Page 14 of Enslaved

The conviction in Heath’s eyes couldn’t be missed. He honestly wanted this. “A trial period.”

A smile exploded across Heath’s face and Court already knew he had lost. “You won’t regret me.”

“That’s not what I’m worried about.” Court really needed Heath to understand. “It’s one thing for people to see me on your arm at the golf course. It’s a whole other for people to see us as a real couple. People won’t envy you. I’m still the whore you painted me to be in school in the eyes of everyone in the community. I’m not one of you. Not really. I’m just a high-priced toy. How long until you’re embarrassed by that?”

Heath kissed him. It was sweet. “Have some faith in me.” Their kiss deepened and Court’s walls fell. God help him. He believed, and he had never been more terrified in his life.

Chapter Seven

Life turned quieter thanCourt expected. His parents were strangely silent. Court had no clue why Heath bothered paying Court’s house payment. He hadn’t been back in the five months since they returned from New Orleans, except to grab clothes and Tom. Tom prowled Heath’s huge house like he owned the place now. He definitely treated Heath like he owned him. If Heath was bothered by his furry houseguest, he never showed it. There were simply days of peace and nights of fire with the occasional obligatory social outing. And sports. Jesus. So many fucking sports. Heath played everything. He was the most athletic person Court had ever met. Of course, that was how he had caught Court’s eye in school. Honestly, it wasn’t hard to watch Heath’s sexy body flex and move with every play he made.

Court chewed the side of his nail and watched Heath run, dribble, and elbow his way from one end of the basketball courtto the other. He jumped to make a shot. Court stood. Someone checked Heath, knocking him to the floor. Court winced as Heath’s body hit the unforgiving wooden floor. A whistle blew.

“That’s two.”

Heath popped to his feet. His gaze shot Court’s way. He was all smiles. When he winked, Court’s heart sighed. Heath held up one finger, asking for a moment from the ref. Since it was purely locals being overly competitive, they allowed Heath to jog his way. Sweat ran down Heath’s face.

“I need a kiss for good luck.”

Court curled his nose, but he couldn’t stop smiling.

Heath didn’t give him a chance to say no. He snagged Court’s face and placed loud, wet kisses all over Court’s face, dripping sweat all over him in the process. He didn’t stop until Court laughed and begged for mercy.

“There. Now I can’t miss.” He jogged away just as quickly as he had attacked.

Court smiled like an idiot, and he couldn’t stop. Sure enough, Heath made both shots. Court watched with pride and so many other emotions, he forgot where he was. All he saw was Heath. Heath was proud to be with him. He never missed an opportunity to make him feel special while also letting everyone see they were together. For real. A real couple. Court was a little ashamed to admit he hadn’t actually signed anything after thesixty-day contract ended. Heath’s lawyer and accountant had gotten with Court’s lawyer and accountant. Court’s bills were paid. Money went into his account. Heath always took care of everything to the point that Court never even thought about it. He didn’t need a contract. Court didn’t want one. In fact, since he hadn’t bailed out his dad this last time, for once, he had a truly hefty savings account. If he didn’t get another dime from Heath, he could afford to find another job. One that wouldn’t ruin them. There was such a weight gone from his chest. No one could possibly understand. He needed this normalcy.

“It’s been a while.”

Court startled at the unexpected words against his ear. He turned. Portland stood behind him. Court patted his chest. “Hey. You startled me. What are you doing here?”

Portland shrugged. “There’re a lot of bets on this game. You know I can’t miss an opportunity to win.”

That was weird, but the elite were a strange bunch. “Are you betting for or against Heath?”

Portland’s light blue gaze moved over Court’s face. “You’ve changed since the last time we spoke. I thought you were dead set against being trapped in a contract with Heath.”

Court shrugged. “I’m not in a contract.”

A smile stretched Portland’s lips. It wasn’t exactly comfortable. “Good. That means you’re free to attend the charity cruise with me later this year.”

“Actually, no.” Court winced. He didn’t want to sound harsh. “I’m not free. Not anymore.” He cleared his throat. “Not ever. I’m out.”

Portland had a closed expression Court always found a bit disturbing. He liked Portland, but the guy was still waters. Court had never been exactly sure what lay beneath. “So, you’re in an actual relationship with Heath.”

It wasn’t a question, but Court chose to treat it as one. “Yes.”

“How are you supporting yourself?”

Court found the question a little rude, but he let it go. “I get by.”

“I see.”

Fuck. Things were getting more than slightly uncomfortable. There was something in Portland’s tone. Court didn’t understand. A loud buzzer nearly made Court jump out of his skin. He turned. The game was over. Heath was headed his way, wearing his biggest smile. He had won. Of course he had. Court glanced over to commiserate with Portland. He was gone. Court let it go and focused on Heath. The entire encounter with Portland had been odd as hell. Court didn’t know why, but it dropped a seed of worry in the back of Court’s brain. It didn’t take long for Heath to make him forget.

Heath felt so light—like he breathed freer than ever before. He had always filled his life with nonstop activities so he wouldn’t go insane. Now he had someone to share his life with and he still went nonstop, but now he smiled everywhere he went.

“What do you want to do now?”

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