Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 127213 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 636(@200wpm)___ 509(@250wpm)___ 424(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127213 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 636(@200wpm)___ 509(@250wpm)___ 424(@300wpm)
He was sure they’d both very much enjoy that outcome.
Ezra grinned as they parted, and while Frank did look around, to make sure no one was about to get nasty about two men in love, people were too busy with their Thanksgiving shopping to pay attention to strangers. Especially now that the sky had darkened.
“Yes, Frank, we will,” Ezra responded to the question Frank hadn’t voiced, and pushed away the cart away from the vehicle.
“Oh, the things I will do to you…” Frank laughed and gave Ezra’s ass a pat before walking off to the driver’s side.
He’d been in relationships before, but none were like this. Ezra was the perfect answer to all his needs—capable yet in need of Frank’s help and protection. Gentle yet with a sharp tongue. There was a balance to their love, and each passing day reassured him that this wasn’t just a prolonged dream. This beautiful man who could have anyone chose him, and Frank was determined to prove himself worthy of Ezra’s love. Always.
They had their meal times, daily rituals, and there was even a constant in the way Ezra always held his hand on Frank’s thigh when they drove. It almost felt as though they’d been together for years, not months.
And unlike all of Frank’s previous partners, Ezra knew all of him. The good, the bad, the ugly, Frank had laid it out, and Ezra chose him anyway.
“Paul called me yesterday,” Frank said, because while he didn’t want to upset Ezra, it was essential that he knew what was going on.
The hand on his leg twitched, but Ezra’s face showed no emotion when Frank peeked at it. “Why?”
“He does this now and then. Ever since I pulled away years ago. He claimed he desperately needed me for just ‘this one last job’, but that’s how things always escalate. It’s never one more job. So I turned him down. Pissed me off too, because he asked about you, and I’m not telling him shit.” Frank groaned and rubbed Ezra’s hand. “Sorry for dragging down the mood, I just needed to vent.”
Ezra sighed. “No, that’s okay. What does he want to know? If he cared about me in any way, he wouldn’t have tried to kill me.”
Frank shook his head. “He just likes to have strings to pull. Did you… Your arrangement with him. Was it a shallow connection, or something deeper?” He felt uncomfortable asking that question, but he’d rather have more cards up his sleeve.
Ezra remained silent for so long Frank regretted his decision to speak up, but when he opened his mouth, his voice was clear and calm. “I didn’t particularly like him as a person. I now think the reason why he chose to be with me rather than a real boyfriend is because he didn’t want to risk being exposed for what he is. But at the time I just saw him as one of those guys who like having all the power and everything catered to them. So no, no feelings involved. Just money.”
Frank took a deep breath. “Okay. Just to be clear, it would have been fine either way, I’ve got no issue with what you used to do. I wanted to know about him specifically to work out if he’s just being a menace or actually jealous. He’s a dangerous man, so I don’t want to underestimate him.”
Ezra’s eyes lost some of their sharpness, letting Frank know he’d said the right thing. “Not that I know of. I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t have asked me to sleep with his friends if he was jealous of me.”
“That’s true. Though I took into account that he might have just wanted to show off. But then he wouldn’t have been fine with me continuing to see you. Are you…” He licked his lips. “You’re okay with not doing it anymore, right? You don’t… miss it?”
It was dark, and the glow of the headlights reflecting off asphalt was the only light reaching Ezra’s features as they drove through the woods, heading for their home. He swallowed, once again taking his time. In many people this silence would have been a sign of anger or hurt, but Frank was gradually learning that Ezra liked to think things through before he spoke.
“I’m actually relieved. There was a lot of stress tied into my work. I’m not saying people who hire escorts are bad, but there are certain expectations that come with paying for sex and companionship. Always having to be on and never really letting go. The need to always be perfect, because that’s what is expected at that price point. I once looked up a discussion group about escorts. Someone was reviewing my teeth, which, apparently, aren’t white enough. I was very self-conscious about it for a while.”
Frank squeezed the wheel in helpless rage. “Jesus fucking Christ. You are a person. People are fucked in their heads. I’m glad it’s not something you have to deal with anymore.”