Michael nodded. “I’ve been thinking about what you said about your parents being able to section you…if you had a solicitor to defend you, it wouldn’t be so easy for them. Whatever quack shrink they brought to prove you were crazy could be countered by a proper shrink handpicked by your solicitor. We could fight them through the courts if we had to.” He turned and rested his hip against the under-sink cupboard. “You’re not crazy, Jag. I know what they did to you has left deep, emotional scars, but nothing that makes you a risk to yourself or anyone else.”
Jag stared straight ahead, at the kitchen wall. “Even if you’re right, I can’t afford a solicitor.”
Michael resisted touching Jag’s shoulder. He knew some of Jag’s rules now, including rule number three, which meant he was almost certainly going to refuse the offer Michael knew he had to make.
“No, but I can,” he said.
Jag flinched. Michael ignored the sting in his heart caused by the young man’s reaction. He reminded himself that Jag’s rules were important to him and that he didn’t break them lightly. It wasn’t just about trust; it was about survival.
“Why don’t we at least go and talk to one,” Michael suggested. “A lot of solicitors give an hour’s consultation free of charge. It wouldn’t cost you a penny to find out if a solicitor could help protect you from your parents.”
Jag visibly relaxed a little. He looked at Michael. “Do you really think a solicitor could help me?” His voice was quiet and trembling. “Do you think there’s a chance I could stop running?”
Michael dried his hands and then gently turned Jag to face him. The hope in his eyes was palpable. After years of running, it had to be hard to think about staying in one place. “I do,” he said with absolute conviction. “Do you want me to make a few calls and find someone suitable?”
Jag nodded slowly.
Michael suppressed a grin. “Why don’t you finish up here, and I’ll go do that?” He waited for Jag to nod again, before turning away.
Jag caught hold of his arm. “Thanks.”
“What for? I’m actually being really selfish right now.”
Jag’s eyebrows shot up.
Michael rested his hands on Jag’s hips. “I don’t want you to leave, so of course I’m going to try to find a way that you can stay.”
Jag rested his hands on Michael’s shoulders. “It’s a good thing I want to stay, isn’t it?”
Michael murmured in agreement as he leant in to kiss Jag. He paused, their lips not quite touching, as Jag’s expression faltered. “What’s wrong?”
“I just don’t get why you want me to stay. I’m a fucked-up kid.”
“You’re an adult. As for why…I’m not sure I can explain it. But being with someone hasn’t felt right since Edward died until you came along. Being with you feels perfect.”
“But—”
“No ‘buts’,” Michael whispered. “I love you. I don’t care that you’re younger than me. I want to be with you.”
When he felt Jag relax, he kissed him. He loved the feel of the young man’s lips against his, the warmth of his mouth, and the soft caress of his tongue. There wasn’t anything about being with Jag that felt wrong, except letting him go.
“I’d better go make those calls.”
“Uh-huh.”
They went back to kissing, pushing their bodies close to one another, their mutual arousal clear. Michael forced himself to pull back.
“Phone calls,” he said decisively. “Let’s make sure you never have to run again.”
Jag nodded. “Although I think fixing everything in one day is a bit of an impossibility. You’re not going to make me wait for days before I can have you, are you?”
Michael chuckled. “No. Let’s set things in motion though, okay?” He kissed Jag’s forehead. “Then we can fool around all you like.” He winced. “Around fitness classes and the club being open, of course.”
Jag laughed. “I’m notthathorny.”
“Aren’t you?”
Jag pursed his lips. “Well…if I had the option to stay in bed with you all day and night, I might not refuse.” He winked and took Michael’s place at the sink.
