Page 44 of Drake
“No,” he says. “Shut up and listen. I’ll tell you, but nothing can be said to the parentals. Not one word. And the brothers. In fact, it’s fine; it doesn’t matter. Forget I said anything.”
“Okay, calm the fuck down. Something obviously matters, and really… When in the fifteen years we’ve been brothers, have you ever heard me gossip?”
That does actually manage to calm him down a bit, and he almost smiles. “I’d like you to run a check on someone. Is that something you can do?”
I hold back my smile; he’s not going to appreciate that, not in this stressed-out state. “Yes, I can do that. What do you want to know?”
He stops behind his desk but doesn’t make any move to sit in his chair. “Everything, everything that has happened in this person’s life—especially in the last fifteen years.”
I did not expect that. Knox is a very private person. He’s a Dom, but very casually. He pops in and out of the scene, enjoying what he does when he does, but then can be away from it for up to six months. He hasn’t shown an interest in anyone specific that I’m aware of. A couple of scenes with Roe, some with Roe and Jackson. But that’s it. “Okay, what’s the name.”
“Maddox Levin.” His answer surprises me.
I look at him, not sure where that name came from. But it’s a well-known name within the gym and body-building world. Maddox Levin is the European MMA champion. He’s hot as fuck, and very, as in extremely, private. He only ever talks about his fights, his training, and his plans for future fights. I doubt if I’ll get much intel on him. “Okay…” I trail away, not knowing if I should ask him anything more. Fuck it, I’m interested. “Um, can I ask why? What exactly am I looking for?”
He shrugs, noncommittally. “Call it curiosity.”
“Fair enough. When do you want by?”
“Whenever you can.” He’s really a closed book over this, but I’m good at reading people. Then, as if a switch has flicked, he smiles like he’s chill. “So, is it true about you and Finn?”
“Is what true?” I’m going to kill fucking Royal.
“That you have the hots for each other but are both being pig headed and ignoring it.” He crosses his arms over his chest, looking just as fit and strong as the man he wants me to look up. More questions and thoughts run through my mind, but I hold them back.
“Royal should spend his time keeping his boy happy, not messing with my life,” I grumble.
“This is Royal you’re talking about, and he’s as nosy and persistent as Pops. So good luck stopping him from meddling.”
“Yeah, thanks for that. I’ll see what I can find out for you.”
We’re working out of Royal’s spare room, and it’s working for now, but I feel like I’m invading their private space, and while they don’t seem to mind, I don’t think it’s something long term.
Memphis is watching me closely. I’m not sure why he’s scrutinising me, but it’s weird. “Have I got something on my face?”
“What? No, it’s fine,” he says quickly, then looks back down at his tablet. He picks up the pen and draws something on the screen.
I get back to my work, and it’s another five minutes before Memphis speaks again. “Have you seen Drake at all?” He’s trying to sound laid back, but I’ve known him long enough to know when he’s faking it.
“No,” I tell him, even though I can still feel the sting of the spanking I gave him after he blew me before he went to see Knox. “It’s not like we’re on the same floor. The chances of bumping into him are not high.”
He sighs. “I don’t get why you just don’t go and see him. You’re both crazily attracted to each other and would be perfect together.”
“Seriously, I don’t know where you’ve got all this from. We hardly know each other. Yeah, he’s a good-looking man—the fact that he’s a sub is a massive plus point. But I can’t just knock on his door and offer up some sex. Be real, Memphis.”He doesn’t need to know that’s exactly what I did and that we’ve been together every night since then. Or that we plan to go to Bound soon to do a scene together. One that we’re working on to be sure we both get what we want. His ideas are hot as fuck, and I can’t wait.
He’s talking of being strapped to a spanking bench to have his arse paddled and fucked. His eyes lit up when I suggested clamping his nipples and plugging his hole with a plug. I plan on it being a big one. In fact, we’re spending tonight at mine so I can get some of my toys on and in him. He shivers at that, and I have to hold my breath at the sight of him so excited to play. He’s going to make falling for him very easy, and that’s something I’m not ready to talk about. Drake has just spent three months with his ex-Dom and lover. I doubt being in love is the first thing on his mind.
I’m not going to fuck this up, and that’s something I’ve done in the past. I’ve learnt that spending time with a particular sub doesn’t mean they want to have any claim made on them. That a few fantastic scenes doesn’t make a boyfriend out of them. The first time I suggested something outside of the club, I was let down gently. The second time wasn’t as kind, and I was left with more than a bruised ego. I didn’t bother after that; I knew a scene was a scene and that’s all. Maybe that’s why finding Matt and the way we met felt better, special, that the feelings I had developing were real and reciprocated. Yeah, well, that came back and bit me on the arse ten-fold.
Which is why I think we’re both treading carefully. Obviously, he knew all about Matt, and I now know about Rafe. Love, if it happens, can’t be rushed. But damn, he’s beautiful.
“Are you coming to the gym this evening? I’m going to yoga, at half seven. We can get a workout in before that,” Memphis asks.
I haven’t thought about it; my mind only has space for a certain 007. He didn’t say what time he’d be finished tonight, so I could go. I’m not booked for yoga, but a workout isn’t a bad idea. I grab my phone from my desk and open the messages.
Me: What time will you be finished today, I’m thinking about going to the gym after work with Memphis.
Drake: I’m not sure. I can come to you after that, maybe half seven?
