Author: Colette Davison
Category: LGBT
Go to read content：https://onlinereadfreenovel.com/colette-davison/page,17,582624-unbreakable.html
“Exactly.”
Russel chuckled. “He thought you were dominant in the bedroom.”
Mac tickled Russel’s sides lightly. “So did you until I set you straight.”
“I honestly wouldn’t say ‘no’ if you wanted to take charge and play a little rough.”
Mac pinched his eyebrows together. “I didn’t think you liked it when bigger guys took control?”
“I don’t, as a general rule. But you’re different.” Russel trailed his fingers down Mac’s jaw. “I’d also let you fuck me.” His voice was so soft it was barely a whisper.
A shiver ran through Mac.
“I know it’s not really your thing, though, so no pressure, okay? I just wanted to put it out there.”
“Noted.” Mac pressed a tender kiss to Russel’s lips. “You’re not upset that I don’t really like topping, are you?”
Russel shook his head. “Not at all.”
Mac released a breath. “A lot of guys take it personally. They think I’m not into them.”
Russel cocked an eyebrow. “Seriously? Selfish, much.” He twisted so he was straddling Mac’s lap and placed a hand on each side of his face. “It’s a good thing I’m not a lot of guys, isn’t it?”
Mac purred out a response. “Definitely.” He was about to kiss Russel again when the smaller man tilted his head to the side, his lips pursing thoughtfully. “Uh-oh.”
“What?”
“You’re thinking.” He ran his thumb down Russel’s lips. “What are you thinking about?”
“You think Remy’s birthday party was a ruse to find a couple to play with, don’t you?”
Mac sighed and nodded. “Yeah, I do. The guy’s a fucking predator, Russel.”
“Do you think he tries to break up shaky couples or solid ones?”
It was Mac’s turn to tilt his head to the side. “Solid ones.”
Russel laughed. “Then we must have been great at faking it.”
Mac joined in the laughter. “Yeah, we must have been.” He pulled Russel so their chests were pressed together. “But I’m not faking it anymore.”
Russel stared into his eyes, his pupils blowing wide, almost eclipsing his pale blue irises. “Nor am I.” His upper lip curled. “Wait… does that mean Remy makes a habit out of this?”
Mac sighed and rested his hands on Russel’s hips. “You’re way too preoccupied with that jerk.”
Russel made a flourishing gesture with his hand. “Sorry. I’m just trying to wrap my head around it. Babe… if he makes a habit of ruining people’s relationships, we can’t let him get away with it.”
“First up, we don’t know for sure he’s done this to anyone else.”
“Oh, so we’re just a pair of lucky saps he decided to play games with as a one-off?”
Mac winced. “Maybe. Can I continue?”
“Sure.”
“Secondly, if he has managed to split other couples up, remember it takes two to tango.”
“Now who’s spouting clichés?” Russel gave him a withering stare. “Besides, it’s never that simple, babe. Look at how he tried to convince you.”
“True.” Mac didn’t want to admit how close he’d been to taking Remy up on his offer. Not because he’d wanted Remy anywhere near him, but because he’d known how much the interview had meant to Russel. He was glad he hadn’t fallen for it. “Thirdly, what could we do to stand up to the likes of Remy Lawrence?”
Russel blew air over his bottom lip. “I don’t know.”
“Let’s just forget about him. Fuck knows we both have other things to worry about.”
Russel looked down. “Like paying the rent and finding new jobs.”
“Hey.” Mac hooked his finger under Russel’s chin. “No glum faces, okay? We’ve got a plan. Everything’s going to be okay, I promise.”
Russel smiled. “You’re pretty convincing.”
“I try.” Mac grinned. “Anyway, we’ve got one thing to thank Remy for.”
“Oh?”
“Well, if he hadn’t decided to play games with us, we’d never have got together for real.”
“Very true.” Russel’s mouth contorted. “But it doesn’t feel right to let him get away with it.”
“You’re not going to let this go, are you?” Mac could feel his stomach twisting into knots. He was happy to just close the door on the entire chapter.
Russel sighed. “I’m not sure I can. Sorry, babe.” He fingered the slender leash, tugging ever so slightly so that Mac was forced to move his head closer.
“There’s something else bothering you,” Mac noted. It amazed him that he was able to pick up on Russel’s subtle clues, even though they hadn’t known each other long.
The left corner of Russel’s mouth hooked into a slight smile. “You didn’t seem impressed that Remy wanted you on your knees, but you don’t mind that I do. I don’t get what the difference is. He’s not much different from me. We’re both small, skinny guys.”
“You two are nothing alike.”
Russel averted his gaze. “We both want you on your knees.”
“Yeah, but for Remy, it’s a fucking power trip.” Mac stroked Russel’s cheek. “But with you, it’s all about respect.”
Hesitantly, Russel looked at Mac again. “I’d never ask you to do anything you weren’t happy with.”
“I know.” Mac tugged Russel closer by the hips. “But we both know Remy would. I’m not even sure he’d bother with safewords. So believe me when I tell you that you are nothing like him. Are you good?”
“Yeah.”
“Are we good?”
Russel nodded. “I think so.”
Mac put on a fake scowl. “You think so? Because I’m not sure I want to move in with a guy who isn’t convinced we’re a great team.”
Russel laughed, and the sparkle returned to his eyes. “I know so. And I’m not just saying that so you’ll help pay the rent.”
“I didn’t think you were.” Mac cleared his throat, realising he was in danger of stomping into soppy territory. “Now we’ve got that cleared up… if you really can’t let this thing with Remy go, we’ll figure out a way to put him in his place.”
Russel’s eyes lit up, and he tapped his fingertips together. “Really?”
“Really.”
*
“Okay… who are you and what have you done with the real Mac?” Edward asked, stirring his coffee thoughtfully.
Mac scowled. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Michael glanced at Edward, a scathing look on his face. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but you normally play it safe.”
“You don’t like change,” Edward said bluntly. “Yet suddenly you’ve left the club, and you’re going to give up your flat to move in with a guy you hardly know.”
“I was sacked.”
Edward took a sip of coffee, staring at Mac over the rim. “You could’ve avoided that.”
“You think I should have stripped for that jerk?”
Edward shook his head. “No, but a week or so ago, you probably would have.”
Mac gaped at his friend. His stomach tied itself in angry knots, which suddenly relaxed and fell away as he realised Edward was right. A week ago, he would have done anything to keep his job at the club, including refusing to go into a partnership with his two best friends for fear their venture would fail and the club would close.
“I’m not having a go.” Edward cradled the mug in his hands. “I’m pointing out that you’re acting in a very un-Mac way.” He grinned. “I like it.”
Mac felt the muscles in his body relax.
“This man you’re seeing… he obviously brings out your impulsive side.”
“Are you sure you’re not moving too fast?” Michael asked. “Moving in with him is a big step.”
“It feels right.” Mac hadn’t second-guessed his rash idea once. Edward was right. He wasn’t acting like himself, but he was absolutely okay with that. “If things don’t work out, I can find a new flat. I
t’s no big deal.” Except it was a big deal. He would be giving up his own space to live with another man. He’d never even come close to taking that step with anyone before, yet the idea had formed and popped out of his mouth with ease. “How are your plans to buy the club coming along?”
Edward laughed. “Subtle change of subject there.”
Mac curled his upper lip. “Yeah, yeah, just answer the damn question.”
“We’ve got a meeting with Barry this afternoon.”
“Wow.” Mac whistled. “You’re moving fast. Does he know what you want to talk to him about?”
Michael grimaced. “He will when we turn up with our solicitor.”
“He’s been running the club into the ground for months. He’d be mad not to accept our offer,” Edward said.
“Or greedy.” Mac pursed his lips. “He might demand more than you want to offer.”
Michael glanced at Edward. “We know. We’re going to offer a lower amount than we think the place is worth and let him bargain us up to what we’re actually willing to pay.”
“Clever.” Mac stared between them. “I’m really sorry I didn’t agree to partner up with you.” He dropped his gaze, unable to look at either of them.
Michael leant across the table and squeezed Mac’s arm. “Hey, we weren’t—”
“I know.” Mac sucked in a deep breath. “But I do owe you both an apology. You’re right. I’m the play-it-safe guy. I don’t take risks, because I’m too fucking chicken to change the crappy status quo of my life.”
“Mac—” Edward began, but Mac cut him off with a sharp shake of his head.
“Let me finish.” Mac pinched the bridge of his nose. “I left everything behind once before, and it was really fucking hard to start over. I guess I got so comfortable with the life I’d made for myself that I was terrified about anything changing. I couldn’t face the thought of having to start over again. I should have believed in you guys, but I was too scared you’d fail that I couldn’t. I was stupid to think that the shitty way Horns is now was the better option.”
“And now?” Edward asked softly. “What’s changed?”
Mac looked up and met his friend’s questioning stare. “Honestly? I’m not sure. Obviously meeting Russel is a big part of it… I think spending time with him has made me realise that I don’t have to settle. That I can take chances and come out on top.” He rolled his eyes. “I realise how ridiculous that sounds, considering I’ve lost my job at Horns and he’s quit his.”
“You stood up for yourself,” Michael said. “You didn’t deserve to get sacked for that.”
Edward nodded in agreement. “You realise there will be a job for you when we take over the club?”
Mac grinned. “I’ll hold you to that.” He shifted in his chair; his arse was still a little sore from the previous night’s antics. “But a week or so ago, I wouldn’t have stood up for myself. I’d have gone into that booth and put up with whatever Remy did. I’d have let him put his hands all over me because I wouldn’t have wanted to kick up a fuss and get into trouble.” He realised how ridiculous that sounded, but it was the truth. “Being with Russel has made me feel braver, which is another crazy thing to say, given the size of me.” He was well aware that everyone looked at him and expected him to be a tough, domineering guy. Hell, Remy had assumed that, which was why he’d wanted to put Mac on his knees. He shivered and shoved thoughts of the jerk aside, shifting his gaze from his friends to the coffee shop window; it was much warmer inside than outside, judging by the moisture droplets on the glass and the stream of shoppers who were trudging past, wrapped up in coats. “I want to be with Russel, and I’m willing to take any chance I need to, however crazy.”
“Well, good for you.” Michael beamed at him.
“You realise we need to meet him?” Edward arched an eyebrow before taking another sip of coffee. “You can’t tell us how much this guy has rocked your world, and then keep him all to yourself.”
Mac laughed. “Would this be like taking my boyfriend home to my parents to get their seal of approval?”
Michael and Edward exchanged a glance before replying in unison. “Yes!”
“Damn right, we want to see if we approve.” Edward winked at him. “We’ve got high standards. Anyone who wants to date our friend has to live up to them.”
“How about a celebratory lunch tomorrow?” Mac asked.
“Celebratory?” Michael pursed his lips.
“Well, by the end of the day, you’ll have struck a deal with Barry, and the club will be as good as yours. That’s worth celebrating, isn’t it?”
“Confident, aren’t you?”
Mac nodded enthusiastically. “Like I should have been when you first told me about the idea. I really am sorry.”
“Stop apologising.” Edward balled up a paper napkin and chucked it at Mac, hitting him square in the chest. “Lunch tomorrow would be great. But as we’ll be celebrating our good news, we’ll be paying.”
Mac started to shake his head, but Edward gave him a stern look. “You can pay.” Mac smiled slyly. “I hope you’re going to take me and Russel somewhere nice. I quite fancy a slap-up lunch.”
Edward threaded his fingers through Michael’s, grinning. “I’m sure that can be arranged.”
20 Russel
“Hi, honey, I’m home!”
Russel smiled at Mac’s greeting. “In here.” He was sitting at his computer desk by the window in the lounge, which was where he’d been for the last few hours, staring at the computer screen. A headache had been starting to form at his temples, but it vanished when Mac enveloped him in his arms from behind and softly kissed his neck, practically making him purr. “I could get used to this.”
“You can get used to this, assuming you still want me to move in?”
Russel chuckled. “Well… now that you mention it… I changed my mind in the few hours you were gone.”
“You’re joking, right?” There was an adorable note of concern in Mac’s voice.
“Yes, I’m joking.”
Mac kissed him again. “What are you doing?”
“Job-hunting and some research.”
“Research?”
Russel nodded. He stood and coaxed Mac to sit on the chair he’d just vacated, and then he sat in Mac’s lap. “I was reading articles on the other parties Remy has thrown.”
Mac clasped his hands across Russel’s stomach and tugged him so his back was pressed firmly against Mac’s chest. “And?”
“I think you’re right that he makes a habit of fucking with couples. All his parties have been the same: couples only, with him being the only unattached person there. Aside from the waiting staff, obviously.” He stroked his hand over Mac’s. “But I also discovered that daddy dearest pays all the bills.”
“I figured he was from old money or something,” Mac said.
“Old money?” Russel laughed. “I haven’t heard that term in a while.”
Mac shrugged. “My mum cleaned for someone she claimed was from old money. She was really bitter about it.”
Russel bit his lower lip before taking a chance on a question. “Do you miss her?” He couldn’t imagine what Mac had gone through when his mum had walked out.
“Maybe. Sometimes.” Mac rested his chin on Russel’s shoulder. “It was years ago.”
“Do you know why she left?” Russel squeezed Mac’s hand. “And feel free to tell me to butt out. I know it’s none of my business.” But he wanted to know more about Mac, the good and the bad.
“I dunno.” Mac sighed. “She hated that Dad drank so much. Hated that we didn’t have two pennies to rub together half the time. When we did have money, Dad would head down to the pub or the betting office, and it would be gone within the hour. She hated that she had to clean for a woman who’d never worked a day in her life but had everything she wanted. I guess she hated her life with us.”
“Maybe with your dad, but not with you.”
“She could have taken me and my brothers
with her, but she didn’t. I haven’t heard from her since I was twelve. I don’t even know if she’s still alive.”
Russel turned so he was sitting sideways on Mac’s lap and wrapped his arms around the big guy’s neck. “I’m sorry.”
Mac shrugged. “It is what it is.” The pain in his voice was evident from the way it cracked as he spoke. He swallowed hard, and Russel was possessed with the urge to hug and kiss the big man’s pain away. Mac cleared his throat. “Do you reckon you could figure out who else Remy has fucked with?”
“Why?”
“See if they’d go on the record and help expose the jerk?”
“I’m not sure. The guest lists aren’t exactly public. I can work out some of the people who attended via the articles I’ve been reading, but not everyone. Then I’d have to see if any of those couples broke up reasonably soon after…” Russel sighed. “It feels like I’d be searching for a needle in a haystack.”
“Yeah, point taken.”
“But… I wonder if dear darling daddy knows what his son is up to.”
“Do you think he’d care, even if he did?”
“No clue.” Russel pursed his lips. “He’s the CEO of a huge tech company and is worth millions. I’d like to think he was a decent human being, but he spawned Remy, so who knows? If nothing else, he might not want Remy’s behaviour tarnishing his reputation.”
“You can’t judge a father by their kid, any more than you can judge a kid by their father.”
Russel winced. “Shit, I’m sorry.”
Mac chuckled. “It’s fine. I know you didn’t mean anything by it. Look, my dad is a drunk sack of shit. I’m not. Just because Remy is a manipulative shithead doesn’t mean his dad is. But… why would he believe us over his son? We’d need proof.”
“True.” Russel brushed his hand over Mac’s shoulder. “We’re kind of short on proof.”
“We could get it.” Mac sucked in a breath. “I could get it.”
Russel’s eyebrows shot up. “How?” Then he started to shake his head as he realised what Mac was suggesting. “No!”
Mac gathered Russel’s hands up in his own. “I’m not suggesting I sleep with the guy. I just need to get him to proposition me again so we can get it on tape.”