The Greatest Treasure

By Pelaam

Milo and Jonty have been friends since forever. But while Jonty concentrates on learning his craft as a witch with Milo’s grandfather, Milo himself feels crushed under the expectations of his parents.

He has a job he hates and a boyfriend, Leon, he comes to realize isn’t the man for him. But when his grandfather goes missing, Milo has more important matters than ditching Leon.

Jonty has loved Milo for as long as he can remember, but knows he’s only seen as the brother Milo never had. However, he’s willing to settle for friendship to keep Milo in his life.

When Milo’s grandfather sends a mysterious message for help, and telling Milo to come and claim his treasure, neither he nor Jonty hesitate to answer the call. But both Milo’s father and Leon insist on coming too.

Will Milo manage to claim the greatest treasure of all, or will Leon ensure it’s lost forever?

• Language: English
• Publisher: JMS Books LLC
• Release date: Nov 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685503338

Pelaam

Living in clean, green New Zealand, Pelaam is a multi-published author of gay romance and erotic books. When not busy writing, she can be found indulging in her other passions of cookery and wine appreciation. Pelaam's books: Smoking Mirror, 2017 finalist in 2017 Rainbow Awards in Gay Futuristic/Sci-Fi; Stranded, Evernight Publishing Readers’ Choice winner 2016 for Sci-Fi; The Avian Emperor, runner up and Honourable Mention in 2016 Rainbow Awards Gay Futuristic/Sci-Fi.

Book preview

Chapter 1

With a yawn and a stretch, Milo glanced at the wall clock. It was already after five o’clock, but he’d been determined to finish the contracts entrusted to him. The best way to move up in this firm is to show willingness. At least that’s what old Ellison would have me believe. I think this firm still believes in slave labour.

"Well, as far as I’m concerned, this goes way beyond mere willingness. But when you work for a law firm with a pedigree as long as your arm, I guess you have to expect it in the first few years."

Milo stood up and let his spine pop back into place. Fuck, I should move more often. Jonty will give me a right telling off for this. But maybe he’ll take pity and give me a massage instead.

The thought of his best friend gave Milo a warm glow and his irritation evaporated. Maybe I’ll stay over tonight. I don’t have a date, so there’s no reason to go home to the apartment. I haven’t made any arrangements to see Leon until the weekend. I hope Poppa is in a better mood. I thought he’d approve of Leon. So far, he hasn’t approved of any of my boyfriends.

Fishing in his pants’ pocket, Milo pulled out his cell phone. Well, even if the place is my family home, it’s Jonty’s home, too, and I won’t just show up on the doorstep. I know he’d tell me if he was dating, but I’m not gonna presume anything either. Milo tapped a button and waited for speed dial to do the rest.

Hi, Milo, what can I do for you? It’s been a long time since we last talked. Jonty’s voice was like a balm to Milo’s frazzled nerves. He felt as though he could finally take a deep breath.

Nothing—well a massage would go down well. My back’s been playing up. But I really wondered if you wanted some company tonight. I can bring take-out on the way home and we can catch up on all that’s been happening in our lives.

What about your boyfriend? Jonty asked. Won’t he want you going to see him?

No, actually, he’s meeting a few friends for a night out on his own. I’d only be home all alone, with just the walls for company—

Enough, enough. Jonty was laughing so hard, he could hardly speak. You poor thing. Of course you can’t be all alone. What time will you be here?

By six-thirty. How does pizza sound? Milo grinned, already looking forward to an evening with his best friend.

Perfect. I have beers in the fridge, as well as chips ‘n’ dips. It’ll be like old times.

Yes. Let’s get out a couple of old movies. Will Poppa be in? Milo nibbled at his lower lip.

No, he’s away for a few days, so you and I are in the same boat. Now, drive safe and I’ll see you soon.

Yeah, see you soon. Milo felt as if ten years had fallen away, and he was sixteen again. Then he and Jonty had been inseparable, doing everything together, and ending their days with pizza and movies. Beer didn’t come until the next year. We thought Poppa was none the wiser, but with that crafty fox, who knows?

A pang of sadness stabbed Milo’s heart. Pop’s always so warm, so welcoming, so open-minded. He didn’t care that I was gay, even though my parents were less than thrilled. In fact, he said he’d already known and had known since I was a kid. But Leon is my third boyfriend and Pop has treated each of them with complete indifference. As if I couldn’t have made a worse choice. Not to mention House. I’m not sure I even want to take Leon there, given the last reaction.

With a deep breath, Milo pushed aside the thoughts, and focused on the enjoyable evening with Jonty. Just like old times.

Chapter 2

When Milo arrived at the house, he parked his car and began to unload the trunk. As he set down his overnight bag, the multi-coloured lights decorating the house began to pulsate, then flash.

"Hello to you, too, House. Seems you’re happy to see me. This time."

Before he could get out the food, the door was already open and Jonty stood in the doorway, a bright smile brightening his face, while the glow from the house lit up his friend’s long silver-blond hair. For a moment, the sight almost took Milo’s breath away.

Then Jonty was moving, swooping on Milo with a hard hug before scooping up his bag and dashing into the house.

Come on in. Why are you still outside? Jonty’s voice floated out to him, and Milo shook his head.

Just making sure House isn’t going to create a hole in the driveway. Milo glowered at the building in question and the lights flared. I hope that means no. He stomped inside, relieved that nothing happened.

My turn for House’s mischief tonight. Jonty indicated the hair barrette that dangled from the cord of a curtain next to the door.

You look amazing with your hair down. I’m glad you never cut it. Milo grinned as Jonty held out his hand and the cord stretched out to drop the hair ornament into his palm.

Thanks. Jonty expertly wound up his hair and secured it with the barrette. I’m glad. He ducked his head. I kept it long because you liked it this way.

A warm flush washed over Milo, then he looked around. I love the welcoming feeling of coming home. He glanced at a painting of a fisherman at sea. The figure was standing and waving, the sea was calm, and the sky clear blue. "Well, the normally welcoming feeling."

House was very badly behaved when you brought Dan here. Jonty’s voice lost its vibrancy and he even looked as if he’d lost his natural glow.

Dropping his bag, Milo crossed the distance to give his friend a hug. It was not your fault. The moment Dan began to blame you, I dumped him. We left here, argued, and I dropped him at his house.

What? Jonty leaned back, his green eyes wide with shock. "Man, it