, not even Crystal. He hadn't committed one way or another to anything. 
The door bell rang. Well, Christian was right on time. To the minute actually. Who would've thought? A frat boy who was actually on time. He smoothed his hand down his grey button down which he wore over jeans to be casual and walked towards the door. He nearly swallowed his tongue looking out into the hallway and seeing the man he’d hired for the evening reclining against the wall opposite his door. He was wearing an Ed Hardy muscle shirt and a pair of loose designer jeans that Christian had been coveting for months now. How a hooker afforded such digs was beyond him but whatever floated the other man’s boat. He looked frankly edible. 

He swung open the door and offered the man a nervous smile. “Hi.” He greeted. Christian didn’t say anything immediately. Instead, he pushed himself off the wall and gave Devin a slow up and down that was clearly sizing him up. Devin swallowed hard and resisted the urge to slam the door and run back into his apartment. It wasn’t that he’d never had attractive men look at him before but it seemed different somehow when this man did it. Maybe because there would be no preliminary test, no niceties, no “want to buy me a drink” smoozing that took place before Devin usually fell into bed with a guy. There would be no “I’ll call you” in the morning from this guy. Nope. This was all about one thing and one thing only. 

“Hi, yourself.” Christian finally replied. His voice was low, already a little husky. “You want me to come in?” 

Devin blinked. Duh. “Uh, yeah, sure. Come on in.” He stepped back from the door and allowed the other man room to get into the apartment. 

“Nice place.” Christian complimented as he stepped out of the foyer and went directly into the living room. “You look awfully young to be in a place like this. You live with a daddy?” 

“Um, daddy? No. I live on my own. I’m twenty-eight, so older than you.” Devin watched as Christian plopped down on the couch. 

“Sweet. So whatcha want to do?” The question hung in the air between them like some sort of unanswerable inquiry. 

“Uh, I’m not sure really.” Devin murmured. He shifted nervously and looked anywhere but at the man on his couch. “I’ve never done this. So, what’s standard?” 

Christian chuckled. “This is your ballgame, gorgeous. You pay my fee and I’m your fantasy. Whatever you want within reason. I got one guy who likes me to spank his ass with my frat paddle but you don’t seem to be into that. SO, this is all up to you.” 

Devin never initiated sex with his partners. It was always a given that he would give in to stronger demands. He startled when Christian pushed himself off the couch and took a step towards him. “So that’s the way it’s going to be, babe?” 

He gave Devin a wicked grin and pulled the shirt over his head. Devin lost the ability to speak as Christian revealed the tight musculature of his chest and abdomen. This frat boy certainly didn’t have a beer gut. Definitely no keg parties for Christian. 

Devin took a step back. He didn’t know if he could do this. Christian frowned. “What’s the matter?” 

“I–It’s a little fast for me. Sorry.” Devin stammered. Christian nodded and gave him a warm smile. It was a reassuring sort of look. 

“No need to say sorry, babe. It’s my bad. A lot of people are nervous and just want me to get aggressive with them. You’re not like that huh?” Christian sat back down on the couch but still didn’t put back on his shirt. He patted the couch beside him. “Why don’t you come over here and sit down? We can just talk and take it slow.” 

Warm relief filled him at the understanding he heard in Christian’s voice. It made it easy to come over and sit beside the younger man and half turn towards him. 

“Thanks.” He said. Christian gave him the same slow wicked grin that he wore on his profile picture. 

“Well, you’re pretty cute, babe. It’s no hardship.” The frat boy came a little closer. “Want to try kissing first, gorgeous?” 

“Um, Devin. My name is Devin.” Devin corrected. Christian reached out and ran a fingertip down Devin’s cheek. 

“Why don’t you try kissing me, Devin? See if you like it.” It was next to impossible to deny the rough note of desire that had entered Christian’s voice. Devin found himself leaning closer to that wicked whisper. 

When their lips met the world shifted. Devin found his head was spinning from the gentlest of contact. Wow. Christian was a hell of a kisser. He coaxed Devin’s lips open with gentle presses of his warm lips. He was being gentle, trying not to scare him. He needn’t have bothered. Devin was more than ready to kiss a little harder. Christian chuckled into his mouth. 

“Like that?” Devin asked. The rent boy panted. The fact that he could effect a guy like this made Devin feel amazing. Maybe there was something to this anonymous, sort of, sex after all. There was a certain satisfaction and power to be obtained from being the “boss” for once. A strange thrill shot through him. He reached between them and cupped the rigid line of Christian’s cock through his denim. That could not be comfortable. “Take it off.” Devin commanded. Where the hell was this coming from? It was like getting high or drunk or something. 

“Mmm.” Christian murmured and did as he was told. Watching him shimmy out of his pants was a definite turn on. He was naked now and surely the frat boy knew how gorgeous he was like that. Devin allowed his eyes to wander from Christian’s head to his toes. He took in the firm pectoral muscles, the tight stomach with the delicious outline of muscles beneath the flesh, down the thin line of his happy trail to a cock that was thick and just a little shorter than his own. His mouth watered as he took in the heavy weight of Christian’s sack, firm thighs and muscular calves. 

“You’re beautiful.” Devin whispered. The larger man’s cheeks reddened slightly. It was the cutest thing ever. He tilted his head to the side. “People don’t compliment you much?” 

Christian shrugged, his massive shoulders rolling in an equally beautiful display of muscle. “Most people don’t talk so much.” Devin couldn’t tell if that was a compliment or a smirking reprimand. Devin unbuttoned his shirt, working them off with one button at a time. Christian’s eyes caught the movement and his arousal twitched in interest. 

“You’re going to be fun to fuck.” Christian said. The crude compliment elicited a shiver of response from Devin. He hadn’t been thoroughly debauched in longer than he cared to remember. Even before he and Mark broke up they’d rarely had sex. Devin had always assumed it was because he wasn’t exciting enough in bed. 

“I’ll try to be.” Devin murmured. No. He wouldn’t let himself get another attack of nerves this late in the game. He was paying for a service. Nothing more. It was like a two hundred dollar massage to his genitals. He hoped he didn’t disappoint his “therapist” though. Mark hadn’t really been interested during. Silent from beginning to end, his ex hadn’t been interested in much past breaching Devin’s hole and pumping a few times before releasing with a grunt of satisfaction. Often Devin had had to finish himself afterwards in the bathroom after Mark had rolled over and dropped off to sleep. 

“Trust me, darlin. You aren’t going to be a disappointment.” The grin that accompanied the statement filled Devin with warmth. It was nice to be assured of his appeal. It was thrilling and more than a little bit empowering. 

“Want to move this to the bedroom?” Devin asked. Christian nodded and followed after him as Devin turned on his heal and headed down the hall that led to his bedroom. He finished the buttons on his shirt on the way and started on the button on his pants. 

Christian reached for him as the door slid shut. He slid the zipper of Devin’s pants down carefully, making sure not to snag his black boxer brief’s in the process. He pushed them down Devin’s hips next, making sure to grind his hard cock against the seat of Devin’s ass. Devin gave a groan of appreciation as Christian’s hand came around and gave him a proprietary squeeze. The frat boy worked him through his boxers until Devin thrust helplessly against his hand. The hard on that was pressing insistently against his ass told him that Christian was just as desperate. 

“If I don’t get you out of these underwear soon I’m going to go fuckin crazy.” Christian admitted huskily. The tone of his voice was a low growl of want and it thrilled Devin down to his core to know that, at least for the night, this man was his. He was normally what other people thought about him when they got him into bed. With Devin there was an odd freedom from worry. His hard cock and Devin’s cash assured him of the brief affection that was all his for the moment. 

“Yeah? You want in my tight ass?” Devin demanded. God that was hot. He never talked dirty. 

“Oh fuck yes, I want your tight ass.” Christian’s hand shoved roughly inside of Devin’s briefs and the other man gasped at the sudden skin to skin contact on his prick. “Goin let me inside you, gorgeous?” The question was just a bit calculated. The power was all in Devin’s hands. 

“Yeah. Lay down on the bed and put a condom on.” Devin was too wound up for much foreplay, despite the fact that he hadn’t ridden a dick so quickly in quite some time. He wanted to feel the burn of entry, the hard edge of arousal as he danced between hurt and pleasure. The heat at his back left him instantly and he watched as Christian threw his sexy body onto the bed and hurried to do his bidding. Where he got the condom from was anyone’s guess but the next thing he knew, Christian’s dick was sporting  a rubber and he was tossing Devin a small packet of lubrication. The frat boy reached down and readjusted as if he couldn’t help touching himself.  Devin felt a grin stretch his lips. 

“Can’t wait to feel you inside me, frat boy.” Devin ripped open the lubrication packet and smeared two fingers with clear sticky liquid. “Goin get ready for you.”

Christian panted. “Oh yeah. Lemme watch, gorgeous.” Devin spread his cheeks with one hand and pressed a finger to his puckered entrance. He circled it, pressed in, circled again. Christian’s eyes never left his face as Devin teased himself. “I wanna watch you, gorgeous.” 

“Say please.” Devin commanded. A feral glint entered Christian’s eyes, the hand that seemed to be subconsciously touching his dick wandered down to squeeze his balls. It looked painful. Devin could practically smell the want in the air. 

“Please, gorgeous, lemme see you fuck yourself.” Christian snarled. It was a sexy fucking sound. He wanted Christian to make it again. He turned slightly to the side and speared his pucker with his fingers. Devin let his head fall back on his shoulder blades and spread his thighs more so that he could pump in and out of his hole. It was burning like he’d imagined it would be, the stretching a little awkward in this position but he didn’t care. He didn’t care about anything but the feel of the penetration and the bone deep knowledge that one stroke of his hand on his cock and he would be erupting into the circle of his fist.  “God that’s hot.” The words were reverent and Devin gave a fierce smile of satisfaction. 

“Are you sure you’re supposed to be talking so much?” He teased. Some sort of sex demon had possessed him in the last twenty minutes… it was awesome. He slinked up to the bed and crawled up Christian’s body, kissing and nipping as he went. He couldn’t wait to ride Christian until they were both too exhausted to move. He spread his cheeks while Christian held his body still and his cock at the right angle for Devin to get to. 

Devin sank down on Christian’s hot body with slow downward thrust, letting gravity do most of the work for him. His body stretched to accommodate the thick organ that was pressing inside him. The burn was much greater than his fingers had been and he gasped as his ass was thoroughly stretched. Once he was fully seated he struggled to adjust. His passage pulsed, spasming around the dick shoved up him. To his credit, Christian didn’t move as Devin concentrated on breathing until his body relaxed. The fine sheen of sweat on his chest was the only clue that he was struggling to control himself. 

“Been a while, gorgeous?” Christian asked through gritted teeth. Devin didn’t answer. Instead he just raised himself up and slammed back down on Christian’s dick. His prostate throbbed gratefully. His body vibrated with pleasure. Had sex every felt so good? He seriously fucking doubted it. 

Christian’s hands found his hips as he began a steadily building rhythm that had Devin’s hips jerking in a circular motion guaranteed to make him come soon. His pleasure spot was scored with every lunge and Christian started rocking up to meet him. 

“Like that?” Devin asked, dropping his head back to his shoulders again and riding Christian harder. “Hmmm you feel good.  Like fucking me, frat boy?” 

“Yeah, Devin. I like fucking you.” Christian groaned. His eyes were squeezed shut and his face was carved into sharp lines. He was close. Devin reveled in it. 

“Come inside me, Christian. Fuck me til you come.” Devin taunted quickening his pace. Hell, he was close too. He hadn’t even touched his prick yet but it was oozing precum in a steady stream. 

“Oh Fuck!” Christian seemed to lose it then, his hips jerked upwards and he cried out as his body seized in pleasure. Devin felt an intense satisfaction watching him come apart. Despite the fact that he’d orgasmed Christian continued to thrust his hips, his dick not losing on bit of its hardness as it continued to give Devin the ride he longed for. The frat boy reached up his hand and found Devin’s cock and gave it three rough pumps. “Come for me, gorgeous. Now.” 

The “Now” did him in. Devin spiraled out of control, all but screaming his release to the ceiling as cum erupted from the end of his prick. It felt like someone was wringing out his balls he came so hard. A particularly enthusiastic spurt hit the side of Christian’s cheek. 

Dev was beyond caring at that point. It felt so fucking good!

Devin collapsed as his orgasm faded, his mind spinning like he’d just gotten off a rollercoaster. He didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at the sheer awesomeness of what had just happened between them. The sheer awesomeness that he was paying for. It hit him then. He’d just solicited a prostitute and, damn all, if he didn’t enjoy it immensely.

Chapter Two





“So how did you get into this sort of business?” Devin asked as they lay together afterwards. He was curled up against Christian’s chest, getting the cuddle that he wanted and not feeling guilty about it. There really was something to paying for what you wanted.


“Well, that’s a little complicated to explain. Started with my Big Brother, Adam, in the Kappa house. We were all really strapped for cash and all pretty bummed about it. Then he saw this thing on G4 about escort companies and he pitched it to a couple of us.” Christian’s hands coasted up and down Devin’s back absentmindedly. “He set up the whole website and whatnot. We’ve only been operational for like two months. Most people think it’s a joke which is why cops and crap leave us alone. But word has gotten around lately to the right people that we’re not joking around and are really open for business. It’s not like any of us do this to, you know, survive so the fact that we’re not super steady doesn’t make a difference. It’s extra cash.”


He didn’t sound the least bit apologetic or worried over the consequences of his “part-time job”. The whole thing was a little puzzling to Devin. Didn’t he care about his body? There wasn’t that much of an age difference but the mindset had to be vastly different. Didn’t it?


“Anyways, I’ve got to get going. I’ve got another appointment scheduled for a little later and I’ve got to grab a shower and some food beforehand.” Christian kissed him apologetically, exactly the way he should have if it was a class or business meeting that he was going off to.


“You’re welcome to use my shower. I could even order some take out if you like.” Devin offered, smiling. He was feeling so good right now he could just melt into the mattress but he thought Christian deserved a little more attention than a “thanks, see yah” before he was shoved out the door.


Christian’s face broke out into a smile and he chuckled softly, tapping Devin’s chin with his pointer finger. “You really don’t do this often. Not how it works, gorgeous.” He winked. “If I had more time I’d take you up on it but I can’t.” He disentangled himself from Devin’s arms and stood, grabbing his underwear off the floor. The rest was scattered through the house and he’d no doubt pick them up as he went. He stood there looking at Devin for a full minute as the other man twisted his hands in the sheets. Again he smiled, looking amused. “You goin’ pay me, gorgeous?”


Realization dawned. “Oh yeah! Sorry. I was spacing out.” Devin sat up, taking a sheet with him to wrap securely around his waist. He didn’t understand why now would be the time he got nervous but there it was. He felt shy again, worse than before. The awkwardness was completely irrational but it was there all the same. He padded over to his dresser where he had put his wallet. He flipped open the black leather Fossil wallet and extracted two crisp one hundred notes from therein. He extended them to Christian who took them with practiced ease.


“Thanks, gorgeous. You ever have another itch to scratch, gimme a call.” With that he turned and walked out of Dev’s bedroom. Devin sighed as he watched him go. The front door shut a few seconds later, leaving him truly alone. Again.


****

Christian arrived at the KA house a little after dark. It was still pretty early on in the semester so the cold wasn’t quite uncomfortable yet. The best way to describe it was cool. There was already a game of beer pong going on in the side yard that ran between two of the frat houses on Greek Row. It was also early enough in the semester that most people weren’t busy preparing for tests and had the leisure time to play drinking games.
“Hey Christian!” His Big Brother called from one side of the pong table. “Want to join us, man?” Christian smiled and shook his head.
“Stuff to do, bro.” He hollered back. His Kappa Alpha brother just raised a ping pong ball in salute before tossing it effortlessly into his opponent’s cup.
He patted his pocket where the two hundred dollars he’d just made rested comfortably. Paying his membership dues was a lot easier when he made his own hours. His dad had refused to pay them this semester so he was on a payment system with the house. What dad didn’t realize was that if KANu went away, so did his tuition deduction.
At 60k a semester, Tulane was not the easiest school to pay for without a lot of help. Like most middle class kids whose parents made too much to qualify for full assistance and not enough to pay more than a couple thousand dollars, Christian was doing his best to stay afloat. When he’d blown his scholarship last semester he’d been forced to beg his dad for money. The frat had offered a partial academic scholarship but only if he remained a full time due paying member. Though he’d explained it to his father fifty different ways, the old man just couldn’t see paying an additional four thousand dollars a semester in dues on top of the fifteen that he spent on tuition. The math was simple to Christian, nineteen thousand was a hell of a lot cheaper than a full sixty. But when he pointed that out, his dad either yelled about how he needed to make the money himself or transfer to a smaller school back in Idaho. Fuck that. The best thing that ever happened to him was his Chapter President’s brilliant idea of a side business.
Most of the frat were notorious horn dogs anyway so it made sense that the KANu’s would make some money off of it one way or another. Frat Boys For Sale enabled them to make good money and still have time for classes and extracurriculars with the house. Their schedules just didn’t work with most normal jobs and most normal jobs just didn’t pay enough. This was perfect.
He came into the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge, careful to avoid touching anything that was no doubt growing new forms of life on top of it. Men, as a general rule, were not very clean roommates. They even had a maid service that came once a week to clean the house but they never cleaned out the fridge for good reason. Yuck.
“Hey, Christian.” Marco, another one of his brothers, greeted as he came into the kitchen and snatched an apple out of the fruit bowel. He took a bite. “Nm, how’d your new job do?”
“Awesome.” Christian said with a smile. “He’s hot.”
“For real? Why he hire us? Did he just have a frat boy fetish?” Marco asked. His brown eyebrows were drawn down in confusion. Usually the people who ended up calling them were one of two types: uglies and weirdos. Either one was tolerable to an extent but Devin had seemed different.
Christian shrugged. “I have no idea. Maybe he’s going through a bad breakup or something.”
“Yeah, maybe.” Marco allowed. “Well, if he’s hot and normal you might wanna hold on to him, yeah?” Christian grinned and gave Marco a shove.
“He’s a paycheck, Marco. Jesus.” He laughed.
“Then pass him on, man. I could go for someone who was a little more enjoyable.” Marco waggled his eye brows, clearly joking. But Christian frowned anyway. The thought did not appeal to him. Devin had seemed both fragile and incredibly strong and he never knew exactly which side of the fence the other man would fall onto.
“Anybody asks, he’s my john. Got it?” Christian warned. He didn’t want any of his emotionally retarded brethren anywhere near his gorgeous.
Marco just laughed. “That’s some real Pretty Woman shit right there!”
“Ah, bite my ass, Marco.” Christian rumbled.


**** 



Devin couldn’t concentrate at work the next day. The previous evening kept playing in his mind over and over again. Getting an erection at work was never fun. Having one over a rent boy that he’d bought off of a website made him a little sick to his stomach. Was this really what he had come to? Was he incapable of a good relationship? The sex he’d had with Christian had been phenomenal. If he were honest with himself, it was the best sex he’d had period. Whereas most sexual encounters left him feeling weak and overwhelmed, sex with Christian had made him feel sexy and powerful.

He toyed with the idea of calling him again. He had extra money. It wasn’t like he spent that extra bit left over from paydays. He could indulge this a few more times without being too put out. He fiddled with the cell on top of his desk, spinning it in a complete circle. He had said that he’d only do it once though. He wasn’t a pathetic loser who could only pick up hookers. He could find plenty of men willing to sleep with him.

A sharp knock on his door brought him out of his thoughts of Christian. “Come in.” He called. It swung open to reveal the last person on Earth that he’d thought to ever occupy his office. “Mark.” He frowned. “What the hell are you doing here?”

The asshole had the decency to look contrite. “I just wanted to stop by and talk with you for a minute. Is that okay?” Mark asked. Given their history, Devin would’ve thought not but as usual Mark used a question as more of a vague statement that let him do what he wanted anyway. He came into the room and shut the door behind him. Where was Crystal? His PA should’ve stopped him in the entryway. He sat in the chair opposite Devin and leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees.

“Can we please get this over with, Mark? All things considered, I didn’t think we had anything left to say to one another.” Devin was proud of how steady his voice was. Mark’s presence was affecting him. He was getting nervous, fidgety, his good mood fading with his chance of escape.

“I know you’re mad at me, suga. Trust me. I do. The game kind of fell in my lap a long time ago and I haven’t been able to let it go since. Please don’t hold that against me.” Mark said. Devin gave him a look like he was out of his mind. Don’t hold it against him that their entire relationship had been a lie? Riiiggghhhht. “My hoes don’t mean anything, suga. I promise.”

“Is that your way of asking me to come back?” Christian asked in shock. Of all the things he’d expected, this was not one of them.

“It’s my way of apologizing. I’m sorry, Devin. I still love you.” Every word was like a fucking hypodermic needle filled with acid being shoved into Devin’s chest.

“You lied and fucked around on me, Mark. You don’t get to just forget about it because you decide to come clean when I dump your ass. Besides, I’m seeing someone else. We just started dating but he is honest about what he is.” God had he just said that? Christ!

Mark laughed, the sound nasty. “We both know you’ve probably been holed up in your house since our break up, drinking wine and eating ice cream. Come on, suga. Don’t be telling lies just to hurt me. I want to make this right between us.”

A surge of venom pulsed through Devin. It was an impotent rage considering if not for his encounter with Christian, he would’ve been doing just that. Was he that fucking pathetic? “His name is Christian, you dick head. And yeah, he is my damn boyfriend.”

“Then you won’t mind bringing your “boyfriend” to the club tonight. Rainbow Alley at ten sound like a good plan to you?” Mark challenged. Devin snatched up the phone and dialed.

“Hello?” Christian’s voice came across the other side of the phone and instant victory coiled in Devin’s chest.

“Hey, Christian. It’s Devin. What are you doing tonight?” Devin schooled his face to not reflect the nervousness he was feeling.

“Um, I have an appointment at 6 but I’m free after.” Rustling noises like he was jostling some papers or something around. “I’m in between classes right now. What time you want it, gorgeous?”

“Can you meet me at my house around nine? I’ll probably need you until midnight.” Devin held his breath waiting for Christian’s answer. He knew Mark was watching him like a fucking hawk from his position in the chair.

“Midnight, huh?” Christian chuckled. “Well, I dunno what you’re going to do with me for three whole hours but I suppose you’re the boss. That’ll be an extra fifty, gorgeous.”

“That’s fine. I’ll cook some dinner and have it ready for you when you get there.” Devin said.

“Sounds good.”

“Alright, see you then.”

“Bye.”

Devin hung up his phone and glared at Mark before pointing to the door. “I’ll see you at Rainbow Alley at ten. Now get out. After this, I don’t want to see you again.”

Mark stood, looking furious. “We’ll see.” Devin resisted the urge to toss something at his smug face.

**** 



“Hey,” Christian greeted as Devin opened up the door to his apartment. He immediately frowned. “Are we going somewhere?” Devin was dressed in his bar clothes, tight t-shirt and equally tight jeans. He thought he looked good.

“Um, yeah. About that,” he paused not sure how to say this without sounding like an idiot. How was he supposed to admit that he’d given into pressure by his ex boyfriend to bring his new “Boyfriend” to a club to prove that he wasn’t a loser? The fact that he was paying said “boyfriend” for his time did make him a loser but hell, what choice did he have? “I thought we could, um, go out to this, um, club. It’s called Rainbow Alley.”

Christian nodded slowly. “I know Rainbow Alley. I’ve been a couple times with friends. Interesting choice, gorgeous.” His eyes wandered up and down Devin’s frame. “Though I could think of other more interesting ways to spend my night, if you want to club, I’m game.”

“We only need to make an appearance. So we don’t need to stay very long.” Devin said. “If anyone asks…” He trailed off unsure how to phrase his request. I mean, it was one thing to be a prostitute, another to be a liar.

“You bought a fantasy, remember?” Christian reminded. “So don’t worry, gorgeous. Just tell me what you want.”

“Pretend to be my boyfriend for the night?” The words were muttered. God, he felt like such a lame ass.

Christian’s face broke out into a perfect grin. “I’d be honored to be your one-and-only for the night, gorgeous. Feel free to show me off at your leisure.” Relief nearly made Devin sag down into a gelatinous puddle at his feet. He’d been half afraid that Christian would’ve said “no”. He wasn’t sure what normal procedures were for people in Christian’s job line. “So when do we leave and how long we goin be gone?”

“I made dinner. So we can eat first.” Devin stepped back and turned towards the kitchen. Christian followed dutifully behind him. They rounded into the kitchen where Devin had already set the table with two plates and simple silverware. It wasn’t anything special or romantic but hopefully the food was good.

“Holy crap, that smells fantastic.” The compliment sent a warm furl of happiness through Devin’s chest. It was Devin’s not-so-secret hobby. He loved buying cook books and trying new recipes. He had loved having people over when he’d been dating Mark and cooking a big meal for their friends. Of course, none of them had ever really appreciated it. His friends had been complimentary but Mark could’ve cared less about the quality of the meal.

“Thanks. That’s raspberry vinaigrette chicken in thick cream with some pasta salad on the side. I wasn’t sure what you wanted to drink but I have sweet tea, grape juice, sprite, and water.” Devin rattled off his list of beverages and motioned for Christian to take a seat. The younger man looked a little surprised as he sat down but didn’t make any other comment about the fact that Devin was essentially taking him out on a “date”.

“Sprite is fine.” Christian said. He toyed with his fork as it rested beside his plate and for the first time Devin realized that Christian was nervous. He seemed untouchable, almost inhumanly perfect, during their previous encounter. Devin felt the insane urge to comfort him. He got a glass out of his cabinet, put a couple of ice cubes in it, and then poured the Sprite.

“You don’t have to do this.” Devin heard himself say as he sat the cup in front of Christian. “I mean, I’m not paying you to play pretend with me at the club. I just, you know, the whole boyfriend thing.” If that sentence made one iota of sense Devin would’ve been surprised. He was about as smooth as sandpaper.

“Hey,” Christian said, reaching up to grab his hand. “You pay for the fantasy. Whatever you need me to be.” He gave the hand he was holding a squeeze. “You’re golden, gorgeous. No worries.”

Devin served dinner and let the subject drop. He watched anxiously as Christian took a bite out of the chicken.

“My God. That’s fucking fantastic.” Christian said through a mouthful of food. It was adorable. “You always cook like this?”

Devin shook his head. “Not usually for myself. If I have company. I like to cook but it’s so much hassle when it’s just for myself.” Christian made a happy very masculine noise of enjoyment and tore into the rest of the meal. Devin thought he heard a muttered, “This is so much fucking better than dorm food” come out of Christian’s mouth in between shovel-fulls but he couldn’t’ be certain.

They ate in surprisingly comfortable silence before Devin’s curiosity got the better of him. “So what are you studying in school?” He asked before he could censor himself.

Christian finished chewing his bit of chicken and swallowed. “Double major in business and chemistry.” He took a sip of his drink. Chemistry? Yuck. Devin thought. He must be really smart. Devin had tried a chemistry class once. He had barely passed 101 with a c minus. “I had a sports scholarship but I fucked my knee up freshman year.”

“What sport?” Devin asked. He knew nothing about sports, other than most of them involved balls of various sizes. He repressed the grin that was threatening to take over his face as he had the thought. His mind immediately descended into gutter territory. Okay, he was immature sometimes. He could admit that.

“Baseball.” Which only brought to mind the lovely tight uniforms that baseball players wore. He couldn’t help the smile then, though he had the decency to stare at his water glass as he did so. “You’re trouble, Devin.” His name had him looking up into Christian’s knowing face.

“What?” He asked, wide eyed. Christian was apparently a damn mind reader.

“You’re thinking about me naked.” Christian said like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “But you’re smiling like you’re amused by it. Whatcha thinkin?”

Devin felt his face flush. “Um, just about sports. I know nothing about them. Then that thought led to uniforms and you and…crap, now I sound like a perv.”

Christian started laughing which only made his cheeks fill with more heat. “Only you would worry about sounding like a perv with a prostitute in your house.” Devin felt a grin stretching his lips at Christian’s proclamation. Okay, yeah, he was silly for thinking that.



Chapter Three


The club was jumping already when they arrived. The Bourbon Street crowd was already out in full party mode and clothes were already starting to fly. Rainbow Alley was one of the premier hot spots for the gay community in New Orleans and Devin had always held a special place for it. After all, he’d picked up Mark at the bar there.

“Looks like a good crowd tonight.” Christian shouted over the music. He had his arm slung over Devin’s shoulders, already playing the part of lover with practiced ease. Devin couldn’t help but feel just a little bit happy at how well he fit into Christian’s arms. He could almost forget that they weren’t really a couple. “So who are we meeting here?” The words were pressed against his ear, eliciting a shiver of response. Dev’s ears were always his hot spots.

“My ex is going to be here.” Devin didn’t know if he was warning Christian or what by making that announcement. “He’s under the impression that he meant enough for me to pine after him and he won’t leave me alone until I have proof otherwise.” He was almost apologetic as he spoke.

“I’m not fixing to get my ass kicked, am I?” Christian asked, narrowing his eyes. He looked like he was getting a little pissed. “I mean, I don’t mind showing off for your friends but if your ex starts shit…”

“Don’t worry about it.” Devin assured. “Seriously, he wouldn’t be stupid about it. He just may talk some trash.” Silence answered him as Christian looked off into the crowd. Devin worried his lip. “You want to leave?” He asked.

Christian’s gaze swung back to him. Devin saw the indecision in his eyes and he didn’t blame him. It’d been stupid of Devin to even think that it would be okay for him to use Christian like that. 

“No, gorgeous. I’ve got your back.” The words were punctuated with a squeeze. “Though if I get my assed kicked I’m going to implement a no-leaving-the-house rule for us.” Was that a joke? Devin wasn’t sure but he smiled anyway.

Christian led him to the back bar, away from the booming base and the pulsing bodies. It was quieter back here and Christian parked him at a table and then went to the bar to grab them some drinks. Of course Mark would choose that time to approach him. Devin sighed and watched his ex swagger up to his table with two of his rent boys in tow. Devin was just assuming the last but the cruel thought gave him a little fuel of anger to hold on to.

“Well hello, lover.” Mark greeted. “Where is the mythical boyfriend?”

“At the bar, getting us drinks.” Devin said steadily. “We’re not staying long. Once you look your fill, we’re done.” He didn’t even know why he was placating Mark’s wishes…again. Now that Mark was standing in front of him he had a clue as to the utter stupidity of this whole thing. He never should have brought Christian here. All he was doing was playing right into Mark’s demands and making himself look like a petulant child in the process. When would he learn?

“Well, he’ll have to get here first, baby.” Mark smiled and it wasn’t a kind smile at all. It was downright predatory. “You look good, Dev.”

“Shut up, Mark.” He snapped. “I told you that we’re done.”

“Yeah, yeah, and that you have an invisible boyfriend. I get it. You want independence and I acted like a jerk. Let’s just stop the charades, baby. We worked good together. We can still work well together. This fight is silly.” Mark said, sliding into the seat opposite Devin. He waved his hands to the two men waiting beside them and they disappeared into the crowd. “I can give you the space you need but please stop punishing me with your “cold as ice” routine.”

Devin sputtered. “It’s not like that!” He protested. “I’m not playing you, Mark. I really want you out of my life.”

“Then why did you come here?” Mark challenged. “Face it, Dev, you’re still in love with me and this whole thing was just a ploy to get my attention. I get it. But your mind games get old.”

“Get your attention?” Devin repeated, dumbfounded. “Mind games?”

Mark snorted. “Oh drop the innocent routine. I know you. You’re always Mr. Hold-me-close-but-not-too-close. You get off on being ignored and treated like you’re not important.”

Did he really? Devin’s mind swirled with the possibility. Was that the reason he chose such shitty relationships? He thought there was something wrong with his choices but maybe it was something wrong with him. He felt really small of a sudden. Was he really that manipulative? He didn’t really want to be treated that way. He just liked bad boys but not for the abuse. He wanted to help. Didn’t he?

“You’re in my seat and upsetting my boyfriend. Can I fucking help you?” Christian’s voice was a welcome reprieve. Relief flooded him but not the triumph he’d expected. He’d expected to feel some sort of joy at rubbing in Christian’s presence to Mark. Instead he felt a little sick and a whole lot pathetic.

Mark’s eyes widened in surprise and he quickly gave Christian a once over. “You’re his boyfriend?” He asked, not believing it if his tone was any indication. Christian smirked and took a swig out of his beer.

“Yeah. I’m his boyfriend. Got a problem?”


****

Christian may not have known new guy from Adam but he did not like the way he was looking at Devin and he really didn’t like the way Devin seemed to cave into himself in the man’s presence. This had to be the ex that Devin had warned him about. The man was built like a freaking brick house and had all the repressed violence of an action flick just bubbling under the surface. That, more than anything, kept the other man from being attractive. He was all darkness and dirty alleyways.

“Yeah. I got a problem because that’s my boy and you are a joke if you think he’s anything but.” The ex said.

“Mark!” Devin snapped, glaring at the other guy. “You’re not my anything.”

Christian nodded but didn’t break eye contact with Devin’s ex. “You heard him. You’re nothing. So why don’t you move the fuck along?”

“You’re really his boyfriend?” Mark asked slowly. Christian nodded. That was, after all, what he was being paid to say. If he were honest, it was more than that though. Everything about Devin brought out Christian’s protective streak. “You fucked him yet?” The additional question was not unexpected but still downright annoying.

“That’s none of your business.” Christian said. Mark stood and was eye to eye with Christian. The frat boy just raised an eyebrow in challenge. “You going to move or am I going to have to make you move?”

“He’s such a little ice slut.” Mark spat. “He’ll spread easily enough but it’s like fucking a frozen fish. He doesn’t feel anything.”

Christian grinned nastily. “Yeah? Not my fucking experience, man. Maybe the problem was you.” Rage purpled Mark’s face.

“Fine. Whatever.” He turned his head and looked at Devin who was partially hidden behind Christian. “We’ll talk later.”

“No.” Christian interrupted. “You won’t. Come near him again and I will make you fucking miserable.”

Mark pushed past him, slamming his shoulder into Christian’s but he was ready for it and held his ground. What a piece of work, Christian thought.

He slid into the chair that Mark had just occupied and pushed the beer he’d been carrying for Devin towards him. “Here. That will steady your nerves.” He said. Devin was trembling slightly. The conversation had obviously really upset him. “You okay?”

“Can we just leave please?” Devin’s voice was low, beaten. Anger fired through Christian again at the thought of this normally vibrant guy being brought so low.

He nodded to his drink. “Finish your beer and dance with me. You shouldn’t let that asshole dictate when you leave.” Devin sipped his drink, looking miserable. “Hey,” Christian said, getting his attention. “None of that. We accomplished our mission on telling his ass off but if he doesn’t lay off, call the cops. I mean that.”

Devin nodded. “Thanks. Wasn’t as good as I thought it would feel but thanks.”

“Well, I’ll try to make it feel better. Okay?” Christian asked. He was such a sucker for little lost boys, always had been. Nothing had him falling harder than a pretty face with a sob story. No wonder Devin was hiring rent boys to get a little love, if these were the kinds of guys he was picking up. He probably had the self esteem of a Snickers bar, none.

“You don’t have to try and make me feel better. I shouldn’t have dragged you out here. That was stupid.” Devin mumbled. Christian reached across the table and grabbed his hand.
“Forget about him and everything else. This is your night. Have fun. Forget the drinks even. Come dance with me.”

****

Devin allowed Christian to drag him out on the dance floor. He really wasn’t in the mood but he had to admit, the idea of dancing with Christian made him hot. The man was beautiful and strong and about seventy million other things that Devin found irresistible to men. He constantly had to remind himself that this wasn’t a real date and that he was paying for the privilege because Christian made him feel what so many others before him had not: safe.

Then they were grooving to a heady techno beat and Devin forgot all about his contemplations of Christian’s perfection in favor of appreciating the sheer visceral splendor of having his magnificent body pressed up against his. They moved well together, anticipating the other’s movement. Their lower halves could’ve been glued together for all the separation that they had during the dancing. It wasn’t frankly sexual per say but the tension and the promise was there. Anyone who would’ve been watching them could see that.

“We’ll have to do this again, gorgeous.” Christian murmured in his ear as he twisted his hips against the seat of Devin’s ass. “I like the way you move.” Devin would’ve replied but then the frat boy spun him out in a turn before jerking him back to his chest, one leg in between Devin’s so that Dev was pressing his cock against the firm muscle of Christian’s thigh. He resisted the urge to pant and hump like a dog.

He looked up into Christian’s gorgeous brown eyes that were filled with heat and a promise of pleasure if only Devin would allow him off his leash. The ability to say no and to keep the frat boy waiting was a delicious power that Dev was tempted to exercise. Unfortunately he was so damn turned on by the time he realized he had it that there was just no way he could do anything but say, “Take me home”. Christian did.

Chapter Five
They made love. That was the only way Devin could describe what they did. Christian was the epitome of gentleman, of lover. He made Devin feel like he was special and wanted, cared for. Too bad he was acting.

“Christian,” he gasped as the frat boy slid down his body and took his naked cock deep into the back of his throat. There was no frantic energy to his movements. Everything was slow and easy. He sucked him slowly, scattering his mind as he tried desperately to hold onto the reason he should be holding back with Christian.

“Come on, Devin,” Christian murmured, pulling off his length to encourage his participation. “Give me everything, baby boy. Let me see you come apart for me.”

Devin lost to battle to remain unmoved and groaned low in his throat. His hips bucked up, forcing his prick deeper. Of course Christian didn’t move back. He was intent on making Devin lose his damn mind. Christian held his hips steady as he bobbed his head.

“Please,” Devin gasped. “I can’t take anymore, Christian. Please!”

He felt the rumble of Christian’s laughter around his cock. The frat boy pulled back to move up his body. “Is this okay?” Christian asked as he settled Devin’s legs on either side of his hips and angled his hips upward. He was so considerate.

Devin reached out and cupped his cheek. “Yes,” he whispered. For what he’d done tonight, Christian could have him in any way he wanted.

Christian rolled  a pre-lubricated condom onto his prick before pressing the tip against Devin’s entrance. “I want you so much,” Christian admitted, his body opening eagerly to swallow his lover’s prick.

Then there was no more room for words as they moved together in perfect harmony. Their eyes met, held. It was such an intimate thing to do, something he’d never done with any of his lovers before.
They came together in perfect unison, gasping out their mutual praises until there was nothing left to give. Devin’s release splashed the area between his torso and chest with the force of his orgasm. It wasn’t as frantic as before but it was just as powerful and just as satisfying.

Christian held him afterwards, kissing his lips gently over and over again as they spent themselves as one.

Devin stroked a finger down his face. “You’re amazing.”

“You’re pretty amazing yourself,” Christian said. He slowly pulled himself from Devin’s body and he groaned at the loss. He winked and quickly pulled off the condom to dispose of it in the trash bin by Devin’s nightstand before disappearing into the adjacent master bath.

Devin sighed and relaxed into the comfortable embrace of his bed. There was nothing quite like home. He glanced toward the bathroom. There was nothing quite like Christian either. No one had made him feel like this. With a sinking heart he realized that their rendezvous would have to end soon. Devin was only a client, not a lover.

Christian returned with a washcloth which he used to clean Devin’s sticky body. He even leaned down and pressed a kiss to his forehead. “All right, sweet man. I’m going to have to get out of here. I have a early class tomorrow and I still have to finish my paper.”

Devin swallowed. “Sure. Let me get my wallet.” He figured they wouldn’t have much time for basking but he’d wanted a little cuddle. You’ve kept him busy all damn night, Dev. You’re being a selfish prick.

“Um, next time I could plan on bringing my laptop. That way, you know, I wouldn’t have to leave,” Christian said, staring at Devin as he retrieved his clothes with a weird look on his face.

Devin raised his eyes. “I can’t afford an all night excursion.”

“Uhh, well, I only would charge you for…you know.”

Why was he embarrassed? He sounded really uneasy all of a sudden. Maybe he likes me. He banished the thought as soon as he had it.

“If you like.” That was the safest way to reply, the only way to reply.

Christian gave him a smile that melted him even further. You’re so dangerous to my sanity, Christian.

“Cool. Just give me a call whenever you want me over. And, you know, if you want to just talk or something, I won’t charge you for that either.”

Devin returned his smile, hope blossoming in his chest. “Thanks.”

“Anytime. You deserve more than what that prick gave you.”

Devin walked him to the door and Christian turned to give him a hell of a kiss goodbye. When the door closed behind him, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of sorrow for his loss. The frat boy had really endeared himself to him tonight.

“Well,” he muttered to himself. “I am the king of hopeless infatuation. Wouldn’t want to spoil my record now.”

****

Christian finished his paper as the sun rose and he somehow managed to drag himself to his first class to turn it in with only one cup of coffee under his belt. It was beyond impressive. He imagined it wouldn’t have taken him so long to finish up the paper had his mind actually been on the benefits of ethical business practices instead of the benefits of talking Devin into going out with him again.

“You are so lost, boy,” Marco said, settling into the desk next to him as they waited on the professor to arrive. “You have been dreamy eyed since you met the guy.” He was jealous but Christian didn’t really blame him. A hot, single, enjoyable john was something out of all their fantasies.

“He’s just a paycheck, Marco,” Christian said. He’s said it before but he needed the reminder for himself this time. Good God, he’s under my skin. It was the vulnerability last night that had sunk a hook into him, he was sure of it. A couple of days and some distance would do them both some good.
Marco gave him a look that he was pretty sure mean that Christian was full of shit. “A paycheck my ass, brother.”

He was saved from having to reply when Professor Flix came through the door carrying his briefcase.
“Good morning, good morning, my red-eyed students. Those of you who pulled all-nighters finishing up the paper you owe me, best not fall asleep. Those of who did not finish your paper, you may leave. I have no use for lazy students.” Several students got up and left. Marco sighed audibly and Christian resited the urge to smirk. Flix was a good looking forty-something that Marco had been crushing on since day one of class. He’d since become a very nice suck up. It made Christian laugh. “Put your papers in my hand as I circle the room.”

Christian handed his over and let his mind zone out as Flix talked, making notes occasionally when Flix sounded enthusiastic about something.

His mind was elsewhere and he wished he could drag it out of the place it had descended into. He imagined that he and Devin were planning their next “date”, no money involved, no nothing. Just two guys who liked each other aiming to made a connection in a world where real connections were rarer than Earth-sized diamonds.

Stupid. Stop thinking about the trick and concentrate on your studies. When school was finished and everything was said and done, he could find that sort of connection. There was no point in entertaining fantasies now. He needed to keep his head down and his shoulders squared against the world. Period.
His cell phone buzzed, indicating a text message. He pulled it stealthily from his pocket to see who was texting him. Devin. What he could only describe as butterflies flickered in his chest. Fuck. I shouldn’t like him. But he did.

“Pay attention, Mr Matheson, I understand how difficult it is after a long night but try,” Professor Flix cut in, dragging him back to the present. It was going to be a long day.


****

  Christian stretched out on his futon and read the words in his text book over and over again. He was bored. After a long day of tests, lectures, and papers, he was ready to be done. However, he needed to finish this chapter because he had a few jobs tonight. He checked his cell phone, wanting a call from a certain client of his.

Stop it, Christian,” he muttered to himself.

Marco opened his door without asking and plopped down on the sofa next to him. “I saw you had John, Parker, and Dustin lined up tonight. Can you spare one?”

Christian gave him a look that clearly said he wasn’t interested in giving up his clients for a frivolous reason. “Not really. I have dues and next semester’s classes coming up.” However, John and Dustin would love Marco. They’d had him before. “Is it an emergency?”

“I just could really use the extra cash.” Marco sighed. “Damon stiffed me twenty bucks on the last job.”

“I told you not to do doubles with Damon. He’s a shady motherfucker.”

“I know but I’m not like you guys. You got the whole macho thing down so either way you’re someone’s kink.”

Christian rolled his eyes. “Cry me a river, Marco. You’re hot and you know it.”

He huffed. “Hot is great and all but I have to get someone to pay for it.”

Christian opened his mouth to tell him that he would have to deal on his own but then his cell phone buzzed. He slid his finger across the screen. Devin.

You busy?

He rapid texted back. Maybe. Why?

I can’t pay for a real visit but I’d like to take you out to supper.

The frat boy hesitated. He really needed the money. The job would set him up for a couple of weeks…
“Marco, you can have all three jobs.”

A grin spread over Marco’s face. “Seriously? Right on!” He gave a happy little whoop and Christian resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “I’ll go tell the boss.”

“Okay.”

Marco pushed himself happily to his feet before turning and looking back at him. “You gotta hot date or something?”

“Um, sorta.”

Marco’s grin widened. “Ooh is it the hottie you warned everyone else off of?”

“No.” Christian’s face heated. He was such a bad liar.

“Holy shit!” Marco cackled.

Christian glared. “Don’t start or else you can kiss those jobs goodbye. Keep your damn mouth shut. If the brothers find out, I’m so dead.” They would probably rib him more than  a little bit when they found out. It wasn’t like anyone would really care until he stopped paying his dues but still. He’d preferred to go without their interference.

“Fine, fine.  I’ll keep the information to myself. Have fun with your lover man.”

Christian turned his attention back to his text book. He needed to hurry up and finish it. He would be occupied with Devin and wouldn’t get the chance to finish before tomorrow’s lectures. Happiness bubbled up in his chest. He called, sorta. He forced his attention to the words on the page. He had to suffer through the text and then he’d be able to see Devin.

He texted Devin a quick question. Hey, how nice is the place? Reservations or Drive-Thru?

Reservations ;)

“A real date it is, Dev.” He wondered if he would go home with him after. They’d already had sex a few times now but he didn’t want to feel that Devin was taking advantage of the “you don’t pay if you just want to talk” rule.

“We’ll just have dinner, conversation. It’ll be great.” Simple. Something none of his relationships had been in a really, really long time.      

18 comments:

  1. I'm dying for the next few chapters!!! More please :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love love love! So looking forward to next installment :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. This story is awesome! I'm so looking forward to the next part ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  4. The next part should be up in the next! <3

    -Jana

    ReplyDelete
  5. All I want for my upcoming birthday is the next part of this awesome story.... Pretty pleeeease....

    ReplyDelete
  6. Replies
    1. Soon, I promise. :) Look for it within the week. <3

      Best,
      Jana

      Delete
    2. :) Your the best...Thank you, love your writings :)

      Delete
  7. Can't wait for Chapter Four! So, do you post weekly, or what?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I try to post as often as I can. I'm implementing a every Monday post rule so I update weekly. :) That way it's not too long between posts.

      best wishes,
      Jana Downs

      Delete
  8. Thanks for the update, truly amazing story. Cannot wait for more :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry it was longer coming than expected. :) Thank you for reading. I'm glad you're enjoying.

      best,
      Jana

      Delete
  9. Awesome story. Looking forward to the next chapter.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm still loving this story! I always hate when it ends! My only suggestion is..... MORE SOON PLEASE!!!!!!! :-)

    ReplyDelete