Men of London 02 - Sight and Sinners by Susan Mac Nicol Page A

you can’t get in touch with him?” Eddie sniffed. “Are you sure he hasn’t got another boyfriend somewhere, Tay? You know how I worry about you…”
    “No, I don’t think that’s it,” Taylor muttered. “He’s hiding something, that’s for sure but I don’t think it’s another man. The guy couldn’t possibly do what he does with me and have a bit on the side, believe me. He’d have to have the stamina of Superman.”
    Taylor felt a twinge of discomfort at his own words. He’d been there, been the bit on the side and who knew just how much sex Drew had been getting with his wife before coming to Taylor? He supposed he shouldn’t really make such wild assumptions.
    “Have you asked him? You know, talked instead of just screwing each other’s brains out?” Eddie sounded worried.
    “Yeah, we talk. A little anyway, but it’s more physical at this stage I think. He’s a tough guy to get to know, but I really like him. He’s a real softy inside; it’s one of the things I like about him.”
    “Really? You mean that whole douche-bag thing he has going for him isn’t the real Draven? Wow, miracles never cease.” Eddie’s teasing lifted Taylor’s spirits a little. He also felt the need to defend his new lover.
    “Oh, when you get to know him a bit better, I guess he’s not such a bad bloke.” Taylor tried to change the topic away from his sex life. “Anyway, if I recall Gideon used to be a douche bag too before you got your hands on him.”
    There was a loud snort from the other side. “Oh yeah, too true.” Eddie’s tone turned wicked. “You just need to train them then they become a little more bearable.” His voice got louder and Taylor grinned as he realised Gideon had probably just walked into the kitchen. “I mean, what’s the point of having a man if they don’t toe the line and let you show them who’s boss?” There was a yowl from the phone. “Ow, baby, that hurt. Really, you need to remember we’re not in the bedroom now—you need to have some self-restraint. Ow!”
    Taylor chuckled loudly as Gideon came onto the phone. “Tay? My man is having a sudden crisis this side; he says he’ll call you later. I need to take him home and make sure he knows who’s the boss.” His voice was amused and loving and Taylor felt a pang as he realised how lucky Eddie was.
    Will I ever have that someone who talks about me like he really cares? Is it going to be Draven or is that just a one-time thing?
    The phone was obviously grabbed away as Eddie reappeared, breathing fairly heavily. “Damn bully. I’m back. Anyway, where were we? Oh yeah, I was asking you about your love life. Don’t let the grass grow, yadda, yadda. And have fun, Tay.” His voice grew serious. “Don’t let him hurt you. He doesn’t sound like the type of guy who’s into relationships so make sure you don’t get in too deep unless you know it’s going somewhere. I did some checking on this guy and he’s a bit of a player.” Taylor had no illusions that Gideon had been Eddie’s information source.
    “So was I, Eddie,” Taylor said softly. “I might not have brought a lot of guys home to the house when we stayed together but, believe me, I’ve had my fair share of casual sex.” He remembered Drew and the warm light in his eyes as they’d lain in bed together. That hadn’t really been casual to him.
    “Thanks for worrying but I’ll be fine. This thing with Draven isn’t really serious. I’m not sure where it’s going. Just a bit of fun really.” He’d say anything to put Eddie’s mind out of protective mode. He was tired of having everyone see him as someone who needed babying. Leslie had said much the same thing as Eddie.
    He heard a noise at the kitchen door and turned swiftly to see Draven standing there, his face blank but with a strange look in his eyes. Taylor’s heart leapt as he motioned to him to come in. Draven nodded and moved into the small space, crossing his arms across his chest and