Hold Close (Biker Daddy Bodyguards #2) - Sue Brown Page 0,46
with anger. Craig moved into the room, ready to protect Louis, but Louis held up his hand. Craig stayed where he was, but stayed poised to move at the first sign of trouble.
“I’m not lying,” Louis said quietly.
To Craig’s relief, he didn’t seem distressed, just resolute.
“He’s not lying,” Craig said.
Peacock looked at him. “Who are you?”
“My name’s Craig Booker. I work for CDR. It’s a—”
“I know who CDR is,” Jem said, his tone a fraction less hostile than before.
“He’s also my Daddy,” Louis added.
Jem frowned as he looked between the two of them. “You were single. You had a session with Eric.”
“Craig came back to help after I was attacked,” Louis said. “It’s still very new.” He smiled at Craig then turned back to Jem. “I know you don’t want to hear this, but I’m telling you the truth. You’re out of the community, Jem. I was too. Strada did a number on Cade and so many boys. Talk to Graham. He’s got more information than we have.”
Graham’s name seemed to be the magic word. Jem subsided into the couch and shook his head, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. “God, what a fool I am. I thought he was interested in me. It’s been so long since…”
“I understand,” Louis said. “I needed something too. I thought Eric could help.”
“All he talked about was how badly he’d been treated by Connolly and you guys. I wondered why he was interested in me, when he usually goes for young guys.” That kind of self-realization was hard to hear. Jem was visibly hurting.
Craig saw the pain and self-recognition on Louis’s face. He moved closer now. “Strada’s a shit, Jem. I’m sorry he hurt you.”
Jem gave a tremulous smile. “You were the ones who hurt me. But for the right reasons. I guess this is the universe telling me it was always a foolish dream. And please don’t tell me I have to find the right person. I think we’ve proved my judgement is shit.”
“I was flattered too. And needy,” Louis admitted with a wry smile. “But there was no chemistry between him and me.”
Jem grimaced. “I was stupid enough to think there was chemistry. I thought I could prove that he didn’t need a young boy to make him happy.”
Craig knew this was a common problem with older boys. Daddies and boys were a small part of the BDSM community, but unattached older boys found it harder to find daddies who were prepared to take them on. Most daddies wanted sweet young boys they could mold. Craig was rare, preferring the challenge of an older man.
“I can’t say anything that’s gonna make you feel better right now, Jem,” he said, “but believe me when I say Strada would have destroyed you. That’s what Strada does. Cade was lucky. He had the money to get protection. Some of the other guys weren’t so lucky.”
Jem flinched. Louis gave Craig a reproachful look and put his arm around Jem.
“Craig’s a tactless bastard but unfortunately he’s right. Some of the stories from San Francisco aren’t pretty.”
“I guess I dodged a bullet then.” Jem sat up, dislodging Louis’s arm. “I think the ball is over for Cinderella. I’m going home.”
“How did you get here?” Craig asked.
“Eric brought me. I’ll get a car.”
Craig shook his head. “I’ll get one of the team to take you. Do you live by yourself?”
“Yes, but I have excellent security. There’s no way Eric can get past Herman.”
Louis raised an eyebrow. “Herman?”
“He’s on the door. Built like the Rock, mannerisms of a guard dog. I’ll be fine.”
Craig liked the sound of Herman already. He made a quick call. “Griff? It’s Craig Booker.”
“Craig, man. I heard you were back.” The voice sounded like faraway rumbling thunder.
“Got back a few days ago. Listen, are you free? Could you do me a favor?”
“You know I’m on vacation, don’t you?”
“You’re already bored and begging Dominic to let you back.”
He heard a rumbling laugh.
“You know me too well. As it’s you. What do you want?”
“Escort duty. From Romero’s. It won’t take long.”
“You could get a car rather than dragging me out,” Griff pointed out. “Or use one of the teams on duty.”
“I need you.” Craig hoped the emphasis was enough.
“You know I’m not that in that world now.” Griff did not sound amused.
“I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t need help.”
“Escort duty. One trip.”
“Yeah.”
“You owe me.”
Craig laughed. “I’m collecting. Remember Belarus?”
“Damn, I hoped you’d forgotten that. I’ll be there in fifteen.”
“I’ll let Ronan know. He’s on the door.”
“You’ve got