Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 35479 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 177(@200wpm)___ 142(@250wpm)___ 118(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35479 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 177(@200wpm)___ 142(@250wpm)___ 118(@300wpm)
“Ah,” Shawn said. That explained Andrew’s animosity towards Rutledge.
Speaking of the man, Andrew chose that moment to turn to Shawn and ask, “So, do you work? Or does my brother-in-law pay your bills for spreading your legs for him?”
Silence dropped over the table, and Shawn felt himself flush.
He couldn’t believe Andrew had actually said that. And judging by the uncomfortable look that flashed over Andrew’s face, he couldn’t believe it, either. But then Andrew set his jaw, looking stubborn and determined: he might have regretted saying it, but he clearly wasn’t taking it back.
Shawn bit his lip, unsure what to say. Andrew’s words hit a bit too close to home. Of course no one here knew the nature of his relationship with Rutledge, but nevertheless, it made him feel embarrassed and humiliated. Shawn hadn’t completely come to terms with it himself, and now… he felt like a whore. It was ridiculous, but it was the first time he truly felt it. He hadn’t felt like a whore when he sucked Rutledge’s dick for money; he felt like a whore as he sat in this posh dining room with all these snobby people.
“Apologize.” Rutledge. It was spoken in a quiet, steely voice, but everyone in the room heard him.
Andrew glared at Rutledge. “Why would I? We all can see he’s poor and fucking you for—”
“You will apologize,” Rutledge said, his tone dangerously soft.
“Andrew, please,” Vivian said, awkwardly. “That was uncalled for—”
“Apologize,” Rutledge said again.
Joseph Rutledge was watching the exchange between his son and son-in-law like a hawk.
“It’s all right,” Shawn said lightly.
Rutledge ignored him and continued glowering at Andrew, who looked increasingly uncomfortable. “He will apologize or we’re leaving.”
Shawn thought it was an odd threat to make, because Andrew would be clearly delighted if they left, but Joseph Rutledge frowned. “Apologize, boy. No one insults my guests.”
Except for you, Shawn thought, not without humor.
Andrew said stiffly, “My apologies if I offended anyone. It wasn’t my intention.”
Rutledge didn’t look satisfied in the least, his body tense and eyes narrowed.
“If you must know,” Shawn told Andrew. “I’m a student, and I work part-time as a waiter. Yes, Derek pays most of my bills. I’m not ashamed of that. I’m lucky to have such a supportive, dependable partner.” He looked Andrew in the eye. “And if I ‘spread my legs for him,’ it has nothing to do with it, and it’s definitely none of your business.” Shawn raised his eyebrows. “I’m not sure why you even brought it up, Andrew. Unless you’re envious.”
He smiled as the asshole’s face slowly turned red. Shawn didn’t even mind the stunned, awkward silence that descended upon the room. He picked up his fork and started eating again, ignoring everyone.
He could feel Rutledge’s gaze on him.
Shawn didn’t turn his head.
Chapter 10
Shawn spent a few hours playing with Emily and Bee after dinner.
When the twins were finally exhausted and fell asleep, Shawn returned to his—their—bedroom.
It was empty.
Unsure if he was relieved or disappointed, Shawn grabbed fresh clothes and took a long shower. He stood for a while with the water pouring over his naked body and thought of the fact that he was going to share a bed with Rutledge. All night.
Shawn looked down at his half-hard dick and sighed. This was all so confusing. Rutledge was a man. He was also one fucked up asshole. He couldn’t possibly be excited about sharing a bed with him.
Annoyed with his body, Shawn dried himself, dressed, and stepped back into the bedroom.
At first, he thought Rutledge was still elsewhere. Then he spotted a tall figure out on the balcony.
Slowly, Shawn made his way towards the door, slid it open and stepped out into the night. When the chilly air hit him, he shivered a little and wrapped his arms around himself to keep warm. It was still pretty warm for November, but it was not warm enough for one thin layer.
Rutledge had a cigarette in his hand. He didn’t turn his head.
Shawn leaned against the balcony railings, mirroring Rutledge’s posture. “He’s really ill, you know.”
He noticed the subtle stiffening of Rutledge’s shoulders only because he was watching him closely.
“Yes,” Rutledge said tonelessly. “He’s dying.”
Shawn couldn’t say he was surprised.
“I’m sorry.”
Shrugging, Rutledge took a long drag from his cigarette. “There’s no love lost between us.”
Shawn looked at the moon as it peeked out from the clouds. “When my parents died, they left huge debts. The house had to be sold to pay off creditors, so I ended up homeless, barely legal, and with two toddlers to care for. Sometimes I hate them. For dying, for being so irresponsible and putting me in this position.” He felt his throat thicken and had to swallow the lump. Breathing in the clear night air, he tilted his face upward to feel the breeze brush across his skin. “But I miss them. So fucking much.”