Before You Break Read online

  “Sirs?” came a voice from behind them.

  Jarod turned to find a smartly dressed man holding a placard that said “Pearce and Jameson.” He did his best to smile, but he knew it wouldn’t seem genuine. Fortunately Eli stepped forward and shook the man’s hand.

  “I’m Eli Jameson. Can I help you?”

  For a minute the man’s expression conveyed his confusion. “I’m Maxwell. I have your limousine waiting,” he said simply.

  “You have our…?” Eli arched his brows and turned to Jarod. “This has your dainty fingerprints all over it, pet. Care to explain?”

  Jarod couldn’t help but grin. “We took a private jet. How did you think we were going to get to our new place?”

  “They have these things called taxis. Ever heard of them?”

  The driver’s cheeks pinked as Eli continued to berate Jarod, lovingly, of course.

  “You are in such hot water, pet, you have no idea. At the rate you’re burning through it, you won’t have any money left by the end of the year.”

  Jarod suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. “I’m certain we won’t end up on the streets, Sir. Besides, once the club takes off, we won’t need to touch that money again. We’ll make enough to support us all.”

  The all included Jarod’s mother, Maggie, who had come to London ahead of them. They’d had the top floor of their new building divided into two apartments, one for his mother and the other for Eli and Jarod. They’d also invested heavily in soundproofing because the last thing Jarod wanted was to see his mother’s knowing grin after every time he and Eli had sex. One thing was certain: Eli had a very healthy sexual appetite, which thrilled Jarod to bits.

  “We will be discussing this later, pet.”

  “I never doubted it for a minute,” Jarod answered with a smirk.

  Eli grinned and kissed him, which caused Maxwell’s cheeks to flush. Too bad. He’ll be seeing a lot more displays of affection in the future. Which would probably be something he needed to mention to Eli at some point. Eventually. Maybe he could do it after they got home.

  A long time after—they had a new bed to break in. The thought sent a shiver of anticipation skating down Jarod’s spine, but when his hole clenched, he winced. Ah. Yes. The Mile High Club.

  Breaking in the bed might have to wait awhile. A couple of hours at least.

  Maxwell strode quickly toward the waiting car, and Jarod realized if they’d had to carry anything, they’d never have kept up. Thank God we don’t have to worry about the move. Jarod found himself grateful that they’d had a removal company pack up their belongings and send them on ahead. The driver spoke animatedly about the city, the places to be seen, restaurants that were not to be missed, and touched on more details than Jarod could remember, but he let Max carry on chattering, enjoying the man’s energy.

  “Sir?”

  “Yes, pet?”

  “I suppose it’s really not a good time to say this—”

  “You bought the car and hired Maxwell to be our chauffeur?”

  “I—yes. How did you know?”

  As he reached out to stroke Jarod’s cheek, Eli grinned. “I didn’t, but I do know you.”

  “In other words, you guessed.”

  “I did. I want to protest, but I know you have valid reasons. I don’t think you’d ever do something without thinking it through.”

  It warmed Jarod to hear Eli talk about him like this. Always effusive in his praise, there were times when Eli’s gaze would take on a dreamy quality, as if he couldn’t believe how lucky he’d gotten.

  “Mother may want to shop or go out into the city. I hired Maxwell to be our chauffeur, but also to be her companion during the times I won’t be able to be with her. He’s taken first-aid classes, understands her needs, and is familiar with the city.”

  “And he’s cute enough to make Maggie happy.”

  Jarod gave an exaggerated gasp. “Sir, I’m shocked. Do you think my mother would…? Oh hell, who am I kidding? Yes, she’ll like that too.”

  “I think it’s a brilliant idea, pet.”

  They got into the car, and Jarod leaned back in the comfortable leather seat, Eli automatically curling his hand around Jarod’s.

  So here we are, the first day of our new adventure.

  Jarod had never been so grateful to have Eli at his side.

  ELI PAUSED at the wide main door. “Ready to see how it’s all turned out, pet?”

  Jarod nodded, his heart pounding. Months of preparation, consultation, and any number of phone calls were finally over, and the results of their endeavors lay beyond that door. “Ready as I’ll ever be.” He took a deep breath. Eli unlocked the door and ushered him inside. The interior lay in darkness, and with one hand, Eli plunged them into light.

  “Oh my God.” Jarod gasped.

  The place was gorgeous.

  A wide reception desk in dark wood sat to one side, and beyond it was the social area, with leather-topped stools placed neatly along the length of a gleaming bar. The rest of the area was filled with tables and chairs, and the hardwood varnished floor reflected the LED recessed lighting up above.

  “And we haven’t even seen the main floor yet,” Eli reminded him excitedly. He led Jarod through the bar to another wide door, and once through, the atmosphere changed. The floor was covered in a black material that appeared eminently more suitable for a BDSM club, and the lighting was cooler. Mirrors interspersed with racks covered the walls, and various benches and chairs stood around. Equipment cabinets hinted at delightful implements and devices hidden within them. There were slings, three or four set up against one wall, and wide frames complete with rings set into them, ready for someone to be restrained. The stage was located midway along the left wall, commanding attention even without being set up for any demonstrations. They’d had all of the gear custom made, and the quality shone through.

  At the far end of the floor was the former service elevator, which Jarod knew had been renovated to allow access to the floor above, where the private rooms, group room, lockers, and showers were located.

  “Fuck,” Eli whispered reverently. “It’s even more amazing than I’d imagined.”

  Jarod agreed. The workers had done an amazing job and somehow managed to come in under budget. He stood in the middle of the main floor, gazing at the club. Not long now and it won’t be so quiet in here. He could almost hear it: the soft swish of a flogger, a single-tail whip slicing through the air, the thwack of a paddle connecting with a bare arse, and below all that, the sound of men engaged in various activities, low cries of mingled pleasure and pain.

  “Check this out, pet,” Eli called from the bar.

  Jarod joined him at the opposite end of the club, where the office was located and a lift provided access to their accommodation on the top floor. Eli pressed the call button, and the gleaming metal door slid open to reveal deep-burgundy carpeting with polished stainless steel on the lower half of the wall and mirrors on the upper half.

  Eli grinned. “Okay, we are definitely going to be christening this.” He cupped Jarod’s buttcheek and squeezed. “I’m thinking you, arse tilted, facing the mirrors while I fuck you.”

  Jarod raised his eyebrows. “We christened the jet an hour ago, remember?” Not that he was about to object—Eli’s words already got his dick filling. I guess an hour is enough after all. Inwardly he chuckled. We’re as bad as each other.

  Eli leered. “What can I say? I get turned on easily around you.”

  Jarod stifled a giggle and instead pressed his arse into Eli’s hand. “Maybe if Max takes my mother somewhere.” There was no way he was even contemplating sex if she was within earshot.

  Eli cleared his throat. Oh. Max. Damn. Jarod groaned. He’d completely forgotten the man was behind them. “Sorry,” Jarod said.

  “I’m not,” Eli said with a chuckle.

  “I’ll wait for you down here, sir,” Max said respectfully as Eli got into the lift, pulling Jarod with him.

  “Thanks,
Max,” Eli said with a brief nod. The door slid shut and Eli grinned. “Let’s go see our new home.”

  STEPPING INTO their new place felt like walking into a showroom. Everything from the woodwork to the dining room chandelier gleamed. The deep-pile lounge carpet, a glorious shade of red, was offset by the black leather furniture. Never in his wildest dreams had Eli ever thought he’d live in a place like this. Then he looked over at Jarod and saw the same awe.

  “Pet?”

  “This… is remarkable. The designs we saw don’t even do this place justice. They made this into a house. A home.”

  Eli swept Jarod into his arms, then whispered in his ear, “Our home.”

  They explored the loft, lingering in the bedroom with the king-size bed and wrought-iron scrollwork Eli could hardly wait to put to use. When he noticed the dark wooden steamer trunk at the foot of the bed, Eli smiled. He had an inkling what was in it.

  “You have a good eye, Jarod. These things are beautiful.”

  The bathroom had a walk-in shower large enough for four men, with benches inside. The frosted windows would allow a glimpse of Eli’s body as he stroked himself while Jarod stood outside and watched. He noted that for a future punishment.

  The kitchen held state-of-the-art appliances, including a coffeemaker that promised a perfect cup every time. This would be Jarod’s domain. Eli might be in charge, but when it came to the kitchen, Jarod always got his way.

  “This place is four times the size of my house,” Eli murmured as he ran his hand over the formal dining room table. He’d seen Jarod’s house, the one he shared with Phillip. The place had had an austere feel to it, but this felt organic, alive. Plants stood in front of the large floor-to-ceiling windows, green and vibrant. The windows themselves overlooked the St. Katharine’s docks, and Eli marveled at the ships and boats moored there.

  “We should take a ride on one of the boats,” he remarked.

  “We could buy a boat—”

  “No.”

  “But—”

  “No,” Eli repeated firmly. He faced Jarod, looking him in the eye. “We used your money to buy this business and to refurbish the building. I want to be an equal partner in this, do you understand? I like participating, but when you hand out money to buy things, I feel like I’m not really a part of it.” Is this always going to be a bone of contention between us? Eli hoped not. Maybe it will just take time to get accustomed to it.

  “It’s your money too.” Eli could hear the frustration in Jarod’s voice.

  “Yes, it’s our money. But I don’t want to be given everything. I want us to earn it together. Do you understand that?”

  Jarod’s brow crinkled. “I never thought of it like that,” he answered, his voice soft.

  Eli took Jarod’s hands. “Please think about it. What would mean more? Us earning the money and going out together to buy a boat, or just having it because there is money in the bank?”

  When Jarod closed his eyes, Eli hoped he would ponder what he’d said.

  “I understood the money situation, and I know there is more than enough to last us several lifetimes, but I don’t want that. I want to risk it all, to take a chance on each other. Succeed together or fail together. I don’t want a safety net, pet. I need us both invested in our lives. Can you do that for me? For us?”

  Jarod gave him a patient look. “Unless we give the rest of the money away, there is always going to be that safety net, but I do understand. I’ll talk to the lawyers. I’ll tell them that we won’t be drawing any money from the fund for the foreseeable future.”

  Bless him. Eli leaned forward and kissed Jarod on the lips. “Thank you. And I don’t want you to think it’s completely off-limits. We have Max and a limo to take care of, after all.”

  Jarod laughed. “Only until we’re operating in the black. Once that happens we’ll live within our means. Budget if we have to, but I don’t think we will. This place is going to be outstanding. Because it’s going to be run with a firm hand and a warm heart.”

  Eli stroked his fingers over Jarod’s cheek. “I think you’re right. And speaking of which, are the invitations ready?”

  “They are. I went through the membership lists, checked who was okay to be contacted, then wrote emails to those who chose that preference. I’m sending cards to those who left a mailing address.”

  Eli stepped behind Jarod and nuzzled his neck. “We’re really doing this, aren’t we?”

  Jarod hummed and tilted his head to allow Eli easier access. “Two weeks from today. I sent cards to Masters Leo and Thomas and invited everyone else. I… um… may have offered to pay for those who couldn’t afford the trip.”

  “That’s a nice thing, Jarod. We’ll dip into the petty cash and buy tickets.”

  “But I thought—” Jarod must have noticed the unhappy look on Eli’s face because he dipped his chin and said softly, “Yes, Sir.”

  “Hey, none of that,” Eli told him. “Let me ask you something. You never spent any money at all until you met me, right?”

  “That’s correct, Sir. The lawyers handled all the financial things. Paid the taxes and for the upkeep of the property. Until we decided to look into the club, I didn’t even realize how much money Phillip had put away.”

  “So why now? I mean, I understand about the club. We never could have done this if you hadn’t. But now you seem more than willing to spend money, whereas before you never touched it. I’m curious as to why. Is it because you missed the life you had with Phillip? Where you could do anything you wanted and not be concerned about money?”

  His pet squirmed as Eli allowed his fingers to trail over Jarod’s neck. He wanted to make sure Jarod answered without a lot of thought.

  “No, Sir. That isn’t it at all,” Jarod protested. “It’s the club.”

  “Can you explain that to me?”

  Jarod heaved a sigh. “I’m not sure I can. I love taking care of you. I could be happy doing that for the rest of my life.”

  “Oh, don’t worry about that,” Eli assured him with a grin. “You will be.”

  Jarod leaned back against him, and Eli knew he needed the connection. He wrapped his arms around Jarod.

  “After we gave money to the boys, and the house to Masters Thomas and Leo, I realized how good it felt to take care of others too. When we decided to open the club, it became clear to me that maybe we were meant for this. It gives you an opportunity to be in charge of more than me. You will be able to control your life. No boss to please. You would be responsible for everything. And me? I’d have the chance to take care not only of you, but my mother, and maybe the people who come to Secrets. I thought it would give us both an opportunity to be more.”

  The honesty in his voice told Eli everything. Jarod had such a capacity for giving, and he wanted to make everyone happy. Eli rarely felt humbled, but Jarod had done it.

  “Thank you, pet. That means a lot to me. But what I said before? That’s what I’m talking about. You don’t need money to take care of me or anyone. You—we—built this club to do that. We wanted to give people a place to be who they are. But we need to agree that we’ll stand by each other. The money could solve any problem that cropped up, but then what would be the point of us? I wouldn’t be in charge, trying to solve an issue, because the money would be there to take care of it immediately. And you? You find someone who needs help, you just pay to make their problem go away. You wouldn’t need to be involved at all.”

  Jarod tilted his head back. “Is that what I’m doing?”

  “I think so. Scott and Ben can’t afford to pay for a ticket, so let’s just give it to them. No need to find a creative solution because money solved it for us. Do you see what I’m saying?”

  Jarod paled, and Eli’s stomach clenched.

  “I’m sorry,” Jarod whispered. “I never thought of it like that.”

  “No, don’t be sorry!” Eli said stridently. “Your heart’s in the right place. But maybe if you want to help people, do what Thomas and Leo
did. Set up a foundation, help people who need it. Runaways, throwaways, kids who’ve been abused. Pay for people to help them. Volunteer your time. Hell, I’ll help out too. And maybe Maggie would enjoy mentoring. That’s every bit as important as the money. But the club? That’s where the two of us need to pull together to make it work.”

  Jarod grinned. “I could have the lawyers set up something,” he said. “That’s a brilliant idea.”

  “Well, I have been known to have a few on occasion.” Eli buffed his fingernails on his shirt, and Jarod chuckled.

  “And you’re right about the club too. We’re going to make it work without the money. Together.”

  “That’s the spirit, pet.”

  A tingle went through Eli. They were really going to do this.

  He couldn’t wait for the open-house night.

  Chapter Two

  WAYNE WAS beginning to feel sorry for the new guy.

  Roberts had finished his probationary period and joined them for their three days’ training at Gravesend. With sixty men serving as Specialist Firearms Officers in the Met, it was understandable he hadn’t met the majority of guys, but Wayne quickly realized Roberts hadn’t come across any of the men involved in the training. He was still trying to size Roberts up when the day came to an end.

  The locker room was the place for a lot of banter, some of it extremely witty and sometimes involving quite a bit of leg-pulling and teasing, albeit good-natured. Wayne was used to that. From day one he was upfront with all the guys he served with, not wishing for there to be any secrets or miscommunication between them. These were men who’d have his back in an operation, under tense, stressful conditions, and Wayne wanted to know he could rely on any of them. They didn’t say anything at first, but Wayne knew they were leery about working with a gay man, the only one, as far as he could tell; if there were others, they were doing a damn good job of staying in the closet. Wayne did everything he could to earn their respect and trust, but in the beginning, he had to put up with a lot of teasing and the usual remarks about them having to watch their backs. Nothing he didn’t anticipate, however, and in time, they all warmed to him. If anything, it helped them become a more tight-knit group.