Rayne's Wild Ride

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A Total-E-Bound Publication

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Rayne’s Wild Ride ISBN #978-0-85715-796-6 ©Copyright Jambrea Jo Jones 2011 Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright October 2011 Edited by Claire Siemaszkiewicz Total-E-Bound Publishing This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-E-Bound Publishing. Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution. The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork. Published in 2011 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL, United Kingdom.

Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Total-e-burning and a sexometer of 1.

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RAYNE’S WILD RIDE Jambrea Jo Jones

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Rayne Carr was riding his bike, minding his own business, when his life was forever changed. Driving over State Boulevard Bridge he sees a woman about to jump and intervenes. Appearances can be deceiving. Charles Sylvester Piper III wants to end it all. No one understands him. His father is abusive and his mother hides in a bottle. When his younger brother finds Piper in a dress he is kicked out of his basement apartment. With nowhere to turn he leaves his life to Fate’s hands. When a big scary biker asks for a kiss on the worst night of his life, who is he to refuse? Is love really all you need?

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Dedication To Drea for giving me the best idea at the worst possible time. Lol I just had to write it. This one is for you babe! And to Thorny for making Piper more real for me. Enjoy your own bear of a man. May you and Jazz always be as happy as you are today. To Kris, thank you for the two scene challenges on ZA Maxfield’s Yahoo! group. Mud and distractions…it’s all good. Lol Also to Joy – the sister I’ve never met. 

Trademarks Acknowledgement The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction: Harley: Harley Davidson USA Jim Beam: 2011 James B. Beam Distilling Co. Nook: Barnes and Noble LLC xdress.com: Aware, Inc. Band-aid: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies

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RAYNE’S WILD RIDE

Jambrea Jo Jones

6

Chapter One

Rayne Carr enjoyed a nice ride through the quiet city. Just him and his Harley. Stars brightened the sky without a cloud to mar his vision. The State Boulevard Bridge was coming up and he liked to park there on his late nights and stare out at the water below with the city sounds behind him. It was peaceful after the day he’d had. Some days he hated being the oldest of six and head of his family. But only fleetingly, because he loved each and every one of his brothers and sisters and wouldn’t trade them for anything. He turned the corner and something seemed out of place. Was that—? It couldn’t be. As Ray got closer he saw the back of a woman, her straight, long, black hair almost reaching a cute, firm ass covered by a short skirt. How she kept her balance on the handrail of the bridge in those heels, Ray had no idea. She had nice legs, but what the hell was she thinking? Startling her was a bad idea. She’d fall for sure. He revved the bike to alert her before coming to a stop and lowering the kickstand. Traffic had been light so he figured he had to be the first one to see the woman. There was no way she’d be missed as a person drove by, the street lights had her illuminated. Ray took off his helmet, set it on the seat, put his blinkers on and casually walked over. “Um. Excuse me. Miss? What exactly are you doing up there?” He spoke softly because he was a big bear of a man and didn’t want to scare the poor thing. He knew he came off looking rough, being six-three with a barrel chest. The tats and beard probably didn’t help either. He looked like what he was—a biker. “I’m going to jump.” The woman never turned around. Her voice was low and husky. It caressed his ears. Ray moved closer so he could grab her hand and yank her off the rail if the ridiculous idea he’d just concocted to distract her from jumping failed. “A kiss!” he blurted. “Could I kiss you goodbye? That is, if you really think you need to jump.” Suave he wasn’t, but he’d never been in a situation like this before and would hope if it was one of his siblings someone would try and help them any way they could. The woman finally turned. She was a vision of beauty with high cheekbones, dark sherry- coloured eyes and a small pert nose. Red plump lips, just meant for kissing, framed www.total-e-bound.com

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the most gorgeous mouth. He couldn’t tell how old she was. Her face had a timeless quality. She was short and slim and the shirt she was wearing hid her breasts so it looked like she had none, but that didn’t distract from her looks at all. “Okay, but no touching.” The girl sat down on the railing and leaned towards him. Ray licked his lips in anticipation. He wanted the kiss more than he should. This woman was troubled and he was just trying to help. Keep telling yourself that, Hoss. Maybe you’ll believe it. Ray ignored the inner voice and gently pressed his lips to the woman’s. He’d only wanted to get her in a better position to drag her away from the edge, but it turned into more. She whimpered and opened her mouth, touching his lips with her tongue. Ray opened to let her explore. She was hesitant at first, but that didn’t last long. The woman tangled her hands in his hair and cradled him between her legs. Ray wanted to press their bodies together, but she resisted so he didn’t push it. Finally they broke apart. Ray was stunned. He’d never been kissed so passionately before. Sure, he’d had his fair share of women, and men for that matter, but something about the kiss was more than he’d ever thought possible. “Damn, girl! A woman who kisses like that should not deprive the world of her talent. I’m Ray by the way. Rayne Carr. Please tell me why you’re thinking of diving off the bridge.” He rested his forehead on hers and hoped she would answer. She pulled him closer and his dick hardened. This was so inappropriate it wasn’t even funny. Wait, was that—? “My parents. I…that is—don’t hurt me, please— but…my parents don’t like that I dress like a woman. It’s bad at home. Real bad and I thought…I wanted…” The voice trailed off. Now that was not what Ray had expected. He backed up, but didn’t release the wo— man. He took a better look and could see the slight bump of the Adams apple, and now that he wasn’t as distracted by trying to save the person he could take in more detail, not that it mattered, the person in front of him was stunning no matter what their gender was. “What’s your name, sweetheart?” Ray could feel the pulse pounding in the wrist he held. “I’m not going to hurt you. Now talk to me. Please.” “Piper. Well, my full name is Charles Sylvester Piper III. But I prefer Piper.” Piper tried to pull his hand away, but Rayne wasn’t having it. www.total-e-bound.com

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“Come with me.” Ray tugged down Piper from the ledge. No way was this one taking a header. Sure, it wasn’t a chick, but that didn’t mean the guy should die because he was different. Fuck, if that was the case half his family would be at the bottom of the river. “I don’t think…maybe I should…” Piper looked around as if he was trying to find an escape route. “Listen, I’m only going to offer you a place to chill. To think things over. Nothing is this bad. You hear me? Nothing. I’m not going to hurt you and I sure as hell don’t want you to hurt yourself.” “But…I…you… That kiss?” The guy seemed confused. Ray didn’t blame him, not really. Most people wouldn’t think he swung both ways and the guy was small, probably afraid Ray was going to pound his ass —and not in a good way. He had to get control of the situation so Piper knew it would be okay. “Yeah, we kissed. Big fuckin’ deal.” Ray shrugged. “But I’m a guy and…” “So?” Ray cocked a brow, waiting for Piper to finish his sentence. “Don’t you want to beat me up?” “Why? You into that kinda thing? Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but it’s not my deal.” Ray put his hands in his pockets and rocked back, waiting to see how Piper would respond. “Well, no. I don’t think—this is all so confusing.” Piper crumpled to the ground. At least he wasn’t standing on the ledge anymore. Ray got down on his haunches in front of Piper. “Piper, it’s real simple. I’m headed home after a long day at work. Dinner, or I guess it’ll be breakfast now, is probably getting cold. Come with me. Have a meal. Talk.” Piper shook his head at that. “Okay, don’t talk. Just eat and think about what you want to do from this point forward.” “Isn’t it late for eating and why are you being so nice to me?” Piper put his arms around his knees and rocked back and forth. Ray was about to answer when sirens flashed. Shit. Just what he needed—cops. Piper would run scared or Ray would get arrested for attempted—something. With a sigh he turned around, making sure his hands were well away from his pockets. www.total-e-bound.com

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Jambrea Jo Jones

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“Evenin’ officer.” “Care to explain what’s going on here?” The officer stood with his hand resting on his hip near his weapon and waved his flashlight between Ray and Piper. “Well, sir, I was on my way home and happened on my friend here. We were just getting ready to leave.” Ray didn’t move a muscle. He knew the drill. His brother was a cop and had told him a hundred times to keep things calm or he’d be on his ass faster than he could blink. He heeded his younger brother’s advice, not wanting the situation to turn bad. He couldn’t help Piper while locked up in jail. Something about the guy brought out every protective instinct he had. “Is this true, ma’am? This man isn’t bothering you, is he?” The cop didn’t take his eyes off Ray as he spoke.

**** Piper looked between the officer and the man who’d just given him his first kiss— rescuing him from himself. Damn it, he should have just jumped, it would have been easier. But no, he’d wanted to have at least one good experience before offing himself. Now this man was going to get arrested, or worse, if he didn’t do something. Why was he always screwing something up? He stood up and faced the officer, wrapping his arms around himself. “No…he…that is, I’m fine. It’s like he said, we’re getting ready to leave.” He waved a hand over at Ray. “You can’t just park your bike here. It’s dangerous. Ma’am, if you’re sure?” “Yes. I’m fine.” Piper didn’t bother correcting the man. It felt strange to be looked at as a woman. This was the first time he’d been outside his room made up like this. The wig was beginning to itch and he wanted to take it off. The police officer tipped his head and went back to his squad car. “Are you really coming with me?” Ray questioned softly. “I should…” Piper looked back at the bridge. “Now, hon, none of that. I have a house full of people at home if you’re worried about being alone with me.”

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RAYNE’S WILD RIDE

Jambrea Jo Jones

10

“I…” Why couldn’t he form a complete thought? And why was this stranger being nicer to him than his own family. “Listen, we’ll head to my place. It isn’t very far from here. If you’ve decided you want to go home I’ll tak—” “No!” Piper shouted. He wouldn’t go back. Nothing could make him. He rubbed his wrist where the red handprint began to throb; Ray’s grip from earlier hadn’t helped either. His dad hadn’t left marks where anyone could see them and his mom didn’t fucking care about anything beyond where her next drink would come from. “You’re not underage, are you?” He knew he looked young, but underage? “I’m twenty-two.” “Thank god,” he thought he heard Ray whisper. Ray held out the helmet and Piper reluctantly reached for it. What else was he going to do? He couldn’t go home. He’d lost his nerve to kill himself. He’d never really wanted to anyway. The State Street Bridge was usually busier. He’d honestly thought someone would have stopped him before now. That was the kind of coward he was. At this point Piper didn’t care what Ray had planned for him. Piper ran a finger over his lips, lost in his thoughts. Sadness weighed heavily on him. The urge to cry was stronger than ever before. He was so alone. He had no-one to turn to and he worried that he would never have someone who could understand him and let him be the Charles Sylvester Piper III that he was meant to be. And that wasn’t a corporate suit-and-tie man with a nine-to-five job and two-point-five kids, with a dog. Hell, he didn’t know yet who the true Piper was. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d felt a pity party coming on. Usually he could tell himself to snap out of it. Other people out there had it worse than he did and he should suck it up, but this time it crawled inside him and didn’t want to let him go, which was how he’d ended up standing on a bridge at four a.m. ready to plunge into nothingness. With a sigh, Piper climbed onto the back of the bike and wrapped his arms around the big bear. Ray was huge. If he’d had any sense at all he’d be scared and he’d have left with the cop. But he wasn’t always known for his smarts. Just ask his family. In his head he could hear his father’s voice screaming at him. He needed to shake it off. “What about your helmet?” he shouted in Ray’s ear over the rumble from the engine. www.total-e-bound.com

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“I only have one and we aren’t too far.” There wasn’t any more talk after that. Just the feeling of the cool breeze as they raced down the streets. Piper had no idea what might await him, but it had to be better than being dead. He rested his cheek against Ray’s back and closed his eyes against the world.

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RAYNE’S WILD RIDE

Jambrea Jo Jones

12

Chapter Two

Ray pulled into the driveway behind his sister Rachel’s car. Timmy must have the night shift. Why couldn’t it have been his brother that had pulled him over on the bridge? At least he wouldn’t have given Ray much of a hard time. He was just glad Piper’d stuck up for him. Things could have got dicey if Piper had given any hint that something was wrong. His place was the only one on the block with the lights on. Most people were asleep. It wasn’t even five a.m. on Sunday. His one day off and Ray had brought home a stray. Rachel was an early riser and should have something ready for him to eat before he crashed for a few hours. She’d want to keep the twins, Dayne and Jayne, occupied to let him rest so she’d be getting activities ready for them. It was one of the great things about his siblings still living at home. They helped each other out. Their parents had left them the house when they died and it took all of them to manage the upkeep and paid the bills. It didn’t look like Mike was home either. He must have stayed with his girlfriend. So he only had to deal with Rach for now. “Here we are. Home sweet home.” Ray got off the bike and held out a hand to help Piper down. He sure was a tiny thing. Piper took off the helmet and handed it over. His hair—shifted? “Do you mind?” Piper reached up and took off the wig, clutching it in his hands. What was underneath was even better. Piper was sexy as hell in that skirt and his short hair just improved his overall appearance. His sherry-coloured eyes stood out even more. The man was gorgeous and Ray was getting hard again. “God, you’re beautiful,” Ray said in awe, automatically stepping closer. He wanted to touch. The front door opened before Ray could get close enough to touch Piper and it broke the spell Ray was under. He could get lost in Piper’s eyes so easily but Piper wasn’t some trick. He needed help, not fucking. At least not yet. He managed to contain his groan. Piper already looked freaked out enough.

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RAYNE’S WILD RIDE

Jambrea Jo Jones

13

“You gonna stand out there all night? The eggs won’t be good for much longer,” Rachel yelled from the door. “People are sleeping, Rach. You might want to keep it down,” Ray scolded. He took Piper’s hand and entwined their fingers, not giving the other man a chance to run. “Who’s your friend?” Rachel looked over her shoulder. “This is Piper. Pip, this is my sister, Rachel.” They stepped into the entrance-way and Ray took the wig out of Piper’s hands and put it down on the hall table. “Looks a little young for a bar pick-up and a guy wearing that in the Midwest can’t be the smartest thing I’ve seen.” Rachel pointed down at the skirt and heels. “How did she—” Piper started to talk and pointed towards Rachel. “The lighting is a little better in here than on the street this early in the morning.” Ray smiled at Piper, and reached to pull him in close. It looked like he was going to run again and Ray wanted to protect him. Of course, Rachel had no idea what had gone on earlier and it wasn’t his place to say. That would be up to Piper. “And he’s not a bar pick-up or any of your business so stop being rude.” Rachel continued on to the kitchen, but Ray needed to say something to Piper. “Listen real close, Pip. Okay?” Ray waited for a nod. “Good. It’s nobody’s business what you do or don’t wear. And frankly, I think you look sexy as hell in that skirt, but I’d ditch the wig, unless you like it, because you are fuckin’ hot with your short hair and those big brown eyes. And I won’t tell anyone what happened tonight if you don’t want me to, but I think you should talk to someone.” Piper’s lips needed his. Ray just knew it. Using his height to his advantage, he picked Piper up and wrapped his arms tight around him. Pressing their bodies together, he sipped at Piper’s lips, his tongue begging for entrance. He didn’t have long to wait. Piper fell into the kiss and tangled his hands in Ray’s hair, his legs gripping Ray’s waist. “Ray, who’s the pretty man?” “And why are you kissing him?” Jayne’s voice followed by Dayne’s made him groan. He wasn’t ready, but Ray let Piper slide down his body. www.total-e-bound.com

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Jambrea Jo Jones

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“Day, Jay, what are the two of you doing up so early?” Ray still wouldn’t let Piper go. No way did he want the twins to see the nice bulge he had in his pants. Piper rested his forehead against Ray’s chest. He could get used to this— having someone he was attracted to cling to him. “Rach said we could go to the park today—” “Early like, so we thought we’d—” “Get up and eat so—” “We could get there first. It gets—” “Busy when the sprinklers get turned on—” “And we want a good spot.” “Do they always do that?” Piper looked up at him. “What? Complete each other’s sentences? Yep. Think it’s the whole twin thing.” “I’m not going to say it again—breakfast is going to be ruined if someone doesn’t get their ass in here and eat!” Rachel yelled from the kitchen. “You heard your sister. Get in there.” Ray waved them on. “What about your friend?” “He’ll be there too. Get going, Jayne.” Once they left, Ray backed away from Piper, but not too far. “Sorry about that. I really didn’t think they’d be awake.” “Just how many people live here?” “There’s six of us. My parents wanted a big family. After they died, we all stayed here. The twins were young and needed us. Rachel, you’ve met. Timmy and Mike aren’t here and the twins are Dayne and Jayne.” “And they don’t care that you’re kissing—guys—and one in skirt and heels?” “Hey, we were raised that you can love anyone as long as you’re happy.” “But you kissed me thinking I was a girl.” “So?” “So you aren’t gay.” “So?” “So…” Piper sounded exasperated. Ray grinned. He liked ruffling Pip’s feathers. It was better than the sad look he got sometimes. He hadn’t known Piper long, but he would do anything not to see that hopelessness grace his face again. www.total-e-bound.com

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“Look, I’m not gay. I’m not straight. I go for people. I didn’t want you to jump and did the first thing I could think of. Now let’s go eat. You hungry?”

**** Piper followed Ray to the kitchen. The room was big and held a table with eight chairs. Ray’s brother and sisters were grabbing food off a platter in the middle. This was nothing like at his house. He couldn’t remember the last time the family did anything together. Ray pulled a chair out for him, so he sat. A plate was put in front of him. He looked up into the eyes of the first person who seemed to truly care about him. Ray looked tired and here he was taking care of Piper. Who did that? He took the plate and looked around at how normal it was here. The siblings began talking and Piper just listened. Ray nudged him and he started. Right, he was supposed to be eating. Everything…normal. There was that word again. What was normal about his brother breaking into his room and seeing him dressed in his favourite outfit? A short skirt, high heels and a lacy camisole top. How about having his dad slapping him and throwing him against the wall while his mother wallowed on the floor, clutching her Jim Beam and sucking from it like a baby with a bottle? His dad had gripped his wrist so hard he couldn’t feel his hands and he’d punched him in the stomach a few times before leaving in disgust, telling Piper he’d better not be there when he got back. Yep, just an ordinary day in the Piper household. “Sweetheart, you okay?” Ray’s voice snapped Piper out of his memories. He noticed his fork had hovered above his plate, but he hadn’t taken a bite. He set his utensil down and pushed the plate away. He wasn’t hungry. “I—” He didn’t know where to look. Tears were bubbling to the surface, but he didn’t want to break here in this place where everyone seemed happy. “Yo! I’m home. Anything left to eat?” A tall man who looked remarkably like Ray waltzed into the room and snatched a piece of bacon off Ray’s plate. “Whoa! Who’s this?” He walked around, snagged a chair and plopped down. “Ray brought him home. Why are you here so early? Trish kick you out?” Rachel said around a slice of toast. www.total-e-bound.com

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“She had some family deal and I need to finish some homwork for tomorrow. I’m Mike, the good-looking one.” He winked and held out his hand. “Piper.” “Is that your real name? Isn’t that a girl’s name?” Dayne piped up from farther down the table. “Dayne!” Rachel and Mike glared at the kid. Ray just crossed his arms over his chest and looked mean. Piper wasn’t about to get the little guy in trouble. He didn’t know these people or how they’d take out their anger. At home he’d have been smacked for speaking out of line. “No. It’s okay. My name is Charles Sylvester Piper III. My dad goes by Charles and I didn’t want to be called Sly or junior so I went with my last name.” Piper shrugged. “It fits.” He looked down at the table, finding it more fascinating by the second. He didn’t want to see the looks the others would undoubtedly throw him. He was dressed like a woman even if he didn’t have the wig on. “Cool.” And that was that. No fanfare. The kid was happy and went back to eating. Was he in a dream? “You staying here today?” Mike asked him. Piper glanced between Mike and Ray. He had no idea. “Yes. He is,” Ray said with finality. He couldn’t sponge off Ray. The guy had saved him, kissed him and was now feeding him. Ray’s obligation was more than over. “That’s probably not the best idea,” Piper whispered. “Sure it is, Pip. Gives you time to think about what you want to do. Or if there’s someone you can call. I just need a nap and we can go to your place and pack up what you might need.” “What? He’s staying here?” Rachel interrupted. “No. I couldn’t. Ray—” “You can’t go home, can you?” Ray asked patiently. “I—no.”

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17

“Then there’s no argument. We’ll figure it out. If you have to stay here for a bit, you do. No arguing. I’m not throwing you out in the street. My room is big enough that we can share. I bet you’re worn out. Come with me, we can both take a nap. I’ll take the chair.” “What? No.” He seemed to say that a lot around Ray, but the man never took him seriously. Ray wasn’t listening. He got up and walked out of the room as if he expected Piper to follow him. Piper looked at Mike and Rachel for help, but they just smiled at him. “It’s about time he’s bossy to someone besides us,” Jayne said with a giggle. They were crazy. All of them. They had no idea who he was. He could be a serial killer or a thief or something and this family didn’t seem to care. Ray stood in the doorway and waited. “Thank you for a lovely breakfast.” Piper’s parents may be assholes, but they had taught him how to behave in public. He nodded to Rachel and the others before he reached Ray. “Come on, my room’s in the basement.” Ray pulled him to a door not far from the kitchen. There were stairs leading down. Ray stopped at another door and, when he opened it, Piper saw what looked like a studio apartment. It was carpeted, which was odd, most of these houses were in a floodplain. There were small windows close to the ceiling and lined around the room. The walls had been painted a dark green. There was a bedroom area and a sitting room with a television and computer set up. It looked nothing like Piper’s room. He lived in the basement too, but it still only had a frame up with no plaster walls, just the concrete from the house. His dad never got around to finishing it and it was a junk pit with a bed. “Do you need anything? I’m gonna crash real soon. There’s a half bath over there,” Ray waved at another door Piper hadn’t seen when he’d first walked in. “I have a mini fridge in the corner with drinks in it. Mike should be home for a while. His room is up the stairs and on the right. Rachel will be out with the twins, but you’ll hear them when they come back and I’m not sure when Timmy will get home. I’ll text him so he knows you’re here. He’s a cop and I wouldn’t want him to freak out seeing a stranger.” “That’s just it, Ray. I am a stranger. You don’t know me. You shouldn’t welcome me into your home like this.” www.total-e-bound.com

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“I know that I saw a scared individual tonight who wanted to end their life because they thought it was too hard to go on. I know that I saw passion in you when we kissed. I know that you want to live.” “How do you know that? If you were a couple minutes later, you wouldn’t have seen me. I’d have been a statistic on the news.” “Then we’ll call it fate. I was destined to meet you tonight so I could show you it gets better and not everyone is like your family.” “I could—” “Are you going to steal anything or kill me in my sleep?” Piper looked at Ray, his mouth gaping open. “Of course not. No, I’d never…just—no.” “Okay then, settle down and take a nap. We’ll figure this shit out when we wake up.” “Fine, but I’m taking the chair. You should have the bed.” “We can share.” Ray held up a hand. “Before you protest, hear me out. It’s a king-size bed. We don’t have to touch. I’m fuckin’ tired as all get out. It was a long night.” Piper looked from the bed to the man and back again. He could do this, he was an adult. “Okay.” “Good. I’m going to go change. Do you want a shirt or something so you can be comfortable or you wanna sleep in that?” Piper kicked off his heels and put them by the door before walking farther into the room. “A T-shirt would be nice.” With a nod, Ray went to his dresser and dug around until he pulled out a shirt and threw it at Piper. He almost fell over, but caught himself in time to watch Ray walk to the bathroom. Piper didn’t waste time. He shimmied out of his skirt and adjusted his lace panties before tossing his top off too. He slipped into the shirt and it was almost like he was wearing a dress again. The door opened as Piper was folding his stuff and placing the items on a chair by the bed. Ray crawled under the covers and lifted them. Piper slid in and rolled over so he faced the door and not the man. If he faced Ray he might break down and ask to be held. Not a good idea. Not at all. Ray had come out in his boxer briefs. He was big, but all muscle. His

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abs rippled when he walked and his shoulders looked just right for Piper’s head to rest on. Those were dangerous thoughts. A light snore came from behind him. Piper turned to see the big bear of a man asleep. He didn’t look so tough with his mouth slightly open. Piper peered closer. Oh my god. Ray had nipple rings and the tattoos—Piper flipped back over. Not happening. He’s just being nice. Not happening. With that mantra going through his head, Piper closed his eyes and fell asleep to the vision of licking Ray from head to toe.

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RAYNE’S WILD RIDE

Jambrea Jo Jones

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Chapter Three

This was totally not happening. It couldn’t be. Ray pinched himself to make sure he wasn’t having a dream. Nope, he was awake. He blinked, but the vision was not going away. Piper had kicked the covers off during their rest and he lay sprawled out on the bed, his ass barely covered in a pair of pink lace panties, the shirt Ray had given him under Piper’s armpits. What Ray really wanted to do was roll Piper over so he could see his cock encased in that see-through scrap of material. Holy mother of god, who knew he had a fetish for men in women’s underwear? But he did. His dick was so hard right now he could pound nails. He’d always heard that expression, but hadn’t fully understood it until now. Piper sighed and Ray held his breath. Please turn over, pretty, pretty please. I’ve been a good boy. He released the air he’d been holding in when Piper shifted away from him. He was pathetic and he needed to calm down before Piper woke up. He didn’t want to freak the other guy out. He’d had enough to deal with earlier. Ray couldn’t believe that someone would kick their child out for being different. Ray hoped he could get more of the story out of Piper. He knew the guy had had it rough at home. It had to be tough feeling like an outcast. Ray’s hand stroked his own chest. His heart ached at the thought of Piper on the streets or dead, floating in the river for someone to pull out and judge. “What—?” Lost in his thoughts he didn’t hear Piper waking up. He looked down to make sure he was covered. No need for Piper to see just how turned on he was. Piper’s whole body turned red. Ray had never seen anything like it. The flush spread from his toes to his face. Piper scrambled to get back under the covers. “It’s okay. Calm down.” Ray didn’t know who he meant, but it was good advice for both of them.

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Jambrea Jo Jones

21

That’s when he saw the marks on Piper’s wrist. Ray hadn’t noticed earlier because he was tired and the shirt Piper wore had hidden them, but he saw them now. Bruises circled Piper’s wrist. Piper noticed what he was staring at and shoved his hands under the blanket. “Did I—? Please tell me I didn’t—” Ray started to feel sick to his stomach. Had he done that last night when he’d tried to stop Piper from leaving? He didn’t think his grip was that strong, but Piper was small, maybe he’d— Before he could finish his thoughts, Piper broke in. “Hell, no. You didn’t do this. No, please, don’t think that.” Piper threw his body at Ray. He caught Piper and succeeded in not falling off the bed himself. Ray ran his hand down Piper’s back trying to soothe them both. “Are you sure?” “Yes. My dad—he can be violent. Mom, she’s usually drunk by noon. It’s just me and Sam, my younger brother. When Sam found me dressed up, he ran to dad. I tried to stop him before he got to there, but I was too late, and still in a skirt. My dad—he blew up. Mom fell to the floor, but she didn’t lose her whisky.” Piper gave a dry chuckle. “Oh baby, shhh—it’s going to be okay. I promise.” “How can you say that?” Piper sniffled against his shoulder. “Because you have me now and I won’t let anything bad happen to you.” Ray was quick to comfort him. “But you don’t even know me. Not really.” “So I’ll get to know you. No one deserves to be treated like they’re second class. If dressing like this makes you happy, you do it. Life is too short to worry about what other fucks think.” “What about what you think?” Piper whispered. “I think you’re sexy as all get out. I know you can tell.” Ray rocked his hips so his erection pressed against Piper. “My cock doesn’t lie.” Piper whimpered. “I find you sexy. What you wear? I’m finding out that’s a bonus.” “It doesn’t freak you out?” Piper leant back to look into his eyes.

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“No.” He couldn’t say anything more because he was drowning in those big brown eyes. He wondered if Piper ever thought to wear makeup. His eyes would shine with eyeliner. Was it possible to get any harder? He wanted inside Piper. “It freaks me out. Sometimes.” Piper admitted. “I’m…I like the way I feel when I wear them. The clothes, that is. The lingerie the most. It’s so silky against my skin.” Piper had his eyes closed. Doubt coloured his words and Ray couldn’t have that. He had to show Piper with action that he wanted to get to know him better. He’d use a kiss. Like earlier. Piper clearly knew what Ray was going to do. Ray could tell because Piper licked his lips. Not to be outdone, Ray licked Piper’s lips too, tangling their tongues together in a slow dance. No need to rush. Ray had the day off, he wasn’t going anywhere. “Ray, lunch is ready if you’re hungry,” Tim’s voice travelled down the stairs. “Why is someone always interrupting?” “Maybe because you live with a gazillion people,” Piper giggled. Ray chuckled. Hearing Piper laugh tickled him. He wanted to hear more of it and wondered what he’d have to do to make him happy. “Be up in a sec,” Ray shouted up the stairs. Piper crawled off the bed and went over to his clothes, putting the skirt back on, but leaving Ray’s T-shirt on. Ray liked seeing Piper in his clothes. Of course he’d like to see Piper naked on his bed, but that wasn’t happening right now. Which was probably a good thing. Piper needed to take care of himself first. He didn’t need some horny guy trying to get into his panties. One thing at a time. He’d get Piper settled then ask him out on a date.

**** Piper walked up the stairs feeling a little better about himself. If a guy like Rayne could find him attractive, things couldn’t be all bad. He was discovering more about who he was in the short time he’d known Ray than he had his whole life. For Ray and his family, things were pretty much an open book. If it made you happy and it didn’t hurt anyone you were good to go. He liked that philosophy. He wasn’t ready to wear his skirts to work or school, but maybe he’d get there someday. Maybe he wouldn’t. But the fact of the matter was, it was up to him and him alone. www.total-e-bound.com

RAYNE’S WILD RIDE

Jambrea Jo Jones

23

“What’s on the agenda for today? Hello there, you must be Piper. Ray texted me that you’d be here today. How’s it going?” The man was the spitting image of Ray, more so than the other brother. This guy could be Ray’s twin. Well, this one didn’t have a beard like Ray, but everything else looked spot on right down to the eye colour. He looked back and forth between the two. Ray laughed. “We get that a lot.” “Yeah, but I’m prettier and younger. He just looks good for his old age.” Tim winked at Piper. “Hey! I’m not that much older than you.” “Sorry, bro, but six years is a lot.” Ray rolled his eyes and swatted at Tim, but Piper grinned. Man, he wished he could have had this type of relationship with his brother, but they had been pitted against each other from the moment Sam was born. “Piper and I need to figure out what all we’re doing, but I do know we need to go by his place to get his stuff.” “I’m not sure that’s a good—” Piper started. “You want me to go? I could throw my uniform back on?” “No, I think just the two of us. If we run into any problems I’ll call you.” “Hello, standing right here.” Piper crossed his arms over his chest. Unbelievable. They were talking about him as if he wasn’t in the room. He might look young, but he wasn’t stupid, no matter what anyone said. If he was going to take a stand and start anew, he had to do it right. The way he wanted to. He could think of the bridge as his fresh beginning that wiped the slate clean. “Sorry, babe.” Ray bussed his cheek. Piper was stunned. It seemed so natural. Something a couple would do, but they’d only known each other a few hours. It wasn’t possible. Look at the years his parents had been together—he’d swear they’d never loved each other. At least, not that he could remember. Tim was looking between the two of them as well, like he was trying to figure out what was going on, but Piper would be no help because he truly had no idea. “I do agree that having the police show up at my parents’ house would be a bad idea. I should g—”

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“You’d better not be getting ready to say you should go alone.” Ray pointed at Piper’s wrist. Piper sighed. “You’re right. I can’t go alone because I’m not sure if my dad will be there or not. If it’s just my brother or Mom I’ll be fine. But just in case—yeah, I’d appreciate it if you’d go with me, Ray.” Ray smiled and Piper couldn’t help but grin back. “Cool, then I’m going back to bed. I’ll have my phone close by in case you need to call me.” Tim walked out of the room and headed up the stairs. “After we get your stuff, do you want to come back here?” Ray didn’t look at him when he asked the question. This was the first time Piper had seen the big guy look nervous. He wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad thing. “I have an aunt I can call. My mom’s sister. She might be cool with putting me up after I tell her what happened.” “Are you gonna tell her everything?” That was the tricky part. He wasn’t sure how his aunt Kris would take the news. He knew she hated his dad, but would she be okay with him? Not even his dad knew he was gay. Of course, he’d probably figured it out by now. The clothes kinda gave him away. But the thing was—he didn’t want to be a woman. He was happy being a man. He liked his cock, but he also liked the way the clothes made him feel. Complete was the only word for it. He was powerful when he had on a pair of lace panties and a matching camisole. “I think it’d be for the best.” He finally nodded. “Should we go see her first? That way you’ll know where you’re going before we get to your parents’ place.” “Let me call her and see if she’s home.” Here goes nothing. “Hello?” “Aunt Kris?” “Charlie? Is that you? I haven’t heard from you in ages. Is something wrong?” “Yeah, it’s me. But—I don’t go by Charlie anymore. It’s Piper.” “Piper Piper?” She laughed.

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25

“Yeah, the whole one name thing, but I don’t feel—never mind. I was wondering if I could stop by for a bit. You still live over on Crescent?” “Same house. You’re freakin’ me out here, kid. Is your mom okay?” “I—can we talk when I get there?” “Sure, honey. Come on over. I didn’t have any plans except puttering around in the garden.” “I’ll be there soon then. Thanks, Aunt Kris.” Piper hung up the phone. “Are you ready for this? I’ll be there with you and you know, if she doesn’t want you living there or doesn’t support you, that you’re more than welcome to stay here,” Ray assured him. “First—thank you. I didn’t know there were people like you in the world. So, thank you. But I can’t keep mooching off you. Second—if this doesn’t go well I need to find a way to stand on my own two feet and not take advantage of your family.” “How is it taking advantage if I offer?” “Because it would be too easy to sit back and let you take care of everything. Then who would I be? I would be useless. And I could see it happening if I stayed here and took from you.” “Do you really think that? Don’t you have a job? Are you going to school? I’m not saying freeload forever. I’m saying I’m not going anywhere and this can be your safe place.” “Why?” Piper whispered. “You don’t know me. I’m—nobody—and it can’t be this easy.” Ray moved closer. “You mean, like we’ve known each other forever and it feels—right? And you are somebody. Someone I want to get to know better. But we’ll talk about that after we go see your aunt.” Piper should have expected it, but everything about this situation was new to him. He was used to going to school, then work, then home, day after day. The only thing that broke it up was shutting himself up in his room and pulling out his stash of clothes. So when Ray gathered him into his arms, Piper let him. He melted into the big man’s embrace and for the first time he knew he was cared for. Not for who he could be or what he could give, but just because he was Piper.

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The kiss on his forehead broke him out of whatever spell Ray had put on him. He could do this. With Ray by his side, he could go see the aunt he hadn’t seen in a while and tell her his truth.

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RAYNE’S WILD RIDE

Jambrea Jo Jones

27

Chapter Four

Ray looked over at Piper. They’d taken Tim’s truck so they’d have something to put Piper’s stuff in and not have to take a million trips. No way did Ray want Piper in that abusive house more than he had to be. While they were there, maybe they could see about helping his kid brother. No one should have to live in a place with that amount of hatred. He didn’t know who was more nervous about meeting this aunt, him or Piper. She’d better not say anything to upset Piper. He wouldn’t stand for it. Piper had decided to wear his skirt and Ray knew it was a big step for him, but Piper looked good. Of course it helped that the other man also wore one of Ray’s shirts. It should have looked silly, but it didn’t because Piper had knotted the bottom of it so it didn’t hang to his knees. They’d only known each other for a few hours, but something about Piper drew him in like an alcoholic to a bottle of booze. He just hoped it wasn’t as destructive. He didn’t know enough about Piper, but that didn’t mean he didn’t want to or that he didn’t hope to get the chance. The bar scene was good for work, but he was thirty-one and it got old after a while. Of course, maybe Piper wasn’t ready for something other than a fling. He was young and Ray wasn’t sure Piper was out. From what he’d heard, he doubted Piper had had any chance to experiment at all. But that was talk for another day. Today was all about making Piper more secure. “Ready?” Ray put a hand on Piper’s thigh and gave it a small squeeze before opening the door and getting out. It was a nice neighbourhood. Not too far from where Piper had almost plunged to his death. Ray wondered why Piper hadn’t thought of his aunt’s in the first place. Or maybe subconsciously he had, hoping a member of his family would stop him. He followed Piper up the path and had to make himself stop staring at the nice bubble butt in front of him. He was starting to get hard and didn’t want to embarrass either of them. After a knock, the door opened. Ray was impressed—the petite woman didn’t say a word when she saw what Piper had on. She just opened the door wider. “Come on in. I have some lemonade in the kitchen.” She waited until they both sat down before she said anything more. www.total-e-bound.com

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“Well, I’m Kris Kell, Char—I mean, Piper’s aunt. And you are?” “Oh. I’m sorry. I should have…Aunt Kris, this is my…um…friend…” Piper looked over at Ray and turned red. He was so cute when he blushed. “Rayne Carr. He helped me last night. Well—earlier this morning. Ray, this is my Aunt Kris.” Ray held out a hand. Kris had a strong grip. “Nice to meet you.” He let go of her hand and sat back. He wouldn’t interfere unless Piper needed him. “Okay, now that the introductions are over, tell me what happened.” Kris leant back in her chair as well. Piper took the floor. Piper cleared his throat and took a drink before he spoke. He looked so nervous. Ray just wanted to wrap him up and take him home. But he couldn’t because Piper was right, Ray couldn’t always be there for him. Piper would need to stand on his own two feet. He’d be stronger for it. “Last night Sam walked into my room without knocking and—” Piper looked over at Ray. Ray nodded for him to continue, letting him know in that small way that he’d be there. Piper took another drink before continuing. “He found me…I was…ahh…in a skirt and heels with a frilly top and had a longblackwigon.” He rushed the last words together like he was trying to get them out as quick as possible, then he cleared his throat and looked between Ray and Kris. “Well—that can’t be everything. If you’re waiting for me to comment on your attire we’ll be here for a while. I don’t give a fuck what you wear, kid, as long as you’re happy and okay. So what else happened?” God, Ray loved this woman. If he wasn’t already infatuated with her nephew he’d be asking for her number. But she paled in comparison to Piper. “I’m gay!” Piper blurted out. “And—?” Yep, Ray could kiss her right now. Piper would be safe here. Ray released a breath he hadn’t realised he’d been holding. “And—Sam ran to tell dad. I chased him upstairs trying to stop him.” Piper looked down at his hands.

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Ray couldn’t help himself. He took Piper out of his chair and cuddled the smaller man on his lap. “It’s okay, sweetheart. You’re safe here, go ahead and finish the story.” Ray stroked his fingers down Piper’s back before rubbing in circles to soothe Piper. Piper held his arms out so his aunt could see them. Ray hated every second of this. It was like Piper was exposing a part of himself that he shouldn’t have to. “That fucker did that to you? You aren’t going back. Where was your mom? Or do I even have to ask. God damn it!” Kris hit the table with her hand, causing Piper to jump, but Ray was there to calm Piper down. “I—” “I’m here for you, Piper. I should have stepped in a long time ago and I’m sorry I didn’t, but from now on, you’ll be safe. We’ll take care of this. What about Sam?” “We’re going over to Piper’s parents’ house after we’re through here to get whatever Piper needs.” “Good. You can bring him back here when you’re done—unless—” Kris looked between the two of them. “I…thank you, Aunt Kris. I’d appreciate it. I have a job, I can help out and—” “We’ll get to that later. If you can get your brother to come with you, do it. If not, just get back here and we’ll get you settled. I have a spare room, but we’ll probably need your friend’s help to clear it out.” “No, I can do that. There’s no need—” “None of that. I’m here to help.” Ray eased Piper off his lap and stood. “Piper, why don’t you go check out the room, see what you might need. It’s up the stairs, second door on the left.” This was where Ray was going to get the third degree, he could feel it. He waited until Piper was out of earshot. “Look, before you say anything, I just want what’s best for him. If you weren’t okay with who he is, I planned on letting him stay at my place.” “And just who are you to him and how old are you?” Kris crossed her arms over her chest. “Look, I get that you’re trying to be protective and I dig that, I do. But there is something you need to understand. I plan on being in Piper’s life as long as he’ll let me. www.total-e-bound.com

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30

Granted, we don’t know each other well and I’ll be honest, we met early this morning at a point in Piper’s life where he was at his lowest. If all he wants is a friend, that’s all it will ever be. I just want the chance to know him and show him that he deserves to be happy.” “More happened than what he said, didn’t it?” Kris relaxed her hands. “Yes, but that’s for him to tell if he wants to.” “I don’t need to know.” Kris let out a breath. “Thank you, for being there and bringing him here.” Ray nodded. “I’m here if he needs me. For anything.” “Aunt Kris, it looks—hey, what’s going on?” Piper looked at Ray. “We’re just talking. You ready to go?” Ray held out a hand and Piper took it without hesitation. “Yeah, it won’t take too long. I don’t have a lot of stuff. I really just need my school books, my Nook and my work uniform. Oh! And my clothes.” Piper looked over at his aunt. “Are you sure this is okay?” Piper worried his lower lip. He looked even younger than he was at that moment. Ray could read the uncertainty on Piper’s face. What he wouldn’t do to keep him protected forever. These intense feelings were beginning to freak him out a little. He wasn’t one who believed in love at first sight—until he’d happened upon a person in distress. “I’m sure. Go get your stuff and I’ll see what I can clear out before you get back.”

**** “That went better than I expected,” Piper admitted as they got back into the truck. He actually didn’t know what to think. He’d hoped his aunt would be cool, but there was truly no way of knowing. He hadn’t seen her in years. The only thing he remembered was a time she’d come by the house and tried to get his mom into rehab. His dad had come home and that was the end of that. Aunt Kris had been banned from the house and his mom went on benders while his dad was out of town. “People can surprise you,” Ray agreed. Piper wondered what Ray and his aunt had talked about when he’d been upstairs. He looked at Ray out of the corner of his eye. The man was so strong, his hands big against the

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steering wheel. Piper could admit that he wanted to feel them on his body. What would Ray’s skin taste like? God, he shouldn’t be thinking these things. At least not right now. They were going to his house where his dad could be. That right there was enough to make Piper’s cock uninterested in anything but shrivelling up. “I’m sorry.” “For what?” Ray looked confused. “For everything. You have a life, yet here you are tangling yourself in my big mess.” “I want to be here,” Ray attested. What did he do to deserve this big strong man? Nothing. “Yeah, but I’m pathetic.” Piper sighed and looked out of the window, disgusted with himself. “Enough of that. There is more to you than your family, and I want to find out about it. I want to know what you’re studying in college. I want to know where you work. What you do in your spare time. All of that, and more. I also want to know if you’ll go on a date. With me that is. My work schedule is crazy, but I always have Sunday off. That gives you a week to get settled.” Piper looked at Ray in disbelief. Was this really happening to him? This gorgeous man wanted to go out with him? An admitted screw-up who’d almost done the most stupid thing in the universe by trying to off himself? He had issues, most of them self-esteem related. He knew that in his head, and his heart had to catch up. “I think—” “Don’t think. Not yet. You got a cell?” The change in topic threw him for a second. “Yes. Of course.” “Great. We’ll programme my number in it. You can call me whenever. I might not always be able to answer, but you can let me know sometime this week if we’re on for next Sunday. I don’t want to be all pervy. I know you have things to work out. I just want to be there too. Now, I’m just driving aimlessly here—where do your parents live?” “Shoot. Right. God, I’m so—” Piper stopped when Ray frowned at him. “Okay then, they live on Forest Park Boulevard.” “Did you go to North Side?” www.total-e-bound.com

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“No, Dwenger, why?” “We just live so close together and you’re around Rach’s age. God, I feel like a perv saying that, but you are, and I was thinking we could have met before this.” “Things might have been different if we had.” “I don’t know, I think you needed me now. If you’d been Rach’s friend I might have put you in the ‘do not touch’ column. But I found you and I’m keeping you. Shit, that sounds bad too.” “I like it and I like you.” “Good. Then let’s get you settled. When do you work next?” “I’m a waiter at Roberto’s. A new place out at Jefferson Pointe and I’m not on schedule until tomorrow. I have class in the morning.”

They pulled up in front of the house. It looked the same as always, but he was different. The front door opened and his mother stood there. Sam was behind her, peeking out. He really didn’t want to do this, but if he wanted his stuff now was the time. He wasn’t coming back here. It didn’t look like his dad was home so hopefully it would go smoothly and they could be done soon. He had a small stash of cash that he wanted to make sure was still there. “What are you wearing?” His mom snapped out. Piper looked down—he’d forgotten about the skirt. He smiled. He’d forgotten about the skirt! “What’re you grinning at, fag?” The hateful words coming out of his brother’s mouth made him stumble, the smile gone. “Don’t listen to him, babe. Let’s get your stuff and get out of here, ‘kay?” Piper didn’t speak, he couldn’t. He just nodded. He wished he was back at Ray’s house. The warmth there made him feel welcome. This place was full of cold. Not like the Carr home where everyone seemed to laugh and love unconditionally. What would it have been like to grow up where someone gave a shit? “Where do you think you’re goin’?” his mom slurred. She was drunk already. Not that Piper should be surprised. She was drunk more than sober these days. www.total-e-bound.com

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“I have some things I need to get,” Piper mumbled. He’d almost forgotten how it felt to be here. Almost, but not quite. It was like an old nightmare he needed to escape, but it kept clawing him back under. He couldn’t shake the ache in his chest. The only thing that kept him sane right now was knowing Ray was there and wanted him as he was. “Not yours,” his mom slurred her words. How she accomplished that he wasn’t sure, but he wasn’t going to let her turn him away. “Yes, they are. I paid for them, they’re mine.” “Ma’am, I suggest you move or I’ll move you.” His hero. Ray was polite even when being assertive. “Don’t make me call the cops.” Now, that one was as clear as day. His mom looked up and up until she could meet Ray’s eyes. The man was intimidating. Or he used to be, but no more. He was a big teddy bear on the inside and Piper was finding that he liked that. A lot. He could do this. Piper’s life would begin once they left this dismal place. Only sunshine would follow him. Now he was being silly, but the empowerment was nice for a change. A feeling he hadn’t had until this moment in time. Piper couldn’t figure out why he’d had to go to the deepest darkest pits of his mind and hit rock bottom to understand that there was a light at the end of the tunnel. Now he could make his way back up. Be the man he should be. The one he wanted to be. “Go ahead, Mom. Do it. Call them. I have a few things I’d like to say when they get here.” That shut her up. No way did she want him blabbing about her and his dad. Piper led Ray down the stairs to his room and stopped. He crumpled on the bottom step. He hadn’t expected this level of hatred. He cradled his stomach with his hands and rocked back and forth. His heart had been ripped from his chest. The hate was so thick in the air he could taste it. All his panties and lingerie were shredded. Someone had taken scissors to every last scrap. This was like an attack on the very core of who he was. Nothing else that he could see had been touched, but that little bit was enough for him to spiral out of control. That was until Ray’s hand squeezed his shoulder, his presence enough to calm him. He clasped the hand and squeezed back. “Let’s get your stuff and leave. Will you be okay while I go get the boxes we brought?” Piper wiped his face; he didn’t know he’d been crying. Time to man up and get out of this hell hole. www.total-e-bound.com

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“Yeah, I’ll start gathering my things.” He had a mission. First things first, he needed to make sure his cash was safe. His banking information was stored with it too. That was his money and these fuckers weren’t going to see a red cent. He should have moved out a long time ago, but he thought he was helping his brother by taking the heat from their dad. Well, no more. This wasn’t his home. By the time Ray returned, Piper had his computer packed up as well as all his books and his e-reader. The only thing left to do was to pile his clothes in one of the boxes. Then he’d be ready to go. Luckily, his family had only been intent on hurting him through his frilly clothes. Nothing else had been touched. They were able to get everything in the truck without seeing his mom or brother again. “How about we take this to your aunt’s and we go shopping?” Ray broke into Piper’s thoughts. “I—” Piper looked back at the house. He was so tired. “Not today. I’m not ready.” His shoulders slumped. His emotions crashed over him and tears flooded his eyes. He made sure to look away from Ray. The city sped by and it took him a minute to figure out that Ray had pulled over. The snap of the seatbelt was his only warning before he was dragged across the seat. “It’s okay to be upset.” Piper laid his head against Ray’s chest. His tears dried up as Ray’s heartbeat soothed him. It was okay to be upset. It was a big blow to go to his room and see the destruction. It hurt. But here and now he had a choice— to keep wallowing in self-pity or pick himself up and become stronger. Be a guy that might be worthy of Ray. He could do that. He wanted to do that. “I know.” Piper looked up at Ray. “But I’ll get over this. I feel sorry for Sam. I really do. He has as much hatred inside of him as my parents and I don’t think I can help him anymore.” “You have a big heart, Charles Sylvester Piper III. I’m not sure how you survived there as long as you did. We don’t have to dwell on that anymore. Only place left to go is up.” Ray smiled down at him. The warmth in that glance swelled inside Piper. He’d never felt this special before. Keeping to himself didn’t allow for any attachments. Now Ray was offering himself and with that came his crazy family. Yes, things were looking better. www.total-e-bound.com

RAYNE’S WILD RIDE

Jambrea Jo Jones

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Chapter Five

It was finally Sunday. Ray didn’t think it would ever get here. Tonight he had a date with Piper. They’d talked on the phone a couple of times. Both of them had been busy with day-to-day living. Ray had to work his construction job all week along with working at the bar. He usually worked Friday and Saturday but he got called in a lot to work the door when he wasn’t bartending. He was tired, but nothing would stop him from seeing Piper. Mike and Piper both went to IPFW, the local college, so they’d gone to lunch a couple of times and he knew Piper had called Rach a few times. It was good that Piper felt comfortable with his family. He just hated the fact that they had more contact with Piper than he did. He wasn’t jealous. Much. Maybe he’d feel differently now that Piper wasn’t so helpless. That day had been so charged with emotion, Ray wanted to be sure they were the real deal—that he liked Piper for who he was and not because he needed to help him. It wouldn’t be fair to either of them. Ray made sure to put an extra helmet on the bike as he knew Piper didn’t have a car and used the bus. He was hoping to take Piper for another ride. He pulled up to the restaurant a few minutes early, but he wasn’t the only eager one because Piper was already sitting outside the restaurant on a bench. When he spotted Ray he waved and a smile lit up his face. Ray paused. Nope. It wasn’t just a person in need. It was Piper. Ray smiled back. He was happy. Just seeing Piper made his day better. He walked over, trying not to rush, and pulled Piper into a hug, not caring who would see them. It had been a week and that was too long in his book. “You made it.” Piper jumped up, looking uncertain. No way could Ray have Piper unsure about where he stood. They’d just talked yesterday. “Of course. I wouldn’t miss this for anything,” Ray pledged. “Good. I…just—never mind. Here, I put our names in. There’s a small wait and they gave me one of those beeper things.” Piper passed it over.

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Ray made sure he lingered in the touch. Piper’s skin was warm. Ray licked his lips and Piper’s face turned red. He needed to stop broadcasting his thoughts, but Piper held his full attention. He was wearing tight black pants with a white button-up shirt. He’d left the top few buttons open, showing off his neck. He was actually pretty well covered up, but Ray’s body didn’t care. It wanted Piper naked. “Piper, I meant what I said. I’ve been looking forward to this since I dropped you off at your aunt’s last week.” Ray squeezed Piper’s hand and took the buzzer away from him. “I will say, I miss the skirt,” Ray said the last bit so only Piper could hear, then he winked. He wasn’t lying about that either. The thought of Piper and his little panties and that skirt had been his spank fantasy all week. If he hadn’t been careful he’d have rubbed himself raw. And he couldn’t even begin to think of the present he’d got Piper or he’d never make it through dinner. If it was possible, Piper’s face turned even redder. The beeper went off. “Ah—saved by the buzz,” Piper joked. Ray grinned. This was going to be a great dinner. Piper was as cute as could be. He couldn’t wait until they were alone and he could give Piper his gift. “How’re you settling in?” Ray waited until they were sitting down to ask his question. He should have waited longer because the waiter appeared to get their drink order. “Good. Aunt Kris is helping me look for an apartment.” “What? I thought she said it was okay for you to be there. You can—” Piper held up a hand to stop him. “Wait. She did say it was okay, but I’m old enough now to be on my own. Truly on my own. I’m working. I should be able to afford it.” “But what about school? That should be your main focus.” “I already have my associates. I can look for a job that will help me finish my bachelor degree. I’m thinking of seeing if I can get into Crossroad.” “I guess I should have asked before, but what is your degree in?” Crossroad was an inhouse treatment centre for troubled kids. Ray wasn’t sure what Pip would do there. “Psychology. Kind of funny, if you think about it. Me, the screw-up who almost offed himself, trying to keep others from doing the same. I mean, really, I stayed in the house for so long, knowing that it would be better to get out. I’ve set up my own counselling appointment. I think it’s for the best. I know I need it. I was driven to such a dark place and if www.total-e-bound.com

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I want to help others like me, I need to understand how I got to the point I was ready to end it all. And I do—want to help kids who don’t think things can be better. It may have only been a week, but meeting you”—Piper looked up from studying his silverware— “and your family, has shown me that there are good people out there.” “I think you can help. You’ve been there. You could understand in a way some people might not be able to. But, can I ask, why psychology?” Ray was curious. “At first, to understand me. Something felt—off, I guess you could say. The classes really didn’t help me with everything. Hell, with hardly any of it. That had to come from me. Then it was to figure out why mom stayed with dad. Why she had to get drunk. And why they hated me and pitted me against my brother.” Piper got quiet. Ray reached for his hand and interlaced their fingers. “You know none of that is your fault, right?” “My head knows it. My heart just needs to catch up.” Piper looked back at his utensils and the waiter came back with their drinks. Piper tugged his hand but Ray refused to let go. “Are you ready to order?” The waiter looked between the two of them and didn’t blink an eye at their hands. Good, because Ray didn’t feel like getting into a fight. He liked Piper and there was nothing wrong with holding hands. “We haven’t even looked yet. Give us a couple minutes?” Ray bared his teeth. It wasn’t quite a smile, but it caused Piper to giggle and it was worth it. “Stop scaring the guy.” Ray let a real grin spread across his face. “We should probably see what we want to eat. After we’re done I have a surprise for you.” “You do? What is it?” Piper all but bounced in his chair. “Guess we’ll have to eat so you can find out. Like surprises, do you?” “If they’re good ones. I haven’t had many.” “Well get used to the good kind because there will be plenty more where this came from.” They finally ordered and Ray let go of Piper’s hand.

“Thank you,” Piper said once they’d finished eating. www.total-e-bound.com

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“For what?” Ray cocked his head to the side. “For this.” Piper waved his hand over the table. “The food?” “The food, the date. Just…being you.” “I think you’re the only person who has ever thanked me for being me.” Ray winked at Piper. “Then they don’t know you well enough. Just from the short bit I’ve known you, you’ve shown me what a real man can be like. So thank you. For being you and sharing your family and being there when I need you.” “Then I have to thank you as well.” Ray went for the check when it looked like Piper would pick it up. He’d asked for the date, he would pay. He glared at Piper, but it didn’t seem to intimidate him at all. Ray liked that. It wasn’t often people didn’t flinch when he entered the room or back off like he was going to attack them. “For what? Being an all-round pain?” Ray snorted. “Whatever. For looking and seeing me. Not very many do who aren’t directly related.” “That’s because they don’t know you. Now—didn’t you say something about a surprise?” Ray threw back his head and laughed. He didn’t care if the whole restaurant looked. He was happy. Truly happy in a way that he’d never been before. This little slip of a man held Ray’s heart in the palm of his hand. “That I did. That I did. Let’s get out of here.”

**** Piper was on the back of Ray’s bike again, but this time he could really enjoy having his arms wrapped around Ray. He hoped tonight there would be more. Like naked bodies. He wanted to taste Ray. Every last inch of him. Talking over the phone hadn’t been nearly enough. He liked the big guy. Not just him, but his family too. They were the best bunch of people he had ever known. They’d taken him in when they didn’t have to and they’d treated www.total-e-bound.com

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him like a human being. Not a third-rate citizen. He wouldn’t let his family ruin this night. This was for him and Ray. The idea that a family like the Carrs could exist was beyond his realm of thinking until a week ago. It was amazing how quickly things could change. That bridge really was the turning point in his life. Piper felt stronger than ever before. Ready to begin his life for real. The first step would be an apartment. Then from there—who knew? Hopefully, he would be able to spend more time with Ray. The ride seemed to take forever. They were outside the city limits and Piper had no idea where Ray could be taking him. They finally reached their destination. It was an old-looking log cabin hidden back on a lake—it looked a little creepy. Ray slowed down and parked the bike. He had to help Piper off and steady him. He wasn’t used to riding for so long. “Here we are.” Ray reached for his saddle bag and pulled out a brightly-wrapped package. “Um—where is here?” Piper eyed the present. “This is a cousin of mine’s lake place. I asked if he minded us coming up for a bit. He said no problem.” “That was nice of him.” Piper was still distracted by the gift. Was that for him? He figured the surprise was the cabin because neither one of them lived at a place where they could truly be alone, and Ray had to want him as much as Piper wanted Ray. Didn’t he? God, he hoped so. It felt like he’d known Ray forever, not just a week. Ray led him inside and turned on a few lights before guiding him to a couch. They sat down and Ray handed him the package. “Here—I got you this.” “Really?” He sounded like a little kid, but he couldn’t help himself. When was the last time someone had bought him a gift, just because. That would be never. “Of course. It isn’t much. Go ahead. Open it,” Ray encouraged him. “What is it?” Ray laughed. “Just open it.” Piper eased the bow off the top and looked for the tape around the edges, careful not to rip the paper. He finally got one end open and wiggled the box out and opened it. www.total-e-bound.com

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“Oh my God!” Piper gasped, looking down into the package. “Do you like it?” Piper nodded. He couldn’t speak. He pulled the ruffled boy-shorts out of the box. They were white with a little black bow that had pink stitching and pink garters attached at the waist. Also inside was a pair of pink pinstriped stockings with pink bows at the top. He was speechless. He looked up at Ray and tossed the box aside, throwing himself at the man. He was lucky they didn’t fall off the couch. He peppered kisses anywhere on Ray’s body he could find. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you,” Piper repeated between each kiss. No one had ever got him something so thoughtful. Piper had tears streaming down his face. “Hey now. Hold on.” Ray pulled him back a little and used his thumb to wipe the tears from Piper’s face. “Why’re you crying? I thought you liked them.” Piper sniffed and buried his face into Ray’s chest. “I love them. I truly do. It’s just—no one’s ever gotten me something so special before and I thought the cabin was the surprise, but then you give me this… It’s just—overwhelming. In a good way,” he was quick to add. “How did you—? Where did you—?” He picked up the underwear and caressed the silky fabric. “I went searching. Online. I knew you didn’t have much anymore.” Ray paused when Piper tensed up, but he rubbed circles on Piper’s back, soothing him. “I—” He didn’t know what he wanted to say, but needed to fill the space. He couldn’t believe how lucky he was that Ray had found him. “No more thoughts of them. I didn’t even want to bring them up. But I knew you would want some new stuff. Did you know there is a site online just for this kind of stuff? It’s called xdress.com and they have some amazing things. I got hard just imagining you in some of them. This set here, I had express shipped overnight. I wanted you to have it,” Ray whispered the last against Piper’s ear. “I want you to have more. Everything. Anything. I never thought I’d be so turned on, but I want this. I need you.” Piper sat the present aside and leant back enough so he could kiss Ray’s mouth. Just a slight pressing of lips to start. He sighed and Ray’s tongue slipped into his mouth. Piper wanted to show Ray just how much the gift meant to him. He straddled Ray’s thighs and pushed him back on the couch. Piper groaned when Ray squeezed his ass, their cocks www.total-e-bound.com

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rubbing against each other through the fabric of their clothes. Piper tangled his hands in Ray’s short hair, holding him there while Piper licked and nibbled at Ray’s lips, his hips rocking in rhythm with Ray’s grip. They moved against each other. Piper’s breath hitched in his throat. He was going to come. How embarrassing, but he couldn’t stop himself. Piper yelled Ray’s name against the other man’s lips. Wet cum filled his jeans. “I’m sorry. So sorry. Sorry.” Piper continued to move through his orgasm, apologising for coming so soon. “Enough.” Ray didn’t say the words harshly as he took Piper’s hand and slid it down the front of his pants. Piper’s hand encountered wet. He looked down then up at Ray in awe. “I did that? You? That?” “Yes.” Ray chuckled. The other man was trying to catch his breath as well. “I was so fucking turned on thinking about you in that damn underwear that I shot my load in my pants. I almost came again when you lost it. My God you’re beautiful.” They lay there like that for a few minutes. With Piper curled up on Ray’s chest, their breathing evened out. Piper’s pants were starting to get sticky and cold. Ray moved and eased them both off the couch. “Strip.” “Wha—?” “You have to be getting uncomfortable. I know I am. There’s a washing machine around here somewhere. Let’s throw our pants in and go take a swim.” “But I didn’t bring a suit.” Piper unsnapped his pants and wiggled out of them. He stopped when he caught Ray looking at him. Under his jeans he wore a pair of pale pink satin g-string panties. He’d bought them this week for his date and he was hoping this was how Ray would react. Ray’s jaw hung open and he blinked before glancing up into Piper’s face. Piper let a grin spread across his lips. He moved his hips a little, side to side, and slowly slid his underwear down his legs. Ray empowered him. Once they were free of his legs he threw them at Ray. Ray caught them and put them to his face, taking in a deep breath. Piper’s legs buckled and he sat down hard on the couch. That was the sexiest thing he’d ever seen. www.total-e-bound.com

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“You okay?” Ray gave him a cocky grin. “Yeah. That was so sexy.” “Not as sexy as you in this little bit of material.” Ray sniffed them again and groaned. Holy hell, Piper started getting hard again. He threw off the rest of his clothes and raced outside and jumped in the lake. The chilly water rushed over his skin cooling him off. It didn’t take long for a splash to echo into the night, alerting Piper to Ray’s presence. He wondered what would happen next. He was ready to feel Ray deep inside him. Hell, he’d run before he could get a good look at the other man. It was probably for the best. He didn’t want to freak out. The unexpected was always his biggest obstacle to overcome. But he was ready. And he wanted it to be Ray. Now. Tonight.

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Chapter Six

“Why’d you run?” Ray’s voice echoed in the dark. He’d forgotten how the sounds carried out here. He trod water, waiting for his eyes to adjust to the darkness. “It was so much. Do you know how hot it was watching you sniff my panties? I never thought I’d find someone who could accept this part of me and I was going to explode.” “Now that would have been hot.” Ray swam closer. Piper dodged him, slipping through Ray’s fingers. He could play that game. They chased each other around the water, Piper always just out of his reach. After the intense experience in the cabin where he’d exploded like a teenager, it was nice to cool off and enjoy the night. Ray grabbed at Piper’s legs, but the other man somehow twisted out of the grasp and ducked underwater. Ray was not expecting the warm mouth to encase his cock. He splashed in the water and went under. Laughter echoed around the lake when he surfaced. He looked around and couldn’t see the little shit anywhere. A slap to his ass brought him around to face a grinning, wet Piper. He could stare at that happy face for days and never get tired. Piper was meant for happiness. Ray finally caught Piper off guard, snagged him around the middle and hauled him in close. “I’ve never… Ray, I’ve never done—anything,” Piper whispered against his lip, suddenly serious. He was trying to kill Ray with his words. Ray groaned into the kiss and Piper wrapped his legs around Ray, hanging on for all he was worth. Ray swam them back to shore. “We should go inside.” Ray got them both standing and guided Piper to the house. “Did I say something wrong?” Piper bit his lip and all Ray wanted to do was soothe it with his tongue. “No. God, no. Scratch that thought.” Ray needed to cool down. He’d forgotten to turn the washer on when Piper had run out of the house and hadn’t even thought about towels. Piper was shivering in the doorway. Ray couldn’t tell if it was nerves or cold. That was enough to wilt his cock and get his mind in the game. He’d have to www.total-e-bound.com

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fix both. He gathered the clothes, started the washer and went to find towels. Piper hadn’t moved from his spot. “Get over here.” Ray held a big towel open and Piper walked right over. Ray wrapped the towel and his arms around Piper, just holding him steady. Showing him support in the only way he knew how, through his touch. He’d always been touchyfeely. The kids hated it, but it brought him peace. “You’re so big,” Piper murmured against Ray’s chest. “What?” He wasn’t completely sure what Piper was talking about. Being big wasn’t news to either of them. He towered over Piper. Hell, from the back people wouldn’t be able to tell Piper was there. “I mean—everywhere. Will…will it…fit?” Ray closed his eyes. Piper was so innocent. Maybe it hadn’t been the best idea to bring him up here. He was still so young and not just in years, but in experience. Ray rested his chin on Piper’s head, hugging him closer. “It’ll fit. We don’t have to do anything. You know that, right? I’m happy getting to know you for now.” “You’re a great guy. You know that, right? I want this so bad I can taste it. I’m just— nervous. I’m not totally innocent. I’ve watched—gay porn. I know how it’s supposed to go. I—” “What time is your class tomorrow?” Ray changed the topic, but for a good reason. “I have to be there at eight. Then I work tomorrow afternoon.” Piper cocked a brow, probably wondering why Ray was asking. “I don’t have to be in until later tomorrow. More like ten. Let’s stay here and what happens, happens. There’s an alarm clock in the bedroom, I’ll set it so we have enough time to get you home before your class.” Piper nodded and Ray guided him to the bedroom. Thank God his cousin used this for a hook-up place because Ray hadn’t brought anything. He hadn’t wanted to look over-eager. He was an adult. He didn’t have to have sex the minute they were alone. But he’d be lying if he said he didn’t want this because, by all that was holy, he wanted inside Piper’s ass—to feel the tight hole clenching his cock—but he had to respect Piper’s boundaries. He moaned and crushed Piper to him before backing away to look for a light switch. It had gone so dark. “I want you to fuck me, Ray,” Piper whispered into the pitch-black room. www.total-e-bound.com

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If his cock wasn’t hard before it certainly was now. His willpower was draining away. “God, Pip. The things you say.” Forget light. The curtain was closer, he opened it and let the moonlight bathe the room and Ray made his way back to the bed. Piper was in the middle sprawled out—naked. He’d lost his towel somewhere on the way into the room. Holy fuck that’s hot. “I ache and I think the only thing that will stop it is you fucking me into the mattress.” “Okay, no more porn for you.” Ray crawled onto the bed between Piper’s thighs. Piper snickered. Ray hovered over Piper, not wanting to crush the smaller man, but Pip was having none of it. His thighs wrapped around Ray and pulled him down. “I feel so safe here in your arms. You surrounding me, so the only thing in the whole universe is us.” “I don’t want to hurt you.” “I don’t want to hurt you either. I still have a lot of healing to do. What if I slip back to that dark place?” “Let me be your rock. God, that sounds cheesy, but it’s true. I’m here for you. And if all you want is my friendship, that’s what you’ll get. If you want more—” Piper thrust his body against Ray’s. “Does this feel like friendship to you?” Ray looked deep into Piper’s gaze. He saw the hero worship there and hoped he didn’t get hurt. But he saw something else. Something that caused him to thrust back. It was the raw lust and need in Piper’s eyes. It was a grown-up look, one that hit Ray at gut level. He wanted to turn them so Piper was on top. Ray was so much bigger, but Piper struggled to stay where he was. “Kiss me.” There was desperation in Piper’s tone. Ray nodded and kissed Piper’s chin. Then his chest, kissing his way down. Piper wiggled, but Ray held him still. Piper wanted a kiss? Ray would give him one—just not where Piper expected. He continued down the smaller man’s body, but avoided his cock and balls. He had a better target in mind.

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Piper had no idea what Ray was doing and he didn’t care. Everything felt so good from the scruff of Ray’s beard trailing over his body to Ray caressing every inch of him. Well— every inch but the part of Piper he craved to be fondled. He needed more, but when he thrust his cock up to Ray’s mouth the other man resisted. The moist heat moved along his thigh then to the space between his balls and ass. Was Ray— “Oh my fucking God. What—oh God, please, more. Ray!” He clutched the sheets in his hands and bucked against the tongue circling his hole and pushing its way inside. Ray was rimming him and Piper had never felt anything so good. Ray hummed against his ass and Piper shivered. His whole body was ready to explode into tiny pieces. Porn was nice to watch, but feeling the moist heat of Ray’s tongue in his ass was much better than seeing it on the computer. “Ray…I—oh damn—I…need…” Now he was babbling. He had no idea what he needed, but more of—something. Ray must have understood because he added a finger alongside his tongue. The sensation wasn’t totally new to Piper. He’d had his own fingers in his ass enough times, but this was different, more intense than anything in his experience. Piper was going to come again. He pushed at Ray’s shoulders trying to get him to stop. It was too soon and he didn’t want to come until Ray was deep in his ass. Not like last time when he’d spewed without a touch. “I’m gonna—stop! Please, Ray. Wait.” Piper whimpered when Ray left his body. He felt empty. “Sorry. Did I—?” Ray was visibly trying to get himself under control. At that moment, Piper fell in love with Ray. The man was clearly so turned on he was having trouble breathing, but he’d stopped everything because Piper had asked him to. He didn’t push or pressure in any way. How had he got so lucky? “Just need a minute. I’m going to explode, but I need you inside me when I do. It was too much.” “Oh thank God.” Ray rested his forehead on Piper’s thigh. “I thought—” “I need you like I need to breathe, Ray. Just…let me calm down some so I don’t shoot the second you’re inside me. I want this to be good for you. For us.”

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Ray climbed up his body and stole a kiss from his lips. It was quick, but full of passion. When Ray’s mouth left his he moved to follow, but Ray stopped him. “Piper, being here with you, now, in this moment is good. It’s great. Sex is just like a cherry on top of a hot fudge sundae.” “I need to feel you inside me, Ray. Now.” “You aren’t ready.” “But—” “Listen to me on this. Please. You aren’t ready. I have to stretch you more. This first time—it’s going to hurt one way or the other, but I want to make it as easy as possible for you and that means getting you ready to take me. What’s the biggest thing you’ve had up your ass?” Piper felt his face burn. God he must be bright red. He really had no reason to be embarrassed. Ray’s mouth was just on his asshole. They were almost as intimate as they could be without actual sex. “My…ah…my fingers.” “How many?” “Three. Four once,” Piper confirmed. “Give me your hand.” Piper didn’t hesitate. Ray held his hand up in front of Piper’s face and Piper pressed their hands together palm to palm. Ray’s fingers were huge, big, thick and fat, whereas Piper’s were slender and long. Now he could see the dilemma. One of Ray’s fingers was almost two of Piper’s. “Oh.” Piper looked up at Ray. “Yeah, oh.” Ray took Piper’s fingers and led them to his cock. Ray flipped them over so Piper was now on top. He wrapped his fingers around Ray’s cock, Piper figured he’d explore a little. His cock had wilted a bit at the realisation, once again, that Ray was a big man. Piper gulped, but slithered down Ray’s body. It was time he got acquainted with the dick that would, hopefully soon, be up his ass. He looked worriedly up at Ray when he reached his destination. Holy fuck, the man was hung. He’d got a glimpse at Ray’s package when they’d come back inside from their swim, but this was the first time he’d seen it hard and standing straight out. Piper really didn’t think a cock this big was usual outside of porn. Hell, Ray www.total-e-bound.com

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could have made a killing, but it was all his and Piper was going to claim it, if he could get his lips around it. Piper licked his lips, then the tip of Ray’s dick. The pre-cum glistening on the top held just a hint of what Piper was really after, but that would have to come later. This time he really wanted full-on sex. Piper stretched his mouth wide and engulfed the head between his lips. Both his hands stroked up and down and it was Ray’s turn to squirm. He was going to shoot just from sucking cock. The sensation of steel encased in silk was almost too much. His tongue swirled around and played with Ray’s slit. “Fuck. Piper. No. Stop.” He was reluctant to let go, but he did, backing off and panting for breath. Piper crawled up Ray’s body. Using his ass, he rocked back against Ray’s cock. He wanted it inside him so bad. “Lube? I think we’ll need that, right?” Piper asked. Ray pointed to a side table with a drawer. Piper leaned over and searched until he found what he was looking for. He took out the condoms too and laid them on the bed. Straddling Ray, he pressed their chests together so he could get to his own ass. Sure, his fingers were much smaller, but he could stretch himself faster. Ray was being too gentle. It was time to have that beautiful dick where it belonged. He popped open the top and soaked his fingers. He was already a little loose from earlier. It allowed him to slip two fingers inside, with a third shortly following. Then four. He hit his prostate and moaned. Piper was as ready as he was ever going to be. Time for him to take matters into his own hands. Ray had watched him the whole time. He knew, because they were staring into each other’s eyes. Piper didn’t look away, but patted the bed until his fingers grasped the condom. Still looking at Ray he used his teeth to open the package. He lubed up his hand again and coated Ray’s cock before easing the condom down his length. Ray had sat up a bit to help him because trying to put the protection on someone else wasn’t the easiest. Using his legs he pushed up and hovered over Ray’s dick. Ray was right there to steady him. He wanted to rush, but Ray wouldn’t let him. When he went to push down, Ray’s hands were there holding his ass. “Easy, babe. We aren’t rushing this.” Ray sounded so serious.

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The head was right at his pucker—he could feel it and wanted it inside. Piper’s cock got even harder, if that was humanly possible. Just the thought of them being connected so intimately was a total turn-on. Piper whimpered, but when Ray’s dick breached the first ring of muscles his whole body tensed. “Oh—fuck.” “Relax. Don’t move. Breathe for me.” Piper nodded and closed his eyes. It pinched. God, he wasn’t sure if this was a good idea now. Maybe they should—oh wait—the pinch turned into a slight burn and he slid down just a bit more. He could do this. This was Ray. It was slow-going and they were both panting by the time Piper was fully seated on Ray. “So full.” Piper bit his lip. The urge to move was strong. He needed more. “Tell me when I can move. Fuck, Pip. You’re so tight. Please.” He planted his feet firmly on the bed and moved until only the tip of Ray’s cock was still inside then he sank back down. It was the best sensation he’d ever had. His dick had softened some at the initial pain but now it was hard again and he had to touch it. Or someone had to. Ray took care of it by wrapping his fingers around Piper’s cock. He pumped in time with Piper’s thrusts. He moved faster and faster, racing towards his orgasm. Ray shifted and planted his own feet on the bed meeting Piper’s every move. It pegged his gland again and again. “I’m gonna—Ray, Ray, oh God. Ray.” “Harder, Pip. I’m right—ahhh!” Piper spilled his seed all over Ray’s chest and fingers. His ass clenched Ray’s dick and Piper could feel the spasms as he collapsed on top of Ray. He couldn’t move. Didn’t want to. They both groaned as Ray’s cock softened enough to slide out. Ray moved him to the side and got out of bed. “Where—?” “Hush. I’ll be right back. I need to get rid of this and get us cleaned up.” ‘This’ was the used condom. Piper was drifting off when a warm cloth soothed his ass. Yeah, he could get used to being pampered. Ray came back and snuggled in with him, his strong arms wrapped around Piper. He was safe and secure for the first time in his life. www.total-e-bound.com

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Chapter Seven

Shit. This was the second time he was going to have to break his date with Piper. Ray was sick of this crap. He needed the job, but they kept calling him in on his days off. He should just say no, but the family depended on him. They needed him. He just hoped Piper understood. They’d got together once since that night at the cabin and it wasn’t enough. They still spoke, but it had been two weeks and he hated to hear the disappointment in Piper’s voice. He said he understood and Ray knew he really did, but Piper deserved more. “Hey, sweetheart. It’s Ray.” “You have to cancel, don’t you?” “They swear this is the last time.” “It’s okay. It is. Really. I hate that our schedules don’t mesh well. You’re off tomorrow, aren’t you?” “Yep.” Ray got excited. Maybe they could finally get together. He wanted to hold Piper again. “Figures. I have to work. Darn it. Sunday again?” Piper sighed into the phone, his frustration coming through the phone line. “It seems like that’s our day, doesn’t it. I really hate this, Pip.” “You have responsibilities. I knew that from the first night I went to your house. Mike’s going to meet me for lunch in a bit. I wish it was you.” “God, me too. My family sees more of you than I do. I’m starting to get jealous.” Piper laughed. “I know the feeling. Maybe when I get my own place you could stay over a few nights?” “Or you could—” “No, Ray. We’ve talked about that. I can’t just move in with you. It’s too soon and I need to stand on my own two feet. Plus this way we can have a little privacy.” “I know, babe. I know. I just miss you something fierce and need you in my arms. Listen, I need to get off here and go get ready. Miss you.” “I miss you too. See you Sunday.” www.total-e-bound.com

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Piper hung up and Ray wanted to hit something. Or kick it or—God, he didn’t know what. It was so frustrating. He’d never felt this way about anyone before. Piper was so far under his skin it wasn’t even funny. Ray figured he’d have time before he felt this strongly about someone. But no, it was happening now when the twins were still young enough to really need him and Rach had her own things going on. Timmy was always working and Mike was so wrapped up in his own life that it left him holding things together. Like always. Usually it didn’t bug him, but the balancing act was killing him and seeing Piper only once a week wasn’t good for his mood. Ray sighed and got changed. Bitching about it wasn’t going to help anything. Maybe he could talk Rach into watching the kids one night this week so he could have some alone time. Take Piper out on another date. Maybe catch a movie. Something. He just knew something needed to change. He’d have to re-evaluate his schedule. Maybe go over the budget. If he didn’t have to pick up the extra shifts that might give him more quality time that wasn’t on the phone. “Ray, dinner’s ready when you are.” “Thanks, Rach. I’ll be right up.” He threw on his staff T-shirt and headed up to eat. “Who’s watching the kids tonight?” Ray asked when he reached the kitchen. “Mike has them tonight. His girlfriend is coming over for a bit. I’ll be in my room studying if they need me. I have a test. Tomorrow the twins are going over to Mitch and Pat’s. Their kids are having a slumber party and invited Day and Jay.” “Cool. Shit. Piper has to work.” Ray rested his head on the table. “Why’re you going in tonight?” “Need the money.” “Not that bad. One extra shift isn’t going to make or break us. You know that. Plus, mom and dad left enough money that we aren’t that bad off. So take a night off. Relax.” “I need to look at some figures first. I just don’t want you guys to want for anything.” “And we don’t. But, Ray—we’re grown up now. Well, most of us. I’d say it’s high time for you to be a little selfish.” “I’ll think about it, but not tonight. I already said I’d show. I can’t let them down.”

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He really couldn’t. When he promised something he followed through. His word was his bond or some such rubbish. But that’s how he wanted to be seen. People could count on him. Not just his family, but friends and the people he worked for. Ray wanted to be a good role model for his siblings. The way his mom and dad would have wanted him to be. Most days that was okay. Most days. But today wasn’t one of them. The casserole Rach had made looked good and Ray dug in. He hoped the crowd was light tonight. Sometimes the drunks liked to test him because of his size. He wasn’t up for that—they might get more than they bargained for. He should probably work out when he got home. His punching bag had seen more action in the last week than when he’d first put the damn thing up, but he could only jack off with memories of Pip for so long before he rubbed himself raw. And it didn’t satisfy him. Yep, work then work out. Seemed like the plan and hopefully he’d be alone with Piper on Sunday. Maybe he’d ask his cousin about the cabin again. Or a vacation. He had time. Ray wondered if Piper could get away. He’d have to ask the next time they talked. He wouldn’t know what to do with himself if he had his man alone for more than a few hours. They might never get out of bed and that was fine by him. Dinner was over before he realised it. Ray had been so lost in thought he hadn’t really tasted a thing, but it didn’t matter. Work beckoned and he answered the call.

**** Not tonight. Piper knew what he had to do. Ray was thinking too much. He was always so thoughtful of other people that he didn’t have time for himself. Ray needed to relax and let his family fend for themselves just this once and Piper had the perfect thing to help. He went to the phone and hoped Ray’s siblings would help him. He was supposed to work, but he called in. He didn’t make a habit of it and had a few days coming to him so he was going to use one. “Hello?” “Rachel? It’s Piper, I need a favour.” “Hey, Pip. What’s up?”

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He loved his nickname that Ray had given him and it tickled him that his brothers and sisters had started using it too. It made him feel special and part of the family. “Do you think you could clear the house for a couple hours?” Piper bit his lip waiting for an answer. God, they both needed this. “I don’t kn—” “I know it’s asking a lot, but I think Ray needs a break.” Piper twisted the phone cord around his fingers. His aunt had one of those old phones, no portable ones for her. “Why? Did Rayne say something?” Rachel sounded nervous and he couldn’t have that. There was no need to worry her. “You know he didn’t and he wouldn’t. He just seems a little stressed and he never listens when we tell him to take it easy.” And wasn’t that the truth. Piper might not have known the family long, but he knew the dynamics. Mostly from talking to Mike and Rach. “Well, the twins are staying the night at a cousin’s house so they won’t be there. I think Mike and Tim both work. I can go to a friend’s house, but I can’t stay too late ‘cause I have school in the morning.” “I owe you big time. Don’t let Ray leave and how soon will you be gone?” He was getting excited. This was going to work. Thank goodness. He was tired of jacking off. Solo wasn’t the way to go. Not after being filled with Ray. His ass clenched at the very thought of Ray inside him again. “Give me thirty minutes. And you do owe me. Free babysitting.” “It’s yours. If I was there right now I’d kiss you.” “Save it for my brother,” Rachel laughed. They hung up and Piper set about getting ready. He loved Ray’s family, but being a big brother really did take a lot out of Ray and he was more like a dad to the twins. But there was so much love in that house, Piper just wanted to bask in it. It was nothing like his own family. Pushing those thoughts aside, he went to the closet and pulled out the gift Ray had bought him the other week. It was still in the box because Piper hadn’t wanted to wear it until he had a special occasion and tonight was the night. He loved the white ruffled boy shorts with the little bow in front, but the best part were the little clips for the pink pinstripe stockings.

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Never before had he felt he could really be himself. Ray understood that sometimes these feminine clothes made Piper feel sexy. It wasn’t an all the time thing, but sometimes he needed it to feel like himself. Piper also took out a pink satin camisole that he liked to wear under his shirts sometimes. It complemented the hose and he wanted to look perfect for Ray. He wouldn’t put the wig on. Piper didn’t need it anymore. He was finally learning who he was and it wasn’t about being a woman, but what made him feel like a man. To top it off he took out an old overcoat. Nothing fancy, but it would cover him completely so he didn’t have to wear anything else. He was ready. Piper looked at his watch and he still had a couple of minutes. By the time he got there everyone but Ray should be gone. “Aunt Kris, I’m going out. I’ll be back late.” He didn’t wait for her mumble. He had a man to take care of.

Piper rang the doorbell and rocked back and forth waiting for an answer. He was nervous, but he shouldn’t be. He bit his lip—a bad habit he should stop—he was afraid Rachel hadn’t been able to pull it off. Maybe Ray had gone into one of his jobs since the house was empty. It’d be just like him to try and work instead of relaxing. The door swung open and there stood his big teddy bear. God he loved this man. “Hey, sweetheart. I thought you had to work tonight. I was just going to—hey, you okay?” Piper nodded and warmth flowed through his body at Ray’s words. Sweetheart. He’d never get tired of hearing that. He let go of the coat he’d been clutching in his hands, the front gaped open, his underwear peeking out as he flashed some thigh. He knew how much Ray loved his legs. “Is that—? Are you—?” Ray clutched at Piper’s arm, tugging him inside and slamming the door closed. “I thought you might need a little distraction.” Piper winked. “How—? What—? Fuck it. Kiss me.” Piper wouldn’t say no to that. He threw himself into Ray’s arms, knowing he would catch him, and Ray didn’t let him down. He wrapped himself around his lover. Their lips

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brushed against each other. Piper opened up, letting Ray’s tongue inside. He’d missed this. Needed it more than he could say. Ray pulled back and Piper slid down his body. It didn’t take long for Ray to tug Piper’s coat off him. Piper stood in the middle of the room in just his stockings, panties and camisole. “It’s…um…do you like it?” Piper fidgeted with the bow on his ruffled panties. Ray walked around him not saying a word. Piper was beginning to get nervous. He knew Ray didn’t mind. He’d bought most of the outfit himself. But why wouldn’t he say anything? “I’m going to peel every inch of this off you with my teeth. Get downstairs. Don’t take anything off. Just stand by the bed. I’m going to lock up and I’ll be right there.” Ray slapped his ass and walked off. Piper gulped, but didn’t waste any time. A big grin split across his face as he hurried to do Ray’s bidding.

**** Ray had to take a second to get himself under control. He’d almost come when he’d seen Piper at the door wearing nothing but a coat and his frilly undergarments. Fuck. His man was hot and Ray would be true to his word. Every inch of Piper’s body was going to be his tonight and he would take each article of clothing off with his teeth. He’d have to be careful. Ray didn’t want to rip Piper’s pretties. But if he did—he’d buy him more. Hell, he should buy stock in the company. Once the doors were secure, he let himself into his room. The light was on and there was Piper, right where Ray had told him to go. Piper looked up as Ray descended the stairs. Ray had to adjust his cock. The quicker he got out of his pants the better. “I thought you had to work?” he tried again. He’d asked earlier, but his throbbing cock had distracted him. Not that it was much better now. “I took a personal day. You—we—needed this. Was I wrong?” Time to put his honey’s mind to rest. “No. You weren’t wrong. I did need some boyfriend time.” “Boyfriend?” Piper swallowed. “What would you call us?” Ray grinned and pulled Piper into his arms. www.total-e-bound.com

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“I…it’s just…yes, boyfriend. I like that.” Piper was so cute when he was at a loss for words. “So, boyfriend, I think I made you a promise. I’m going to start at the bottom and work my way up. You can touch me, but no helping. I want to taste every inch of you.” “Oh God.” Ray moved back, discarding his clothing as fast as he could and sinking to his knees in front of Piper. He ran his hand up Piper’s leg, lifting Piper’s foot to rest on his thigh. Slow. Fuck. Go slow. It was taking all of his willpower not to rip every inch of clothing off Piper’s delicious body and throw him on the bed. He swallowed before releasing the foot and kneeling over to kiss Piper’s toes and lick a line up to the garter. He used his hands to unsnap the side before being good to his word and taking the fabric between his teeth, inching it down and tonguing the flesh along the way, leaving a wet path in his wake. Piper whimpered above him and clutched his shoulders. When Ray got to Piper’s ankle he moved just a bit so he could take the stocking off, only to repeat the same process on Piper’s other leg. By the time the hose were off, Piper was trembling and reaching for his panties. Ray couldn’t have that. This was his show. Of course, Piper was the star, but this was going his way. “No touching.” “Ray—” “You came here for me. Right?” Ray looked up at Piper to see him nod. “So, no touching. I want you begging and incoherent before I let you come.” “I can beg now?” Piper formed it as a question and ran his hands through Ray’s hair. He almost gave in. Almost. But he still wanted to savour this gift. “Nope. Now just hold on. I’m not done yet.” “Oh God,” Piper shouted. Ray nuzzled into the sweet spot where thigh met groin. The ruffle from the panties tickled his cheek. Piper clutched his hair tight and tried to get Ray to pay attention to his cock. Ray was in a giving mood, but still wanted to tease. He mouthed the material and sucked a wet spot. It was too much and not enough at the same time, if that was even www.total-e-bound.com

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possible. Piper clutched at Ray’s head, holding him still, but this was still Ray’s show. He took Piper’s hands in his without moving from Piper’s dick. He hummed and moaned as Piper thrust, but now their fingers were wrapped around each other as Ray grabbed the bow between his teeth and began tugging the underwear down Piper’s legs. When Piper’s cock appeared, Ray let go of the panties and nuzzled his face into Piper’s balls, taking a deep breath. “You smell so fuckin’ great.” “Suck it.” Ray chuckled. “Not yet. Soon.” “Ray, you’re killin’ me here. Please.” “Soon.” He was so tempted, but he let go of Piper so he could continue to remove the clothing, leaving Piper in only his pink top. The contrast of the girly undergarment and the cock standing proud and true made Ray harder. He was so on edge he could come with one touch. He needed a second. Standing up, he pulled Piper into his arms and took his mouth in a savage kiss. Piper’s cami top was cool to his overheated skin. Piper took advantage of the situation and grabbed Ray’s ass, grinding their dicks together. That wasn’t what Ray needed, not to keep things slow. He backed Piper up until they both fell on the bed. He managed to manoeuvre it so he landed on the bottom. Piper didn’t stop thrusting his hips. “Fuck me, Ray. Please. Now. I don’t want to come until you’re in my ass and if you don’t hurry, I won’t have a choice. Please. Please. Please.” “What—“ Ray swallowed “—if I want you in my ass?” “Oh God. Oh God.” Wetness burst between them as Piper climaxed. Knowing that just those words had set his lover off, Ray’s orgasm raced through him. They both lay there panting. The only sound in the room was the two of them trying to catch their breath. “Now that was hot,” Ray finally got out after his breathing returned to normal. “Did you—? I mean—can—oh fuck.” Ray chuckled as Piper started to hump his thigh, already getting hard again. “Yes. I want you to fuck me. Later. Right now let’s get cleaned up and take a nap.” “We don’t have long—” www.total-e-bound.com

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“Piper, we have all the time in the world,” Ray guaranteed him. “Rach said she couldn’t stay out late.” “That’s not what I meant. I’m not going anywhere and I hope you aren’t either. So for now, let me just enjoy some boyfriend time.” “I like that. Race you to the shower.” The little shit hopped off the bed and made a dash to the bathroom. Ray followed at a leisurely pace because he was right, they did have time and soon, very soon, he’d have Piper’s cock filling his ass. Now that was something to look forward to.

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Jambrea Jo Jones

59

Chapter Eight

“Can you stay for supper? I’m cooking. Aunt Kris will be here soon.” “I really can’t. Not tonight, but I’d love for you to cook for me sometime. This weekend?” “Deal.” Piper edged closer so he could wrap his arms around Ray. “Hey! Fag. Get your ass out here. I’ll show you what it’s like to be a real man! No son of mine’s gonna suck cock. Come on, you prissy bitch.” Piper tensed in Ray’s arms. Ray just clutched him tighter. “Shh, baby. It’s okay. Has he been by here before?” “N…no. I didn’t know he knew I was here.” Piper whispered. “Call the police.” “But—” “Babe, I saw your wrist the last time he attacked you. Please, I want you safe and who knows what he’ll do. I don’t want you hurt again.” “Okay—but you stay in here too. What about Aunt Kris? She should be here any minute.” “Hey, slut. Why’re you harbouring the fag?” “I think it’s too late. Call the cops. I’m going out there.” “Ray—” “Do you really think he’s going to fuck with me? And what about Kris? We can’t leave her out there to fend for herself.” “No. You’re right. Damn it.” “Then call the police and I’ll be right back.” Ray kissed him hard on the mouth and rushed out of the door. His hero. Piper just hoped the authorities were quick. Ray may be big, but he could still get hurt and Piper was done with the pain caused by his family. He took his mobile phone to the front door and dialled nine-one-one. “I’d like to report—” He paused. Was that—? A shot echoed through the night. www.total-e-bound.com

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“Sir? What was that? Was that a gunshot?” Piper couldn’t answer. The phone dropped from his hand as he raced out of the door not knowing what he’d see. It wasn’t what he was expecting. He figured either Kris or Ray would be dead on the ground. Instead his father had blood spewing from his arm and Piper’s baby brother stood over him, clutching a revolver. “I couldn’t let him hurt Piper again. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” Sam rocked back and forth. Piper moved closer until the gun swung his way. Sam didn’t look like himself. His eyes were all crazed and glazed over. He blinked a couple of times. “Sam?” The sound gave Sam pause and he blinked again. Once, twice then his vision seemed to clear. The gun wavered. Sam raised it to his temple. “I’m sorry. It’s my fault. My fault. I couldn’t protect you and then I was jealous because he never—no, not you and now you’re gone and it—oh my God. I’m so sorry.” Sam hit himself with the gun. “So stupid. I should have kept my mouth shut. So many secrets. My fault.” “Sam. I need you to point the gun away from everybody and calm down. I’m here. I’m okay and dad can’t hurt any of us anymore.” He had to stop Sam. “He shouldn’t call you names, Piper. He shouldn’t. Not after what he—I can’t even—oh god, I just want to die.” Sam’s shoulders slumped, but the gun stayed at his head. “I know what you mean,” Piper whispered. Ray walked closer to him and put an arm around him for support. That was Ray, always there for Piper. So strong and sure— and his. Piper couldn’t forget that last part. Ray was his. And now he had to stand up and protect his little brother. How could he have not seen what was going on? Because I was too busy wallowing in my own issues. What kind of big brother did that make him? Piper let out a sigh. “What do you know? You didn’t have to—he didn’t—” “But I do know. When you told dad about my dressing up and he kicked me out, I wanted to end it all. I did. But I got lucky because Ray found me. Now it’s your turn. You should have told me. I could have—”

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“What?” Sam interrupted him. “How could you help me? He hit you all the time. You couldn’t protect me. No one could.” “We could have left. Gotten help. I stayed because I thought I was protecting you. Shows what I know. Let me help now. We don’t ever have to go back to that house again. You and me. Now hand me the gun. I called nine-one-one and I don’t want them to show up with you holding that. Do you understand?” “We can help, Sam.” Ray stepped in to persuade Piper’s brother. The gun swung towards Ray. This couldn’t be happening. Piper wouldn’t let it. His brother was too unstable and there was no way Ray was going to be shot. Not here. Not now. Not ever. “Now, Sam.” Piper stepped in front of Ray in the path of the gun. “I told you, I need you to put the gun down. Do you hear the sirens? They’re on the way here. Let us help.” “Move aside, Piper. I can’t let him hurt you. You don’t understand. You don’t. He’s like Dad. Look at him and tell me he didn’t force you to—God—you can’t like that. You can’t. It hurts. The pain—” Sam stood up straight and the gun became steady, still pointed in their direction. “It isn’t like that, Sam.” “I don’t believe you. Now move.” The next moments happened so fast that Piper wasn’t sure what the true sequences of events were. He knew Ray pushed him aside. He knew the gun went off. And pain—it seared through his shoulder. Blinding, white hot pain. He’d never felt anything like it. He remembered falling to the ground. Another shot and people shouting. The sirens were closer. Sam was going to be shot. It was a given. Piper struggled to sit and almost threw up. The pain was so intense. Getting shot sucked. He looked over and saw that Kris had tackled Sam. The police were on the scene and there was a lot of shouting. To his side, Ray lay with his eyes closed. No. Oh God. No. He crawled over and put his hand to Ray’s neck. He couldn’t be dead. Where was he hit? Piper didn’t see any blood. He began running his hands over Ray to find where he was hurt. “If you wanted to fondle my body, all you had to do was ask.” A coarse chuckle reached Piper’s ears. www.total-e-bound.com

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He slapped Ray’s chest. “Ouch!” “You fucking scared the shit out of me!” Piper was so relieved to see Ray was awake and not dead. “Me? What the hell were you thinking stepping in the path of a freakin’ gun?” “I didn’t think he’d shoot me,” Piper yelled. “That’s right. You didn’t think. Where did he get you?” “You were passed out. Why don’t we worry about where you’re hit?” “Both of you need to calm down before the police arrest you,” Kris butted in. “Sam. Is he okay?” Piper turned to Kris. She shook her head, “I think it’ll be a long time before he’s really fine. How about you two?” “He got my arm. I think it’s just a graze. I’m not sure about Ray.” Piper looked back down. “He got me in the side, but I was falling before the shot went off. I think he grazed me too.” “Once the gun went off again, I body-slammed Sam. I knew the police would be here and with three people on the ground and the crazed look in Sam’s eyes, I knew it wouldn’t be pretty. They have the gun now and the ambulance is on the way.” “No.” Piper looked down at Ray in disbelief. “What do you mean no?” “I don’t need a hospital. I told you—it’s a graze.” “You passed out.” Piper crossed his arms over his chest and hissed when the damaged skin pulled. “Don’t make me call your brothers and sisters. I’ll do it.” There was more yelling in the background. Piper turned in time to see Sam strapped down to a gurney. Their dad was still crouched down by the house with police officers surrounding him. “Do they know what happened? I have to talk to them before Dad tries to sweep it under the rug. This isn’t completely Sam’s fault. They have to know.” Piper was beginning to panic. Ray was shot. Sam was crazy and his arm fucking hurt. Today had started off wonderful and now this shit. www.total-e-bound.com

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“Hush, sweetheart. They aren’t going to let anyone go until they talk to us all. We should call Timmy, but I really don’t want to go to the hospital. It doesn’t even need stitches. Look.” Ray pulled up his shirt. It was a small red crease. He was right. It really didn’t need stitches. But— “Why did you pass out?” “I didn’t really pass out. I was catching my breath. I was seconds away from getting up and checking on you when you came over. Really, I’m fine. Let me see your arm.” Piper pulled up his shirt sleeve. He was going to need stitches. The groove in his arm was deep and long. No way he’d get away with a Band-Aid. An officer walked over to them. “How are the two of you? We have another ambulance on the way for Mr Piper. Are the two of you in need of the hospital? Should we call in another?” “I might need stitches, but we can drive there.” “Okay. I’m going to get your statement while we wait. Who’d like to begin?”

**** “That completely sucked,” Piper stated as he sank onto the couch. Ray would have to agree. Not the way he wanted to spend his evening. He was supposed to be at work, but had to call in. They’d decided to go to Ray’s place. Kris included. No one wanted to stay at her place tonight. In the morning it would be better. “I want you to move in.” “What?” Piper looked over at him. “Move in. It doesn’t have to be the basement with me. We can fix up the garage. I’ve been meaning to make it into an apartment for some time. If things keep going the way I hope, maybe we can both live there. That would give Tim the basement until he moves out.” Ray sat down next to Piper on the couch. “I was going to move into an apartment. Be on my own for a while. I—” “That’s why I said we could do the garage. It wouldn’t take much. It would be your own space and you can pay rent if you want. I just—” Ray pulled Pip onto his lap. “I want you close. I hate having you so far away.” “I’m not that far from here.” www.total-e-bound.com

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“No, but you could be if you moved out of Kris’ place.” “How is that fair? Me living there when there are so many of you in here. You should do it for yourself.” “I’ll ask the others, but I know they’d agree. Don’t you see? You make me happy. Just having you close is enough to brighten my day. I could have lost you tonight. I don’t ever want to go through that again.” “But you won’t. Dad’s in jail for who knows how long. Sam is going to be under observation. Things will get better now. I know it. But—I think—this once, I’m going to be selfish. God, Ray, I could have lost you too.” Piper snuggled into Ray’s chest. This was right. The two of them together like this. Home. “So you’ll move in?” “Only if you move in with me,” Piper mumbled against his chest. “What about—” Ray didn’t get to finish his sentence. “We’ll make it so we each have our own space or something. I don’t care. God, I don’t ever want to go through that again either. But I pay rent. Contribute. I’m not going to mooch off your family.” “It’s a deal.” Ray kissed Piper. Ray wrapped his arms around Piper and moved him so Piper was straddling his lap. They should take this to the basement because Ray wanted Piper naked. “I need you inside me, Ray. Show me we’re alive.” Ray didn’t even respond. He stood up with Piper in his arms and walked to the stairs. “Hold on,” he said against Piper’s lips, dragging him back into a kiss. “Don’t mind us.” One of Ray’s siblings chuckled. Ray didn’t even stop to find out who it was. He fumbled with the door and pulled it closed behind him. “Pip, get the light,” he murmured against Piper’s lips. He wasn’t going to let go until they were horizontal on the bed. He hurried down the stairs, careful with his precious cargo. They didn’t need to go tumbling down to the bottom. They were by the bed in no time. It was going to be fast and furious. They both ripped at their own clothes, not caring where they ended up. Ray went to the dresser and took out the lube and a condom. Piper scrambled onto the bed and spread his legs, but he was in for a surprise. Ray popped the cap and poured out the www.total-e-bound.com

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Jambrea Jo Jones

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liquid before he reached around and fingered his hole. It’d been a long time, but he was more than ready. Piper hurried to his knees and pulled at Ray. Taking the hint, Ray lay back on the bed. Piper lubed his fingers to help. “So tight. Are you sure?” “God yes.” Ray moaned. Piper rubbed his glans and sparks raced up his spine, his balls pulling tight to his body. He wasn’t about to come without feeling full of his lover’s cock. He moved back until he was at the head of the bed and gestured for Piper to come closer. When he was within reach, Ray tugged him down and kissed his plum-red lips. He could never get enough of the taste of Piper. He searched for the condom, but heard a tearing sound. Piper was ahead of him and had his cock sheathed. “I don’t want to hurt you. I don’t know—” “I’m ready, babe. So fuckin’ ready. Just go slow and it’ll be okay.” Piper nodded and Ray closed his eyes for a second when Piper’s cock bumped his hole. He swallowed and relaxed every muscle in his body and breathed out. Piper took it slow and it drove Ray crazy. He used his size to wrap his body tight around Piper and thrust up until Piper was balls deep inside him. “Have to move. Feels so good. God, Ray. Please.” “Move. Now. I’m so close. So full.” “Ray—” “Harder, Pip. Fuck me. That’s it. Come on, I won’t break. Gahhh.” Piper hit his prostate over and over, hips thrusting faster and faster. Ray couldn’t keep up and when Pip tweaked his nipples he was gone. He threw his head back and screamed Piper’s name. He didn’t care who was in the house. Ray smiled as Piper collapsed on top of him and licked his neck before snuggling into Ray’s body. “I wanna do that again,” Piper mumbled against Ray’s shoulder. Ray squeezed his man tighter and kissed the top of his head. “Any time, babe. Any time. I love you.” “I love you too. Can’t lose you.” www.total-e-bound.com

RAYNE’S WILD RIDE

Jambrea Jo Jones

66

“Not to worry. You’re mine and I’m not letting you go.” A soft snore reached his ears. Piper was out for the count. Ray knew he wouldn’t be far behind. The trauma of the day was finally over, they could both feel safe. Ray never wanted to go through that again and, if he had his way, they wouldn’t. And tomorrow—Piper was moving in. They’d worry about the rest later, take it a day at a time. As long as they were together, anything was possible. Piper might think Ray had saved him, but for Ray it was the other way around. It was a wild ride, but it was worth every second.

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RAYNE’S WILD RIDE

Jambrea Jo Jones

67

Epilogue

“What are you doing?” Ray’s voice startled Piper. “You scared me!” Piper jumped before he turned with a hand to his bare chest, bringing the hose with him. He released the nozzle before it hit Ray, but it was a close call. “Sorry, but what are you doing?” Ray’s hands braced his hips and he cocked his brow. Piper almost gave in to the urge to spray Ray. He liked his man nice and wet and Ray was so damn sexy. Piper licked his lips thinking of those big hands on his body. They were in the fenced-in back yard and the house was quiet. That didn’t happen often with all the siblings crawling around. It was a good thing they had decided to redo the detached garage and make it into their own place. Today they were the only two there. That only happened once in a blue moon. That’s why they wanted their own space, a place they could be alone, but where they could be reached if anyone needed them. Piper loved this family and was thankful every day for Ray saving him from himself and that dive off a bridge. It was the day his life had become better. Nope. The day his life had started. Now his brother Sam was doing better and living with his aunt. His dad was behind bars and his mom was in detox. Things were improving and he couldn’t be happier. “What does it look like? I’m watering the plants.” Piper turned back. “Um—babe—there are no plants there.” “Not yet.” “Not ever if you drown the ground like that.” “I thought you were supposed to saturate the area. Then plant the seeds.” “Maybe. Hell, I don’t know, but I don’t think it’s a good idea to turn it into mud. Wait. You haven’t put the seeds down yet?” Piper shrugged and turned back to the—big mess he was making. He sighed. Maybe this wasn’t such a great idea. He’d got it into his head to plant—something. To bring a piece of himself to this wonderful place he call home. He’d have to go back to the nursery and ask www.total-e-bound.com

RAYNE’S WILD RIDE

Jambrea Jo Jones

68

them what he should put here. A tree sounded nice. But maybe he should stop with the water. “It’s okay, babe. When the twins get back, I’m sure they can make some mud pies.” Laughter riddled Ray’s tone. His boyfriend was laughing at him. Well, Piper would see who was laughing. He turned with a big smile on his face and pulled the trigger on the hose. The expression on Ray’s face was priceless. The shock followed by the frown as his nice dark T-shirt plastered his big barrel chest. His nipples hardened. Piper wanted to lick and bite them. His jean shorts were already like a second skin, leaving nothing to Piper’s imagination. There was no doubt that Ray was gorgeous—and all his. He was so engrossed in looking over Ray’s big muscular body, Piper failed to notice Ray charge at him. It seemed to happen in slow motion. “Now Ray—come on now, just a little harmless fun.” Piper held out his hand and stopped squirting Ray, but Ray went for the hose. At the last second, Piper moved back only to slip into the big pile of mud. His finger hit the trigger again, shooting water everywhere. Ray skidded to a halt, but not before he lost his balance. The big guy was coming down hard. Piper scrambled out of the way, tossing the hose aside. He didn’t get far before Ray grabbed him and pinned Piper under him. “Get me all wet, will you?” Ray whispered in his ear. Piper should have known something was up by the twinkle in Ray’s eyes. He felt something thick and wet oozing down his chest. He looked down to see Ray smearing him with mud. He should be totally grossed out. It was cold and slimy, but Ray’s big hands always turned him on and watching those fingers slide down his body he shivered and not from the cold. His cock hardened in his shorts. He rubbed against Ray’s leg—the friction felt good. He moved his head up so he could kiss Ray. Ray automatically cradled his head, supporting him before flipping over so Piper was on top, never once ending that glorious kiss. Piper was now humping Ray’s leg. He wanted more skin. The wet shirt was getting in the way. He clawed at it until Ray struggled to get it off. They broke the kiss—were both panting. Piper pressed their chests together and nuzzled into Ray’s neck before sliding down. He’d wanted to taste those nipples and now he could. Fresh, wet and all Ray. Mud streaked between them, but those nipples were clean, pink and tasty. www.total-e-bound.com

RAYNE’S WILD RIDE

Jambrea Jo Jones

69

Piper bit down on the flesh and Ray bucked underneath him. Both of them were hard and wanting. “We can’t. Not here. Oh fuck, Pip. Again. Do that again.” Piper pinched both nipples before giving them each a kiss and climbing off Ray’s body. It was difficult because all he wanted to do was get naked and ride this man. Piper’s ass clenched at just the thought of having Ray so far inside him they couldn’t tell where one ended and the other began. A cold spray of water cooled him down. Ray had managed to grab the hose. Piper sputtered. “We are not going inside all muddy.” Ray smirked. Another blast of water came his way, but Piper smiled. Ah—this is the life.

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Freedom Jambrea Jo Jones Released 5th December 2011

Excerpt Chapter One

“You can’t make me do it,” Voss Potter sneered. He was getting good at that expression, but he had no choice in the matter. If his mask slipped his uncle would walk all over him. “Yes, I can. I’m your guardian and you’ll do as I say.” His uncle folded his hands in front of him and expected to be obeyed. They’d had this argument before and it wouldn’t be the last time either, unfortunately. Why couldn’t he just have his uncle’s love? They needed each other, but something about Uncle Basil had changed. “No, I will not,” Voss stood his ground. He couldn’t appear weak even for a second. He’d learned that the hard way. The last time he’d given into his uncle he’d been forced to stay in his room for a week and by forced he didn’t mean sent to his room without any supper, but sent there with guards blocking his way. They wouldn’t budge no matter how much he begged and tried to bribe, they probably thought he was a royal brat getting his just desserts. He couldn’t blame them. Not one of them was the original security detail that he’d known since he was born. His uncle had fired all of them and replaced the team with his own men a few months after Voss’ parents had been killed. That’s when things had started going crazy around his house. “Go to your suite. I’ll deal with you later when you will marry who I tell you to—so get yourself prepared.” Not one inch of the man was in disarray. Voss wanted to muss him, but refrained, not letting his anger get the better of him.

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“You just want control of my estate. You don’t care about me or my feelings. I will stand against you on this. I’m not ready to marry some stranger of your choosing.” Voss crossed his arms over his chest, but didn’t back down. Great, now I sound like a spoiled brat. All I need to do is stomp my foot and pout. That’s probably why he kept getting sent to his stupid room like a child. Basil slapped him. “Leave my presence. Now. Before I really lose my temper.” He should have seen that one coming, it wasn’t the first time he’d been hit, but at least this time it was a slap and not a punch. He rubbed his cheek, but didn’t respond to his uncle in any other way. It was best to keep his silence on this one if he didn’t want more than a hit to the face. Oh, he’d leave all right, but it wouldn’t be to his rooms. Captain Rodrick was due to leave port and when he did, Voss would stowaway. Anything was better than being on a planet without his parents. Since their death Uncle Basil had kept trying to push him off on someone else he could control. That wasn’t the only change he’d noticed. His uncle was more irritable and quick to anger and it didn’t seem to be through grief. Voss’ parents were never spoken of. That was the hardest for him because he needed time to grieve, but he couldn’t because he was too busy staying one step ahead of the marriage train his uncle was on. He had his own craft, but it wasn’t like he could fly the damn thing and Voss had no idea who he could trust now that his family retainers were all gone. He had no way to contact them even if he wanted to. They’d left in the middle of the night and Voss had never got their personal information because they were always at the house if he needed something. The whole situation was just about hopeless. It didn’t help that he had to have someone shadow him at all times. He couldn’t be caught alone with any interesting men—or women for that matter—because he would be compromised and forced to marry and right now he couldn’t even have a hint of scandal or his uncle would take advantage of it. It was a dumb rule that was put into law millennia ago when there were wars over estates. Someone needed to change it. At twenty-one he would be free to live his life how he wanted and that scared the crap out of his uncle because it meant Voss’ trust fund would go bye-bye and Basil would be forced to fend for himself and it wouldn’t come fast enough for Voss. Some days he wished he’d been born a lower class because then he wouldn’t have to worry about the archaic rules. The society on Adair would do what it must to protect their precious money, but the rule was stupid and Voss didn’t www.total-e-bound.com

fully understand it anyway. His birthday couldn’t get here fast enough. Not that he’d throw his uncle out and Basil should know that. Despite the crazy way his uncle was acting, Voss still loved him. Uncle Basil was the only family he had left and Voss treasured that. Maybe not right this second, when his cheek still stung with the slap from his uncle, but later when he calmed down, Voss would remember the good times. Grey Death had taken everything from him. He parents would never have forced his hand this way. Uncle Basil just wanted the money before Voss reached his maturity. Well he wouldn’t have it. Voss was a grown man, but it still hurt to be betrayed in such a personal way. It was time to take fate into his own hands and when he came back home of age he’d have a real talk with his uncle so the two could reach a better understanding. Voss would show Uncle Basil that he loved him by letting his stay and continuing to support him. That had to mean something and in the long run, Voss really did know his own mind. It would be different if he was in love because he would only marry for a love match—like his parents. Goodness his chest hurt even thinking of them. He rubbed, but had to push the pain away because it wasn’t time for a breakdown. He walked calmly to his rooms because if he was caught now his plans would dissolve into nothing and he’d be right back where he started—nowhere. Once he was on board the ship things would be better, they had to be better. Captain Rodrick was a friend of his fathers; they’d gone to the academy together before Voss’ parents met. He would explain what Basil was up to, and hope Captain Rodrick would shelter him until he was twenty-one. Voss had a small bag packed for the short time he’d be away, it wasn’t much but he wouldn’t be gone too long. Three months and counting, then he would have full control of his money and his parents’ holdings. Maybe he could ask the captain to stop at a pleasure planet to allow him to go shopping to make up for leaving so much behind. He wasn’t used to roughing it without his own things. He grabbed the duffel on his bed and waited by the door. He could do this, he would do this. He wanted to hear if his uncle’s goons had settled by the door, they’d shadowed him always lurking in the back in pairs. Voss would have to sneak out of the air duct he’d found in his room that was just big enough for him to fit through. He’d only used it one other time www.total-e-bound.com

to see where it went. It would get him to the kitchen and from there he should be able to get to the loading docks where the vessel would be sitting. After that all he had to do was hide until they were too far away to turn back. He didn’t want to take a chance that Rodrick might do the honourable thing and bring him home. It would be just like the guy to do what was right. Voss had always looked up to him because of the captain’s integrity, but just this once he wanted Rodrick on his side and he crossed his fingers that this would work. Hell, he’d had a crush on him for the longest time until the captain had hired his new first mate. But Voss couldn’t think on that because now was the time for action, not lust. He was royally screwed if they brought him back because his uncle would force him to marry, probably right then and there, to some old fart who owed Basil money or some young twink that Basil could manipulate. Then Voss would never escape because his cashflow would be frozen. As it was now he only got an allowance—not that he needed much to live on, he’d never had to worry about home and hearth until now. All he’d ever known was this planet and a life of leisure. He wouldn’t know what to do if he was poor and he really didn’t want to find out. This was the best way; he just wished his parents had taught him more about what to do if they weren’t there. No one had expected their untimely demise, it had come as a shock to the whole region when they were gunned down outside of Alliance limits. Uncle Basil had been with them but never spoke of what had taken place those many months ago. He couldn’t let his sadness overwhelm him—not right now—he had a mission to complete. Maybe he’d explore the galaxy before coming home and claiming his rightful place. Then his uncle could go—do whatever it was he did when he wasn’t pestering Voss and their lives could get back to normal, or whatever normal was nowadays. There, that was the noise he had been waiting for. The goon squad had settled in outside the door. Now it was time to make his move. Sometimes they came in to check on him before sitting down to wait on the next shift. Good thing they hadn’t today because he was standing there like an idiot with his bag. He hit himself on the head and went to the entertainment centre to put on some tunes. Something to drown out the sounds he was going to make during his escape. www.total-e-bound.com

Voss hustled over to the wall and placed the chair under the vent. He had a laser in his back pack, but he’d have to go way old school on this one. He was lucky there was a screw driver lying around the cargo bay. They didn’t really need them anymore, but the house mechanic liked the feel of working with his hands so he kept old tools around and luckily for Voss no one had thrown them out yet. Of course now Voss owed him a new one, if he could ever find him, but it was worth it. The flat end was enough to wedge open the vent. It clanged around and Voss held his breath. When no one rushed in, he pried the cover off and let it rest against the wall. He’d need to replace it so no one would suspect he’d used this way to escape. It was a good thing the vent cover was attached to the wall. It was now or never, his time of contemplating the action he was about to take was over. He grabbed the edge and hoisted himself over and inside closing the window to his past. He had to crawl and go slowly because he wasn’t exactly sure what was under him or who would be there at this time of day. It only took minutes, but felt like hours. Voss pulled his shirt away, it was wet and he dripped sweat, stinking up the small area. He slipped in a damp puddle and almost missed the talking below. He had to be close to the end now—he hoped no one heard his blunder— he should have brought a towel. “Are we just going to leave him here?” “We have no choice. At least not yet.” “What if—” “Legally there isn’t anything we can do. Just finish up so we can leave. I hate being here and not being able to do anything.” If Voss wasn’t mistaken that was the Captain of the Reward, Rodrick’s ship, but Voss had no idea who he was speaking with. Wait, was that Maverick? The first mate? Were they talking about him? No, they couldn’t be. He pressed his ear to the floor of the shaft to see if he could catch more, but their footsteps were heading away and their voices were now murmurs he couldn’t hear. With them gone he could ease off the cover and get out of the overheated spot and maybe breathe in something less toxic than his own stench. He needed a shower, but had no idea if he’d get one for a while.

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Getting out was easier than getting in and the airflow was much better, making him shiver. His whole body was damp. A noise from the kitchen had him flattening against the wall until it passed. No one saw him and the ship was so close. He was going to make it. “Tonight?” “No. Give him a few days to cool off, being stuck in his room again should give him time to agree. It worked last time when I wanted to get rid of that plant on the north side of the village and it’ll work this time too. No food. He has water. He’ll be good for a week or so. That kid will respect me and will marry who I say. If he doesn’t do it the easy way, I’ll force the matter. I’m tired of pacifying the brat.” “Basil, why do I have to wait? I want—” A slapping sound brought Voss out of his shock. They were talking about him. Basil was going to give him to whoever he was talking to. It couldn’t be allowed to happen. Voss crouched down and crawled the rest of the way. The docking area was clear and he was inside the ship. He’d been on the Reward once before and the spot he wanted to hide in wasn’t that far. No one should catch him before he was ready. Now he could settle in for the long haul. He had some snacks and his tablet for reading. He could check up on home from there too with no one being the wiser. Things were looking up.

Rough hands dragged him from his safe place. Lights glared into the small space. This can’t be good. “What do we have here? How the hell did you get on board? Never mind. Come with me.” Voss had no choice, the captain’s first mate was too strong and there was no way he could get out of the grip no matter how hard he wiggled. Damn it. It was too soon. He wanted to wait at least another couple of days. They were still too close to home. “Sayers, who’s that you’ve got there.” “We’ve got a stowaway Captain.” “So I see. Let navigation know we have to turn around.” “No!” It was the first time Voss had entered into the conversation. He couldn’t let the ship return home. He didn’t want to go to a place where everyone treated him like he was a child. He was twenty not twelve and ready to explore the world. www.total-e-bound.com

Well at least ready to escape a forced marriage. If not for that he’d probably never have left his safe bubble. “Listen to reason Mr. Potter. You cannot be without a guardian or you will be disgraced and we can’t have that. You could lose your money and status in the community,” Captain Rodrick tried reason as the two men marched him to a door. “I don’t care,” Voss stated and crossed his arms over his chest. He knew he was being a brat and playing right into the stereotype of a young man who didn’t know any better, but he couldn’t seem to help himself, not when it came to others forcing him to do their bidding. “I’m sorry, Mr. Potter, but I’m taking you home. You’re not thinking clearly. If you don’t go back you could forfeit your whole estate. Do you know what you’d do with no money? How would you survive? This is for the best. You’ll stay here in this cabin until we return.” The door swished open and Voss was pushed inside as Captain Rodrick turned to leave. “You can’t do that! You’ll lose valuable time. I heard that you have sensitive cargo. Just let me go with you. I won’t be any trouble. I promise.” “You’re already trouble. I’ll not have my good name ruined as a defiler of a young lord. You’re going home and that is final,” the captain left. “They don’t want me there,” Voss managed to whisper. He was sure the captain didn’t hear until he saw the man’s shoulders go stiff. But it still didn’t stop him from walking away. Voss had only been on the ship for three days and if it wasn’t for Maverick Sayers he would be free. He was pretty good at being invisible, there was nothing special about him. He had short dirty blond hair with dark brown eyes, his face nothing to write home about and being short didn’t help. He hated the fact that he was only five foot seven with a small build. No one ever looked at him. Not that he tried real hard and it did help him when he moved about. “Listen kid, it’s for the best.” “I’m not a kid. And you don’t have a clue about what’s going to happen when I get home. No one does. It’s better this way. Three months. That’s all I want. I’ll be twenty-one then.” Voss paced around the small cabin. “Then tell me.” Maverick leaned against the wall, the door to the corridor open. www.total-e-bound.com

If anyone from his home planet saw the two of them like this, it would be the end of both of their single lives. That was if Maverick was single. Usually he had to have two guards at a time for accountability. Not that it would be bad to be attached to Maverick. The first mate wasn’t much taller than he was but he was built solid. Voss licked his lips before he answered Maverick. He turned around so he wasn’t facing temptation. “My uncle is trying to marry me off before my birthday. He doesn’t want to give up my estate. When I was sneaking on the ship I overheard him talking to the guy he has picked out for me. I guess I can be happy he didn’t pick a woman. That would have been a different level of hell.” Voss paused when he heard a groan from the door. He turned to see Maverick adjusting himself. Holy spaceballs that was hot. He shouldn’t be talking with such foul language, much less thinking that way, but he couldn’t help himself. This was different from his crush on the captain; this was lust to the tenth degree. It wasn’t anything new really. He’d always lusted after Maverick, but he’d never been this close. Heat radiated off the man and Voss wanted to be held in his strong arms, but that wouldn’t help his cause in staying on the ship, unless Maverick hid him and Voss didn’t think Maverick would go against the captain. “Um—anyway, as I was saying, he has someone picked out for me that he can control. If that happens I’ll be a prisoner.” “I wish there was something I could do, but you heard the Captain, you need to go home.” Maverick moved from the door as if he was coming to comfort Voss. At least he sounded sincere, he’d give him that. Pacifying the kid was what he was really doing. Voss had his number. “Leave me.” Voss waved Maverick away and didn’t wait to see if the other man obeyed his orders before flopping on the bed. His life looked bleaker by the second.

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About the Author Jambrea wanted to be the youngest romance author published, but life impeded the dreams. She put her writing aside and went to college briefly, then enlisted in the Air Force. After serving in the military, she returned home to Indiana to start her family. A few years later, she discovered yahoo groups and book reviews. There was no turning back. She was bit by the writing bug. She enjoys spending time with her son when not writing and loves to receive reader feedback. She’s addicted to the internet so feel free to email her anytime.

Email: [email protected] Jambrea loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author biography at http://www.total-e-bound.com.

Also by Jambrea Jo Jones Tell Me Now Wishing Star Love by Design Dark Encounters: Dominate Me Alliance: Retribution Alliance: Salvation Seeds of Dawn: Dreams Seeds of Dawn: Secrets Seeds of Dawn: Inequities Seeds of Dawn: Origins Saddle Up N Ride: A Fistful of Emmett Stealing My Heart: Stealing Michael

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