LOGINJACK'S POVThe choir had just started singing when I stood up quietly from the back row and headed for the exit.I shoved my hands into the pockets of my hoodie and walked down the church steps slowly while families passed me on their way inside.A little girl ran past holding her father's hand. A woman walked by carrying a tray of pastries for whatever church thing was happening after service.I kept walking. My bike was parked beneath one of the trees near the edge of the lot.For a second, I just stood beside it. Then I pulled my helmet off the handlebar and stared at it.What the fuck was I doing here?Seriously.The same Jack Pierce who had never willingly stepped into a church a day in his life had just sat through almost an entire service because of Aaron Smithy.Definitely not for salvation.It was because of Aaron.Just Aaron.I rubbed a hand over my face.I hadn't even planned on talking to him. Hell, I'd deliberately sat far enough away that he wouldn't notice me if he look
AARON'S POVWe got to church a little earlier today.My mum liked arriving early enough to greet half the congregation before service started while my dad liked arriving early because, according to him, "the closer you sit to the front, the less likely you are to fall asleep during the sermon."Personally, I would've preferred staying in bed. Unfortunately, nobody in my house cared about my preferences on Sunday mornings.By the time we found our seats, the choir was already warming up near the altar while people continued filing into the building.I just sat there watching everyone. Then, I noticed Mr. Harrison. He sat three rows behind us. His wife sat beside him while his two kids quietly argued over something on a tablet between them.He looked calm, responsible and respectable.I couldn't wrap my head around it.He looked nothing like the man from last night. Nothing like the man with bloodshot eyes and whiskey on his breath who had grabbed my shirt and called my mother a bitch i
AARON'S POVFor a long time, none of us said anything.Kyle just stood there while I cried into the front of his hoodie like some pathetic kid who'd lost a fight with the world.Eventually, my breathing started slowing down. The tears didn't exactly stop, but they weren't coming out like before.Kyle pulled back slightly and looked down at me. "Damn," he muttered quietly. "Whatever happened tonight really messed you up."A humorless laugh escaped me. "You have no idea."He studied my face for a few seconds before guiding me toward the couch. "Sit."I didn't argue. I dropped onto the cushions while Kyle disappeared into the kitchen and came back with a bottle of water.I took it from him with shaky hands. "Thanks."He sat beside me as silence stretched between us again. Then, he cleared his throat. “Did something happen at the club?”I looked up.Of course he knew. Kyle was the only person in my life who knew everything.The club.Jay.The truth about me being gay.I looked down at the
JACK'S POVThe room felt strangely quiet after Aaron left.For a while, I just stood there staring at the closed door as if he might suddenly walk back in and tell me to go fuck myself.Honestly, I deserved it.I dragged a hand through my hair and exhaled heavily.Fuck.I really shouldn't have spoken to him like that. At the time, all I'd seen was the same thing I always see every single time I crossed paths with Aaron.Someone shoving him around. Someone saying whatever the hell they wanted to him. And Aaron standing there taking it, every single time.I remembered the bruises he'd shown up with that night. The ones he'd casually brushed off as school bullshit. But it was actually from Alex. If I didn't know better, I would have believed him.Aaron always allowed people to bully him anyhow they wanted. He hardly fights back.So when I saw that man with his hands all over his shirt while Aaron stood there looking like a deer trapped in headlights, something inside me had snapped.I th
AARON'S POVI couldn't understand why Jay had stopped dancing or why he was staring at me.The lights were still flashing around him. The music was still playing. The crowd was still watching him but it felt like his attention was completely here.On me.I couldn't even understand the expression on his face because of the mask.Mr. Harrison took another step forward. He looked even angrier now. "Do I look like your age mate, huh?" he snapped. "You little bastard."I quickly looked away from the stage and adjusted my face cap lower. Then I pulled slightly at my nose mask, trying to hide whatever part of my face was still visible.He must not recognize me.I lowered my head slightly. "I'm really sorry once again, sir."Mr. Harrison scoffed and eyed me. "Is that how you were taught to apologize, you son of a bitch?"My head shot up instantly.What the fuck did he just say?Son of a bitch?Calling my mum a bitch?The same woman who had lent him money more times than I could count. The sam
AARON'S POVThe cab pulled over outside the club and I quickly handed the driver his money before stepping out onto the street. The familiar neon sign hanging above the entrance immediately caught my attention.For some reason, my chest tightened.My eyes drifted upward toward the glowing letters before the image U.X. had sent me flashed through my mind again.The picture of Jack walking out of this same club.My fingers curled into fists at my sides.What if he was inside right now? What if I walked in and saw him?Worse...What if he saw me?The thought alone made my stomach twist.Jack had framed me once before.One stupid accusation involving drugs had been enough to get my name removed from the scholarship list. Somehow, after weeks of hell, meetings and explanations, I had managed to get my name back on that list.The last thing I needed was another disaster.Especially this one.Because if Jack exposed me for coming to a gay strip club?It was over for me.The scholarship, my p
JACK’S POVI gritted my teeth as I pulled on my turtleneck and left the locker room.To be honest, I got scared for a moment there. I didn’t even think before I slapped his hand away. What if he found out I was Jay—the masked sex worker he’d almost fucked last night?All because of these stupid hic
AARON'S POVMy heart slammed hard against my ribs as I waited for Jack's answer. I made him cum but I wasn't sure how he felt about it.Did he enjoy it? Did he hate it? Did he feel disgusted by it? A sense of dread surged through me. My lips parted before I could stop myself. “Uhm…it's okay if yo
Aaron’s POV I took my phone from his hand and tucked it into my pocket. As I did that, Jay took another step forward, a smirk playing at one side of his pretty mouth.I swallowed heavily, still refusing to think about just how good he could make me feel. I was okay if the night didn’t go further.
Jack’s PovI kept my distance, my steps quiet against the tiles as I followed him. I felt like a stalker but still Ididn’t stop. I also had no idea what I’d do with the information when I got it but still I pressedforward.Aaron moved quickly, his focus fixed ahead, unaware of me trailing beh







