Unnecessary Roughness (20 page)

His dick plunged into Kyle’s hot mouth. Connor arched his back in reflex and gripped the bedding for the ride.

When his balls were grabbed and massaged, his cock sucked to the root, Connor thought he’d pass out. He choked on his moan and closed his eyes. Kyle was sucking like his dick had just been bitten by a poisonous snake and he had to get the venom out or Connor would die.

He forced his eyes open to look. Kyle was on his knees, his eyes were closed, and he had one hand gripped to the base of Connor’s cock while the other rubbed over his scrotum.

“Jesus!” Connor felt it stirring. “I’m there.”

Kyle jerked in excitement, deepening his sucking and quickening his fisting.

The release was so incredible, Connor was floating. Imagining his spunk in Kyle’s mouth as his dick throbbed, Connor had to grip the bed tighter just to endure the intensity.

Kyle lessened his deep-throating and began lapping Connor’s slit. Seeing his best friend’s tongue licking his dick was too much a fantasy for Connor. He had to pinch himself to believe it was reality. “Holy shit.”

Kyle paused and met Connor’s gaze. He gave Connor a wicked smile.

“You’re fucking fearless.” Connor touched his own chest. He was drenched.

“Me? I’m not the one getting a dick up my ass.” Kyle sat back on his heels and wiped his face. “Christ. What a workout.”

“Shit.” Connor checked the time. “Workout. Practice.”

“Fuck.” Kyle leapt off the bed.

Connor trailed him to the bathroom. They turned on the shower and both jumped in for a quick rinse.

Kyle shut off the water and was about to grab a towel when Connor stopped him. “Wait.”

Kyle appeared nervous. “What? You’re not going to practice are you?”

“No. I am. I just wanted to tell you how incredible you are.”

“Ditto.” Kyle kissed him quickly. “Now let’s get the hell out of here.” As Kyle raced to dry off and get dressed he yelled back, “And I’m driving, no jogging!”

Connor laughed to himself, shaking his head.

It was strange in the locker room. Something had changed. It wasn’t something he could put his finger on, more just a sixth sense.

Connor faced his locker and put his pads on, adjusting his cup. The bruise on his groin was still a yellowish-purple color. Not tender, just discolored.

“You okay?”

Connor peeked up at Kyle. “Yeah.”

“Connor?”

Connor and Kyle looked up at Coach Banks.

“When you finish changing, I’d like a word with you.”

“Okay, Coach.” Connor waited until he left, then muttered, “Shit.”

“Do you want me to go with you?”

“No. I’ll be okay.” Connor continued dressing. As he sat on the bench to pull up his socks, he noticed Donald Mulhouse turn away, as if he’d been watching him. Connor ground his jaw as he thought about Donald’s gossip to Vicky, which led to Hannah, which went on and on…

He closed his locker and held his helmet and stick when he approached Donald. Connor glanced at Kyle and found him witnessing the contact.

“Hey, Don?”

“Yeah?” Donald continued to change into his uniform.

“Next time, let me spread the rumors, okay?”

Donald’s cheeks went red. “Look, I didn’t—”

“Yeah, ya did.” Connor tried to keep calm, but he was about to combust. “You told Vicky that Ross and Kyle had a fight because I’m gay.”

Donald flinched.

“Don’t tell people I’m gay just because you’re paranoid they think you are.”

“No one thinks I’m gay.” Donald turned pale next.

“No? Want to get Kevin Brown’s opinion? He told me you were staring at my ass.”

“I’m engaged. I’m not gay.”

“I don’t care what you are. Just don’t spread shit about me or anyone else. You don’t like it when they do it to you.”

“I’m not gay.”

Connor held up his hand. “Whatever. I don’t give a shit if you are or aren’t.”

Donald looked down sheepishly. “We all know that’s why Ross is after you on the field.”

“Well, you didn’t help matters did ya?” Connor was beginning to feel his anger rising.

“Sorry.”

“Just don’t spread gossip. I don’t need this crap.”

“Connor?”

Connor spun around to Coach Banks. He lowered his head and approached him, seeing Kyle looking more and more worried by the minute.

The coach led the way to his office and opened his door, gesturing for Connor to sit down. Connor leaned his crosse on the desk and dropped heavily into a chair, placing his helmet on his lap.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah.”

“I don’t want you to quit the team.”

Connor shrugged, not meeting his gaze, wondering if his head coach could read his mind.

“I’ve had a talk with Ross. Next personal foul and he’s out.”

Connor rubbed his eyes. The possibility that the coach suspected he was gay was killing him. He preferred the macho jock image, but knew he wasn’t butch like Kyle, and no one bought that macho act from him for a minute.

“Connor, look at me.”

With reluctance, Connor did.

“A player’s personal life is his own business. I don’t give a shit what people do outside this arena. But I do care when it’s about performance on the field.”

“Sorry, Coach.”

“You’ve got nothing to be sorry about. Your skill is outstanding. I don’t want to lose you.”

A lump formed in Connor’s throat. “You won’t.”

“Good.” Coach Banks touched Connor’s arm. “Anything you need to get off your chest?”

His lip began to quiver and his eyes stung.

Coach Banks knelt in front of him. “You okay?”

Connor shook his head, scrubbing his eyes roughly with the backs of his hands.

“Come here.”

Connor fell against him and held back his emotions. “I’m gay, Coach.”

“I still don’t give a shit.”

Connor closed his eyes as his coach patted his back in comfort. “I’m sorry.”

“Stop apologizing.”

The coach coaxed Connor to sit straight in the chair. “You do what’s comfortable for you. I’m not saying a word to anyone. It’s no one’s business. But…”

Connor stared into his stern expression.

“If any of the guys so much as says a snide comment, I want to know. You got that?”

“Yes.”

“Good. Now get out of here and hit the field.”

Connor stood up, taking his stick with him. He found Kyle lingering outside the office door.

“Shit. You’re quitting.” Kyle gestured to his red eyes.

“No. I’m not quitting. I just told the coach I’m gay.”

“You did?” Kyle gasped as they headed out to the practice field. “What did he say?”

“He was very cool. He told me if anyone says anything to me, to let him know.”

Kyle smiled and put his arm around Connor’s shoulder as they walked.

They jogged the length of the field to warm up as the team began tossing the ball, spinning and cupping the nets before they took a shot at the goal or passed it to the next player.

Connor spotted Ross immediately and noticed Kyle had as well. “Coach said if he hits me again, he’s off the team.”

“Good.” Kyle glared at Ross and Connor could see Ross returning the steely-eyed stare.

After their warm up, they set up to scrimmage. Connor crouched down for the faceoff. Ross was on the opposing side.
This is not good
.

Connor had a feeling Coach Banks thought it was wiser to keep them on opposite sides, but in reality, it gave Ross
carte blanche
for legal body checking, as long as Connor was in possession of the ball.

The second Connor had the ball in his netting, Ross approached like a locomotive. Connor threw it to Kyle in a lateral pass.

Ross backed off, but Connor knew a hit was inevitable. He took a quick look for his coach. Coach Banks was on the sideline, running up and down with the action.

I can’t expect the guy to babysit me
.

Connor inhaled deeply.
Be a man. For crying out loud. You don’t need a bodyguard. Ya fucking baby!

The opposing team had possession of the ball. Connor sprinted midfield and watched Ross catch the ball in his crosse. Connor rushed him for a legal body check, trying to loosen the ball. Ross’ cradling techniques weren’t the best and Connor knew he could jar the ball loose with little effort.

Instantly there was a ground ball and it was anyone’s chance to grab it.

Connor scooped it up with intention of feeding it to a player within the attack area who may have a shot at a goal.

Ross reacted and cross-checked Connor, using the handle of the stick to whack Connor in the groin once again.

This time Connor sensed it coming. He spun around with the ball still in his webbing and missed a direct hit to his crotch by an inch.

It was the last straw. Connor couldn’t handle it. He threw down the crosse, ball and all, and dove on top of Ross.

The surprise of the attack knocked the wind out of Ross. Whistles blew, but not before Connor spit out his mouth guard and pressed his helmet against Ross’s. “You try that once more and I’ll kick your ass!”

“Get off me!” Ross began hitting Connor with his gloved fist.

Connor was about to punch back when he was grabbed from behind and pulled off of Ross forcefully. A crowd of teammates, referees, and the coaches appeared.

Connor was breathing fire as he glared at Ross.

“You see that?” Ross accused. “Unsportsmanlike conduct!”

The assistant coach grabbed Connor’s arm. “What’d he do?”

“He hit me in the nuts with his stick, Coach! I’m sick of it.” Connor could not calm down nor gain air. Suddenly he realized it was Kyle who was holding him from behind. He relaxed his tense muscles and leaned against him for support.

“I did not!” Ross challenged. “I was just going for the ball, ya wuss!”

Kyle’s hold around Connor’s waist tightened at the insult.

Something inside Connor broke. Maybe it was Kyle’s strength, his loyalty. Perhaps it was the group of men who knew Connor was hiding, lying about who he was. But Connor had enough. “I’m gay. All right? Is that what you need me to admit to everyone for you to get off my back?” He felt Kyle flinch.

Connor tried to cover his face over his mask. Moaning, he repeated, “I’m gay,” and then added, “You guys want me off the team? I’ll quit.”

“If you go, I’m going.”

Connor looked over his shoulder at Kyle. Kyle shrugged. “If they don’t want gay guys on this team, that means I quit.”

“Kyle.” Connor felt his emotions overwhelm him.

“You!” Coach Banks pointed to Ross. “Get on the bench.” Coach Banks nudged a referee. “Let’s go. We have a game to play.”

A whistle blew and Connor found Kyle’s eyes shining at him in pride. Connor gave him a smile and picked up his stick.

The referee awarded Connor possession of the ball after the penalty. Connor cradled it and sprinted downfield, taking a shot at the goal. When he scored, Kyle lifted him off his feet, jumping up and down with him.

Connor looked around at his teammates. They ignored the goal and Kevin, Dick, and Joe looked downright hostile.

“We’ll be okay now,” Kyle said.

“I’m not so sure about that.” Connor shivered at the effect of those glares.

Chapter Twelve

 “You don’t have to do this.”

“I want to.”

“Why?”

“Because. It’s the last source of pain and aggravation for you and I want to be there to support you.” Kyle tossed his backpack into the trunk of the MG.

Connor started the engine. “They’re insane.”

“What parents aren’t?” Kyle fastened the seatbelt. “Hey, we thought the guys on the team would be freaked out. But they completely laid off of you. And Ross is off the team.”

“I don’t know if they laid off or are petrified of being disciplined.”

“Who cares? The pestering has stopped.” Kyle yawned and rubbed his coarse jaw. It was early Saturday morning and they didn’t get much sleep, having shared Connor’s bed and screwed most of the previous night.

“I suppose. Just be prepared. My dad’s as bad as Shrek.”

Kyle laughed. “Did you mention you were bringing me?”

“Yes.”

“And?”

Connor shifted gears, heading to Interstate 210 on their way to San Bernardino. “They didn’t react. Mom just said, ‘Oh, that’s nice, dear’.”

“So far so good. This is the last wall of resistance.”

“You mean the wall behind a firing squad.”

“Come on, Connor. It can’t be that bad.” Kyle rubbed Connor’s knee.

Connor didn’t answer, turning the volume up on the radio.

Kyle had no idea what to expect. He only hoped for the best.

After a long silence, Connor said, “Am I supposed to go, ‘Hi Mom, this is Kyle, my gay lover?’”

“I don’t know. You do what you’re comfortable doing.”

“What would you say to your parents?”

Kyle thought about it. “I guess the direct approach is best.”

“You’re just saying that because your parents live out of state.” Connor lowered the radio. “Believe me. You can hide. Your parents never have to know.”

Kyle took his mobile phone out of his pocket and turned it on.

“What are you doing?” Connor asked.

Kyle scanned his phone list and hit dial. He put the tiny mobile to his ear and waited.

“Kyle! I didn’t mean for you—”

Kyle put his finger to his lips.

“Hello? Kyle?”

“Hi, Mom. Did I wake you?” Kyle stared at the scenery as they past, his hand back on Connor’s knee.

“No. I’m up. Are you okay?”

“Yes. I’m great.” He glanced over at Kyle who appeared more nervous than he did at the moment. “Uh. Mom?”

“Yes, Kyle.”

“I know this is going to seem awkward because I’m doing it over the phone.”

“Please don’t tell me you’re quitting college.”

“No.”

“You’ve gotten a girl pregnant.”

“No.” Kyle chuckled. “Will you let me talk?”

“Do I need to get your father on the phone?”

Kyle’s hand went clammy.
Crap
. “Yeah. Go ahead.”

“What’s going on?” Connor asked.

“She’s getting my father to pick up the phone.”

“Kyle, have you thought this through?” Connor looked piqued.