two months away, enough time to figure out whether they should try for the long haul. A few months traveling together was like a year on a regular dating timeframe. Nothing showed a couple whether they could tolerate each other on a regular basis than forced proximity combined with bullshit drama from outside forces.
“I can’t wear this robe back to my room. But I’m dreading putting my jeans on right now.”
Braylin had returned to chewing his lip. Zen tugged the plump flesh from between his teeth.
“Then don’t go back to your room.”
This time, Braylin’s eyes widened completely. “I can’t stay here! What will everyone think?”
“Is that so important? If it is, then we’ll figure out a way for you to go to your room without the robe or the jeans. But you’re welcome to stay here.” Zen held up his hands as if in surrender. “No hanky, panky or spanky. Cuddling only, and I’ll do something that hasn’t happened in actual decades. I’ll leave my boxers on.”
Braylin snort-laughed. “I guess I don’t care what others think. Well, at least not enough to say no to your offer.”
Zen nodded, proud of his boy. “That’s excellent. You’re being honest about how you feel.”
Braylin’s smile told Zen he was in a positive space, that he was accepting this strange new role he was starting to play. Zen gave Braylin a peck on his cheek then rose.
“I think we could both use a nap. I’ll be right back.”
After he’d gotten changed out of most of his clothes, he approached the bed with a couple water bottles. Zen stopped next to Braylin, gazing down at the softly snoring man who’d snuck in and kidnapped his heart. Zen hoped Braylin never gave it back.
Zen padded to the other side of the king-size bed then carefully climbed in. He scooted close enough to Braylin so their arms were flush. Zen got himself settled on his back and allowed the quiet sounds of Braylin slumbering and visions of cock cages and butt plugs lull him to sleep.
Chapter Ten
One week later: Heritage Bank Center, Cincinnati, OH.
Braylin glanced around the backstage area to see who was around. The opening chords of Sharp Edges encore kicked in and he imagined that Pete and the rest of the guys would soon be gathering in anticipation of getting Glitter Kink ready for their set. He stepped back into the darkness of the wings, the stacks of equipment somewhat masking his presence. He didn’t want to be spotted rubbing his ass.
After having a mini-meltdown the day before once they’d arrived at their destination, Zen had given him what he called a discipline—instead of a punishment—spanking. Braylin was still working out all the terms and trying to grasp the intent behind his Sir’s actions, but he had to admit the spanking had been an appropriate call.
The fear that the rest of the crew would start to hate or shun him now that he and Zen were together, had been eradicated by Zen’s firm touch. Braylin was reminded that his focus should be on Zen, on what they meant to each other, and not the opinions of others. The lingering ache in his ass somehow soothed him, an indicator he was seen. That Zen had claimed Braylin as his boy and cared enough to give him the attention he needed.
He was about to step out of the shadows when Marlon and Derek marched up, a heated conversation taking place between them. Braylin couldn’t catch much of what they were saying because of the blaring music, but he didn’t sense they were mad at each other. Not wanting to interrupt or have them think he was trying to eavesdrop, he decided to hang back for a minute.
When the words ‘that fucking bastard’ and ‘haven’t seen him backstage’ cut through the roar of Sharp Edges song, Braylin’s gut clenched.
Oh shit.
They had to be talking about Sal. Who else? Braylin ran through the files in his mind to see if he could bring up the last time he’d seen Sal around. However, he doubted he’d seen the surly guitar player more recently than anyone else.
Sal had been at soundcheck. A little late, but there. Honestly, the guy had stayed to himself for most of the tour. So other than chain smoking outside whatever lodgings they were in, or hanging out in the back of a hotel restaurant draining cup after cup of coffee, he could usually be found in his room.
Braylin was startled out of his thoughts by Marlon.
Busted.
“Yo,