Save Me (Savior Series): Contemporary Gay Romance Read online

  He blinked up at me. “I should probably go home.”

  “Not tonight.” He frowned at the snap in my voice, and I struggled to calm down. “You’ll be safer here. I’d feel better if you stayed.” I touched his cheek, surprising him. “I’ll kill whoever did this to you.”

  “I’m fine.”

  That didn’t make me feel better, but I stepped back and kept my comments to myself. He didn’t need this right now—I could tell by the way he was eyeing the bed and then the bathroom.

  “I need to talk to Stone. I’ll give you a minute. Feel free to use the shower.”

  I walked out and closed the door, heading straight to the living room. Stone stared out over the city, lights twinkling near and far.

  “Tell me you got those bastards,” I said.

  Stone turned and nodded. “He got one right in the balls—he was still doubled over when I got there. The other one tried to run, but…”

  My teeth gritted. Part of me wanted to ask if he’d killed him. Assholes like that deserved it. But I pushed away those thoughts. My psychiatrist would say they weren’t rational—they were based on emotion. Damn right. What the hell else was I supposed to base them on?

  “Once he saw my gun, he stopped. The police came and picked them up. I kept his name out of it,” Stone said.

  “Good.” I almost wished I could have been there to see them get what they deserved. “I’m going to make a list of things for you to pick up. He’ll need stuff for tomorrow.”

  Stone didn’t even blink. It wasn’t his place to question, so he just waited for me to write the list and then stuffed it in his jacket pocket.

  I returned to the bedroom, surprised when I spotted Eric sitting on the end of the bed wearing one of my T-shirts. The blood drained from my head and went straight to my cock. His legs were bare, hair still wet and spiked on top.

  “Sorry,” he said, plucking at the shirt. “Mine was dirty. And ripped.”

  “You’re welcome to anything you need or want. I’m having Stone pick you up the essentials.”

  His cheeks burned red and he stood from the bed. “That’s not necessary. I mean—don’t think I don’t appreciate what you’ve done—what you did.” He took a deep breath and exhaled. “I’m trying to say thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “And that I can head home now.”

  “No.” I took a step closer and realized he was several inches shorter than me without his shoes on. “Did you not hear me the first time? I tried to tell you it’s not safe out there. The world is full of terrible people, and yet you still trust them.”

  “Not everyone is like that.”

  I gave him a sharp smile. “That’s where you’re wrong.”

  “You’re not like that. You helped me tonight.”

  My laugh was low and harsh. “I might be the worst of all. You should probably stay far away from me.”

  He lifted his chin. “Then why am I here?”

  I swallowed hard. Because I needed him safe. I needed him near. Mostly, I just needed him.

  “You should get some rest,” I said quietly.

  He crossed his arms, the gesture of defiance one I’d started to grow accustomed to. “Fine. But you’re not doing a very good job.”

  “Of what?”

  He moved closer, just two steps, but his bare feet were nearly touching my shoes. “Of pretending you’re an asshole. You’re not like those guys tonight, and I wish you’d just stop trying so fucking hard to prove it to me.” He rose up on his toes and kissed my cheek, lips just a whisper against my skin. “Thank you.”

  Then he walked to the bed and climbed under the covers. I turned off the light on my way out and tried desperately to remind myself how wrong I was for Eric. But I couldn’t seem to convince myself this time.

  CHAPTER SIX

  “I can’t take these,” I told Preston the next morning. “Where are my clothes?”

  “I threw them out.”

  My mouth dropped open, and I stared at the pile of clothes he’d brought in bright and early after I’d woken up. He’d dumped them on the bed and told me to pick something to wear. There were more clothes here than my entire wardrobe at home.

  I got off the bed, still barefoot and wearing his T-shirt and a pair of shorts. “You can’t just…”

  “Can’t what?”

  “Tell me what to do.”

  He actually had the audacity to grin. “It’s been working pretty well for me so far.”

  “No, it hasn’t. I’m going home.”

  He laughed. “In that?”

  I glanced down at his shirt, then my bare feet, and frowned. Then I reached for the closest T-shirt and pair of jeans I found and clutched them in my arms before glancing around for my shoes. “Fine. I’ll wear these home and send them back to you when I’m done.”

  “Eric.”

  “And you,” I said, grabbing another handful of clothes, “can keep these!”

  I tossed the clothes at him, watching as he swatted them away. I went for another handful, and then yanked in a breath when his arms closed around me.

  “Stop it,” he warned, spinning me around so we were face to face.

  “You’re not my boss anymore,” I whispered heart racing hard enough I was sure he could feel it as well.

  “That’s not what I want. That’s why I called you last night.”

  My eyes dipped to his lips. I remembered his voice on the phone. Low, husky. Almost apologetic. And then he’d sent someone to rescue me. “What do you want?”

  This time his eyes lowered, tracing the muted bruise on my cheek before staring at my lips. His Adam’s apple moved when he swallowed. The heat of his gaze alone was making me hard. One moment I was throwing things at him and the next, I wanted his body all over mine.

  “Do it,” I said.

  His eyes went dark and his dick hardened against my hip. “You don’t know what you’re asking.”

  “You can’t be in control of everything.”

  His composure snapped. His arms tightened around me and his mouth crushed against mine. I dropped the clothes and slid my fingers into his hair, turned on by his deep groan. By the fact that I—I alone—had made him lose that control.

  “Eric,” he said gruffly.

  I slid my tongue along his lower lip. “Preston.”

  “Damn. I need you to call me that from now on. No more Mr. Crane.”

  He jerked me against him again, making my breath lodged in my throat. Then his hands made a slow descent down my arms to the hem of the shirt, and then underneath.

  His fingers traced my pecs, brushing each nipple before, moving to my abs.

  “I need you,” he breathed.

  And I found that I felt the same way. But when his hands started to move again, I grimaced and jerked back.

  “What is it?”

  “I…just a bruise.” I rubbed the sore spot, but the momentum was gone. I barely knew Preston. God, I wanted him, but I also needed a few minutes to think.

  He didn’t reach for me, eyes cautious. “I’m not trying to hurt you.”

  “God—no—I know.” I gathered the clothes again. “I just need some time.”

  “Don’t tell me you’re leaving.”

  My mouth opened, ready to argue with him, but then I saw the look on his face. Almost…vulnerable. Like he’d be truly lost if I walked out of here right now.

  “No, I’m not leaving.”

  “Good. I’ll give you what you need. Space if you need it. In fact, I have a job for you.”

  I frowned at him, and to my surprise, he smiled. How did he go from wanting me to talking about work in a split second?

  “If you’re willing to reconsider my offer,” he continued.

  “Can I think about it? Maybe…do a trial run today?”

  He angled his head, considering this. Looking as surprised as I’d just felt. “Really?”

  And for once he looked like a regular man. Not one beaten down by the world, but just
a guy who was having a talk with another man. Someone he was comfortable with.

  “I mean, I need a little more information first.”

  “Absolutely.” His face went serious again. He pointed. “Put some clothes on.”

  “Work clothes?”

  “Any clothes. You’re going on a mission.”

  “But—”

  “Clothes. I have to get something for you.”

  He was off again before I could say anything, footsteps quick down the hallway. Something else? What was he up to?

  And a mission? I wasn’t really sure I wanted to go out. Not after what happened last night.

  I shuddered and pulled on the jeans and T-shirt. I found a sweater as well and tugged that over my head, wincing when I felt a few bruises.

  “Eric.”

  I whipped around, my heart racing. “Mr. Cr—Preston. I didn’t hear you.”

  His eyes were dark, barely veiled anger in them. “They hurt you.”

  “I’m fine. It’s over.”

  He stepped a few feet closer but didn’t touch me. He held a bag in his hand, but it seemed he’d forgotten all about it. “Forget about today. Just stay here.”

  “Forget about what?” I shook my head. “What do you mean?”

  “I…” He looked down, and it was the first time I’d seen him at a loss for words.

  “Preston?” When he didn’t meet my eyes, I stepped up to him. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “It’s nothing.”

  “You’re lying.”

  This time his head did come up, eyes meeting mine at the challenge. “Eric,” he said, voice low in warning.

  “If you’re not going to talk to me about things, I don’t know how you can expect me to work for you. And I definitely can’t stay here. I’m supposed to be at work downstairs.”

  “That’s taken care of.” He reached into the bag and pulled out a box.

  My mouth dropped open. “Oh my God.”

  “They said it’s the best.”

  “It is,” I breathed, almost afraid to open the box.

  It was the exact camera I wanted, with all the lenses and every single amazing feature that could really make me a better photographer.

  “What is this for?”

  He held out the box. “For you.”

  “No, I can’t—”

  He shoved it at me. “You can, and I’ll tell you why.”

  #

  “You owe me even more now,” Ryan said, laughing on the other end of the phone.

  I shoved a hand in my hair as I paced in front of the window. “I know. It wasn’t my plan to just leave you there. Hire whoever you need to and once they’re trained, you’re free to go.”

  “Free to go?” He chuckled, the familiar laugh that had always set me at ease, ever since we were kids. “Thanks for the permission.”

  “You know what I mean.”

  Ryan was the only person I knew who wouldn’t take any shit from me—well, besides Eric. But of course, Ryan was my step-brother, so he didn’t have to take it. And he could dish it out just as well as I could.

  “Something happened last night,” I began.

  His voice turned serious in an instant. “What? Preston, tell me—”

  “It was Eric. He…These two guys tried to attack him. Maybe mug him, I’m not sure.”

  “Oh, God. Preston. I’m sorry. That’s horrible. Is he okay?”

  “He’s fine. I sent him out with Stone today so he wouldn’t be alone. They’ll be back soon. I just…” I gave a choked and humorless laugh. “I just couldn’t stop thinking about Brian.”

  “I know, but Eric’s fine and…wait.”

  I stopped pacing. “What?”

  “You sent him out with Stone? What does that mean? He’s there? Or he was there? Like in your penthouse?”

  “Yes to most of those.”

  He was silent so long, I almost growled out a demand for him to say something.

  “Are you…?” His voice turned sly. “Is there something going on?”

  “No. Yes. Damn it.”

  “I’m not making fun of you. This is good. No great. You need this.”

  I didn’t answer. I didn’t know what I needed, only what I wanted. And Eric seemed to be it right now. But Eric also didn’t know my past.

  “I can’t believe you let him into your place,” Ryan said. “These are good steps, right?”

  I still didn’t answer. That was what my psychiatrist would say. Steps. But I still didn’t think I was ready—didn’t know if I ever would be ready. On the other hand, Eric made me feel like I could do things I hadn’t done in years.

  “One thing at a time.” Ryan said something away from the phone, voice muffled. “I have a customer—I have to go. I’m proud of you, Preston.”

  I frowned. I hated it when he talked to me like a little kid. We were almost the same age.

  He lifted his voice in a joking tone. “You finally got a man up there and you already let him go? Hope he comes back!”

  And then he ended the call.

  Hell. I hadn’t thought about that. It had taken some work to get Eric back here last night, and then I’d sent him right out the door this morning? What if something happened? Or what if he just didn’t want to come back, like Ryan said?

  If it were three years ago, I might have gone after them. No, I would have gone with them in the first place. Once upon a time, the world was an adventure instead of a nightmare.

  By the time I’d imagined every horrible scenario that could go wrong with Eric out of my sight and I was ready to call Stone to tell him to get his ass back here, the elevator dinged. When it opened to reveal Eric laughing and looking perfectly unharmed, I folded my arms.

  “Guess you had a good time.”

  Eric’s eyes locked on mine, his smile fading. “We did. It’s a nice day out there.”

  Of course he’d throw that at me, when I couldn’t go outside. Or wouldn’t.

  “You’ve been gone four hours.”

  Eric thanked Stone when he carried his bag of camera equipment inside and set it on the counter in the kitchen. “You asked me to do a job. I did. What the hell is your problem?”

  Stone turned away discreetly and wandered down the hall to the office. When he was out of earshot, I gave Eric a pointed look.

  “After what happened last night? You think I’m going to be comfortable with you wandering out there for hours and hours?” I asked.

  He sighed, his shoulders rising and falling with the motion. “I thought that’s why you sent Stone. And I told you before I left that I wasn’t sure about the job. You seemed perfectly fine sending me off then.”

  “It’s—that’s not why I sent you off.” Stubborn man. He was twisting my words and my brain. “You’re not a prisoner here. I wanted to prove that to you.”

  “Good,” he snapped, taking a step back. “Because you’re way too moody for me. I’m going home.”

  “Eric.”

  He waved a hand, dismissing me. “I’ll talk to you about the job later since you obviously want to throw a temper tantrum right now.”

  A temper tantrum? Who the hell was he? Ryan? What was wrong with the world of men today?

  “Eric, don’t get on that elevator.”

  He laughed. “You’re not the boss of me.”

  And now he was acting like a little kid. He pressed the button and waited patiently for the elevator doors to open.

  “Eric,” I said again, stepping up behind him.

  He smelled like the outdoors. Like sunshine and freedom—things I may never experience again.

  “Don’t go,” I said.

  He turned slightly. “Why not?”

  I sucked in a sharp breath and then spoke honestly. “Because I can’t go after you.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  It was the first time I’d been in his office. There were three flat-screen monitors attached to the wall, one showing images from four different places in the hotel. They rotated, landing
on the front desk of the store I worked in.

  Used to work in. I wasn’t sure anymore. Preston was all over the place. Moody one minute, attentive the next. Protective and near paranoid at times as well.

  But even with all that, I saw a vulnerability in him—a brokenness—that spoke to me. So when he asked me to stay, I couldn’t say no.

  “Sit.” Preston gestured to the desk as he went for a file cabinet.

  Frowning at his demand, I walked to the desk, but sat on the surface instead of in the chair.

  “I haven’t shown this to anyone before,” he murmured, pulling a folder out and opening it.

  There were dozens of papers inside, photographs, and more. He kept it turned away from me, however, and only pulled out one picture.

  He passed it over.

  Staring back at me was a man just a few years younger than me, with a bright smile and blue eyes that seemed to look straight into my soul.

  “Who is he?” I whispered.

  He swallowed hard and turned to the window, staring out over the city. “He was my fiancé.”

  My mouth dropped open. Fiancée? Was? I was afraid to ask, but I had to know.

  “What happened?”

  “You really don’t know? It was in all the papers, online, his face splashed everywhere in the city. ‘Billionaire Mogul’s Fiancé Slain in Cold Blood’.”

  Bile rose in my stomach. “Oh, God. Preston…” I set the picture aside and walked to him. “I’m so sorry.”

  “You remind me of him. Innocent. Ready to believe the best in everyone. To trust everyone.” His voice grew hoarse. “It was a long time ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday.”

  “Is that…Is that why you don’t like to leave your house?”

  He gave a humorless laugh. “Only part of it, and do you really blame me? Look what happened to you last night.”

  I shuddered and shook my head. “No, thanks.”

  But I could see why he was content staying away from the real world. My situation last night had been the first time anything like that had happened to me, but to have his fiancé stolen from him? He’d clearly been traumatized. And I could tell he wasn’t giving me the whole story.

  “What else?” I asked.