Turning Point

By Mychael Black

Jared Haley has been lusting after Austin Russell since meeting the man in the woods. Virgin or no, Jared has done more than enough research to know exactly what he wants: a Dom. Austin Russell knows it’s only a matter of time before he gets his hands on Jared Haley. When he finally does, he knows he’s found the sub meant for him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arian Derwydd Books, LLC
• Release date: Mar 3, 2024
• ISBN: 9798990224513

Mychael Black

Alter ego of Katherine Cook, Mychael focuses on gay erotic romance stories in many genres. She lives in the eastern US with her family.

Book preview

Slow Burn, 2

Jared Haley has been lusting after Officer Austin Russell since meeting the man in the woods one day. Virgin or no, Jared has done more than enough research to know exactly what he wants: a Dom.

Austin Russell knows it’s only a matter of time before he gets his hands on Jared Haley. When he finally does, he knows he’s found the sub meant for him.

Life, though, decides to throw them both—and their friends—a curve ball or two. Now they just need to figure out how to navigate it all.

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This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale, or organizations is entirely coincidental.

Arian Derwydd Books, LLC

https://arianderwyddbooks.com/

Turning Point

Copyright © 2024 by Mychael Black

ISBN: 979-8-9902245-1-3

All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission.

Chapter One

Jared Haley dropped into one of the tiny, two-person booths and sighed. Head back, eyes closed, he took the chance to breathe. Mornings were always hell. Apparently, people in Sawyer didn’t believe in cooking their breakfasts, so they descended en masse onto the town’s only decent restaurant: Carl’s Diner. The tips were good, but, damn, his feet hurt like hell, and he still had another two hours to go.

You look like hell.

Jared opened his eyes as his best friend, Jamie Frost, sat across from him. I’ve been here since five.

Jamie grimaced and slid a glass of Pepsi over. He sipped on another. Why do you stay here? The money can’t be that good.

It’s not that bad, either, Jared argued. He took a drink and studied the diners filling the restaurant. He hadn’t been able to take a break to eat, and he doubted he would. His stomach grumbled in protest, but he chose to ignore it.

You need to eat, Jamie said.

I don’t have time. Besides, you know Carl. ‘If you’re idle, there’s work to be done.’ Or whatever. Jared shrugged. Either way, I have to get back on the floor. We had another call-out, so it’s just me and… whatever the new chick’s name is. I forgot.

You realize he’s supposed to give you an uninterrupted, thirty-minute break since you’re working over six hours, right? And you’ve been here… Jamie looked at his phone. Seven hours now.

I really don’t want to rock the boat, Jared said. We need the money.

Jamie sighed and sat back in his seat. What happened?

Jared swallowed and stared out the window beside the booth. Mom left.

A fingertip touched the top of his hand, and he looked back at Jamie.

I’m sorry. When?

About three this morning, before I got up. She left a note saying she was done and not coming back.

How’s your dad?

When I left for work at four, he was well into his bottle. He worked so hard to get sober over this past year. I don’t really blame Mom for leaving, but it still fucking hurts.

Jared!

Jared sighed and pushed his almost-full glass to Jamie. I have to get back to it.

If you need me, I’ll be here. Morgan’s meeting me for lunch.

Nodding, Jared headed to the kitchen. Carl, the owner, waved him toward the pick-up window. Jared grabbed the tray and carried it back out to the dining room. He hadn’t taken the order, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t get it to the table. He started for the diners and groaned.

Harlan Frost and his brother Mitchell sat with a couple of other men, all of whom sneered when Jared neared them. Jared set out their plates.

Can I get you gentlemen anything else? Jared asked in his best, feigned customer service voice.

One of the men looked him up and down, and Jared suppressed a shudder. I thought waitresses wore skirts.

Jared bit his tongue. He needed this damned job. I’ll leave you to it.

He walked back toward the kitchen, not missing the cackles