Ajax: Prequel: Ajax & Orion, #1

By L. Loryn

Ajax accompanies his bad-boy best friend and lover on a quick job gone wrong.

When Ajax and Chris set out for a local BDSM-club, Ajax wasn't expecting to do anything more than have a good night. He wasn't expecting to be roped into another person's kidnapping job, and he wasn't expecting to meet a beautiful green-eyed stranger, either.

This is a SHORT STORY prequel to Star-Crossed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: L. Loryn
• Release date: Nov 20, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386735564

Book preview

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

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A coily, dark haired man strolled inside the dimly lit hotel room with a paper bag clutched in his hand and a smile plastered on his face. He dumped the paper bag on the side table and raked his fingers through his tight, dark curls. I got a surprise for you.

Doubt it, love. The corners of Ajax’s lips lifted into an easy smile as he glanced up from his computer and peered at the charming man in front of him. His insides tingled when their brown eyes met, and his smile spread further across his face.

Nah. Seriously. Look. He pulled two understated masks from the bag, smoothing the feathers fanning off the sequined edges. Do you want purple or black?

Black, Chris. Still smiling, Ajax slipped from the swivel office chair he had been occupying and moved across the room. He pressed his lips into the other man’s, roping an arm around Chris’ lean shoulders and burying his fingers in his hair.  His bare thighs brushed across the rough denim of Chris’ jeans. I missed you.

I was gone for like twenty minutes, Chris rumbled, a mischievous smirk denting his cheeks.

Mm. It was twenty very long minutes. Ajax stole another kiss before he released him. Why did you purchase masks?

Because we’re going to an event tonight. It’s a BDSM, New Orleans themed, masquerade party. He quirked a dark eyebrow, mouthing his words again with an affirmative nod. Yep.

Interesting. Why are we going?

Because I’ve never been to a BDSM, New Orleans-ah fuck, you get it. I’ve never been to one.

It’s a job, isn’t it?

No, Chris scoffed. No. This is for fun.

Chris.

What?

Ajax fixed a hard gaze on Chris, and Chris groaned.

All right, fine. It’s a job. A small job. Nothing major, and I can take care of it first thing. Chris kissed Ajax’s forehead, cupping his firm jaw in his hand and lifting his chin with his fingers. Then it’s you and I with all the toys because I missed you, too. He plastered his slender body against Ajax’s bulkier form.

Mm. Good. Tell me more about the job.

It’s cut and dry. I’m a drug taxicab.

Of course. What could possibly go wrong there?

Ohh. Don’t say those words, baby. Now you know something will go wrong. He clucked his tongue. With my luck, I’ll have that sniveling rat Brody popping up trying to steal some side action. Is he still sweet on you?

He was never sweet on me, Chris.

Then how do you explain how he followed you around like a puppy for five years?

We both liked video games. Ajax shrugged, his easy smile faltering. I grew out of them faster than he did. You need to be nicer to him. He’s a good guy. Maybe he’s not as smart as the rest of us, but remember what Ricky said. Everyone has a skill.

Sure, sure. Brody’s skilled at being fucking annoying.

Chris.

Okay, okay fine. I’ll play nice with the little weasel.

I think I’m going to start inviting him to hang out with Trav and I.

No, you’re not, Chris growled, rearranging the masks and folding the paper bag. He tucked the bag under his arm as he moved to their twin backpacks resting against the wall.

Ajax rolled his eyes, tucking wispy black curls behind his ear. Why not?

Because I said so.

Give me a better reason. I’m not part of whatever rift you have with Brody. I used to be his friend, and I want to resume being his friend.

Because I don’t trust him.

Don’t trust him or don’t trust me? Do you really think I’m going to suddenly, miraculously want his cock?

I’m not jealous, but I don’t know his loyalties.

What do you mean?

I don’t think he’s loyal to us.

You think there’s another family of assassins out there somewhere he can join? I’m pretty sure we’re the only family of assassins I’ve ever heard of.

He can make a family, Jay. Don’t think so linear. You’re always trying to think the best of everyone, and one day it’ll get you dead.

You’re paranoid, and I don’t think being positive will get me killed. I think it’s easier to live in a positive world instead of a negative world. So, I’m inviting him unless you can drum up a better reason.

Whatever. You play footsie with him all you want. Chris laid two pairs of black jeans across the bed.

Ajax folded his arms over his chest. Are we going to this thing as a couple?

Do you want to go as a couple?

Ajax shrugged. I want to kiss you in public.

So, we’re going as a couple.

Ajax pushed himself on the dark oak office table and placed his hands between his corded thighs. I’d like to, yeah.

Done, but you’re wearing the purple mask and this shirt. Chris tossed him a patterned button-down shirt.

Whatever. Ajax leaned back on the desk. What time do you want to leave for the event?

Dunno. I’m meeting my client at nine. I think the event starts around seven-thirty or eight.

We’re arriving at eight-thirty, then? Ajax scanned the blinking alarm clock on the bedside table. It flashed four-thirteen. What do you want to do for the next three hours, then?

Oh, well damn. I don’t right know. I mean, I guess we could nap or something, since it’s going to be a real late night. Chris’ southern drawl stained his words.

Ajax peeled his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground before looking back towards Chris. "I