Read Online Safe in His Arms by Claire Thompson - Free Book Online

to get to bed.‖
    Hank looked up at him with the saddest eyes Russell ever saw. ―Please,‖ Hank
    whispered. ―I can‘t do it alone anymore. I‘m dying inside.‖
    Russell knelt in front of Hank and put his hands firmly on Hank‘s shoulders, lifting
    his body so they were kneeling up, face to face. ―I‘m here,‖ Russell said. ―I won‘t leave
    you.‖
    ―You‘re the only one.‖ Hank‘s voice cracked. He closed his eyes, clearly trying to
    keep himself together. ―I‘ve pushed them all away. The ones who loved me, or tried to.
    You…you came back. Thank you.‖
    Hank lifted a hand and rested it lightly against Russell‘s forearm. Russell could feel
    the tremble in his fingers. He understood the anguish of love lost—he remembered the
    shock and pain of betrayal. Whatever had happened to Hank, whatever part he‘d
    played in his own downward spiral, he was suffering now and Russell‘s heart melted
    with compassion.
    He reached for Hank, wrapping his arms tight around Hank‘s trembling body. ―I
    got you, Hank. I‘m not going anywhere.‖
    He stood, lifting Hank to his feet. They moved together toward the bed and Russell
    lowered himself with Hank still in his arms to the mattress. ―You‘ll stay?‖ Hank
    whispered. Russell nodded, releasing his hold. Hank fell back against the pillows, his
    eyes fixed on Russell. ―Promise?‖
    ―Promise.‖ Russell nodded and smiled. When he turned to take off his boots, Hank
    grabbed his hand, lacing his fingers tightly in Russell‘s, as if to keep him from running
    away.
    ―Hank, it‘s okay. Really. I said I‘ll stay, and I will. I just want to take off my boots
    and get comfortable, okay? Lie back and rest. I won‘t leave you alone. I promise.‖
    Hank fell back against the pillows and let out a deep, exhausted sigh. His grip
    loosened on Russell‘s hand, but he didn‘t let go. Russell stayed beside him, allowing
    Hank to hold on for as long as he needed.
    He watched as Hank‘s eyes fluttered shut, his long, thick lashes shadowing his
    cheek in the half-light from the hallway. He thought about love lost, broken hearts,
    betrayal, dishonesty and the utter loneliness of so many people‘s lives.
    What was Hank‘s story? When he woke up the next morning, the drugs and alcohol
    no longer lowering his defenses, would he still want Russell in his bed? Would he
    remember or admit his vulnerability and his pain? Would he share what had brought
    him so low?
    He sat beside Hank for a long time, until the younger man‘s face softened, his grip
    slackening. Russell gently slipped his fingers free and leaned down to unlace his boots,
    pulling them off, along with his socks. He pulled his shirt over his head and lay down
    beside Hank, who moaned softly but didn‘t open his eyes.
    Slipping his arm beneath Hank‘s shoulder, he pulled him close, feeling the warmth
    of his skin as he held him. Hank‘s body was relaxed against him, his breathing deep
    and slow. Russell stroked Hank‘s thick, soft hair. His body was hard, the weight solid
    and comforting. It felt good to hold him in his arms.
    Russell‘s cock stirred, but he pushed down his desire and closed his eyes. Hank was
    in no condition for anything but rest.
    What the fuck am I doing?
    Russell found he had no clear answer. There was one thing he knew for sure—
    whether or not he wanted to admit it, and in spite of the fact he knew Hank was
    seriously fucked up emotionally. He was falling for the guy—hook, line and sinker.

Chapter 5

    ―Mmmm.‖ Russell‘s cock was gloved in the wet grip of a hot mouth, his balls
    cradled in warm fingers. He drifted between dreams and wakefulness, savoring the
    sensations without being really conscious of who was delivering them.
    ―Ah,‖ he breathed, coming fully awake when Hank circled the base of his cock with
    his hand and lowered his mouth until the tip of Russell‘s cock touched the back of his
    throat. Russell lifted his head from the pillows and stared down