Page 27 of Leather and Longing
Is that how he got the other companions to leave?Paul recalled asking himself that very question the day of his interview. His heart pounded. He had never been a quitter, but why the hell did he have to push back at the man?
‘And what if I decide to spank you for that remark?’
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.Heat surged through him. Memories. Sounds. Groans. Cries.
It was only a second or two later that the realisation hit him.
HewantedAdam to make good on his threat.
Chapter Twelve
Paul was changingthe sheets on Adam’s bed, his head still numb from the previous night’s revelation.
Adam was gay. Adam was fuckinggay.
It was all Paul had thought about, long into the night when sleep eluded him. That dark-haired, lean, gorgeous bastard was gay, with a good-sized dash of kink, by the sound of it. And hadn’tthatmade Paul’s cock fill? The thought of Adam’s hand landing on his arse had sent a shiver trickling down his spine. How would it feel? Would it burn? Sting?
The likelihood was that he’d never know, not after the way he’d reacted. And certainly not judging by Adam’s behaviour that morning.
Adam wasn’t talking.
Paul had made him breakfast, brought him coffee, served lunch, but was getting the silent treatment in return.
Paul knew he had no one to blame but himself. Once Caroline had left, and Adam had turned back into a recluse, Paul had seen the writing on the wall. Whatever points he’d scored over his predecessors had vanished, and he was left with the sinking feeling his days as a companion were numbered. There was nothing concrete he could point to, only a generaluneasiness and an uncomfortable feeling in his belly. Paul might have been useful to Adam, but it wouldn’t take long until he felt comfortable moving around the house and regained his independence.
Then Paul would be surplus to requirements.
He still couldn’t believe the tack Adam had taken. Once he’d got his head around the wholeOh my fucking Godhe’s gayconcept, Paul quickly shoved that aside.No wonder his predecessors had left in such a hurry. Adam had obviously decided to play dirty.
And if that’s the way he wants to play it…
It had been funny to watch Adam’s jaw drop, but the humour had faded pretty quickly when he’d been told to get out. He gazed at his lovely room.
Better get packing.
“What the fuck now?” Adam’s cry of exasperation rose up from the hall below.
Paul dashed out of his room and launched himself down the stairs. “What’s wrong?” Before Adam could reply, however, he heard it—the sound of a car engine switching off. He reached the door as it opened.
Apparently, Caroline still had a key. She strolled into the hallway as if she owned it. “Good morning.”
Adam stood in the doorway to the library, clothed in a pair of sweatpants and a black T-shirt. “Caroline, back so soon?” His words were uttered calmly, but Paul saw the clenched hands, the tautness of his posture.
“I’m so sorry for dropping by unannounced,” she began, her bright, cheerful smile belying her statement, “but as soon as I woke up this morning, I had a feeling all was not well here, and I had to come over.” She gave Paul a cursory glance before returning her attention to her brother. “Adam, can we talk? Alone, please?”
Adam shrugged. “Sure.” He stepped aside and gestured for her to enter the library. “Paul,” he said before following her, “Can you make us some coffee?”
“Of course.” Paul went to the kitchen and got the machine ready. His stomach, already sensitive, was in knots. He wanted Caroline togo. He was still Adam’s employee, albeit one who was anticipating being given his marching orders. And that meant following Adam’s instructions.
He could hear the low hum of voices and wondered what on earth was so important to bring Caroline out to the house again. He tried not to listen, but he couldn’t help noticing that Adam had become quieter and quieter.
He hurriedly put together a tray for the coffee, and carried it through the hall to the library. Surprisingly, the door was ajar. He walked quietly into the room and placed the tray on the table beside the couch. Caroline swivelled her head to stare at him, frowning, but turned back to look in Adam’s direction.
Adam sat in his chair by the window, leaning forward, elbows on his knees, his head in his hands. This was nothing like the man who’d teased him the previous night.
A cold rush of rage washed over Paul.
What the fuck has she said to him?
