Page 26 of Knox

I grunt as his tongue laps at the slit, the hypersensitivity taking over. “Enough,” I say, the word light with laughter. “Too much.”

“God, you taste good.” Roman licks his lips and the edges in case he’s missed any of it.

I look down, and his dick is still rock hard. Of course, he’s a prefect sub; he wouldn’t dare come without my permission. That’s another thing I want to talk about. I believe that if we’re fucking as boyfriends, he shouldn’t have to wait for permission to climax. “Do you want to come?”

Surprisingly, he shakes his head. “No, I’m good. I think my balls are empty after tonight. I’ll need a good night’s sleep to recover.” He’s smiling contentedly.

“Move in with me,” I blurt out. He blinks at me, and I realise how random that was. I’m not surprised he looks taken aback. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have just come out with it like that. I mean it though. I hate you going back to your place. I thought I loved the quietness of living alone. The gym is always busy with chatter, music, or with lessons. The kids club runs most evenings now, and they are never quiet. Now, it’s not the same. I want to hear your voice, to hear you tell me about your day. I want to tell you about mine.”

Roman is quiet, watching me intently. I chew on the corner of my lip as he digests all I’ve said. “I have a tenancy agreement. I’m not sure I can break it. My flatmate will need some time to find someone to take my room.”

“All rented properties have a one-month rolling contract now. If you give your notice, she has time to find a new roommate. You don’t have to pay any rent here, and we can split the utilities, if you can.” I do know the Bound’s monthly fees are high. I have no idea how much he earns; he’s never talked of money issues.

He’s definitely thinking seriously about it. I’m nervous. It’s a lot to throw at someone. But I’m all in, if he’s not ready yet then he needs to tell me.

“Are you sure? Because if this is a post orgasmic idea, then I think we should wait a while longer.”

I appreciate his honesty and his commitment to the girl he lives with. “This is what I wanted to talk to you about, not just the I love you declaration. Talk to the guys at the house, have a think about it. I can wait.” I yawn loudly. “We need some kip, sleep on it, Roe. Let me know what you want to do.”

“I know what my answer is going to be, so I’ll talk to all those involved and see what they think and what can be done.”

“So, is that a yes?”

Roman laughs, and I love the sound. I love everything about him. “It’s a yes, as soon as I can get everything tidied up. I will pay rent, Knox. That’s not negotiable. I will go halves on the groceries and utilities too.”

“We can work that all out when you get here. God, Pops is going to ecstatic. I’m the last to get settled. You have to come to brunch on Sunday. I can’t wait for you to meet them.”

“Um, y’know, I have met them. I’ve been a gym member long enough to be sought out by Robin for a chat. He’s a great guy; they both are.”

“Pish,” I tell him with a flick of my hand. “That’s so not the same thing. Apart from them putting on the best brunch I’ve ever had, they’ll see and meet you as my boyfriend. He’ll be all over you.”

I know it’s true. Pops has been worried about me ever finding someone. The fact that it’s Roman will make him even happier. He’s always a fusspot when it comes to submissives, being one himself. He’s very firm on us treating our men well.

“I’d like that.”

Much to Dougie’s annoyance, I haven’t been to the gym for four days in a row. He’s not taking my idea of retiring very well either. It is only an idea, but it’s not just about fighting. It’s the chance that as the fights show up on YouTube, it’s possible that someone could take a longer look and start some digging. As much as Pilkington said that the old me, Dean Mitchell, is dead and buried and almost impossible to trace, there’s still that one chance, one person, to dig a bit deeper. It could be blown wide open, then I really would be dead.

There’s also the fact that Knox will be at the gym. The image of him and Roman has been running on repeat in my head both during the day and in my dreams at night. I don’t know how to keep my cheeks from flaming red. I’ve seen my reflection in the bathroom mirror after wanking in the shower, and I’m the colour of beetroot.

Today, I have to go; my muscles are in need of a good stretch. The car park is almost full when I pull in and hunt around for a space. I don’t know the timetable here yet; I do know that there is never a long queue for the machines. This noise is raucous with a five-a-side match going on in the large hall to the side. A boxing ring has kids, both boys and girls watching it. It’s there I spy Knox; he’s grinning as he instructs the girl. I can see how much they love him and being here because they’re hanging on his every word.

The football has Royal as the referee; he seems as happy as Knox. They’re really into being with these kids. Is this what happens in the right foster home? This is what Knox offered me all those years ago—what I pushed away when I told him to get lost. I wouldn’t be so fucked in the head. Of that, I’m positive.

“Hi, Maddox. I thought we’d done something to offend you.” It’s Drake, and he’s standing beside me. I was so lost in the thoughts of my lost chance.

“Huh? What?” I have no clue what he means.

“You’ve not been here for a while. Never mind, it doesn’t matter.” He looks at me as if he wants to say more or ask more. He’s the one brother I can’t get a grip on. Saint is simple: he’s got everything he wants, doing a job he’s great at, and a submissive that thinks he walks on water. Royal and Memphis don’t have such an intensely sexual relationship as Saint, but the love they have for each other is still obvious. Maybe because Drake’s the only sub out of the brothers, he’s also the most secretive. He doesn't talk about his work, and as a couple, they aren’t as demonstrative.

“Oh, yeah. I had a few things going on,” I lie. Really, the only thing on my mind is how to be a part of Knox and Roman’s life. I haven’t even made it to the locker room, and I already want to get out of here.

“I know you’re here to work out, but can you spare a few minutes?”

“Um, yeah, I guess so.” I can only think of two reasons. One, they don’t want me to be a member of Bound. I get that. It’s a whole privacy thing; but I wouldn’t’ve said anything—even without signing an NDA. The second is he knows something about my past. Is it going to be the drug, gangs, or the new identity. Although they’re all connected.

He nods his head towards the office. “We can use Knox’s office; he won’t be using it for a while.”

I follow him, and when we go inside, he locks the door. “Hey, this is all a bit weird. I’ve not done or said anything about you all at the club.”