Page 6 of Broken Trust

“Watch the road!” Atlas covered his face, praying they made it in one piece. “I’m just a very cautious driver, and you’re making me extremely nervous.”

When he lowered his hands, Atlas saw that they were only going thirty-five. The speed limit on the back roads was fifty.

“You don’t have to go that slow,” he said, noticing the strange looks Kellen kept giving him. “Just do the limit.”

“We’re here, anyway.” As Kellen turned onto a secluded driveway, the foliage of towering trees enveloped them. They kept going until a breathtaking, two-story cabin-like home came into view. The warm glow of lights shone from inside, casting welcoming shadows onto the surrounding darkness.

As they drew closer, Atlas could make out the outline of a wraparound porch, adorned with various types of plants hanging at random intervals. Trees surrounded the house, as if nature itself had reached out to embrace this cozy hideaway.

“You live here?” It was a dumb question since they were driving around the side of the house, heading toward the back.

“I thought we could make our night more exciting by breaking into someone’s house and having sex in their bed.”

“You’re kidding, right?” He glanced nervously at Kellen.

The guy chuckled. “Yes, it’s mine.”

Mr. Mountain parked in front of a garage that looked as if it could hold at least ten cars. Although Atlas didn’t like judging people, he would have never thought Kellen owned something like this.

He honestly thought they would pull up to a modest house or something a bit rundown since Atlas had assumed the guy didn’t have a car.

Kellen cut off the motor and set the keys in the cupholder before getting out. Atlas remained in his seat for a few seconds, still wondering if he’d made the right decision about going home with a guy from the bar. It wasn’t like him to do something so reckless, yet here he was.

Kellen opened the passenger door and took Atlas’s hand, easing him out of his seat. “Your car is safe here. Anytime you wish to leave, you saw where I left your keys.”

Taking a deep breath, Atlas nodded. “I’ve just never gone home with a guy right after I met him. I’m stepping out of my comfort zone.”

As soon as he moved Atlas aside and closed the passenger door, Kellen pressed him against the car, nuzzling Atlas’s neck as he breathed in deeply. “I love the smell of jasmine.”

“The only thing I’m wearing is deodorant.” He gripped Kellen’s biceps. “You might smell lingering vodka on my breath, or maybe the beer I drank, but I don’t know why you keep saying you smell flowers on me.”

Kellen nipped Atlas’s neck and then took a step back. Atlas wasn’t sure what to make of things, but he let the whole flower thing go as Kellen took his hand and led him inside the house through the back door.

The kitchen was straight out of a country magazine, with a rustic charm that enveloped the senses. The warm tones of honey-colored wood filled the room, from the cupboards lining the walls to the long farmhouse table and chairs off to the side.

White marble countertops gleamed under the soft glow of hanging pendant lights, creating an inviting atmosphere. Atlas admired the attention to detail in every aspect of the room, from the intricate carvings on the cabinets to the delicate floral patterns etched into the backs of the chairs.

As Kellen guided him down a short hallway, the wooden floors creaking softly beneath their feet. Atlas caught sight of a spiraling wooden staircase with intricate railings leading up to the second floor.

Past the staircase was a short hallway that held a single door.

The living room they entered was just as charmingly rustic, with plush cream-colored couches adorned with soft pillows. In front of the couch sat a coffee table that appeared hand-carved and gorgeous.

To the right stood a beautiful stone fireplace, and above, ceiling fans rotated lazily, providing a gentle breeze that carried the faint scent of pine throughout the room. Atlas noticed there wasn’t a television.

The glossy wooden floors were adorned with plush rugs, and in two corners of the room, tall and wide potted plants brought a touch of nature inside.

“You have a very nice home.” Atlas wasn’t sure what to do. Should he sit or wait for Kellen to take him upstairs? He’d never been in a luxurious home before. His apartment was as standard as they came, although Atlas tried his best to add homey touches.

Not even his parents’ house was this amazing.

“Thanks.” After dimming the living room lights, Kellen gave Atlas’s hand a gentle tug. They reversed course and then took the staircase to the second floor.

The hallway walls were a soothing beige, and Atlas saw two doors. Kellen led him to the one on the left. Before he could get a good look at the guy’s bedroom, Kellen bent, curled his arms around the back of Atlas’s thighs, and lifted him up until they were staring into each other’s eyes.

“Am I that short?” Atlas chuckled. “I’ll have you know I’m average height. You’re the one who ate all his veggies as a kid.”

Kellen laughed. “Does my size intimidate you?”

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