Equation for Love by Sutherland, Fae (13 ebook reader TXT) 📗

Well...whenhe put it that way.

Skye set the bag back on the edge of the bed, glancing sideways at Liam. The other man just grinned, arms crossed over his chest, watching shamelessly. He was wicked, and Skye loved it. He probably shouldn't, but then again...maybe he should. Wicked could be good, in small doses, right? Just a little? Another glance at Liamhad himrethinking that--forget just a little. Skye wanted a lot ofLiam's brand ofwicked.

He glanced down and tugged his cardigan and Tshirt off. Liam's gaze was heavy on himand it was both disconcerting and intoxicating. He still wasn't sure what it was that had Liam so interested in seeing him naked, but he wasn't going to argue with it. He didn't care to listen to the obnoxious Lindy-sounding voice in his head saying Liam's interest was the money and nothing else. Skye looked at Liam and knew, somehow, that wasn't

true.He might believe it was wishful thinking if he'd ever,

in his entire life, been prone to wishful thinking. He hadn't and he wasn't starting now. Which meant, in his opinion, he was right. Like Lindy had said...all he needed to do to prove it was make LiamMaddoxfallin love withhim.

That wasn't eveneasilysaid, let alone done. He toed off his Converse and shucked out of his jeans. In just his underwear now, he gave the bag another waryglance.

"I have to admit, I'ma little afraid ofwhat you might be wantingme to wear."

Liam chuckled and nudged his thigh with his foot. "Go on."

Skye pursed his lips, then shrugged and upended the bag onto the bed. His brows lifted. "Is this a costume partyand I'mgoingas a funeraldirector?"

Liam slapped his ass, making him jump. "Black is your color, myown. You'lllook like sexwalking."

Skye wasn't sure that was a look he was interested in going for, but Liam looked like he was looking forward to it, and Skye very much liked the idea of not disappointing him, so he pulled on the snug black jeans and the black T-shirt that clung to him like a second skin. Agorgeous black leather jacket was included and Skye blinked.

"It's a hundred and four degrees out there."

Liam nodded. "I know. But if you're going to ride onmybike, youhave to wear the right gear."

Skye coughed, gaze snapping over to Liam. "Your bike? Please tell me you mean one with pedals and possiblya little bell."

Liam laughed and snagged him around the waist, tugging Skye up against him. "Not even close. More like sixty-five horses and a roar that'llmake you shake."

Oh jeez. "I'malready shaking."He'd never been on a motorcycle and he was torn between "Oh dear God, that's hot"imagining Liamon one and "Oh hell, no, have you lost your mind?" at the idea of getting on one himself.

Liamgrinned and slid his hand down to cup Skye's ass, squeezing. "Don't worry. I'll protect you." He bent and nuzzled Skye's mouthinthat soft, almost possessive way of his. Skye melted inside every time Liam did. "Do youtrust me?"

Of course Skye did, and he was pretty sure whether he wanted to go or not, he was going. Period. Liam didn't seem in a mood to cater to Skye's worries and inner fretting.

"I do, but no fair," he protested, pressing close against Liam. "Manipulative, even."

Liamchuckled and gave his ass a slap, making him jump. "Life isn't fair, professor, and sometimes the means to the end are justifiable. Come on, let's get out ofhere."

Skye would like to, actually. He'd considered asking Liamto meet himat his place instead ofgetting a hotelroomthis time. When he'd set up the first meeting, however, the agency had been adamant their escorts never went to private homes. He wasn't sure why, but figured there must be some very good reason for the precaution. Probably to keep a certain distance between client and escort. So, when he'd thought of askingthis afternoon, Skye had dismissed the idea.

It was sometimes hard to remember Liamwasn't his friend or his boyfriend or even his lover. Skye looked up at Liam, suddenly needing to find out the truth, even a little.

"When you came here the first night, you called it a date, and I said not to, do youremember?"

Liam's brows knit and he nodded. "Of course. Honesty, yousaid, is what youwanted."

Skye nodded, insides jumping. "I realize probably a lot of clients you see more than once must think...well, you know, maybe there's more. Wishful thinking and all that. I'd like you to be honest with me, Liam, and I promise whatever your answer it won't affect our arrangement." He peered up at him. "I've never done this before...is this how it always feels?"

Liam slid his hand down Skye's arm to brush his fingers, idly toying with his hand. "How does it feel, my own?"

Skye's eyes closed and he let out a sigh before opening them. "It feels like...when you say that, when you call me your own... it--It makes me clench inside and then releases and I can breathe. It feels... real." He was mortified and unable to meet Liam's eyes. How ridiculous. He wanted to tellLiamhow he felt, the way he'd told Lindy, but he couldn't do it. How awkward would it be? However, he'd never felt so much for anyone, and it didn't feel like a fraud or like something he'd bought.

Liam didn't say anything for a moment, and when Skye glanced up at him, he wasn't sure how to read Liam's expression. Finally, Liamsmiled.

"Real is relative, Skye. Just because something isn't forever doesn't make it not real. So, yes, this is real. When I call you my own, it's because right now you are. Right now, I'm not thinking about anyone or anythingbut you. It doesn't get more realthanthat."

Skye