Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 67981 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67981 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
“No.” Spencer shook his head. “I’m fine.” He dropped his chin, feeling his cheeks heat. “God, this is embarrassing. I’m so sorry. Your brothers must think—”
“Wait,” Peter said. “This is your boyfriend?” he asked disbelievingly.
Spencer knew he probably should have been offended, but he understood the sentiment. Emilio was stunning and kind and talented and it was hard to believe he was real, let alone that he wanted to be with him. But he did. Spencer still didn’t know why Emilio wanted him, but he knew Emilio wouldn’t lie to him. Not about that or anything else.
“Yes,” Emilio answered Peter’s question. “We live together. You had your chance with him and you blew it. Spencer is mine now, so back the fuck off.”
“Oh, I get it,” Peter said condescendingly after a beat. “You moved him into your house, is that it? You’re supporting him and you think that makes him your boyfriend.” He laughed cruelly. “I thought if nothing else, you were more intelligent than this. Be real, Spencer. He’s using you!”
“Using me?” Spencer repeated, trying to process what Peter meant and quickly deciding he didn’t care. But before he could say that, Peter kept talking.
“Yes, he’s trying to get every cent out of you he can and then he’ll disappear into the night. It’s a good thing I’m here to save you from yourself.”
“Peter, you’ve really gone too far,” Spencer said through gritted teeth. “I won’t have you insulting Emilio. You need to leave. Now.”
“You can’t be serious,” Peter said to Spencer, and then he glared at Emilio. “I’m not naïve like Spencer. I know you’re using him for money!”
“Oh, man,” Emilio said with a chuckle. “You got it all wrong. Hell, with the amount of time I’ve spent remodeling Spencer’s house for free, I’m the one paying him.” He shook his head. “I’m not with Spencer for money.” Emilio looked right at Peter. “I’m with him for the great sex.”
Everyone was quiet for a few seconds, and then Jim cleared his throat, breaking the silence. “Well, then,” he said. “I supposed that’s the end of that. Peter, I suggest you leave now.”
Though he looked shaken, Peter refused to back down. “This is a public establishment; you can’t make me leave,” he said to Jim.
“No, I can’t,” Jim admitted. “I’m just making a friendly suggestion because the two men walking over from the pool table right now and the guy storming over from the bar? Those are Emilio’s brothers. They’re pretty protective of their family, and they include Spencer on that list. Seeing as how you just had your hands all over him, I would think you’d want to leave now and hope you never run into them again.”
Peter looked around the room, seemingly taking in the three Sanchez brothers approaching from all directions. He raised his pointer finger in the air, opened his mouth, then clapped it shut and scurried out of the bar. A few second later, the three brothers surrounded them.
“What happened?” Martin asked.
“Are you okay, Spencer?” Henry said at the same time.
“Who was that guy?” Raul demanded as he stared at Peter’s retreating form.
“I’m fine,” Spencer said, forcing himself to look Emilio’s brothers in the eyes even though he wanted to crawl under the nearest table and hide. “I am so sorry for—” He waved his hand at the spot Peter had occupied. “All of that.”
“You don’t need to apologize for that asshole,” Emilio growled. “That shit wasn’t your fault.”
“That guy coming back?” Raul asked.
“I sincerely doubt it,” Jim responded.
“Good,” Raul said as he started walking toward the pool table. “Who’s up? Or should we just start a new game?”
“New game,” Martin said, trailing after him.
“Fine by me,” Henry agreed.
“I’m going to sit this one out,” Jim said as he followed them. “Alicia will be home soon, so I’m only going to stay a few more minutes.”
As soon as they were gone, Emilio gazed down at Spencer. “Are you sure you’re okay, cariño?” he asked.
“I’m sure. I really am sorry about all this drama. I have no idea what got into Peter all of a sudden.”
“I do,” Emilio said. “He wants you back. I don’t blame the guy, but you’re mine and I ain’t giving you up, so he’s shit out of luck.”
Spencer beamed. “I think he got the message.”
“Good.”
“So,” Spencer said quietly. “You’re using me for sex, are you?”
Emilio’s cheeks darkened. “No! He was just pissing me off and I, uh—”
“I guess that means I better put out, huh?”
Emilio’s eyes widened in surprise, then he dragged his gaze over Spencer’s body and shivered. There was no way to mistake Emilio’s feelings. He not only told Spencer that he wanted to be with him, but he showed him every day, through his actions, through his expressions, and, right at that second, through the little whimper that escaped him. It made Spencer feel strong, knowing he could affect this man so deeply. And that strength, that confidence, made him trust Emilio even more.