Unstoppable Force

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis   

Prologue  ETHAN TRENT knew there were some who would take exception to the way he chose to conduct his ‘affairs,’ but he had long ago reached a place where he truly didn’t care what others said or thought about him. At thirty-six, he was no longer the ‘poor kid’ or the ‘kid from the wrong side of the tracks.’ He was a long ways from the backwoods, smallminded, dot-on-a-map New Mexico town he had fled when he was sixteen years old. He had come to New York with nothing but the clothes on his back, three thousand dollars, his recently earned GED, a love for computers, and a willingness to do anything and everything it took to make his dreams come true. No one in his life had ever handed anything to him, and he didn’t expect that to change. Work didn’t scare him, and while it wasn’t easy, he set about proving it, landing himself a bottom-level mailroom job in a small computer firm where the owner, Slater Curtis, realized just how much potential he harbored. His ability to build a computer program or break down one that was supposedly the best on the market came naturally to him, but Slater kindly told him that if he wanted to make it in business, he needed more than knowledge. He needed style; he needed flair; he needed to be able to best those who would sooner look down at him than speak to him because of his less than influential upbringing. And Slater was more than willing and more than eager to teach him all he needed to know. The only price for sharing his expertise and social skills? Ethan in his bed.

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Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    It wasn’t difficult to say yes. Slater was an attractive man in his late forties. Ethan was certainly attracted to him, and Slater helped him overcome any lingering inhibitions regarding his sexuality. He didn’t consider himself in love with Slater, no more than Slater was in love with him, but he did learn a lot from the man and by the time their three-year affair ended amicably with Slater moving on to another young lover, Ethan was a shadow of his former self. He was everything Slater had assured him he would be: intelligent, confident, cool, and emotionally reserved when need be. He knew how to play what Slater called ‘the game,’ and Slater taught him to go after anything and everything he wanted with ruthless determination, not giving a damn what anyone might think. His life was his to live as he so chose, on his terms, and Ethan never forgot that or any lesson Slater taught him. Slater made it very clear just how proud he was when Ethan bought the company from him when he was only twenty-five. In the eleven years since, Ethan had turned Trent Technologies into a major investment, a multimillion-dollar firm on the cutting edge, and he was damn pleased with what he had accomplished. He also didn’t mind reaping certain benefits. He was finally at a place where he didn’t have to manage the business himself because he had people he trusted to do that, but he still kept close tabs while having fun on his terms. He was willing to admit he was fairly arrogant and he liked having his way. He had certain tastes and desires, and he wanted those desires met by someone who understood that he wasn’t on the market for a relationship. He didn’t believe in true love or happily ever after. Anyone who did, it was obvious to Ethan, wasn’t living in the real world, and as a result, he tended to avoid those people, trusting an old acquaintance to find him what he needed. Gwen Sinclair, introduced to him by Slater, knew how to be careful and discreet. She ran a very selective operation and whenever Ethan felt the need to ‘play,’ he always turned to her. She hadn’t failed him yet. A call to her was always returned, sometimes a few questions were asked to see if he wanted anything beyond ‘the usual,’ and within twenty3 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    four hours, a package was delivered to him containing bios and photographs. All he had to do was make a selection and Gwen handled the arrangements. Sitting alone in his apartment, opening the package, Ethan felt a familiar sense of lustful anticipation as he pulled out the photographs and began looking through them. He didn’t make it past the third one before finding exactly what he wanted. Looking at the photograph, his heart kicked and he sucked in a breath, fairly certain he had never seen anyone more surreally beautiful. Tall and lean, he had smooth, hairless olive skin stretched taut over well-developed muscles and unruly black hair that obviously possessed natural curl he couldn’t contain. His blue eyes, a rich shade of azure, were accented by dark lashes, and his smile was sensual yet somehow innocent all at once, thanks to the combination of full, thoroughly kissable lips and charming dimples. Turning the photograph over, Ethan found the information he needed to tell him more about the dark-haired beauty. Name: Cale Brooks Age: 25 Height: 6’1” Hair: Black Eyes: Blue Info: Bottom; Submissive Smiling, Ethan reached for the phone and quickly dialed the familiar number. On the third ring, Gwen picked up. “Made a decision already?” He could hear the laughter in her voice. “You knew just what would catch my attention.” 4 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “Ah, yes. Cale is a beauty, isn’t he?” “He is. And I want him.” “And you shall have him,” Gwen assured. “The usual weekend?” “No. I have a feeling that won’t be enough time to get my fill of this little prize.” He smiled again. “Make it two weeks. I might do some traveling and I could use someone to keep me company while I do. And let Mr. Brooks know he doesn’t need to pack anything. I’ll have everything he could need arranged for him.” “Sounds like Cale is going to get pampered.” “He is. And we’ll both enjoy it.” “When do you want him?” He considered that for a moment. It was Wednesday, and he needed some time to prepare what he had in mind. “Have him here Saturday. No later than five.” “Consider it done.” “Thanks, Gwen.” “Anytime, doll. Let me know if you need anything else. And have fun.” “I intend to.” Ending the call, he looked at the photograph again, smiling. Feeling his cock swelling in his pants, a torrent of scandalously lustful images and thoughts bombarded him, arousing him, leaving him almost desperate for release. No doubt, the coming two weeks would be a sensual delight. “I am looking very forward to meeting you, Cale Brooks. It’s going to be a blast.”

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Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis   

Chapter One  “ETHAN is generous, intelligent, and I have never had any of my people come back with any complaints about how they were treated, but I will tell you, he is somewhat arrogant. And he likes to have things his way. Just play along and enjoy.” Seated in the back of a long, black limousine, Cale Brooks recalled the advice Gwen had given him as he tried to tamp down his nerves. He had no idea why he was so on edge. It wasn’t as if this was new to him. He had only been with Gwen’s service for about a month, and there was no doubt she was the best person he had ever worked for, but he sure as hell wasn’t a virgin and this was hardly the first time he had slept with someone for money. He trusted Gwen. The men she had set him up with so far hadn’t tried to hurt or abuse him, and he had no reason to believe this Ethan Trent would be any different, but he was still just a little on edge and anxious. I wonder if that will ever change, if I will ever be able to completely relax. Or will I always be waiting for the other shoe to fall? Will I ever leave the shit with Dane in the past and believe that I’m finally safe? He knew the answer was likely no, he would never get over it, never feel safe. He would always have to look over his shoulder. He might be away from Dane, but he wasn’t free. Closing his eyes, he ignored the voice in the back of his mind, the voice that sounded so much like Dane, telling him that even though he was supposedly away from Dane, he was still just a whore and he always would be. He would never get past that station in life. All his dreams about someday leaving this life behind and focusing on his photography were a joke. Letting people use his body for their pleasure was the only thing he had ever excelled at, and it was too little too late to hope for more. 6 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    Dane had told him that, time and time again, and before Dane, his stepfather had been the one to beat into his mind that he had no use, no purpose. He was good for one thing, and for six years, his stepfather used him for that one thing. When he was sixteen, Cale decided it was over. He wouldn’t let his stepfather touch him again, and he did the only thing he could do. He ran away. Two years after escaping his stepfather, he ran into the carefully concealed web of charm-covered lies that Dane Kelly was a pro at spinning. I was so blind, so stupid. I fell for all the lies, and I paid the price. I’m still paying it. I’ll never not be afraid he’ll find me. Dane had said often enough that he would; he had made it clear that even if it took him a lifetime, he would make Cale pay if Cale ever dared defy him, and leaving Dane was beyond a doubt the greatest act of defiance. “Do you think I want to hurt you, Cale? You force me to do this. All I want to do is take care of you, but you go out of your way to make me angry, to defy me, and when you do, I have to hurt you to remind you of your place.” Shaking the memory from his mind, he opened his eyes, looking out the tinted window as the city moved by slowly. He had only been in New York for a few months, and it was all still new to him, but he liked it, liked the fast pace, liked knowing there were so many people that it was easy to blend in with a crowd and become lost. He knew Dane had a lot of resources and that he likely couldn’t hide in a crowd forever, even one as big as New York, but maybe he could stay here for more than a month or two if he was lucky. And according to Gwen, he needed to consider himself lucky that Ethan Trent had taken such an interest in him. It was apparently a big deal that Trent wanted him for two whole weeks, not just a weekend, and he clearly had something special in mind. Cale was still a little uncertain 7 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    what to make of Trent’s demand that he not bring anything but himself. He wondered what it meant that Ethan would handle the rest. Gwen had assured him that Ethan Trent wasn’t a freak. He liked sex, liked to be dominant, and he engaged in some light BDSM, but beyond that he was fairly normal. He certainly didn’t get off by causing lasting damage. Cale had to admit that was a relief. This guy isn’t Dane. Gwen would never tolerate anyone like Dane. She wouldn’t send me into a situation where I could end up seriously hurt. He had done some of his own research where it came to Ethan Trent, and Cale had to admit, he was intrigued and curious. Maybe even a little attracted. At thirty-six, Trent was a success. He had all the goodies that went with it like the money and the penthouse. There was no denying that Trent wasn’t hard on the eyes. From the photographs he had seen, Cale estimated they were the same height, but Trent was blond, a golden color, thick but cut fairly short, though it looked long enough for a lover could tangle his hands in it. He was always well dressed in clothing that appeared expensive, but it was obvious that beneath those expensive clothes, he had an incredible body, hard and defined. He didn’t look like a ‘desk jockey’ or some ‘computer geek,’ and his hazel green eyes reflected his intelligence, a mind always at work. Cale hadn’t found many photographs that showed Trent smiling, but those that did revealed a warm smile that made him appear younger than his thirty-six years. It would be interesting to actually meet the man, to maybe learn more about him, though Cale didn’t fool himself into believing that he and Ethan Trent would actually engage in much conversation since the man had hired him to be a sexual servant for two weeks.

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Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    Don’t forget your place, Cale. Remember how Dane hated it when you did that. Surprised, he realized the car had come to a stop in front of a towering building, and an instant later, the door opened. Get it together. It’s show time, Brooks. Offering the driver who had opened the door a smile that wasn’t returned, Cale turned to find an older man with thinning white hair and very serious brown eyes standing in front of him, looking him over from head to toe and back again. “Mr. Cale Brooks?” “Uh … yeah. That’s me.” The man nodded. “Very good, sir. I am Grant. I shall show you to Mr. Trent’s penthouse, if you would be so kind as to follow me.” Before Cale could respond, the man turned, and with a sigh, Cale followed him into the building, glancing around the immaculate lobby. He knew he looked out of place in jeans and a plain white T-shirt, so he didn’t make eye contact with anyone. He simply followed Grant into a waiting elevator, watching as the older man entered a code. “Mr. Trent’s penthouse is on the top floor. It has to be accessed by a code. If he wishes for you to have access when he isn’t here, he will give the number to you.” “Cool. I mean….” Cale shrugged as Grant stared straight ahead. “Is Mr. Trent…?” “He’s waiting for you, sir. If you have any questions, he will answer them.” In other words, shut up and leave me alone. Wondering if maybe he was in over his head, Cale wasn’t certain if he was relieved or even more anxious when the elevator finally stopped and the doors opened into an enormous foyer with white walls and black floors. 9 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “Wow.” “Indeed.” Grant made a gesture that indicated he should get off the elevator, and Cale did, looking back at the other man. “Mr. Trent will be with you in a moment. Enjoy your stay, Mr. Brooks.” The doors closed, and Cale turned to look around the room that was beautiful in what he guessed was a very modern style. He suspected the rest of the apartment looked the same. It was more like a showcase than a home, but Cale figured the décor wasn’t any of his concern. He again reminded himself to remember his place. That thought in mind, he was slightly startled when he looked up to see Ethan Trent had stepped into the room without him realizing it. He’s even more gorgeous in person. Why is this guy paying for sex? He stood a few feet away, dressed in jeans and a black shirt that was unbuttoned to reveal a smooth chest and defined abs. His hair was somewhat messy, as if he had been running his fingers through it, and he was barefoot, a fact that almost made Cale smile. There was something intense in his hazel green eyes that pinned Cale where he stood. Slowly, Ethan walked toward him, and Cale realized they were the same height as the man stopped about six inches from him. Cale swallowed, startled to realize that just Ethan looking at him was enough to arouse him. He couldn’t recall the last time he had experienced a genuine, sincere rush of lust and pure attraction, and it frightened him more than a little. God help me! “Welcome, Cale.” His voice was rich and warm, deep and low, but Cale sensed the emotion and the passion just beneath the surface. He allowed himself to smile. 10 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “Thank you, Mr. Trent.” “Ethan. Please. Unless I instruct otherwise.” He offered a small smile. “I assume Gwen told you what you can expect and what I expect.” “She did. She was very clear.” “Good. I wouldn’t want there to be any confusion.” Cale nodded, cursing himself for the flutter of excitement he felt in the pit of his stomach as Ethan looked at him with those amazing eyes. Cale was accustomed to pretending to be attracted to his clients, but he rarely found any real enjoyment in sleeping with men who paid for access to his body. He had a sudden feeling that Ethan might be an exception to that rule. “Come with me, and I’ll give you a quick tour.” Nodding again mostly because he didn’t trust himself to speak, Cale followed as Ethan showed him around the penthouse. It really was a remarkable place, modern and mostly decorated in black and white, but the room Ethan finally led him to was different. The walls were a dark burgundy, the floors wooden, the drapes and bedspread burgundy and black and beautiful. “You’ll find clothing in the closet, and the bathroom is fully stocked, but if there is anything else you need, just tell me.” “Uh … thanks.” “I’m sure this arrangement is a little different than what you are accustomed to.” “A little.” “Don’t worry, Cale. You have no reason to be uneasy with me.” “I’m not. I just….” He shook his head, feeling foolish, and Ethan smiled.

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Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “Can I assume you find me attractive, Cale? And be honest. Forget for a moment that I’m paying for this.” Stepping completely into the bedroom, Ethan closed the door and then leaned his powerful frame against it, his arms folded casually over his chest. “Let’s say you saw me at a bar, just sitting there, having a drink by myself. Would you find me attractive? Would you be willing to come up to me and talk to me?” Heart thundering, Cale licked his lips, aware that Ethan watched his tongue closely, and he nearly whimpered, feeling his cock pressing against his jeans. “I … yeah, I find you attractive. And if I saw you in a bar, you would get my attention.” “Would you come talk to me?” “I doubt it.” Ethan tilted his head slightly. “And why is that?” “I would be too nervous.” “You think I would reject you?” “It’s possible.” “Hardly. I know you have to know how beautiful you are.” Cale shrugged a little. “Sometimes beauty isn’t enough.” And that’s all I have. “But yeah, I am attracted. And I….” “What?” “Let’s just say I don’t always find myself attracted in these situations.” “Well, I’m glad you do now. I certainly want you to enjoy this as much as I will.” It occurred to Cale that Ethan seemed sincere, which made him very different from others he had been with in the past. He had a feeling Ethan Trent might be one of a kind and under a different set of circumstances. Cale could see himself really liking the guy. He pushed that stray thought 12 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    away because circumstances weren’t different. He was here because Ethan wanted to have sex with him and he was willing to pay for it. You aren’t special, Cale. Don’t fool yourself into believing otherwise. “I want you to undress for me, Cale. Let me see you.” Pulled from his thoughts back to reality, Cale drew in a breath, wondering why he was suddenly nervous. It was silly. He had undressed for men before. Ethan was just another client, just another man paying for sex. He wasn’t different, and Cale again told himself not to forget that as he kicked off his shoes and then reached for the hem of his T-shirt, pulling it over his head and allowing it to fall to the floor. Ethan was watching him closely, intently, his gaze so intense it was almost as tangible as a physical touch and just as arousing. Cale wasn’t arrogant, but he knew he was a beautiful man. For the first time in far longer than he could recall, though, he actually felt beautiful because of the way Ethan was looking at him. Aware that his hands were trembling slightly, he tried not to let it show as he unbuttoned and unzipped his jeans, pushing them over his hips and down his legs. He hadn’t bothered with underwear – he rarely did – and his cock sprang free, already hard, the skin flushed and straining. He blushed a little to realize Ethan now knew just how much he did want this. And I do … God, I want him. It’s insane, but I don’t care, because for once, I can enjoy this instead of dreading it. “You’re very beautiful, Cale.” “Thank you.” Ethan pushed himself from the door, and Cale stood motionless as Ethan approached and slowly began to circle around him, clearly looking him over closely. “You have an incredible ass. I’m going to enjoy fucking it.” He wasn’t certain what he should say to that or if he was supposed to say anything at all, so he bit his lip and waited as Ethan stood behind him. 13 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    Cale sucked in a startled breath when warm hands came to rest firmly on his hips. “I plan on enjoying every inch of you, Cale. It will be an active two weeks.” “What … whatever you want.” “Whatever I want.” Ethan echoed his words, pulling him backwards, and Cale gasped again when he felt Ethan’s denim-clad erection pressing into his bare bottom. “I want to fuck you until you scream my name, until you’re too exhausted to move. I want to taste you, make you come again and again and when you think you can’t come anymore, I want to start all over and hear you beg me for more, Cale.” Cale moaned at the image and the feel of Ethan’s hands on him, strong and warm, branding him to his soul with his heat and strength and sexual hunger. He sagged against him, just a little. Ethan lowered his lips to kiss Cale’s shoulder. “Ethan….” “That’s right. Say my name. I want to hear it.” Ethan’s lips were replaced briefly by his teeth, biting hard enough to cause a sharp sting; he then licked. Cale’s eyes closed while his body hummed with energy. “Turn around and look at me, Cale.” Praying he had the strength, that he wasn’t so weakened by desire he would fall to his knees, Cale turned and looked at Ethan, who had set about undressing himself, shoving his shirt from his shoulders before unfastening his jeans. Look at him. He’s amazing. He’s beautiful. Half holding his breath, Cale felt a renewed rush of desire when Ethan pushed down his jeans, stepped out of them and kicked them aside, leaving his engorged cock free and hard, the veins evident beneath the smooth flesh. It was obvious Ethan wanted him, truly wanted him, and for 14 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    a brief moment, it was easy for Cale to forget he was being paid to do this because the desire burning between them was the real deal, not faked or forced. He could feel the energy between them, a live hunger, powerful and demanding and hot enough he knew he could and would get himself burned if he wasn’t careful. At the moment, Cale didn’t care in the least about repercussions. As Ethan’s eyes met his, Cale thought his knees might buckle. Eyes still locked, Cale was surprised when Ethan reached out and gently brushed his knuckles down his cheek in a gesture that was tender, almost caring, and unlike any touch Cale could recall, unnerving him. What the hell is wrong with me? “I want to kiss you, Cale. I know some have rules against that. Do you?” “No. Kissing isn’t a problem.” Ethan smiled. “Good. Because you have the most beautiful mouth I have ever seen, and I really want to taste it so badly….” His words trailed off as he placed one hand on Cale’s hip, pulling him closer. Cale melted inside at the feel of Ethan’s bare chest brushing against his, and once again, he cursed himself for the tangled emotions he was feeling. It occurred to him he might be in over his head, and part of him wanted to turn and run, even though that wasn’t an option. Then Ethan’s lips were on his, gentle yet demanding. Cale reached for him, hands going to his shoulders to support himself as Ethan tangled a hand in his hair, taking complete and total control. He was a force of passion and energy, and Cale didn’t hesitate to part his lips, allowing Ethan’s tongue to slip into his mouth, demanding, devouring, plunging and tasting, leaving Cale to cling to him as Ethan slid one hand down his smooth back to grip his ass. Cale moaned into the mouth consuming his. Pulling back slightly, Ethan chuckled. Cale blinked and blushed, reminding himself firmly that he was a professional. He didn’t swoon or sway – he didn’t think so, at least – but Ethan Trent was having a very unusual effect on him. 15 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “Ethan….” “I want you, Cale. Now. I want you in that bed, wanting me, begging for me. But I want the wanting and begging to be real.”

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Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis   

Chapter Two  ETHAN watched the desire flare in Cale’s eyes, and it made his already hard cock throb to realize that Cale was just as aroused, just as turned on as he was. He didn’t need words to know he would get what he wanted. He could look at Cale and know that this was real for him, that he wanted him, ached for him. Ethan refused to wonder why that was so important to him because he wasn’t ready to acknowledge the part of him that knew this encounter was somehow different than the others he had enjoyed over the years. Cale’s different. I sensed it from his picture, before seeing him … he’s just as knocked off guard by this attraction as I am. “I want you, too. I can’t say how much….” He brushed his tongue over his bottom lip, a gesture that was clearly innocent, but Ethan still watched it, aroused and aching. “Just tell me what you want me to do, Ethan.” Smiling, Ethan took his hand, pulling him back into his arms for another searing kiss as he slowly eased Cale backwards, toward the waiting bed. He had so many things in mind, so many things he wanted to do to and with this man, so many games he wanted to play, but right now, in this moment, he couldn’t get past the overwhelming desire to be buried inside of Cale so deeply that he felt as if he were a part of him. He had never felt so drawn, so attracted to anyone. It was cause for concern, but he dismissed that for the moment, breaking the kiss and gently pushing Cale back so he sat down on the bed. “Move to the head of the bed and lie down.”

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Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    Cale nodded and Ethan watched as the beauty did as he instructed, scooting further onto the bed and then lying back against the black and burgundy spread. He made a truly glorious visual feast: his hair a mess, lips slightly swollen, his cock hard, ridged, springing from a nest of black curls, his chest rising and falling with each ragged breath. Ethan was fairly certain he had never seen anything or anyone more beautiful. If there was indeed such a thing as perfection, Cale Brooks was it, and Ethan felt a renewed sense of urgency. Suddenly, two weeks with this man didn’t seem like nearly long enough. Don’t start thinking like that, just enjoy what you have. Walking around the edge of the bed, well aware that Cale watched him with those intensely beautiful blue eyes, he went to the nightstand and opened it, smiling to see the supplies he had been careful to stock there. “Put your arms over your head, close to the headboard.” Without hesitation or question, Cale did as he said and Ethan smiled as he selected a pair of handcuffs from his stash, sitting down on the bed with them, watching as Cale’s eyes widened just a little, but he didn’t protest. He had known what to expect before arriving, but Ethan sensed it was a great deal more than just playing a part. That knowledge thrilled him as he hooked a cuff around Cale’s right wrist, lacing the chain through a rail on the headboard before capturing his left wrist securely. “Are those too tight?” Cale shook his head, and Ethan reached out, brushing a lock of dark hair from his soon-to-be lover’s face. “I won’t ask if you’ve ever done anything else like this before, because the thought of anyone else touching you the way I’m about to….” He shook his head at his own sudden possessive streak, knowing it didn’t make any real sense. “I know I’m not the first person to touch you, to tell you that you are beyond beautiful, but for now, I think I want to pretend I am the only one who has ever seen you like this.” 18 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    He watched as Cale swallowed, then licked his lips. Ethan leaned down and kissed him, hard and demanding, tongue plunging into his mouth and receiving an eager, needy, response that had him tangling one hand in Cale’s hair as he stretched out beside him. He wanted so desperately, anxiously, to taste and touch all at once. He couldn’t recall the last time he had ever wanted anyone as badly as he wanted Cale. It seemed as if in a short time, he had become addicted to the man, and he realized that if he felt and wanted this strongly when they hadn’t even had sex, he would only want more once they did and that could present a problem. For the moment, though, Ethan decided he didn’t care what problems might arise later. For now, he wanted, needed, this, and he needed it with this man, this beautiful, responsive man who gasped a little when Ethan broke the kiss, trailing his lips down Cale’s neck, sucking and kissing and licking. “So good … you taste so very, very good, Cale.” In response, Cale whimpered, tilting his head to the side to allow Ethan better access as his teeth playfully nipped at sensitive skin. Cale shivered and arched his back, bringing a little smile to Ethan’s face as he wondered if Cale was an even greater find than he had first anticipated. “You like that? You like me biting you? Marking you? Making you mine?” Cale moaned an answer, and Ethan knew it was meant to be yes as his lips reached Cale’s nipple. He sucked the nub into his mouth, licking at it vigorously before biting down just hard enough to draw a cry of mingled pleasure and pain from Cale’s beautiful mouth. It was the most incredibly sexy sound he had ever heard, echoing his want and need. He lifted his head, needing to see the desire in Cale’s eyes, the burning hunger that matched his own as Cale looked at him. Ethan reached to the nightstand again. Finding lube and condoms, he dropped them beside him on the bed before shifting to easily straddle Cale. Drawing in a breath, he tried to gain some control over his desire because he was all about control, or so he reminded himself. 19 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    I don’t feel in control now. I’ve never felt so out of control. Cale Brooks is dangerous to my senses, but no way in hell am I sending him away. He wanted his two weeks. He ignored the voice that again suggested two weeks wouldn’t be enough, because it would have to be. It was as simple as that. He didn’t do long term, he didn’t do relationships, and he tried to assure himself that once he’d had Cale a few times, some of the edge would be gone, some of the blazing excitement would fade, and he would feel more like himself again. It seemed like a reasonable theory. Placing his hands on Cale’s perfect chest, he moved his fingers slowly down the taut, smooth skin. Cale watched him, eyes intense, filled with need that exploded into full, blazing desire when Ethan captured both nipples between his thumb and index fingers, rolling them slowly. He heard the hitch in Cale’s breathing as he tugged gently at the nubs, pinching them before pulling harder. Cale arched his strong back and cried out. “That’s it, baby. Let me hear you. I want to hear you so loud.” He leaned in for another kiss, quick and demanding, before again kissing his way slowly down Cale’s neck to his chest. He took his time, difficult as it was, to kiss and suck and tease each inch of beautiful skin until Cale was writhing beneath him, close to begging, gasping his name and bucking his hips in a plea for more. Sliding lower, he used his hands to hold Cale’s hips still, kissing them, nipping at his iliac crests, before tasting the soft skin along the inside of his thighs. “Ethan….” He smiled at the sound of his name ripped from Cale’s throat, the sound fueling his desire and pushing him closer to the edge.

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Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “I have so much in mind for you, for us, but right now, Cale, all I want is to be buried deep inside of your perfect ass.” Watching as Cale forced open his eyes, Ethan sucked in a breath, seeing the raw need and emotions blazing there, like a raging inferno. It occurred to him that this attraction, the almost insane pull, wasn’t onesided by any means. Whatever had come to life between them so quickly, so naturally, Cale felt too, and Ethan wasn’t certain if that was a good thing or a bad thing. But he pushed concerns and worries from his mind. It was too late to stop this now. “Please…,” Cale breathed. “Please, Ethan, I want you….” He whispered the admission, but Ethan could see his eyes screaming that he wanted this, wanted Ethan to fuck him hard and thoroughly. Grabbing the lube, knowing he couldn’t engage in much more foreplay before he finally lost control completely, Ethan coated his fingers, slowly finding the sensitive opening between Cale’s perfect ass cheeks. Sliding one finger inside the tight hole, he watched, fascinated, as Cale lifted his hips into the caress. Ethan smiled, adding a second finger. “So tight. So very tight….” “Ethan….” “Do you want me inside of you?” As he asked, he curled his fingers, and Cale bucked up off the bed almost frantically. “Yes. Please.” “No place I’d rather be.” Slowly, he withdrew his fingers, reached for a condom and quickly covered himself, pushing Cale’s legs farther apart, bending them at the knees to give himself better access as Cale watched him with desire-filled eyes. A man could get lost in those eyes. In position, he slowly pushed into the man beneath him, sucking in a breath, his eyes locked with Cale’s. His heart was thundering, and it was a 21 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    struggle to control himself. He wanted to take his time, but he didn’t think it would be possible, not this time at least, as Cale lifted his hips and thrust up, urging Ethan to sink completely inside of him. His cuffed hands were gripping the headboard, his back arched. Clearly seeing his desire, seeing how much Cale wanted this, Ethan finally gave in and buried himself in what had to be heaven. One hand gripping Cale’s hip, he moaned when Cale wrapped his legs around his waist, anchoring him, clinging to him, moving with him as Ethan wrapped a hand around Cale’s ridged cock, squeezing slightly. Cale cried out something Ethan couldn’t understand, a wordless plea and Ethan responded, starting slowly, pumping the cock he held in time with his thrusts into Cale, who didn’t hold back, calling Ethan’s name. He didn’t hide the pleasure he had found, wanting it to be known. His eyes opened again to lock with Ethan’s. Ethan picked up the pace, moving faster, harder, until he felt Cale come over his hand and then, with a final thrust, he found his own release and came hard and fast. Gasping, chest heaving, he fell forward, head resting against Cale’s chest, as the world around them continued to spin. God, what have I gotten myself into with this man? Afraid to ponder that question, he pushed it from his mind as he stood and went into the bathroom, disposing of the condom and cleaning himself before going back into the bedroom with a damp wash rag. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, he cleaned Cale, smiling at the sharp intake of breath when the warm rag brushed over his cock and then his balls. Tossing the rag towards the bathroom door, Ethan unlocked the handcuffs, rubbing both of Cale’s wrists before kissing the sensitive skin that was slightly red. “Ethan….” “Think you can deal with two weeks of that?” Ethan smiled, slipping into flirting, because that was familiar to him, and he wasn’t ready to deal with what being with Cale had made him feel. “I could think of far worse ways to pass the time.” 22 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “Well, next time won’t be so rushed. I promise. I’ll take my time and touch you all the ways I want to touch you.” Again, he saw the desire in Cale’s eyes, and he leaned down, kissing those beautiful lips as Cale wrapped both arms around him, pulling him close. Ethan melted into those arms, into the kiss, into the man who held him. The first man who had truly captured his attention in longer than he could recall. He knew that made Cale Brooks dangerous, but for now, he didn’t care. Maybe it was time to see how close he could get to the fire without getting burned.

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Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis   

Chapter Three  THE first two days spent with Ethan were incredible. They rarely made it out of the bedroom, and Cale kept waiting for the passion, the need, to ebb, but to his surprise, it seemed to get more and more intense. Each time Ethan touched him, Cale wanted more, needed more. He couldn’t recall the last time anyone had aroused him as Ethan Trent did, and on one level, it terrified him, while one another, he just wanted to explore the attraction and enjoy it while it lasted. And he knew it couldn’t last long. He was Ethan’s for two weeks, and he was content to enjoy every moment of it, but he was wise enough to keep his feelings from becoming tangled in with what was business and nothing more, even when he had to admit this was the first time in a long time he had enjoyed business. He had thought that after the hell with Dane he would never be able to truly find pleasure in sex again, but Ethan was teaching him that he could. And for that, Cale was grateful. Ethan was passionate, generous, had a great sense of humor, and more than once it occurred to Cale that it would be easy to fall for a man like Ethan Trent. He pushed that thought away each time it came to mind. You can’t fall for anyone, Cale. You can’t let your guard down. Even if he were more to Ethan than a hired sexual companion, lingering in his life for too long wouldn’t be an option. He could never stay in one place too long. He had no doubt that Dane was still looking for him, and if he found him, anyone close to Cale would pay a nasty price. Cale wasn’t about to let anyone else suffer for his bad decisions. That he

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Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    would one day pay the ultimate price was bad enough. No one else needed to suffer. With that thought in mind, he determined to take his time with Ethan for what it was and not wonder about what might have been. Ethan made him feel he was special, for this moment in time, and it was enough, Cale assured himself, especially when he realized that Ethan had indeed provided everything he could need. The closet was filled with clothing Cale wasn’t certain when he would wear, as most of their time was spent naked, but Ethan had mentioned something about a surprise coming soon, and Cale smiled at that. He had a feeling Ethan Trent wanted someone in his life, someone he could relate to and care about and spoil a little, but he seemed determined to limit himself to affairs that stood no chance at becoming more. Cale wondered why. Of course, he didn’t ask. That would have been crossing a line, and he knew better. Whores never forgot their place if they knew what was good for them. Dane had told him that more than once, and the thought never left him, even now, as he lay in the bed at Ethan’s house, dozing after another round of intense lovemaking while Ethan left him long enough to make some calls. Naked, surrounded by the odors of sweat and sex and a scent that was uniquely Ethan, each breath filled Cale’s senses, lulling him into a warm dream world. Ethan was under him, hands on his hips, eyes burning with need as Cale moved slowly, wanting to take his time, wanting to make it good as he eased down onto Ethan’s shaft, impaling himself and loving it. He could feel Ethan’s fingers digging into his flesh, knew he would have a host of bruises, but he didn’t care. It was a small price to pay for knowing he was pushing Ethan to the edge, driving him crazy with desire.

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Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    The same desire had Cale trembling inside and out as Ethan wrapped a hand tight around his cock, and Cale allowed his head to fall back, eyes closed. “Move, Cale. Please. I love the way it feels to be inside of you.” “Ethan….” His eyes opened and he looked down, feeling ice cold settle over him, to see Ethan wasn’t there with him, in him. It was Dane instead, and his eyes were filled with rage and hate, and he smiled his cold, sick, twisted smile. “Did you really think you could get away from me, Cale?” Bolting upright, he half-screamed before he could stop himself, looking around the still not familiar room, his heart thundering. It had seemed so real; for a moment, he had been certain Dane was there, that he had found him, that it was all over. “Cale?” Shaking his head clear, he pushed a slightly trembling hand through his hair as Ethan came into the room, moving to the bed and sitting down, clearly concerned. “Are you okay? I thought I heard you scream.” “It … it was nothing. Really. I just….” He shook his head again, feeling foolish. “It was just a … it was just a stupid dream. I’m sorry….” “You don’t have to be sorry, Cale. I know how nightmares can be.” “Do you?” “Yeah. Sometimes it doesn’t matter how far you run from something, it finds you.” “Isn’t that the truth!”

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Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    Ethan slipped a hand into his, and Cale lowered his eyes, trying to recall the last time someone had touched him because they wanted to comfort him. He couldn’t believe anyone would. It didn’t fit into his world, but Ethan was truly concerned. He wanted to show that, and Cale had to push back a rush of emotions. “I ran away from home when I was sixteen. I got tired of being a punching bag for my drunken excuse of a stepfather. And I’m the first to admit that I’ve come a long way, but sometimes, I find the memories come back, even if I don’t want them to.” Ethan squeezed his hand, and Cale looked up at him, surprised by the admission he was making. “I’m not a man who likes to admit to a weakness, but I think it’s safe to say we all have them. And we all have things we wish we could forget.” “I was sixteen. When I left home. And it was because of my stepfather.” “He was a bastard?” “That would be putting it mildly. I put up with it for as long as I could. And then one day, I knew I just couldn’t live with it another day, and I ran.” “Did you come to New York?” Cale shook his head. “No. I went to Chicago.” He looked away again. He couldn’t talk about the rest, about meeting Dane and learning what hell was all about, learning that as bad as his dreaded stepfather had been, there were people who were a great deal worse. He had no idea how Ethan would react if he knew the truth, if he knew exactly where Cale had been, what he had seen and done and he assured himself that he didn’t have to worry about what his reaction would be, because he would never find out. It wasn’t relevant to what they had, a business arrangement, plain and simple. “I have an idea. Let’s go out tonight.” Ethan smiled. “What are you in the mood for?” “Ah … I don’t know….” 27 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “Italian?” “Sure.” Ethan leaned in, kissing him quickly. “I know just the place. I’ll make a call.” He stood and walked towards the door, and Cale smiled as he watched him go, wondering why it meant so much to him that Ethan wanted to comfort him, cheer him up even. He’s just being nice. Gwen said he could come across as cold and arrogant, but beneath that he’s got a good heart. Don’t read too much into it, Cale. He wasn’t stupid enough to let his heart get involved, but maybe he could pretend for a little while that it was more than just sex for a price. Maybe, for a little while, he could pretend he was more than a whore. Ethan certainly made him feel like more.

THE restaurant Ethan took him to was one of the most exclusive in the city, and the food was wonderful. Cale felt a little uneasy at first, but Ethan relaxed him with casual conversation, and Cale was surprised to realize how much they had in common, with similar tastes in music, books, political views. He even admitted he dabbled in photography. He usually didn’t share much personal information, but he was comfortable with Ethan, and Ethan seemed genuinely interested. Ethan had surprised him in turn by telling him about Slater and how the man had helped him. Gwen had told him Ethan Trent was an interesting man, but Cale now considered that something of an understatement. He had a feeling there were many things about Ethan people had never bothered to learn. Maybe they had tried and Ethan had shut them down before they could get too close. Cale could sense he was a man who knew how to be reserved, maybe even ruthless, if a situation called for it, but he knew without a doubt that Ethan would never truly hurt someone just because he could or because he found some twisted pleasure in it. 28 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    He’s not like Dane. He’s not like anyone I’ve ever met. It would be too easy to fall for Ethan Trent, but Cale assured himself he would never go that far as dinner ended and Ethan turned to smile at him when they were alone in the back of his limousine. “There’s a place where I want to take you. A very exclusive club.” Cale smiled. “A sex club?” “You could call it that. It’s called Taboo. Ever heard of it?” “I have. And it is exclusive.” “I would like to take you there, if you’re comfortable with that.” For a brief moment, Cale wanted to tell him that he didn’t have to be concerned with his comfort, that it wasn’t part of the deal, but he held that comment back. He could see Ethan truly wanted him to be at ease, and Cale admired that, respected him even, as he smiled and nodded, knowing a man like Ethan would certainly stand out in a club like Taboo. He looked stunning in black pants and a black silk shirt similar to the one Cale wore. “I would love to go there with you.” Ethan smiled and reached for his hand, pressing a kiss to his palm. Cale felt a rush of heated anticipation, knowing he would soon be the focus of Ethan’s sexual hunger. The past two days had taught him how incredible it could feel to be in that position. He felt as if he were in a never ending state of arousal. All Ethan had to do was look at him and he was instantly hard. He was certain Ethan knew the power he had, as he pulled Cale into his arms. Cale happily stayed in Ethan’s lap as the driver made his way through the late night traffic. Cale held tight to Ethan, accepting each kiss and returning it with an equal adoration, his hands roaming freely over hard muscles. He could feel Ethan’s physical strength, and it was more than a mild turn on, but everything about Ethan seemed to arouse his desire, his most basic physical need. By the time the limo came to a stop, Cale was 29 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    nearly ready to strip naked and ride Ethan in the back seat of the car until they both experienced a mind-shattering release. Drawing in a breath, he regained as much control as he could, taking some comfort in the fact that Ethan appeared just as flustered as he was. Nice to know this goes both ways. The thought made him smile as he followed Ethan out of the car, and Ethan quickly reached for his hand. “Stay close to me. I don’t want anyone getting the idea you’re available.” “Not a chance. I’m all yours.” Ethan smiled at that, clearly pleased with the comment, and Cale chose to ignore the voice in his mind, the voice that sounded like Dane, that told him Ethan already knew Cale was all his because he was bought and paid for. For tonight, I’m not going to think about that; for tonight, I’m just going to enjoy this. Confident in that decision as Ethan walked him into the building, down a long dark hall guarded by an enormous man, Cale watched, fascinated, as the man looked at Ethan, nodded, and then glanced at Cale. “He’s with me.” The man nodded again and stepped back, allowing Ethan to open a door. Cale was amazed by what he saw as they stepped inside. The main room was large, dimly lit, with a large bar dominating the wall to the right. A few tables were scattered about, and there was a huge dance floor currently filled with bodies pressed close in erotic dance. Ethan leaned close as he guided him to the bar. “There are rooms in the back with two-way mirrors. It gives those inside the illusion of privacy, but others can enjoy the show.” “Check all inhibitions at the door.” Cale grinned. 30 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “Do you have any?” Enjoying this, but you’ve already taken care of that one. “Not that I’ve discovered. What about you?” “I think I lost all of mine a long time ago.” They reached the bar and sat down; Ethan signaled for the bartender, a tall, man with spiked blond hair and green eyes, who smiled as he approached. “What can I get you, gentlemen?” “I’ll take a beer,” Ethan answered and looked at Cale. “Same for me, please.” The bartender nodded, winked at Cale, and walked to fill their order. Ethan wrapped an arm around Cale’s waist and leaned close to him again, his breath warm and damp against Cale’s neck, sending an electric rush through Cale. “The bartender has very good taste.” “Why do you say that?” “He’s checking you out. If I weren’t sitting beside you, he would be offering to do a lot more than get you a drink.” “He’s just being friendly.” “Hardly. And you know better. You know the effect you have on men.” “Ethan….” “You’re beautiful. You have to know it. I look at you and I get so hard….” Ethan’s lips teased the sensitive skin under his ear. “I could so easily bend you over this bar and fuck you until we both black out from the pleasure. I’ve never wanted….” His words faded as Cale turned to look at him, his heart racing as their eyes locked and held for a moment, 31 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    before Ethan slipped a hand to the back of his neck, pulling him into a heated kiss. Tongues clashed and sought, the kiss almost frantic as Cale leaned closer, not caring who saw them. He wanted any contact he could get with Ethan, and he sensed Ethan felt the same as he slipped from the stool, moving to stand between Ethan’s legs that looped around him, anchoring him closer, pressing their straining cocks together through the barrier of their pants. Hands on Ethan’s shoulders to support himself, Cale was breathless when the kiss broke, and he watched, arousal growing, as Ethan unbuttoned his shirt, slipping his hands inside. Cale trembled at the feel of strong hands against his skin. His eyes drifted closed, and a small cry escaped him when Ethan’s thumbs brushed over his already sensitive nipples, playing with them, teasing them until Cale was nearly writhing against him, biting down hard on his lip to keep from begging Ethan to touch him even more intimately. Forcing open his eyes, Cale realized the bartender had not only set their drinks on the bar in front of them, he stood, arms folded over his chest, watching them. Cale flushed, even as Ethan glanced at the man and smiled. “Gorgeous, isn’t he?” “That he is.” The bartender looked at Cale with hungry eyes. “I get a break in about twenty minutes if you guys are looking for someone to join.” He glanced to Ethan and Cale watched as Ethan smiled, but shook his head. “No offense, but I’ve never been good at sharing.” “If you change your mind, you know where to find me.” The bartender fired Cale another lustful look before returning to work. Cale glanced at Ethan, feeling a little surprised. He had thought for certain Ethan would go for it. Not that he had wanted him to. He really didn’t care to be shared with anyone, but Ethan was paying for his services, and if he had wanted that, Cale wouldn’t have objected. 32 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “I told him the truth.” Ethan seemed to sense his surprise. “I don’t share. I don’t want to see any other man touch you. I’d much rather be doing the touching myself….” He reached for his beer, taking a sip, but he made no attempt to move away from Cale, who stood between his legs, savoring the feel of Ethan’s hand resting on his back. Ethan Trent truly was a complex man, one Cale liked more than he should, he knew, but for the first time in a long time, he didn’t feel like a hired sexual companion. He felt like Ethan wanted to be with him, and Cale decided that, for just a little while, he would forget that he was being paid to be in Ethan’s bed, because he knew he would wanted to be there, even if money wasn’t involved. Reaching for his own beer, he took a long sip, licking the moisture from his lips as Ethan watched him and smiled. Leaning in, he placed his lips close to Ethan’s ear. “Want to give someone a show?” “You okay with that?” Cale pulled back and nodded, oddly touched that Ethan had thought to ask, that he was actually concerned with his comfort level. “In that case….” Ethan stood, tossed some money on the bar for their drinks, and took Cale by the hand. “I may not share, but I’m not above showing you off. I like the idea of people being green with envy when they realize you’ll be going home with me when all is said and done.” He seemed just a little possessive, but in a playful, flattering way, completely unlike Dane, who Cale refused to think about as Ethan led them through the main part of the club, down another long hall that finally opened into rows of rooms with two-way mirrors. Most of the rooms they passed were occupied with couples, sometimes more than one, each eagerly taking part in various sexual acts. Others stood outside, watching, couples pressed together, enjoying the show, and some finding ways to release their own desire.

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Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    It was all very arousing, but not nearly arousing as knowing Ethan wanted him. They finally came to a door to an obviously empty room, and Ethan opened it, felt along the wall for a light switch, flipped it, and stepped inside. Cale didn’t hesitate to follow. He already knew, without a doubt, that he would follow Ethan Trent anywhere he wanted to go, a reality that should have troubled him, but didn’t. He stepped into the room and looked around slowly, finding nothing too intimidating. The room had a plush leather sofa, a leather covered bench, and dark walls lined with various handcuffs, paddles and other items of that nature. Ethan closed and locked the door, and Cale turned to face him, gut clenching with desire just seeing the burning lust in Ethan’s hazel green eyes. “People saw us come in here, Cale. I saw them watching. I know they were watching you.” “Not just me. You too.” “Think so?” “I know it. Anyone would be a fool not to. You’re the sexiest man I’ve ever seen.” But it’s more than that. More than being sexy. He has no idea how people are drawn to him, how he could have any man in this place on his knees with nothing more than a smile. Watching as Ethan crossed to him, Cale’s eyes held his as Ethan pushed the already unbuttoned shirt from his shoulders, before reaching for his belt. Cale sucked in a breath at the teasing feel of Ethan’s fingers brushing over his taut stomach muscles. He could feel his cock swell and he bit his lip, trying to control what he felt, and not just the desire. His feelings were starting to play a part in this, maybe they had started from the moment he stepped into Ethan’s apartment. He didn’t know for certain, but he knew it could and would spell serious trouble for him, if he wasn’t careful. 34 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “You’re just a whore. Prettier than most, but still a whore.” Recalling Dane’s words made him shiver, and Ethan’s hand’s stalled while unbuttoning his pants, his eyes concerned. “Are you okay?” “I’m fine.” “If you’re uncomfortable….” “Not with you. Or this.” Ethan held his eyes for a moment, then nodded and Cale was grateful he had managed to cover his brief lapse. Forget Dane. You’re with Ethan. He’s nothing like Dane. He has a soul. With a few quick moves, Ethan had the pants unbuttoned and unzipped and pushed down his hips. Stepping free from the garment, Cale basked in the way Ethan was looking at him, with hungry heat and a need in his eyes that reflected what Cale was feeling. It was powerful, and, he had to admit, rather intoxicating. He knew Ethan was really getting into the moment as his hands moved slowly up Cale’s bare chest. “Your skin is incredible.” Thumbs brushed over his nipples. “And these….” Ethan lowered his hand, sucking one nub into his mouth, teasing it with his tongue and teeth, and Cale moaned, his back aching into the pleasure. His cock was throbbing with need, his heart pounding. It amazed him how Ethan aroused him, pushed his desires. For the first time in years he trusted someone completely, and it frightened as much as it thrilled him. Disappointed when Ethan pulled back, he tried not to pout, but Ethan’s deep chuckle told him he had failed. “Want to put on a real show?” “God, yes!” 35 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    Ethan smiled, that sexy, confident smile that made Cale’s knees weak, took his hand and walked him to the center of the room. It was thrilling to know people were watching them even though Cale couldn’t see them. Knowing they were there fueled his desire as Ethan turned him toward the leather-padded bench that was roughly waist high. “Do you know what I want?” Ethan whispered against his ear and Cale nodded. “Yes.” “Are you comfortable with that?” “I’m comfortable with anything, everything, you want.” He heard Ethan growl, a deep, hungry sound that made Cale smile, as Ethan kissed the back of his neck. “Bend over the bench.” Cale happily did as his lover requested, bending over the bench so his stomach was pressed into the leather cushion. He shivered a little at the feel of the cool leather against his warm skin, but the feeling was an interesting contrast, and he liked it as Ethan used the straps attached to the bench to secure him in place. Exposed, vulnerable, but not frightened, Cale listened to the sound of Ethan’s footsteps moving from him, heard the doors of a small cabinet that sat in the corner open, and then a brief silence that allowed Cale’s anticipation to build. After a minute, he heard Ethan moving behind him again, setting something on the end of the bench that Cale couldn’t see, even when he turned his head. “Such a beautiful ass.” He sucked in a breath when Ethan’s hands ran over the globes, slowly, teasingly. Cale lifted his hips, wanting more contact. He was rock hard and eager for whatever games Ethan had in mind, nearly consumed with his desire. He thought he would die from want when Ethan pulled his 36 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    cheeks apart and Cale felt his warm, wet tongue flick over his tight opening. Gasping, eyes closed, he bucked his hips again and arched his back as best he could with the leather straps holding him firmly in place. When Ethan’s tongue pushed inside of him, Cale cried out loudly. “Ethan!” “Like that?” He felt Ethan’s breath against his damp skin. “God, yes! Please … please….” His arms were unbound and his hands clenched. “Please….” He needed Ethan inside of him, needed it so badly he thought he might actually die if he didn’t feel the other man’s cock moving inside of him, but Ethan’s touch suddenly ceased, and Cale cried out once again to make his frustration known. He heard Ethan laugh, but it was a laugh that echoed desire. “Such a sweet, sweet sight you make, Cale.” “Ethan….” “I really want to spank your delicious ass.” Fingers teased over his cheeks. “Do you want me to do that? Do you want me to spank you?” He presented the question in a teasing tone, but Cale knew he was really asking, and he pushed back another rush of emotions, looking back over his shoulder to see Ethan watching him with intense eyes. “Yes. Please.” Ethan smiled slightly and nodded. Cale turned back around. Looking over his shoulder was too odd an angle, and it made his back hurt. For a moment, the only sound in the room was the sound of their breathing, and Cale could hear his own heart pounding. Then, without warning, he jerked forward and cried out when something smooth and cool landed against his ass with enough force to sting his flesh. His cock jumped as if had been hit with an electric charge. He felt Ethan’s hand on his back, warm, almost soothing and amidst the consuming desire, Cale smiled. 37 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    He would have expected a man like Ethan Trent to take what he wanted, do whatever he wanted, with no real regard for the person he was paying to be at his service, but Ethan wanted him to be comfortable, wanted him to find his own pleasure in their actions together. How could anyone resist falling in love with Ethan? Before he could ponder the question, another blow landed, and he again cried out, pushing his hips back as best he could, begging for more. Three more blows landed before he heard something clatter to the floor, and then Ethan’s hands were on his ass, gently, brushing over the tender flesh before something slick and cool probed his opening. “Please … Ethan, please….” He heard the unmistakable sound of a package being ripped open and he shuddered, knowing Ethan was slipping on a condom and at any moment the man he was rapidly falling for would be buried inside of him. He felt Ethan’s hands again, felt the head of his condom covered shaft brushing against him and he arched back, turning to look over his shoulder despite the discomfort, needing to see Ethan, see the desire in the eyes that locked with his. When Ethan pushed inside of him, he gasped, then shivered when Ethan’s hand wrapped around his cock. The world tilted, and Cale was lost in the pleasure.

HALF an hour later they left the club together, Ethan’s arm around Cale’s shoulder as he whispered something in his ear. Neither man noticed they were followed out of the club and watched as they climbed into the waiting limo. As the car pulled away, the man who had watched the scene between Ethan and Cale play out reached for his cell phone and dialed a familiar number.

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Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “Hey, Dane. Sorry to call so late, but I think I just found something you’ve been looking for.”

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Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis   

Chapter Four  THE first week with Cale passed quickly in a blur of sexual heat, and Ethan loved every moment of it. Cale was an incredible lover, passionate and responsive, eager, oddly vulnerable at times, but that only fueled the fire Ethan felt. More than once, he had fallen asleep with Cale in his arms, something he never did. He usually went back to his own room following a sexual encounter, but he liked being as close as possible to Cale, even when they weren’t having sex and that worried him more than a little. It was unnerving to realize that he actually liked the man in his bed, as more than a sexual partner there because he was being paid to be there. He liked everything he had learned about Cale. They had a lot in common, and he found himself talking to Cale about subjects he usually avoided at all times, like his past, his plans for the future, his love for his business. He usually prided himself on being a private person, not liking people to get too close, but he was completely at ease with Cale and beyond that, Ethan was startled to realize he was having a difficult time remembering that in another week, Cale would be gone from his life. The arrangement would end, his arms would be empty again, and Cale would move on to whatever assignment Gwen had scheduled for him next. The very idea of Cale in another man’s bed made his blood boil, and Ethan knew he was in very serious trouble. He just wasn’t certain he cared. He did know he didn’t want to think about it, at least not too intensely, as he made arrangements Saturday to have his private plane fly he and Cale to Hawaii for a few days.

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Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    He wanted some time away from the city, away from the ‘real’ world, and he wanted that time with Cale. He refused to question just what he would do when the end of the week came. He had no idea how to handle what he was feeling, so he decided to postpone dealing with the issue for a few days. He simply enjoyed the obvious surprise Cale felt when Ethan told him what he had planned out for them. It occurred to him that he could get very accustomed to surprising Cale, even spoiling him, but he dismissed the thought. I’m too smart to fall for anyone, even someone as obviously special as Cale Brooks. Still, he took delight in Cale’s reaction to the spacious beach house and private beach. The weather was wonderful, warm and inviting, and shortly after they arrived, they were on the beach, both naked, enjoying a swim that resulted in a bout of intense lovemaking with Cale riding him as Ethan lost himself in his lover’s blue eyes. Afterwards, they ate dinner on the balcony, and then settled into the hot tub, watching as the sun sank low on the watery horizon. Cale’s back was against his chest, each of them relaxed, content, and Ethan realized the moment was one he didn’t want to end. “Ethan?” He pushed away his troubling thoughts. “What is it?” “Can I ask you a question? Something personal.” “Why not?” Ethan smiled, dropping a kiss to his shoulder. “What do you want to know?” “I’m just … well, I guess I’m curious why you do this.” “This?” Cale turned his head slightly. “Why do you pay someone like me to be with you when you could easily have someone in your life for real? I mean, you’re an amazing man. I guess I can’t help but wonder why you would settle for this….” He gestured at himself. “When you could have 41 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    more.” It was obvious he was sincerely curious, and it made Ethan smile a little, as he tightened his arms around Cale’s waist, holding him a little closer. “First of all, this with you is pretty damn great.” Somehow, Cale didn’t seem to know how incredible he really was and Ethan hated that. “As for your question….” He sighed, shaking his head and deciding to be honest. “I’ve never really tried to do a real relationship, to tell you the truth. I kind of figured I wouldn’t be very good at it. I can be pretty stubborn and I don’t really let myself get too close to people. I’ve always figured I’m better off alone. No one expects anything from me, so there’s no chance I can disappoint anyone.” “I think you deserve more. You deserve better.” “Better?” “You deserve someone who will be there, someone who will take the time to get you to open up and I … well, I can’t imagine you disappointing anyone.” “I guess I’ve never let myself believe in the happy ever after stuff.” He leaned in, kissing Cale on the side of his neck. “What about you?” “What about me?” Ethan smiled. “Why do you do this?” He didn’t need to explain what he meant by ‘this,’ and Cale shrugged. “I’m good at it.” “Well, I can’t deny that you are very, very good, but do you want more? You told me you like photography. Have you ever thought about doing that instead?” “I have, but it … being able to make a living as a photographer is a dream and I can’t let myself live in a dream world.” Ethan considered that for a moment, watching as the sun dipped lower, painting the sky vivid shades of blue and pink and lavender. He could hear something in Cale’s words, something almost disparaging in the way he 42 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    talked about himself. He didn’t understand it, but he wanted to, so he decided to push, just a little, to see what Cale would share with him. “Cale, you are beautiful man, and sex with you is a religious experience, there’s no denying that, baby, but you’re so much more than that.” “Ethan….” “You’re intelligent, you have a great sense of humor, when you talk about photography it’s obvious you have a passion for it, and I have no doubt you are incredible at it. I have a feeling you can easily do anything you want, if you dedicate yourself to it, but you … you seem to think all you are good for is sex. I don’t understand that.” I don’t understand why you can’t see yourself the way I see you. “I told you I ran away when I was sixteen. Because of my stepfather.” “Yeah.” “Well, he … he did more than beat me, and I got sick of it. So I ran.” Ethan winced, pulling Cale closer, burying his face in the dark, damp hair, hating the idea of Cale suffering, yet sensing there was more. “I went to Chicago and worked odd jobs for about two years, and then I … I went to this club one night, for the hell of it. I met a man there, who told me his boss would be interested in meeting me. He said there were no strings attached. Just a meeting. And I figured what the hell, it was obvious why this guy thought his boss would want to meet me, but I was struggling pretty hard, and I was desperate.” He paused for a moment and Ethan heard him clear his throat, as if he were struggling with emotions he didn’t want to deal with. “The man’s name was Dane Kelly. He was pretty charming. At first.” “That didn’t last?” “Not long. I found out he was involved in some shady business. He wasn’t in the mob, but he had some ties to it and he….” 43 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “Cale….” “Let’s just say he was pretty vicious with who he called whores. And I was that for him. He made certain I understood that, and the first time I tried to leave, I regretted it.” “What did he do?” “He beat me. I couldn’t get out of bed for nearly two weeks.” “Jesus.” “It took me four years to finally escape him. I’ve been moving around a lot ever since, staying one step ahead of him, knowing he has to be looking for me, because he said he would.” “So for three years you’ve been running?” Ethan asked, gut clenched. “I guess you could say that.” He felt Cale pull away from him, standing as he reached for a towel, shaking his head. “I’m sorry. I had no right doing that.” “Doing what?” “I shouldn’t have told you all of that. It wasn’t appropriate….” Ethan stood, catching Cale by the arm and turning him to look at him before he could step from the hot tub. “You have nothing to apologize for. I asked you about your past, so you didn’t do anything wrong, Cale.” The other man lowered his eyes. “I’m sorry for what you suffered and I think this guy, this Dane Kelly is a piece of shit. And I’m damn glad you got away from him, but whatever shit he or your stepfather might have told you, you need to forget it, Cale. Because you’re a hell of a lot more than a piece of ass.” “Ethan…..” “Look, I got lucky when I ran away from home. I found a man who helped me. Yeah, I had a sexual relationship with Slater, but he never hurt 44 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    me, he never made me feel like I was less than he was and I am damn grateful for that.” He slipped a finger under Cale’s chin and lifted the blue eyes back to his. “But I know things could just as easily have gone the other way. I could have ended up in a bad place and I … what I’m trying to say is there is no difference between you and me. It may seem like it, on the surface, but we’re really just the same.” “Ethan, you know that isn’t true.” “Why isn’t it?” “Look at you and look at me. You’ve made something of your life. And I’m … hell, I’m nothing but a hired whore.” “That just it! You’re not a whore.” Cale opened his mouth as if he were going to argue, but he shook his head instead and slipped from the hot tub. Ethan sighed, grabbed a towel of his own and followed. He felt he was losing an argument, and he hated it, hated that he couldn’t make Cale understand or see himself as more than just a sexual object. But isn’t that what I’m using him as? Am I any better than Dane Kelly? The thought brought Ethan to a halt, as he watched Cale walk to the balcony railing, towel wrapped around his waist, his skin still damp. He had his back to Ethan, who slowly wrapped his towel around himself, taking a breath, before moving to stand beside Cale, careful not to touch him, even though there was nothing he wanted to do more. “We all have a lot in life, Ethan. I can’t change who and what I am.” “Nothing in life is carved in stone, Cale. You can be anything you want.” He shook his head, half-smiling, but it was a sad gesture. “You really believe that?” “I believe in you,” Ethan whispered and Cale turned to look at him. “I think you need to try and believe in yourself.” 45 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “It’s not that easy.” “Nothing that really matters is ever easy. But it’s worth it.” Ethan stepped closer, resting a hand on his waist, wanting to say more, wanting to say something that would make a difference. Crazy or not, smart or not, Cale Brooks had become important to him. “We’re getting entirely too serious.” Cale smiled suddenly. “Aren’t we supposed to be having fun and all that jazz?” “Cale….” “Come on. Let me show you a good time.” Before he could respond, Cale was kissing him, an insistent, demanding kiss that had Ethan instantly kissing him back, tangling both hands in the dark, damp hair. He could feel his cock coming quickly to life, which wasn’t a surprise. He was constantly in a state of arousal when Cale was around; the man made his blood burn with desire. No one had ever had such an impact on him, and Ethan was certain that meant something, something important, something he would question later, but for now, he wanted Cale, but on his terms. Pulling back from the kiss, Ethan took the young man’s hand, smiling as he walked them from the balcony, into the bedroom and to the bed. “Lie down.” Nodding, Cale allowed his towel to fall to the floor, before crawling onto the bed to lie flat on his back while Ethan took a moment just to look at him. He had never seen anything more beautiful. Cale’s olive skin against the white sheets, the desire in his eyes. He was stunning. Ethan wanted to bury himself in Cale’s perfect ass and stay there, but before he did, he wanted, he needed to make love to Cale for a change.

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Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    He was certain Cale’s reactions to him had been honest, but this time, he wanted Cale to know what it was like to be the full focus of his attention. He wanted no games, this time, just Cale in his arms and bed because he wanted to be there. Dropping his towel, Ethan crawled onto the bed, stretching out beside Cale and leaning in for a slow kiss, teasing and tasting, tugging at Cale’s full bottom lip with his teeth, until Cale moaned and Ethan deepened the kiss. He let his tongue plunge deep into Cale’s mouth, one hand coming to rest on his hip, losing himself completely in the kiss, in the feelings the kiss invoked, as Cale shifted, trying to get closer. Smiling, Ethan pulled back and looked down into the desire filled blue eyes. “Ethan….” “Shhh … just lie back and let me taste you, Cale. Every inch of you.” Cale swallowed, and Ethan watched the motion of his throat, looking down to the rise and fall of his chest as he drew in a ragged breath. It’s real. His desire is real. He really wants me. There was a certain thrill in that knowledge, and he held to it as he bent his head to Cale’s right nipple, flicking the nub with his teeth until it was hard and aching. Cale had the most sensitive nipples. Ethan loved playing with them, loved hearing him gasp, one hand tangling in Ethan’s hair to urge him on. Shifting his attention from the right to the left, he subjected it to the same torment before moving his lips lower, kissing each inch of Cale’s chest, down his flat stomach, licking, nipping, savoring each sound Cale made. Scooting down, he shifted, kneeling between Cale’s spread legs, kissing the inside of his thighs that quivered in anticipation. “Ethan….” “I want to do this, Cale. So badly.” 47 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    He looked up, wanting Cale to know he meant it, that he wanted this, and after a moment, Cale finally nodded. Smiling, Ethan returned his attention to Cale, leaning close, inhaling deeply, taking in the musky scent, finding it insanely arousing. Driven by his need to please Cale, he slipped one hand beneath him, to cup his balls and when he did, Cale gasped and lifted his hips, and Ethan chuckled before slightly squeezing the treasure he held. “Ethan….” “I know, baby. I know just what you need.” Cale moaned, tangling his hands in the sheet, and Ethan used his free hand to cradle the base of Cale’s cock, feeling the flesh warm and hard and pulsing with desire. He had never felt so turned on, so aroused knowing he was giving his lover the pleasure he deserved. It made his own dick ache as he lowered his mouth, wrapping his lips eagerly around Cale. Again, Cale lifted his hips, gasping, and Ethan lost himself in what he was doing, in giving Cale pleasure. Swirling his tongue, moving up and down, he sucked Cale deep in his mouth, savoring the taste, the feel, wrapping his lips tighter, fingers massaging his balls. Cale called out his name, and Ethan knew what his lover was trying to tell him. Increasing the pace, he moaned when Cale exploded in his mouth, but Ethan stayed, taking every drop Cale spilled. Licking his lover clean, Ethan finally moved to stretch beside him, claiming Cale’s mouth in a heated, almost desperate kiss as he admitted to himself that he wasn’t so smart after all, because he had done the unthinkable. He had fallen in love.

“WHAT have you found?” 48 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “It is him, sir. We’ve confirmed he’s been in New York for a few months.” “And the man he was with?” “His name is Ethan Trent. He made a few million with a computer business.” Dane Kelly nodded at the information, as he turned his chair to face the man standing in front of his desk. “This Ethan Trent … how did he meet my Cale?” “It seems Cale has a job working for a woman named Gwen Sinclair, and Ethan uses the service Gwen runs….” “In other words, Cale is whoring himself out for money?” Dane growled. “It … it would seem so, sir.” “Well, he will have to be punished for that, won’t he?” A smile curved his lips. “Silly boy will need to be punished for a great many things. As will this Ethan Trent. I’m not amused to hear about the games he has been playing with what belongs to me.” “What do you want me to do, sir?” “We’re going to New York. And we’re going to get my toy back.”

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Chapter Five  THEIR second day in Hawaii, Cale awakened to find Ethan gone from the room, but a note said he would be right back, and in the meantime, there was a large, wrapped box sitting on the foot of the bed and the note instructed Cale to open it. We’re going sightseeing today, and you can use this. Smiling, Cale reached for the package, opening it quickly, trying not to feel too excited, but he couldn’t seem to help himself. He was still on something of an emotional high. He had lost actual count of the number of times he and Ethan had made love the night before, but each time had been even more delicious than the time before. The box finally unwrapped, he lifted the lid, eyes wide at what he saw there. It was a camera, top of the line, the newest on the market with all the possible attachments and accessories and at least fifty rolls of film. “My God….” Carefully, disbelievingly, he removed the camera, examining it, completely stunned, so stunned he didn’t hear the door open, didn’t know Ethan was in the room until he felt the bed beside him shift slightly when he sat down. “You like it?” “Ethan….” “The salesman assured me this is the best, though I have to confess ignorance.” 50 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “It’s incredible. And yeah, the salesman is right, this is the best model around, but I….” He shook his head. “I can’t accept this, Ethan. It’s just too much. I don’t deserve this….” No one had ever given him such an elaborate gift, and he wasn’t certain how to react. He only knew he wasn’t worth the money or the effort Ethan had put into buying it. “Nonsense. Of course you can accept it. I want you to have it.” “But….” “Let me do this for you, Cale. Please. I want you to have the camera, I want you to enjoy it, and forget everything else. For today, let’s just go out and have a good time and not think about anything too serious.” I shouldn’t … but he seems so happy and I … God, I want to be the cause of him being happy. “Thank you, Ethan. It’s amazing. I love it.” Ethan leaned in, kissing him and Cale wanted to cling to him. He sensed Ethan wanted the same thing, but before they could get caught up in the undercurrent of need, Ethan pulled back with a deep sigh. “Careful, or we won’t leave this room and you won’t be able to try out that camera.” “Oh, I don’t know. I think there are some really beautiful sights in this room that would make for lovely photographs.” “Flattering, but I don’t think I’m the nude model type.” Cale pouted. “Too bad. I think you’d look damn good.” Ethan laughed and stood. “Get dressed, baby. When we get back here, I’ll make you forget all about using that camera to take pictures of me.” Certain Ethan would keep that promise, Cale bounced off the bed and quickly showered and changed, ready to spend the day with Ethan but still looking very forward to what would happen when night came again.

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Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    AS the door to her office closed, Gwen Sinclair sighed in relief. She wasn’t a woman who normally found herself anxious or unnerved. She certainly didn’t allow anyone to intimidate her, but the man who had just left her office was an exception to the rule. Gwen’s gut told her that Dane Kelly was trouble in the flesh. He had shown up out of the blue, insisting on seeing her, and when Gwen relented, she was instantly on guard, looking at the man. He wasn’t overly tall, maybe five nine, but he had a bulky build, ice gray eyes and a smile that possessed no warmth or humor. The man with him hadn’t proven much of a comfort; it was obvious the six foot something ox was a hired goon. And he wanted to know about Cale. “A friend told me about the young man. Said he was very talented. I wish to spend time with him, and I am told you can arrange that.” “I’m afraid Cale no longer works for me.” The lie flowed easily. “I’m sorry. I have no idea just where he might be or how to contact him.” “Is that so?” His tone made it clear he didn’t believe her, but Gwen didn’t care. She sensed this man was dangerous, and she had come to like Cale. He was a good guy, and she had a soft spot for him, in much the same manner she had a soft spot for Ethan, which was one of the reasons she had chosen to pair them, thinking they would be a good match. Before leaving, he had placed a card on her desk, looking at her with those icy eyes. “Should you hear from Cale, call me. I wish to meet him.” Gwen simply nodded. She had no intention of calling him. There was only one person she wanted or needed to call, and that was Ethan. He needed to know what was going on so he could pass on the information and Cale could let them know if they needed to be worried. Gwen was already fairly certain that worry was justified. 52 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    Dane Kelly hadn’t just heard about Cale Brooks from some friend. He knew Cale, Gwen had easily sensed that. And he’s dangerous. If he finds Cale, he will hurt him. No one hurt one of her boys. She’d put a bullet in Dane Kelly herself, if need be.

“I CAN’T wait to see those developed.” “Same here. That waterfall was amazing! I hope the pictures turn out.” Ethan smiled, sitting down on the bed behind Cale, hands resting on his shoulders, as he watched Cale put his used film in one side of the camera bag. “I don’t know how to thank you….” “You already did.” Ethan kissed the back of his neck and Cale turned to look at him, unable to stop himself from smiling. He couldn’t believe how happy he felt, how completely free he felt when Ethan was around. “But if you want to thank me, make sure I get an original picture to hang in my bedroom. Before you get famous and I have to clamor to buy your photographs.” “I doubt….” “And you have to stop that. Stop doubting, Cale.” “I wish I could. You make me wish I could.” “That’s a good start, don’t you think?” His eyes held Cale’s and Cale felt something inside of him tremble and in that moment, he knew he couldn’t lie to himself. Not anymore. He was in love with Ethan Trent, and he knew nothing could come from that. He could never tell Ethan what he felt, but he could feel it, bask in it and know he would take a lot away from his time with Ethan. 53 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    He would be leaving his heart behind, but that was okay. At least his heart would be with someone good, someone kind and wonderful and loving. “Cale, I….” Ethan’s words were cut off by the ringing of his cell phone and he groaned, rolling his eyes as he reached for it from the nightstand, frowning a little when he saw the number. “It’s Gwen.” Cale shared his frown, wondering why Gwen was calling. She normally didn’t, she never had any reason to check in, because she was very exclusive when it came to her cliental, so she knew her employees were safe. Watching as Ethan flipped open the phone, Cale felt a shiver, something he could almost call foreboding, but he pushed that feeling away, telling himself he was being silly. He had almost made himself believe it until he saw the look on Ethan’s face. “I’ll handle it, Gwen … yeah, it’s fine. He’s fine … if he shows up again, don’t let him in … yeah, I’ll call you back soon.” Ethan ended the call, looking a little shaken and Cale set the camera bag on the floor, his hands shaking. “Ethan, what is it? Is something wrong?” “Gwen had a visit today. From someone looking for you.” “Who…?” “Baby, it was Dane.” Any warmth he had been feeling in his heart and soul and body faded, and he instantly went cold, inside and out, as the words sank in.

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Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    Dane had found him; Dane had gone to Gwen; Dane knew he had been in New York, knew who he worked for and what he was doing. After all the running, it had finally happened. Dane had finally found him and the irony of his timing wasn’t lost on Cale. Just when I thought I could be more, Dane shows up and that means only one thing. Dane intended to claim him again. He wanted to break him, own him, and Cale knew it would certainly be worse than before. He would suffer more. Dane would want to punish him, humiliate him, leaving him completely shattered inside, and Cale knew he would rather die than face that again. He knew what Heaven was like now, so he couldn’t go back to Hell. “Cale….” “Gwen? Is Gwen okay? Did he hurt her?” “No. No, he didn’t hurt her. She’s fine. He just asked some questions, but she got a really bad feeling about him so she told him you didn’t work for her anymore. She told him she had no idea where to find you.” Cale nodded, standing, brushing his suddenly sweating palms over his navy shorts. His mind was reeling; he couldn’t grab hold of one thought. He knew he needed to take action, needed to run, but he had no idea where to go, what to do. If Dane suspected he was tied to Gwen, that meant Gwen was in danger. Even if Dane hadn’t hurt her, it didn’t mean he wouldn’t, and if Dane were to find him with Ethan, he would certainly kill Ethan without a second thought. Knowing Dane, he would take pleasure in doing it. “I need to go. I mean, if I go, he’ll follow. He’ll leave Gwen alone….” “Cale, wait a minute. Let’s slow down and….” But Cale shook his head, stalking to the closet, finding a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, what he had been wearing when he showed up at Ethan’s.

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Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “I know you paid for another week, and I’m sorry, but Gwen’s cool, so I’m sure she’ll give you the money back or find someone else for you.” It hurt to say the words, but he pushed that pain away as he stripped off his shirt and shorts, stepping into his jeans and reaching for his T-shirt, careful to keep his back to Ethan. “For what it’s worth, I am really sorry. I never meant to bring this shit down, not on you or Gwen, because you really don’t deserve this, but you don’t have to worry. I’ll find some way to make certain Dane knows I’m on the run again, and he’ll back off Gwen, and he won’t have any reason to come after you for being with me.” Aware that he was rambling, but unable to stop himself, he pulled on his shirt and forced himself to turn and face Ethan. He expected to find Ethan still sitting on the bed, but instead, he was inches from him. Cale was so startled that for a moment, he didn’t have the mind to react when he was pushed against the wall, held there by Ethan’s body as the blond captured his mouth in a blistering kiss that made Cane’s knees nearly fail him. Lifting his hands, he planted them on Ethan’s chest, intending to push him away, but of their own accord, his fingers tangled in Ethan’s shirt and Cale found himself clinging to his lover as Ethan’s tongue plunged into his mouth. He had his hands resting firmly on Cale’s hips, and Cale could feel the heat from his erection. He felt his own cock grow hard and he whimpered into the kiss, unable to help himself or battle back the onslaught of raging emotions. By the time Ethan broke the kiss, Cale was breathless, counting on the wall at his back and Ethan’s hands on his hips to support him, to keep him from sinking to the floor. “Fuck getting my money back. Fuck Gwen finding someone else.” “Ethan….” “You’ve been running for three years, Cale. It has to stop.” “You don’t understand. Dane is dangerous. I don’t want anyone else hurt because of me. I’m not worth you or Gwen or anyone else being in danger.” 56 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “Then let me help you.” Cale shook his head. “You can’t. Not with Dane. I’m sorry, Ethan, but you can’t go against him. You can’t take on a man like Dane.” He wouldn’t even let him try. “I’ve been taking care of myself for three years, so I can go on doing that and you….” He shook his head. “You’ve been wonderful to me, and I am more grateful than you will ever know. But at the end of the day, I’m just a hired whore, which is something neither of us should forget.” Even if he had for a while, Cale realized sadly. For a brief moment, Ethan had made him feel like more, but reality had intruded, and maybe that was for the best, before he became more caught up in a dream that could never be. He tried to step away from Ethan, but Ethan wouldn’t release him and Cale sighed as he looked into hazel green eyes. “I get that Dane’s a bastard. But he’s human, Cale. He’s just a man. And that means he has a weakness.” “Ethan….” “We find that weakness. We exploit it. And we use it to make certain you are free of Dane Kelly forever.” “There’s no way…..” “Oh, there is always a way.” Ethan smiled. “Give me two days, Cale. We’ll head back home, and I’ll make some calls. You said that this Dane has some connections. Well, he isn’t the only person with friends in some unusual places, so let me do this for you.” “Why? God, Ethan, why are you willing to risk yourself for me? Don’t you get it? It doesn’t matter what clothes you put me in or where you take me. Putting a camera in my hand doesn’t change the reality that I’m good for one thing. It’s all I have ever been good for. I learned that from my stepfather and Dane … don’t fool yourself into believing I’m worth saving, because I’m not.” “That’s bullshit.” “No. That’s the truth. Pleasant or not, I don’t deny the truth.” 57 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    Cursing, Ethan stepped back, raking a hand through his hair, and Cale used the chance to push by him, needing some physical distance. It was hard to think clearly when he was close to Ethan, and he needed to think clearly now. He couldn’t let himself find hope in the things Ethan had said. It would be unfair to both of them when he knew better, knew what Dane would do to get him back. Even if Dane wasn’t a factor, there was no way he could hope for more with Ethan. “In my mind, you’re not a whore, Cale.” “Ethan, please. What else could I possibly be? “Anything you want.” “Don’t. Just don’t … .don’t make out like I’m more than what you paid me to be.” Turning away from him, Cale tried to push aside his feelings, his longings for what he could never have. Even if Dane hadn’t been in the picture, he could never tell Ethan he loved him. “I know why I went to Gwen. I know why I … maybe I’m no better than Dane in a sense. I know what our arrangement was about, but….” Ethan’s words faded and Cale turned to look at him. “You and I have a lot to talk about, but I … don’t ask me to just let you walk out of here, Cale, because I can’t do that. I won’t do that. I can help you. It might be hard for you to believe that, but give me a chance, give me two days. Please. Just two days.” He closed his eyes, struggling for control, the struggle becoming all the more impossible when he felt Ethan’s hands reaching for his. He opened his eyes to look into a hazel green haven. “Don’t waste your time on me, Ethan.” “Don’t dismiss yourself as not being worth my time, Cale.” “You don’t….”

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Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “I do understand. I understand we all need help sometimes. I did once. Slater stepped in, he helped me and that makes me lucky. So let me return the favor. Let me help you get free from Dane once and for all.” Ethan lifted one hand to his lips and kissed it gently. “Come back to New York. I know someone I can call, and we can see about turning the tables on Dane. And once he’s out of your life for good … well, we can talk about everything else then.” For a moment, Cale was tempted to ask what ‘everything else’ might be, but he sighed, trying to tell himself it didn’t matter. He needed to turn and walk out the door, walk away from Ethan Trent and forget about everything he felt for the man. Save him and yourself and run, Cale. Running is for the best. “Trust me, baby. I swear you won’t ever regret it.” “I do trust you.” “Then come home with me. Let me help you.” He started to shake his head, but instead, he found himself nodding as tears he refused to shed burned his eyes and Ethan sighed in obviously relief, pulling Cale into his arms and holding him until Cale held him just as tightly. “I don’t want you to regret this,” Cale whispered, face buried against Ethan’s neck. “I won’t ever regret helping you. But I know I will regret it forever if I let you walk away.”

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Chapter Six  ON the flight back to New York, Ethan was relieved when Cale managed to fall asleep. He used the time to make a few phone calls to an old friend. He hadn’t been kidding when he told Cale he had some interesting connections of his own, and he was more than willing to use those connections now if it meant helping Cale free himself from Dane Kelly once and for all. He had never met the man, but it wasn’t hard to picture his type. It was obvious he was a typical bully who liked to hurt people as a means to control them. His power, in all likelihood, was a carefully crafted illusion, which meant it could be undermined and weakened, or better yet, destroyed completely. Finished with his calls, Ethan moved to the seat where Cale reclined, looking beautiful and completely relaxed in his sleep. His hair was a mess, his damp lips slightly parted, his chest rising and falling in steady tempo, the white T-shirt molding itself to his hard muscles. He was nothing short of stunning, but that much had been obvious from the beginning, just from the photograph Gwen had sent to him to entice his interest. Ethan had known with one look at that photograph that he had to have a taste of Cale Brooks, but now, just over a week later, he knew a taste would never be enough. He knew he wanted Cale in his life, and not as a paid lover. He wanted Cale in his life as the real deal, someone who was with him because he wanted to be with him, because he loved him and wanted to build a life with him. Ethan didn’t know yet if that would be possible. He didn’t know if Cale loved him or could ever love him, but he wasn’t about to let Dane 60 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    Kelly prevent him from finding out one way or the other. If that meant he had to fight dirty, so be it. He hadn’t gotten to the top of his game by playing nice all the time. He knew when to pull out all the stops, knew when a situation called for him to be a bastard. You want a battle, Dane, come and get it, but be ready to get your ass kicked. Settling down beside his lover, Ethan wrapped an arm around Cale’s waist, and in his sleep, Cale scooted closer to him, mumbling his name. Ethan smiled. It was nice to know Cale knew it was him, nice to know he was on Cale’s mind, even as he slept. It gave him hope that maybe he could have what he wanted with the beautiful young man who had turned his life upside down and inside out in just a matter of days. He had told himself so many times he would never fall in love and truth be told, he had never even come close. Until Cale. Pressing a kiss into his lover’s hair, Ethan closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, putting all the worries and troubles aside for just a little while. He fully intended to deal with Dane Kelly, and once the bastard was out of Cale’s life for good, he and Cale would sit down for a nice, long talk. If Cale still wanted to leave, Ethan wouldn’t stop him, even if watching Cale walk away from him would break his heart. But I would never hold him with me against his will the way Dane did. He deserves the freedom to decide what he wants from life, and he will have that, no matter what. Of course, he hoped Cale would stay, hoped that maybe Cale could love him. He knew in his heart that they could build a good life; there was so much Cale had missed out on, so much Ethan wanted to give him, but mostly, he wanted Cale to realize his own self worth and that he wasn’t a whore good for only one thing. 61 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    He was a complex, beautiful man, inside and out, a reality that hit Ethan anew when he awakened just before they landed in New York to find Cale awake, watching him with those beautiful blue eyes. I want to fall in those eyes and never find my way out. Smiling as he reached out a hand to brush his fingers through Cale’s dark, tangled hair, Ethan had to battle back the urge to tell Cale then and there that he loved him. He knew it was too soon. Dane needed to be dealt with first, freeing Cale to decide for himself who and what he really wanted in life. “Did you sleep well?” Ethan asked and Cale nodded. “Seems I always sleep well when you’re holding me.” “Hope that’s not an indication that I bore you.” Laughing a deep, rich, warm, genuine laugh, he shook his head. “Hardly. I’m anything but bored around you.” “Good to know.” “Ethan….” Before he could say more, Ethan pressed a finger against his lips. “I made a call before I fell asleep. I know this man, his name is Victor Logan. Everyone calls him Vic. We met through Slater a long time ago, but a few years back he called me and told me about his nephew, Kevin. Kid is a wiz at computers, but he was seventeen at the time and about to go down a bad path, so Vic asked me to talk to him. Maybe get him interested in a career that wouldn’t end with him in jail. And as it turned out, Vic was right. Kevin is brilliant. I gave him a job. He’s still with my company, going to college, and once he graduates, he knows he has an even better job waiting. “Point is, Vic is grateful to me. He said if I ever needed anything, he would be there. And as it happens, Vic’s family has some interesting ties. When I called, he said there wouldn’t be any problem checking out Dane Kelly.” 62 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “Even if he finds something….” “I have no doubt we will find something, and then we’ll use it to make Dane realize he isn’t powerful as he thinks.” Ethan scooted closer to him, draping a leg over Cale’s hip. “Let’s see what Vic comes up with, and then we’ll take it from there.” “I just … I don’t want you to put yourself in danger because of me.” “Cale….” “Promise me you’ll be careful, Ethan. Please.” “Promise you’ll not run from me.” “Ethan….” Not letting him launch into a self disparaging tirade, Ethan claimed his lips in a deep and lingering kiss. He was careful to keep Cale distracted until they landed in New York.

THREE hours after they were back in New York, Ethan had spoken to Gwen again and assured her that both he and Cale were safe. With Cale’s permission, he explained to her what was going on, and she was more than understanding. She had sensed easily that Dane was bad news, and she was all for Ethan doing any and everything he could to make certain he was no longer a threat to Cale. As Ethan had actually suspected, Gwen cared a great deal about Cale. She wanted him safe, but she did surprise Ethan when she asked him flat out why he was so vested in making certain Cale had nothing to worry about. “It’s complicated, Gwen,” he answered, glad Cale wasn’t in the room. “Bullshit. Don’t feed me the complicated line, kid. I think it’s pretty damn simple.” “Gwen….” 63 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “Fine. I get it. You can’t say it yet. But I know what’s going on.” “Do you?” “Yeah, I do. You just be sure to take care of him. He’s special, Ethan.” Ethan smiled. “You don’t have to tell me. I know.” The problem was, Cale had no idea just how special he was. He couldn’t see past the lies his stepfather and Dane Kelly had told him, but Ethan was determined to change that. Hanging up the phone, he smiled as Cale stepped into the room, dressed in an old T-shirt and jogging pants. Fresh from a shower, his hair was damp, and Ethan felt a heated rush of desire. If he could convince his young lover to give them a chance at a real relationship, Ethan had to wonder if he would ever get any work done. Or would he constantly be looking for an excuse to drag Cale back into the bedroom to have his wicked, wicked way with him? “Was that Gwen?” The question pulled Ethan from his lustful thoughts, and he nodded. “It was.” “Is she pissed?” “No. She’s worried about you, but she isn’t pissed.” Ethan stood and crossed to Cale, resting his hands on the other man’s hips, his fingers sliding beneath the hem of Cale’s shirt, eagerly seeking contact with his smooth skin. “Gwen cares about you. A lot. I don’t know if you’ve realized this, baby, but there are a few people around here who are damn determined to keep you safe, so you had best accept the fact that you aren’t alone.” Cale moved closer, his hands on Ethan’s shoulders. “It’s kinda hard. I’ve been on my own for so long, it’s hard to accept that people care.” “Well, you’ll have to work on that.” He opened his mouth, then closed it, shaking his head, and Ethan knew his self doubt was there, calling out to him. Ethan hated it. He wanted to 64 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    make Cale see himself the way he saw him, wanted Cale to understand that he was an incredible person, but Ethan was smart enough to know it would take some time. A person couldn’t overcome a lifetime of hell in just a few days, but he was willing and ready to commit himself to helping Cale recover his self-esteem. He was tempted to throw caution to the wind and tell Cale that now, when the phone rang and Ethan sighed, pulling away from Cale to answer it. Recognizing the number, he waved Cale over to sit beside him on the sofa before answering the call on speaker phone. “Hi, Vic.” “Hey, Ethan. I got what you’re looking for.” Ethan reached for Cale’s hand, holding it, sensing the anxiety rolling from his lover in waves. “Great. I have Cale here with me, so tell us what you found.” “Well, this Dane guy, he is a real piece of shit. He’s been linked to some nasty crimes, a few murders, but the police can never get anything to tie him in directly.” “Who did he kill?” Cale asked, almost in a whisper. “A couple of young guys. By young, I mean eighteen. Nineteen. Police suspect he’s had a hand in more, but like I said, Dane’s good at covering his tracks when it comes to that.” “Fuck.” Ethan felt sick. “What else?” “Dane’s your typical bully bastard. He likes to push people around. He’s also good when it comes to making out like he’s more than he really is.” Cale frowned. “What does that mean?” 65 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “Well, he lives in a big, nice house, has the cars, the clothes, all the trappings, and he likes to brag a lot, but you look just beneath the surface and you find out that most of it’s an act. He ain’t as wealthy as he likes people to think. He’s in debt up to his eyeballs.” Vic laughed. “But what might really work for you? Seems Dane likes to gamble. A lot. Loves poker and has a thing for betting on the ponies.” “I remember that. He plays poker a few times a week. Likes to go to Vegas too.” “Yeah, he likes Vegas and he likes his gambling, but the problem is that it doesn’t like him. I can’t see where the guy has ever had a decent winning streak.” “Meaning?” Ethan smiled. “Meaning old Dane owes some nasty people a hell of a lot of money, and by nasty, I mean guys who wouldn’t have any issue with making Dane disappear forever.” “Who does he owe the most?” “Let’s see….” Some papers were rattled about. “Oh yeah. He’s in for seven hundred fifty grand to a guy named Mark Morgan. He’s a loan shark. Not really a nice guy. Dane’s behind on making payments, and I’m willing to bet Mark isn’t thrilled about that.” “Can you contact this Morgan guy?” “Ethan….” Cale shook his head, eyes wide, but Ethan just lifted the hand he held and kissed it reassuringly. “Yeah, I can contact him. No problem.” “Good. You think you can tell him I’m willing to pay Dane’s debt to him?” “You want to buy his marker? That’s what it’s called. Means Dane will owe you instead of Morgan and…” Vic laughed again. “You’re one clever guy, Ethan. Hell, yeah, I’ll make contact, and I’ll bet Morgan will

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Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    go for it. He wants his money, I’m sure, so he’ll be happy to let Dane be your issue rather than his.” “Thanks, Vic. Let me know when I need to transfer the cash.” “Will do. And if you need any back up when you go to deal with this Dane bastard, let me know, and I’ll be there.” Ending the call, Ethan turned to Cale who was already standing, pacing the room, raking a hand through his still damp hair. “Cale….” “This is crazy. Can’t you see that? Didn’t you hear what Vic said? The police think Dane killed at least two men, and I’m willing to bet they’re right about that, so the last thing you need to do is piss him off, Ethan.” “We’re going to have leverage over him, Cale.” “Dane is crazy. He won’t care about leverage. If he thinks you’re a threat….” “I plan on being a threat to him. I’m going to use the leverage over him to get you free from him once and for all, Cale. I don’t care how dangerous Dane might be. I won’t stand back and let him or anyone else control your life.” “Why? For the love of God, why are you doing this? I’m not worth it.” “Don’t. Don’t say that.” “Why not?” Cale stopped pacing and faced him as he stood. “We’re ignoring reality here. At least you are. I’m not worth this, Ethan. I’m a whore. I’m just some guy you paid….” He trailed off and shook his head. “Why do you care what happens to me? God, just let me get out of here. It would be better for you if I just disappeared and Gwen, well, like I said before, Gwen will find someone else that can suit your needs and….” “I don’t intend to use Gwen’s services any more after this.” “What? Why? Don’t blame her for this. Please. She had no idea.” 67 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “I don’t blame Gwen for anything.” Ethan smiled a little. “Oh. Good. Because she didn’t know about my fucked up past. And you trust her, so she can find someone else.” “See, that’s the problem.” “What’s the problem?” Cale frowned, clearly confused and Ethan thought he looked too damn adorable for his own good. “This.” He waved a hand between them. “What’s happened here, what you said, it’s made me think you’re right, that maybe I should give having a real relationship a chance. I’ve decided that I just might do that.” “Oh. I … that’s good. I mean, that’s great. You should.” “Think so?” Cale nodded, but then turned his back. “Of course. I … you’re a great guy. Any man would be lucky to … to have you in their life. I’m glad you realize that.” “I don’t know how great a guy I am, but I do know what I want.” “I’m sure you’ll get it.” Crossing the room, Cale opened the doors the double glass doors and stepped onto the balcony, and Ethan watched him for a moment. He doesn’t get it. He has no idea it’s him I want. Deciding it was time to change that, he followed Cale onto the balcony, shivering slightly as the chilled evening air wrapped around him. For the first time in years, Ethan Trent was afraid he might not get what he wanted, but he was still going after it. Cale Brooks was worth the risk, about that, Ethan had no doubt.

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Chapter Seven  BRACING his hands on the railing, Cale stared down at the city below, working to control his emotions, firmly reminding himself that he had no right to be jealous at the idea of another man in Ethan’s arms. Ethan deserved someone in his life, someone special, who could love him. Someone who deserved his love. And that will never be me. He knows that. So do I. Closing his eyes, he cursed himself, for having put himself in this position, for having fallen in love with a man he could never have. He was a complete fool. Dane as an issue or not, he had nothing to offer Ethan. They were from different worlds. Even if Ethan had started out with nothing, he had made something of his life. Cale couldn’t say the same. Startled slightly when strong arms wrapped around his waist, he shivered in delight when Ethan kissed the back of his neck. Even if he couldn’t have Ethan forever, he could have him now. “Do you believe in fate?” The question seemed out of the blue, and despite his somber mood, he half smiled. “I’ve never really thought about it.” “I have. And I never believed in it. I figured buying into fate was just people’s way of sitting back and letting things happen, and I prefer to go out and make things happen.” 69 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “I’ve noticed that about you.” “Now, I’m starting to wonder if some things are better left to fate.” “How so?” He leaned back against Ethan, savoring the moment, knowing there wouldn’t be many more, and he wanted as many memories as possible. “Well, I never thought I could fall in love. I never thought I’d meet anyone who could convince me love really existed.” Ethan kissed the back of his neck again. “But everything you said made me see that love really does exist, and more than it just existing, I want it in my life.” Opening his eyes, Cale blinked back the tears that threatened. It was almost ironic. He had made Ethan rethink his thoughts on falling in love, yet he could never be the man Ethan could fall in love with. “I hope you find it.” “I appreciate the good wishes, but I don’t need them, because I’ve already found it.” Confused, refusing to listen to the voice in the back of his mind that screamed at him, telling him the impossible might really be possible, Cale turned in Ethan’s arms, but Ethan didn’t step back from him, so their bodies were still pressed tight. “What do you mean, you’ve already found it?” “What do you think I mean?” Ethan smiled. “I’m not good at this, because I’ve never done it before, so I guess that best thing to do is just say it.” “Ethan….” “I love you, Cale. I can’t pinpoint the exact moment it happened. Maybe I started to fall the second you walked in the door. All I know for certain is I have never loved anyone until you, and I know that I never want you to walk out of my life.” “You can’t … Ethan, you can’t love me. I….” Pulling from him, Cale walked back inside, heart racing, the words that Ethan had said ringing in 70 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    his mind. “You can’t love me. It’s insane. I mean, you clearly enjoy having sex with me, the fact that you want to help me means you care, or you think you care, but you can’t love me.” “I’m not confused by my feelings, Cale. I know what they are.” “You don’t….” “I love you. I love everything about you.” Cale laughed bitterly, turning to face Ethan, who had followed him inside. “Everything? What do you love most? The fact that I’m a whore? Or the fact that a dangerous man is stalking me and if possible, he will kill me? Come on! I fuck people for a living, Ethan. Don’t you get it? Sure, I might be a high-priced whore, but I’m no different than some guy you could pick up off the street who would give you a blowjob for twenty bucks.” “That’s bullshit!” “No, that’s the truth. Ugly? Yes. But it’s still the truth.” “No, that’s the shit and lies your stepfather and Dane fed you for years. It’s time for you to realize you are a hell of a lot more,” Ethan fired back, his emotions echoing in his words. “What you are, Cale, is a remarkable, intelligent, decent, kind man who makes me think! You make me smile and realize there is more to life than what I let myself see! I love you, Cale. And hell yes, sex with you is beyond amazing. If we fell into bed and never crawled out, I wouldn’t give a damn because … because I love you. I don’t want anyone else.” “You aren’t thinking clearly.” “I know exactly what I’m doing!” Cale shook his head. “I need to … look, this isn’t a fairytale. Okay? You can’t dress me up, clean me up, and expect me to fit into the world you live in. I can’t, and if you would just stop and look at the situation, you would realize I’m not what you need.” “Cale, listen to me.” 71 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “I can’t.” Ethan crossed the room, catching Cale’s hands in his. “Give me, give us, a chance.” “A chance to ruin your life?” “A chance to make both of us happy.” Cale shook his head again, swallowing back the emotions that threatened to overtake him because he needed to remain clear headed. He had to be reasonable; he couldn’t let himself start to believe it was possible, to have a life with the man he loved so damn much it hurt inside. “Tell me this, baby.” Ethan stepped closer. “Do you feel something for me?” Cale forced himself to meet Ethan’s hazel green eyes, knowing how hard it was for Ethan to ask that question, to risk rejection. “Tell me the truth. Tell me I don’t mean something to you.” He looked so vulnerable it shattered Cale’s heart, made him hate himself, for what he was about to do, but he had no choice. I have to protect him, even if I have to hurt him to do it. I can’t tell him I love him, even if there’s nothing I’d rather do more. Knowing this moment would haunt him for the rest of his life, knowing the memory would torture him, Cale pulled away from Ethan, forcing a chill into his voice. “No. No, I don’t feel anything for you.” “Cale….” “You’re just a guy I fucked for money. Nothing less. Nothing more. I’m good at what I do, as you well know, and trust me when I say a good whore never falls for a client.” “You don’t mean that.” “Sorry if you read more into it, but the facts are the facts.”

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Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    Dying inside, he turned, leaving Ethan to stare after him as he crossed to the door and opened it, glancing back over his shoulder. “Find someone else. I’m not for you.” Before he could change his mind, run back to Ethan, fall to his knees, and tell him he loved him more than life, Cale walked out the door. As he did, he allowed a few tears to fall. What shame was there in crying when he had just broken an amazing man’s heart?

CALE wasn’t certain how long he walked. He knew it was a while, his legs were tired, adding physical exhaustion to his complete emotional fatigue. He still wasn’t overly familiar with the city, at least not the highend neighborhood where Ethan lived, but he didn’t have his wallet for a cab or bus fare. All he had was his cell phone, but he had no one he could call. He hadn’t really made any friends. He couldn’t call Gwen, because she would ask why he had left Ethan, and Cale didn’t think he could explain. Not without falling apart. He felt like shit. Ethan was a wonderful man, a man he loved with all his heart and wanted to spend his life with, but it wasn’t possible. It would never be possible. Even if he could find a way to escape Dane, he was still all the things he had pointed out to Ethan and he couldn’t change that and he had to accept that reality. He had done the right thing, walking away. He only wished doing the right thing hadn’t resulted in Ethan being hurt. He’ll find someone else. He will. With some time and space, he’ll know I’m right. Blowing out a breath, he stopped when he came to a bench, sitting down, his heart still with Ethan, his mind lost in memories and tangled

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Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    with questions that had only one obvious answer, when he was honest with himself. He was tired of running and now, there was a chance Ethan was in danger and Cale refused to see him suffer. Reaching for his phone, he dialed a number he had never been able to forget, knowing he was about to send himself back to hell and there would be no escaping this time. When a familiar voice answered on the third ring, Cale drew in a breath and sealed his final fate once and for all. “Dane. It’s me. Cale. I know you’re in town. And I … I’m tired of running. Just tell me where to meet you, and I’ll be there within the hour.”

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Chapter Eight  THE hotel where Dane was staying was only ten blocks from where Cale had placed the call, and Dane insisted on sending a driver to pick him up. He wasn’t surprised that Dane wasn’t in the back. One of his hired muscle men greeted him instead, and Cale was almost relieved. He needed a few more minutes before he faced the man he hated, the man who would likely end his life. Knowing what Dane had in mind for him, Cale almost wished he had told Ethan he loved him, but he knew it was best that he hadn’t. Admitting that would have given Ethan false hope. The ride to the hotel was too short, and Cale willed himself not to fall apart as the goon Dane had sent walked him through the lobby to the elevator. “Boss has been mighty pissed about your running.” Cale glanced at the man, but said nothing. What was there to say? He wasn’t sorry he had run, because regardless the outcome, running had resulted in his meeting Ethan and meeting Ethan was the best thing that had ever happened to him. “You must’ve wanted to be free pretty bad.” “You could say that.” “If freedom is so important, why come back now?” “I found something more important than my freedom.” The man fell silent, and Cale was grateful. He didn’t want to talk, didn’t want to think, he just wanted whatever was to come next over and done with. 75 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    I’m sorry, Ethan. I hope you never find out what he does to me. Pausing at the third door after they left the elevator, the mountain of a man knocked twice and then opened the door, ushering Cale inside. “Well, look what the cat dragged in.” Cringing at the voice he hated with a passion, Cale looked up to find Dane standing in front of him, his eyes cold and hard. “Dane….” “You look as beautiful as ever, Cale. Not that I’m surprised.” “Thank you.” He knew how to play the game. “It seems I’m not the only one charmed by your beauty and….” His eyes ran down Cale’s body in an obviously sexual gaze. “And your other assets.” The way Dane looked at him made bile lurch from his stomach, but he kept himself motionless, waiting for more, waiting for the beating to start, so it could finally be over. “Dane, I’m….” “We have guests, Cale. I believe you know at least one of the gentlemen.” Gracefully, Dane stepped to the side, and Cale felt his heart fall to his stomach to see Ethan sitting on a sofa with another man. “Mr. Trent came to see me tonight, with his friend, Vic.” The tall, thin man sitting beside Ethan nodded, but Cale’s eyes were fixed on Ethan, who showed no emotion, gave no hint at what he was feeling, and for a moment, Cale thought he was dreaming. He hadn’t expected this. He knew Vic was doing a favor for Ethan, but he hadn’t expected him to do it so quickly, and after the way he walked out, Cale had thought for certain Ethan wouldn’t want to help him anymore. “Hello, Cale.” Ethan’s voice was calm, almost cold. “Ethan.” 76 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “Please, come in and have a seat, Cale.” Dane laid a hand on his back, and Cale winced but moved into the room, sitting down in a chair opposite Ethan while Dane stood. “It seems you made a very interesting impression on Mr. Trent. Enough that he has gone to some very extreme measures to make certain you are free to be with him, rather than with me.” His words were controlled, even, but it was obvious to Cale that Dane was angry, and when Dane was angry, people tended to get hurt, and Cale wasn’t about to allow Ethan to be hurt. He didn’t care about himself. Ethan was all that mattered. “As I’ve already explained to Mr. Kelly, I have purchased a debt that he owed Mr. Morgan, which means he now owes me.” “Ethan….” “And I’m willing to consider that debt paid, if Mr. Kelly agrees to stay out of your life for good, which also means Mr. Kelly assures me nothing will happen to you or….” His eyes found Cale’s and held. “Or anyone you happen to care about.” For a moment, the look in Ethan’s eyes made it possible for Cale to forget anyone else was in the room, but Dane cleared his throat, and Cale had to force himself to look from the man he loved to the man he hated, still unable to believe they were actually in the same room together. “I’ve always considered you a prize, Cale. And I was upset, to say the least, when you ran away from me. I never take it well when I lose what belongs to me, and I won’t lie to you now. There is nothing I would like more than to have you back.” “Dane….” “I had some interesting games in mind for us, pretty boy, but I figure I got some good use out of you during the years you were under my roof. God knows plenty others used you before and since then.” He laughed, and Cale lowered his eyes, feeling the shame Dane had intended for him to feel with those harsh words. “So the way I figure it, as much as I’d like to fuck your ass one more time, being free from a major debt in exchange for your already well used ass … well, I’d be the ass to pass up that deal, wouldn’t I?” 77 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    Surprised, Cale forced himself to look at Dane. “What?” “Pay attention. I know I never kept you around for your brains –” “You don’t have any right to insult him,” Ethan cut in with a glare. “It’s fine.” Cale looked to Ethan. “Really. It’s … it’s true.” Ethan’s eyes narrowed, but Cale ignored it, looking to Dane again. “Are you telling me it’s over? I don’t have to run anymore? You’re going to leave me alone? And Ethan’s not in danger?” He had to be certain about Ethan’s safety most of all, and Dane seemed to sense that, as he rolled his eyes and grunted. “Yeah. It’s over. My debt is free and clear, and so are you.” Grateful he was still sitting, Cale nearly sagged under the weight of his relief as Dane turned his attention to Ethan. “He’s all yours, Trent. Hope he’s worth it.” “He’s more than worth it, you piece of shit!” Dane laughed, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “Now, now. Don’t get testy. I’m just saying seven hundred and fifty grand is a lot of cash. I know Cale is talented, but I don’t think there’s a piece of ass on the planet worth that much.” Ethan started to respond, but Cale noticed Vic placed a hand on his arm, and Cale sighed, grateful that Vic at least understood who Dane was and what he could do. “Look, Trent, our business is done, so take your purchase and get it out of here.” Clearly working to control his temper, Ethan stood, along with Vic, crossing the room to stand in front of Cale. Holding out a hand, Ethan looked down at him, and Cale raised his eyes to the hazel green gaze, almost afraid to move or believe this was real. 78 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    He was free from Dane because of Ethan; he was free from Dane because Ethan loved him enough to do what most would consider insane, Cale included. “Come home with me. Please?” It was impossible for him not to hear the uncertainty in Ethan’s voice, and it broke his heart anew as he nodded and accepted the hand Ethan offered him. Standing, Cale didn’t spare Dane a final look as he and Ethan walked from the room with Vic behind them, and Cale realized he had just left the past behind. Now I have to face the future. He was no longer sure he had the resolve to push Ethan from that future, even if he still believed doing so would be for Ethan’s own good.

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Epilogue  VIC drove them back to Ethan’s apartment, and both Ethan and Cale thanked him for his help, but they didn’t speak directly to one another. Ethan still wasn’t certain what to say. He knew he and Cale had a lot to talk about, but the conversation needed to take place when they were alone, and he understood that. He suspected Cale was still trying to process the reality that he was finally free from Dane, and while Ethan knew their future was still very much up in the air, he didn’t release Cale’s hand from his because he needed the physical contact. He needed to know Cale was close, that he was safe, in his life for a little longer, at least. Being close to Cale made him feel warm, chasing away the chill that had settled in his heart and soul and bones when Cale walked out of his apartment. When he walked out after insisting he didn’t love me. Of course, Ethan was certain that was a lie, having seen the way Cale looked at him in Dane’s hotel room. He wasn’t ready to give up on them yet. Cale could argue all he wanted. Ethan was fully prepared to fight back. He wanted Cale in his life, and he knew Cale wanted to be there. He held that fact in mind when they finally made it into his apartment. Ethan closed and locked the door, as Cale turned and looked at him. “I … I don’t even know what to say. I still think you’re crazy. Dane is dangerous. He went for it, for the deal you offered, but he could have easily refused, and he….” He shook his head. “You know he could have killed you?” 80 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “But he didn’t.” “Which means you are damn lucky!” “Cale.” “That said, I have no idea how to thank you. You took a risk. And the money … shit, Ethan, I have no idea how I can ever pay back that kind of money.” “Luckily, you don’t have to worry about paying it back.” “Ethan….” “I don’t care about the money, Cale. I’d give Dane every penny I have if it meant you could be free from that bastard.” He raked a hand through his hair, preparing himself to lay his heart on the line for the second time in a matter of hours, praying that this time, he wouldn’t have it thrown back at him. He knew it would crush him. “Dane is a bastard. Your stepfather? He was a bastard. Every useless son of a bitch who has ever made you doubt yourself is a bastard, and it’s time you stop letting those people control your life.” “It’s not that simple.” “But it is. You want more. And you can have it. You’re smart. You have talent. Give yourself a real chance, baby.” Cale looked away from him, shaking his head. “All I’ve ever known is….” He shook his head again and Ethan stepped closer, but not close enough to touch him. He needed Cale to be the one to close the distance. “You’re free from Dane. And you don’t owe me anything. I don’t own you. I love you. God, I love you so much.” Drawing in a breath, he knew he couldn’t avoid the risk. “I’m not crazy, and I know you think that I can’t see you for who you really are, but I do, and I love you, Cale. I want the two of us to have a life together, to be together, but I can’t and I won’t force you to be with me, because then I’d be no better than Dane.” “You are nothing like Dane.”

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Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “I’m going to ask you again, Cale. And whatever you answer this time, I’ll accept it, and I will let you walk out and … and I won’t push you or bother you again.” “Ethan….” He looked at Cale again, and their eyes locked. “Do you love me? Am I just some guy you fucked for money, or did it change? Do you want to take a chance and make this work between us, because I really believe it can. I believe, I know we can be happy, but it’s up to you.” For the second time that night, he held out his hand. Cale looked down at it, and then their eyes met again, and Ethan realized he was holding his breath. “I’m not proud of my past.” “It’s time to let go of that,” Ethan whispered. “I’m afraid I’m not good enough for you.” “Well, get over that fear. I never settle for less than the best. And I want you, so that means you are without a doubt the best there is.” He allowed himself to smile, and Cale laughed, even as tears came to his eyes. “Starting over, trying something new, leaving the past behind, all of that is pretty damn scary, but you aren’t alone in it, baby. I’m here. Just take my hand. Take my hand, and you will never be alone again.” Clearing his throat in an obvious effort to control his emotions, Cale brushed at his eyes, trying to dismiss the tears before he could shed them. “I do, you know.” “You do what?” He thought he did know, but he wanted to hear it. “I do love you, Ethan. Like you, I can’t pinpoint when I fell. I just know I did. I love you, and I am so sorry I said I didn’t, and I … I’m sorry I said you were just some guy I fucked for money, because that isn’t true.” “Baby….” “You’re the one, the only man I have ever been with that I loved, and I … God, I don’t ever want to be with anyone else again. I don’t know if I deserve you, if I will ever deserve you….” 82 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “We deserve each other, Cale. We deserve to be happy. We’re two runaways who finally have a chance at a real home together, and we need to take that because we deserve it!” Ethan realized he was crying, but he didn’t care. For the first time in years, he wanted to cry and laugh and let himself feel the emotions he had worked so hard to avoid until Cale had come into his life to remind him what life was all about. “Maybe we will have some rough patches, I’m fairly certain everyone does, but don’t you think it’s time we leave the really bad shit behind and have a home, a family, the kinds of things we always dreamed about?” Taking one more step, Ethan kept his hand extended, and Cale didn’t fight his tears when they came this time. “I’m here, Cale. Do you want me? Do you love me enough to take a chance?” Slowly, as Ethan’s heart raced, Cale reached out, taking his hand. Having the answer he needed, Ethan hauled the man he loved into his arms and desperately, frantically, their lips came together in an emotional kiss. Ethan held nothing back as their tongues clashed and danced. He tangled his hands in Cale’s dark hair, needing to be closer, needing to feel surrounded by, consumed by his lover, the man he knew he would spend the rest of his life with. He didn’t care what problems, what complications came their way. Ethan knew he and Cale could and would handle them. They were both survivors, had been for years on their own, and together they were stronger than ever. They were an unstoppable force. Breathless, Cale pulled back from the kiss, his hands cupping Ethan’s face, thumbs stroking gently over his cheeks. “Baby, I am so sorry. I was trying to protect you. I said stupid stuff….” “Forget about it. All of it. Starting now, it’s all in the past, and the past can only hurt us if we give it the power to.” “So what does that leave us with?” Cale asked, resting his forehead against Ethan’s. 83 

Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis    “The future. And even more importantly, the here and now.” Ethan dropped a quick kiss on his lips, and Cale smiled. “We plan on a future together and work to make all our dreams the reality we deserve.” Sliding his hands down Cale’s back, he gripped his lover’s ass, grinding them together as Cale moaned and arched closer. “As for the here and now, I think we need to go into our bedroom and make love until we’re both too exhausted to move for at least a week.” “A whole week, huh?” “Maybe two. I’m fairly certain I’ve become addicted to you, Mr. Brooks.” “Well, as luck would have it, I’m pretty addicted to you too, Mr. Trent, so I think we can work out a mutually satisfying arrangement.” Ethan laughed, kissing him again, knowing it was just one kiss in what would be a lifetime of kisses and passion and loving. “Take me to our bed, Ethan.” Cale grinned and Ethan’s heart soared, knowing Cale had heard his use of the word ‘our,’ and even better, had echoed it back to him, assuring Ethan that he was right where he wanted to be. “I would be delighted to take you to our bed and show you how much I love you.” Cale stepped back slightly, but only far enough to take Ethan’s hand in his. “Only if I can show you in return how much I love you.” Lifting the hand that held his to his lips, Ethan kissed it and walked with his lover into their bedroom, leaving the past, the rest of the world, and everything else behind.

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Lisa is a Florida girl, born and raised, who had been writing for as long as she can  remember. There's nothing she loves more than writing. Her mind is always  wondering, creating characters and plots. She's been accused of daydreaming  too much but doesn't see it as a fault.    Other titles from Lisa…   

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Unstoppable Force/ Lisa Marie Davis                  © Copyright Lisa Marie Davis, 2008     Published by  Dreamspinner Press  4760 Preston Road  Suite 244‐149  Frisco, TX 75034  http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/     This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the  authors’ imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or  dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.     Cover Design by Mara McKennen    This book is licensed to the original purchaser only.  Duplication or distribution via any means is  illegal  and  a  violation  of  International  Copyright  Law,  subject  to  criminal  prosecution  and  upon  conviction,  fines  and/or  imprisonment.    This  eBook  cannot  be  legally  loaned  or  given  to  others.   No  part  of  this  eBook  can  be  shared  or  reproduced  without  the  express  permission  of  the  publisher.    To  request  permission  and  all  other  inquiries,  contact  Dreamspinner  Press  at:  4760  Preston Road, Suite 244‐149, Frisco, TX 75034  http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/    Released in the United States of America  November, 2008    Warning:  This book contains sexually explicit content, which is only suitable for mature readers. 

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