Chapter One
Jonah knocked once and then let himself into Ez’s office. The man in question was sitting behind his desk, tie loosened, and expression relaxed. He smiled when Jonah swung the door shut behind him.
“Jonah. Right on time.”
Jonah managed a smile of his own. Forget how star-struck he’d been the first time he’d met Ez in person; each visit seemed to be making himworse.Or, maybe it was the way Ez’s eyes raked over him or the fact he’d rolled his shirtsleeves up and Jonah could see his muscular forearms…
“Are you alright?”
Jonah tore his thoughts away from the path they’d been barrelling down and nodded. “Yeah, sorry, fine. You?”
“I’m good.” Ez tilted his head, watching Jonah as he wandered across to look out of the window. “Are you sure you’re okay, Jonah?”
“I’m fine.”
He was. Well, except for the part where anticipation was crawling under his skin, driving him out of his mind. He tempered it with the thought that, after today, he’d only have one more visit. Disappointment curled in his stomach and Jonah frowned, keeping his eyes on the busy street below.
Ez’s hand landed heavily on his shoulder and Jonah jumped, startled. When he turned, Ez was close, closer than they’d ever been before. All his attention was focused on Jonah, and it was… interesting.
“You seem distracted.”
“I’m not! I just—”
“If you wish to come back another day… Or if you do not wish to come back at all—”
“I want to be here,” Jonah half-shouted. He cringed when he realised how loud he’d become, but Ez’s grip on his shoulder had only tightened. Jonah felt the cool press of glass at his back. When had they moved?
“You are certain?”
Jonah nodded emphatically. “I do. Ireallywant to be here, I just…”
“You just what?”
“I just keep thinking that it’s almost all over.”
Ez stared at him for a long moment, then shook his head. “Jonah…”
“Sorry,” Jonah said, shaking his head. “I’m being – Sorry. This is ajob.” He was suddenly horrified, cheeks flushing as he realised he’d probably blown the whole thing. Ez wouldn’t want someone who found themselves trying to cling onto an opportunity because they, what? Had feelings for two guys they’d fucked one time?
God, he was a fool.
“Do not apologise,” Ez said firmly. He caught Jonah’s chin, tilting his face up until Jonah was forced to meet his eye. “Believe me when I say that Finley and Damon are more than interested in keeping you around. Rafe and Torin are intrigued too, and they haven’t eventastedyou yet.”
As the wordtastedpassed Ez’s full lips, Jonah’s cock twitched, and he swallowed hard.
“I was contemplating an extension to your contract, besides.”
“Y – You were?”
Ez nodded. “Of course, I cannot simply employ you to keep the others entertained, as much as I am sure you would all enjoy it. We could use an ambassador for our brand. A human advisor who could help with any new product lines.”
Jonah’s eyes widened. “You thinkIcould…?”
“Why not?” Ez asked. He shrugged, and his thumb was stroking back and forth over Jonah’s chin. “You have extensive knowledge in this area. More than almost any other human, now.”
“I – Holy shit, that would be amazing—”
Ez smiled and his thumb suddenly pressed against Jonah’s lips, cutting him off. “No agreements yet,” he warned gently. “You still have this contract to fulfil, and what I have in mind will need to be legally sound.”
