Page 31 of Boy Toy Not Included

On a park bench two blocks from his mom’s house, Diesel stared at the moon. It was almost full. Diesel didn’t take enough time to contemplate how minuscule he was in such a vast universe. Tonight, he had never felt smaller. Diesel had reached a point of upset that he had come all the way back around again to calm. Like the universe, the problem was too big for him, and he mattered not at all. Too many times to count, Diesel reminded himself he had known this wouldn’t last. Unfortunately, there had been this needy side of him that hoped it was real. No man had ever said he loved Diesel. Not a single one. He guessed he could still stay that. None of the last few months had been real.

Diesel knew he needed to call Steel, but he didn’t know what to say. He was about ninety percent certain he was done with the bodyguard business. Diesel had no idea what he would do now,but he was too soft for this job. While he had no qualms about doing whatever it took to keep clients safe, he didn’t have what it took to keep himself safe from the clients. Diesel couldn’t take anything else. He just wanted to feel like a normal person for once.

A figure appeared from the shadows. Timber carried a case of beer his way. He shook his cellphone at Diesel. “Steel tracked your phone for me. I couldn’t go home knowing you were probably alone. You’re too nice to burden others with your problems. I’m not giving you a choice.”

Despite everything, Diesel felt a genuine smile tug at his lips. “Thanks.”

Timber joined him, sitting across the table from him. He passed Diesel a beer and opened one for himself. “Damn. It’s nice out tonight. As little as we see clear skies, you’d be crazy to be inside right now.”

“Yeah.” Diesel sipped his beer.

Timber didn’t force conversation the way he usually did. His unusual silence had Diesel being the one to speak. “So… anything of note happen after I left?”

“Nah.” Timber took a drink before continuing. “Kuba just walked away. He was scary quiet on the way home. When we got him there, he said he didn’t need us anymore. It’s not like we could force our services on him, so we left.”

Diesel’s first instinct was to run to Kuba. It only took half a heartbeat for the pain of Kuba’s words to cut through him again. He wasn’t needed. Kuba didn’t need anyone. He wasn’t Diesel’s problem anymore.

“Oh,” Timber said, sounding more like his usual self. “Speaking of that, Steel said Kuba’s father called. Since you’re not answering your phone, Steel asked me to pass along that Krystof called.” That couldn’t be good. “He said to tell you Krystof thanks you for keeping his son safe. Krystof would love to talk to you about staying on with the family, but no matter what you decide, he’s transferred a bonus to give to you. Steel sent it straight to your account.”

Diesel polished off his beer. “Yeah. I’m not going back.”

Timber focused on him. “You can have any client you like. Steel won’t make you go anywhere you don’t want. If Krystof’s family is a hard line for you, Steel would never put you in that position.”

“Oh. I assumed I was fired anyhow.” Diesel didn’t have the heart to say he had meant he was done with this job.

Timber snorted at Diesel’s words. “I venture to say there isn’t a single person on Steel’s payroll who hasn’t slept with a client. You spend too much time together. It’s almost inevitable.”

Timber made the situation he was in sound normal. Maybe it was, but Diesel didn’t do casual, and his relationship with Kuba had meant too much to him. Still, he oddly felt better. At least heknew if he came out the other side of this still wanting his job, Steel would be there.

He cracked open another beer. “Well, at least alcohol is a thing that exists.”

Timber burst out laughing.

“Damn, you guys are everywhere I look.”

They went on alert in unison, showing the training they had been given.

Sandy headed their way. He wore a loose t-shirt and running shorts, as if he had been out for a jog.

“Hey.” A strange sense of happiness came over Diesel at Sandy’s appearance. “How does this keep happening?”

As always, Sandy was all smiles and bright eyes. “Probably because we live in the same neighborhood. This is my usual jogging route.”

“Let us be your bad influence. Come join us.”

Timber shot Diesel a death look at his offer.

Diesel ignored him. This was his pity party. He could invite whoever he wanted.

Sandy chose the spot next to Diesel. He could feel the heat radiating from Sandy’s body. It was kind of nice. Sandy’s gaze moved between Timber and Diesel. “So what has you guys illegally drinking in a public park?”

Timber snorted. It was an ugly sound.

Sandy focused on him. “Have we met?”

Timber practically snarled at the guy. “You arrested me.”

“Ha! I never forget a face.”