Bennett: an m/m bodyguard romance (Hunter Security), page 7
Aria beams and claps her hands. “That’s wonderful news. Have you kissed him yet?”
I roll my eyes, but I can’t stop my lips from pulling up. “I don’t kiss and tell,” I lie.
“Bullshit, but I’ll let you keep things to yourself for now,” she grumbles.
“I appreciate it. So, what do we have on the schedule this week?”
“As the rest of the band knows, since they paid attention at the meeting…” she shoots me a menacing look, “… together, you have one TV appearance and a few radio interviews. Plus, I was able to schedule you some recording time this week, and I’ve already confirmed the date and time with Brando, Joseph, and Landon. Other than that, you’ll have staging, final rehearsals, multiple full run-throughs… plus, the stylists need time for last-minute fittings and all the usual rigmarole that comes with a tour. I still can’t believe this one starts in two weeks.”
“Time is flying by,” I reply. “But I love being on tour.”
Nothing compares to being on stage, hearing the roar of the crowd, and feeding off the fans’ energy. Tours allow me to experience that almost every night in different cities all over the world. There’s also the added bonus of getting to meet fans from other places, and when they tell me how much my music means to them, it fills my heart with an extraordinary amount of joy.
“Might be even more fun with your boyfriend being there this time,” she teases.
“He’s not my boyfriend,” I argue. “Not yet, anyway.”
“I’m only giving you a hard time. Do what makes you happy.”
I smile at her and pick my guitar back up. “Want to hear the song?”
She nods with a goofy grin, and I pluck away at the strings, singing the words from my heart. While I sing, I think about the man I wrote the song about and how he’s already stolen a piece of my heart in only three days.
So much for keeping shit under control. At this point, it wouldn’t even matter if I slept with him. I’m already falling, and I don’t think there is anything I can do to stop it.
“That song is amazing,” Aria cheers.
“You really think so?”
Her head bobs up and down, and her face is lit up with radiant joy. “Absolutely. You need to put that on the next album.”
My heart warms at her praise. “I’ll talk to the guys about it.”
“They’d be fools not to want it.”
“Okay, enough about me and the band. Let’s talk about you.” I pivot the conversation. “What’s new in your life? You are so obsessed with my love life, but what about yours?”
She sighs. “My life is boring at the moment, and my focus is on the band right now. Eventually, I’ll focus on myself, but seeing all of you happy makes me happy.”
I shake my head and grab her hand. “Just because you’re our band manager doesn’t mean your entire focus should be on us. It’s okay to focus on yourself. I want you to be happy too.”
“I am happy,” she assures me, staring intently into my eyes, and I don’t see anything to distrust there.
Our twin bond is strong, and I would know if she were lying to me. At least, I think I would.
“Let’s order dinner, then continue this catch-up session. Too often, I feel like our focus is on business, or yours is on me,” I tease, giving her shoulder a playful shove. “I want to forget about all that tonight and just be siblings for a change.”
Her face lights up, and we pick a place to order from.
For the rest of the night, I silently vow not to think about Bennett, or at least not until after Aria leaves. Because I’m sure he’ll be in my thoughts when I close my eyes tonight. It’s not like I can control what I dream about.
Chapter Thirteen
Bennett
Nixon smiles as I enter his office and pull up a seat across from his desk.
“How is everything going?” he inquires.
“Good, but I wanted to talk to you about Archer.”
His face falls. “Are things not working out?”
I shake my head. “Quite the opposite, actually,” I start, grabbing the back of my neck. My palm turns damp from the sweat that’s already forming there. “Archer and I have been talking about dating each other.”
Nixon’s brows shoot up, and he leans back in his chair. “I was not expecting you to say that.”
I shrug. “I wasn’t expecting it either. You’re well aware that I don’t date, but there is something different about Archer, and he feels the same way. I wanted to tell you because you’re my boss.”
“It does make things complicated, but I understand better than most that the heart wants what it wants,” he says with a smirk.
Nixon’s husband was his client before they started dating, so he gets it.
“I wouldn’t even consider crossing the line if I didn’t think Archer was special,” I confess.
“I know that, and you did say ‘dating,’ not fooling around, so I take that to mean you’re over your fear of relationships?”
I sigh. “I wish. Unfortunately, the fear is still there. I am, however, starting to believe Archer will be worth it. The more I get to know him, the more I like him and the less time I want to spend apart. It’s nuts that it’s only been a few days, but I’m already a little crazy about him. I’ve never experienced anything like this in my life.”
“Do you think Archer would be okay with signing a couple of forms?” Nixon asks.
“Yes. He already brought that up himself.”
“He’s smart,” Nixon replies. “How do you feel about the possibility of your relationship being the center of the gossip magazines?”
“I don’t love it, but I understand it’s a possibility, especially if we take our relationship public.”
“I’ll get the forms emailed to Archer. I hope things work out for you two. You deserve a special someone in your life,” Nixon tells me.
“Thanks. Fingers crossed I don’t fuck things up.”
With a quick goodbye, I leave Nixon’s office and head to my car, pulling out my phone once I’m behind the wheel.
Me: Just told Nixon. Expect an email with some forms to sign.
Archer: I told Aria too.
Archer: Want to come over?
Me: I’m on my way.
With a giant grin plastered on my face, I make my way to Archer’s house. The anticipation of seeing him again has my body humming. I have to pay close attention to the speedometer as I drive, wanting to get there as fast as possible but also not wanting a speeding ticket.
“Hey, handsome,” Archer greets me at the door when I arrive.
When my eyes land on him, this unfettered need to touch him takes over me, so I grab his waist and pull him into me. He gasps, but it comes out more like a squeak. It has me smiling because it’s not often that such a large man makes a sound like that. Then, before he can say anything, I lower my lips to his and kiss him like I’ve wanted to since we parted after our run this morning.
The way Archer melts into me has my heart racing. It pushes out more of the fear I’ve let run my life for far too long.
“I could get used to a hello like that,” Archer breathes out when we break the kiss.
I chuckle and grab his hand. “There are plenty more where that came from, but would you mind if we talked first?”
He tilts his head, gesturing toward the door, then pulls me through his house to the backyard, where we sit on the patio bench.
“What’s on your mind?” he asks.
“I want to tell you a bit about my past,” I inform him, gazing into his gorgeous blue-green eyes.
He nods, waiting for me to continue. His demeanor is warm and welcoming right now, but the softness of his eyes is almost too much for what I’m about to say, so I shift mine away. I stare out across the pool and take a deep breath, trying to center myself and find the right words. I haven’t talked about my past in a long time and hate opening old wounds.
“About eight years ago, I was in a relationship. I was so in love. I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life with her. But as you are aware, my job takes me all over the world, and my hours are not predictable. That took a toll on things, and she began to pull away from me. I tried my hardest to fix things, to shower her with attention when I could, but whatever I did wasn’t enough. She kept telling me that I was married to my job, even after I cut my hours and spent as much time with her as possible. I almost quit Hunter Protection to make things work.”
I pause as the memories of it all come flooding back, ripping the old wound open and causing my chest to ache.
This is why I don’t like talking about the past. It’s not that I still love my ex, but wounds like that run deep, and even though I’ve moved on with my life, the hurt she caused has affected me a great deal.
Archer places his hand on mine, squeezing it. He has a soft smile on his lips, and his eyes are kind and caring, making this a little easier. “Take your time,” he whispers.
I inhale deeply, hold it for a second, then release it slowly. “The day before her birthday, I was able to get a coworker to cover my shift, and I went out to buy her an expensive necklace she had been eyeing for a while. When I got home, she wasn’t alone.” My eyes burn, and my throat feels like it’s coated in a thick jelly, making it hard to swallow. “I… I f-found her in our bed fucking another guy.”
It has been eight years since we broke up, but talking about it again is making it hurt like it happened only yesterday.
“I’m so sorry,” Archer says, his voice soft.
“I’m surprised I didn’t throw up when I walked in on them. My heart was ripped from my chest at the sight, but what hurt worse were the words she said to me after.” I pause again, my lips trembling and my fingers shaking. “Sh-she told me it was my fault. I wasn’t around enough. I didn’t do enough for her. She said I turned her into the person she became, and she hated herself but hated me more.”
The tears finally break free, and I take in a staggered breath. “When I told her I wanted her out, she lost her mind. How she expected us to stay together is beyond me, but honestly, I almost forgave her. She kept saying that any relationship I ended up in would be the same. I nearly caved, but my brother made me pull my head out of my ass, and I kicked her out. Unfortunately, her words have stuck with me all this time.”
Archer pulls me into his arms, rubbing my back and humming a soothing tune. “She was wrong to tell you that,” he offers after holding me for a while. “The problem was never you. It was her. There were so many other choices she could have made along the way. Her cheating is entirely on her, not you. Trying to put the blame on you, even after you had changed so much of your life already, was her looking to blame someone other than herself.
“Thank you for telling me. I know that must have been hard to share. I appreciate you opening up more than I can say. It helps me understand you better, and I get why you’re afraid of relationships,” he whispers, still holding me.
“I don’t want to be afraid anymore, though,” I admit, pulling away a little to look into his eyes. “I know we said we’d play this by ear and see how things go, but that almost seems silly to me now. It feels like we are so far past that. I already know that I like you and want to build more with you. But I’ll be honest in saying I might need some patience and encouragement if I start acting like an insecure idiot.”
Archer’s smile is bright, and it’s like the sun breaking free after a rainy day. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” he questions, and I swallow the nervous lump in my throat.
“I want to be your boyfriend if that’s okay with you.”
No more words are needed, and Archer doesn’t disappoint when he smashes his lips to mine for a savage kiss.
The sadness sitting heavy on my chest only moments ago is washed away by the man who has already changed me for the better.
Chapter Fourteen
Archer
Bennett’s tongue slides into my mouth, and a moan bubbles up my throat, causing my cock to stiffen.
When he confessed why he has a fear of relationships, everything felt like it clicked into place. I was honored he felt comfortable enough with me to tell me the truth. And I was absolutely elated when he told me he wanted to push his fears away for me. I couldn’t help but kiss him.
I was hoping that eventually Bennett would want to be my boyfriend, but I wasn’t expecting it to happen so soon. Only two days ago, he was still too scared to make that commitment, but now, here he is, telling me he wants me.
My body desperately wants to jump his bones, but my head is telling me we need to take things slow right now. I need to know why he had the change of heart to make sure we are on the same page here.
“Can we slow things down for a minute?” I ask when we come up for air.
“Something on your mind?” he asks, and it’s hard to ignore the heat burning in his gaze.
Bennett is very intuitive, so it’s better to come out with it right away. And I have to say, it’s something I appreciate.
“I was just curious as to why you’ve changed your mind?”
“The more time I spend with you, the less hold that old fear has on me,” he explains, holding my hand and stroking the back of it with his thumb in a soothing motion. “I like you a lot. You’re different than anyone I’ve ever met. You’re special to me. And yes, I know that it’s fast to feel this way about someone, but meeting you has been like finding a missing puzzle piece. We click, and I’ve never felt this way before.
“When I was talking with Nixon today, I didn’t want to tell him that we were maybe seeing each other. I wanted to shout from the rooftops that you are my boyfriend. That’s when it all clicked for me. I’m still scared that I’m going to fuck this up, but I want you, and you deserve more than someone who is on the fence. So, I’m willing to face my fears for the chance at something amazing with you.”
My lips turn upward, and warmth radiates throughout my chest at his words. “You don’t need more time?” I double-check, needing to be certain this isn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision.
He shakes his head. “I’m yours if you’ll have me. I’m excited to date you and to go on this relationship journey with you.”
I give him a quick peck and smile against his lips. I haven’t felt this kind of joy in a long time.
“What is going to be vital is for us to keep our communication flowing. We need to make sure we are on the same page and talk through things when fear creeps in. I’ve been told it isn’t always easy to date a musician,” I tell him, wanting to be as honest as possible.
“That’s a good idea,” Bennett agrees.
“What’s your opinion on the public finding out about us?” I ask.
Bennett tilts his head from side to side. “I’d rather not be under the spotlight, but I understand that comes with your job, and I’m willing to do whatever you need me to.”
I’ve had exes in the past who refused to go public with our relationship even after I came out, which stung. It felt like all the effort I put into coming out was for nothing, but Bennett isn’t making me hide it if I don’t want to.
“How about we run things by my sister and play it by ear?” I suggest. “I’d rather keep things on the down low for right now because once the media sets its target on you, it can be a bit exhausting. And it could make your job more difficult.”
Bennett’s face lights up. “I like that idea.”
“But telling Aria can wait. This can’t,” I say, pulling him in for another kiss.
This time, I don’t want to stop. I want him in my bed, his body on mine, and us tangled up in the sheets with sweat coating our bodies.
“My… room… now,” I pant out when I pull back.
The sexy smirk on my man’s face has my cock throbbing. I didn’t think it was possible to get any harder than I already am, but I guess it is, and I need to relieve the pressure as soon as possible.
“Are you a top or bottom?” I ask when we get to my room. I’m verse, so I’m not worried about his answer derailing things.
“I’m verse,” he answers, and the sexiest thought of flip fucking pops into my head.
“Me too,” I reply, licking my lips. “As much as I want to be buried balls deep inside you, I’m also desperate to have you wreck me. Will you fuck me?”
Bennett’s eyes darken, and he bites his lower lip as he stares at me like he wants to devour me. Without breaking eye contact, he places his index fingers into the loops of my jeans and pulls me into him hard.
“I’ll gladly fuck you,” he all but growls out. “Then later, after we’ve recovered, you can return the favor.”
His lips crash into mine, and he fumbles with the button of my jeans. The second they are undone, he pushes them down along with my boxers, freeing my erection.
“So fucking hot,” he muses out loud as he grips my cock firmly, and my knees damn near buckle from the intense sensation.
He swipes the palm of his hand over my sensitive tip, collecting the precum to use as lube so he can stroke me without friction.
“Th-that feels too good,” I stammer, trying not to blow my load instantly.
It’s been a long time since I’ve been with anyone. And even though I jacked off last night, I’m already close to coming, like some young shit who just hit puberty.
Bennett lets go of me, and the lack of touch is welcome and missed at the same time.
“Ditch the rest of your clothes and get on the bed,” he commands, stepping away to pull off his shirt.
“Who says you’re in charge?” I question with a lifted brow.
Bennett smirks, shucking his pants and giving his massive cock a long, slow stroke. “Do you want me to fuck you or not?”
Without saying another word, I undress at lightning speed and climb onto the bed, earning me a chuckle at my eagerness that fills the quiet space.
