Ethan’s stomach was stretched full. He’d had three slices of cold pizza for breakfast. The memory of Niko’s withdrawn expression tugged at his lungs. “Yes, Niko has been great. He even got a microwave. I’ve never…I’ve never known anyone like him.”
“He’s a very special man, Ethan. Don’t let the muscles fool you,” he said, chuckling. “The talent Niko has is in another stratosphere. Sometimes he doesn’t see it. Maybe, you can help him realize how special he is.” Ethan stopped fingering the loose thread on his hoodie and shot a glance at The Professor. When The Professor rubbed the pad of his forefinger and thumb alone the point the left point of his handlebar mustache, Ethan held his breath. “No worries, young man. You’re not the first to try to snag him. He tends to be a little clueless when it comes to matters of the heart.”
Ethan swallowed, trying not to choke on saliva. “No, Professor, it’s not like that. He’s not…he’s not gay. I am, but he’s not…he’s not into…”
When The Professor pushed the chair back and stood, Ethan knew his legs wouldn’t hold his weight if he stood also. “Do you have class today? I have to leave a little early, but we can start with those rides now if you’re ready.”
Ethan rubbed his thighs, no pain because the scabs weren’t raw anymore. “I have a nine o’clock.”
“That’s perfect. I have a meeting at ten. Get your things and meet me down here. Your key will open the door in the back by the restroom. When the club is open, you’re welcome to use that door.”
Ethan nodded. The thought of being so close to Niko made his hands tingle. That always happened when he was getting ready to have a panic attack. What if The Professor said something giving Niko the impression their secret was out in the open? Sure, he didn’t want to be hidden in Niko’s gay closet, but he wanted—needed—to be friends with the guy. The attraction was enough to make his zipper pop, but there was more. So much more Ethan shook his hands trying to squelch the idea of how much he wanted Niko in his life.
When The Professor patted his shoulder, Ethan snapped his thoughts. “Come on, son. Don’t sweat this stuff. When I was seventeen, I thought my father was going to throttle me because I’d started boxing in a hole-in-the-wall gym. Come to find out he’d done the same thing, just like his father. It wasn’t about the money, and I have a feeling it’s not about the money for Niko, either. His blood needs to create like your blood needs to love him.”
Ethan sat on his hands to keep from fidgeting. Jesus, he was sweating so much he was going to have to take a quick shower again. The Professor squeezed and Ethan appreciated the support. Relief flooded his veins. He’d never betray Niko’s trust, but the way his chest tightened and his stomach fluttered when Niko was around made him lightheaded. He’d never experienced anything like it before.
“I swear it’s not like that. He’s just a friend,” Ethan said, trying to convince himself more than cover up Niko’s pride.
“None of my business. Let’s head out.”
Ethan stood on weak legs.
“When you get back, I’ll have Scarlet show you around.”
Ethan followed The Professor out of the office and down the hall. A guy with short, spikey hair, either due to just getting out of bed, or a perfectly applied gel job, stopped in front of cigar lounge door. He tilted an energy drink can to his lips. “Hey.” He wiped the back of his hand across his mouth, coughed, then took another drink. “So, yeah, I might need to head out for the weekend. I have some stuff to get straightened out.”
The Professor tilted his head and smiled. “We’ll hold things down here, Knox. Be careful, right?”
Ethan noticed the purple and grey splotches on Knox’s forearms. The tipped his full lips, full because one had a nasty cut obviously in a state of healing, into a cheesy grin. “Always.” He pointed at Ethan making him want to shrink back into The Professor’s office. Something about the man was off, made Ethan nervous, like one of those clowns in the circus pictures. Always smiling, but something so wrong under the paint. “This Niko’s kid?”
Ethan stuffed his hands in his pockets so he wouldn’t flip the guy off and get his ass kicked for sure. First, he wasn’t anyone’s kid. He was turning twenty next week. Diapers and bottles got thrown out a long time ago.
The Professor peered in Ethan’s direction. “This is Niko’s friend. From the look on his face, I would suggest you keep your distance. I think he could give you a run for your money. I mean what I said, Knox. You have my number. Call if you need me.”