Page 71 of Something So Strong

“Fucking fags.”

The hell?

My attention is tugged toward the rude, baseball-cap-wearing middle-aged man who doesn’t seem to have an affinity for showing up places on time. “Excuse me, Sir?”

“Faggots. They’re everywhere.”

“I’m sorry, but I do not appreciate that language.”

“Don’t tell me you’re one of those fruity boys, too?”

“Watch your tone, sir, or I’ll call security.” Suddenly, Kai is by my side like he’s been watching my every move. Standing side on to the man, he leans one hand on the counter beside me and rests his other against my back.

“God. Everyone’s so touchy these days,” the man grumbles, slamming his wallet and key down.

“I’d say you’re the touchy one,” Kai counters, sliding the key off the black marble. I assume the man isn’t thinking when he removes his credit card from his wallet. But as soon as he does, Kai snatches it up as well. “So, Mr… Brooks. Did you enjoy your stay or were there so many gays around that it impeded your ability to have a good time?”

“Don’t speak to me like that, young man. Or I’ll report you to—”

“The Manager?” Kai interrupts, returning from the printer and slapping the bill in front of the man. “I’d be more than happy to get him for you. I’m certain he’d be pleased to hear your opinions on our clientele.” Picking the credit card back up, Kai swipes it before the bill is even signed.

Snatching back his card, the man mutters under his breath as Kai reaches around me to type away at something.

What is it?

Who knows?

But I’m not even sure if I’m breathing right now.

“Oh, Mr. Brooks.” Kai beckons him as he turns to walk away. “If you do happen to have a change of heart and try to book a room here in the future. You’ll find it quite impossible.”

“And why is that?”

“Because I’ve just added you to the banned patrons list. And that goes for our sister resort and all other international affiliations.”

“You can’t do that, you little shit.”

“But I just did,” Kai shrugs snidely. “And… I think you owe my boyfriend an apology.”

“I should have known you were a pair of—”

“Poofs, twinks, gay-boys?” Kai wraps his arm around me and tugs me close. “Have I missed any?”

Then, as smoke all but billows out of the man’s ears, I hug Kai back.

“Off with you.” He shoos the guest away like a fly on dogshit and pulls me to face him as his other arm caresses my back.

I know it’s all part of the show, but I melt into him. My hands meet just above his belt, my cheek instinctively finds his shoulder, and I breathe him in—Paco Rabanne cologne masking cigarette smoke, coffee, and something else distinctly Kai.

The double glass automatic doors close and I know we’re alone, but Kai doesn’t move. If anything, his hand presses firmer into my back.

Boldly—and totally willing to forgive him for ignoring me all morning—I step backwards, leading Kai into the blind corner.

“I probably shouldn’t like hearing you call me your boyfriend that much.”

With a shaky breath, Kai lowers his hands to grip my hips. “I hate that I feel this way.”

“Oh, come on. We both know I’m hot. What’s there to be ashamed of?”

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