Free Don't Drink the Holy Water by Bailey Bradford

marring of his skin where Axel had nibbled.
    Axel shoved aside his doubts. Something bad had happened to West, that much was clear. He glanced up in time to see West rounding the corner. Axel stood, smiling so big he’d bet he looked like an utter goofball. “Hey, West. How was your day?”
    West blushed and stopped in front of him. “Good. You? When do you have to go back?”
    That was a worrisome thing. Axel would eventually have to go home. But, he had his winnings coming soon. “I was going to leave tomorrow, but I’m thinking I’d like to hang around a while. See more of the city. See more of you.”
    That blush darkened and West lowered his lashes as he licked his lips. “Oh. I’d like that, but—”
    “No buts,” Axel said as he took West’s hand. He didn’t want to hear any arguments for why he shouldn’t stay. “I really like spending time with you, West, and I’m hoping, if we get to know each other and you like me, too, then we can work something out. I’m not but a few hours away from here. Well, five hours or so. We could give this a chance, if you want to.” He’d never moved so fast on a man in his life, but West was different.
    West glanced at him. A timid smile pulled at his lips. “I’d like that.”
    Axel could have let out a whoop and danced with joy. He settled for giving West’s hand a squeeze. “So, about that movie. Do you want popcorn?”
    West looked a little sad. “I can’t. I’m allergic to corn.” A small tic at the corner of his right eye kicked in. “There’s actually a lot of things I can’t eat.”
    Axel looked him over. “Wow, you’re really fit for a guy with a restricted diet. Want to walk or take a cab? The theater’s about half a mile out.”
    “Let’s walk.” West cleared his throat. “And thanks. You’re in good shape too.”
    Axel laughed. “Well, yeah, I bust my butt almost every day.”
    “Are you going to continue competing for years?” West asked as they began to make their way to the theater.
    “Eh, I don’t know, honestly,” Axel answered. “Truthfully, this isn’t a well-known sport and the winning pots aren’t all that great. I have a little money from when my grandma passed away. I’ve been living off that and competing, but that’s going to run out in the next year or so. Sometimes I think I really just need to grow up and get a real job, a real career.”
    “I don’t think you’re not grown up,” West said. “You have a job. It may not pay well, like you said, but lots of people are in the same situation. Working, not earning much. What about sponsors?”
    “I have a few, but that doesn’t pay for more than my traveling costs and hotels. Well, and I get some of my equipment for free.” He shrugged. “Still don’t make much.”
    They walked hand in hand to the theater. Axel was relieved to see that it wasn’t crowded at all. Not surprising on a weeknight. He bought their movie tickets and skipped the popcorn. Since West was allergic, and he wanted to kiss West very badly, the popcorn wasn’t an option.
    Axel got a bottle of water but West declined anything. They entered the theater room for their movie, an action one Axel had been wanting to see. “You like The Rock?”
    “How could I not?” West returned. “Think anyone else is going to show up?”
    There was a hint of strain in West’s voice.
    Axel was paying attention. He frowned, then noted the slightly enlarged bulge at West’s groin. Was West getting hard?
    There was only one way to find out. Axel guided West to the back row of seats. “This okay?”
    “Yeah.” West sat and Axel took a seat beside him.
    Axel looked at him. West had his hands tented over his crotch. “Are you turned on, West?” There weren’t going to be any misunderstandings tonight.
    West’s cheeks darkened. He nodded slightly. “You. It’s just because of you.”
    It might not have sounded like much praise, but Axel knew it really was. West was horny because of him. Him. Even