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“Twice a month, or whenever I need to let go of the stress in my life.”

“Have you ever danced with anyone?” The words were out before he thought it through.

Cameron blew out a relieved breath when Rylan shook his head.

“I like to dance alone, but I spotted you at the bar and something drew me to you.”

A million thoughts exploded in his head until Rylan stiffened in his arms. He sensed he shouldn’t glance around to see what alerted Rylan, so instead he opened one hand and pressed it against the middle of Rylan’s back and moved him closer. Using his size, he blocked Rylan from view.

Cameron blew out a relieved breath and closed his eyes. Rylan pressed his face against Cameron’s neck and gripped his hips. Cameron kept his thoughts from the sensations of Rylan pressed against him from hip to chest because Rylan was in danger.

Rylan’s breathing sped up, almost as if he were hyperventilating.

“You’re okay. I won’t let anyone hurt you. I promise I will protect you even if they are bigger than me.”

Along with his words, Cameron moved, swaying side-to-side, acting casual as he glanced around the room. He noticed a man, several years older than Rylan, glaring as he scanned the club looking for someone.

“Are you okay?”

Rylan must have caught sight of the man again because he shivered in Cameron’s arms. Instead of letting it overwhelm him, Rylan took a deep breath and wrapped his arms tighter around Cameron’s waist.

With his mouth still pressed against Cameron’s neck, he spoke. “The man looking so angry is my brother’s best friend.”

By itself, there was nothing alarming in that statement, but Cameron paused when Rylan continued.

“Since I’m in college and I need to save money, I live with my father, James, and my older brother, Declan. Since I’m an embarrassment to my family, I stay in the basement with a separate entrance.”

Cameron made a noise of disgust, but otherwise didn’t say a word.

“Declan’s best friend, Tristan, hates me. But I haven’t seen him in years. I didn’t know he was back in town.” Rylan sighed, as though he’d fought this battle before and lost. “But now he’s back, I’ll move out.”

Cameron, hating the defeat in his voice, wrapped both arms around Rylan and pulled him closer, resting his cheek on top of Rylan’s head. When he wrapped Rylan in his arms, Cameron felt the man relax against him. Rylan’s show of trust made all of Cameron’s protective instincts flare.

The most important thing was to get to know Rylan and see how he could help.

He didn’t want their night to be over. But more than anything, he wanted to get Rylan out of the club and to a safe place.

“Would you like to grab something to eat at the diner down the street with me?”

Rylan drew Cameron by being himself. Although he wanted to admit it aloud, he kept his feelings to himself because he had enough of a shock from the man searching for him.

He would go slow.

Rylan leaned his head back and when he met Cameron’s gaze, he gave him a dazzling smile. “I would like that.”

Cameron smiled back. He glanced around and noticed the man was talking to the bartender. The bartender pointed toward the back, where the restrooms were, and Tristan headed in the direction.

“Okay, we’re clear. Ready?”

Rylan nodded.

Without asking, Cameron tucked Rylan against his side to shield him from the view of the bar and the remaining area and headed for the exit.

Rylan smiled up at Cameron, cuddling against his side, as they walked out the door and headed north to the diner. A silence grew between them as the quiet of the night descended upon them. It wasn’t uncomfortable.

Cameron understood as the lights of the diner came into view, his life would never be the same. All because of the man at his side.