Yours All Along by Roni Loren Read Free Book Online Page B

put his hand out for a shake. “Devon Crowe, Hunter’s roommate.”
    Hunter watched as the two men shook hands. And Hunter wondered how his dad would react if he knew he was shaking a gay man’s hand. Or that the hand he was clasping had been wrapped around Devon’s cock a few hours ago as Hunter lay next to him doing the same thing. Hunter knew he shouldn’t, but he got perverse pleasure from knowing that.
    “So I guess you didn’t hear the knocking either?” his dad asked.
    Devon released himself from the handshake and shrugged. “Sorry, sir. We both were up late hitting the books, and I sleep with earplugs since Hunter snores.”
    Hunter could tell his dad was evaluating Devon, but thankfully for reasons other than sexuality. He was probably wondering if they were up drinking or getting high last night. That suspicion Hunter could deal with.
    “Well, I’m not going to interrupt father/son day,” Devon said. “And I need to get going anyway. But it was great to meet you.”
    “You could join us,” Dad said. “It’d be nice to know who my son is sharing a room with.”
    Devon’s gaze flicked over to Hunter. “Ah, sorry, can’t today. I promised my . . . girlfriend I’d take her out to lunch. And you know how women are if you cancel on them.”
    Devon’s smile went saccharine, tight.
    His father returned the smile. “Yes, they are a demanding species, aren’t they? Go ahead. Don’t want to get you in trouble with the lady. Maybe some other time.”
    Hunter’s fingers curled into his palms. He hated that Devon had to lie, hated that he had to be anyone but himself just for his dad’s sake. And he hated himself for not standing up and putting a stop to it.
    Devon gave Hunter a quick glance and then headed toward the door. His father waited until Devon left, then said, “I knew this frat house thing was a bad idea.”
    Hunter’s stomach dropped, and he turned around to face his father. “What?”
    His father put his hands out. “Look at this place. It’s a dump. And that kid that let me in downstairs reeked of cheap beer and God knows what else. And he’s got a name like a terrorist. How did they let someone like that in the fraternity?”
    Hunter gritted his teeth. “Dad, it’s Saturday morning on a college campus. Everything smells like cheap beer. And Ahmed is Muslim and about the nicest guy you’ll ever meet.”
    His father’s lips pressed together. “Goddamned California. You sound like some bleeding heart already. And was your roommate coming off a high? His eyes were bloodshot.”
    “I told you we were up late. Devon doesn’t do drugs.”
    “This is not what I want you around. You shouldn’t have to share a room with anyone. I thought fraternities had some standards of who they let in and how they ran things. We can get you an apartment off campus.”
    Hunter’s jaw clenched. “I don’t want an apartment. I like it here. My friends are here. And I like that it’s not the Ritz-Carlton. I can be normal for a while.”
    His dad’s lip curled. “Normal? You know what that’s a code word for? Mediocre. I didn’t raise you to be average.”
    “My grades are good. I’m going to my classes. I’ve never missed a practice with the team. Where I live is not affecting anything that’s important. Back off, Dad.”
    His father stepped forward, fire and brimstone in his eyes. “You watch your tone with me, son. You’re here because I allow you to be. If I think it’s not serving your best interests anymore, I will move you back home. A&M will have a spot for you. And your mother will stop moping that you’re gone, so don’t push me.”
    Anger steamed through Hunter, but he knew this was a fight he wouldn’t win. The more defiant he got with his father, the tighter his dad would squeeze. He needed to fake surrender. He let out a breath. “Sorry. I know you’re looking out for my best interests, and I appreciate it. But you also raised me to be an independent man, and I feel