Free Rock 01 - FRET by Sandrine Gasq-DIon Page A

date someone. I’d never know if they’re with me for the fame or what. Besides, I don’t have any experience with men and that was a little scary.”
    “You don’t? But what about before?”
    “No.” Gareth shook his head. “I was always afraid of getting caught. I’ve never…well, you know.” He ducked his head.
    Well, holy tight ass, Batman. Gareth was a man-virgin. The devil on my shoulder reared its ugly head to encourage me, as the angel slapped my rising prick.
    “I don’t know what to say to that,” I admitted.
    “Yeah, I know — the irony. The gay guy’s never been with a guy.”
    “You’ll find the right guy eventually. You’re still young.”
    “Well he’s not going to want to be with me if someone is always trying to off me.”
    “No one is going to hurt you, you got that?” I practically snarled. “I won’t let it happen.”
    Gareth chuckled. “You are so badass, Axel.”
    “Don’t you forget it.” I playfully punched him.
    “Ow.” Gareth rubbed his upper harm and frowned at me.
    ~*~
    I made Gareth stay in the car as I did a sweep of the treehouse. Even though it was twenty feet above the ground, I was still worried someone was going to get by me. The more time I spend with Gareth, the more I like him. I’d heard so many horror stories from other guys about babysitting, I expected Gareth to be the same way. I went back to the car and Gareth unlocked the doors and got out. He was taking my instructions seriously and I was grateful.
    I opened the door and followed him in. He flipped on the kitchen light, opened the fridge and grabbed two water bottles. He handed me one and then propped against the counter, sipping his.
    “So, camping is okay with you? We’re going to be out in the open.”
    I strode across to the big picture window and stared out into the night.
    “I’m fucking ninja.” I smirked. “I’ll be covering a mile in each direction of your camp site.”
    “Do I want to know why?”
    “No.”
    “Axel?”
    “What?”
    “Why did you take this job? I mean, you’re a badass Navy SEAL and you’re protecting some gay kid.”
    “What is that supposed to mean?” I turned to face him.
    “Well, it’s the SEALS. You have to be pretty damned manly to be a SEAL. You know, no gay guys allowed.”
    “Are you serious right now?” I glared at him. “Being gay doesn’t make you weak! It just means you prefer a different hole for fucks sake!”
    “I’m sorry,” Gareth whispered.
    I crossed the room until I was right in his face. Gareth flinched as I grabbed the front of his shirt.
    “Do not ever belittle yourself for who you are. Do you understand me? Being gay doesn’t make you weak, or an abomination. That’s what judgmental assholes say to make themselves feel better about something they could never understand.” I took a step back and smoothed out the front of his shirt. “Just so you know? This badass SEAL? Yeah, he’s gay.”
    I turned on my heel and stalked across the room, slamming the bathroom door behind me. I leaned against the bathroom sink and took a long look in the mirror. Gareth thought I’d hate him or look at him differently just because he’s gay? Hell, either way, his life was worth saving. I hung my head and sighed deeply. There was a soft knock on the door and I cracked it open. Gareth stood there, his eyes glazed as if he were about to cry.
    “What’s wrong?” I opened the door fully.
    “Is that true?”
    The green eyes locked on mine and I swear to God my knees almost buckled. This kid affected me in a way no one else ever had. I found myself wanting things I’d never wanted before. I nodded instead of speaking. Gareth’s shoulders relaxed and he ducked his head to the side.
    “Okay.” He gazed back at me and bit his bottom lip. “I gotta pee.”
    “Oh. Okay.” I stepped around him to let him in.
    “Axel?”
    “Yeah?”
    “Thanks for telling me.”
    “I should have said it sooner, I guess.”
    “Why? Do straight people go