Page 5 of His Boys to Protect

“Just practicing,” Skylar said, giving Ward a flirtatious smile. But—damn—if he didn't wish the statement were true!

A group of people strode past noisily, making Ward give a start and sit back. The man cleared his throat and checked the time. “We should probably get going.” Ward shot to his feet, then offered a hand to help Skylar up.

“My gentleman,” Skylar murmured, earning himself another blush.

Ward coughed. “Are you warm enough in that?”

Burning up, Skylar thought, and not just from the flirtatious banter. Testosterone was one hell of a drug. He was lucky the room was cool enough that he wasn't sweating like a pig. Still, it was winter outside, so he'd brought a coat, but he'd checked it at the front desk before coming to find Ward. Skylar told the man as much, then turned around to lead the way.

Behind him, Ward sucked in a breath.

Skylar grinned to himself. As much as he hated being in a dress and heels, this particular combination really highlighted his ass. He used it to his advantage, putting an extra sway in his hips as he headed for the front desk, looking back to see a dark, hungry gaze on Ward's face.

Oh hell. Tonight was going to be way too much fun.

Chapter 3

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WARD

WARD CAUGHT himself staring at Skylar's ass. He quickly tore his gaze away, but it wandered right back, tracing the firm, round shapes outlined in stretchy, black fabric. Ward shoved his hands into his pockets. With all the women he'd dated over the years, he'd never touched one of them intimately or inappropriately in public. He'd been raised better than that.

But he'd also never been as sorely tempted as he was in that moment.

Geez. Skylar was insanely irresistible. Granted, the boy was paid to be that way and was clearly very good at his job, but still. Ward was having the hardest time not giving in to the fantasy before him. Not giving in to everything Skylar offered.

Sarah, Ward reminded himself.I have to call him Sarah. Andher, probably, too.

That was going to be hard. Ward already thought of Skylar as a boy, despite the convincing getup. He almost wanted to skip the wedding and take Skylar straight upstairs. To see how the boy lookedasa boy. The disguise stripped away, leaving nothing but the genuine person. And then see if he still wanted Skylar just as badly as he did now.

When Skylar glanced over his shoulder and gave him a smile, Ward felt a tightening in his gut.Oh geez. Yep. He was pretty sure he'd still want the boy even then. Looking past all the makeup, the hair, and the feminine clothing, there was something about Skylar's blue eyes that simply drew him in. Ward could almost see the boy trapped inside, clawing to escape.

He felt a sudden, desperate need to set the boy free. To bringSkylarup to the surface, away from where the boy had himself buried beneath the persona he'd put on for the night. Ward had already caught brief, flickering glimpses of the real Skylar trying to get out. He couldn't wait to see more.

Ward helped Skylar into his coat, carefully tugging the boy's hair free of the collar before Skylar could do it himself. It wasn't quite as soft as he'd imagined. Then again, it was probably full of some product or something, whatever it was that women used to keep their hair styled. Maybe they could take a shower together later. Wash the product out and let himself really get his hands on it.

“Sheesh,” Skylar whispered as he fastened the buttons on his coat. “Are you always such a gentleman?”

Ward dropped his hands and quickly stepped back. “Sorry.”

“No! Ward? That was a compliment.”

“Oh.” Ward blinked, then gave a shrug. “My last girlfriend–” Ward began.Fiancée, really, he thought, but he didn't want to go down that mental road. “She hated it when I touched her hair once it was all done up. Shit.” Ward rubbed the back of his neck. “I'd almost forgotten all about that.”

“Ward.” Skylar rested a hand on his arm. “I liked it,” he murmured. “Damn. I didn't know they even made men like you anymore.” He leaned closer, stretching up until their faces were within inches of one another. “Don't stop.”

Ward smiled sheepishly even as he felt his face go hot despite all the blood rushing south.

Skylar gave him a teasing grin, then stepped back and took his arm. “Shall we?”

Ward rolled his shoulders, cleared his throat, and led Skylar outside.

The air was brisk, but he hardly noticed. Nor did the towering buildings and thick traffic really catch his attention. All he saw was the boy on his arm. It was almost painful to let go after he helped Skylar up into the passenger seat of his truck, but as soon as he got in on the driver's side and shut the door, the air grew thick with anticipation. Even with the center console between them, Ward was achingly aware of the boy sitting just inches away, the two of them almost closed off from the world.

“Nice truck,” Skylar commented. “Tundra?”

“Sorry it's a mess,” Ward said, glancing around as he nodded in response to Skylar's question. The truck wasn't filthy, exactly, but it wasn't spotless, either. Driving on dirt roads all the time made it hard to keep the thing truly clean.

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