Against the Rules (3 page)

Chapter Four

It wasn’t just Ale Mary’s. Nick had done some of his voodoo bouncer magic and gotten Kelly banned from every halfway decent club in town. If he wanted to get laid he’d have to drive halfway to the coast.

And it was all Ian Larkin’s fault.

The jerk. Kelly leaned against the lecture hall’s back wall as the professor finished up a class discussion. Ian was gorgeous, confident and smart as hell. His students were hanging on his every word, but it wasn’t his mind or his good looks that had Kelly whimpering silently, ready to beg for a hard fuck against the nearest flat surface. It was the hint of steel that entered his voice when someone tried to argue, the same dominant tone he’d used to order Kelly’s hands over his head in the dorm hallway.

“That’s all, folks.” Ian finished class with a smile. “Don’t forget to read the next chapter before Tuesday.”

The lights flickered on and some kids near the rear split for the doors while the other students took the time to pack up their bags. At the front of the room half a dozen coeds clustered around Ian. Floozies. Kelly bit back a growl as he watched a busty brunette try to rub up against the sexy professor.

“I could tell her he swings the other way,” Nick offered from where he was standing a few feet to Kelly’s left.

“If he has a problem he’ll tell her himself,” Kelly snapped. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

“I like to walk Jesse home from class.”

“Of course you do.” Not that Kelly was jealous. He’d had his chance with Nick and they hadn’t worked out. There were no hard feelings, but it was still annoying to see his ex so sweet on another guy.

Hell, until Jesse had wandered into their lives he hadn’t thought
sweet
was in his repertoire. When they’d dated, Nick had seemed to vacillate between grumpy and horny.

Jesse made his way up and greeted Nick with an enthusiastic kiss on the lips.

It was enough to give someone a toothache.

“You usually wait in the hall,” Jesse chirped.

“Figured I’d see what all the fuss was about.” Nick took Jesse’s backpack, sliding one strap over his shoulder for the walk back to the dorm. “He’s a good teacher?”

“Oh sure, Professor Larkin really knows what he’s talking about.” Jesse grinned at Kelly. “And what are you doing here?”

“Nothing.” Kelly crossed his arms and ignored the sophomore’s next question. It might be rude, but he really didn’t give a fuck.

If Sugar and Spice wanted to make nice then they could start by taking him out dancing. Next Friday was eighties night at Ale Mary’s and his costume was all picked out.

Unfortunately, the other men were too wrapped up in each other to notice his bad mood. Nick’s hand was tucked into Jesse’s back pocket before they hit the door and Kelly just knew they were heading straight back to the dorms to put in some quality time on the massive bed Nick had gotten Jesse for his birthday.

“I thought I recognized your friend. Nick picks Mr. Cole up from class quite a bit.”

Kelly had been so wrapped up in his own thoughts he hadn’t noticed Ian’s approach. The rough voice made him shiver in anticipation. “Jesse had some problems last semester. Now he feels more comfortable with Nick holding his hand. Not that I blame the guy. If my last roommate turned me into ground meat, I’d be antsy too.”

“I didn’t know.” Ian’s brow furrowed “Is he seeing someone? The university offers counseling for—”

“I told him all about it.” Halston had offered Kelly every kind of grief counseling, therapy and support service under the sun after his parents died. Not that any of it worked. But he’d been more than happy to pass the contact info along to Jesse. “I think his parents are paying for private counseling.”

“Good to know.” There was a long pause. The lecture hall had emptied out considerably. The only people left were going over notes in the front row. “Is there something I can help you with, Kelly?”

“I want a drink.”

“You’re over twenty-one. Go to a liquor store.”

“I don’t drink alone.”

“Go to a bar.”

“Sure thing,” Kelly said testily. “I’ll just scoot on over to the Roadhouse—”

“It’s a great place if you want your teeth knocked in,” Ian said. “You’re self-destructive, but I don’t think you’re suicidal. Go someplace else.”

“I’ve been banned everywhere else. Nick made his phone calls and suddenly I’m persona non grata.” And hadn’t that been fun to find out the night before.

All he’d wanted was a quiet drink and some company—sexy male company for preference—but he’d been turned away from every bar within walking distance. Even his cousin Tyler who worked at The Happy Kilt on Main Street had kicked him to the curb.

Kelly’s skin heated at the memory. “It’s embarrassing and it’s all your fault.”

“It’s not my fault. Actions have consequences. In your case they’re a little harsher than I would have liked, but they’re still consequences.”

That was unexpected. Kelly blinked in surprise. “You wouldn’t have banned me?”

“If you were mine to discipline?” Ian’s voice was a rough growl. “I’d have just turned you over my knee to remind you not to put yourself in danger. It would hurt—a good punishment should hurt—but afterward it would be over. I’d hold you close and tell you exactly how pleased I was with you for accepting your punishment.”

It probably shouldn’t have sounded so exciting. Kelly’s cock bobbed against his tight jeans. His skin felt like it was two sizes too small. “Nick would never do that. He doesn’t like rough sex.”

“You two must have been horrible together.”

“We weren’t so bad. I—I didn’t used to need it so much.”

“But something happened.” Ian nodded as if Kelly had confirmed something he’d already suspected. “You don’t have to tell me about it tonight.”

Tonight. Kelly had permission to keep his secrets for the night, but someday—sooner or later—he’d have to tell Ian the truth. He’d have to rip open his chest, pour out his secrets, and hope Ian didn’t dance on his pain. Cold fear wrapped tight around his chest, making his heart stammer awkwardly. “Tomorrow?”

“Not tomorrow either. I won’t push until you’re ready, but if we’re going to be together, then I’ll need to know.”

“And if we’re not together? If it’s just sex.”

Gray eyes flashed in displeasure. Ian didn’t say anything, but the tight grip on his bag and sudden stillness in the air was enough to signal his unease.

Kelly blinked twice. He’d done something wrong to make Ian angry with him. Part of him was glad. He’d been unhappy for so long, it felt nice to drag someone else down to his level.

Then there was the small whimpering part of him that wanted to roll over and show Ian his belly, to nuzzle close and rub their bodies together until Ian felt compelled to pull him in tight and murmur soft reassurances.

He took a deep breath, curling his hands into fists. Sharp nails dug into his palms hard enough to leave bruises in the form of small half-moons. “You won’t have sex with a college kid, but you want a relationship?”

“I’m not relationship material. Not long term. I want you to be safe,” Ian said. “If you got hurt...” His gaze sharpened slightly. His skin was too dark to reveal a blush, but Kelly felt sure his cheeks would be hot to the touch. “I’d prefer if you didn’t get hurt.”

“You just met me.”

“Awkward, isn’t it?” The professor leaned forward so close Kelly could feel the heat coming off his body. Every breath he took moved the air around him. Every word spoken in his husky voice sent a small shudder of want straight to Kelly’s core. “Now, I believe you were about to stomp your foot and demand I buy you a drink. Why don’t you try asking for what you really want instead?”

“I don’t want to be alone.”

Chapter Five

Ian had been prepared for Kelly to throw off a bratty retort. Instead, the words murmured from between full pink lips almost slayed him. It wasn’t just booze or sex that Kelly was looking for in the bars. It was a connection with another human being. Something to keep the ghosts away.

Pale lashes fluttered, making Kelly’s discomfort clear. Whatever he’d intended to say, his words had gotten jumbled up inside and the truth had slipped free.

That kind of honesty should be rewarded.

“Do you like Mexican?” he asked. “There’s a great little place near my apartment.”

“I can’t do that tonight.” Kelly shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “I’m the RA on duty starting at ten. I have to be back on campus by then.”

Ian’s shoulders relaxed when he sorted through the mumbled words and realized he wasn’t being rejected. “I can promise to get you back in time for your shift,” he said slowly. Dinner was a given; now they were just negotiating terms. “Or, we can go back to your room and order takeout. Your choice.”

“Takeout.”

Ian nodded his approval before gesturing for Kelly to lead the way out of the lecture hall. He must have come straight from class because a heavy messenger bag hung off his left side. Every time he took a step, the bag slammed into his hip, but he just grunted and kept moving, his long legs stretching out in front of him as they exited the economics building and started making their way back to the dorm.

Outside, the wind nipped at Ian’s ears and whistled through his wool coat. The stiff air lifted hard crackling snow off the ground and thrust it in their direction. By the time they got to the dorm, Kelly’s skin was tinged an unnatural shade of red. He had to be freezing in his thin green jacket, but maybe he was more used to the cold than a California transplant. Where was he from originally?

This time there was no need to wait on the stoop. Kelly swiped them in quickly and hurried toward his room. His fingers were clumsy from the cold. He had to make two attempts before unlocking the door.

“Would you like some tea?” he asked, stepping out of the way to allow Ian access to the room. “I have Earl Grey and a Chai mix my aunt gave me.”

“Earl Grey.” Ian stepped inside and examined his surroundings carefully. The room was small but tidy, decorated in a comfortable mix of browns and greens. It was clearly single occupancy with one narrow bed pressed up against the near wall and a single desk shoved under the window. There was an open door near the back. “You have your own bathroom?”

“Perk of being an RA.” Kelly walked over to his desk and flipped the switch on an electric kettle. The messenger bag was tucked neatly next to the window. His jacket was placed on a hanger in the nearby wardrobe.

“Is the shower big enough for two?”

“Not unless that’s a shrink ray in your pants. I have to bend down to get my head wet.”

“Pity.” Ian unbuttoned his coat. “You’ll have to go first.”

“You want me to shower?”

“I want you to put on clean—
warm
—clothes. You might as well shower at the same time.”

“And if I say no?”

Kelly wasn’t his submissive. He wasn’t even his boyfriend. There was no reason for Kelly to follow direction. That didn’t stop Ian’s hackles from rising in response to the challenge. Still, the last thing Kelly needed was a dominant shouting his displeasure.

“You’re the one who came looking for me.” Ian kept his voice gentle. “I’m trying to be accommodating, but I won’t compromise on your health.”

Kelly straightened his spine. His shoulders squared. “I’m not looking for a parent.”

“I’m not feeling particularly paternal.” Ian grinned, admiring the way the melted snow made Kelly’s wet jeans cling to his muscular thighs. It was taking every ounce of willpower he had not to strip Charming down and take him hard. Blood surged downward to fill his cock. Still, Kelly’s safety came first and it had been cold outside.

“Take a shower,” he said. “I’ll be waiting when you get out.”

“Right.” Kelly collected a fresh set of clothes from the wardrobe and went into the bathroom. The door shut and a few seconds later the sound of water hitting tile filled the small room.

Ian let out a breath he hadn’t known he’d been holding. He’d been on edge since spotting Charming in the back of the lecture hall half an hour earlier.

Taking off his jacket, he dropped his stuff at the foot of the bed. It made the small room look untidy. He picked the jacket up and hung it off the back of the desk chair. His bag was tucked beside Kelly’s.

Better.

The bookshelf was full of writing textbooks, classic literature and fantasy paperbacks, all arranged by subject and author. There was an old-fashioned alarm clock near the bed and a framed family portrait on the desk. The picture was a few years old and had clearly been taken at some kind of celebration. Kelly was slimmer, softer, his shoulders swimming in a black suit. His parents—a good-looking blond couple—beamed down at him proudly.

Would they approve of their son dating someone so much older than him?

Ian frowned. He didn’t date students. It was a rule, but if he thought about it then maybe it was more like a guideline. Kelly wasn’t in any of his classes—he wasn’t even taking classes in the economics department—and he was going to graduate in a matter of weeks. Why bother waiting, especially if he could help give Kelly the structure and security he so obviously needed? If Ian really could keep him safe? Then he wouldn’t just be a knight in shining armor. He’d be a damn hero instead of the kind of man who could walk away when his lover was in trouble.

His gut churned at the memory. He’d done everything he could for David, but he still hadn’t been able to save him from himself.

Ian kicked off his shoes and made himself comfortable on the bed, nestling his head in a pile of pillows. The soft scent of lemons and sugar clung to the bedding beneath him.

When Kelly came out of the bathroom, the sight of the freshly scrubbed blond made Ian snap upright.

Damn.

Kelly’s skin was pink from the hot water. His pale hair was plastered to the side of his head. His soft gray T-shirt clung to broad shoulders, and a pair of silky black basketball shorts swished around his lean hips.

He looked positively edible.

Ian’s throat felt thick. It hurt to swallow. He forced himself to take a deep breath—practically choking on the heavy air.

The scent of lemons was thicker now, hanging in a cloud around Kelly’s freshly washed skin. It had to come from his shampoo or body wash. Ian flushed, realizing Kelly’s skin must have scented the sheets on previous after-shower occasions.

The kettle whistled. Kelly retrieved a pair of mugs from his desk drawer and made two cups of tea. He handed one to Ian. “You snoop around my room while I was showering?”

Ian sipped his tea. It wasn’t anything fancy, but the flavor was strong and the temperature was hot. He shrugged. “I explored.”

“Find anything good?”

“The usual. Whips and chains.”

“I don’t have any of those.”

“You’ll have to borrow mine.”

“Funny.” He sipped his own tea, his hands wrapped tight around his mug. Blue eyes gleamed. “You didn’t find whips and chains. What did you find?”

“You’re an English major. You love your parents. You don’t like mess.” It wasn’t much, but it helped fill out the picture of Kelly that Ian was building in his mind. From the outside Kelly was steadfast and true, moral. If his brain was as tidy as his bookshelves, he wouldn’t be anywhere near Ian, but somewhere along the line things had gone wrong.

“
I
don’t want to be alone
,” he’d said.

Ian put his mug down and shifted over on the bed, making room for Kelly to slide in beside him. The narrow mattress forced their bodies together. Leg to leg. Torso to torso. “Anything else I should know?”

“I like whiskey and blowjobs. I never drink when I drive.” Kelly’s muscles were taut. Tension filled his features. He finished his tea and placed the mug on the bookshelf next to the bed. “What about you? You’re an economics professor. Anything else I should know?”

“I’m from Chicago originally.” Ian rifled through his mind, picking and choosing bits of information. What did Kelly need to know? “I like Indian food, I take my coffee black and I’m twisted like a corkscrew.” His hands remained at his sides. He didn’t move a muscle. He wanted to make Kelly comfortable, to enjoy the heat from his body. “I think you’re positively edible.”

“Is that why you helped me the other night?”

“I helped because it wasn’t what you wanted.”

“And what do you want?” Each word was a little burst of hot air against Ian’s neck. Kelly curled in tight against him. His arm draped over his chest, fingers twisting in the professor’s shirt. “You want a blowjob? I can make it good. You want to punish me for getting in trouble? You want to push me down and spank me?”

It took every ounce of control Ian had not to take him up on his invitation. It would be so freaking easy to strip him down and put that mouth to work.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t what either of them needed.

He might be willing to bend his rule against dating students, but he was still determined to take things slow. More than that, he needed to be sure Kelly knew exactly what he was getting into.

Anything else would be against the rules.