Niko sighed. “One more thing. I know why the shop’s getting this shit thrown its way. Ethan’s in trouble.”
“Is he all right?” Scarlet pressed the palm of hand against her chest. “He hasn’t been here this afternoon. I thought he had class.”
“I’ll take care of him if you’ll take care of getting the mess here figured out. I need to talk to you guys.”
The Professor rounded the desk and sat in the leather office chair. “Just remember, boys, a few of you have records, and if you land yourselves in jail again, I’m not sure I can help you out on this one. Niko, think before you do something you’ll regret.”
The only regret he’d have was if he couldn’t get to Ethan in time. He gave a sharp nod and left the room, the guys filing out behind. Ben shut the door to the empty cigar lounge. “So?” They all sat down. “What’s the plan?”
Niko dipped his head in his hands. “We go get my boyfriend and remind this bastard who he’s messing with.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Ethan sat on the edge of the bed in his old room, the sour turning in his stomach a constant reminder of how much he hated it here. The knock on the door startled him enough he jumped to his feet.
“You getting settled in, my love?” Charles asked from the other side.
said he fisted his hands. “I guess. Where is all my stuff? I left several boxes in here.”
“In the closet. I had Cindy put them in there when she cleaned. I would like to see you downstairs in twenty minutes. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a session. I can’t wait to get my mouth on that beautiful cock. I expect you to be naked. I have several things to bargain with, so maybe this session we can take our play to another level.”
Ethan ran to the closet. The five boxes he’d packed were neatly stacked in the corner. “I’m not sure about tonight. I’m really tired. Maybe tomorrow night?” Ethan fought back the bile burning his throat.
“Tonight, Ethan. I won’t be kept waiting any longer. Roseanna decided to keep her townhouse so we’ll once again have the house to ourselves. We can go to the club tomorrow night. Everyone will be excited to see you. They love watching you pleasure yourself. So do I, my love.”
“I have class in the morning,” Ethan searched through the bag he’d packed when he left the apartment. He pulled out a black T-shirt he’d taken from the hamper in Niko’s bathroom. Hugged it tightly against his chest. “Will you keep your promise since I came back?”
“I told you in the car I would stop the injunction of the zoning and smooth over the Board of Health issue. If you give me tomorrow night, nothing will come of the threats.”
“And Niko?” Saying his name made tears streak down both cheeks.
“Your friend will not be harassed in any manner, but if you leave, there will be consequences. My driver will take you to school and pick you up. You will not have a job. I’ll give you everything you need. Are we clear on these rules?”
Not have a job? Ethan panicked. He’d be more trapped than he was before and the previous agreement was no sex. The thought of fucking Charles made his skin crawl and itch. What was he going to do? He loved Niko and part of loving someone meant to sacrifice.
“I’m really tired.” Mental exhaustion was winding him down and all he wanted to do was close his eyes and pretend he was somewhere else. “I understand the rules, but I just want to go to bed now. It’s getting late.”
“All right. We can talk more in the morning. Sleep well, my love. I’m so happy you’re back home safe and sound. Sweet dreams.”
With clothes and shoes still on, Ethan flipped the covers and slid under the sheets. Holding the T-shirt close to his nose, he inhaled. The faint scent of earthy cologne and Niko’s skin comforted him. He closed his eyes. The glow of the bedside lamp was supposed to keep the monsters away, but he had a feeling it wasn’t going to work anymore.
He buried his nose in the soft fabric. The heady scent of cologne and the wintergreen soap Niko used still lingered. He remembered him wearing the shirt when they’d gone out to dinner for his twentieth birthday. Niko had said they’d have a party later, but Ethan hadn’t cared. They’d made love and had breakfast in bed. Ethan dug in his pocket for the leather bracelet Niko had given him. It was perfect.
As he fought to stay awake, the drift was stronger than his effort. The glow from the lamp faded as the room disappeared and he was forced to sleep.
He was running down a long dark corridor. Bang! His weak legs gave, forcing him to stumble against one wall, his head bouncing off the black-and-red wallpaper. Running again, he tripped. Bang! His head hit the prickly carpeted floor. Bang! Ethan! Sparks of light slipped into the shadows lining the corridor. He tried to lift his head. Heavy weights pinned his neck.