Page 66 of Bull's Boy

Malcolm paused outside Bull’s front door and stared at the key in his hand. Bull had given it to him the day before, acting like it was completely normal as he slid it across the table to him while they were finishing breakfast together. He’d stared at it then too, knowing what it was and yet unable to compute what was happening for a minute.

“In case you need it” was all Bull had said.

Then he’d grabbed Malcolm’s chin, tugged him forward, and kissed him until all thoughts of arguing flew out of his head.

They’d almost been late for work because of how good that kiss had been.

He hadn’t thought he would actually need it. They were together more often than not, and it was rare for him to have to wait for Bull to get in. In fact, he was pretty sure the only times they hadn’t been at work or Bull’s house together in the last few weeks was for his nights with Dahlia and Becca. And the last time, they’d come over to Bull’s to watch the show, and he’dteased them before kissing Malcolm, grabbing Sophia, and going to watch baseball in the bedroom.

So, of course, Malcolm had to use it the very next day after getting it.

His phone vibrated in his pocket, startling him so much he almost dropped his key ring. He dug it out and saw it was a text from Ollie.

Ollie

Are you locked out?

He glanced over his shoulder, having not realized that he and Six were still idling at the curb, waiting for him to safely get inside. Ollie had insisted on them picking him up for what Ollie called Sub Club Shenanigans. He hadn’t known what that meant, but when Ollie had said there would be adult beverages, he’d agreed to the chauffeur service.

Malcolm

No, sorry. Minor existential crisis.

Ollie

Ah. Understood. Take your time.

Though you should know, I’m going to start sucking Six’s dick right here if you take toooooo long.

Snorting, Malcolm shook his head and tucked his phone away. He took a deep breath, straightened his shoulders, and stuck the key in the lock. It twisted easily, and he was inside moments later.

Ollie

You’re no fun.

Night!

He leaned back out and waved at Ollie and his scary fiancé, then closed the door, relocking it.

The house was silent, but Bull had left the light over the sink on and a lamp in the living room. The thoughtfulness of the gesture made him smile. He honestly hadn’t thought he would be so late and had told Bull as much before he left, suggesting they could watch the new shark movie that Bull had been hinting at wanting to watch when he got home.

Time just seemed to disappear when he was with Ollie and the others. They’d spent hours just talking and laughing. He felt so full of happiness—and tacos. He and Vinnie, one of Mason’s boyfriends, had made a huge batch of them for everyone to enjoy after they’d finished the painful portion of the evening.

The best thing to happen to him after going to the birthday party at the clubhouse was Bull, hands down. But the second-best thing was getting adopted by a group of friends who made him feel seen, appreciated, and included. He’d gotten that with Dahlia and Becca, but it was a little different with Ollie and CJ and the others. Being in kinky relationships and having someone else to talk to about it bonded you in a way he had never experienced before.

He turned off all the lights, gave Blanche a scratch where he was curled up on the back of the couch, and tiptoed through the house. He had texted Bull when he was on his way, but it had gone unread, so he knew he had to be asleep.

A part of him had told him he should just go home to his tiny, lonely apartment and not bother Bull, but he’d very easily ignored that voice. Hewantedto be there with Bull, and he knew his boyfriend wanted him there with him. And he just slept better in Bull’s arms than he did alone now. The couple times he’d tried staying at his place after having gotten used to being at Bull’s had made for miserable nights of sleep where he woke up every hour or so. Of course, Bull hadn’t even rubbed his nose in it the next day, just offered him extra coffee and kisses.

The only time he woke up at Bull’s was when Rose and Dorothy got a little feisty, sounding like they were trying to kill each other. Bull always just kicked them out of the bedroom, closed the door, and then would climb back in bed and give Malcolm a lazy hand job before they fell back asleep.

So still way better than his lumpy mattress and drafty apartment.

He stripped down in the bathroom, tossing his clothes in the hamper because that was a thing he did now, and then crept into the bedroom, only to pause halfway to the bed when he realized Sophia was curled up on his pillow.

She was such a jerk sometimes.

At least she let him pet her now, which he did for ten whole seconds before she got annoyed, stretched, and then hopped off the bed. He turned his pillow over, then crawled under the covers, scooting over so he could plaster himself against Bull’s bare back and wrap an arm around him.

---