Page 97 of Penalty Zone

Men’s sports also value competition. Who’s the fastest, strongest, quickest to read the competition’s strategy.Leo groans in frustration because the digital voice is spacing the sentences strangely and turning his last sentence into a question when it clearly isn’t.

“You want me to read it?” I run my fingers through his hair and hear a gasp, but don’t look up. Leo’s amber eyes are grateful, and I stand behind him with my head on his shoulder so I can read what he types.

“If a man appreciates another man’s body, it’s dismissed as competitive comparison. Or a few will struggle with the question ‘Do I like him or want to be like him?’ Been there, done that,” I add to Leo’s explanation. “I assume you’ve all heard slurs and derogatory statements about sexuality.Too many times to count.” I shake my head. “That last part was me, not Leo. Anywho, back on track.At a young age, boys learn to distance themselves from any thoughts or feelings that aren’t straight to avoid being different.” I squeeze Leo’s shoulder and look up. “You guys with me?”

King’s all ears, but Gray’s scowling at Ace. Drake has Lucky wrapped in his arms and gives me an up nod to continue.

“There are some very brave men in this room who live their truth instead of hiding.” I catch Liska’s eye and wink. “But as a society, we cling to our straightness, afraid of what we’ll have to give up or how we’ll be perceived if we don’t claim a hundred percent straightness. If you’re celibate, it doesn’t change your sexuality, it means you don’t act on it. That’s deep, Lovie.” I kiss the top of his head and continue. “If you’ve experimented by kissing a friend or jacking off together, you’ve crossed a line into curiosity at the very least. Even thinking about those things pushes the boundaries of straightness.” I run a hand through my sweaty hair. “Leo’s too nice to say it, but if you’refantasizing about kissing a dude or touching a dick, you ain’t straight.” I lean over to read again. “It’s a spectrum, not a box.”

“But what if you’re like piss drunk and do something you wouldn’t normally do?” the rookie asks.

“I would argue that being drunk lowers your inhibitions and gives you permission to do something you might be too nervous to do,” King says. “It’s not my intention to point fingers or out anyone. I was making a general statement to the media. No one has to feel pressure to examine their sexuality. It’s a friendly discussion.”

Locking eyes with Leo, I ask permission to officially tell them about us. They can probably guess with the nickname and kiss, but Trevor once told me to be direct and not to assume. Leo’s hand reaches back and hooks around my knee.

“In case any of you are wondering, Leo Griffin is totally banging me.” The words burst from my chest with pride and relief.

“Oh Jeezus,” Mason mutters, face-palming.

“I vin,” Liska announces. “Never doubt me.” He spins around with his arms wide.

Leo has typed something else, but no one can hear it over the shock of some teammates and the gloating of others. He points to his screen and then to the guys.

“Leo wants you to know he’s not banging me…he luuuuuves me,” I sing and swing around to sit in his lap. The team fades away as I look into his eyes. “Let me shower quick and take you home,” I say in his ear.

Leo shakes his head. He closes out of the app and types for my eyes only.Put on sweatpants and a coat, then we’re leaving.

“Don’t have to ask me twice.” I throw my shit together for the equipment manager and grab my bag. “See ya,” I yell to the team. “Don’t wait up.” I kick my back foot up to my ass as I look over my shoulder.

“You’re ditching the celebration?” Lucky asks in mock horror. “Hey, Gray. I see you. Don’t think you’re skipping out on us. Again.”

It’s quiet in the hall, and Grayson’s still scowling.

“Everything okay?” I ask.

“Fine.” He walks away. He’s absolutely not fine, but I’ll talk to him tomorrow.

“It’s just you and me, Daddy.” I sling my arm around his waist. “I’ll drive.” And I mean that in more ways than one.

“Fucking finally.” I drag Leo straight to the bedroom. “I have been dying, literally living on the brink of death, to get you alone.” Either Mason or the aide has been around constantly.

Leo can’t smile, but the left corner of his mouth can turn up the slightest amount. He sets his messenger bag on the floor by the door.

Because of my schedule, we’ve only spent a handful of nights together since his injury. He’s recovering well, but time’s up. He should be able to handle an orgasm.

“You think I’m exaggerating.” I work his buttons loose and shrug his shirt off. “We have a long overdue naked date.” He raises an eyebrow, and I say, “Doctor approved, of course.” I drop to my knees to take his pants off because we both love me on my knees for him.

He takes his phone out of his pocket. A brooding English voice says,Are you going to be my Good Boy tonight?

“So good. I’m going to take care of you.” I pluck his phone from him, and he lets out an annoyed exhale as I sit back on my heels. “Here are simple phrases you’ll need tonight. Yes. No. More.Just like that. Good Boy. Baby Doll. Caleb, you are a god among men.” I glance up. “Did I forget anything?”

Leo yanks my hair, tilting my head back, and steps forward to grind his erection, covered by his boxer briefs, on my face. I moan like a shameless porn star, aching to open my mouth but letting him have control until I take over.

He lets go of me to snatch his phone and type.

“Amateur.” I snicker because he can’t hold the phone and type with the same hand.

His phone demands,Come for me now.

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