Page 40 of Survival Game

His man was jealous. Kyle wanted to milk this just a little more.

“Oh, he’s a bit affectionate. It’s just how he is. Does it bother you?”

Eric looked a little affronted. “I wouldn’t ever tell you who can and can’t touch you, babe. That’s your decision.” He leaned in and brushed Kyle’s cheek tenderly. “I just don’t want him thinking he can ever take you away from me. Because I’m not letting you go without a fight.” He smiled softly.

Kyle’s eyes filled unexpectedly as the words sunk in. His heart beat erratically and he thought he might explode from the feels.

Eric really wanted him. He would fight for him. And he might be jealous, but he accepted Kyle’s responsibility for his own body and his own wellbeing.

He wasn’t Mario.

“Wow, that’s pretty deep.” He tried to make light of it, but his throat was a little choked. “Lucky then I’m not thinking of going anywhere, huh?”

Eric pulled Kyle’s chair flush with his, and for a while they were both oblivious to the sounds around them as their kiss became the only thing that mattered.

It was close to two am when an exhausted Kyle was shooed away from the club by an equally exhausted Ryan.

“Go home,” he instructed, blue eyes tired yet the look on his face was one of satisfaction. The amount of money raised for the evening had far exceeded expectations. “Rufus is doing the final checks to see we don’t have unexpected overnight visitors, and Greg, bless him, is going to close up for me.”

Ryan looked as if he couldn’t keep his eyes open, and as Mango strode toward him, Kyle had no doubt Ry would be rushed to bed and tucked in before the door was even locked.

Mango’s face showed his concerned. “Babe, you’ve overdone it, as usual. Come on. Let me get you upstairs. I’ll carry you if you like.” He grinned. “I’ve done it before, remember?”

Ryan flapped a hand and scowled. “You big ape, I’m not a damsel in distress. I can make it on my own, don’t you remember?” His tone was fond and the loving glance he gave his boyfriend made Kyle wonder if he might find the same thing with Eric. “Now, shoo, you two. And Kyle, baby?” Ryan reached over and pulled Kyle into a fierce hug. “Thank you. For tonight and every other night. I couldn’t have managed to get through all this without you there looking after this place.”

Kyle’s throat clogged up with emotion and he hugged Ryan back. “No problems, boss. Glad to help anytime. You get to bed, and sweet dreams.”

Mango gave him a quick, awkward pat on the back. “Yeah, what he said. Ry’s been lucky to have you in his corner. Appreciate you looking out for him.”

Kyle spotted Eric on the other side of the room, helping Greg pick up overturned chairs in the private area and setting them right. Eric waved, his smile lighting up his features.

Kyle waved back, and Ryan laughed. “Go on, fuck off you two. Go do the horizontal mamba if you can manage it. Me, I don’t think I can even manage to stay awake long enough to enjoy a blowjob.” The sly look he gave Mango made Kyle doubt that was true.

He chuckled. “Great. See you Monday.” He walked over to Eric who beamed at him. “Ready to go? I’m about to drop where I stand.”

Eric’s face brightened. “What, right here? Isn’t that a bit public?”

Kyle punched Eric on the arm. “Is that all you think about—sex?” He collected his jacket from the back of the reception desk and handed Eric his. “Come on. Let’s go home.”

Home tonight was Kyle’s place. They decided to walk, shift off some cobwebs and the scent of being stuck in the sweaty and testosterone-reeking club all night.

The evening air was chill, the streets still vibrant with people. Eric offered his elbow to Kyle who took it, a warm feeling in his chest that he wasn’t averse to displaying affection in public. Kyle wouldn’t go further—he’d learnt his lesson about unwanted PDAs the hard way, so kissing or making out in public was a no-no—but the snug feel of his arm tucked into Eric’s was soothing. He felt safe and cherished.

The dream was shattered when a sudden push at his back caused him to stumble, twisting to fall awkwardly on the pavement. Instinctively, he put his arms up to shield his body and face. Before he blocked out the view, he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure. A tall, dark-haired man loomed toward him, something swinging from his right arm.

Fuck, he’s found me.

Beside him Eric shouted something, but Kyle couldn’t hear. His ears were buzzing, bile had collected in the back of his throat and overwhelming fear claimed his body and mind like an invasive entity that drove all rational thought from his brain and made him remember all the abuse he’d suffered.

The words that came out of his mouth were strangled and fearful, ones he thought he’d never utter again. “Mario, I’m sorry. Please don’t….”

Something wet hit his face, unwanted and foul smelling. Kyle curled into a ball, waiting for the kicking to start. Instead, strong arms encircled him in their warmth, and dimly he recognised the scent of Eric’s aftershave.

“Babe, he’s gone. It was just a guy on the lam. I think he snatched a handbag. He ran into you. Are you okay? Are you hurt?”

Kyle shuddered and moved his arms away from his face. Anxious green eyes stared into his, as fingers gently wiped something from his face.

“He spat at you. I want to clean you up. I don’t want anything of that bastard’s on you. Can you stand? Come on. Hold onto me. We’re not far from your flat. Let’s get you home.”