Ex's and O's

By Bailey Bradford

Adam Masterson paid a steep price for doing the right thing, but it might be more than worth it if he can get through tough cop Les Stanton—and if they can survive one man's plans for vengeance.

All Adam Masterson tried to do was the right thing—stop a psychotic man from hurting anyone else. While he may have succeeded, he also put himself in the crosshairs of the man's wealthy father, and Adam soon finds himself battered, homeless and unemployed. When his mother is also evicted from her home, Adam packs up his car and takes Charlene, his mother, with him as he heads to Texas to plead for help from someone he isn't sure will help.

When officer Les Stanton pulls over the beater car with Montana plates, he already knows who is in the vehicle. His friend Josh has been complaining about his partner, Nick, helping out the too-attractive blond from Montana. Les soon finds himself irresistibly drawn to Adam. Even his fear of Charlene can't keep him away. Now, if he can just let go of the past and learn to trust, he and Adam might have a chance-unless one wealthy man swearing vengeance destroys them both.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pride Publishing
• Release date: Sep 19, 2011
• ISBN: 9780857157027

Bailey Bradford

A native Texan, Bailey spends her days spinning stories around in her head, which has contributed to more than one incident of tripping over her own feet. Evenings are reserved for pounding away at the keyboard, as are early morning hours. Sleep? Doesn't happen much. Writing is too much fun, and there are too many characters bouncing about, tapping on Bailey's brain demanding to be let out. Caffeine and chocolate are permanent fixtures in Bailey's office and are never far from hand at any given time. Removing either of those necessities from Bailey's presence can result in what is known as A Very, Very Scary Bailey and is not advised under any circumstances.

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A Total-E-Bound Publication

www.total-e-bound.com

Ex’s and O’s

ISBN # 978-0-85715-702-7

©Copyright Bailey Bradford 2011

Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright September 2011

Edited by Claire Siemaszkiewicz

Total-E-Bound Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-E-Bound Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2011 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL, United Kingdom.

Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Total-e-melting and a sexometer of 2.

Love in Xxchange

EX’S AND O’S

Bailey Bradford

Dedication

To my friends who make each day brighter—y’all know who y’all are. Thank you.

Trademarks Acknowledgement

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

Dodge:  Chrysler Group LLC

Coke:  The Coca-Cola Company

Visa:  Visa Inc.

Goodwill:  Goodwill Industries International: Rev. Edgar Helms

Captain America: Marvel Characters, Inc.

Honda:  American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Viagra:  Pfizer, Inc.

Mag-Lite:  Mag Instrument, Inc.

Vicodin:  Abbott Laboratories

McDonald’s:  McDonald’s

Tupperware:  Tupperware Brands

Levi’s:  Levi Strauss & Co.

Excedrin:  Novartis Consumer Health, Inc.

Chapter One

The jail cell door clanged as the dour looking cop slammed it shut. Adam ignored the way the guy leered at him through the bars.

Have fun, boy. This ought to be just your thing.

Adam stifled a groan and sat down on the floor, the only space available in the crowded cell. It’d figure the stupid fucking cop would just have to say something like that. He might as well have painted a target on Adam’s ass. Adam glared at the other men, most of them sneering but more than a few of them looking at him like he was going to be their next meal.

Yeah, not happening. Adam had grown up having to fight, his smaller stature deceiving many a bully into thinking he was easy prey. They’d learnt different, quickly. These skeezes would, too. He clasped his hands together, extending his arms out and cracking his bloody knuckles.

Try me, Adam growled. I may be little but I will beat the shit out of any one of you who even thinks about touching me. It was all about attitude, except when it wasn’t. As a big burly bear of a man snickered and stood up, Adam resigned himself to this being an even longer, more violent night.

Earlier that evening…

Shit! Why do I always manage to find the weird ones? The only exception had been Nick, but he’d been pining away for someone else so he didn’t count.

Adam backed up, one hand slapping the mattress in a—so far—vain attempt to find his clothes. Mitch, his intended hook-up for tonight scowled and stalked towards him.

What a freaking waste! Again! From the waist up, Mitch was one of the sexiest men Adam had ever seen, his hair black as a raven’s wing, glossy and thick with luscious curls, his body ripped, muscles stacked just right, the perfect smattering of chest hair, dark, hard little nipples, cut—so nicely cut—abs. The bottom half, or more specifically, his dick, left a lot to be desired, but Adam could have made do. He’d had smaller. Barely.

But he absolutely wouldn’t do what Mitch was demanding. Adam didn’t bareback for anyone, and while Mitch’s cock left a lot to be desired, namely length and girth, it was still potentially a deadly weapon. And Adam had been very clear up front that there’d be no fucking without condoms, which he’d tried to point out. Again.

We agreed, no sex without rubbers, Adam’s fingers ghosted over soft material which he quickly grabbed. Hopefully it was his shorts, the denim worn smooth from frequent washing. He was kind of too scared to look away from Mitch long enough to check.

Mitch glowered and matched Adam’s retreat step for step. I didn’t agree to anything other than fucking!

Obviously reasoning wasn’t going to work. Adam resorted to the emotion that usually took over when he got scared. Anger. Look, you swizzle-stick dicked moron—actually, a swizzle stick was longer—I was very clear up front and I gave you a chance to get your head out of your ass—and that is the only thing going up your ass tonight—so stop with the stalking shit before I make you stop!

Mitch laughed and lunged, both of which only pissed Adam off more. Right, and what are you going to do? Run out of here with your shirt in your hand?

Adam’s stomach plummeted. Of course he’d grabbed his shirt, a skimpy sleeveless denim number that wouldn’t do much to cover his ass much less his dangly bits.

Mitch stopped and grinned, which made Adam want to shiver. The man looked unhinged or high—or both. Adam really had to start being more selective in his choice of sexual partners. Mitch continued flapping his lips. I’d just call my dad—you’ve probably heard of him, Mitchell Rollins the second? I’m the third, of course.

Okay, Adam was every bit as much an idiot as this guy. Why hadn’t he at least asked Mitch’s last name? Or, you know, noticed how much the man resembled the aforementioned Mitchell Rollins the second, the wealthiest man in Billings? Probably because he was so horny he couldn’t see straight, and he was flat out sick of beating off—although if he got out of this without being raped or sent to jail, he’d never reject his hand again.

Adam switched back to logic, desperate to bring this god-awful drama to a quick and painless end. I’m sure your father wouldn’t approve—

Another maniacal laugh from Mitch had Adam skittering around the foot of the bed. He doesn’t give a shit what I do. If you tried to make a fuss, he’d either pay you off or run your scrawny ass out of town, so give it up already. You’re lucky I even want to fuck you.

Adam stopped with the logic and let the stupid take over. I’m lucky you want to fuck me? With that? Then he compounded all of his prior mistakes so far tonight by laughing as he sputtered, What part of me saying you have a teeny weenie didn’t you understand? I was still going to have sex with you regardless if you’d just bagged it with one of those rubber thumb things!

Mitch roared as he leapt forward. Adam dropped the shirt and swung, thinking he really needed to learn when to shut up. The impact of his knuckles to Mitch’s jaw threatened to knock Adam on his not so scrawny ass but he locked his knees and grunted as pain shot up from his hand to his shoulder. He swung his left fist in a rapid follow up strike, burying it hard into Mitch’s stomach, which hurt worse than hitting the idiot’s jaw. The guy really must have abs of steel.

Springing back quickly as Mitch yelped and hit the floor with a thud that sounded painful, Adam hoped the man was down for a while. Long enough for Adam to get his shorts on and get out of there, at least. As far as he could tell, his shirt was now somewhere under the big lug’s body.

Spotting his shorts on the floor beside the bed, Adam picked them up and put them on, keeping an eye on Mitch’s prone form. He found his shoes, a battered pair of flip flops that he loved too much to throw away, then Adam was out the door and running. He got as far as the parking lot before it dawned on him he hadn’t thought to grab his keys, and it was that bit of panicked stupidity that had him standing there stunned like a spotlighted deer when the first cop car pulled into the parking lot a few seconds later.

* * * *

Hours later, Adam was still cursing himself for not having grabbed his keys. Usually he was so much more level-headed than to panic like that—

Masterson, let’s go.

Adam lifted his head up and opened his eyes, blinking until he could see more than blurry splotches of colour. A uniformed cop stood on the other side of the bars, looking at Adam impassively.

Yeah, just give me a sec. Ignoring the tingling sensation that began in his feet and quickly spread up his legs, Adam pushed himself up from his spot on the floor. His first step was a little shaky but at least he didn’t fall on his face.

The cop unlocked the cell door and opened it just enough for Adam to slip through.

Bye, Adam—call me!

Adam peered over his shoulder at Ed, the burly guy who’d decided Adam was his new best friend.  Yeah, I’ll do that. Not. Ed wanted to be a little friendlier than Adam was willing to be.

Looks like you have an admirer.

Adam snorted as he trailed after the police officer. Yeah. So what now? Am I being charged or…

No charges, the cop said, which was the answer Adam had expected. But there’s an attorney here who wants to speak to you.

That didn’t surprise him either. Mitchell Rollins the second would want to hush this little disaster up as soon as possible. Well, the man could just shove it. Then I’m out of here.

I would advise you to spare me a few minutes first.

Adam looked the half dozen feet to his left where the owner of that deep voice stood. An attractive red haired man, his pale skin dotted with freckles, and a briefcase in his hand—the lawyer was kind of hot.

Not that he cared. Adam wasn’t the sort to be bullied or bribed. He was exhausted, his hands ached, and God only knew what kind of nasty germs he’d picked up sitting on the floor of that cell all night. All he wanted was to go home and shower, then sleep for as long as he could. He shook his head at the lawyer. There’s nothing you’ve got to say that I want to hear.

Adam ignored the man’s arguments and headed for the doors, just managing to step outside before a pale freckled hand landed on his shoulder.

Mr Masterson, please, I just need five minutes.

Adam plucked the hand from his shoulder and kept walking. He made it almost a whole block before the constant verbal spewage from the lawyer finally got to him. Adam stopped suddenly and spun around, one finger aimed at the man’s face. What part of I don’t want to hear do you not understand? Go chase an ambulance or something and leave me alone!

The man’s pale skin flushed as he glared down at Adam. Do you have to be such an ass? I’m trying to help you out here.

You mean, trying to buy me off for Rollins the second, Adam muttered, jabbing his finger at the lawyer. I don’t want anything from—

No! That’s not what I’m trying to do! The man sighed and shook his head before giving Adam a pleading look. Please, will you just—can we sit down and get a cup of coffee? He glanced at Adam’s bare chest and flinched. Or maybe we could go to your place and talk—

The guy sounded so desperate Adam knew he was going to cave. Fine. You can give me a ride to my apartment. At least that way he wouldn’t have to walk. It’s about ten minutes away on Waltom Avenue.

Good, okay. He looked so relieved Adam was almost glad to have agreed. I’m James Stratton.

Adam glanced at the man’s proffered hand then held his own battered ones up where Stratton could see the bloody bruised knuckles. I don’t think you really want to shake my hand.

Stratton dropped his hand back to his side. Is that from the altercation with Mitch?

Right, if you want to call me trying to avoid getting raped by an idiot with an aversion to condoms an altercation, then sure. Adam inspected his hands closely then added, Some of it’s from knocking Ed on his ass, too, but that’s okay because he likes me now?

Ed?

Adam smirked at Stratton. Yeah. Big guy in the cell with me. Once I let him know his advances weren’t welcome he was a lot nicer. Still creepy, but nicer.

Stratton’s pale skin had turned almost translucent. Oh. I don’t…but you’re okay? Neither of them, uh, hurt you?

Only when their faces slammed into my fists. Where are you parked?

In front of the station, Stratton gestured over his shoulder before cupping Adam’s shoulder and turning back towards the police station. Adam pulled his arm free and walked with Stratton, stopping when the lawyer did beside a jacked up Dodge Dually. Here we are, let me just… He fished in his pocket and pulled out a key fob.

Adam eyed the truck and wanted to groan. The damn thing was huge, and he…wasn’t. He’d have to climb in, literally. Stratton pressed a button then opened the passenger door. He turned to Adam. It’s kind of high. I keep meaning to get the running boards but… Do you need me to help you in?

No. Adam glared at Stratton. You do know there’s a popular theory that guys buy big trucks like this because they’re overcompensating?

Stratton looked shocked for a minute then he laughed as he stepped away from the door. People can say what they want. I’ve dated guys with small cars that, the argument could be made, were perfect representations of their dick size. I’m a big guy— Stratton snapped his mouth shut and blushed from his neck to the roots of his red hair. I mean, I’m tall, and my shoulders—

For a lawyer, Stratton sure could get tongue-tied. Adam laughed and reached for the oh shit bar, just managing to grip it. He glanced over his shoulder and grinned when he caught Stratton eyeing his butt. Stop tripping over your tongue and get in the truck. I want to go home and shower.

I wasn’t— Stratton shut up and Adam turned his attention back to getting himself into the passenger seat. By the time he managed it Stratton was already buckled in and had the truck started.

Adam buckled his seatbelt and rested his head against the seat. So what is so important you had to chase me down the street?

Stratton cleared his throat as he steered the truck into the busy street. I do work for Mitchell Rollins the second, but I’m a real estate attorney. Apparently whoever he uses to handle things like this wasn’t available.

Probably busy paying off other people Mitch— Adam sat up and gaped at Stratton’s profile. Fuck! Has he raped other men? I didn’t think—I mean, I did think abstractedly that his daddy probably had to clean up his messes, but I didn’t think think!

I’ve heard things, rumours, Stratton admitted, but I didn’t believe them really, until Rollins the second called me demanding I go to the police station and clean up Mitch’s latest ‘mess’. Now I can’t help but wonder… Did you hear about the guy who raped men and women for years, decades, before he got caught? It was here in Montana.

Adam rubbed his queasy stomach and nodded. Yeah, I did.

Stratton stopped the truck at a red light and glanced at him. That’s what I thought about. I guess what I really wanted to find out was if you would be willing to press charges against Mitch.

I wish I could, but he didn’t touch me. He didn’t mention rape, he didn’t threaten to kill me—and I went to his place willingly. Adam sighed and leaned his head back, this time closing his eyes and replaying last night’s event in his mind. Unless he can be charged for having a little dick and being terminally stupid—and I mean that literally, since, despite what we’d agreed to before I left the bar with him, he demanded to fuck me bare, which wasn’t going to happen. He got mad and threw a fit, I made fun of his little pecker, twice, and the second time was the last straw, I guess. He came at me and I hit him. And spent the night in jail.

Stratton was silent for several moments until they were almost to Waltom. Right or left?

Left, Waterwood Apartments, third building on the right past the pool, Adam muttered. So that’s what you wanted, to see if I would press charges?

Stratton nodded then cast him an embarrassed glance. Well, I’m supposed to pay you off, and I don’t know what Rollins will do if he thinks he can’t buy your silence.

Adam didn’t either, but he’d be damned if he’d take Rollins’ money, especially now that it had occurred to him that Mitch likely had hurt other men before—and would continue doing so. It made Adam sick but he didn’t know what he could do to put a stop to it.

Chapter Two

Friday nights at the Turtle were all about one thing—getting laid. Everyone from the staff to the last man who walked through the doors into a sea of writhing grinding bodies knew it. The DJ kept the songs spinning, one fuck me now song after another, nothing sweet and sappy in the mix. Fridays weren’t about love and forever here—and that made it perfect in Adam’s mind as he paid the cover charge and slipped through the club’s door.

Adam grinned as he inhaled deeply, letting the scent of sweat and sex fill his nostrils. For tonight, he couldn’t think of a better scent in the world. It teased at him, warming him inside as if seeping from his lungs into his bloodstream and shooting straight to his cock. Adam blinked until his eyes were adjusted to the darkened interior. His skin prickled with anticipation as a tight ball of need burned in his belly.

It’d been a bitch of a week what with the whole Mitch shit last weekend, then coming in to work on Monday to find out his and most of his co-worker’s hours at the restaurant were going to be cut back. Paigianos had weathered through much of the economic slump, limped along really, but the past several months had seen a catastrophic drop in diners. Adam and his co-workers weren’t stupid, they’d gossiped and shared their fears of unemployment on more than one occasion and all agreed it was coming. They just hadn’t expected it so soon—and despite the cutting of hours as a stopgap to save money, closure of Paigianos was looming over the heads of everyone. Short of a miracle, Adam didn’t see how the place could be saved. Billings would soon be losing one of its oldest fine dining establishments.

And I came here to forget heavy real world shit, not roll in it. I can worry about being unemployed and moving back in with Mom later. A slight shudder slithered down his back. Thinking about his mom when he was about to find a man to fuck him senseless was kind of…wrong. Ick. Adam shoved aside his worries with a slow roll of his shoulders. He surveyed the crowd of people on the dance floor. Men in various states of undress were only feet away. Why was he standing there like an idiot? It was time to go on the hunt for tonight’s entertainment.

The music shifted into a wordless rhythm that seeped into Adam. He undulated his way towards the dance floor in a series of slow, sensuous moves. A glance at the men seated at the tables didn’t turn up anyone promising—but there, at the bar—oh yes! Adam sent a sultry smile at the blond, getting one back in return. There was definitely a wicked gleam in the man’s eyes, and Adam knew he could have those full lips wrapped around his cock soon.

But a little anticipation was always a good thing. Adam turned from the man and joined the sweat-slicked bodies on the dance floor, letting the wave and roll of the crowd’s gyrations pull him in. He closed his eyes and moaned as hands stroked over his chest, his ass, and, maddeningly briefly, his thick erection where it pressed against the zip of his skin-tight leather pants. Someone tugged at his shirt and Adam raised his arms, not caring that he’d likely never see the shirt again. A hard warm body pressed against him, the slide of silk against his bare back pebbling his skin with chill bumps. Arms slipped around him, pulling him back. At the same time fingers plucked at his nipples. Adam arched into the touches, pushing his ass out in a slow grind when he felt the hard lump of another man’s denim covered dick prodding at it.

You are one sexy little fucker, a low voice growled in his ear. Adam grinned and lifted his arms, reaching up and back to loop them around the man’s neck. He opened his eyes and tipped his head back, unsurprised to find the blond from the bar behind him. The blond’s eyes were dark, the heavy lids low as he gave Adam a heated look. Adam closed his eyes on a moan as one of the man’s hands left his nipple and slid down to cup his erection.

Nice, baby. The man growled and squeezed Adam’s package. Adam thrust into the touch, his body tingling from his toes to the top of his head. Let’s get out of here—unless you want me to fuck you right here.

Adam opened his eyes and looked around. They wouldn’t be the only ones, that was certain, but as adventurous as he was, this was a little more of an audience than he was comfortable with. But he’d learned a hard lesson last week, and going home with a stranger wasn’t something he was ready to do again. Being alone with one wasn’t, either, which meant Adam was limited in his options—limited, but determined. Adam turned in the man’s arms and stood