Savior:A Tattered Club Story(9)

Michael stopped the car in front of the house. Ethan opened the door. He had three more paychecks and figured if he pawned the jewelry Charles had given him he’d have enough to move out. “Not yet.”

“Damn this place is huge. No wonder you don’t leave. This guy is loaded.”

Ethan rubbed the back of his neck. The tension wasn’t due only to the fact he’d been hunched over a computer in the library most of the day. The coil in his neck signaled the prickling threat of another panic attack. Would Charles be in a good mood, wanting to watch a movie and ask him to sleep in his bed? Ethan always had an excuse to avoid that one. Had he taken a pill that would make his dick hard? Ethan shuddered.

A year ago, he wouldn’t have minded so much. Charles was into pain. Ethan’s pain. Charles dick never stirred any attraction, but that didn’t matter. Ethan had been there for the money from day one. Besides, it wasn’t like Ethan had to take it up the ass. Only two months had passed since Ethan couldn’t bear sticking his dick inside Charles any longer.

There was no hiding the fact when he couldn’t get a hard-on unless the lights were off. Ethan only let Charles suck him off a couple more times before Charles’s preference for pain took control of their arrangement. The alternative to sex was a relief in many ways. Besides, Ethan knew he deserved every pinch and snap of the belt.

At this point, all he could do was pray Charles was in his bed reading The Wall Street Journal and ready to fall asleep. To be that lucky. Ethan didn’t seem to have much luck these days. The only thing he had to look forward to was getting his new tattoo and he wasn’t even sure if that was going to happen. He just wished Niko would’ve saved him money and gone with the phoenix.

Ethan gathered his bag. “Thanks for dropping me off. I really appreciate it. I hope five is enough.” Ethan dug a bill out of his pocket.

Michael waved his hand in front of his face. “Keep your money. It was my pleasure.” He turned the key, silencing the engine. Light spilled onto the curve of the drive where they were parked. “I’ve been thinking. We’ve been friends for a few months now and I know you’re shacking up with the old man, but I think we should go out. God, Ethan, you’re so fucking hot. Maybe even hook up? I don’t know. You turn me on so much.”

Ethan swallowed the bile rising in the back of his throat. Michael was gorgeous. With a full ride scholarship for soccer, his toned body was proof he deserved the star athlete title, but Ethan was tired. Dealing with Charles had been enough to weaken his thoughts. He didn’t need another complication in his life. Every friend he’d gotten slightly involved with eventually only wanted a hook up. The effort to get close to anyone wasn’t worth the heartache anymore.

If his own parents could throw him away, what would stop a guy he’d been friends with for only a few months from doing the same?

“Michael, things are complicated for me. I wouldn’t be good company on a date. I’m not interested in hooking up.” The sides of the car felt like they were closing in, crushing his lungs.

“Come on.” He leaned in and wrapped his large palm behind Ethan’s neck. When he tried to pull him in for a kiss, Ethan turned his head. Michael leaned back into the seat and huffed. “I see. I give you free rides home after class and the best you’ve got for me is a diss. I know you’re pretty and all, but, damn, I didn’t figure you for a tease.”

The heat in Ethan’s cheeks slid down the skin of his neck. A jumble of anger and hurt spiked his temper. “I’m not a tease, Michael. I’m sure there are a million guys out there dying to go out with you and…hook up. This is just a complicated time in my life.” Ethan opened the door. “I hope you understand. I’ll figure out a way to get home next time. I didn’t mean to lead you on.”

Michael turned the key. “Got it. I thought I’d give it a try. I don’t mind giving you rides. I hope this didn’t fuck up our friendship. I have a couple of booty calls in my phone so no worries.” Michael smiled. Ethan almost regretted not taking his friend up on the offer. Having someone touch him without pain would be amazing, something he hadn’t felt since his senior year in high school. Now it was just Charles and bruises…some done in anger and others for his sadistic pleasure.

“I’ll email those notes tonight. Thanks again for the ride.” Ethan stepped out of the car and looked over his shoulder as Michael drove away. Even though the offer still stood, he’d figure out another way to get home. He didn’t want to rely on anyone anymore.