Just a Bit Ruthless (Straight Guys 6)

But, to his surprise, Luke’s gaze lingered on the guy, something like interest appearing in his eyes for the first time that night. Running a hand through his tamed, barely wavy hair, Luke caught the stranger’s gaze and smiled.

As the guy started making his way toward them, James nudged Luke. “Are you sure? He’s a lot older.”

Luke nodded, long eyelashes hiding the expression in his downcast eyes.

James studied him thoughtfully. Actually, maybe it would work. Luke had always been mentally mature for his age, looking for a serious relationship rather than meaningless hookups. James could easily see him getting married young and having a bunch of kids—something most twenty-three-year-olds weren’t ready to commit to. Maybe an older man was a better fit for Luke than guys their age.

James shifted his gaze back to the guy approaching them. For some reason, he looked familiar, but no matter how much James strained his memory, he couldn’t remember where from.

“Hello, I’m Tyler,” the guy said, shaking their hands.

“James,” he introduced himself.

Tyler nodded politely—he seemed nice—but his dark eyes were only on Luke, hungry and a little enamored already. Taking that as his cue to leave, James picked up his drink and excused himself.

Leaning against the wall, he sipped his drink, alternating between watching Luke out of the corner of his eye and checking his phone. Ryan should be back soon—he had left to pick up his younger brother from some party almost an hour ago.

Half an hour later, James was frowning as he watched Tyler and Luke. Tyler already had a hand on Luke’s thigh. Wasn’t it a bit too fast?

James studied Luke’s body language, looking for a clue. It was difficult. Luke sat very still, his gaze dropped, letting Tyler grope his thigh and slip his hand under Luke’s shirt. Although Luke wasn’t stopping Tyler, there was something off about the whole thing.

“I’ve never seen you here before.”

The unfamiliar voice forced James to turn his attention away from Luke. “Sorry, not interested,” he said distractedly, not for the first time this night.

“How do you know? You barely looked at me,” the guy said playfully, leaning into him and putting a hand on James’s bicep.

His annoyance flaring, James was about to put the guy in his place when an arm wrapped around his hips and pulled him back against the wide, familiar chest. James relaxed immediately.

“He barely looked at you because he’s taken,” Ryan said, his warm breath tickling James’s ear.

“Uh. Sorry, mate,” the guy said, blinking up at Ryan and staring—a pretty normal reaction, all things considered.

James chuckled, watching the guy leave reluctantly. “Maybe you should try modeling,” he said, his eyes closing as Ryan started nibbling at his jaw. “At least you’d get paid for being stared at.”

“I wouldn’t want to make you jealous.”

James laughed. “If I got jealous every time someone drooled looking at you, I’d get an ulcer. They can stare all they want. I’m the only one who gets to touch that.”

“I knew you wanted me for my pretty face,” Ryan said in a mock-sad voice.

James laughed again, because they both knew it couldn’t be farther from the truth. Ryan had been his everything ever since they were kids. “That and your penis,” he said. “I’m quite fond of your penis.”

Ryan smirked against his cheek. “My penis is quite fond of you, too. Where’s Luke, by the way?”

“To the right. With an older bloke in a dark suit.”

“He’s not there.”

What?

James opened his eyes. Ryan was right. The table Luke and Tyler had been seated at was occupied by different people now.

“He was there a few minutes ago,” he said, feeling a pang of worry. He looked at the dance floor but couldn’t see them there, either.

“Maybe they hit it off and left together,” Ryan said.

Pursing his lips, James shook his head. “It’s not Luke’s style. And I don’t think he’d leave with a stranger after what happened. And he’s been drinking. What if Tyler takes advantage of him?”

“Let’s check the restrooms first,” Ryan said, taking his hand and shouldering his way through the crowd. “Call him.”

“He isn’t answering,” James said, frowning down at his phone.

“We’ll find him,” Ryan said, squeezing his fingers. “I’m sure he’s fine. He’s probably snogging the bloke somewhere.”

They didn’t find Luke in either of the restrooms.

James was panicking a little by the time they decided to check the alley behind the club.

Two figures were pressed tightly against the wall, the taller caging the shorter one. James recognized Tyler’s suit.

At first he wasn’t sure what he was seeing. His first thought was that Ryan had been right and Luke was making out with the bloke. Hell, Tyler was practically dry-humping Luke as he kissed him.

“Stop being such a cocktease,” Tyler snapped, his hand slipping between them. “You know you want it.” There was the sound of a struggle and then Tyler cursed. “You little bitch—”