Page 56 of Survival Game

Perhaps he should go to sleep for a bit. After he had his water.

“Yeah, sure,” Kyle stammered. “I’ll, erm, go fetch her.” He scuttled out of the room as if all the demons from hell were at his heels.

Closing his eyes, Eric imagined he and Kyle were on a soft, white beach somewhere, with cocktails. Kyle was in a tiny, dark blue Speedo and had never looked so delicious. His body was tanned and toned, his arse framed by the tight trunks and all Eric wanted to do was throw him down on the sand and…

“He looks weird, like he’s dreaming.” Kyle’s whisper made him come back to the present. “Is it the drugs you’re giving him?”

There was a soft laugh. “Dearie, he’s on so much medication I’m surprised he’s awake and lucid. It must be you he came back for from the deep, dark doldrums. He’s a tough bugger, this one.”

Eric’s eyes remained closed because they were heavy and he couldn’t bother opening them right now. Yep, you’re the one that I want, Kyle baby. Only you…

“Oh, so he might not be saying things he’ll remember later, when he’s not on the meds?” Kyle sounded disappointed.

“I think the medicine has just caught up with him now, that’s all. He’s been through a lot, what with the surgery. I’m sure whatever he said to you meant something to him at the time.”

What did I say to him? Oh, yeah, I think I told him I love him.

Eric tried to nod to assure Kyle that, yes, indeed, he’d meant every word and he’d tell him again when he was up and about just in case he needed to hear it again.

The nod seemed to grow heavier and Eric surrendered to the warmth of the darkness of sleep calling his name.

“I’m not an invalid. I can make it on my own,” Eric grumbled as Kyle helped him out of the car. Little Lady was tough to get out of when you were still stitched up and sore, but he was determined he could get out of his Roadster without help.

Kyle dangled the car keys in front of him. “Says the man who insisted he could drive us here then ended up having a mini stroke when he pushed down on the pedals.” He slammed the door shut and beamed at his boyfriend. “Lucky I was there to help out. She’s awesome to drive.”

“Yeah, well, don’t get used to it,” Eric said.

Kyle sniggered. “God, you are such a grump. Come here. Perhaps this will make you feel better.”

In full view of the neighbours outside Aaron’s bubbie’s house, Kyle drew him close and kissed him thoroughly. When he finally let go, Eric was breathless, hard and feeling better. Kyle’s kisses should have been declared a natural amphetamine the way they made his heart beat so fast.

“Tell me again what this visit is in aid of?” Kyle reached into the back of the car and took out a bottle of wine and a bouquet of flowers. “I remember you said something about meeting Aaron’s girlfriend. Is this his house?”

Eric bit back a laugh. “Nope.” He walked slowly up the path towards the small, terraced house in the middle of Islington. His side still hurt but he was a lot better than he’d been three weeks ago.

Kyle’s tender ministrations, some great medical care and a lot of rest had got him back on his feet quicker than anyone had expected. Kyle still swore it was due to the gentle, yet exhilarating sex sessions prescribed on his calendar.

His boyfriend caught up with him. “Oh, so it’s her house?”

“Nope.” Eric smiled to himself at Kyle’s exasperated grumble behind him.

“Why do you have to be so damned secretive? What is it with you?” He swatted away a bumblebee and scowled.

Eric knocked on the door. You’ll soon find out. Welcome to your baptism of fire.

The door opened to reveal a tiny sprite of a woman with jet-black hair streaked with silver-grey and a myriad of coloured baubles around her neck, dangling across her flat chest. She was dressed in multi-coloured paisley trousers and wore a bright orange blouse, stained with something Eric wasn’t sure about.

“Shalom, Eric, my boy. It’s been ages since I’ve seen you. You look a bit pale. Are you eating properly since your accident?” Shrewd pale blue eyes turned to assess Kyle. “Is this the mensch Aaron told me about? Oy vay, he’s skinny. And what’s with all that metal in that pretty face?” She shook her head. “I’ll never understand it.”

Eric stifled a laugh at Kyle’s gobsmacked expression.

“Bubbie Norma, it’s good to see you again. And yes, this mensch is my boyfriend, Kyle.”

Norma waved them in. “Come in, don’t stand there on the doorway. The neighbours will think I’m having a sex party.”

Kyle’s jaw dropped even further. He was speechless for the first time since Eric had known him. Mission accomplished. Thank you, Norma.

As Norma propelled Kyle into a small lounge, his wide eyes stared back at Eric in panic.