The Rules of Love by Morticia Knight Read Free Book Online Page B

ass, he wanted to make him suffer the way he’d made Kenneth and likely several others suffer too. He just had to bide his time.
    Preston had straightened in his chair at Aaron’s words, his chest puffed out even more than it had been. The man obviously thought quite well of himself.
    Aaron leaned in to Preston as if they were sharing a deep, dark secret. “I don’t suppose you’d care to show us your collection? Perhaps instruct us as to what some of the implements are and what delicious uses they might have?”
    Preston had a ridiculous grin plastered across his face as if he had finally been given the validation he knew he so rightly deserved. “I’d be thrilled to help you gentlemen out.” He rose from the wing chair. “Please don’t be shy about asking me questions either. I do so enjoy teaching the less informed.”
    Saul maintained a tolerant smile, but Aaron was playing his part in their game to perfection. He looked almost rapturous as he hung on to every word the putrid man spoke. Preston appeared to be taken in by Aaron’s faked enthusiasm and Saul repressed a snort, imagining the two of them becoming the best of friends like two biddies cackling at each other over tea.
    As they followed behind Preston while he prattled on about how amazing his collection was and conversely, about how amazing he also was, Saul interjected. They were about to enter the room that housed Preston’s precious objects of torture, so it was time for Saul to make his move.
    “Could you tell me where the facilities are, old sport?”
    A look of irritation passed over Preston’s face and Saul resisted the urge to hold his breath. Anything could derail their plan at any moment.
    “I’d hate for you to miss any of my comments.”
    Shit.
    “It wouldn’t bother me in the slightest if you had to repeat anything for Saul’s benefit.” Aaron laughed lightly. “I’m sure it won’t hurt me to hear it more than once, as I’m hardly the expert you are.”
    As Saul exhaled, he realized he’d been holding his breath after all.
    “In that case, go back the way we came and the guest bath is on the other side of the kitchen.”
    “Excellent. I’ll rejoin you both in two shakes of a lamb’s tail.”
    Preston nodded at him curtly, then carried on his excited conversation with Aaron. It was all rather retch-worthy.
    Before Preston could stop him for any reason or change his mind about showing them his little toys, Saul hurried to the kitchen in the hopes that Kenneth would be there making their drinks. Right as Saul rounded the corner that led into the room, Kenneth was in the process of closing the door that led to the yard. He turned and when he saw Saul, he yelped, dropping the limes that had been cradled in his arms. They rolled in all directions across the tiled floor. One bumped the toe of Saul’s Oxfords and came to a stop. Saul bent down to retrieve it.
    After straightening, Saul held the citrus out to Kenneth, who had gathered up the remaining ones. The young man stared at Saul as if he were an apparition, his soft hazel eyes rounded in surprise. Saul had underestimated the sharp thrill that ran through him at being alone with and so close to Kenneth for the first time. The man tentatively stepped forward to accept the lime, but kept his distance, as if afraid they might inadvertently touch. Saul wasn’t certain what it meant, but he suspected it had to do with the fear of what would happen to him were he to be caught alone with another man. That was why Saul had to act fast.
    He moved closer to Kenneth and could have sworn that he heard him gasp. Kenneth’s gaze had lowered as he’d no doubt been taught to do.
    “Kenneth.” Saul spoke softly in what he hoped was a soothing manner. “Look at me, please.”
    Their eyes were locked on one another, but neither of them said a word. Saul laid the fruit in Kenneth’s palm, and as he pulled his hand away, he allowed his fingers to brush over Kenneth’s skin briefly. He