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Now it was Scott’s turn to stare Max down.
Great.
“Max…” Scott made a face. “I don’t think that’s a solution. Or even a very good idea.”
Max scowled again. “Why not? I trust you. You’re trained. I’m only gonna hurt him if we continue.”
Scott shook his head. “That’s not the reason you’re doing this and you know it.”
Max grit his teeth. “He needs someone else.”
“Does he, Max? Really? Or is it you who needs something? Something you don’t know how to take.”
Max bristled. What the fuck? Scott knew he didn’t date. Why in the fuck was he suddenly reading him the riot act?
His voice dipped in annoyance. “I know what I need and what I don’t need, Scott. And what I don’t need is Sean and all his shit.”
Scott’s lips pressed in frustration. “No, what you don’t need is more days alone. It’s been thirteen years, Max. Thirteen years. And he’s perfect for you. You held out for the right one, and now he’s here.”
“No,” Max bit out, clenching his fists. “Never was I holding out for the right fucking one. Never. Not once. Because the right one doesn’t exist. The right one’s a goddamn myth. A big, fat fucking illusion.”
“No, Max. He does exis—”
“No!” Max barked. “He fucking doesn’t!” He shoved off his stool, heart pounding from pure anger. “He doesn’t and I don’t want to discuss this anymore. Are you gonna do this favor for me or not?”
Scott frowned at him, clearly not happy with his request. Well, too fucking bad. Max needed his help. And considering all the times Max had been there for Scott, Scott had better fucking be there for him.
Tense moments passed as he waited for his answer.
Scott exhaled. “Max, I can’t.”
What? Wait, what?? Max’s mouth fell open, leveled by shock and disbelief. “What do you mean you can’t? After everything I’ve done for you, you won’t help me out? I need you, Scott. It’s fucking important. You know I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t.”
Scott’s frown deepened fast. Regret rolled off him in waves. “I know, Max. I’m sorry. I wish I could do this for you. But I can’t. Not anymore. I just can’t.”
This made no sense. Max stared at Scott, confused. Scott never had a problem with domming for him before. So why the sudden change of heart? “Why not?” he demanded.
Scott looked away.
Aw, Jesus. Max should’ve known. He glowered incredulously. “Don’t fucking tell me you’re doing this for Tad.”
Scott’s features tightened. He slowly shook his head.
“Bullshit,” Max muttered, feeling punched in the gut. “You won’t have my back because of him.”
“No. He’s irrelevant now.” Scott’s face turned distraught. “I’m done… He and I are in the past.”
Yeah, right. Max laughed derisively. “You are so full of shit.”
Scott’s jaw ticked. “Believe whatever you want. But it’s true. No more. We’re done. It’s over.” He chuckled sardonically. “Not that we ever really started.”
Max furrowed his brows. “No fucking way.”
Scott nodded and looked down. “Told him last night… That I didn’t wanna do it anymore. That I’m out.”
Max’s ire ebbed a little. He hadn’t seen that coming. No wonder Scott looked so friggin’ bummed. “I don’t understand. Thought you said he was worth the wait.”
Scott’s shoulders drooped. He scrubbed his face. “I did… And, God, a part of me still thinks he absolutely is… But fuck… The waiting… So much harder than I expected… And then seeing him last night? But not being able to…” He groaned against his hands. “I don’t know what to think anymore. He says he wants this. Says he wants me, but… when it comes to actually proving it, he can’t.”
Surprise, surprise. “Goddamn it. I told you, Scott. I fucking told you.”
“Yeah, Max, I know. ‘All closets are the devil’.” Scott dropped his hands and eyed Max petulantly. “But Sean’s not like that. So, what’s your beef with him?”
Max stiffened, then glowered. “I’m not revisiting that topic until you agree to help me out. You know, your best friend, who’s always fucking been there for you. Who, unlike Tad, has never done you wrong.”
Scott grimaced through a glare. “How ‘bout you forgo being an asshole for once and stop fucking rubbing it in.”
Max cursed and averted his gaze. His best friend was leaving him hanging.
Scott sighed, as if reading his thoughts. “I’m sorry, Max. I just can’t. And maybe it is because of Tad. But where my head’s at right now, to touch anyone but Tad? It’d make me fucking lose it. As in, my lunch.”
Max growled in frustration. Raked a hand back through his mane. “Great. Just fucking great.” What in the hell was he supposed to do now?
Scott shifted against the sink and scratched his neck. “Kai would do it,” he murmured. “If you wanted him to. He doms recreationally on the side.”
Max stilled and looked at him. Made another incredulous face. “Kai? Your friend from the bar last night? Who I’ve known for a whole whopping hour?”
