Free Signed and Sealed by B.A. Stretke

Will hard and exacting, conveying a promise and a need for much more. It was brief yet mind-numbing. Will’s brazen disregard for Eli’s authority, his attitude of unyielding independence, and his ability to melt in Eli’s arms caused a level of arousal in Elijah that was slow to subside. This morning, in Will’s room, Eli had wanted to put his arm around him, but he knew Will would not have allowed it. His words had put up a solid wall between them. Will was so distant from him that he wasn’t even sure he was aware that he was in the room. The way he ignored him and stared at the floor rattled him so much that he immediately apologized in hopes of getting him to at least look at him again. Elijah couldn’t remember the last time he’d ever apologized to anyone. He wasn’t sure he ever had. Will was at least looking at him now. He was as mad as hell, but he could see him.

    “I was too harsh; I didn’t mean what I said. You’re not my prisoner, Will. You’re my guest and my responsibility. Whether you like it or not,” Eli said all-too-knowingly.

    “Yes, sir,” Will responded as coolly as he could, considering his face was flushed and his body heated by Eli’s embrace. “But let it be known that I really don’t like you.”

    Will mentally pulled himself together and looked up at him. Eli smiled and stepped back from him. He seemed calmer all of a sudden.

    “Get in,” he commanded after stowing Will’s bags and opening the door.

    “I have my own car,” he said bitterly.

    “Don’t worry. I will have it brought back to the ranch for you. For now, I want you with me,” Eli said firmly. Will conceded, and they were soon on their way.

    “ Did you really think that I had left for good?” Will asked after they had been driving for a while in silence.

    “Yes.” Eli gave him a quick glance, daring him to deny his intent.

    “I admit it did cross my mind, but I fully intended to be back by seven.”

    Eli said nothing and continued to stare at the road ahead.

    “I agreed, and I will fulfill my obligation to you,” Will added.

    “Your obligation?” He snorted. “You could try to enjoy yourself.” He gave an exasperated grunt. “Why don’t you treat this like a vacation? Make the most of your time here?”

    Will started to laugh. This was the second time someone referred to his time here as a vacation. People in Montana must have very strange ideas of vacations if they thought this was one.

    “Sure, while I’m here on my very short leash, I will try to enjoy myself and treat it all like a vacation.” His sarcasm made Eli laugh. It was strong and genuine and filled the car.

    “You could try,” he stated with suppressed humor.

    “I promise to give it my all.” He said it jokingly, but the look on Eli’s face when he turned to regard Will was very serious.

    “I’ll try to be a better host,” he stated with what sounded like real sincerity.

    He wanted Eli, Will admitted to himself, but there had to be more to it than that. Jumping into bed with the first hot guy he saw was not William’s style; he wanted love, a real relationship. He didn’t even know this man, and most of what he did know, he didn’t like. Still, he was ready to give him everything, every part of his being. Never once did he feel any of this with George; their relationship should never have been taken further than friendship. After two and a half years with George, he never felt compelled to give this kind of passion, yet all Elijah needed do was look at him with those dark eyes and all rational thoughts scattered. Have I become so shallow, so pathetic, that my need for a man has driven me to this? No, he discounted that thought immediately. If he were simply needy, then any man would do. He only felt this way with Elijah. It must be the location and the element of danger. He tried to write it all off as normal, considering the circumstances.

    They drove on in silence until Will felt the need to get out of