A Total-E-Bound Publication
www.total-e-bound.com
Saving the Bodyguard
ISBN # 978-0-85715-573-3
©Copyright Serena Yates 2011
Cover Art by April Martinez ©Copyright June 2011
Edited by Stacey Birkel
Total-E-Bound Publishing
This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination
and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or
places is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form,
whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of
the publisher, Total-E-Bound Publishing.
Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound
Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil
proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.
The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs
and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator
of the artwork.
Published in 2011 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL,
United Kingdom.
Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature
readers. This story has been rated Total-e-burning.
New Horizons
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
Dedication
For those who dream about giving their life a new direction.
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
5
Chapter One
Typical! The line Leonard Taber had chosen was the only one in the entire supermarket
that didn’t move. It wasn’t just slow. It wasn’t fucking moving at all.
Shit.
He just wanted to pay for his two overpriced sandwiches and the apples he’d got
because fruit was supposed to be good for you. Making it out of the damned supermarket so
he could get back to work was becoming more urgent by the second. Why the hell had he
chosen to go to the supermarket instead of the small deli around the corner?
He sighed, trying to relax his hold on the basket’s handles so his fingers would stop
hurting. He hadn’t gone to the deli because the staff there annoyed him. None of them ever
moved fast enough. They took their time and chatted with people, trying to be friendly,
instead of getting on with serving their paying customers. Whenever he’d gone in there, he’d
come out aggravated and swearing he’d never go back.
Running a small start-up company selling security equipment and consulting was no
picnic in today’s economy. Long lunch breaks were unacceptable. Ivan Macer, his old friend
and partner in the new venture, was back at the office holding down the fort. Leo had
volunteered to get them some lunch, but he really needed to get back there now. There was a
big new client pitch at two P.M., and he was far from ready.
Why the fuck is this line not moving? No progress in over five minutes. Leo stuck his head
to the right, glaring at the fumbling cashier. He was a pimply kid who should have been in
school. It was probably his first day on the job and there was no manager in sight. What did
they pay those idiots for anyway? It obviously wasn’t for training or doing any real work, or
one would be out here, trying to fix this mess.
“What’s the damned hold-up?” Leo gritted his teeth to avoid saying any of the choice
expletives that came to mind.
“Excuse me?” The slightly stooping woman in front of him turned her artfully coiffed
head. Squinting at him only increased the depth of her many wrinkles. “Can’t you see that
the nice young man is doing the best he can?”
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
6
“If that’s his best, I don’t want to be here when he’s out of shape.” He wanted to hit
something. “I don’t have all fucking day, you know?”
The woman’s eyes widened.
“What?” He tried to stare her down, but the old crone wouldn’t budge.
“Tsk, tsk, tsk.” She shook her head. “There’s no reason for swearing.”
“You have no idea, do you?” He was ready to drop the sandwiches and go for candy
bars from the office building’s vending machine instead. It’s what he should have done in the
first place. Damn Ivan and his ideas about healthy eating.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with you, but there’s no reason for this sort of tone.” She
scowled. “It won’t change a thing.”
“That’s the real problem, isn’t it?” Whatever he did wouldn’t have any sort of effect on
the time it took for him to pay for the food.
“I don’t see a problem here, other than your attitude!” She raised her eyebrows. “I’d
advise you to adjust it.”
“What the hell?” His heartbeat increased, he felt himself flush and he had to fist his
hands to stop himself from hitting the woman. Fuck, what the hell was wrong with him?
He’d never wanted to hit another person before. Especially not an old woman, even if she
was putting her nose into his business. He took a few calming breaths, but the rage just
wouldn’t recede.
“I don’t approve of your foul language, young man. If you don’t stop using it, I will
alert the manager and get you removed from the premises.” She smirked.
“You can’t do that!” He took a step towards her.
Shit, he was totally out of control. His chest felt tight, as if there wasn’t enough air, and
his body shook with rage.
He’d had enough of this shit!
He banged the basket onto the floor with all the force he could muster. It made a very
satisfying clattering noise as its contents flew in all directions. The old woman and several
other people from the next line over jumped from the shocking noise.
Without another word he stormed out of the store, swearing under his breath as he
went. Ivan would survive having to eat a candy bar this once. Leo wouldn’t have survived
another minute in there. Stupid asshole idiots!
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
7
The walk back to the office wasn’t long enough for him to cool down. So when the
vending machine swallowed his quarters and didn’t show any signs of releasing his
purchases, he kicked it. Nothing. Banging on it with both fists he snarled, releasing some of
his accumulated anger. The only result was that his hands started to hurt.
“Hey, Leo. Buddy!” Ivan’s voice shocked him back into reality.
“What?” He stopped hitting the fucking useless piece of shit machinery and turned
towards his friend and colleague.
“Whoa.” Ivan took a step back, his normally pale skin even paler, and lifted his hands.
“What’s wrong with you?”
“Nothing!” He was almost screaming. The frustration of not being in control and not
accomplishing anything was too much. “Absolutely fucking nothing is wrong with me. It’s
everyone else who isn’t doing what they’re supposed to. And now this stupid piece of crap
isn’t working.”
“Okay.” Ivan nodded as he took another step back and pointed at the entrance to their
office suite. “I think we need to talk about this. I’d suggest we do it behind closed doors.
You’ve given everyone enough of a show as it is.”
Leo looked around. Several gawkers had formed a half circle around him and the
machine. Dumbasses. Didn’t they have anything better to do? He sneered at them, making
two of them turn and run. Yeah, that felt better.
He followed Ivan into their suite and banged the door shut behind him. Ivan took a seat
on the reception area sofa and stared at him.
“You wanted to talk?” Leo was too wound up to sit. He bounced on the balls of his feet
instead, trying to dispel the nervous energy still coursing through his body. “So, talk
already.”
“Look, I have no idea what’s troubling you, but I’m worried.” Ivan leant forward. “I
thought leaving that rock band security detail was a good idea. Wanting to settle down and
starting the company with me seemed to make sense. But over the last couple of months, I’ve
watched you become more stressed than ever before, to the point where I’m really worried
that you’re going to lose it one of these days.”
“That’s ridiculous.” Leo took a step towards Ivan.
Ivan flinched.
Leo stopped moving. What the hell? Was Ivan afraid of him?
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
8
“I think you need help.” Ivan raked his dark hair and sighed. “Your anger hasn’t
become an issue with clients yet, but at the rate you’re going when the smallest things don’t
go your way, I can see it coming. I don’t need to tell you how disastrous it would be if you
blew up in a meeting or during an assignment.”
“You think I need help?” Leo staggered back, barely making it into one of the leather
chairs. “Why?”
“You don’t seem to be managing very well on your own, that’s all.” Ivan pointed at a
stack of brochures on the coffee table in front of him. “There are different options, and I’ve
got you some info so you can make a choice.”
“What are you saying?” Leo narrowed his eyes, not looking at the brochures.
“I think you need some form of anger management classes.” Ivan didn’t even blink.
What the fuck?
* * * *
“I’m sorry, sir.” Felix Oakden picked up the chicken Caesar salad he’d just served to
return it to the kitchen. “I’ll get your order of plain Caesar salad just as fast as I can.”
“Please see that you do.” The newly arrived guest frowned, his ruggedly handsome
face the picture of frustration.
“Right away, sir.” Felix turned and almost ran to the kitchen.
Shit, he was so in over his head, it wasn’t funny. Keeping orders straight seemed so
simple in theory, but it was proving to be beyond his capability. Never in his wildest dreams
had he figured he’d end up as a waiter. He was supposed to be an accountant well on his
way to becoming Perfect Healthcare’s next finance director. Instead, Victor the weasel—
otherwise known as his ex-boyfriend—had not taken Felix leaving him well. In an act of
revenge, Victor had accused him of embezzlement. Since Victor was the senior employee,
Felix had been asked to resign. No reference had been offered. Mysteriously, no other finance
job had been forthcoming either.
When Felix found out that Victor, thanks to his being well-networked, had blackballed
him with all the major healthcare providers in Albany, he’d realised he wouldn’t find
another job in his chosen field anytime soon. And since he wanted to stay close to his sister
and the kids, he didn’t want to move. Luckily his friend Emilio, who worked as a coach at
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
9
this out-of-town retreat centre, had offered him this job as a waiter. It would help him keep
his head above water until he figured out a more permanent solution. It didn’t look as
though he’d be was a success as a waiter at all, so whatever the permanent solution was, he
needed to find it quickly.
“Got another order mixed up?” The cook’s sardonic grin made Felix feel worse.
“Sorry.” He put the unwanted salad onto the counter. “The guy did say he’d been put
on a vegetarian diet.”
“Right.” The cook started working.
It was quiet today. There were few lunchtime guests because the majority of the
weekend participants had gone for the usual Sunday hike and picnic. The three new arrivals
starting courses or workshops on Monday were the only ones in the wood-panelled
lunchroom. Felix got back outside while he waited, busying himself with cleaning the bar
area. He took several covert peeks at Mr. Vegetarian as he worked, admiring the man’s
powerful physique.
With at least six-foot-four of well-muscled and toned gorgeousness, the man looked like
an athlete or a bodyguard. He had medium length brown hair and deep green eyes which
had stared at Felix with a searching intensity that made him blush. His wide chest, slim hips
and long, jeans-clad legs completed the picture. He could have easily played Tarzan, as good
as he looked.
Damn it, the man was a guest at the retreat. Felix wasn’t sure why he was here, but he
was certain he wasn’t supposed to lust after him. The man’s fisted hands and barely
controlled anger when the wrong food had been served were a pretty clear indication he was
either stressed or had anger issues. Probably both. Anyway, he’d be here for the week, or
maybe the ten-day programme, before going back to wherever he’d come from.
Shit, what was he thinking? He’d sworn to stay away from men. The latest disaster with
Victor had been bad enough to make him swear off them completely. But with temptation
like this, it sure wasn’t going to be easy. And why was he worried anyway? What could
happen in a week? The stranger was certain to leave, never to be seen again, and that was
ideal, wasn’t it? Maybe a little distraction like this was exactly what he needed to get over his
stupid asshole of an ex.
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
10
The loud ding from the direction of the kitchen alerted him that he needed to get back to
work. Mr. Vegetarian’s salad was ready, and he quickly served it to the now scowling guest.
Yep, anger management issues for sure.
The rest of the lunch hour passed quickly, and when he went around to serve coffee,
Mr. Vegetarian looked a lot more relaxed.
“So, can I ask you a question?” The stranger’s eyes twinkled.
Man, that’s one hell of a twinkle. If only he wasn’t a stranger!
“Sure.” Felix attempted a smile, mostly to distract himself from the sudden tightness in
his groin.
“Are you doing anything this afternoon?”
“Am I…” Felix stared. What the hell?
“Yeah, are you busy?” Mr. Vegetarian flashed him a smile. “I was hoping you could
show me around.”
“Right.” Felix breathed a sigh of relief even as he kicked himself. The man wasn’t
asking for a date, he needed a tour guide. Not the worst way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
“Showing you around isn’t part of my normal—”
“Fine!” The word was snapped with enough vehemence to extinguish a minor fire and
the man’s scowl was back full force.
“I was going to say that I was willing to make an exception, though.” And why the hell
hadn’t he just shut his mouth after the man had blown up? He had a temper bad enough to
almost frighten Felix.
“Oh.” Mr. Vegetarian looked down at his hands. “Sorry.”
“Apology accepted.” Felix grinned, more than a little relieved that his newest personal
project at least had some manners.
“So you’ll do it?” There was a lot of hope in the stranger’s eyes as he glanced up to look
at him through thick lashes.
“Sure. But there’s a condition.” He tilted his head, expecting another outburst.
“Which is?” The frown spoke volumes, but the man didn’t explode.
“You’ve got to tell me your name.” Felix held his breath. He couldn’t really keep calling
the guy Mr. Vegetarian. That was his story anyway.
“Leonard Taber. But everyone calls me Leo.” Leo held out his hand for him to shake.
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
11
“Felix Oakden.” Felix slid his much smaller hand into Leo’s paw and felt immediately
at home. “Nice to meet you, Leo.”
Leo’s smile almost blinded him and Felix was lost. When he finally remembered to
withdraw his hand, he did so very reluctantly. The prospect of spending more time with Leo
helped him over the loss of all that warmth.
“You want to meet at reception in an hour?” Leo leant back in his chair.
“Okay, I can do that.” It would give him just enough time to clean up a little and change
out of his stupid waiter’s uniform.
* * * *
What the hell had he been thinking? Leo shook his head, not caring who would see. The
waiter had been too cute to resist and he hadn’t been thinking at all. He’d been reacting,
letting his libido lead the way. That hadn’t happened in a very long time, not since he’d
joined Mick’s personal security detail almost ten years ago.
Felix was absolutely breathtaking, exactly Leo’s type. Barely five-ten, with a slim build
but strong arms and a well-defined chest straining that sexy white shirt, he’d made Leo sit up
and take notice. The big brown eyes in the fine-boned face had spoken to him even through
the wire-rimmed glasses that gave Felix a somewhat bookish appearance. He didn’t look like
a waiter at all, seemingly confirmed by the fact he’d been fumbling not just his order, but
another guest’s as well.
Leo smiled as he opened the door to his simple, but adequate room. A cute man with a
mystery, what more could he ask for?
He closed and locked the door before walking over to the bed to unpack his bags. A
nightstand, dresser and wardrobe were the extent of the furniture. Made of light wood, they
were bright and cheery. There was no TV and the bathroom was simple, like one found in a
dorm. Leo snorted as he finished putting his stuff away. No unnecessary luxuries or
distractions, the brochures had explained. The ‘guests’ were supposed to focus inward,
working on their issues.
He hadn’t been looking forward to these next ten days. Having to face his anger and
what it did to his life was bad enough. Having to do it in a mixture of one-on-one
counselling, workshops and meditation classes made it worse. He hated all that psycho-
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
12
babble most psychologists and counsellors excelled at. But he knew two things. He did need
to manage it better and he apparently couldn’t do it alone. Ivan had assured him that the
FOSK Foundation was one of the best self improvement companies in the country, and Leo’s
internet research seemed to confirm that. Focus On Self Knowledge, indeed. He needed quick
results, not being away from work for an extended period. Ten days was bad enough.
Now he’d met Felix? He was no longer worried about being bored out of his skull. At
the very least, his personal time was going to be fun.
A quick shower and clean clothes later, he arrived at the hotel’s reception exactly on
time. Felix was already there, wearing shorts, a tight T-shirt and a bright smile.
“Shall we?” Felix pointed towards the gardens.
“Please.” Leo happily followed him, watching the tight little ass move enticingly in
those shorts. They were nice enough, but he’d much rather see the buttocks covered by his
hands. They looked to be just about the right size to fill them nicely.
“Earth to Leo?” Felix’s voice tore him from his reverie.
“Sorry.” He looked up into Felix’s amused face. Shit, he’d apologised to this man more
often within a few hours than he had to anyone in months.
“Enjoying the view?” Felix grinned.
Leo blushed. He’d had no idea he even had it in him.
“I agree that there’s much to see.” Felix gave him a very slow, extremely explicit once-
over. Starting at his feet, Felix moved his gaze up his legs, resting on his quickly hardening
cock for a gratifyingly long time, before sliding across his chest and ending up looking into
his eyes.
“Do you like?” Leo spread his arms.
“Oh, yes.” Felix licked his lips with a quick movement of his pink tongue.
God, that made him even harder. A quick glance around showed him they’d left the
gardens and were on a small path through the forest. Must be the fitness trail that was part of
the retreat’s outdoor activity offerings. People could come by here, so the spot wasn’t perfect
for what he wanted.
Felix licked his lips again.
The little tease!
He grabbed Felix’s hand and pulled him behind some trees. It wasn’t much cover, but it
would have to do. Felix was laughing by the time he had him positioned with his back to an
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
13
old oak. Leo took the glasses and put them into his back pocket for safekeeping. Felix’s eyes
widened as Leo slid his arms around him and bent his head towards the smaller man.
He brushed his lips against Felix’s forehead, kissed his nose and pressed the briefest
kiss to his lush lips. Felix sighed, brought up his hands and grabbed Leo’s head.
“Now kiss me like you mean it.” Felix’s eyes were bright as he pulled Leo closer.
Leo smiled and bent to the task. He kissed along Felix’s lower lip, alternating with licks
and nibbles that made them both moan. The upper lip was next, before he slid his mouth
along Felix’s, slowly driving them both crazy with need. Felix whimpered when he brought
his tongue into play, licking into his mouth then withdrawing.
He looked into darkened pupils dilated with desire before he gave in to the tugging on
his head and sealed their lips together for a real kiss. Tongues duelling, he tasted coffee and
mint with an underlying flavour that reminded him of sunshine. He probed and explored to
his heart’s content until he had to come up for breath. Felix’s eyes were closed, his breath
came in gasps.
“More.” Felix opened his eyes.
“I can do that.” Not without coming in his pants, but who cared anyway?
He tightened his embrace to lift Felix to an easier height for him to kiss. Pressing him
against the tree as he held him up brought their groins into contact, making them both hiss
with the sensation of another erection against their own. The kiss was explosive, all lips and
tongues and hot breath fanning over wet skin. He ground his hips into Felix who pushed up
against him as best he could, not that he had much leverage.
This wasn’t going to work.
Leo slid Felix down and stepped back. He almost laughed when Felix’s face fell, but
quickly fixed that when he tore off his T-shirt, opened his belt and zipper, pulling out his
hard cock.
“Wow.” Felix stared at him.
“You, too.” Leo stepped towards Felix, helping him to do the same.
Leo sat down, his back to the tree, and opened his arms. Felix’s eyes brightened as he
understood what he wanted. The smaller man had straddled him before he could so much as
open his mouth to say anything.
Their naked cocks touched, and that was the end of any attempt at communication with
words. Their bodies communicated plenty as they dived back into kiss after kiss. Felix
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
14
wiggled and pushed until their cocks were aligned against Leo’s lower abdomen, after which
he proceeded to thrust with exquisite expertise to maximise the friction between them.
Leo’s balls tingled as Felix’s movements grew frantic. He hadn’t been this ready to
come so quickly in a very long time. Felix just kept nibbling his lips and thrusting his tongue
into Leo’s mouth in perfectly synchronous movements with his hips. Leo grabbed Felix’s ass
cheeks and pulled him closer for that last bit of pressure they both needed.
“Fuck!” Felix’s head flew back as heat splashed Leo’s abdomen in long spurts.
Leo groaned as he buried his face between Felix’s neck and shoulder, taking in the scent
of sweat and semen. It drove him over the edge. Wave after wave of pleasure raced through
his body as he emptied his balls. He kept his arms tightly around Felix as they shuddered
through the aftershocks.
Who knew the outdoors could be so stimulating?
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
15
Chapter Two
Felix couldn’t wait to finish his shift. Dinner had included everyone at the fully-booked
resort, the picnickers having returned in the late afternoon. His section had been filled to
capacity, and to make matters worse, Leo had been at one of his tables, distracting him with
smiles and the occasional wink.
Man, the guy was hotter than fresh lava. Rubbing off on him in the forest had been one
of the most exciting things Felix had ever done. Public—or almost public—sex wasn’t
something he liked…or so he’d thought. He hadn’t come so fast or so hard in years. The
kissing and cuddling afterwards had been a nice surprise. And when Leo had asked if he
wanted to see him for some ‘personal time’ after dinner, he hadn’t been able to say yes
quickly enough.
Cleaning up and readying everything for breakfast had never taken this long. When he
was finally done it was almost midnight. Would Leo even be awake?
He rushed back to his room in the annex built for the members of staff who lived on-site
to change, before thinking better of it at the last moment. He’d check if the light was still on
in Leo’s room first to avoid wasting time. He was going to get little enough sleep as it was.
Not that it mattered if Leo was part of the reason. He turned on his heels and raced back
towards the main hotel.
There was light coming from under the door. A piece of yellow sticky paper on Leo’s
door, pretty much at Felix’s eye level, said I’m waiting for you no matter how late it is. Felix
chuckled with relief. It looked like he wasn’t the only one eager for more kisses and touches,
possibly some all-body skin on skin. The thought had his cock half hard.
He knocked.
Leo opened the door, wearing only a tiny towel around his hips. It started to tent under
Felix’s avid stare. He let his gaze wander upwards and encountered beads of water running
down Leo’s hairy chest, gliding along the six-pack abs before vanishing into the increasingly
strained towel. The scent of freshly showered man and the lustful look in Leo’s eyes when he
finally reached them had him fully hard in seconds.
“I’ve been waiting for you.” Leo stepped aside. “Come in.”
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
16
He didn’t attempt to say anything. The capacity for speaking was beyond him at the
moment. Leo was just too mouth-wateringly tempting to do anything but attack him. In the
best possible sense of the word, of course. Which was exactly what he did as soon as the door
was closed and locked.
Turning around and pushing the bigger man with his back against the door in one
smooth movement, he stood on his toes to reach Leo’s mouth. A surprised “oof” was all that
escaped before he pressed their lips together, pushing his tongue between Leo’s lips and
exploring the hot cavity. There was a hint of toothpaste, followed by the underlying darker
flavour of pure Leo. Strong and musky, added to the feeling of hard muscles against his
chest, Felix licked around Leo’s mouth as if he could make that taste part of him forever.
After a few seconds’ hesitation, Leo put his strong arms around Felix’s back then slid
his hands to Felix’s ass cheeks and started kneading. Felix moaned and redoubled his efforts,
bringing his arms up behind Leo’s neck to help him hold on, pressing closer and trying to
climb up Leo’s body at the same time.
“Naked.” Leo pulled back, a dazed look in his eyes. “I want you naked.”
Felix nodded. He took a deep breath, trying to convince himself to move away from
Leo. It wasn’t working. Leo grinned and lowered him to the ground. Their erections touched,
and even through a layer of clothing and the towel, it felt damned good. Felix slid his hands
down Leo’s impressive biceps, holding on as his soon-to-be lover started unbuttoning his
work shirt.
Knowing this would take longer than his patience would last, he let go of Leo’s arms,
undid the cuffs and pulled the shirt over his head. Taking off the rest of his clothes took only
a few moments more. The grin on Leo’s face as he slid the towel off his hips in response was
truly wicked.
Felix could only stare. He’d known the guy’s cock was big from feeling it rubbing
against him earlier. He hadn’t been able to get a really good look. Well-endowed was an
understatement. Leo fully hard was a sight to behold, pre-cum pearling at the tip of the
impressive length and dribbling down the thick shaft. It made his mouth water and before he
could think better of it, he bent down and licked from base to tip in one smooth movement.
Salty-sweet flavour burst onto his tongue and he moaned as he sank to his knees to
properly worship the beautiful cock in front of him. Leo leant back against the door, locking
his knees and grabbing onto Felix’s head for support.
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
17
Felix hummed his approval as he closed his lips around the tip and burrowed his
tongue into the slit. He wanted all the pre-cum there was.
“Fuck!” Leo tightened his grip as his hips bucked, pushing more of his engorged
member into Felix’s willing mouth.
He opened his throat and slid as much of Leo’s cock inside as possible. Man, there was
a lot of him. When he’d finally swallowed all of it, his nose was pressed against crinkly pubic
hair and his chin touched the soft ball sac.
“Shit. Good.” Leo’s voice was husky.
He felt his lover’s thighs tremble with the effort to stay still. He slid back on the massive
cock, took a breath through his nose and pushed forward again. Felix moved his hands to the
back of Leo’s legs and upwards, grabbed the well-muscled ass cheeks and pulled, signalling
it was okay for Leo to move. He wanted his lover to enjoy this and he wouldn’t break. On the
contrary, he loved having his face fucked almost as much as anal sex. Just the thought of that
monster cock penetrating him almost made him come.
Focussing on the task at hand, he started bobbing his head, sucking on the upstroke to
give Leo as much sensation as possible. When Leo started gasping for breath, Felix brought
one had around to fondle the furry balls.
“Coming.” Leo stiffened as he tried to pull Felix off the pulsing cock.
Felix wouldn’t have any of that. He held on and swallowed every pulse of salty-bitter
cum that spurted across his tongue. When Leo was done, Felix licked him clean and moved
back to look up into wide eyes.
“That was amazing.” Leo grinned and pulled Felix to his feet. “Now it’s your turn.”
Before Felix knew what was happening, he found himself on his back in the middle of
the bed. Leo took a bottle of lube and a few foil packets from the nightstand drawer and
deposited them next to the pillow.
Felix spread his legs and Leo slid between them, kissing first one knee, then the other
before he licked all the way up the inside of his thigh. He stopped just below the groin then
repeated the treatment on the other leg. Thankfully Leo didn’t stop this time, but proceeded
to lick and nibble his balls, then slowly moved up his cock. Leo’s hot lips felt even more
wonderful when they wrapped round his cock head and started sliding down his shaft.
“Good.” He closed his eyes and sank into the feeling of being enclosed by wet heat.
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
18
His damned ex had refused to give blow jobs, so this was the first in way too long. Leo
was really good at it too, the combination of heat and suction driving him to the edge in no
time. When a slick finger joined the party, circling his hole, he was hard-pressed not to come.
He reached down and squeezed the base of his cock, making Leo stop his movements.
“You okay?” Leo’s eyes were wide, his lips wet with saliva as he looked up.
“Too close.” Felix squeezed again, the pain helping him regain some control. “Want to
come when you’re inside me.”
“You sure?” Leo grinned. “You could try and match me.”
“I’ve never…” He started laughing as Leo raised his eyebrows.
Of course he’d never come twice in short succession. Sex had never been this inspiring,
and they hadn’t even started fucking yet.
“Okay.” He nodded and let go of his cock.
Leo was back on him within seconds. His cock throbbed as Leo added his tongue into
the mix while slowly inserting the slick finger into his hole. Man, that felt incredible. The first
finger was soon joined by another, the slight burn making him hiss with pleasure. Leo found
his prostate and the pleasure shooting up his spine was so intense that he came on the spot.
Shuddering with his release, he shot ream after ream of cum into Leo’s welcoming mouth.
Leo didn’t pull off even when Felix had come. Curling his fingers inside his hole, his
lover kept caressing his prostate, making sure he stayed hard. Even though his cock was
sensitive, he loved the slow licks of Leo’s tongue.
“More.” He was so ready for the main event.
The third finger almost didn’t fit, but Leo was patient and was finally in to the second
knuckle. More lube and lots of scissoring of fingers later, he was about to start begging when
Leo withdrew his fingers. The sudden emptiness almost hurt, and only the sound of foil
being ripped kept him from screaming his disappointment.
He opened his eyes to see Leo bent over him, supporting his weight on one arm. His
lover placed the tip of his cock at Felix’s hole and pushed. His ring of muscles had been well
prepared and he’d thought he was ready. But the massive size of the cock trying to impale
him was almost too much.
Leo had stopped moving and was watching him with the most intense expression. Felix
forced himself to relax and nodded when he was ready for more. Many slow, careful thrusts
later, Leo finally bottomed out. Felix had never been so gloriously full. Shit, he could sense
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
19
the pressure on his prostate, and Leo wasn’t even moving yet. Sweat beaded on his lover’s
forehead and his arm trembled as he brought up his second hand to slide it under Felix’s
shoulder. The other soon followed and he was held more securely than he’d ever been held.
Leo’s face was close enough for him to feel the hot exhales on his skin.
He nodded, desperate for Leo to move.
With a sigh of relief, Leo pulled out and thrust back in, then again when Felix smiled.
“Feels good.” Felix brought his arms up and put them around Leo’s neck to pull him
down for a kiss.
Leo moaned into his mouth and started a slow, sensual rhythm that had Felix wanting
to push back to increase the friction. He couldn’t, though, not with the way Leo grasped his
shoulders and stayed close to him. So he slid his legs around Leo’s waist and held on for the
ride.
Leo bent down and kissed him deeply. Felix thought he was going to lose it. The kiss
deepened as Leo thrust faster. His prostate tingled and his cock was ready to explode from
the few touches it got when their bellies rubbed together.
But what really got to him was the intensity of being held in Leo’s strong arms and the
depth of the kiss. He turned his head away, needing more air. Leo’s eyes stared into his as he
kept pistoning into his ass, driving them both higher and higher.
Finally, he couldn’t hold back any longer.
“Leo!” He pushed his head back into the pillow as his body shook with ecstasy.
His orgasm seemed to last forever, hot seed making their bellies slick. Leo fucked him
right through it, thrusting until he was done. He could feel when his lover let go, giving in to
his own release as he filled the condom. All he knew was Leo’s big body, still holding on to
him. Their mingled scent of sweat and sex was like the best cologne ever invented.
When Leo collapsed, he turned them onto their sides. Still inside him, his lover didn’t
let go. Instead, he moved one hand behind his head and pressed them even more closely
together.
That was exactly where Felix wanted to be. Maybe even for a lot longer than the ten
days they were going to have.
* * * *
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
20
Leo hated the stupid counselling. He’d been doing so well while Felix kept him
company yesterday. Not a single angry episode in sight. And last night had blown his mind.
The guy may have looked more like a bookworm than a stud, but he was dynamite in bed.
Leo had never had a more responsive lover.
Now it was Monday morning and he was back to reality. He’d easily found the office of
his assigned personal counsellor. His name was Emilio Scarpino, he was of Italian descent,
and had been with the FOSK Foundation for over five years. He also looked like he loved his
food. With a round face, deep black hair and bright blue eyes, he exuded calm and
relaxation.
After exchanging some basic personal details, Emilio leant back in his chair and started
with the questions. Why was Leo here? What did he hope to achieve? Was he more
comfortable with one-on-one sessions or group therapy? Heaven save him from group
discussions had been his reply. Emilio grinned.
Next, Emilio presented him with a checklist containing the signs of problem anger. Leo
stared at it in mute horror. Of the thirty apparently most common signs, he had to admit to
showing at least half on a regular basis. Road rage? Sure. Sarcasm? Yep. Throwing things?
Slamming doors? Yelling? Body tension? Of course.
Emilio just nodded when he returned the list.
“I think it’s great you’re being honest.” Emilio put the list into a manila file folder.
“That’s a huge step in the right direction. What we’re going to try to figure out in the next
few days is what the cause for your anger is. Then we’ll try to identify the triggers. Once we
know what they are, we can teach you ways to manage, reduce and control them.”
“All in ten days?” He suddenly felt totally overwhelmed.
“It’ll be a beginning.” Emilio shrugged. “I’m not saying we can solve all your problems,
but we can make a good start. You’ll probably need a support group closer to home.”
“Like Anger Anonymous or something?” He was never going to live this down.
“Not exactly. They’re called Emotions Anonymous.” Emilio smiled, which made him
look a lot more approachable. “We’ll talk about next steps at the end of your stay.”
“I guess I have my work cut out for me.” He was going to give it his best shot. After all,
what was the point in coming here if he didn’t?
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
21
By Wednesday he was ready to kill someone. He’d managed to keep his rising anger
well hidden from everyone. Now that he knew what signs they were looking for, it wasn’t
difficult. Talking about his personal life, his career, what he wanted to achieve was
exhausting work. There was usually more than one counsellor around, and between them
and the other participants, he was under constant observation.
He now knew that his key issue lay in the loss of control his change of jobs had caused.
As head of the rock band’s security detail, he’d been the one in charge—in control of his team
and his environment. Running a small business, even though he’d craved the independence
and better hours, was very different. He was now at the mercy of the economy, his clients
and, worst of all, his banker. The man had driven him crazy with his formality and insistence
on documented proof of everything.
Knowing the problem and solving it were two different things. He had a long way to
go, and the evening sessions and his exhaustion had prevented having another meeting with
Felix. The guy’s calming influence had been amazing. Leo was curious to see if this was still
the case. Maybe he needed someone like Felix around to help him deal with the changes in
his life.
Not that Felix was any less busy. At least he got to see him during most meal times. His
lover looked harried and stressed out, got into frequent trouble with other guests, and hadn’t
managed to get a single order right. Leo never said anything because he didn’t want to add
to the guy’s problems, but he was beginning to wonder why he was a waiter. Maybe he had
no choice?
Determined to find out more, he decided not to attend tonight’s class. It was a useless
group therapy thing anyway. Listening to other people’s problems was supposed to put his
own into perspective, but it certainly hadn’t worked for him so far. None of them had to deal
with his issues, so how could they possibly help?
No, what he needed was a private session with Felix. Not even necessarily for the sex,
although that would be a nice bonus. He wanted to find out about Felix’s background, get to
know him a little better. Never before had he been interested in a permanent relationship,
but it might be just what he needed.
“Will there be anything else?” Felix put down the cup of coffee with a slightly shaking
hand.
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
22
“I’d really like to see you tonight.” He’d blurted it out without thinking, but the smile
that spread on Felix’s face was answer enough.
“I’d love that.” Felix sighed. “But I won’t be done here much before midnight and I’m
really tired. I don’t know if I’ll be good company.”
“Are you trying to talk yourself out of a date?” He raised his eyebrows.
“I… No, I guess I wouldn’t want to do that.” Felix grinned, but his eyes were tired.
“Good. Then I’ll see you whenever you’re done.” He wanted to reach out and hug
Felix, but that might have drawn unwanted attention. “I look forward to it.”
“Me too.” Felix smiled. “Thank you.”
That one smile, the grateful look and the slightly less tired way in which Felix walked
over to the next table, had been more than worth it. Leo had no idea why, but making Felix
happy was somehow helping him feel better about himself.
How weird was that?
* * * *
Leo was ready when the knock came. Like on Sunday, it was just before midnight. He
went to open the door with a smile on his face. Felix had looked like he needed some
relaxation earlier tonight, and he was going to make sure he got it. Dressed only in his robe,
he was ready.
“Hi.” Felix had dark rings under his eyes. “I’m not sure this is going to work. I’m really,
really tired.”
“Hey, you. Come on in.” He held out his hand and pulled the smaller man inside.
He took him into his arms and held him for a few minutes. Felix resisted at first, but
after a while he sighed and relaxed into the embrace.
“That feels better, doesn’t it?” He pulled back.
Felix blinked up at him, eyes still mostly closed, and nodded. He might have already
been half asleep, but he looked as cute as ever. Leo took his glasses, deposited them on the
dresser and moved him towards the bathroom.
“What…” Felix stopped walking when he saw the filled bath.
A few candles illuminated the bathroom and Leo switched off the ceiling light in the
room to let Felix’s eyes rest. He slowly undressed his speechless lover, enjoying the silence
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
23
between them. When Felix was naked he added some bath oils he’d bought in the little
village shop, pointed at the bath and Felix obeyed without another word. He leant back in
the warm water and exhaled.
“Thank you.” Felix opened his eyes and held out his hand.
“You’re welcome.” Leo knelt next to the bathtub to keep his lover company.
Even just holding hands like this was nice. Well, he was also enjoying the view of the
perfectly toned body relaxing in the water. His lover’s cock had started to harden a few
minutes in and he decided to help it along. A good orgasm would do wonders to help Felix
fall asleep, he was sure. Washing the rest of his body first with the help of a soft wash cloth,
he left the tempting organ alone until he was all done. Hard as a rock himself, he suppressed
his own need. This was about Felix.
Leo added a little more bath oil to his hand, enclosed the half-hard cock in his fist and
started jacking Felix off.
“What?” Felix’s eyes flew open and he tried to sit up.
“Shhh. Let me take care of you.” He pushed him back down with his free hand. “Just
relax and enjoy.”
“Mhm.” Felix gave in with a small smile as he sank back into the water. “Good.”
Leo grinned and continued what he’d been doing. As Felix’s breaths quickened, he
increased the pressure and speed of his hand. Running his thumb over the top of the now
fully hard cock made Felix gasp, and his lover was soon bucking his hips, sloshing water
everywhere.
It was a good thing he was wearing his robe.
With a final jerk, Felix came. Spraying cum everywhere, he shuddered through his
release and almost slid underwater when he was done. Leo rinsed his hand, lifted his lover
out and wrapped him in a towel. Felix leaned against him, a happy smile on his face.
Leo dried him off and carried him over to the bed, tucking him in for good measure.
Deep breaths confirmed that Felix was well on his way to falling asleep. Cleaning up the
bathroom and blowing out the candles only took moments. He walked back to the bed, took
off his robe and crawled under the covers.
“Thank you.” Felix rolled towards him, cuddling into his side as he sighed happily.
“You’re welcome, baby.” He grinned at himself.
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
24
This wasn’t what he’d pictured when he’d decided he needed some personal time with
Felix. Somehow it was a lot better than that.
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
25
Chapter Three
Felix woke with a start. There was someone in the bed with him. Strong arms wrapped
around his middle and his nose was buried in a well-muscled, slightly hairy chest. The
musky odour of sleeping man tickled his nostrils. He opened his eyes, the view of a hotel
room reminding him of what had happened last night. Leo!
He slowly tilted his head upwards to let his gaze roam over his lover’s face. The strong
beard growth had left a respectable shadow on Leo’s cheeks, and his thick lashes framed the
still closed eyes. He’d thrown off the sheets, so that half his upper body was visible in the
first rays of the sun.
Felix sighed. He was so attracted to Leo, he didn’t know what he’d do once he had to
leave. His idea about having a quick romp to try to get over Victor had backfired. Leo was far
too nice, on top of totally gorgeous, to ever be just a romp. The way he’d taken care of Felix
last night had been a total surprise. It was the first time any of his lovers had shown him that
much selfless support.
But would he be interested in a relationship?
“What are you frowning about?” Leo’s voice was gravelly from sleep.
“Nothing.” Felix looked up into twinkling brown eyes.
Man, he was falling so hard. But was he ready to take a huge risk? Victor had seemed
nice in the beginning, caring even. That was before he’d turned abusive. Leo had anger issues
so things weren’t perfect, but at least he was trying to do something about them. And he’d
never blown up in Felix’s presence, so maybe the problem was only work-related? Shit, was
he trying to make excuses already?
“It looks like more than nothing, baby.” Leo bent down and placed kisses all over his
forehead, as if trying to smooth the lines away.
“I was just thinking.” Felix smiled. There was no point in talking about it—he’d have to
see how things went over the next few days. After all, they still had some time before Leo
had to go home.
“Work?” Leo tightened his embrace.
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
26
“Yeah.” He shrugged. “I’m sorry I was so exhausted last night, but this job just seems to
take all my energy and I have nothing left at the end of the day. It was so nice of you to take
care of me like you did. Thank you.”
“You’re very welcome.” Leo smiled and kissed his lips.
He wanted more, but the radio clock on the nightstand insisted it was time to get up.
“I wish I could stay, but I have to be at the restaurant in an hour, and I still have to go
back to my room and get ready.” He pulled back.
“I know. I have to get ready for the damned workshop on anger triggers as well.” Leo
nodded. “Can I see you again tonight?”
“Even though I’ll be dead on my feet again?” How did he get so lucky?
“That doesn’t matter. I just want to see you. Maybe we can talk a little? I’d like to find
out more about you, if that’s okay.” Leo’s eyes were big and hopeful.
“Really?” He did a little mental victory dance. It looked like his interest wasn’t one-
sided at all.
“Yeah. Not that talking is all we have to do.” Leo wriggled his eyebrows.
“Okay.” Felix laughed and kissed Leo on the nose.
Suddenly, facing another day of struggling to get his—hopefully temporary—job done
without causing too many problems didn’t seem so bad anymore.
* * * *
Felix was so ready for his shift to be over. When he was finally done with helping his
colleagues set up for breakfast, he wanted to run all the way to Leo’s room. Making himself
walk instead was a lot harder than he’d thought possible.
There was a long pause after he knocked on the door. Had Leo gone to bed? But why
was the light still on? He knocked again, just in case.
The door opened and Leo stepped back, not saying a word. His forehead was wrinkled,
his eyes blazed with anger and his mouth was a narrow white line, the luscious lips pressed
so tightly together they must have hurt.
“What’s wrong?” Felix was almost afraid to go in.
This was what Victor had usually looked like before he started… I’m not going to think
about that. Leo wasn’t Victor, and Felix needed to get over the whole stupid episode. Wasn’t
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
27
that why he’d started something with Leo in the first place? Granted, he’d never thought it
would develop beyond the physical, but it had. So, he was going to face his fears, once and
for all. Entering his lover’s room still wasn’t easy. The slight bang of the door closing behind
him sounded way too final. He swallowed and turned to face Leo.
“Sorry. Just had some bad news.” Leo’s voice was close to a growl and he didn’t look at
him as he pointed at the bed.
“You want to talk about it?” Felix sat down. At least he knew what was wrong.
“Why the fuck does everyone around here always want to talk about everything?”
Leo’s head snapped up as he sat next to Felix. “Like that’s going to help.”
“Huh? I just thought… Never mind.” Maybe it would be better to let Leo cool off first.
He’d half risen when Leo grabbed his wrist and pulled him back down. Shit, the guy
was strong.
“Sorry. Again.” Leo looked away.
He let go of Felix’s wrist and took a few deep breaths.
“It’s just that I’m not sure you want to hear about my problems.” Leo scrubbed his face
with both hands. “This isn’t what I’d imagined we’d be talking about to get to know each
other better.”
“I guess not.” He chuckled, feeling better because Leo seemed to have regained some
control. “But that’s life, isn’t it?”
“A sum of problems?” Leo grinned half-heartedly, dropping his hands into his lap.
“Amongst other things.” He leant back and took a deep breath himself. “So, if you
really don’t want to talk about it, that’s fine. I’m just not sure how you’ll be able to focus on
anything else. You look seriously upset about whatever it was.”
“That’s because I am seriously upset. And that’s putting it politely.” Leo fisted his
hands. “We’ve never talked about what we do for a living. Well, it’s kind of obvious what
you do, I guess.”
“At the moment.” He just hoped he wasn’t stuck being a waiter. But this wasn’t the
time to talk about his issues.
Leo’s eyes widened.
“I thought there was something more to you than what the eye can see.” Leo grinned.
“But we can get back to that later.”
“Sure.” Or maybe not? “I bet I can guess what your line of work is, though.”
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
28
“You can?” Leo’s eyebrows went up.
“Security.” Really, with a fit body like that? It was either that or Leo was some sort of
athlete Felix had never heard of.
“I’ll be damned.” Leo drew back, staring at him open-mouthed. “How did you know?”
“Lucky guess?” Felix smiled when Leo’s eyes narrowed. “Really, I had no idea. You just
look like a bodyguard or something.”
“That’s what I used to be.” Leo rubbed his temples. “Maybe that’s what I should have
continued to do. It was a lot less stressful.”
“Being a bodyguard wasn’t stressful?” He couldn’t imagine many things that required
being more alert at all times than being responsible for someone’s life. “You must have
nerves of steel!”
“Not really. I used to be a bodyguard for a rock band then became their head security
guy. I didn’t see it as stress because I was in control.” Leo sighed. “The problem was that the
hours were horrible, we were almost constantly on the road, and, in the end, I got bored.”
“So what did you do?” He couldn’t imagine getting bored with travelling, but maybe
that was because he’d never done much of it.
“I have this long-time friend, Ivan, who wanted to set up a company selling security
equipment. He’d just got discharged from the army and wanted to put his expertise to good
use. He wanted me to add my knowledge about personal security and ‘body guarding’, as he
calls it. I liked the idea of being our own bosses and thought the hours would be a lot better.
Not that they have been, but at least there’s very little travel involved so far.”
“Sounds good.” Felix tried to look encouraging. He wanted to know more.
“A little over a year ago, we started this company together, Secure You. The legal and
financial hoops we had to go through were horrific.” Leo grimaced. “Ivan took it all in stride,
but the forms, rules and procedures really got to me. Especially the banker, pretentious little
prick that he is. He was a right asshole from the very beginning, and has now proven to be
even worse than I feared.”
“What did he do?” Felix felt a little hot under the collar.
“The little fucker decided we weren’t making enough money quickly enough, so he’s
withdrawing the loan.” Leo hit the bed hard enough for the tremors to jostle Felix. “Ivan just
called me to tell me. He wasn’t sure he should interrupt my retreat, but with news like that,
what else could he have done?”
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
29
“I think he was right to tell you.” Felix didn’t want to think about Leo leaving. “What
are you going to do?”
“I need to get back there. Retreat and anger management aside, I’ve got some real
problems now. The business is too new to survive without outside financing, and neither of
us has the expertise to solve this situation.” Leo jumped up and started pacing. “We need to
find help, and damned fast.”
“I could help.” Felix held his breath.
Being in finance was dangerously close to being a banker in most people’s opinion. At
this point, with Leo’s emotions clearly even more volatile than normal, his reaction to the
revelation could go either way.
“You?” Leo spun around and stared at him.
“You were right. I’m not really a waiter.” Felix swallowed, not liking the suspicion
dawning on Leo’s face.
“You’re a banker?” Leo paled as he dropped onto the bed, making everything shake.
“No, I’m not a banker.” Felix shook his head. Judging by the look on Leo’s face he had
about three seconds to make his case. “I’m a finance manager. I know all about budgets,
maybe cost savings and finding—”
“Get out.” Leo had gone very still.
“What?” Felix had hoped he could at least finish his argument.
“Get out, now!” Leo’s voice had risen only slightly. The cold anger blazing from his
eyes was a lot worse than any screaming he could have done. “Before I do something I’ll
regret.”
The disappointment hit Felix hard. Leo wasn’t even going to listen to him. Blinded by
his anger, his current hatred for anything to do with finance, he wasn’t willing to look at
Felix as a possible ally.
“You lied to me about who you really are.” Leo pointed at the door. “I never want to
see you again.”
Well, that was clear.
Felix got up and walked to the door without another word. When it was open, he
looked back one last time.
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
30
Leo’s expression hadn’t changed. His eyes were accusing, his facial expression stern. He
still looked gorgeous, but it was a cruel kind of beauty. Felix opened his mouth to make one
last attempt at healing the rift before it got too wide.
Leo just shook his head.
Felix turned back around and left, closing the door behind him softly. His heart
contracted with the pain and injustice of the situation. He’d finally found someone he
thought he could get close to, only to be found wanting yet again. The rejection hurt as badly
as Victor’s physical blows ever had.
God, he hated being alone.
* * * *
Leo stared at the first rays of the rising sun. The anger inside him had receded a bit
during the hours he’d spent staring at the ceiling. He’d tried to get at least some rest so he
could face the trip back to Albany the next day. It was only about an hour’s drive south, but
he’d wanted to be ready to face Ivan and that asshole banker, Percival Smythe III. Even his
name was pretentious.
No sleep had been forthcoming, though, and now he just felt more exhausted than he
had last night. The lack of sleep wasn’t even the worst of it. As he lay there with nothing but
his own thoughts to keep him busy, he’d realised that he’d made a huge mistake sending
Felix away like that.
Fuck.
The guy had only wanted to help. He clearly wasn’t the same sort of asshole as the
dumbass banker, who probably hadn’t done a selfless thing in his entire life. And damn, but
he could use some financial expertise right now. Ivan and he both needed it.
And what had he done? Chased Felix away. From the look in his lover’s—no, ex-
lover’s—eyes, he’d managed to really hurt him as well. That made him sit up. Was that what
Emilio had meant when he’d said that understanding what his anger did to other people
would be a way of helping him to control it? Apparently, it was called empathy.
The concept hadn’t made much sense at the time. Usually the people who annoyed him
were stupid idiots, or ones he’d never see again. Certainly people he didn’t care about one
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
31
way or the other. Of course, on a theoretical level he’d understood they had feelings, but he’d
never made the connection emotionally.
Now he had, he felt more than awful. Knowing he’d hurt someone he was starting to
care about was very different. He wanted to run and apologise, try to explain. But what was
the point? Felix was well within his rights to refuse to see him again, never mind listen to
what could only be inadequate explanations.
Leo buried his face in his hands. He could only blame himself for having destroyed the
one truly good thing that had happened to him in a very long time. It was a great motivator
for ensuring he stayed on the emotional wagon, so to speak. But damn, why did it have to
hurt so much?
* * * *
A few hours later he’d made arrangements with Emilio for a potential continuation of
the programme at a later date. He’d driven back to Albany and was walking into Ivan’s and
his office, ready to be chewed out for his stupidity. Ivan sat at the wooden desk facing his,
head bent over some files.
“Hi.” Leo dropped into his chair, relieved to have made it.
Ivan looked up and frowned. “Man, you look like shit. What the hell did they do to you
at that retreat? I thought they were supposed to be constructive and helpful?”
“It’s not their fault. It’s mine.” Leo closed his eyes for a moment, trying to get his still
roiling emotions under control. It didn’t work, so he opened them again.
“What?” Ivan’s eyes widened. “Where is the real Leo?”
“Huh?” Leo wasn’t in the mood for games.
“The Leo I know would have blamed everyone else.” Ivan narrowed his eyes.
“Something happened, didn’t it?”
“You could say that.” Leo smiled ruefully. “I met someone.”
“Oho!” Ivan sat up straight. “Tell me more.”
“There’s nothing more to tell. I ruined it all by being stupid and chasing him away in a
fit of anger.” Leo’s heart hurt more every time he thought about Felix.
“Uh-oh, that does sound familiar.” Ivan raked his dark locks. “Do you want to talk
about it?”
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
32
Leo flinched. He still wasn’t comfortable with talking about everything, but his reaction
wasn’t as violent as it had once been. He’d discovered talking did have its uses. He might not
have lost Felix if he’d been ready to talk to him rather than yell at him.
By the time he’d told Ivan the whole story, it sounded even more ridiculous than
before. What the fuck had been wrong with him?
“You do realise that you’re going to have to go back and apologise to Felix, don’t you?”
Ivan held up his hand, effectively stopping him from butting in. “After we get the mess with
Mr. Smythe III cleared up, of course.”
“I’m not sure we can clear that up.” Leo swallowed. “He’s had it in for us from the very
start, and I believe that this threat to withdraw the loan is just a formality. He’s already made
his decision.”
”You don’t know that.” Ivan paled.
“No, I don’t know it for sure. But I have a very strong suspicion.” Leo sighed. “He’s
very clearly a man intent on looking good to his superiors. He’s mentioned his boss and how
important a solid loan portfolio is to him on more than one occasion. With the business plan
not being exactly on track, Secure You is clearly no longer contributing to his potential
promotion. We’ve become a threat, and he’s trying to eliminate us.”
“But we can’t survive without the financing!” Ivan jumped up, but with nowhere to go
just stood there for a moment. “Not for another year, at least.”
“I know.” Leo made his decision. “We’ll go to this meeting Mr. Smythe III has called to
see what he really wants. Assuming that he is going to recall the loan, we’ll need some
alternative financing, right?”
Ivan nodded.
“And you agree that it would take us too long to figure out how to do that with most of
the banks having rejected us originally, and that was in a much better economy? Added to
that, we need to spend our time working on our business, not on filling in applications and
other forms to try to get someone to finance us, right? ”
Ivan nodded again.
“So, I figure I’ll do some heavy-duty grovelling with Felix. I want to apologise
anyway.” It was more like needing to, the longer he thought about it. “And even if he doesn’t
want anything to do with me on a personal level, maybe he’ll be interested in helping us. He
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
33
said he was a finance manger, so he’s bound to be better at this stuff than we are. And who
knows? A project like this might help him get back to where he wants to be professionally.”
“You really think you can convince him to help?” Ivan sat back down, a little colour
returning to his cheeks.
“I don’t know if I can or not.” Leo sighed. “But I do know that I have to try. Convincing
him to help us isn’t even the most important thing to me right now.”
“What?” Ivan’s eyes widened.
“Don’t get me wrong. It is important. Hell, it’s our livelihood we’re talking about. I may
have significant savings stashed away for a rainy day, but they’re not going to last forever.
On top of which this company has been our dream, and I’d hate to see that end because of
some asshole who has decided his career is more important than giving us a fair chance.” Leo
took a deep breath. “But apologising to Felix, making things right between us, is way more
important than that.”
“You’ve got it bad, huh?” Ivan grinned from ear to ear.
“I guess I do.” Leo nodded.
He couldn’t even regret it. It just felt right.
* * * *
Leo had never been so nervous in his life. Even the prospect of getting shot in the line of
duty hadn’t been as scary as having to face Felix again.
The meeting with Percival fucking Smythe III had gone as predicted. The banker had
asked them for an updated business plan, financial statements and projections, all of which
they’d handed him. He’d started shaking his head before he’d even finished reading the
stack of papers. He’d informed them it was not good enough and that they had a month to
repay the loan. Their protests had been ineffective, since the small print on their contract did
unfortunately confirm that the fucker was well within his rights.
Leo had held it together long enough to demand a meeting with his boss, which had
been as depressing as the first. Mr. Smythe III had sent them away with a patently false
apology on his lips. What a waste of fucking time that man was!
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
34
Even though it was late, Leo had insisted on getting into his car to drive back to the
retreat, against Ivan’s advice. Felix wouldn’t be done with his shift much before midnight
anyway. He didn’t want Felix to hurt a minute longer than necessary, either.
He was there a couple of hours too early. Not wanting to disturb Felix while he was
working, he took a seat in the reception area, pretending to read magazines he didn’t know
and cared about even less. The waiting was killing him, but he bit his lips and stuck it out.
Felix was worth it.
He walked over to the restaurant a few minutes before midnight. His eyes were drawn
to Felix the second he entered. The slim man looked more tired than usual at the end of his
long day, the dark rings under his eyes as much a sign of his exhaustion as the slow
movements and lack of his usual smile. Felix looked totally dejected.
Shit. He’d done that. He wanted nothing more than to take Felix into his arms and
never let go. Make all his lover’s problems go away and protect him from any further pain.
Knowing he had no right to do that yet—maybe ever—hurt more than he could have
imagined.
There was nothing for it. He had to face the music.
“Felix?” He stepped forward.
“Leo?” Felix lost the little colour he still had and went white as snow. “What are you
doing here?”
“I want to say I’m sorry.” Leo didn’t dare move. Felix looked like he was about to faint.
“Leo…” Felix closed his eyes and went limp.
Moving faster than ever in his life, Leo jumped forward. He barely caught the smaller
man before his head hit the floor.
Fuck! What do I do now?
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
35
Chapter Four
Felix had no idea where he was. A big black hole had replaced his memory and he felt
as weak as a newborn kitten. He focussed on breathing. Very gradually things became
clearer. He was lying flat on his back on some sort of soft surface. His feet were raised by
what felt like pillows and he was covered by a warm blanket.
A large hand was holding one of his and a worried voice was calling his name.
He was too exhausted to reply, so he breathed some more and tried to open his eyes
instead. It seemed like a huge effort, and when he finally succeeded, he was greeted by huge
green eyes that changed from worried to elated within seconds.
“Thank God you’re back.” Leo smiled and squeezed his hand. “I was so worried.”
“What happened?” He moved to sit up and Leo put an arm under his shoulder to help
him. Looking around, he discovered he was on the sofa in reception. Two of his colleagues
and his boss were standing a few feet away, seeming relieved when he smiled at them.
“Are you okay now?” His boss glanced at the door, clearly ready to go home.
“Yeah, I’ll be fine. I just forgot to have dinner.” Felix rubbed his forehead, trying to
dispel the minor headache.
His boss nodded then turned on her heel and left, his two colleagues in tow. What was
he doing here? Last thing he remembered was being in the restaurant, almost finished, and
looking forward to some much needed sleep.
“Oh, God. You came back.” He withdrew his hand from Leo’s without thinking as he
remembered their last encounter and how it had ended.
Leo’s grin vanished and he looked at the floor. “You remember now.” Leo withdrew
physically by sitting on one of the easy chairs next to the sofa.
“Why are you here?” He didn’t want Leo to be so far away. And that was absurd,
because Leo had hurt him so badly with his violent rejection. But the fact that he was here
had to mean something, didn’t it? His heart started beating faster as he started hoping.
“I wanted to apologise to you. I’m so sorry for what I did, for how I reacted. It was spur
of the moment and inexcusable.” Leo rubbed his hands on his massive thighs, as if to dry
them. “I couldn’t stand the thought of you not knowing how sorry I am.”
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
36
“I believe you.” He was relieved that Leo was able to see how much he’d hurt him. “But
why did you reject my offer of help? Don’t you trust me?”
“I never rejected your offer of help.” Leo’s eyes widened.
“It sure felt like it.”
“What really floored me was that you’re a finance guy.” Leo wrung his hands. “My
experience with bankers and finance people isn’t exactly good. And our current banker
withdrawing the business loan didn’t help. I was so angry about that, I didn’t even think. I’m
really sorry I hurt you like that.”
“So what do you want to do about it?” Felix leant back, suddenly needing the support.
“Well, for one thing I’ve realised that my angry reactions can hurt others. That will go a
long way towards ensuring I never let myself go like that again.” Leo took a deep breath.
“I’ve also realised I was stupid to assume all finance people are assholes like our banker. We
really need your expertise. Would you please consider helping us find alternative financing?
We can never do this within one month and keep the business going at the same time.”
“That’s why you came here?” God, that was almost worse. Being wanted for his
financial skills was nice, but he’d stupidly hoped for so much more with Leo.
“No, but that’s part of it. The part I hoped was going to be easier as a starting point for
getting back what I really want.” Leo swallowed. “What I need more than I ever thought
possible.”
“And what’s that?” Felix was afraid the spell would break if he moved.
“What I really need is you.” Leo looked him straight in the eyes now. “I was beginning
to really care for you, and what I want more than anything is a chance to explore what we
have together.”
“More than to save your business?”
“Much more.” Leo hadn’t even hesitated.
Was he going to take the risk? True, there were some superficial similarities between
Victor the weasel and Leo, but Leo had never got violent with him. He didn’t believe Leo
ever would, either.
He also wanted to have Leo back. The way the powerful man had taken care of him that
one evening, when he’d really needed it, had been wonderful. He’d bet that it was a side of
Leo not many people even knew existed. And despite everything, when it came right down
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
37
to it, he trusted Leo on a very basic level. Nobody who was ready to lay his life on the line to
protect someone else could be all bad.
“I want that too.” Felix blinked, his eyes suddenly too moist for his liking.
“You do?” Leo didn’t move. “Really?”
“Yes, really.” He opened his arms to make it perfectly clear.
Leo jumped up from his seat, slid his arms under Felix’s thighs and behind his
shoulders and lifted him onto his lap. The force of his embrace was enough to make Felix feel
like he was being crushed, but he didn’t mind. He was in Leo’s arms again—that was all that
mattered.
Leo peppered his face with kisses before zeroing in on his mouth. Hot lips touched his,
followed by Leo’s tongue, and he opened to him without hesitation. The strong, dark flavour
of Leo flooded his mouth. Added to the scent of sweat and the warmth of his lover’s arms
around him it was pure heaven.
It also made him hard faster than he realised, his work pants suddenly way too tight for
comfort. He wriggled a little to try to become more comfortable. It made Leo moan and pull
back from the kiss.
“If you keep doing that, baby, I’m going to come in my pants.” Leo winked. “Not that
there’s anything wrong with that, but I’d rather do that in a more private setting.”
“I’d like that.” Felix still felt too weak to walk, but getting fucked didn’t exactly require
him to stand up. “I may need some sort of food before we take off, though. I wasn’t joking
when I told my boss I’d forgotten about dinner. It was just too busy tonight.”
“Can we raid the kitchen?” Leo’s eyes twinkled.
“We may be able to get in there.” He grinned, feeling like a naughty child when he
pulled the keys from his pants pocket.
Before he knew what had happened, he was lifted and carried into the restaurant. God,
his lover was strong. It was such a turn-on. Leo put him into a chair at a table right next to
the kitchen entrance and held out his hand for the keys.
“I can…” Felix was about to get up when a stern look convinced him he was better off
sitting back and letting Leo take charge.
“I know you can. I just want to spoil you a little after everything I’ve put you through.
Please let me?” Leo looked adorable when he was begging.
Felix handed him the keys with a smile.
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
38
“Just a sandwich will be fine.” He sat back and watched Leo’s ass move in his tight
shorts as his lover unlocked the kitchen door, switched on the lights and vanished inside.
This was totally against regulations, but he couldn’t care less. Leo wouldn’t leave a mess, and
he really did need to eat something.
He leaned his head back against the wall, closing his eyes for a moment. The next thing
he knew there was the scent of tomato soup, and a soft clicking noise indicating some plates
being put on the table. He opened his eyes to see a bowl of soup right in front of his nose.
There were also at least six grilled cheese sandwiches stacked on a plate in the middle of the
table.
“Dig in.” A grinning Leo took the chair catty-corner to his as he put some cans of soda
next to him. “I wasn’t sure what you’d like, so I brought a selection.”
“Wow. You made me comfort food.” Felix smiled as he picked up the spoon.
“I was hoping you like them as much as I do.” Leo took a can, opened it and gulped
half its contents in one go.
He was so cute when he was embarrassed.
“But there’s no way I can eat all of it.” He could maybe eat two or three of the
sandwiches, not six. “You’ll have to help me.”
“The sacrifices I make to keep you happy.” Leo rolled his eyes dramatically, but his
twitching lips gave him away.
The food was quickly devoured. Leo refused to let him help with the cleanup then
proceeded to carry him to the employees’ annex. His room was small, but Leo had checked
out of the hotel, so it was all they had. Not that it mattered—they were naked and under the
covers in record time.
“So tired.” He yawned as he cuddled into Leo’s arms. He suddenly wasn’t so sure he
was up to anything more than closing his eyes. He’d barely slept last night, too upset with
Leo’s rejection. “Missed you.”
“I missed you too.” Leo tightened his arms around him and kissed the top of his head.
“Get some sleep, baby.”
“But I really want to make love to you.” He tried to open his eyes but his lids were
suddenly too heavy to cooperate.
“We’re not in a rush anymore. There’s always tomorrow.” Leo kissed him again.
Yeah, and that was the best part about having Leo back.
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
39
* * * *
A few weeks later…
“You did it!” Leo clicked the speaker phone off and beamed at Felix. “You really got us
the money from that venture capital company.”
Oral confirmation of the agreement had been given, and as the fax started to hum in the
corner, he was sure the written version was now on its way as well. He wanted to kiss his
lover, but the meeting room wasn’t the place for that. Not the way he intended to kiss him,
and not with Ivan and Sheila, their secretary, around anyway.
“Looks like it.” Felix grinned as he closed the file in front of him.
“Thank you so much for your help.” Ivan reached across the massive conference table
to shake Felix’s hand. “We couldn’t have done it without you.”
“You’re welcome.” Felix smiled. “It’s good to see I’m not entirely out of practice.”
“Time to celebrate, huh?” Leo winked at Felix, just to see his lover blush.
There wasn’t much they hadn’t done together since they’d returned from the retreat,
but Felix was still adorably shy about admitting some of the things he really liked. He also
almost never asked for anything and Leo talking dirty to him always had him wound up in
no time. He was intending to put all of that to good use this afternoon.
“I guess that’s our cue.” Ivan nodded then looked at Sheila. “Since we’re declaring this
a company holiday, we better get out of here.”
“You mean I can go home?” Sheila looked delighted, grabbed her stuff and was gone
with only a quick smile at Leo.
Ivan was right on her heels, closing the door behind him.
“Whatever shall we do with an empty conference room?” Leo turned towards Felix.
“I have no idea.” Felix grinned back. “I assume we have to leave now, so we don’t
break the rules by working during a company holiday?”
“I was hoping we could make an exception.” Leo took the rest of the papers. “If you let
me file these, I’ll be right back to explain my plan to you.”
“There is a plan?” Felix slid back in his chair and spread his legs. “Bring it on.”
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
40
Leo turned and ran to his office before he lost it, gave up on his plan and ravaged Felix
right then and there. The documents were thrown into a drawer haphazardly. Proper filing
could wait. He pulled the small velvet-covered box from his top drawer, enclosing it in his
right hand. He grabbed a packet of lube and the condom he’d stashed next to it and
deposited those in his left pants pocket. Taking a deep breath for courage, he made his way
back to the conference room, locking the outside door to their office suite on the way. This
wasn’t going to be a public meeting, and he wanted no interruptions.
Felix was still sprawling in the chair, a come-hither look on his face. One hand was
provocatively rubbing the distinct bulge between his thighs through the fabric, and he’d
taken off his glasses.
“I like the way your mind works, baby.” Leo stepped between the V of his lover’s legs
and went down on one knee, holding his right hand tightly closed.
Felix raised his eyebrows and started to sit up.
“No, stay just where you are.” Leo put his left hand on Felix’s thigh. “I love it when you
display yourself like this for me.”
Felix blushed beet red.
God, he was so adorable.
“I think it’s time to let you know how much you mean to me.” Leo swallowed, trying to
free his throat of the sudden lump of emotion that was making speech difficult. “You’ve
come into my life and changed everything for the better. Not just because you made me
realise how much my anger was hurting other people. You’ve held my hand through the
initial steps of actually controlling it. You’ve been more patient with me than I deserve,
stayed with me every step of the way. I’m more grateful for that than I can say. But, as
wonderful as that is, it isn’t the only reason I love you.”
“You love me?” Felix’s eyes widened as a happy smile pushed his lips up.
“I love you more than I can say. I know it’s early, we’ve been together for only a month,
but I wanted you to know.” He grinned. “Actually, I can’t keep it inside anymore. You mean
so much more to me than I can say with words. So, I got something for you.”
He opened his fist and held out his hand, the small box sitting on his palm.
“I love you too.” Felix moved forward and threw his arms around Leo’s neck, pulling
him closer. “So much!”
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
41
“Thank God!” Leo slid his arms around his lover’s waist, depositing the box on the
table behind him.
Never mind his plan, this was more important. Their lips met and Felix’s exhale
caressed his skin. The heat coming from Felix’s mouth as their tongues stroked each other,
the soft whimpers he made as their kiss deepened, and the way his smaller body tried to melt
into him made Leo almost painfully hard. He slid his hand to the back of his lover’s head to
hold him in place, and put all the love and passion he felt for him into the kiss.
When they came up for air, Felix’s pupils were dilated, his cheeks were flushed and his
hair was mussed from Leo’s caresses. He was the picture of wantonness, and Leo loved it
when Felix let go enough to let him see this side of him.
Without saying another word, they started tearing each other’s clothes off. Leo only
made sure their shirts were flat on the table, so he could push Felix with his back on top of
them. Running his hands down his lover’s flanks, then around to the insides of his thighs, he
spread Felix’s legs and stepped between them.
Felix’s cock was already hard, the shaft straining upward along his flat abdomen. He
bent forwards and licked the tip.
“Yes.” Felix’s head dropped back onto the table as his hips bucked.
Leo licked around the swollen cock head, then closed his lips around the hard shaft and
sucked until Felix whimpered. Letting go of the erection, he went to his knees so he could
lick the balls Felix kept shaved for him. He loved the feeling of the tender skin under his
tongue, the scent of musk when he buried his nose into the ball sac. He held Felix’s thighs
apart when he moved lower still, licking across the tempting pucker.
Felix grabbed his legs behind his knees, bringing his feet flat onto the table in an
unspoken invitation.
Leo moaned. His lover’s hole was now clearly displayed and he didn’t even try to
resist. He licked across it again and again, until Felix started pushing his hips upwards in an
attempt to get him to do more. Stabbing inside with his pointed tongue made Felix yell the
first time he did it. So he repeated the motion, tongue fucking the clenching opening until
Felix went limp with need. He added a finger, finding his lover’s prostate on the first try, and
Felix howled as he came.
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
42
Leo wanted to see Felix come apart, so he stayed where he was, giving him as much
pleasure as possible. When Felix came down from his high, still breathing hard, Leo lubed
his fingers and started preparing him for more.
“Please.” Felix’s voice was raspy, his thighs were trembling, and when Leo rose to look
into his face, there was nothing but bliss in his expression.
“Please what, baby?” Leo withdrew his fingers to sheathe himself.
“Oh God, Leo. You’re going to make me say it, aren’t you?” Felix’s eyes opened and he
looked adorably desperate.
“It makes me so hot when you tell me what you want.” Leo was done with the
preparations and stepped close enough to put the tip of his aching cock at Felix’s hole.
“It does?” Felix smiled.
“Yeah.” He wasn’t above begging either.
“Please fuck me, baby.” Felix pushed his ass towards him. “Fuck me hard.”
“Felix!” Leo pushed forward, past the first ring of muscles, barely being able to stop to
give Felix time to adjust.
“Don’t stop!” Felix looked desperate as he slid his legs around Leo’s hips, using them to
pull Leo in. “I won’t break.”
Leo pushed all the way in, trying to go as slow as possible. Felix had other ideas. He
bucked up and fully impaled himself onto Leo’s cock. He groaned as the tight heat enclosed
him, the pressure making his need to move impossible to ignore.
He tried to keep his thrusts slow, but Felix tightened his muscles and it was too much.
He reached for his lover’s shoulders to hold him in place and started fucking him with deep,
fast strokes that made them both moan.
“Yes!” Felix grabbed his face and pulled him down. “Fuck me, just like that.”
Leo dived into the kiss, thrusting his tongue into Felix’s mouth in sync with the
snapping of his hips. The tingles at the base of his spine spread to his balls then raced up into
his brain. He was seconds from coming when Felix stiffened and started coming, entirely
untouched.
Leo lost it. Pushing into the tightness with the last of his energy, he let the intense
waves of pleasure take over and came. Still shuddering from his orgasm, he collapsed onto
Felix, bracing some of his weight on his elbows as he buried his face in Felix’s neck.
The scent of sweat and cum almost made him hard again.
SAVING THE BODYGUARD
Serena Yates
43
“Wow.” Felix recovered his breath first this time. “I’ve always wondered what it would
be like to make love on this table.”
“You have?” Leo lifted his head and looked into his lover’s grinning face.
“Yeah.” Felix blushed and looked to the side where the little black box lay unopened.
“Just like I was wondering what’s in there.”
“So you didn’t forget?” Leo grinned and pulled out, dealt with the condom and used
his shirt to clean them up a little. There was always a spare in his office.
He pulled Felix up and handed him the box.
Felix opened it and stared at the house key that lay on the dark velvet cushion.
“You mean it?” Felix looked up, a tear in one eye.
“With all my heart.” He pulled his trembling lover into his arms. “I want to spend even
more time with you than we have so far. You’ve saved me from my fate as an angry, bitter
man, and have shown me so much love. I want to share my life with you.”
“Thank you so much.” Felix kissed him on the lips. “Thank you for making my dream
come true.”
“Anytime, baby.” Leo kissed Felix back. “Any time at all.”
About the Author
I’m a night owl who starts writing when everyone else in my time zone is asleep. I’ve
loved reading all my life and spent most of my childhood with my nose buried in a
book. Although I always wanted to be a writer, financial independence came first.
Twenty-some years and a successful business career later I took some online writing
classes and never looked back.
Living and working in seven countries has taught me that there's more than one way
to get things done. It has instilled tremendous respect for the many different cultures,
beliefs, attitudes and preferences that exist on our planet.
I like exploring those differences in my stories, most of which happen to be romances.
My characters have a tendency to want to do their own thing, so I often have to rein
them back in. The one thing we all agree on is the desire for a happy ending.
I currently live in the United Kingdom, sharing my house with a vast collection of
books. I like reading, travelling, spending time with my nieces and listening to
classical music. I have a passion for science and learning new languages.
Serena loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and
author biography at
.
Also by Serena Yates
Scrolls of Vengeance: The Magic Thieves
New Horizons: Supporting the Director
New Horizons: Encouraging the Writer
New Horizons: Discovering the Actor
New Horizons: Rescuing the Librarian
Men of Riverside: Saving Zeke
Men of Riverside: Understanding Mark
Men of Riverside: Rediscovering Adrian
Men of Riverside: Finding Elliot
Mi Amore: Max’s Italian Romance
Stealing My Heart: The Magic Thieves
Also by Serena Yates and AJ Llewellyn
Elemental Superpowers: The Cake
Total-E-Bound Publishing
www.total-e-bound.com
Take a look at our exciting range of literagasmic™
erotic romance titles and discover pure quality
at Total-E-Bound.