Vengeance (The Protectors 5)

“What about for oral sex?” Memphis asked.

I was sure I was going to melt in a puddle of embarrassment, but I knew the questions were important ones. I’d had this talk with Dr. Reston before, but that had been when being involved in a sexual relationship had been all theory.

“The chances of transmitting the disease through oral sex are less likely, but not impossible, especially if there are any kind of lesions or tears in the tissues of the mouth. In the simplest terms, if you are performing oral sex on someone who is HIV-positive, the risk is still there and a condom should be used. If you are receiving oral sex from someone who is HIV-positive, the risk is considerably lower, but not without some risk, so again, condoms are your safest bet.”

“What about rimming?” The question again came from Memphis and I was sure my face was beet red now. That definitely hadn’t been something Dr. Reston had ever given me any detailed information on in previous discussions.

“There’s never been a documented case of someone becoming infected after rimming someone with HIV or vice versa. The key is to avoid any contact with the blood or semen of the positive individual.”

“So it’s safe,” Brennan clarified.

“Yes,” Dr. Reston said with a nod.

“And sex should always be with condoms,” Brennan said.

“There’s some debate going around that unprotected sex is safe when the negative partner is on PreP and the positive partner has an undetectable viral load, but in my opinion, there isn’t enough firm data to back that up and again, the safest route is using condoms. PreP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis and is a medication you can take that will prevent infection if you are exposed to the virus. If you’re interested, we can discuss getting you both started on it.”

“I already am,” Brennan said. I couldn’t hide my shock as I turned to look at him.

“Me too,” Memphis said.

“What?” I said in disbelief. “You are?”

Brennan smiled at me and then kissed the back of my hand again.

“When did you start taking it?” Dr. Reston asked.

“I took my first dose this morning,” Brennan said.

“I started yesterday,” Memphis responded.

I felt tears threatening again, but I managed to stem them.

“If you decide to forego condoms, I would suggest you wait at least seven days for the PreP to take effect. If you are going to be using condoms, you can decide together if you want to wait the seven days or not, since the risk is negligible given Tristan’s viral load is undetectable. I would also recommend using condoms specifically designed for anal sex since they are thicker than regular condoms.”

“What about double penetration?” Brennan asked. I was so stunned by the image that popped into my head, that I barely heard Dr. Reston say it was fine. The idea of both of my men inside of me at the same time was both frightening and a major turn on and I actually had to squirm in my seat when my dick unexpectedly twitched.

“I read hand jobs or any kind of mutual masturbation are safe as long as the negative person doesn’t have any cuts on their skin. Is that true?” Memphis asked.

Dr. Reston nodded. “That’s correct.”

The more Dr. Reston spoke with my men, the more I became more comfortable with the idea that I could be with them in every way. But more than that, the fact that both Brennan and Memphis had not only gotten on PreP on their own, but had also each done research meant they wanted to be with me despite the risk it presented, however small.

“What about if my viral load becomes detectable some day?” I asked, finally feeling courageous enough to participate in the conversation.

“Same rules apply,” Dr. Reston said. “The use of PreP will safeguard against any accidental exposures like a condom breaking,” he added. “Tristan, there’s no reason you can’t have a perfectly normal and wonderful sex life. Yes, you and your partner or partners will always need to take more precautions than someone who isn’t infected, but there are actually few limitations. It mostly comes down to common sense and communicating openly with anyone you choose to engage in sexual activity with.”

I nodded and realized what he was saying was true. “Thank you, Dr. Reston.”

“You’re welcome,” he said, patting my knee. “And if you or your men have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to call me, okay?”

Your men.

God, that sounded so good.

“We will,” I said and I realized we sounded just as good.

The doctor left and I sucked in a deep breath. “I don’t know what to say,” I said, shaking my head.

Brennan leaned over and kissed me. “You don’t need to say anything,” he said softly. “Except yes when I suggest we go to lunch to celebrate.”

“Yes,” I said with a smile.