Stephen - Sean Michael Page 0,16
work. And all this yarn, this fabric…” He started talking, showing off the pieces hanging around the room. “You can have one, if you’d like. Or more.”
Champ looked and touched, making happy noises. “It’s all so amazing. Would you choose something to give me?”
He frowned and looked around, but then his attention landed on his best piece—the browns and blues matching Champ’s eyes and the mark on his hip. “This one. It’s my favorite.”
“Oh, I’m honored.” Champ slid his fingers along the stitching, the pattern of the dragon there. “Your soul already knows me, Stephen.”
“It reminds me of you. Do you like it?” Please say yes. Please.
“I love it and will treasure it always.” Champ pulled him in close and gave him a kiss, lips soft and warm, lingering against his.
Stephen sighed, one hand on Champ’s chest. Oh. Oh, he wanted to go to Champ’s and offer himself, body and soul.
When Champ ended the kiss, he rested their foreheads together. “Let’s collect the rest of your stuff so we can get the guys to Marc’s work and then home.”
“What else do you want me to bring?”
“You have all your electronics, your clothing, and any projects you’re currently working on?” At his nod, Champ continued. “Then unless there’s anything else you want or need, we’re good to go.”
“No, let’s go. I want to have our few days together.” He wanted to relax and play with Champ.
“I can’t wait to get you home and shut the rest of the world out. Explore, play, enjoy each other.” Champ picked up his suitcase and the bag of stuff that didn’t fit, along with his project bag, leaving him with his bag of electronics. “Come on, guys—time to go meet your bad boy.”
They came out with some dog-eared books, a journal, and a pair of wicked smiles. “We can’t wait.”
Oh dear.
Champ chuckled. “I think your friend Marc is about to get exactly what he needs, if not what he wants.”
“Indeed.” Berny nudged France, who nudged him back.
“I—I hope he does. Gets what he needs. So much.”
“You’re a good friend.” Champ led the way back to the car, carrying all his stuff with ease. Before he knew it, they were back on the road, the address for the store Marc worked at plugged into the console.
“Are we there yet?” France asked.
Champ half laughed, half snorted. “Don’t get me started.”
“You’ve already gotten started, you ass.” Berny snorted and kissed France, hard.
There was electricity coming from the back, a feeling of anticipation and excitement that was palpable.
“You’ll meet your boy soon enough.” Champ slowed down as they got close to The Papery, gaze darting from side to side, no doubt looking for somewhere to park his behemoth of a vehicle.
“There’s a spot just past the store, Champ. Does that look good?”
“Yeah, that should do.” Champ pulled into the spot like a pro. “I know the guys are ready, but what about you? You ready for whatever Marc is planning to throw at you?”
“No, but I suppose that’s normal, isn’t it?” He sighed. “No one likes to have a friend angry with them.”
“No, they don’t.” Champ took his hand and kissed his knuckles. “But I’ve got your back.”
“Thank you. Let’s do this. I see Marc locking up.” Marc was taller than him, narrower, with a shock of black hair and icy green eyes.
“Oh, he’s pretty.”
“Yes, he looks good enough to eat.”
If Marc didn’t eat them first. Stephen could see the smoke coming from Marc’s ears.
Berny and France were out of the SUV in a flash, headed right for Marc.
“Uh-oh.” He looked at Champ, then launched himself out of the car. “Hey, Marc! I have someone for you to meet!”
Marc looked at him, sneering. “Fuck off, assmunch.”
“Oh, no. That’s not how our boy talks.” Berny pulled himself up and looked twice as huge as he had before. “What’s your safeword, boy?”
Champ came up to Stephen and put a hand on his back. “It’s okay. They’ve got this.”
“I’m not done yelling at you, you fucking bitch!”
Stephen opened his mouth to retort, but Champ’s hand just kept him moving.
“You’re not going to sit for a month, boy. You’d better give me your safeword before I decide to start teaching you some manners without bothering with one.” Berny sounded so stern—calm but serious as fuck.
Champ moved him back toward the SUV. “He doesn’t want a proper introduction, that’s fine. You don’t need to take that kind of abuse from him.”
“I didn’t mean any…I didn’t mean to hurt his feelings.” They couldn’t hear the